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Beware, Drinking Water While Eating

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:38:45 +0000

You have a habit of drinking a lot when you’re eating? It looks like you should immediately change the habit. Therefore, a sip of water when eating was found to inhibit the digestion in the stomach. Counselors microbiotic from India, Shonali Sabherwal, say, when eating is not the right time to satisfy your thirst. “People do not know how to drink water while eating their digestion difficult enough,” said Sabherwal as quoted by the Times of India. Research shows that drinking a little water during the meal is not a concern. However, drinking a glass or two drinks can interfere with digestion. The researchers found that it is best to drink water before eating and two hours afterwards. This helps in the absorption of nutrients. Sabherwal said that drinking water while eating can dilute the concentration of stomach acid (HCl). To digest food, your body requires a certain concentration of HCl. However, because they drink lots of water, the concentration of HCl is reduced. As a result, only a few foods that can be digested by the body. This, if allowed to continue could cause various diseases. Stomach acid, in addition to aid digestion also functions as an anti-bacterial. If the stomach is not working optimally, will be able to affect the work of other digestive organs become more severe, causing an imbalance of metabolism. In order to not feel thirsty when eating, Sabherwal called for not too much to eat salty foods. “Make sure your food is not too salty because it will further create a thirst,” he said. Digestion in order to keep it running well even without assisted by water, he suggested that chew slowly. When chewing, mouth secretes enzymes that help break down food so that the task of digesting food in the stomach becomes lighter.

Vitamin Deficiencies Can Occur as the Result of Several Factors

admin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:52:59 +0000

Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce and must therefore be consumed. Depending on how the intestines absorb them, vitamins are divided into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (all others). Vitamins are required in relatively small amounts because they are not used as building blocks or as sources of energy but rather as recyclable tools that maintain bodily functions. For example, folic acid (one of the water-soluble vitamins) acts as an aid in manufacturing some proteins. It is not used up, and, in fact, can be reused. Vitamin deficiencies are relatively rare in today’s society. When they do occur, the symptoms are generally mild and reversible. However, vitamin excess can occur and is becoming more of a problem since nutrition supplements are so readily available.

Deficiencies

Several factors influence the amount of vitamins a person needs to consume. One’s need for certain vitamins varies by age. Infants, children, and pregnant- or breast-feeding women require more of some vitamins and minerals than do most adults. Furthermore, for a number of reasons, elderly people seem to be more prone to deficiencies of some vitamins. One reason is that the aging body is less able to absorb vitamins. Likewise, due to decreased sun exposure-which is required by the human skin to produce the active form of vitamin D-vitamin D deficiency also occurs in the elderly or institutionalized people. Vitamin deficiencies can occur as the result of several factors, including the following: a decreased dietary intake a decreased absorption of vitamins in the intestines the inability to “recycle” the vitamin an increased need for a particular vitamin, such as in some disease states.

Medication can also affect one’s need for certain vitamins. For example, Coumadin (a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots) directly affects the ability of vitamin K function in blood clotting. Other medications decrease absorption or increase the need of some vitamins. Similarly, a person’s habits can have a significant influence on vitamin needs. For instance, smoking affects blood levels of folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E. Alcoholics are prone to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which can lead to permanent nerve-, brain-, and heart damage.

Dietary requirements

For most people, a well-balanced diet will provide all the needed vitamins. The specific amount of each vitamin can vary significant depending on a person’s age, gender, and medical conditions. For example, an infant requires 375 micrograms of Vitamin A daily, whereas a breastfeeding woman requires 1,200 micrograms, and an otherwise healthy adult male requires 1,000 micrograms. The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins is based on the need to prevent deficiency states, but we now know that some vitamins can be beneficial in much higher doses. Niacin, for example, can be used to lower cholesterol, and to prevent some spinal cord development problems in their newborns, and women who want to become pregnant might benefit from higher doses of folic acid. Likewise, high-dose folic acid is also being evaluated to treat elevated levels of homocysteine, a compound that has been shown to lead to clotting problems and early heart disease. What we currently believe to be the right dose of a vitamin is subject to change as we learn more about that vitamin’s role in health. Unfortunately, taking large quantities of all vitamins can be very dangerous and can lead to toxicity. People need to avoid vitamin deficiencies but also realize that more is not always better.

The following paragraphs address specific vitamins, their dietary sources, the daily requirements for adults, and results of deficiencies and toxicities (excessive amount of vitamins.) Similar information for essential minerals can be found in a related article on “Essential Nutrients.”

Vitamin A

Sources: Butter, milk, eggs, liver, some fish, green leafy vegetables, and colorful fruits and vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes) Daily requirements: 800 – 1000 micrograms Results of Deficiency: Blindness, dry eyes, susceptibility to infections Results of Toxicity: Acute: increased pressure on brain, skin loss, liver failure Chronic: hair loss, high cholesterol, balance problems, rash, mouth sores, liver failure, birth defects during pregnancy.

