Healthy News 4 You

Taking the IF out of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:33:00 +0000

What if...

You can speed up your metabolism in a short period of time?
You can cut back the cost of your groceries each month?
You can maintain your weight once you've lost it?
You can do something for yourself and get off the medication(s) the doctors have prescribed for you?
The medications were only meant to be temporary?
I can suggest to you how?

Well, I decided to do something different with this blog

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:59:00 +0000

I've decided to start talking more and sharing things and sucesses I've tried on my own with the things I have and am going to display on this blog for now on. Please fill free to give advice or ask questions about any information you see or want to know about. I promise to try my best to either give you my opinion or find out the facts on what you want to know. We can get healthier together.

Psalms 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!!!

Eating Your Way to Healthy Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:23:00 +0000

By Danielle Dowling
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

You do almost everything to maintain healthy hair: You wash and condition it regularly, you stay away from blow dryers, curling irons, and all manner of other heat-styling devices, you neither perm nor bleach it, you use a scrunchie rather than an elastic when pulling it up into a ponytail, you wear a bathing cap when swimming, you've even invested in satin pillowcases and a boar-bristle brush. But if you're not consuming the nutrients that healthy hair requires, you might as well let your mane wither into a brittle mass of knots. Your diet is crucial to the maintenance of luxurious locks. In fact, certain restricted-calorie/restricted-fat diets can wreak havoc on your follicles, yielding dull, lifeless strands and sometimes even hair loss. Drawing your meals from the following foods will ensure healthy hair, but remember that eating right won't produce results overnight; it might take six months to a year for your nutritional efforts to take shape.

Protein, vitamin B, and zinc: Or more specifically, iron-rich protein, which supports the production of hair-strengthening keratin. Your body more easily absorbs this type of protein from meat than it does from vegetables. Any lean meat will do, so why not try buffalo? It's leaner than chicken with just 1.8 grams of fat for every 100 grams of meat. It's also a great source of healthy-hair-promoting zinc and vitamin B12; zinc is necessary for tissue growth and maintenance and ensures that the oil glands function properly while B vitamins such as B12, B6, and folate are vital to the creation of red blood cells, which supply the scalp and follicles with nutrients. Shellfish, like clams and oysters, also offer plenty of iron-rich protein, B vitamins, and zinc. But if you prefer to get your protein from vegetables, you can't go wrong with lentils or soybeans, which have B6 and folate, respectively, to boot.

Vitamins A and C: If you pair a food chock-full of ascorbic acid with a vegetable-based iron-rich protein, you'll boost your body's ability to extract that protein. A tofu stir-fry with broccoli and peppers is a good combo. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the formation of collagen, which is important to hair growth, so you may want to top off that stir-fry with a smoothie made from guava, oranges, and strawberries. Meanwhile, vitamin A is not just good for your eyesight; it is also key to the preservation of healthy hair and skin. The best sources of vitamin A are carrots and liver. Indeed, the ancient Egyptians used liver to cure night blindness, a symptom of vitamin A deficiency.

Updated: July 1, 2009

5 Ways Honey Can Heal You

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 10:44:00 +0000

Even more reasons why I love this stuff

By Susan McQuillan
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Honey, one of nature's most natural and intense sweeteners, has been used for centuries as a home remedy for various ailments. In more recent years, science has confirmed what folk medicine has pretty much already proven: Honey heals.

The color of honey, which ranges from pale amber to deep, dark brown, depends on the source of nectar. Although there are exceptions, most light colored honeys, such as alfalfa, orange blossom and clover, have a mild flavor while dark honeys, such as those made from buckwheat or avocado blossoms, have bolder, more distinct flavors. The darker the honey, experts say, the higher its concentration of healing substances. Here are some of the ways honey contributes to good health:

Source of Antioxidants: Normal oxidation in the body can injure cells, which contributes to aging and development of various disease such as cancer and heart disease. Honey has high levels of antioxidants and researchers at the University of California in Davis found that people who added four tablespoons of honey to their diet every day for a month increased the antioxidant levels in their blood.

Burn Remedy: When used to treat wounds, honey absorbs moisture from the air and uses it to help keep the skin hydrated so it can heal properly. Studies that have been performed to determine whether or not honey actually promotes healing have had mixed results but experts seem to agree that a minor burn dressed with honey and guaze will feel better and heal sooner than a similar wound dressed with antibiotic creams and ointments

Antimicrobial (antibacterial): Honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which gives it antibacterial qualities for treating minor cuts, abrasions and even mild forms of acne. Some types of honey, including Manuka honey from the New Zealand Manuka bush, claim to have the highest antimicrobial activity of all.

Cough Suppressant: A study performed at Penn State University confirmed what advocates of folk medicine have been reporting for centuries: A spoonful of honey will relieve a bothersome cough better than the active ingredient in many over-the-counter cough suppressants. The researchers found that children with upper respiratory infections who took buckwheat honey before going to bed had fewer and less severe coughing bouts throughout the night and got better quality sleep. And so did their parents!

Energy Source: Honey is easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, which means it's a great source of quick energy. But the good news is: it's not quite as high on the glycemic index as table sugar, which means it's less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar.

Resources:

UC Davis

http://broadcast.ucdavis.edu/search/printable_news.lasso?id=150&table=broadcast

NYU Langone Medical Center: Honey

http://www.med.nyu.edu/patientcare/library/article.html?ChunkIID=155289

Penn State University

http://live.psu.edu/story/27584

HoneyO/Healing Properties of Honey

http://www.honeyo.com/honeyhealing.shtml

National Honey Board's State-by-State Honey Locator

http://www.honeylocator.com/search.asp

Updated: January 14, 2010

Are you Iron Deficiencent?

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:45:00 +0000

By Laurie Saloman
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Everybody needs iron, a mineral that performs many functions. Iron disperses oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies, produces red blood cells, and aids in digestion, among other things. While iron is plentiful in many foods, some people still don't get enough. This can be due to rapid growth during childhood, menstruation, pregnancy, intestinal or stomach diseases, or problems absorbing the iron they do ingest. What are some symptoms that indicate you may need to bump up your iron intake?

Unusual fatigue. This is the primary symptom of iron deficiency, as the red blood cells that give you energy are decreased.
Shortness of breath. You may also feel dizzy.
Pale coloring. This may affect both your skin and fingernails.
Feelings of cold. You may be unusually sensitive to cold, or have cold hands and feet.
Difficulty concentrating or learning. This particularly affects children, who may exhibit problems in school.
Cardiac problems. While it's unlikely, severe iron deficiency can cause complications such as heart attack due to low levels of oxygen in the heart.

