NON-TOXIC AND HEALTHY CANDLES
Patty Avey

Upon retiring to bed each evening for weeks, Mark was repeatedly alarmed as he experienced shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme weakness, and pressure in his chest. One evening, he was so concerned that he went to the emergency room of the local hospital where he was diagnosed as having panic attacks. Mark could not understand the diagnosis because he did not sense any anxiety or concerns that would precipitate in panic attacks. He left the hospital continuing to question why he was experiencing these symptoms.

One evening as Mark retired to bed, he noticed the four wick scented candle burning on his night stand as it normally did, he wondered if there might be any connection between the scented candle and his symptoms. At that point, he put his head closer to the candle and inhaled the smoke to see if he would have a reaction and immediately the symptoms manifested very strongly. Mark and his wife immediately proceeded to rid their home of the candle in their bedroom and others around the house. Mark’s alarming physical symptoms disappeared.

As you festively decorate your home during any Season, bring ambiance, tradition and warmth to your family with the natural glow of candles. When choosing candles to burn in your home, carefully take into consideration that not all candles are made the same and some candles may be exposing your family to a toxic and unhealthy environment. According to the American EPA, certain candles when burned release carcinogens (cancer causing agents) such as benzene and toluene into the air and are toxic when inhaled. These toxins will also settle on surfaces in your home. Candles made from paraffin, which is a derivative of petroleum wastes, create both smoke and soot which carry toxic substances. One air quality researcher has stated that soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Some paraffin candles also have lead core wicks which upon burning emit small particles of lead into the atmosphere.

There is also concern that some scented candles when burned may cause health challenges. Toxic chemicals such as acetone, benzene, carbon disulfide, carbon monoxide and many others have been cited as toxins emitted as some fragrances mix with the burning wax. If you desire to burn scented candles, make sure the candles are authentic aromatherapy candles which are scented with real essential oils.

But be of good cheer, candles can still be enjoyed without concern for toxic elements. Candles made from beeswax or soy provide a healthy alternative to potentially harmful candles made from paraffin. Beeswax does not produce toxins or soot when burned. Soy is a new substance used in the manufacturing of candles with the benefits of clean burning with little soot, made from a renewable resource, and uses no petroleum products. Soy candles are also available in many wonderful scents. Also, look for aromatherapy candles that are scented with real essential oils. Read labels carefully on candles before purchasing or ask the sales clerk for information on the ingredients. Unfortunately, candle manufacturers are not required to list hazardous, toxic or carcinogenic compounds used in their ingredients but you can call the manufacturer with your questions if the label is unclear.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR FOR IN A NON-TOXIC CANDLE:

– candles made with beeswax or wax with vegetable derivatives, with no animal products

– candles that burn with zinc-core or cotton wicks – NOT LEAD

– check to see if candles are authentically aromatic

HELPFUL SAFETY REMINDERS:

– Always keep a burning candle within sight
– Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
– Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
– Trim wicks to inch prior to each use
– Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
– Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat resistant surface
– Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid

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About the Author

Chief Editor for www.smartlivingnews.com

Tags: Animal Products, aromatherapy, Author, Avey, Benzene, Breath Heart, Cancer Causing Agents, cancer;, chemicals;, Diesel Fuel, Environmental Protection Agency, Extreme Weakness, Heart Palpitations, Home Candles, Local Hospital, manufacturing, Mark, Natural Glow, Panic Attacks, Paraffin Candles, petroleum products, Petroleum Wastes, Precipitate, quality researcher, sales clerk for information on the ingredients, Scented Candle, Shortness Of Breath, Soot, Toluene, Unhealthy Environment, Wick —

Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not Part 2
Robert Walker

Tips for Managing Specific Food Allergies
Milk, Egg, Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish/Shellfish, Soy, Wheat
Traveling with Food Allergies
Other Resources
E-mail this Information to A Friend
Other Topics in the Consumer Focus Archive
The Basics of Food Allergies

