Allergy and Diabetic Health RSS/Blog

May 19, 2013

Uncover Your Intolerances with a Food Elimination Diet

You probably consume dozens of different foods throughout the week. Maybe some days you feel just fine, but there's too many other days where your stomach aches, or you develop a rash or migraine, and you just don't know what the culprit is. If you suspect you may have a food intolerance, but you’re not sure which food(s) are responsible, a food elimination diet may provide you with the answers you need to combat your symptoms.

Elimination diets are commonly recommended by allergists and other medical professionals for those who are suffering from the symptoms of food intolerance, which cannot be diagnosed via a skin prick test like food allergies can. An elimination diet typically involves removing certain products from your diet and then reintroducing them later on to see if you have an adverse reaction. Read on for an example of the steps you might take if you decide to give this process a try.

First off, you might begin by eliminating the following foods, which we’ll call Group A:

• bananas
• beef
• caffeine products
• citrus fruits
• corn
• dairy
• eggs
• Click here for eight more.

For the first 10-14 days, you'll only eat foods from Group B. These items will include:

• apricots
• beef
• beets
• broccoli
• cabbage
• cauliflower
• cherries
• cranberries
• filtered water
• lettuce
• millet
• olive oil
• peaches
• prunes
• Click here for ten more.

You’ll need to keep a food journal and note every reaction you experience during this period. After 14 days, you may add one item from Group A back into your diet. Eat this item at every meal for 1-2 days. If you have symptoms, stop eating it and record your reactions. Wait three days to add another item from Group A. If no reaction occurred, you may add another item without delay. Continue this cycle until you have tested every food item on the list.

Continue reading here for more information about what reactions to look for and how to proceed with this diet. Following an elimination diet may allow you to take control of your health rather than being a slave to your symptoms for the rest of your life. You might learn that tomatoes are a trigger, and as much as it might hurt to give up (or at least avoid) pizza, you'll finally know what your body does and does not like.

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May 09, 2013

I Could Hear Myself Wheezing

For years I would could hear myself wheezing, after a night out of wine drinking. Me and my husband are red wine drinkers. Then suddenly I started having

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May 05, 2013

Hints and Tips: Allergies, Diabetes And Just Good All-Around General Health

For an ongoing notice of new or exciting hints and tips about allergies and diabetics, check back here often for those tiny little tidbits that could make a major change in your life.

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May 03, 2013

Inflammation in Your Body from Food Allergies

Have you ever been eating one of your favorite foods, such as pizza or a PB&J sandwich and within fifteen minutes of finishing your meal you suddenly get stomach pain? If the answer is yes, you might be allergic to one of its ingredients. There are so many foods a person can be allergic to. A short list includes things such as gluten, wheat, eggs, soy, milk, nuts, fish, tree nuts, shellfish, corn and even food dyes themselves.

But sometimes, with some people it might not be an allergy. You can even just be intolerant, thus sensitive to one of the above foods (plus any others)and then your body will reject them.

You may ask how or in what way? The answer is known as food allergy inflammation which can be produced in almost any part of the body. Inflammation is swelling, redness, heat, and pain produced in an area of the body as a reaction. Some examples of this can be a skin rash, GI distress, migraines/headaches, a rapid drop in blood pressure, sinus congestion, difficulty breathing, and the most dangerous of all is anaphylactic shock.

Now, listed above are some allergies and the inflammatory reactions that can go along with it, which is basically considered to be the side effects. How about the treatment options? The simple answer is nutrition. There are so many different types of foods to explore. There are many flours to bake and cook with such as white rice, brown rice, almond, tapioca and potato flours plus coconut, sorghum, amaranth or buckwheat flours also. Many people enjoying using quinoa and arrowroot also. All of these are considered gluten free.

Take the treatment plan seriously. Do not let cross contamination or carelessness interfere with your detoxing process. If you cheat on your new diet plan or accidentally ingest the wrong thing from cross-contamination, your immune system will be weakened which can ultimately lead to other health problems.

So to make your body feel healthier you will need to change your lifestyle. Begin by educating yourself, then stepping into the kitchen to make a great meal by using farmer's fresh and organic whole foods.

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May 02, 2013

Coconut Sugar: Pure And Natural Form Of Sweetener For Better Health

Coconut sugar is relatively new, up and coming in your regular food market. Many people though are trying...