To correct an iron deficiency and its symptoms, you should first assess your diet. It's important to understand that dietary iron takes two forms: heme iron, which the body absorbs easily, and nonheme iron, which it does not. The number-one source of heme iron is lean red meat, followed by chicken, turkey and fish. If you're a vegetarian or simply dislike animal protein, you can eat nonheme iron-rich foods such as beans, fortified cereals and some vegetables. Eating them with vitamin C-rich foods increases the amount of iron absorbed by the body.

Unfortunately, some of the most healthful foods you can eat serve to decrease the amount of nonheme iron that your body absorbs, such as milk, eggs, spinach, and anything with lots of fiber. To be completely sure you're getting the right amount of iron, speak to your doctor about taking an iron supplement. Most adolescents and adults need about 10 mg. of iron daily, but pregnant women need significantly more-up to 30 mg. for the health of their baby.

Sources:

The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com

National Institutes of Health, www.nlm.nih.gov

Updated: January 18, 2010

Can Orange Juice Make Your Heart Healthier?

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:31:00 +0000

A fruit we take for granted

By Jo Cavallo

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

The health benefits derived from eating oranges are well documented. Rich in vitamin C, which offers antioxidant protection and helps boost the immune system, oranges are also a good source of fiber and other important nutrients like folate, thiamine, potassium, vitamin A and calcium, crucial for maintaining strong bones. And while oranges have also been found to be heart protective in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, new research is showing that an antioxidant in orange juice called hesperidin-a plant-based compound called a flavonoid-helps blood vessel function, also referred to as "endothelial function," by improving the health of cells lining the blood vessels.

When the cells are damaged, it can lead to the development of clogged arteries, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. In addition to oranges, flavonoids are also found in grapes, red wine, green and black teas and dark chocolate.

The study involved 24 healthy men at risk for cardiovascular disease. Each participant was instructed to drink 500 milliliters (or half a liter) of orange juice each day, a "dummy" drink that contained the same number of calories as the orange juice or a dummy drink fortified with 292 milligrams of hesperidin. (A 500-milliliter glass of orange juice contains 292 milligrams of hesperidin.) Each man drank every beverage for one month. At the end of the study, researchers found that when the volunteers drank either the daily glass of orange juice or the hesperidin-fortified drink, they had better endothelial function and lower diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on a blood pressure reading) than when they drank the non-hesperidin beverage. The full study results were released last summer at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Las Vegas.

Foods Rich in Flavonoids

Nutritional experts say to reap the full health benefits of flavonoids, stick to eating the whole food, in its raw form, rather than drinking fortified juices. For a diet rich in flavonoids, be sure to include some of the following foods in each meal:

Citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons; apples; pears; watermelon
Red, blue and purple berries; red and purple grapes; red wine
Green and black teas
Dark chocolate
Vegetables, especially dark, leafy ones like broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts; beets; tomatoes; carrots; squash; asparagus
Nuts, such as almonds
Extra virgin olive oil
Beans, especially kidney and lima
Herbs, including dill, basil (leaf), peppermint, anise seed

Updated: February 1, 2010

The Digestive Benefits of Yogurt

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:13:00 +0000

By Jo Cavallo
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

The health benefits of eating yogurt, from helping build stronger bones to warding of infection, have been touted for years. Now, there's even more reason to reach for that container of yogurt from your grocer's shelf. Studies are showing that the probiotics ("good bacteriam") found in yogurt can reduce diarrhea and that certain probiotics, for example, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, may be useful in easing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a review of evidence published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.

Probiotics, derived from the Greek word meaning "for life," are live microorganisms, in most cases, bacteria, that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the digestive system. They work by helping to break down foods that enter the digestive tract and fight off unhealthy bacteria and yeast.

There are a variety of microbes found in yogurt, most commonly, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bacterium, both of which create a barrier between harmful bacteria and the lining of the digestive tract, relieving digestive pain. Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria work by fighting lactic acid bacteria that can interfere with digestion and cause an upset stomach. Lactabacillus bacterium helps the body absorb nutrients, breaks down toxins and boosts metabolism, which improves digestion.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers are now looking into whether probiotics can halt the development of "unfriendly" microorganisms, such as disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites, and/or suppress their growth in conditions like IBS and infections with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that causes most ulcers and many types of chronic stomach inflammation.

How to Choose the Right Yogurt for You

Is your Beauty Routine Toxic?

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:21:00 +0000

By Natalie Vavricka
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

We dye, paint, perfume, and spray with reckless abandon, but could our favorite beauty products be doing us more harm than good? Dermatologist Jason R. Lupton weighs in with his list of the top six most dangerous ingredients. After reading this, you might want to start checking the labels of your favorite brands.

1. Mineral-based makeup.

Tiny nanoparticles of materials are usually found in mineral-based makeup, which may be anything from foundation to blush to eye shadow. When the minerals are pulverized into nanoparticle size, they may have toxic properties which are especially concerning if inhaled or applied to damaged skin. Titanium dioxide appears to be among the most worrisome, as it could lead to the formation cell-damaging free radicals. If inhaled, these nanoparticles may infiltrate the lungs and intestinal walls as well.

2. Nail polish and hairspray.

Compounds known as phthalates are found in nail polish, hairspray, and even some perfumes and detergents. These chemicals have been linked to birth defects in mice and are completely banned in parts of Europe. They may also lead to infertility.

3. Dark Hair Dye.

The darker hair dyes have been linked to certain types of lymphomas (cancers), including non-Hodgkin's, Hodgkin's, and multiple myeloma. A study by Yale University researchers found that women who used brown, black, or red dyes at least eight times a year for 25 years had their cancer risks doubled. The risk didn't increase in those who had used lighter colors.

Why Your Body Needs Vitamin C

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:47:00 +0000

By Susan McQuillan
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

You may have heard that vitamin C cures colds, protects your skin from aging and even prevents heart disease. Unfortunately, years of scientific research have not been able to confirm any of these benefits. What vitamin C does do, however, is work hand-in-hand with other nutrients to enhance your health by strengthening your bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood vessels. It is necessary for wound healing and the proper functioning of nerve cells. In short, vitamin C helps keep your body's support system healthy and functioning at its very best.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it helps the body deal with oxidative stress from substances known as free radicals that form as a result of pollution, toxins and even normal metabolism. Free radicals damage and destroy body cells, opening the door to disease. It is in this role, as one of many antioxidants working together in the body, that vitamin C protects and strengthens body tissues. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron from the diet. This is an important job, because the type of iron found in many foods is not easily absorbed on its own.