Food Labels
Food labels usually list all the ingredients in any given food thats why its important to

read the labels. If you see one of your food allergens listed, dont eat the food. The problem,

though, is that a food protein can have more than one name. Different names for some food

ingredients, along with some tips for managing the specific food allergy, appear below:

Tips for Managing Specific Food Allergies
Milk Allergy

Other names for milk proteins may include:

Casein, caseinates, rennet casein
Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate, lactoglobulin, lactulose
Some hidden sources of milk:

Many restaurants put butter on steaks after they have been grilled for extra flavor but the

butter it is not visible after it melts.
Some brands of tuna fish contain casein (a milk protein).
Some meats contain casein as a binder be sure to check the labels carefully.
Deli meat slicers are frequently used for both meat and cheese products.
Commonly asked questions:

Q: Is goat milk a safe alternative to cow milk?
A: No, it is not a safe alternative. Goats milk protein is similar to cows milk protein and

may cause a reaction in milk-allergic individuals.
Q: Do these ingredients (Calcium lactate, Calcium stearoyl lactylate, Cocoa butter, Cream of

tartar, Oleoresin, Sodium lactate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, and Lactic acid) contain milk?
A: These ingredients do not contain milk protein and need not be restricted by someone avoiding

milk. However, lactic acid starter culture may contain milk and should be avoided.

Egg Allergy

Other names for egg proteins may include:

Albumin (also spelled albumen), and meringue or meringue powder.
Some hidden sources of egg:

Some commercial brands of egg substitutes contain egg whites.
For you coffee drinkers be aware that, in some instances, eggs have been used to create the

foam or milk topping on special coffee drinks and are used in some bar drinks.
These items may include egg protein: artificial flavors: lecithin; macaroni; marzipan;

marshmallows, and nougat.
Most commercially processed cooked pastas (including those used in prepared foods such as soup)

contain egg or are processed on equipment shared with egg-containing pastas. Boxed, dry pastas

are usually egg-freefresh pasta is usually egg-free, too. But, as always, it is important to

read the label or ask about the ingredients before eating pasta.
Eggs are used in some salad dressings.
Commonly asked questions:

Q: Is a flu shot safe for an individual with an egg allergy?
A: If you are allergic to eggs, speak to your doctor before receiving a flu shot. Influenza

vaccines are grown on egg embryos and may contain a small amount of egg protein.

Peanut Allergy

Some hidden sources of peanuts:

Arachis oil is peanut oil.
Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been de-flavored and re-flavored with a nutty taste,

such as pecan or walnut.
Peanut butter, peanut flour.
Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
Cold pressed, expelled or extruded peanut oil.
African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes often contain peanuts, or are

contaminated with peanuts during preparation. Dishes to avoid include: baked goods; candy; chili;

egg rolls; enchilada sauces; flavoring; marzipan; nougat, and sunflower seeds.
Foods sold in bakeries and ice cream shops are often in contact with peanuts.
Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced on equipment also used for peanuts.
Keep in mind most experts recommend peanut-allergic individuals avoid tree nuts.
Learn More Man Health Issues At http://todays-man-health-advocate.com
Commonly asked questions:

Q: Can a peanut allergy be outgrown?
A: Recent studies indicate up to 20 percent of children diagnosed with a peanut allergy outgrow

it.

Note: Peanuts can be found in many foods check all labels carefully as they can cause severe

allergic reactions. If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine, be sure to carry it with you at

all times. Individuals allergic to peanuts are often told to avoid tree nuts as well.

Tree Nut Allergy

Some hidden sources of tree nuts:

Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been de-flavored and re-flavored with a nutty taste,

such as a pecan or walnut.
Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
Mortadella may contain pistachios.
Tree nuts have been used in many foods including barbecue sauces, cereals, crackers, and ice

cream.
Kick sacks, or hacky sacks, and bean bags are sometimes filled with nut shells.
Commonly asked questions:

Q: Should coconut be avoided by someone with a tree nut allergy?
A: Coconuts are not usually restricted in the diet of an individual allergic to tree nuts. But

some people have reacted to coconut, therefore, discuss this with your doctor before introducing it into your diet.
Q: Is nutmeg safe?
A: It is considered safe for someone who is allergic to tree nuts but, as always, consult your

physician.
Q: Should water chestnuts be avoided?
A: They are not a nut but an edible portion of a plant root, and are considered safe for

someone who is allergic to tree nuts.

