Healthy Weight Loss Tips

Healthy Diet Tips And Much More



Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not

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.


Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted by: admin | Category: Healthy Diet,Healthy Eating,Healthy Foods | Comments (0)

How to determine if your diet is healthy enough

How to determine if your diet is healthy enough
Zaak OConan

Everyone wants to eat a healthier diet, but it can sometimes be difficult to know if your diet is healthy enough. There are a number of factors that go into creating a healthy diet, and it’s important to evaluate the current state of your diet before embarking on a plan for healthier eating.

There are several questions you should ask yourself when evaluating the healthiness (or lack thereof) of your current eating plan. These questions include:

Do I eat a wide variety of foods?
Variety is one of the most important hallmarks of a healthy diet, since no one food contains all the nutrients needed by the human body. It is important to eat foods from all the major food groups, including grains and breads, fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meats, beans and nuts.

If you find yourself avoiding some food groups, such as vegetables for instance, it may be time to look for a healthier diet.

Do I recognize the importance of cereals, breads and other grain products?
Eating a wide variety of grain based products is important to a healthy diet. Grains and cereals contain a large number of important nutrients, including high levels of dietary fiber.

It is important to choose whole grain products as often as possible, since whole grain products like wheat bread contain more nutrients than more refined white bread and similar products. When eating cereal, it is a good idea to choose whole grain varieties, or those that are enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Do I eat lots of fruits and vegetables?
Many people do not eat sufficient servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Most experts recommend eating between 5 and 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, roughly equivalent to 2 cups of fruit and 2 cups of vegetables.

When shopping for vegetables and fruits, it is important to choose a good variety of dark green, dark red, orange and yellow varieties. That is because different colored fruits and vegetables contain a variety of different nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A and beta carotene.

Do I eat a good breakfast every morning?
Breakfast, or the absence of it, is often a good indicator of the state of your diet. If you rush out of the house every morning and grab a donut at the local convenience store, chances are your diet can use some work. A healthy breakfast provides a foundation for the rest of the day, helps you avoid cravings and provides much needed nutrition.

Do I choose low fat foods over higher fat alternatives?
This is also an important question to ask yourself. Low fat alternatives are available for a variety of products, including milk, cheese, meats and more.

One part of following a healthy, low fat diet is avoiding prepared foods whenever possible, since prepared foods tend to have higher amounts of fat and sodium than fresh foods.

It is also important to control the amount of fat that is added at the table. Adding things like butter, sour cream and heavy sauces is a sure way to ruin an otherwise healthy meal. Even healthy foods like salads can be sabotaged by the addition of high fat salad dressings. Try using lower fat alternatives like flavored vinegars instead.

Do I drink plenty of water?
Drinking plenty of fresh, pure water is important to maintaining a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle. Water is important to maintaining optimal levels of health.

If you think you need more water, try substituting water for less healthy beverages like soda and coffee.

Am I able to maintain my optimal body weight?
Gaining weight without trying to is often a sign of a poor diet. Following a healthy diet, and getting plenty of regular exercise, is the only way to lose weight and keep it off.

Do I limit the amount of salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine in my diet?
While all of these elements are fine in moderation, excessive amounts of any of these four can indicate a serious problem with your diet. It is important to limit the amount of unhealthy elements in any diet.
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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted by: admin | Category: Healthy Breakfast,Healthy Diet,Healthy Eating,Healthy Foods | Comments (0)

Hoodia Gordonii and a Healthy Diet

Hoodia Gordonii and a Healthy Diet
AudreyOverman

What does Hoodia Gordonii and a healthy diet have to do with one another you ask?

The fact is that your only true advantage in achieving a happier, ill-free, and definitely longer life is your knowledge and conviction in the payback of a healthy diet. Not only will eating healthier make you more active and stronger, it also strengthens you immune system and prevents the possibilities of the occurrence of life-threatening ailments like cancers and heart diseases.

For a healthy individual, a good diet can maintain the proper functioning of his or her body. Maintenance of every healthy single tissue and organ is necessary in order to achieve a healthy style of living.

A balanced diet means that the four food groups – vegetables and fruits, grains, meat, and dairy products – must be consumed according to how much your body needs it….BUT NOT MORE THEN IT NEEDS!

The fact is North America is full of fat people, everyday we hear of people dying of various conditions and diseases… and most of these can be traced back to overeating (eating more then your body needs) and eating the wrong foods.

The problem is food is so incredibly additive.. saying no or passing on the dessert is almost impossible or so we think. For years people of been using a herbal product which is a genus in the plant family Apocynaceae, in the part of the family previously treated as a separate family Asclepiadaceae. It is a strange looking plant (related to cactus but is not one), can reach up to 1 m high and present exuberant flowers, often with flesh color and strong smell. This little (and until recently unknown) plant which is called Hoodia Gordonii is now considered the worlds most incredible diet plant for weight loss.

Hoodia is the ONLY diet pill in history to be featured on Oprah, MSNBC, CBS the Today Show, 60 Minutes, and the BBC. There are Hoodia Gordonii Guide shows you how to keep from getting ripped off, how to begin a safe and productive weight loss plan, and shows you how to find and choose the best product. Or you can go right to the source of the supplement that was featured on these shows at http://www.pure-hoodia-diet-pills.info.