If you have a vitamin C deficiency, the symptoms include very dry hair and skin, inflamed and bleeding gums, unexplained bruising and nosebleeds and slow-healing wounds. You are more susceptible to infections if you don't get enough C, and you may be at higher risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure), gallbladder disease and atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) that could lead to heart attack or stroke. Getting enough vitamin C on a regular basis may help protect against these conditions but there is no reason to believe that taking extra doses will prevent or cure them. The reason for that is simple: Vitamin C is just one of many factors that play a role in the development and prevention of these diseases.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adult women is 75 milligrams (mg); for men, 90 mg. If you smoke, the recommended intake is 110 for women and 125 for men because smokers need more antioxidant vitamins to fight off increased levels of free radicals and other damaging substances from cigarette smoke. Fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh juices are the best natural sources of vitamin C. Some of the best include:

Orange juice (fresh), 1 cup	124 mg
Grapefruit juice, 1 cup	94 mg
Strawberries, 1 cup	86 mg
Orange, navel, 1 medium	75 mg
Kiwi, 1 medium	74 mg
Sweet red pepper, 1/2 cup	71 mg
Cantaloupe, 1 cup	68 mg
Mango, 1 medium	57 mg
Grapefruit, 1/2	39 mg
Broccoli, 1/2 cup	37 mg
Brussels sprouts, 1/2 cup	35 mg
Green pepper, 1/2 cup	33 mg
Tomato, fresh, 1 medium	32 mg

Sources:

Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/

Medline Plus: Vitamin C
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-vitaminc.html

University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-c-000339.htm

Northwestern University/Department of Preventive Medicine: Nutrition Fact Sheet: Vitamin C
http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/nutrition/factsheets/vitamin-c.html

Updated: February 23, 2010

10 Simple Mood-Lifting Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:48:00 +0000

By Tabby Biddle
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. It ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Doctors say that for most forms of depression, symptoms improve with psychological counseling, antidepressant medications, or a combination of the two. While these are important and reliable resources to treat depression, you can also lift your mood by taking matters into your own hands.

Try these 10 Simple Mood-Lifting Tips:

Exercise. For some people, exercise works as well or even better than antidepressants. Endorphins, otherwise known as the body's natural feel-good chemicals, are released when you exercise. Exercise will also help you build energy. Start with just a few minutes of exercise a day. As time goes on, increase the length of your activity. "Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day, for three to five days a week can significantly improve depression symptoms," says staff at the Mayo Clinic.

Reduce your sugar intake. Reducing sugar intake and eating higher quality foods have been reported to increase energy levels and lift depression. According to some research, a diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and healthy fats and oils may lower the risk of depression by almost one-third.

Cut back on caffeine. Cutting back on soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate can make a big difference in your mood. Anxiety is a common symptom of depression. Too much caffeine can make you nervous, jittery, or anxious—and also make it hard to sleep at night—adding to depression.

Get some sunshine. If you feel more depressed during the darker winter months, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is often treated with light therapy or exposure to artificial sunlight. Ask your doctor if light therapy is right for you. Otherwise, make sure to spend at least 10 minutes in the sun each day to lift your mood.

Play with a pet. Playing with a pet can help lift your mood. When you play with your pet, you take your mind off your own problems. According to some studies, caring for others can be very therapeutic.

Be creative. Doing something creative that gives you pleasure—such as singing, painting, photography, playing an instrument, or writing in a journal—can lift your mood. The goal isn't to create a masterpiece, but to do something that makes you feel good inside.

Read a book. Curling up with a good book can take you into another world and lift your mood. You can let go of your own troubles as you focus on the storyline.

Take a yoga or meditation class. Stress and anxiety can increase your depression symptoms and make it harder to recover. Learning to relax your mind and body through yoga and meditation can give you a feeling of peace and calm and help improve your mood.

Stay connected with people. Call a friend to go for a walk, join a volunteer group, or take a class about something you've been longing to learn. Research has shown that people with more social support have better-functioning immune systems. Being involved with others can also help take you outside of your own problems and lift your mood.

Get adequate sleep. Too little sleep can have a considerable influence on your mood. To lift your mood, make the quality and quantity of your sleep a priority. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Research suggests that most adults need between seven and nine hours each night.

These 10 simple mood-lifting tips can help lift your mood, but by themselves, they may not be enough. Depression is a serious illness, and it carries a risk of suicide. If you are thinking about suicide, seek help from your doctor immediately.

Sources

Depression: Tips for Exercise, Diet and Stress Reduction. Reviewed by Brunlida Nazario, MD. WebMD. January 14, 2009.

Website: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=100827

Goldberg, C. Mood Lifting. The Boston Globe. April 21, 2008.

Goldberg, J.F. The Treatment of Chronic Depression: Current Strategies and Future Directions. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health eJournal. 1997; 2(3).

Mayo Clinic Staff. Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms. Mayo Foundation for Education and Research. October 23, 2009. Website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043

Melin, G.J. Depression and Diet: Make Healthy Choices. Mayo Clinic. October 27, 2009. Website: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Updated: November 17, 2009

8 Hot Ingredients to Rev Up Your Metabolism

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:20:00 +0000

These are a few tips I stumbled across, to help speed up that metabolism we're always ignoring.

By Seth Czarnecki
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Looking for an easy way to burn calories? Well, there's good news: You needn't resign yourself to eating bland foods. Studies have shown that the same spices that add zest to your meals can also boost your metabolism. In fact, many of these metabolism-revving spices can be found right in your own cupboards. So break out a cold glass of water, and prepare to spice up both your cooking-and your weight loss.

1. Cayenne. This notoriously hot pepper can certainly give your meal a kick, but there's more to this spice than meets the mouth. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, increases the body's overall temperature, thereby increasing the rate the body metabolizes fats and carbohydrates. Some studies suggest that the fiery add-on can help boost your metabolism by as much as 50 percent for three hours after ingestion. Further research indicates that cayenne fosters production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which, in tandem, may decrease appetite.

2. Ginger. Commonly used in Asian-inspired dishes, ginger not only adds serious flavor; it can also fuel your metabolism. Like cayenne pepper, ginger inspires thermogenesis-increase in body temperature-which results in a metabolism boost. An Australian study found that ginger can increase metabolic rates by as much as 20 percent after intake. As an added bonus, two other studies by the same group suggest that ginger aids in lowering cholesterol.