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Apr 26, 2013

Pollen Allergy Relief: Hibernation During Spring And Fall No Longer Necessary

Pollen allergy relief, whether it is because of Spring or Fall allergens, can quite rapidly escalate to become the only thing of importance to a sufferer during allergy season.

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Apr 25, 2013

Sugar Free Sports Drink: A Safer Alternative For Diabetics

Mixing up a gallon of sugar free sports drink at home will aid you in controlling the highs you can expect after ingesting the popular versions currently on the market.

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Apr 21, 2013

Allergy vs Intolerance: Managing Your Health

All of the concerns or symptoms relating to either a food allergy vs intolerance both seem to center around three major organ systems. These include the skin (hives, itching and rash), the GI...

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Apr 21, 2013

Symptoms Of Food Intolerance: Deciphering Your Risks

Although the symptoms of food intolerance leads many people to believe they might have a food allergy, the actual truth is up to 75% more people have...

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Apr 20, 2013

A Food Intolerance: How Is It Different From An Allergy

A food intolerance, or an abnormal reaction which follows the ingestion of any food or beverage, is often more an inconvenience...

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Apr 19, 2013

The Controversy Over Tofu

Tofu has a reputation, it seems, as a healthy, alternative protein and calcium source for vegetarians, vegans, diabetics and those who wish to cut down on their meat intake. There is, however, a controversy over the health benefits of tofu, whether that's because of an allergy or just because of it's inherit dangers.

Many health-concious persons take issue and avoid processed foods, which is, essentially, what tofu is; a processed food. Created by coagulating soy juice and compressing the curds into solid, but soft blocks, the soy found in tofu is often genetically modified and is the main reason for concern of the overconsumption of soy. Most tofu is considered processed because of the preservatives used to keep it fresh.

There is also concern that tofu, and other soy products, may be harmful to those with thyroid disease and may have a negative effect on hormonal health. Though uncertain, studies have been conducted for years on this issue. Soy is a part of the category of foods called goitrogens which consist of vegetables, grains and other foods that promote formation of goiter -- an enlarged thyroid. Some goitrogens seem to slow down thyroid function or even trigger thyroid disese. But these effects thus far seem only to be found through high consumption of these soy-based foods and clear, full evidence has not yet been found.

There are people on both sides of the issue, some who promote soy and soy-based foods such as tofu and the health benefits that come from their consumption, and others who believe soy and tofu cause harm due to their genetic modification, processing, and the harm they may cause to thyroid and hormones. If you are worried about the effects that may come from consuming tofu, there are several natural alternatives to protein and calcium sources you can consume instead of tofu. Organic milks, almond milk, or greek yogurts are excellent sources of calcium. And vegans and vegetarians alike can snack on organic nuts and other legumes to fulfill their natural protein needs.

If you are a fan of soy and tofu but are still worried about its effects, consume moderate amounts to prevent side effects. Just make sure to choose your soy and tofu wisely by locating an organic source of soybean to prevent many of the dangers associated with factory-processed foods. Like anything else, as long as tofu and soy are eaten in moderation, the negative effects it will have on your body will be little to none.

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Apr 18, 2013

Toilet Paper Allergy: Finding A Way To Reduce The Itch

Many people, especially women, have noticed a toilet paper allergy or sensitivity with greater frequency.

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Apr 17, 2013

Sulfite Free Foods: Essential For Health And Safety

Any asthmatic sensitive to sulfites must familiarize themselves with sulfite free foods for their own health and safety.

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Apr 15, 2013

Latex Allergy: A Sliipery Slope To Prevention

Although not a food allergy, a latex allergy is often generated from supplies which are used in the kitchen, namely the latex glove

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Apr 14, 2013

Diabetic Cooking: Cooking Classes 101

Diabetic cooking is really not that much different than cooking for a non-diabetic. With a few simple substitutions...

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Apr 13, 2013

Recycled Toilet Paper - Pros, Cons and Alternatives

There are compelling reasons to consider switching to recycled toilet paper in your home. Many people, particulalry women, suffer from a toilet paper allergy in reaction to the harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. Phosphates, aloe, alchohol, chlorine, peroxide, perfumes and dyes are all present in most common brands of toilet paper.