Note: Individuals allergic to specific tree nuts are advised to avoid all tree nuts and peanuts

as well.

Fish and/or Shellfish Allergy

Allergic reactions to fish and shellfish are commonly reported in both adults and children.

Fish-allergic individuals should be cautious when eating away from home. You should avoid fish

and seafood restaurants due to the potential risk of cross-contamination in the food-preparation

area of your non-fish meal from a counter, spatula, cooking oil, fryer, or grill exposed to

fish. Also, fish protein can become airborne during cooking and cause an allergic reaction some

individuals have had reactions from walking through a fish market.

Some hidden sources of fish/shellfish:

Suriimi (imitation crab meat) contains fish.
Caesar salad dressings and steak or Worcestershire sauce often contain anchovies.
Caponata, a traditional sweet-and-sour Sicilian relish, can contain anchovies.
Commonly asked questions:

Q: Should iodine be avoided by fish or shellfish-allergic individuals?
A: Allergy to iodine, allergy to radiocontrast material (used in some lab procedures), and

allergy to fish or shellfish are not related.

*Allergic reactions to fish and shellfish can be severe and are often a cause of anaphylaxis. It

is generally recommended that individuals who have had an allergic reaction to one species of

fish or positive skin tests to fish avoid all fish – the same rule applies to shellfish.

Soy Allergy

Avoiding products made with soybeans can be difficult since soybeans have become a major part of

processed food products. Keep in mind, soybeans and soy products are found in baked goods, canned

tuna, cereal, crackers, infant formulas, sauces, and soups. Some brands of peanut butter list soy

on their labels. Soy-allergic individuals should consult their doctor whether or not to avoid

soybean oil and soy lecithin.

Wheat Allergy

Some hidden sources of wheat:

Keep in mind to read food labels carefully some brands of hot dog buns and ice creams contain

wheat.
Some types of imitation crabmeat contain wheat.
Wheat flour is sometimes flavored and shaped to look like pork, beef and shrimp, especially in

Asian dishes.
Many country-style wreaths are decorated with wheat products.
Commonly asked questions:

Q: Are kamut and spelt safe alternatives to wheat?
A: No. Kamut is a cereal grain which is related to wheat. Claims that spelt is safe for

wheat-allergic individuals are untrue. Wheat-allergic individuals can react as readily to spelt

as they do to common wheat.

Note: If you have food allergies, dont be shy about asking restaurants, friends, or anyone else

serving you food to list the foods ingredients.

For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Traveling with Food Allergies
Remember, your food allergy will always travel with you. To ensure that your next trip is

relaxing and enjoyable, you should plan for the changes in your environment that may affect your

food allergies.

Pack all medications you will need on your trip in your purse, briefcase or carry-on luggage so

you dont lose them if your luggage is delayed.
Make sure you bring more than enough, and store your medications in their original containers,

which list instructions on how to take the medication and obtain refills. Also, when flying

abroad, the original container identifies the medicines for custom officials.
Be extremely cautious when eating airline food. Since the food comes from a vendor, no one on

board may be able to tell you the specific ingredients of the foods.
Make sure to carry your portable, injectable epinephrine in case you have a severe reaction while

in flight.

About the Author

Robert Walker is a health information marketer and writer that writes for
The Men’s Health Advantage Report at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com.