3. Black pepper. Often unfairly paired with water-retaining, cholesterol-boosting salt, black pepper has several little-known health benefits. Studies suggest that it may help to help dissolve lipids (fats) and relieve symptoms caused by heartburn, indigestion, and intestinal gas. And when it comes to heightening your metabolism, black pepper is one of the best spices around. According to experts, piperine, the active chemical in black pepper, triggers parts of the brain and the nervous system, which, in turn, boosts the body's production, resulting in more calories burnt.

4. Cinnamon. Often used in baking, cinnamon can add flavor to anything it touches. A study conducted by researchers at the U.S. Agricultural Research Service found that a substance called MHCP, which is found in cinnamon, makes fat cells more responsive to the body's insulin, aiding in glucose (sugar) metabolism. Not surprisingly, then, it can be a great weight-loss tool for anyone. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your oatmeal, tea, or coffee for a new twist on dieting.

5. Turmeric. A staple ingredient in Indian cuisine, turmeric is notoriously spicy-and health-enhancing. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce arthritis symptoms, turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, helps to burn fat, promote proper metabolism, and corrects bile excesses and deficiencies. Turmeric also aids digestion by breaking down high-protein foods and preventing the formation of gas. The next time you head over to your favorite Indian restaurant, think about all the great metabolism revving you'll be doing once you leave.

6. Mustard. Often when we think of mustard, we think of the not-so-healthy hot dog. Few people realize that the mustard seed is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, protein, selenium, and zinc. Spicy mustard (not the run-of-the-mill, yellow kind) can also kick your metabolism into high gear. In fact, a researcher from England's Oxford Polytechnic Institute discovered that eating a teaspoon of hot mustard can boost metabolism 20 to 25 percent for several hours after eating, burning about 45 calories if a 700-calorie meal is consumed.

7. Horseradish. Cousin to the mustard plant, horseradish is known as the spicy ingredient in wasabi and a fixture in fiery cocktail sauces. Horseradish also has an amazing ability to dissolve fat in cells and has a cleansing effect on the body. Horseradish stimulates digestion, especially of the fatty foods with which it is often paired.

8. Garlic. Although it may give you halitosis when eaten in large doses, studies show that garlic can help to lower blood pressure and control cholesterol. What's more, its active compound allicin has anti-bacterial effects. As if that weren't reason enough to buy a few bulbs, garlic has been shown to reduce unhealthy fats and jump-start weight loss.

Updated: November 20, 2008

6 Amazing Anti-Aging Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:26:00 +0000

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Yes, aging is inevitable, but looking older than you are isn't. Smooth skin can take years off your appearance, and there are several things you can do to keep yours looking young and healthy. Start by avoiding activities like tanning and smoking, which can cause skin to age more quickly.

In addition, certain antioxidants and vitamins can help to combat signs of aging. In fact, one study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people over the age of 70 had less wrinkling if they ate more vegetables, olive oil, and legumes.

1. Broccoli. Besides being rich in antioxidants, which play a role in keeping skin elastic, broccoli may also be useful in minimizing the damage caused by the sun's UV rays. Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered that broccoli (as well as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts) contain sulforaphane, which help make the skin more resilient. A separate Johns Hopkins study found that applying an extract of broccoli sprouts reduced inflammation and cell damage caused by UV radiation.

2. Green Tea. An excess of particles known as free radicals can damage the skin by destroying collagen and elastic fibers in the tissue. Antioxidant EGCG, which is found in green tea, can help to reduce the number of free radicals, which, in turn, promotes healthier-looking skin. In fact, green tea extracts work so well in repairing skin that researchers from the University of California and the University of Freiburg, Germany, are using them to help repair more extensive skin damage in patients who have been treated with radiotherapy.

3. Berries. Strawberries help to keep your skin looking smooth because they contain an antioxidant that attracts and neutralized those despised free radicals. Other berries bursting with antioxidants are those that are deep purple in color, such as cranberries, elderberries, and black raspberries. Experts say that the same component that gives these berries their hue (a compound called anthocyanin) can also keep your skin looking radiant.

4. Salmon. It's one of those miracle foods that seems to be good for just about everything-and your skin is no exception. According to dermatologists, salmon (and red sea plants) contain a skin-friendly antioxidant called astaxanthin, which is more powerful than vitamin E and vitamin A.

5. Carrots. The beta-carotene found in carrots, long known for keeping eyes healthy, is also beneficial for your skin. And, if you want an extra antioxidant boost, you should cook the carrots. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that cooked, pureed carrots-especially those that included the carrot peels-contained higher levels of antioxidants than raw carrots.

6. Soy. Found in tofu and as a substitute for milk in dairy foods, soy has been shown to decrease the signs of aging. One study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, demonstrated that middle-aged women who took 40 mg of soy a day for 12 weeks showed improvement in fine lines around their eyes and skin elasticity. Those who took a placebo did not see the same improvements.

Updated: November 20, 2008

What You Should Know about Food Allergen Labeling

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:23:00 +0000

By Lisa D. Ellis

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain.

Food Allergen Labeling Laws

Food allergen labeling laws require that manufacturers list common allergens on their packaging to help consumers to steer clear of the ingredients that could trigger a reaction. That being said, there is a big catch: not everything is listed there. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), which went into effect in January of 2006, only regulates the eight major allergic foods and any protein that is derived from these. This is because the majority of food allergies have their roots in their products. Nonetheless, if you have food allergies, there are still many unlisted foods that can also potentially make you sick.

Eight Most Common Food Allergens

Please review the following of allergens that the FALCPA requires be listed on packaging labels.

Milk
Eggs
Fish
Shellfish
Tree Nuts
Peanuts
Wheat
Soybean

The Logistics of Food Allergen Labeling

The current food allergen labeling law requires manufacturers to post this information in easy-to-read language and is applied to pre-packaged foods made in the United States, as well as those that are imported.

Certain foods are immune from these regulations, however. This includes meat, poultry and egg products, although some manufacturers do list the allergen information voluntarily.

Furthermore, how the allergens are listed can vary a little, either indicating the allergen directly in the ingredient list, or adding it immediately after.

Other Things You Should Know

Retail stores, food service establishments, and schools that package and label foods must also follow these food allergen-labeling standards. However, in places where you order food at the counter and have it individually wrapped, the law doesn't require any labeling action.

What This Means

If you suffer from food allergies, the labeling laws can go a long way toward helping you understand what you're consuming and helping you to make safe food choices. That being said, there's still lots of room for questions and different interpretations. Be vigilant about checking the ingredients and ensuring the choices you make are safe.