What does Hoodia Gordonii do?

Hoodia Gordonii will help you to stop over eating. This Hoodia plant with an appetite-suppressing effect greater than that of any other is credited for the endurance and survival of the hardy San people of South Africa whose heritage can be traced back to rock paintings 27,000 years old has taken center stage.

Realizing that Hoodia Gordonii stops hunger and provides a state of alertness (without the jittery feeling) the Western world is consternated by the prospects. With obesity-related health problems (cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, hypertension osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, heart disease…) on the rise and health costs soaring the entire world is focusing on Hoodia and the promise it holds.
About the Author

Discover Hoodia Gordonii, an Amazing Herbal Appetite Suppressant that Kills Your Appetite, Ups Your Mood and Gives You Waves Upon Waves of Energy — with NO Side Effects! http://www.pure-hoodia-diet-pills.info


Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted by: admin | Category: Healthy Diet,Healthy Eating,Healthy Foods | Comments (1)

Healthy Living: Simple steps to a better life

Healthy Living: Simple steps to a better life
Colin McDougall

When you watch TV or read magazines you get the impression that most people spend their days as lean, mean exercise fanatics who compete in triathlons, eat tofu, and drink a gallon of rain water a day.

If you dont fit this profile, you are not alone. Consider:

  • Seven out of 10 American adults don’t exercise regularly, despite the proven health benefits, according to a 2002 study based on more than 68,000 interviews for the National Center for Health Statistics.
  • 80 percent of people in the US older than 25 are overweight based on the body mass index (BMI), a national guideline computed through a combination of weight and heightaccording to a Harris Poll released in 2002.
  • According to the American National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC), in 2000 the most common actual causes of death in the United States were tobacco (435,000), poor diet and physical inactivity (400,000), alcohol consumption (85,000).
  • The writing is on the wall poor diet and physical inactivity is about as dangerous as smoking.

    So, why dont we exercise and eat right?

    For most of us, the answer is: time. Exercise and diet take time away from our work, our families, our lives.

    Some of us have tried to fit exercise into our daily routines before and maybe even stuck with a program for a while, but finally saw too little gain for the effort and time it took.

    Heres the good news: a healthy lifestyle wont consume you like it might have years ago. The science of healthy living has come a long way in recent years. Consider:

  • Modest but regular exercise has proven to raise the bodys metabolic rate, so that you burn fat even when at rest.
  • New strategies of exercise and diet bring results much sooner than ever before, without drugs.
  • A healthy lifestyle isnt only about working out and cutting out foods you like. Its also about applying a balanced approach to all areas of your life. For example, studies show that you can lose weight by simply watching less television.
  • Realistic health improvement for real people

    We all know we should take better care of ourselves, but modern lifestyles with hectic work schedules, commuting, and family and social responsibilities make it difficult for us to live a healthy life.

    But you can begin to live a healthier life. You can start slowly and work in more healthy practices. Interestingly, even small changes can lead to big improvements over time. Begin modestly by making a commitment to starting to do something and to stay with it. As you proceed, remember to be proud of your accomplishmentsyou will be doing more than 70 percent of the population!

    The doctor will see you now

    Before embarking on a fitness program and making dietary changes, talk with your doctor about your plans. If you have prior health conditions, especially cardiovascular disease, your doctor may want you to avoid certain exercises. If you are on certain medications, your doctor may give you valuable information on avoiding drug interactions with certain foods such as grapefruit and with some herbal supplements.

    A special word to smokers

    If you smoke, you know you need to quit. Modern research links smoking to a vast array of cancers, as well as heart and cardiovascular disease. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking alone causes one-third of all cancer deaths.

    The bottom lineif you are a smoker, stopping represents the single best health action you can take. Talk with your doctorthere are new treatments available.

    Some basic health objectives

    It can be hard to know where to start when you want to improve your health.

    Here are three baseline objectives for a healthier lifestyle:

  • Lose weight / Eat a more balanced diet
  • Get more exercise
  • Reduce stress
  • Lose weight / Eat a more balanced diet

    Qualified health professionals agree the keys to losing weight are to eat less, eat a more balanced diet, and to increase your exercise level. In general, reducing your intake of protein and eating more fruits and vegetables is a good start. Try and reduce your intake of saturated fats common in fried foods. Your heart will thank you.

    Here are some tips:

    Eat a diet that contains lots of:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Ensure you are getting an adequate supply of:

  • Vitaminsa daily multi-vitamin is good protection
  • Calciummany men and women do not get enough calcium in their diets, putting them at risk for osteoporosis.
  • Watermany adults do not consume enough water each day
  • Reduce your consumption of:

  • Fat
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Processed foods
  • Fast food meals
  • Alcohol
  • Other Tips:

  • Make your own nutritious lunch and take it to work. Youll save money and feel better too.
  • Buy veggies for snacks, such as small washed carrots or apple slices, which you can put into re-sealable bags and take to work.
  • Consider diet supplements for weight loss and health

    Despite our best efforts, it is hard to eat a balanced diet everyday. Consider taking one or more of the excellent vitamins and supplements available, but check with your doctor first before taking them.