Pros

There now many brands of 100% recycled, bleach and chemical free toilet papers available on the market, in just about every local store. Prices are even quite comparable, if not sometimes cheaper than regular brands, since so many of the chemicals are not used.

Cons

Bisphenol-a, or BPA is a chemical that disrupts the endocrine system and mimics the female hormone estrogen interrupting our hormone signals. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, thyroid dysfuntion, obesity and birth defects. BPA has been banned in many countries for use in plastic containers, including baby bottles, so even though the science is still new, there are enough concerns to warrant some restrictions. Therefore, why take the chance using it directly on the most sensitive parts of your skin and then flushing it into the waste water system?

Alternatives

Bamboo when processed properly, can be very eco friendly. Bamboo is biodegradable and chemical free plus it costs about the same as many recycled toilet paper rolls.

Better yet, use a bidet. Almost every other developed nation uses a bidet in place of toilet paper. In some homes, the bidet is placed next to your toilet. However, your existing toilet can be retrofitted into a bidet quite easily. It may even be possible to plumb it into your water supply to make the experience more pleasant.

Certainly, the notion of washing with water and not using paper makes the most sense when trying to preserve the environment and avoid allergic reactions.

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Apr 08, 2013

Coconut Oils: A Gift From The Tropics For Aiding Better Health

Coconut oils, are they really a miracle oil or actually just a medical disaster? Here's some information. You decide for yourself

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Apr 06, 2013

Natural Ways To Lower Blood Pressure: Sometimes Home Remedies Can Handle It Best

If you are currently looking for natural ways to lower blood pressure, there is a great possibility your doctor has just mentioned it may be time for one more pill.

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Apr 03, 2013

The Benefits of Vitamins and Minerals Fit Perfectly with a Healthy Lifestyle

Your prescription today from "Dr. Blogsalot" is the following:

• Stick to a solid, healthy meal plan.
• Exercise and get plenty of sleep.
• Supplement your healthy meal plan, exercise regimen, and good sleep habits with the proper vitamins and minerals.

The order of this preceeding list is important because while the benefits of quality vitamins and minerals can be numerous and add high value to your quality of life, they are not meant to take the place of eating right.

Vitamins and minerals can, however, be powerful "supplements" to a healthy lifestyle. The word "supplement" is key because that's what vitamins and minerals do best. They fill in the nutritional gaps of an otherwise healthy meal plan to cover for deficiencies in things like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D and B12 that may be difficult to attain for certain individuals. Some recommendations for safe and effective use of supplemental nutrition are as follows:

• Filling in the nutritional gaps can be key in avoiding chronic conditions. For instance, vitamin D and calcium have been shown to have profoundly positive results in post-menopausal women who need to increase bone density and reduce fractures.
• Antioxidants including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E in particular, have proven to be wonderful supplements for boosting the immune system and avoiding a lot of the colds and flus that fill the winter air.
• Studies show that most adults and children lack potassium, calcium, and vitamin D to some extent. Finding a multivitamin that includes these key nutrients may be your best bet.

It is always best to consult with a doctor of holistic medicine or an experienced physician qualified to converse on nutritional supplements before starting any supplemental regimen, whereas even too much of a good thing like healthy vitamins and minerals can have adverse effects, causing a potential toxicity if more than the recommended daily allowance is consumed.

In conclusion, Dr. Blogsalot is a big proponent of the safe and effective use of supplementing for a healthy lifestyle with the right vitamins and minerals. Now, get off the computer and get some exercise :)

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Mar 28, 2013

Allergies and Diabetics

allergies and diabetics

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Mar 21, 2013

Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Substitutes

Sugar substitutes come in two forms. The first is known as natural sugar substitutes and second is artificial sugar sweeteners, or more commonly known as artificial sweeteners.

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Mar 20, 2013

Guidelines for Diabetics to Monitor Consumption of Alcohol and Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes and are on medication to treat it, please use extreme caution when consuming alcoholic beverages. This is true whether you are a type 1 diabetic or your diabetes is adult onset, known as type 2 diabetes.

Drinking alcohol can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) for up to 24 hours after consumption. The purpose of insulin and other diabetes medications, which might include Metformin, Prandin, and others, is also to lower blood sugar. This can be a dangerous combination if not properly monitored.