Be Your Own Advocate

It's essential that you take an active role in educating yourself about the things you eat and drink. Don't be afraid to call manufacturers, ask questions about ingredients, and find out if there's any danger of cross contamination. You'll also need to be your own advocate when you eat in restaurants or take food to go that isn't labeled. By making an effort to avoid your allergens, you can head off the risk of suffering from an allergic reaction. You should also make sure to always carry an epi-pen in case an emergency ever does happen.

Sources:

The Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-allergies/AA00057/NSECTIONGROUP=2

US Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/facts/nutrition/foodallergenfactsheet.pdf

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodAllergensLabeling/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm106187.htm

Updated: March 12, 2010

Could You Have a Clothes Allergy?

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:23:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but, I've been going through some changes this season, and they are coming up with a lot of new stuff. Did you read about the allergy, when working out?

By Lisa D. Ellis
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Do you notice that your allergies are worse when you put on certain items of clothing? If so, it's probably not a coincidence. Many people find that their allergy symptoms can be traced back to the fabric, treatment or even color of the things they wear.

All in the Weave

If you prefer wearing silk tops and 100 percent cotton sweaters rather than wool or synthetics, it could be because the natural fabrics feel better against your sensitive skin. People who are prone to eczema may find they get a rash and suffer from itching that's caused by certain fabric content. In addition, dressing in heavy clothes or too many layers in the winter can further worsen the problem, since sweat gets trapped against your skin. Therefore, winter dressing can pose particular challenges.

Clothing Allergy and Color

It's not only winter fabrics that can be irritating to your skins, either. Colors can also make a difference in how clothing articles feel against your arms and legs. This is because there are variations in the dyes used for different colors and certain ones are known to be harsher than others. In fact, blue clothing seems to be the one that causes the most reactions, at least according to a study performed by the researchers at the University of Ottowa in Ontario, Canada. The results, which were included in the American Journal of Contact Dermatology in March 2000, revealed that when certain blue pigments are contained in clothing lining that's made from acetate or polyester, the likelihood or having a reaction is at its height.

Meanwhile, another study revealed that in addition to the fabric and color of your clothing causing a reaction, certain clothing items could also serve as magnets to attract other allergens. This can put you at increased risk of having a clothing allergy reaction, according to scientists from the Institute of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Sydney, Australia. Their findings, which were published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) in November of 2000, revealed that items such as wool sweaters attracted high levels of dust mites and cat dander, while freshly washed T-shirts attracted significantly less of these common triggers. So what you wear can truly affect how you feel on several levels.

Why Care What Others Wear

Further, a separate study that appeared in the June of 2004 issue of JACI, found that it's not only your own clothes that can make you sick. If you're allergic to animals yourself and spend time in close quarters with someone else with a pet, researchers discovered that the animal dander could be trapped right in his clothing, sparking your allergic reaction from a distance.

Washing Hazards

Finally, in some cases, washing clothes frequently can help to reduce the amount of allergens they attract from the air. However, proceed with caution before you do your next load of laundry. In addition to having allergies to the materials used to make your clothing, you can also find yourself having a reaction to the laundry products themselves. This is because some detergents contain chemicals, scents and dyes, all of which can spark a reaction in people with sensitive skin.

Therefore, if you notice you have allergy symptoms when you wear certain items, before you give these pieces away you might try switching to a hypoallergenic detergent that's free of chemicals. You can also try newborn laundry detergent, which is especially made for highly sensitive skin.

Sources:

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI)

http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(00)79431-0/abstract

http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(04)00925-X/abstract

U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10684387

Updated: December 30, 2009

Could Rye Be Better Than Whole Grain?

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 04 May 2010 09:39:00 +0000

By Susan McQuillan

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Conventional wisdom tells us whole grains are healthier than refined grains, because an intact kernel of wheat, barley, rye or oat still harbors the fibrous bran and vitamin-rich germ in its outer layers. When grains are milled to make refined white flours, the outer layers come off and these valuable nutrients are lost. But when Swedish researchers picked apart a grain of rye, they found that what's on the inside is just as good for you as what's on the outside.

Nutritionists at Lund University found that study participants who ate bread made with refined white rye flour had better blood sugar and insulin control immediately after a meal than those who ate bread made with a combination of refined wheat (all-purpose white) flour and rye bran. This came as a surprise because bran is one of the components of whole grains that helps prevent spikes in blood sugar after a meal that includes bread or other grain products.

This small study was part of a larger effort on the part of the European Union known as the HealthGrain Integrated Project. The purpose of the HealthGrain project is to discover which components of whole grains grown in Europe are most healthful and useful for preventing chronic disease, and then incorporate more of these components into grain foods produced and sold throughout the continent.

Rye is a high-protein grain that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. In fact, dark, or "whole" rye flour has twice as much of the same nutrients as whole-wheat flour and retains many of those nutrients even after milling. What rye flour lacks, however, is gluten, a specific type of structural protein that helps lightens the texture of baked goods. In Germany and Eastern European countries, where coarsely textured breads are more acceptable, rye is one of the most popular bread grains and is used to make dark, dense loaves of both rye and pumpernickel bread.

In the United States, however, most of the rye bread we eat is made with a combination of refined rye flour and refined wheat flour. It's a ratio that results in a loaf that has more flavor and texture than regular white bread but is still more mild in flavor and lighter in texture than a typical European loaf of rye. The findings of the Lund study, which confirm the results of earlier European and American studies linking rye grain to better blood sugar control, suggests that both types of rye bread confer important health benefits. Because there are many different varieties of rye grain, however, more research is needed before anyone can say for sure if one loaf of rye is as healthful as the next.

Science Daily: White Rye Bread Healthier Than Whole Wheat?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100212210212.htm

Health Grain Project

http://www.healthgrain.org/pub/

The World's Healthiest Foods: Rye

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=65#healthbenefits

Updated: March 4, 2010

4 Unusual Allergies

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:41:00 +0000

If you are having these symptoms, don't panic. Learn how to classify the symptoms, and what to do. Always remember consult your physician.

By Lisa D. Ellis

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

When you think of things that trigger your allergies, you probably conjure up images of pollen, dust, mold and trees. But did you know that some people's symptoms are triggered by much more unusual allergies? In fact, serious reactions can occur when they're exposed to the most common, and highly unlikely, culprits such as water, sunlight, sweat, cold and heat.

