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Category Archives: Health

What Is Lactose Intolerance And How Can I Know If I Am

Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest milk and other dairy products. Lactose or milk sugar is the culprit in this condition. If you find that drinking a cup of milk or eating foods loaded with cheese causes gastric upset, you may be lactose intolerant. This could lead to asking the question, what is lactose intolerance and how can I know if I am?

In order to digest lactose, the body must produce an enzyme called lactase. Persons that do not produce enough lactase have difficulty in digesting milk and dairy products. In babies, this enzyme is necessary to digest mother’s milk.

Lactose intolerance is common in premature babies, but children born full term do not usually show signs until later in life. The problem is also more common in some races than others and in African Americans children may show signs as early as age 2. In Caucasians, children usually do not show problems with lactose until age 5. People with a northern or western European heritage are less likely to be lactose intolerant than are those who trace their ancestry to the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia or Native America.

By age 20, 30 million Americans will display some type of this condition. In adults, the problem is not dangerous, and in addition to heredity may be traced to infections of the small intestine, intestinal disease or bowel surgery.

Since other intestinal problems may cause similar symptoms, a doctor may want to perform some tests to diagnose lactose intolerance. Tests include a lactose tolerance test, lactose-hydrogen breath test, stool pH and Enteroscopy.

People with the problem can improve their symptoms by decreasing the amount of milk and milk products consumed. Even with low lactase levels, it may be possible to drink up to half a cup of milk without problems, but larger servings of a cup or more can cause problems.

Since avoiding dairy products leads to a lack of calcium, it is important to take steps to ensure the diet provides enough of this mineral. Be sure to include calcium enriched foods as well as those naturally rich in the mineral. In addition, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about the need for a calcium supplement.

Just How Can I Eliminate Free Radicals From My Body?

Considering the attention routinely given to discussing the potentially harmful effects of free radicals in both medical and fitness literature, many people are well aware of the need to protect their bodies from the damage that they may cause. While the desire may be present, you may ask yourself how can I eliminate free radicals from my body without a clue as how to proceed. This may lead to trying an extreme approach, only to end up feeling worse than you did initially. A bit of patience and moderation, however, may help eliminate these unneeded elements and substantially improve your health.

If you are unaccustomed to fortifying your body primarily with foods that promote the release of good radicals and block and flush out harmful ones, starting with a complete diet overhaul may be extremely disruptive to your digestive system. Even healthy fruits and vegetables taken in suddenly may leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and ready to return to your previous diet. A better approach would be to gradually increase your intake until you can comfortably enjoy five or six servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants is likely the best way to cleanse your body, as well as reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Accordingly, eating pure foods that contain substantial amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene will supply your body with powerful antioxidants. If oranges or other traditional citrus fruits are not to your liking, kiwi, leafy vegetables, red or green peppers and potatoes are good choices for getting enough vitamin C, and eating whole grains, spinach, avocados, or legumes are great sources of vitamin E. Eating your favorite dark yellow fruits or dark green vegetables will be good ways to get enough beta-carotene, and help you say farewell to harmful free radicals.

What Are The Seasons Worste Allergy Plants To Avoid?

Everyone who suffers from seasonal itching and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, or hives may be sensitive to different types of pollens and environmental irritants. However, there are some common plants that tend to trigger reactions more than others.

What are the seasons worst allergy plants to avoid? Below is a list of plants to stay away from or eliminate from the yard and every season comes with its own particular species.

Summer

Many of the grasses common in the backyard can trigger reactions in the Summer when they are pollinating. Timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, johnson, Bermuda, and rye are all grasses to avoid, particularly in the morning. The pollen is closer to the source in the morning so staying on sidewalks may help. By afternoon the pollens are floating in the air, especially on days with a mild breeze. Remaining indoors in the middle of the day may be helpful.

Fall

Ragweed pollinates in late August so it will be a problem in the Fall. Its pollen can travel hundreds of miles which adds to the problem for those who are allergic. The plant produces yellow flowers. Another plant similar to ragweed is goldenrod, which also pollinates in late Summer and early Fall. It also grows golden flowers and can be a warning to allergy sufferers that ragweed is also in the air. In warmer climates in the South these plants may pollinate throughout the Winter though they generally stop the process after the first frost.

Winter

In late Winter trees pollinate so March may be a difficult month for allergy sufferers. Species like Ash, Cedar, cottonwood, elder, maple and oak can all trigger symptoms.

 

Spring

 

Cottonwood may still be pollinating in Spring and spores can often be seen floating through the air. Cedar, elm, and oak are among the trees to avoid as they can pollinate up to the end of April. Sweet grass is another culprit that pollinates around the same time.

A Beginners Guide To Health And Yoga

Although there are many ways to achieve good health, one of the best methods is yoga. It is easy to do, requires no expensive or bulky equipment, is suitable for people of any age and is beneficial to both the mind and body. Yoga originated in India, and its techniques were being practiced as long ago as 3,000 BC. A beginners guide to health and yoga might include the following information.

One of the biggest benefits of yoga is that it stretches the muscles, and this can help to minimize tension, stiffness and pain. Practicing yoga also increases lubrication and motion in the joints, making your body generally feel more fluid. Yoga can also stretch the soft tissues of your body, including the tendons and ligaments and most people see some improvement in this area after practicing yoga for just two months. Certain yoga movements are also effective in strengthening the abdominal muscles and lower back muscles, something which is essential as we age.

Yoga can also lead to better overall posture, and many people who practice yoga regularly find it easier to avoid slumping or slouching. Yoga also focuses on deep breathing, which can improve lung capacity, and benefit athletes. Of course, yoga is also great for a healthy mind, and most participants feel more relaxed and less stressed. Research also suggests that yoga can even help you with connecting with other people and feeling at ease, and many people who practice it maintain that they feel happier after a yoga session. Research suggests that yoga can help with improving concentration and dealing with depression, and even alleviate the symptoms of such conditions as insomnia, arthritis and asthma.

Today, around 11 million Americans are enjoying the many health benefits of yoga. If it is something that you have just not tried yet, it may be time to take up this most beneficial of exercise routines that there is, and it can have many positive benefits for both your mind and body.