There are, however, precautions that one can take, so that a person with diabetes can still enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time in moderation. The effects of alcohol and blood sugar can indeed be accounted for when a diabetic individual is careful in monitoring his/her health.

The following is a set of guidelines to follow for treating diabetes and moderate alcohol consumption:

• Never drink alcohol with low blood sugar or on an empty stomach. A smart idea is to test your blood sugar before consuming any alcohol. If it tests low, e.g.; <80 mdl, then do not drink alcohol until you can treat your low blood sugar effectively or at least eat something first.
• When drinking an alcoholic beverage, always try having a snack with it to offset the hypoglycemic effects the alcohol may have on you.
• Find a registered dietician (ask your medical team) to help you correctly fit an alcoholic beverage into your meal plan.
• If you drink alcoholic beverages several times per week, notify your doctor, so he/she can prescribe the correct diabetes pill or insulin dosage for you.
• Never drive an automobile until several hours after consuming alcohol.

It is recommended that an adult female have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day (12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, or 1.5 oz. spirits) and an adult male partake in no more than two alcoholic beverages per day.

The American Diabetes Association has more information on the effects of alcohol on blood sugar. They also have much more information on their website on how to effectively manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Alternatively, for more information on maintaining good overall health and physical fitness, please click here for help in your daily choices of foods and exercise.

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Mar 19, 2013

Alternative Therapy For Diabetes: Utilizing The Old-Fashioned And Time-Tested No

Alternative Therapy for diabetes is generally used as a complementary treatment program right along with the traditional medications from your conventional doctor.

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Mar 17, 2013

Carbohydrates In Popcorn

Ah...popcorn! It's a delicious treat that almost all of us enjoy during movies, while watching television, and... well, anytime really. Popcorn in its "raw" form, really isn't all that bad for you (unless you are a starving diabetic).

It is considered a whole grain, and it's quite low in calories. That means that when you enjoy it without adding a lot of butter, salt and sweet syrups to it, you can have a larger portion of it than some other snacks. However, because there are some carbohydrates in popcorn, (16 grams in a 2 1/2 cup, air-popped serving) it can have a major effect on your blood sugar. Especially if you eat a lot of it all at once, like when you order the big tub before the movie.

If you love popcorn, there are ways to eat it without it raising your blood sugar too much. In addition to limiting how much you eat during one sitting, try pairing it with other foods that are lower in carbohydrates. Foods like apples, skim milk and almonds are all good choices that will do their part in combating the effects of too much popcorn on your blood sugar. Perhaps the thought of eating air-popped popcorn makes you feel a little disappointed. The microwave variety isn't as good for you either for many reasons. There have been studies that show that the chemicals that line the bags might be cancer-causing. That buttery topping that comes on microwave popcorn might also cause a form of lung disease. So, it's best to skip the microwave kind and learn to "dress up" air-popped popcorn that will make it a little tastier.

So why not add some cinnamon to your next serving of air-popped popcorn? If you like the taste of cheese, it's easy to add a little bit of parmesan cheese, too. Experiment with different toppings that you can easily find right in your kitchen to see which ones you like best.

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't enjoy a good bowl of popcorn. However, when you're trying to be health-conscious, and you're watching your intake of carbohydrates, choosing the right type of popcorn (and popcorn toppings) can allow you to partake of your favorite snack, and still stay healthy.

Just remember though, for many people, popcorn can become a trigger food. It will increase your cravings for more sugar… more fats … and more salts. Therefore care and caution must be utilized to control those portions.

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Mar 14, 2013

Everfresh: Part Two

John's Comment:The Everfresh only has two ingredients, salt and an antioxidant 4-hexylresorcinol. Please have a look at www.firstchoicemarinesupply.com.

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Mar 14, 2013

Everfresh: A Possible Answer To Sulfites On Seafood?

The information below is a conversation I have been having with a gentleman for the last few weeks regarding a product known as Everfresh, commonly used

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Mar 13, 2013

Walking: Taking A Bunch Of Generous Steps, All Leading To Better Health

Walking sounds pretty obvious, doesn't it? So, why would anyone need to practice it to perfect their technique?

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Mar 04, 2013

Diabetic Weight Loss Diets: Finding A Solution For Your Personal Satisfaction

There is actually many diabetic weight loss diets which can aid you in your goal of better diabetic health.