Unusual Allergies: Sunlight

While others look forward to warm, sunny days, if one of your unusual allergies is to sunlight, you may want to spend the summer months hiding out in a dark cave. While being allergic to the sun is rare, in people who have this condition, exposure to the sun's rays can cause certain proteins in their skin to change. In mild cases, hives and itching occur but in more serious forms, it can even cause an anaphylactic reaction and possible death if it goes untreated.

Unusual Allergies: Water

You need to water to stay clean, right? Yet in an unlucky few, an allergy to water can occur from everyday contact such as getting caught in the rain or showering, causing weather and cleanliness to become very large challenges. Further, even moist air can cause this reaction to flare. The symptoms can include a bad case of blisters and welts on your skin where the water has touched it. Since it's impossible to avoid water completely, though, if this is one of your unusual allergies, you'll need to rely on antihistamines to help you get through a typically day unscathed. But if your allergy is particularly severe, you could have a reaction even to your own body fluids, such as blood and saliva.

Unusual Allergies: Sweat

It's perfectly normal to sweat on a warm day, or when you work out particularly hard. But what if you own sweat causes you to break out in hives or a heat rash? Some people who have an allergy to sweat find that the chemicals that their body secretes can create this problem. If you have a mild case, you'll probably be able to handle this situation on your own but if your reaction is severe, you can be at risk for a serious problem almost every day.

Unusual Allergies: Heat and Cold

Are you allergic to the weather? Strange as it sounds, if cold or hot conditions cause a reaction to form, the answer could be yes. If you're allergic to the cold, any skin exposed on a winter's day can be at risk for hives. Further, swimming in cold water can put you at even more serious risk. In fact, your body temperature could drop so low that you may experience anaphylaxis. On the flip side, if you have a heat allergy, you'll need to avoid getting too warm. This means that you won't be able to bask in the sun outdoors or even hold a hot drink, which can be enough to set your symptoms off. These and other exposures to heat can trigger your immune system to react with hives and other allergic symptoms that can be difficult to bear.

If you do suffer from any of these, or other, unusual allergies, you'll need to work closely with your doctor to manage the condition so you can get through the day symptom-free on a regular basis.

Sources:

Medical News Today

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/16331.php

Updated: March 3, 2010

Natural Remedies for Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Please remember; this is not to override what your doctor prescribes for you.

By Laurie Saloman
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

If analgesic tablets or prescription painkillers aren't helping you manage your discomfort, it may be time to explore a more natural type of pain relief. There exists a range of therapies known as either complementary medicine (used in addition to traditional Western therapies) or alternative medicine (used in place of traditional Western therapies), and devotees have used them for conditions as minor as a headache and as major as cancer. The National Pain Foundation endorses a comprehensive list of nontraditional remedies, below. See which ones work for you:

Acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting long, thin needles into various points on the body. The idea behind this is that optimal health is achieved when energy flows freely through the body, and the needles remove any blockages of this energy. Acupuncture has been used successfully to alleviate pain from musculoskeletal issues as well as headaches.

Massage. Not just a perk for wealthy spa-goers, massage has in recent years come to be recognized as important to overall health. It reduces muscle tension and stress, can relieve soreness, and may even boost your immune system.

Hypnosis. Popular as a cure for smoking as well as overeating, hypnosis can also be used to manage pain. A trained clinician induces an altered state of consciousness, making you more receptive to suggestions of behavioral changes that can reduce your pain. For instance, if you suffer from chronic lower back pain, under hypnosis you might be taught to visualize your back muscles opening up. Some people can even learn to hypnotize themselves.

Guided imagery. This involves imagining yourself in a peaceful setting. The more detailed the scene, the more your mind can truly transport you out of your discomfort and into the soothing scene.

Are there any questionable pain-relief remedies? Yes. Think twice before relying on herbs. Health-food stores are full of herbal supplements purported to reduce pain, but be careful. The FDA does not regulate these supplements, and some of them have negative side effects, particularly when combined with over-the-counter pain medications.

Updated: February 18, 2009

The Dangers of Self-Medicating

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:54:00 +0000

By Kathleen Hall
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Does this scenario ring familiar? You feel blue or anxious, so you fix yourself a drink or two in the hopes that it will make you feel better. Sounds harmless enough and for the average person, it probably is. However, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, this can cause more harm than good.

People who have depression or anxiety often turn to alcohol, marijuana, painkillers and other narcotic drugs as a way to alleviate physical or emotional pain and discomfort. Physicians refer to this as self-medicating. Often self-medicating starts innocently with something mild and progresses to stronger substances.

Evidence supports a neurobiological association between depression and drug dependence. The rate of depression among drug users, and the rate of drug use among people with depression, is high. When depressed patients are treated with antidepressant medications, their mood improves and they reduce their use of other types of drugs.

While people often drink alcohol to relieve their depression, alcohol is actually a potent depressant--exacerbating depression, rather than diminishing it. Alcohol use can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of depression, and many depressive illnesses are associated with excessive use of alcohol. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription medications for depression and can increase your risk of experiencing medication side effects.

Updated: February 8, 2010

The Heart-Healthy Benefits of Grapes

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:30:00 +0000

I don't know anyone who loves this fruit as much as I do. Check out the benefits it has for the improvement of your health.

By Jo Cavallo
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

If you want lower blood pressure and better heart function, try eating grapes and drinking grape juice, especially dark red and purple grapes and grape juice. New studies are showing a link between grapes and reduced heart risks-and it's believed to be the result of phytochemicals, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plants. The studies suggest that the phytochemicals in grapes and grape juice, especially the antioxidant reseveratrol and flavonoids, may turn on a protective process in the genes that allow better blood flow through the blood vessels. This may help prevent blood clots, while improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

In a University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study, laboratory rats given a variety of grapes along with either a high- or low-salt diet, had lower blood pressure, better heart function and fewer signs of heart muscle damage than the rats given the same salty diet, plus a common high blood pressure drug but not the grapes.

It's believed that antioxidant-rich grapes may turn on glutathione, a protein made in every cell in the body, including heart cells, which protects cells from damaging oxidative stress. High blood pressure causes oxidative stress in the heart, reducing the amount of glutathione. The University of Michigan study suggests that eating grapes may boost levels of glutathione.

Earlier grape studies also showed a similar heart-healthy benefit to that of drinking moderate amounts of red wine by lowering the risk of atherosclerosis caused by clogged arteries. And while eating a handful of whole grapes may not provide you with much of a buzz, it will give you the benefit of additional fiber in your diet.

Updated: October 28, 2009

Do's and Don'ts of Washing Your Face

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:53:00 +0000

If you have problems like I do, I thought you could use this information, too.