Thiamine (B1)

Sources: Pork, cereals (wheat, corn, rye), legumes, green vegetables, meat, fruits, milk Daily requirements: ~ 1.5 milligrams Results of Deficiency: (Common in Alcoholics, Asians, dialysis patients, and those on high carbohydrate diet) Causes nerve damage, dementia, heart failure; sometimes irreversible. Results of Toxicity: Rare; intake of >400mg/day; lethargy, balance problems, intestinal problems.

Riboflavin (B2)

Sources: Milk, milk products, green vegetables, meat, liver, fish Daily requirements: ~1.5 – 2.0 milligrams Results of Deficiency: (Deficiency is very Rare) Swelling of lining of mouth and nose, mouth and lip sores, inflammation of tongue, dermatitis, anemia. Results of Toxicity: None known

Niacin (B3)

Sources: Meat, liver, legumes, cereals, peanuts Daily requirements: 15 – 20 milligrams (higher doses help lower cholesterol) Results of Deficiency: (Common in China, Africa, and India) Classically known as pellagra: diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis; inflammation of mouth, tongue, and vagina; nerve pain Results of Toxicity: Flushing (can be side effect of treatment doses for high cholesterol), high blood sugar, liver damage, high uric acid (which can cause gout)

Pyridoxine (B6)

Sources: Cereals, milk, meat, some vegetables. Daily requirements: ~ 2.0 milligrams Results of Deficiency: Inflammation of mouth, lips, and tongue; anxiety, depression, and confusion; anemia; rarely seizures; some medications can cause deficiency (isoniazid, alcohol, penicillamine, theophylline) Results of Toxicity: > 200 mg/day can lead to nerve damage and sensitivity to light

Vitamin B12

Sources: Meat, liver, kidney, dairy products Daily requirements: ~ 2.0 micrograms Results of Deficiency: (Usually results from inability to absorb the vitamin due to diseases, including pernicious anemia or inadequate pancreatic function) Causes macrocytic anemia, nerve damage, and dementia Results of Toxicity: None known

Ascorbic Acid (C) Sources: Citrus fruits, juices, tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables Dietary requirements: ~ 60 milligrams Results of Deficiency: Called Scurvy; causes fatigue, depression, easy bruising and bleeding, weakened cartilage, coiled hairs, difficulty healing, thickened skin, abnormal bone growth in infants Results of Toxicity: > 500 mg/day can cause nausea and diarrhea, potential cause of kidney stones, withdrawal from high doses can lead to scurvy, even with “normal” intake

Vitamin D

Sources: Eggs, cheese, milk, butter, and fish liver oils. Daily requirements: 5-10 micrograms (15 min sun exposure to hands and face twice a month) Results of Deficiency: Rickets (crooked bones) in kids, osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults, weak bones leading to deformity, easy fractures; low calcium levels Results of Toxicity: High calcium and phosphate levels leading to confusion, kidney damage, calcium deposits

Vitamin E

Sources: Widely available in variety of foods with the richest source being vegetable oils. Daily requirements: 3-10 milligrams Results of Deficiency: (Rare; occurs in premature infants and those who cannot absorb fat) Causes sterility; and in infants anemia, nerve, eye and balance problems that may be permanent Results of Toxicity: Extremely rare

Vitamin K

Sources: Made by bacteria inside the human intestines Daily requirements: 50 – 80 micrograms Deficiency: (Rare) hemorrhage, especially in newborn infants (they routinely receive vitamin K shots shortly after birth) Toxicity: Rare; results in destruction of red blood cells and possibly brain damage in infants if they receive too much of it

Folic Acid (folate)

Sources: Kidney, liver, vegetables, meats, cereals, fruits, some dark green vegetables Dietary requirements: 200 micrograms, higher doses in some situations Results of Deficiency: Macrocytic (large red blood cells) anemia, inflammation of tongue, diarrhea; some drugs (sulfasalazine and phenytoin) can lead to deficiency. Results of Toxicity: Can mask vitamin B12 deficiency; may increase risk of seizures in some people

Biotin Sources:

Made by intestinal bacteria, available in many food sources Daily requirements: 100-300 micrograms Results of Deficiency: (Rare) Confusion, muscle pain, dermatitis, hair loss Results of Toxicity: None reported

Pantothenic Acid

Sources: Widely available in many different food sources. Daily requirements: 4 – 7 milligrams Results of Deficiency: (Rare) Abdominal pain, vomiting, insomnia. Results of Toxicity: > 10 gram/ day can cause diarrhea.