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Mar 01, 2013

Table Of Contents For Allergy and Diabetic Health

Table Of Contents For Allergy and Diabetic Health

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Mar 01, 2013

Sodium Content In Foods: Where Does It All Come From?

Finding the sodium content in foods means you are going to have to become accustomed to reading ingredient labels unless you wish to call every manufacturer...

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Feb 20, 2013

Diabetic Nutrition: Learning The Art Of Picking And Choosing

Diabetic nutrition is not some short list of foods you are going to have to rotate over and over for the rest of your life just so you can retain some semblance of diabetic health

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Feb 19, 2013

Types Of Beans: Enjoying The Beauty Of A Fresh Ingredient

Although many people are hesitant to eat different types of beans, I believe this is because they do not realize what they can do with them.

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Feb 18, 2013

Almond Flour Pie Crust: Preventing The Blood Sugar Spikes

Using an almond flour pie crust, whether it is a sweet or savory dinner entree is one of the quickest and easiest ways ...

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Feb 15, 2013

Toilet Paper Will Make You Itch

I bought some cheap Kmart brand of toilet paper and my family of five girls all started to itch down there. We threw out the toilet paper and bought a

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Feb 11, 2013

Inaccuracy

Many dried spices contain sulfites. Specifically I had a reaction after using McCormick ginger which contained ginger and sulfur dioxide. I had failed

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Feb 07, 2013

Blood Pressure Control: Stabilizing The Numbers For Better Future Health

Good blood pressure control for the diabetic can help to reduce your risks of many other conditions for your future diabetic health

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Feb 06, 2013

Mini Fasting

So you're a diabetic. Specifically a Type 2.

The instructions you have been given your entire life since the diagnosis by your doctor is never skip a meal, snack consistently to try to keep your blood sugars stable and watch the intake of those high glycemic carbs.

Now I'll admit it - I was given that same list and I didn't understand even half of what they were talking about either. So, if you really want to know, I can answer all those questions for you here on this website.

But right now, I wish to answer a different question. It kind of pertains to that don't ever skip a meal.

Now I have always wondered, if I eat breakfast at 6AM, a snack by 10 or 11AM, lunch by 1PM, maybe another snack and then dinner by 6PM... well all I've done all day long is eat...and eat...and eat. But then I'm supposed to stop eating by 6:30PM and don't touch any food until 6AM the next day. Seems kind of screwy to me.

How does my body know I am supposed to eat...eat...eat for 12 hours and then stop for another twelve? And why?

If it's so important I always eat, shouldn't I be having a nighttime snack and an early morning snack also?

So, research has finally determined why that overnight 12 hour mini fast is so important to the diabetic type 2.

When you eat for the last time about 2-4 hours before you go to bed, you will always go to bed a little hungry. This is because when you are a little hungry, your body actually uses your own fat stores as energy over night. During the day, obviously you use more energy so you need the food for fuel. But to sleep requires less energy, therefore it is the ideal time for your mini all-nighter fast.

When you actually go to bed with your stomach satisfied from a late snack, your body will store all of that as more fat because it doesn't need extra energy to sleep. Your snack therefore did absolutely nothing except make you wake up in the morning...FATTER!

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Feb 06, 2013

Soda Pop: Are You Addicted To The Stuff?

Do you have a soda pop addiction? It's unfortunate but almost every age group...

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Feb 05, 2013

Diabetic Popcorn Snacks: Keeping Popcorn Healthy For The Diabetic Diet

Anytime you are in the mood for some good diabetic popcorn snacks, the first rule you must remember is to hold the oil and butter.

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Feb 02, 2013

Pradaxa: The Dangers Of This Drug For The Diabetic

Millions of Americans are taking Pradaxa, a blood thinner that works to prevent strokes. Many of these patients take Pradaxa because they have diabetes, which increases the risk of stroke.

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Jan 31, 2013

Fruits And Vegetables Role In Nutrition

High blood pressure and diabetes too often go hand in hand. Most people with diabetes at some point develop high blood pressure, which only goes to worsen your symptoms and complications of diabetes. All too often people don't recognize they actually have a problem until it's too late. High blood pressure typically shows absolutely no symptoms, but it's one of the most commonly diagnosed heart problems in the United States. Keeping your blood pressure under control is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and your diabetes under control.