By Shama Davis

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Your cleansing regimen can help keep you looking young--or add years to your appearance. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve optimal cleanliness without stripping your skin of essential oils.

Face Washing 101

The biggest mistake most of us make is in washing too often. Unless your face is covered in dirt, you should avoid washing it more than once or twice a day. Cleanse it well each night then follow up with a rich moisturizer to help it rehydrate and repair while you sleep. In the mornings, splashing water on your face or a gentle wash is all you need.

The 6-Step Face Wash

Wash your hands.
Splash lukewarm water on your face to moisten it.
Squeeze a teaspoon of cleanser into your palm and gently work it into your skin, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse your face with clean lukewarm water.
Pat (don't rub!) it dry with a towel.
Moisturize. (Apply sunscreen or moisturizer containing SPF in the morning.)

Facial Skin Tips

Use a gentle cleanser or hydrating soap.
Use lukewarm water so it doesn't irritate your skin.
Don't spend too long washing your face. Extra scrubbing can irritate and wear out skin.
Skip the alcohol-based toner. If you like the way toners feel, try a non-alcohol based one to remove makeup and oil at the end of the day. Be sure to apply a night moisturizer afterwards.
Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. Use a gentle scrub and apply with your fingers or a very soft cloth. Most sponges are too rough for facial skin.
Apply moisturizer twice a day, even to oily skin (Unless your dermatologist has instructed you differently).
Wear sunscreen during the day, every day, no matter what the weather.
Apply a night cream or heavier moisturizer without sunscreen before going to bed.
When unsure how much moisturizer to use, tune into what your skin tells you. If it feels tight, add lotion until it feels balanced.

Tips for Acne Sufferers

Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic cleansers. People with inflammatory acne should steer clear of scrubbing agents.
If you're on medication for your acne, choose a cleanser formulated for normal skin so that you don't end up unwittingly using conflicting medications that can irritate your skin.
Use your hands to wash your face and pat -- don't rub -- it dry.
Don't spend more than 10 seconds washing your face.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003

http://www.acne.org/wash-face.html

Updated: January 12, 2010

What Causes Stomachaches?

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:46:00 +0000

By Jo Cavallo
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

"Stomachache" is a generic term used to describe a variety of common ailments in the abdominal area that can develop suddenly or be chronic in nature. They can include everything from a knotty feeling to sharp, stabbing pains or worse.

The causes of stomachaches are just as varied, ranging from viral infections to urinary tract infections or food poisoning caused. Other causes of abdominal ailments can be long lasting, including a number of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Some additional causes of stomachaches include:

Gynecological conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea (severe uterine pain during menstruation), ovarian cysts, fibroids, tumors and ovarian cancer.
A variety of cancers, including colon, liver, bladder, stomach and pancreatic, which can cause severe pain that doesn't subside.

Emotional distress such as depression, anxiety and stress can cause mild stomach problems.

Obesity and dieting can both take their toll on the body. Obesity can cause abdominal pain because fat deposits around the stomach put pressure on the abdominal walls and dieting and hunger can cause stomach muscle contractions, causing pain in the pit of the stomach.

Almost every medication has the potential to cause an upset stomach. Unless your doctor has specifically said you should take your medications on an empty stomach, you should always take them with food.

Finding Relief

Usually, stomachaches go away on their own, but if they persist and aren't relieved by over-the-counter treatments (OTC) or if the OTC treatment you're using provides only temporary relief, you should seek advice from your doctor. See your doctor right away if your stomach pain is severe or accompanied by fevers or blood in the stool.

For temporary, mild stomach problems, try these tips:

Chew on an antacid l to neutralize stomach acids. For heartburn problems, try an acid suppressor like a H2 blocker.
Keep a food diary to determine which foods might be causing you digestive problems and eliminate them from your diet.
Eat small, frequent meals until your stomach is feeling better and stick to easy-to-digest foods like cooked rice, dry saltines or dry toast.
Take sips of decaffeinated liquids such as chamomile herb tea, flat ginger ale or chicken broth. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, regular tea or colas, which can irritate the stomach and the digestive tract.

How to end the Embarrassing Gas Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:38:00 +0000

By Nathan Schiller
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Power saws and car horns, at 110 decibels each, are jarring noises that cause you to cover your ears. They’re annoying and obnoxious. Yet neither of them is louder than what an Englishman did in 2001—burped at 118 decibels, the loudest belch ever recorded.

While you will probably never burp that loudly, you might, after drinking carbonation, like a can of Coke, or eating a heavy meal, burp continuously. Consuming food is the time when gas builds up in your system because you A) swallow air and B) have harmless bacteria breaking down undigested food. To get rid of the 1-4 pints of gas the body produces each day, most people pass gas 14-23 times. How do they do so? One way is burping. Flatulence, or farting is another.

Statistics may say it’s normal, but passing gas will always be embarrassing, particularly if done so in front of people. Luckily, it can be treated. The most common ways of doing so, according to the Natural Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, are dieting, medications, and reducing the amount of air swallow.

Dieting. Though dietary limitations will vary from person to person, rendering trial and error the best way to figure out which foods can reduce your gas production, there are a few general rules to follow. Gas is a digestive disease, so avoiding fatty foods helps the stomach empty faster. Unfortunately, many healthy foods can produce gas, like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and dairy products. Additionally, foods containing sorbitol, like dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gums, should be avoided.

Medications. You won’t need a prescription for most of these meds. Dietary enzymes work because they help digest carbohydrates. An example is lactase, whose common brands Lactaid and Lactrase are available over the counter (OTC) as caplets or chewable tablets. These are the same enzymes used by those who are lactose intolerant; purchasing lactose reduced milk and other diary can help with gas. Also, check out the OTC med Beano (liquid or table) to help digest sugar in beans and many vegetables. And if you think you might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), your doctor can prescribe a medicine to help reduce symptoms.

Air swallowing reduction. Bad news for gum chewers and hard candy devourers: curtail your habits. Health professionals agree that doing so is one of two ways to reduce your swallowed air intake. The other? Simple. Eat slower. Between bites you won’t be gasping for breath, and when you’re finished, you might have just a single burp to offer. Best make it a loud one.

Updated: March 4, 2009

5 Signs of Uterine Fibroids

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:25:00 +0000

Do you suffer heavy bleeding?

By Jeanne Faulkner
Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Approximately 75 percent of women will develop uterine fibroids during or after her childbearing years. Most will never know they have them. Sometimes, however, uterine fibroids become troublemakers - causing pain, bleeding and rarely, infertility. So, how do you know if you have them?

