Allergy and Diabetic Health RSS/Blog

May 9, I Could Hear Myself Wheezing

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:46:03 GMT

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

May 5, Hints and Tips: Allergies, Diabetes And Just Good All-Around General Health

Sun, 05 May 2013 17:55:55 GMT

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.

May 3, Inflammation in Your Body from Food Allergies

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:29:22 GMT

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.

May 2, Coconut Sugar: Pure And Natural Form Of Sweetener For Better Health

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:34:56 GMT

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

Apr 26, Pollen Allergy Relief: Hibernation During Spring And Fall No Longer Necessary

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:36:55 GMT

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.

Apr 25, Sugar Free Sports Drink: A Safer Alternative For Diabetics

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:14:58 GMT

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.

Apr 21, Allergy vs Intolerance: Managing Your Health

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:35:54 GMT

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...

Apr 21, Symptoms Of Food Intolerance: Deciphering Your Risks

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:00:53 GMT

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...

Apr 20, A Food Intolerance: How Is It Different From An Allergy

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:37:36 GMT

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

Apr 19, The Controversy Over Tofu

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:30:34 GMT

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.

Apr 18, Toilet Paper Allergy: Finding A Way To Reduce The Itch

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:24:01 GMT

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

Apr 17, Sulfite Free Foods: Essential For Health And Safety

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:59:52 GMT

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

Apr 15, Latex Allergy: A Sliipery Slope To Prevention

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:01:30 GMT

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

Apr 14, Diabetic Cooking: Cooking Classes 101

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:58:09 GMT

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

Apr 13, Recycled Toilet Paper - Pros, Cons and Alternatives

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:27:52 GMT

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

Even if you don't have an allergy, you might be deeply concerned about the environmental impacts of regular toilet paper. Perhaps you've read that if every household in the U.S. replaced just one 500-sheet roll or virgin-fiber TP a year with 100% recycled toilet paper, nearly 425,000 trees would be saved annually. That's an enormous impact with just that one simple change! 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

With all that going for it, what could be wrong with recycled toilet paper? The problem could come from the paper that is recycled to create it. Thermal paper - think of the receipts you are handed at any store - is a primary source and it has found to contain BPA. 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

Have you ever thought of wiping with sugar or bamboo? A byproduct of the sugar making process that would otherwise be disposed is called bagasse. It is completely biodegradable and is being used to make all sorts of paper products. Check here to find some selections of toilet paper. 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.

Apr 8, Coconut Oils: A Gift From The Tropics For Aiding Better Health

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:22:21 GMT

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

Apr 6, Natural Ways To Lower Blood Pressure: Sometimes Home Remedies Can Handle It Best

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:25:03 GMT

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.

Apr 3, The Benefits of Vitamins and Minerals Fit Perfectly with a Healthy Lifestyle

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:57:13 GMT

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 :)

Mar 28, Allergies and Diabetics

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:53:18 GMT

allergies and diabetics

Mar 21, Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Substitutes

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:33:47 GMT

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.

Mar 20, Guidelines for Diabetics to Monitor Consumption of Alcohol and Blood Sugar

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:13:09 GMT

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.

Mar 19, Alternative Therapy For Diabetes: Utilizing The Old-Fashioned And Time-Tested No

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:27:37 GMT

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

Mar 17, Carbohydrates In Popcorn

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:25:04 GMT

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.

Mar 14, Everfresh: Part Two

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:11:22 GMT

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

Mar 14, Everfresh: A Possible Answer To Sulfites On Seafood?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:48:16 GMT

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

Mar 13, Walking: Taking A Bunch Of Generous Steps, All Leading To Better Health

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:04:16 GMT

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

Mar 4, Diabetic Weight Loss Diets: Finding A Solution For Your Personal Satisfaction

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:56:49 GMT

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

Mar 1, Table Of Contents For Allergy and Diabetic Health

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:24:15 GMT

Table Of Contents For Allergy and Diabetic Health

Mar 1, Sodium Content In Foods: Where Does It All Come From?

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:26:00 GMT

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...

Feb 20, Diabetic Nutrition: Learning The Art Of Picking And Choosing

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:26:14 GMT

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

Feb 19, Types Of Beans: Enjoying The Beauty Of A Fresh Ingredient

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:29:03 GMT

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.