High blood pressure causes your arteries to stretch to accommodate the higher blood flow. Over time, the artery walls become weak and scarred. Your risk of plaque and blood clots also increases. It's important to be aware of your blood pressure readings, and if it becomes elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control.

Here are some great ways to keep your high blood pressure under control without medicines:

• Eat healthy. This is always on the top of the list when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. Eating unprocessed foods and whole fruits and vegetables not only have the vitamins your body needs to take care of itself, but they are also low in sodium. Fruits and vegetables provide great nutrition to naturally bring down your blood pressure. Things high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium help to relax the walls of the arteries. Be aware of the sodium content in your food. A simple step of rinsing your canned beans before adding them to a recipe can reduce the sodium content by up to 40%.
• Exercise. Exercise keeps your heart working. It's a muscle so you have to use it in order to keep it strong.
• Keep stress under control. If you don't regularly have high blood pressure, but it peaks when you're under great deals of stress that can be as harmful as having high blood pressure all of the time. Find avenues to bring your stress level down and take time to find peace during an overloaded workday. Many people take comfort and peace in doing meditative activities as the breathing helps bring you peace not just during your mediation session, but throughout your day.
• Don't smoke and keep your alcohol intake under control. When you smoke, your time doing so temporarily increases your blood pressure. Drinking also has been found to raise blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

If the above recommendations are not enough to keep your blood pressure in check and your doctor recommends taking medication, take it as directed. Also be aware that certain over-the-counter medications, like cold and flu medicines, can raise your blood pressure, so check with your pharmacist or doctor to avoid possible interactions.

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Jan 30, 2013

LADA: A Little Known Diagnosis For Diabetes

LADA, sometimes referred to as 1.5 diabetes, is often mis-diagnosed because of its similarity to type 2 diabetes. For good diabetic health...

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Jan 29, 2013

Salt Substitutes: All The Flavor Without The Guilt

Maybe your doctor has told you to find some salt substitutes - start laying off the salt shaker

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Jan 26, 2013

Reducing Glycemic Impact On Blood Sugars

Just the sight of that birthday cake has got your mouth watering. Every one of your senses is just on high alert, you want some so terribly bad.

But, in the back of your mind, you do remember you are a diabetic. And we all know, that cake is just not considered diabetic safe snacks and foods.

But I'm here to tell you, go ahead, indulge in a small piece. There is ways you can still enjoy a treat now and then and not ruin your daily diet.

Fitting High Carb Foods Into Your Life

• Add raw and unseasoned nuts to it, whether that's a high calorie salad, baked goods, as a topping on a casserole, mixed in with your topping for the potato. Raw nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans and macadamias are actually capable of reducing the impact of high carb sugars by blunting their effect while in transit through the digestive system.
• Vinegar, adding 1-2 tablespoons, whether you mix it in water and drink it pre-meal, drizzle it on a salad or vegetable or include it as an ingredient in your high carb dish, any way you can get a quality apple cider vinegar into your meal actually blunts the absorption of sugars while actually reducing your appetite
• If you are not dairy intolerant, add some whey protein as an ingredient in your dish. This one simple move has been shown to reduce sugar spikes by up to 60%.
• Cinnamon is a common spice which can easily be added to Smoothies, vegetables and fruits, any baked goods, tomato-based meat dishes etc.. Cinnamon has the advantage it reduces the body's need for insulin after a meal.
• Add some actual dark chocolate (minimum 70% cacao) and fresh berries to your meal. Served at the end, the additional fiber in the fruit and the antioxidants in the chocolate actually combine into a star attraction for lessening blood sugar response.

Speak with your doctor or a nutritionist and utilize some of these proven methods to give yourself an occasional break and still have the chance to enjoy a few of life's sweet little pleasures.

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Jan 23, 2013

Basic Nutrition For Seniors Is More Important Than You Might Realize

Nutrition is important no matter what your age, however as we get older it can become a priority in order to avoid some common complaints experienced by our seniors. There are a number of areas that need special attention to ensure physical and mental health and to foster habits that result in good nutrition for our seniors.