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They almost never turn into cancer though they can grow quite large. Size varies from "too small to notice" to as big as a grapefruit. It's not uncommon for women to have several fibroids.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Women's Health Division, fibroids are most commonly found in women 40 to 50 years of age. They're more common in African American women, women whose mother or sisters have fibroids, obese women and women whose diet is heavy on red meat and ham.

Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do, often find fibroids hard to live with. Five symptoms of uterine fibroids include

1) Pain. Though fibroids themselves are not usually painful, the pressure they place on surrounding tissues and/or the displacement of other organs, can be painful. Some women experience more menstrual cramping due to fibroids. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibroids can become painful if they outgrow their blood supply or become twisted.

2) Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding. Fibroids contain blood vessels that can bleed with or without a period. They can also put pressure on uterine blood vessels and increase the uteruses surface area, causing profuse or prolonged bleeding with menstruation. Heavy bleeding can sometimes lead to anemia.

3) Bladder and/or rectal pain and pressure. Fibroids can get so large or be located in areas that press on the bladder or rectum. Some women feel the need to urinate frequently (as the fibroid takes up space the bladder needs to fill properly) or have pain with urination.

4) Pain during sex. Fibroids can get bumped or irritated during intercourse or be pushed against surrounding tissues.

5) Abdominal swelling. When fibroids get very large, they can make women appear to be pregnant.

How are fibroids diagnosed? Your gynecologist may feel them during a routine pelvic exam or find them with ultrasound, MRI or other diagnostic imaging techniques.

Can they be treated? Yes, there are many treatments ranging from hormonal to surgical that can shrink or remove fibroids or make them more comfortable to live with. Sometimes, they go away by themselves. This is more common after menopause when fibroids are deprived of hormone supplies. Talk to your gynecologist about possible treatment options.

Updated: January 12, 2010

The Food, Exercise, and Digestion Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:23:00 +0000

By Nathan Schiller

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

Our bodies need enough stored energy to go for a jog, but no one wants spaghetti sloshing around in their stomach when they’re bouncing on the pavement. Jogging, though, is a high-impact exercise that jostles the stomach. While you don’t want to exercise on a full stomach, you do want to exercise to help stave off digestive problems stemming from food.

Food, exercise, and digestion are closely related. The digestive system is made up of organs that help the body change food into smaller molecules of nutrients before they’re absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. When the system malfunctions, it can result in a gastrointestinal problem.

An example is constipation, which more than 4 million Americans have, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).¹Constipation is having bowel movement less than 3 times per week, and it is most commonly caused by a lack of fiber in the diet and a lack of physical activity. Thus preventing constipation can be as simple as dietary and lifestyle changes. Professionals suggest:

Eating 20-35 grams of fiber per day, in the form of beans, fresh fruits, whole grain breads and cereals, and vegetables, like asparagus and carrots. Conversely, it is optimum to limit foods with little fiber, like ice cream, cheese, and meat.
Exercising lightly an hour after a meal. Accelerating your breathing and heart rate helps your intestinal muscles contract, which assists in quick, fluid, and efficient bowel movements.

Another problem related to the digestive system is heartburn, the primary symptom of gastroesophageal disease (GERD), which over 60 million Americans experience, according to the National Heartburn Alliance.² The remedies here are different than for constipation. Three exercises that can reduce heartburn symptoms are:

Riding a bike (low-impact)
Relaxing with yoga (stress-reducing)
Pilates (stomach-strengthening)

There are two other important things to remember: that you should wait at least two hours after eating to exercise, and that high-impact exercise will make symptoms worse.

The benefits of exercise on the digestive system extend to everyone. In 2005, in a study of 1,800 obese men and women, researchers discovered that physical activity and a healthy diet could help obese people reduce gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.³ And a study from The Netherlands that focused on determining whether the gut is an athletic organ, stated that “adequate [athletic] training” can help prevent gastro intestinal symptoms.⁴

Whatever the case, exercise is always good for your digestive system—as long as you know how and when to do it.

Sources:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov

www.heartburnalliance.org

Levy, Rona L., PhD, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2005.

Brouns F, Beckers E., “Is the gut an athletic organ? Digestion, absorption and exercise.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Updated: April 16, 2009

Stomach Slimming Selections

noreply@blogger.com (Yolanda) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Wow!!! Interesting facts from Quality Health

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

While certain foods can make bellies appear bloated and flabby, there are several selections that can give virtually any stomach a leaner, more toned look. To get started, stock your fridge with this ab-flattening fare.

1. Turkey. A lean cut of turkey offers the protein your body craves without the additional calories that come with many processed foods. Just be sure to order low-sodium turkey from the deli counter, and avoid purchasing the packaged kind, which can be loaded with belly-bulging preservatives.

2. Oranges. Instead of drinking a glass of orange juice with your breakfast in the morning, try eating a whole orange instead. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whole fruit makes people feel fuller than juice does. In addition, a medium orange contains much more fiber than its liquid equivalent, and in several studies, fiber has been shown to reduce belly fat.

3. Popcorn. Whether they're labeled light, fat-free, or regular, most popcorn varieties are healthful. But for flatter abs, it's especially important that your popcorn isn't loaded up with extra butter and salt, either of which could lead to weight gain and bloating. For best results, opt for whole-grain brands with no trans fats.

4. Healthy fats. Certain types of fat, such as omega-6s and trans fats (most often found in baked goods and corn oils), can declare war on your waistline. But monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil, fish, and flaxseed), can have ab-flattening effects. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats helps people lose small amounts of body fat without reducing their caloric intake.

5. Celery with peanut butter. This children's favorite is often called "ants on a log" when raisins are added, but it can be a great snack for adults, too. Peanut butter in small quantities provides good sugars and quick proteins and can ease your food cravings. The celery is a primarily water-based vegetable, so you can eat as much as you want without feeling guilty.

6. Milk. As it turns out, milk really does do a body good. In fact, studies have shown that drinking three glasses of low-fat or fat-free milk every day can help maintain a healthy weight. If you aren't big on dairy products or don't like the taste of plain milk, try mixing milk into a protein shake or sorbet, or look into soy options. Other dairy products may also help; remember to eat in moderation low-fat or skim versions of cheeses and yogurts.

7. Wine. A growing body of research suggests that drinking a glass of wine with dinner may help you maintain a smaller waistline. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, one 4-ounce glass of red or white wine seems to be the optimal amount. However, moderation is key: Drinking any more alcohol than that could put you at risk for weight gain.

Updated: October 19, 2009