Tags: airline food, Author, Calcium Lactate, Cheese Products, Cocoa Butter Cream, Cow Milk, Cows Milk, Egg Allergy, Egg Proteins, extruded peanut oil, Food Allergens, food allergies;, Food Allergy, Food Labels, Food Preparation, Food Protein, food;, given food thats, Goat Milk, Goats Milk, health information marketer, Lactate Sodium, Meat Slicers, Meringue Powder, Milk Allergy, Milk Protein, Milk Proteins, oil;, Peanut Oil, physician, Processed Food Products, Robert Walker, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, soy products, soybean oil, Tuna Fish, Wheat Products, writer —

Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not Part1
Robert Walker

The Basics of Food Allergies In Men

Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Fresh flowers, a friends cat

or dog, even dust can make people itch, sneeze and scratch almost uncontrollably. But what about

that seemingly innocent peanut butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about

food allergies and steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure to potentially dangerous

food allergens.

The Basics
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Most Common Food Allergens
Diagnosing Food Allergy
Treatment for Food Allergies
Other Resources
E-mail this Information to A Friend

The Basics
Each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from a variety of allergic diseases such as;

atopic dermatitis and other eczemas, hives, allergies to venom of stinging insects (honeybees,

wasps, and fire ants), allergic drug reactions and food allergies. According to the National

Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million Americans, (5 to 8% of children and 1 to 2% of adults) have a true food allergy.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance

Food allergy, also called food hypersensitivity,is a reaction of the bodys immune system to

something in a food or an ingredient in a food usually a protein. Food allergens are not broken

down by cooking or the digestive process. As a result, they enter the bloodstream and cause

allergic reactions throughout the body. Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions.

Other reactions to foods are called food intolerances or food idiosyncrasies. Food intolerance is

an adverse reaction to a food substance or additive that does not involve the immune system.

These reactions are generally localized, temporary, and rarely life threatening. Lactose

intolerance is an example of food intolerance.

Note: It is very important for individuals who have true food allergies to identify them and

prevent allergic reactions to food because these reactions can cause serious illness and, in some

cases, be fatal.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergy differ greatly among individuals. They can also differ in the same

person during different exposures. Allergic reactions to food can vary in severity, time of

onset, and may be affected by when the food was eaten.

Common symptoms may include: skin irritations such as rashes, hives and eczema, and

gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath can also result from food allergy.
Some individuals may experience a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis a rare but

potentially fatal condition which may include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing,

lowered blood pressure and unconsciousness.
Symptoms usually appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to the allergen.
Seek immediate medical attention standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of

epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airway and blood vessels.

For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Most Common Food Allergens
The eight most common food allergens include:

Milk (including yogurt and ice cream, and anything that is made with milk)
eggs
peanuts
tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds)
soy
wheat
fish
shellfish (such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab)
Note: These food allergens cause more than 90% of all food allergic reactions. However, many

other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.

Diagnosing Food Allergy
If you suspect you have a food allergy, get a medical evaluation. Treatment is basically avoiding

the food(s) after the specific food allergy is identified. You should see a board-certified

allergist to get a diagnosis, and a dietician to plan the proper diet.

Making a diagnosis may include a thorough medical history, analysis of a food diary, and several

tests including skin-prick tests, RAST tests (a blood test) and food challenges. Once a diagnosis

is complete, an allergist will help set up a response plan that may include taking medication by

injection to control allergic reactions.

Treatment for Food Allergies
Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to

prevent a reaction. Once the specific food has been identified, it must be removed from your

diet. It is important to read lengthy, detailed ingredient lists on each food you are considering

eating. The Food and Drug Administration requires ingredients in a food to appear on its label.

You can avoid most food allergens if you read food labels carefully, and avoid

restaurant-prepared food that might have ingredients to which you are allergic. Dont be shy

about asking for more information if the menu isnt clear.

Unfortunately, you cant take a medication in advance to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to

a specific food. However, there are several medications that will relieve food allergy symptoms

that are not part of an anaphylactic reaction. These include antihistamines to relieve

gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, or sneezing and a runny nose, and bronchodilators to relieve

asthma symptoms. These medications are taken after you have inadvertently ingested a food to

which you are allergic, but are not effective in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior

to eating the food.

Note: Randomly taking different food groups out of your diet can cause other health problems.

Seek the help of a doctor before making significant changes in your diet.

Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:

Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Food Allergies:
Websites*:

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Asthma & Allergy Foundation
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Food and Drug Administration
International Food Information Council
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center

For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Consumer Focus: The Basics of Food Allergies

Tips for Avoiding Food Allergies
Eight percent of children in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by food allergies, along with

up to 2% of adults. The eight most common food allergens milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy,

wheat, fish and shellfish cause more than 90 percent of all food allergic reactions. However,

many other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.

About the Author

Robert Walker is a health information marketer and writer that writes for
The Men’s Health Advantage Report at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com.

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Making delicious fish and seafood part of your healthy diet
Zaak OConan

Maximizing protein content while minimizing fat and calories is a goal of many people who are trying to lose weight, gain fitness or just enjoy a healthier diet. There are few foods that combine low fat, low calories and high protein the way fish and seafood do.

In addition, the protective oils in many cold water fish are being studied for their possible role in preventing heart disease and lowering levels of cholesterol in the bloods.

In addition, fish dishes are delicious, easy to prepare and often inexpensive. Many people have avoided buying more fish because they were unsure of how to cook and prepare it. While fish dishes can sometimes be a challenge, there are many recipes, both online and in cookbooks, that make it easier than ever to prepare fresh fish for yourself and your family.

Many nutritionists recommend that everyone eat fish at least twice a week. Substituting low fat, low calorie fish dishes for more calorie dense, fatty meats is a great way to lower the amount of total fat in your diet, and this can boost your level of fitness or help you lose weight.

The amount of protein in fresh and frozen fish and seafood is very high, certainly comparable to higher fat sources like beef, pork and lamb. And fish is generally thought to be a healthier choice, since all that protein comes with less fat and fewer calories. Everyone knows about the importance of protein in the diet, for both children and adults. Protein is a vital building block of muscle, and it plays a role in repairing muscle damage, growing strong nails and hair and other important bodily functions.

While protein is found mainly in animal based foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy products, there are plant based sources of protein as well. These non animal sources of protein include peanut butter, lentils, peas and nuts. The downside to many protein laden plant based foods, however is their high content.

This is yet another feature that makes fish so appealing as a source of protein. Fish contains just as much protein as many of these higher fat, higher calorie sources. Eating fish provides – shall we say – a greater protein bang for the buck than many other sources.

You may have heard that salmon contains a lot of fat, and it is true that salmon does contain more fat than many other fish. Compared to high fat meats like sausage and bacon, however, salmon is still a relatively low fat source of protein. Like other fatty foods, however, it is important for those watching their fat intake to limit their consumption of salmon.

One advantage fish has over other types of meats is the type of fat it contains. Most meats contain saturated fats, which are solid at room temperature. Unlike cattle, pigs and other land animals, the fat in fish is of the polyunsaturated variety. Polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature, and they are healthier fats for the people who consume them.

Saturated fats are thought to play a greater role in heart disease, stroke and hardening of the arteries. That is why healthy cooking typically involves the use of polyunsaturated fats such as canola oil and olive oil, instead of saturated fats such as beef lard and butter.

Many people worry about the level of pollution in general, and mercury contamination in particular, in fish. While it is true that polluted waters are of some concern when it comes to fish, seafood products are actually quite safe to eat.

In addition, many types of fish, like salmon and sardines, are farm raised, and their diet and environment is strictly controlled. It is recommended, however, that fishermen and fisherwomen limit the amount of their catch that is eaten if they live near a polluted river or stream. The local fishing and hunting authority usually issues guidelines for eating fish in areas where pollution is a problem.
About the Author

Zaak O’Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You’ll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com

Tags: Animal Sources Of Protein, Author, Beef Pork, Bodily Functions, Canola Oil, Cold Water Fish, dairy products;, Delicious Fish, Fatty Meats, Fish And Seafood, Fish Dishes, Fresh Fish, Frozen Fish, Gain Fitness, Healthier Choice, Healthy Diet, heart disease;, High Protein, Meat Poultry, Muscle Damage, olive oil;, Poultry Eggs, Preventing Heart Disease, Protein Content, seafood products, Sources Of Protein, Stroke —