• Water

Dehydration is a state that the elderly may experience without even realizing it. Common symptoms are easy to confuse with other conditions. Headaches, hoarseness, muscle weakness, or dry, cracking skin can all be symptoms of dehydration. The recommended 6 to 8 cups of liquid can be consumed as juice, broths, herb teas or simple tap water. Most bottled waters these days come from municipal water sources anyway (the tap) so it is not necessary to assume the added expense of bottled water.

• Fiber

Because constipation can be a common complaint, which can also be exacerbated by dehydration, fiber is an important addition to the daily diet of the senior. Especially if you are a less active senior, fresh (raw) fruits and vegetables should be a part of your standard diet every day. Caution should be taken with foods known to be very high in fiber, like bran or whole grain at first, because bloating or other digestive issues may result. We suggest that foods high in fiber be slowly introduced to the diet in order to check for intolerances. Also conditions such as diverticulitis need to be taken into consideration with foods containing nuts or seeds. Suggestions would include strawberries and all berries, almonds and walnuts or even sweet potatoes.

• Calories

Because we tend to be less active as we age our caloric intact should also be reduced. It can be important to find food choices that provide for nutritional needs without adding the extra pounds. Some suggestions for protein sources might include lean chicken or wild-caught fish, fresh beans, eggs and yogurt. Combining proteins with good fiber choices is another way to get the benefits without packing on extra calories. Apple slices with peanut or almond butter, yogurt with honey and almonds or cottage cheese with pineapple are all excellent choices.

The services of a nutritionist, who works with seniors specifically, can result in greater understanding of one's nutritional needs and a plan for good eating that will improve the health and well-being if you are approaching your senior years. Many Senior Centers, libraries and hospitals or even your family doctor can provide, or refer you to, nutritionist services at little to no cost.

We are here to provide information and education that will help those diagnosed with a food allergy, food intolerance or for those with the need to limit their intake of natural sugars. When it comes to the quality of life in your senior years, we want to help you recognize how good health can, and should be, your top priority!

Continue reading "Basic Nutrition For Seniors Is More Important Than You Might Realize"

Jan 22, 2013

Sea Salt Vs Table Salt: Choosing The Right Option

The controversy of sea salt vs table salt as your condiment of choice is slowly becoming mainstream even in the general population.

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Jan 17, 2013

Food Intolerance: How Does It Differ From An Allergy

Are you familiar with the difference between a food intolerance and a true food allergy?

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Jan 15, 2013

Mr D Stacey

I became sulfite sensitive after breathing in fall out from a neighbors chimney over a period of 10 years which I was unaware of & now have to watch what

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Jan 14, 2013

Diabetic Doggie Bag

Whether diabetic or just weight conscious, do you need some ideas which adhere to your dietary principles of combining healthy proteins plus quality fats and carbs so you can prevent the sharp spikes in your blood sugars while at the same time the snacks aren't threw the roof in calories either?

Sometimes, depending on the situation, travel delays, last minutes changes in plans, a "desert" of quality restaurant choices, lack of fresh clean foods from a local source plus any other factors can often and do lead into difficulties for you if you aren't prepared.

So grab a small cooler or travel bag, a few frozen ice packs along with your keys, wallet or purse and always walk out your door with your own diabetic doggie bag. None of these sticky situations ever become a problem if you always go prepared.

Contents Of A Diabetic Doggie Bag

• foil packed salmon or tuna pouches. Confirm your tuna is packaged in water - not oil.
• raw nuts ans seeds in pre-packed 1/4 cup baggies
• almond or cashew butter with fresh fruit (apple or pear) slices
• assorted cut up fresh vegetables with some salsa or hummus
• cherry tomatoes and a hard-boiled omega 3 enriched egg (preferably from range free chickens)
• organic and grass-fed wild salmon or turkey jerky
• a few green tea bags plus a 70% or greater cacao dark chocolate bar
• a few large lettuce leaves, turkey slice, sliced tomato and sliced onion for a mini turkey wrap sandwich (roll all your ingredients into the lettuce)
• any of the fresh fruits from the berry family, approximately a 1/2 cup for a serving
• organic greek yogurt (if not dairy intolerant)
• clean filtered bottled water
• limited amount of dried fruits (these are much higher in calories)

If you always keep an assortment of many of these available it doesn't matter where and when you get that snack attack because there is never any need to descend into guilt. You have your own quality stash of safe and healthy snacks which will always help you maintain your new dietary lifestyle.

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