    Today, you can get the latest high quality vitamins and dietary supplements at low prices and without leaving your home by ordering over the Internet. Here is an excellent example of a vitamins site.

    Avoid fad diets

    Use common sense and follow the advice of government health authorities, university nutritionists and other well-accredited health care experts. Reliable nutrition advice is available free by contacting your local health department and talking with a nutritionist.

    Be wary of the latest Fad Diets put forward by authors. Healthy eating is not rocket scienceyou need to eat a balanced diet that includes the four food groups:

  • Vegetablesthree or more servings per day
  • Whole grainsfive or more servings per day
  • Fruitthree of more servings per day
  • Legumestwo or more servings per day
  • This is well documented by decades of research. Sure, the fad diets may help you lose weight temporarily but at worst you could seriously damage your health and at best, you will likely gain the weight back if the diet is not sensible and sustainable.

    Get more exercise

    The second key to losing weight is to add more physical exercise into your lifestyle.

    Exercise takes some effort and time, so it is fair to ask why you should bother. The key reasons include the following:

  • Weight loss
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Increased energy
  • Increased bone strength
  • Maintenance of muscle mass
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Better appearance
  • Research continues to show that any exercise is better than none. For example, regular walking or gardening may be beneficial in reducing your risk of heart disease.

    Exercise

    At a minimum you should strive for at least three 20-minute bouts of continuous aerobic (activity requiring oxygen) rhythmic exercise each week.

    Other exercise levels will depend on your physical condition and goals. Consider a session or two with a certified personal trainer to accurately assess your current physical condition and plan an exercise regimen.

    Easy ways for non-athletes to add exercise to their daily lives:

  • Get off the bus a stop or two early and walk to work or home.
  • If you drive to work, park in a new location and walk a few blocks.
  • Take the stairs at work. Get off the elevator a few floors down and walk up a few flights.
  • Ride a bicycleyou dont need a fancy bike, but you should always wear a helmet
  • Walkits cheap and it works! The average person can walk three to four miles an hour. This makes many short trips to the store within walking distance, saving you money on gasoline and providing a health benefit at the same time.
  • Try gardeningraking, weeding, and tilling will all give you exercise. If you have a small, level yard, consider a push mower. These mowers are quiet, cut the lawn beautifully, and give you exercise all at the same time.
  • Enlist a friend to join youhave fun together and stay motivated
  • Consider creating a home gym

    More and more people are purchasing exercise equipment to use at home. The advantages include:

  • No wasted time traveling back and forth to the gym
  • Ability to use the equipment more often and at more convenient times
  • Increased chance of participation by all family members
  • Here are some tips in selecting equipment:

    Determine what goals you want to pursuestrength training, aerobic training or cardiovascular training before you look at equipment.
    Buy sturdy, quality equipment from known manufacturers.
    Purchase equipment that will meet your needs now and as you improve
    Buy from a reputable retailer, who has a large selection, low prices, and stands behind their products. For an excellent example for home gyms (click here) and other fitness equipment.

    Reduce Stress

    The good news is that by eating a healthier diet and exercising more frequently, you will have already taken two of the most important steps to helping your body fight stress.

    Obviously sources of stress are a personal matter. Be alert to chronic stress you have trouble managing. This can sometimes lead to more serious conditions for both men and women, such as depression. If you feel you are having trouble coping, it is best to talk with your doctor.

    If on the other hand, you have the everyday level of stress most of us face, you may want to try these stress-reducing tips:

  • Make time for family and friends
  • Avoid stressful thoughts by not listening or watching the news first thing in the morning and last thing at night
  • Try listening to music or practicing meditation
  • Take vitamins B6 and B12they are excellent for fighting the effects of stress and most adults dont get enough of these important vitamins.
  • How can I get started on a healthier lifestyle?

    If you are not living as healthy a life as you want right now, you may be wondering how you will find the time and the resources to make changes.

    The good news is you dont have to make all the changes at once, but do resolve to make some improvements. Time is always an issue, but time taken to improve your health will yield big improvements in many other areas of your life.

    There has never been a better time to start, because thanks to the Internet you can purchase quality heath care products and equipment, quickly and efficiently and save money too! Heres a link to get you started with weight loss programs and healthy living.

    About the Author

    Colin McDougall is a successful freelance writer providing valuable advice for people seeking weight loss programs and vitamins. Visit http://www.weight-loss-and-nutritional-supplements.com and http://www.vitamins-source.com for more articles. He also offers other health and exercise related sites such as http://www.a1-hockey-equipment.com and http://www.paint-ball-gun-reviews.com. His numerous articles offer several healthy living tips.


    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Posted by: admin | Category: Healthy Diet,Healthy Eating,Healthy Foods | Comments Off on Healthy Living: Simple steps to a better life
    Older Posts »
    */
    © Healthy Weight Loss Tips | WP-Theme designed by ATILLUS
    */