Thousand Benefits of Guava, From Flu Antidotes to Prevent Cancer

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:47:39 +0000

Thousand Benefits of Guava, From Flu Antidotes to Prevent Cancer Guava is not as expensive as popular as oranges or apples. If you think is the best oranges for vitamin C, you need to try guava. One guava has 165 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. Meanwhile, one orange contains only 69 mg alone. The content of vitamin C in guava is effective in treating male infertility. Under the skin is green, guava has many benefits on offer. The guava fruit a day is useful to reduce the risk of diseases ranging from common cold, swollen gums, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes to cancer. Guava has a fiber-rich foods consumed, so good for those who suffer from constipation. For those who are trying to lose weight, the high fiber content of guava is also very useful. The fruit is rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals. If used as part of the daily diet, research suggests guava is very effective in preventing cancer and heart disease. Fruit that has a Latin name Psidium guajava helps the body fight the free radicals produced during metabolism. The researchers working for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have found that guava may be among the fruits richest in antioxidants. This delicious fruit also has beta carotene, potassium and soluble fiber. Guava can improve heart health by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. Guava ability to lower blood pressure due to the potassium content. Potassium is an electrolyte essential to electrical reaction in the body including the heart. The fruit is also known to heal wounds and treat external bleeding nose and gums. Fruit that live in tropical areas can also prevent diseases ‘parents’ as senile and cataracts. The existence of complex carbohydrates and high fiber content can be useful for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. Eat one for breakfast guava provide a much-needed daily dose such as iron, folic acid, calcium, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins A, B and lots of vitamin C. Total fat content of guava about 0.9 grams or 84 calories. Compared to apples, this fruit has 38 percent fat and 42 percent fewer calories.

Always Want Your Brain ‘Younger’? Many-Multiply Packed Chicken Meat and Eggs

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:52:31 +0000

Do you know, chicken meat and eggs can improve memory? The scientists are finding nutrients that can slow the aging brain. Eggs are rich in choline, a nutrient in the vitamin group B. Diet with choline-rich foods can help protect your brain from aging.

Nutrition of group B vitamins found in foods such as chicken, eggs, fish and nuts. Researchers at Boston University found people who ate a high choline content has a better memory.

According to senior researcher Dr. Rhoda Au, one of the factors preventing decline in brain function that is by eating healthy foods and nutritional balance. Previous studies have found a Mediterranean-style diet that includes fish, vegetables and olive oil has a protective effect against dementia (decline in brain function).

This latest study, Dr Au studied by the results of health surveys. He gave diet questionnaires to 1400 adults aged 36-83 between 1991 and 1995. Then, between 1998 and 2001, they undergo a memory test and undergo a brain scan. The result, men and women in the top quarter for choline intake had better test results than the bottom quarter. These results also
consider other factors such as education, fat and calorie intake.

Based on brain scans, those with low choline intake were more likely to decline mentally than their peers with higher intakes. Experts generally recommend a man sebiknya get 550mg of choline per day, while women have to get 425mg.

Parents Today are Neglecting the Needs of Diet and Exercise for Children

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:57:27 +0000

Parents today are neglecting the needs of diet and exercise for children, busy lifestyle. This is much faster and easier to give children ready meals and fast food and eat it in front of the television than to prepare healthy meals from fresh ingredients and eat as a family at the table. As a result. More and more overweight children, some painful, this is very real, serious and potentially fatal health threat to children today, lack of fresh fruit, vegetables and protein in the diet of children today, and the lack of sufficient exercise, children grow up before their time. Study of obese children showed that:
Of the children, average age 13 and arteries, which corresponds to a 45yr old adult!
9 million children under 18 years are overweight in the U.S.!
internal injuries caused by poor eating habits, overweight children die before 25yrs!
proportion of children who are overweight has more than doubled since the early 70s!

Approximately 70% risk of diabetes in the U.S. due to obesity!
In the U.S. nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight and nearly one third are obese!
are still worried? Well you should be. None of these statistics are not reduced, they all rise!
large number of children today seem to exercise like walking across the room to take control of the Playstation or the bathroom.

They watch more television than ever before because it is easily accessible. Eating apple pie is as close as they get to fresh fruit. They communicate these days on the Internet via MSN or social networking sites like Facebook. The health of our children suffer and parents let this happen!
Change

feed our children fresh fruits and vegetables and to handle them and can not happen earlier. Done correctly and with dedication, it can be done.

Health and life for our children literally depends on parents to ensure they are properly trained and healthy diet and getting enough exercise. Start now and do not let your baby.
teach children how to eat healthy and exercise is the importance of parental responsibility. Done properly, it will ensure your child has a very good chance of avoiding serious diseases such as cardiovascular diseases later in life. They will also be better prepared when it comes to training their own children, grandchildren, how to keep a healthy and active.