Feb 18, Almond Flour Pie Crust: Preventing The Blood Sugar Spikes

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:34:18 GMT

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

Feb 15, Toilet Paper Will Make You Itch

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:32:41 GMT

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

Feb 11, Inaccuracy

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 23:00:29 GMT

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

Feb 7, Blood Pressure Control: Stabilizing The Numbers For Better Future Health

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:26:18 GMT

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

Feb 7, Mini Fasting

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:25:44 GMT

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!

Feb 6, Soda Pop: Are You Addicted To The Stuff?

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:56:18 GMT

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

Feb 5, Diabetic Popcorn Snacks: Keeping Popcorn Healthy For The Diabetic Diet

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:19:28 GMT

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.

Feb 2, Pradaxa: The Dangers Of This Drug For The Diabetic

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:04:44 GMT

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.

Jan 31, Fruits And Vegetables Role In Nutrition

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:50:51 GMT

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.

Jan 30, LADA: A Little Known Diagnosis For Diabetes

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:50:34 GMT

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

Jan 29, Salt Substitutes: All The Flavor Without The Guilt

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:08:40 GMT

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

Jan 26, Reducing Glycemic Impact On Blood Sugars

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:35:09 GMT

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

The most important rule to realize is as long as you watch those portion sizes, there is ways to go ahead and eat an occasional treat, enjoy it, and not feel so guilty. Try some of these to help ease the conscience but still get a touch of the "finer things in life" as needed.

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.

Jan 23, Basic Nutrition For Seniors Is More Important Than You Might Realize

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:57:20 GMT

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!

Jan 22, Sea Salt Vs Table Salt: Choosing The Right Option

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:44:25 GMT

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

Jan 17, Food Intolerance: How Does It Differ From An Allergy

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:04:50 GMT

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

Jan 15, Mr D Stacey

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:05:27 GMT

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

Jan 14, Diabetic Doggie Bag

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:23:05 GMT

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

Most of these are quick, fast and easy. The rest, give yourself a few minutes and you are already on your way.

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.

Jan 10, Weight Loss Success With A Few Lifestyle Changes

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:36:13 GMT

You have finally came to the realization all of these yo-yo diets aren't ever going to work. You lose a few pounds, gain a few. Start again, and down and up you just keep going. All of your life now you have spent using a certain eating pattern because it is what you enjoy. But what's happened? You gain weight. So you make a few changes, lose some weight and you are so proud. You deserve a reward... what do you do? Revert right back to your old eating pattern and gain some more weight again, often even more. Why would you ever think it's going to be any different the second time, third time, fourth time around again?

Step Up To Some New Behavior Patterns

Achieving and maintaining that healthy new you will require a new set of healthy habits. No one ever said starvation is the solution to weight loss. Just fill in your days with a few of these important tips for a permanent road to success.

First you have got to clean out the junk food. This includes your house, car, desk and anywhere you have that "emergency stash" which you eat from more than your own kitchen table.
Step two may sound dumb but get yourself some new friends. The last group all you did was sit around and watch TV, movies, talk, hit the local bar and gorge yourself on beer, ribs, wings, soda, chips and munchies.
Find some interesting new activities. Become a coach, a mentor, join a bowling league, grab a dance partner, get some binoculars and "talk to the birds", show up at the local humane society or animal rescue. The list is limitless.
Adopt a new family member. An older dog or cat from the local rescue not only gives you love and companionship, you also get exercise. Many cats and all dogs love leash walks. You now do to!
Keep yourself a food journal for a minimum of two weeks. Every (and I mean every) bite which goes into your mouth for two weeks gets marked on that paper. It doesn't matter if it is liquids or solids, mark it down. You can find so many strengths and weaknesses just by looking over this information. Education leads to goals and goals leads to success.
Set realistic goals though for your success. Don't even bother believing I have to lose 150 lbs.. No way. You have to lose ten. After that ten, reset your goals for fifteen. Build in your own reward system (no food though for rewards) and all of the pieces will start to fall into place as the months slide by.

As you achieve one behavioral change, try adding another and soon you will see losing weight is no longer just a dream but an everyday reality for your new life.

Jan 8, Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:58:35 GMT

Childhood obesity is becoming such an international problem of such epic proportions, much time and dollars are being used in research to find effective ways to combat the growing problem.