POST HALLOWEEN BOOS: PART 2

Forget the tricks, its all about the treats but these treats don’t always have to be so sweet. Part of getting over the holiday hump is resisting all of those sugary snacks. We need real solutions to stopping those sticky fingers in the candy bowl or reaching for a second helping of pumpkin pie. Here are some easy tips to get you through those difficult times and onto enjoying a real meal.

 Stop the Sugar Takeover

  1. Eat Breakfast – eating a hearty breakfast in the morning full of protein can stop those sugar cravings throughout the day. A good breakfast keeps you fuller longer so that you avoid the daily sugary snack between meals. The protein also helps to reduce the sugar cravings in your body.
  2. Substitute your Drinks – Instead of sugary sodas, juices and sports drinks, provide filtered water for your children. These sweet treats are packed with sugar causing your body to crave more, substituting these drinks it is also one of the easiest ways to reduce the sugar intake for your children each day.
  3. Avoid canned food – canned vegetables are packed in salt water that can increase the sodium levels in your body causing your to bloat. Canned fruit is usually packed in a sugary syrup that takes away any nutrients from the food and only adds to the increased sugar levels in the body.
  4. Cook with your kids- cooking with the whole family makes it easier to avoid fast food and salty and sugary boxed meals. You have more creativity to change up meals and add fresh vegetables and fruits to each dish.
  5. Avoid artificial sweeteners – these fake sweets may seem like a good idea but in the end they actually make your body crave more sugar causing you to reach for the cake or candy after breakfast or dinner.

These changes are not huge but over time they can add up to a big difference in your bodies energy and mental alertness. It is just the beginning of the holiday season so be sure to watch those extra side dishes and super creamy and colorful desserts. Choose foods that will keep you fuller for longer and avoid the momentary satisfaction of a chocolate bar. Happy Holidays and Good Eats!

*freedigitalphotos.net

 

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POST HALLOWEEN BOOS

Halloween has past but the holidays are not over. The ghost and ghouls have not ended after October. One of the scariest treats that follows you through the holidays is candy. Candy is chalk full of sugar and can have some spooky effects on your body if you are not careful.

The American Heart Association (AHA) found that the average american consumes 22.2 teaspoons of sugar a day! That is over triple the amount a single person should consume in a day. The biggest contributors to excess sugar is hidden sugar. This is the sugar found in your cereal, bread, juices, soda and pasta sauces; it  is not the obvious sugars like in candy and cake. During the holiday months we are overwhelmed with spooky treats and pay little attention to the effects of the excess sugar in our bodies, writing it off as a holiday treat. But this season lets pay close attention to those labels and help ourselves to more than just another serving.

Scary Side-effects of Your Holiday Candy

 Over indulging in candy this season and sweet holiday treats can have many consequences including:

  1. “Sugar High” – a short increase in energy and then a hard dive in your blood sugar level, leaving your body tired, unable to focus and anxious.

  2. Weight Gain – an increase in sugar intake can lead to a “muffin top”, excess fat in the wrong places on the body and is one of the leading causes in childhood obesity

  3. Type 2 diabetes – this disease can be brought on by eating too much sugar over a long period of time, causing insulin insensitivity issues and can even be life threatening.

  4. Tooth Decay and Cavities – we have all heard the horror stories of the effects of candy on our teeth but tooth decay is a serious issue among children and can be severely decreased by limiting the amount of your sugar intake and good oral hygiene habits

  5. Sleep Apnea – an increase of sugar in the body can cause nasal congestion and a swollen tongue, which can cause you to stop breathing for short amounts of time while you sleep. It reduces the amount of oxygen in your body and may have serious effects.

 If you have any of these issues please reduce all types of sugars such as candy, bread and pastries, ice cream and desserts, “white food” such as white rice, potato, and flour, and alcohol, and start replacing it with whole foods with a low glycemic index (GI). Low GI foods typically include fresh organic greens and vegetables, healthy oils, seeds and nuts, free range/hormone free beef, lamb, chicken and turkey, wild salmon, legumes and fruits like apples, pears, and avocados. Try working these foods and other low GI foods into your holiday meals this season. Always double check labels and be sure to buy the freshest produce for your holiday meals by shopping at your local farmer’s market and organic grocery store!

freedigitalphotos.net

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FREE TELECLASS

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Learn proven methods on how you can break free from allergies and restore you and your family’s health. Asthma, migraines, arthritis, ulcers and obesity have all been linked to allergy. Fatigue, irritability, body aching, digestive problems, and other vague ailments are typical of allergy.

Join me Wednesday, September 19th,  2012 @ 8:00pm Eastern (NY) time. (5:00pm Pacific, 6:00pm Mountain, 7:00pm Central).

Registration is FREE Reserve your space right here: http://www.healthlady.com/tele-class/dr-susanne-bennett

Find Out:

  • How allergies relates to environmental factors, food additives, diet, digestion, body chemistry, addiction, yeast, molds, parasites and childhood illnesses-
  • Simple, effective day-by-day guides with specific “action items” so you know exactly what to do to eliminate your allergies.
  • How to change your diet and eliminate the worst allergy culprits.
  • Turning your home into a breathe-easy space
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LATEX ALLERGIES—MORE THAN JUST A RUBBER ALLERGY

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latex-powder-free-gloves

When you hear about a latex allergy, you might think it means a person is simply allergic to rubber. Common enough, right? However, if you have a latex allergy, it can also mean you are allergic to certain types of foods handled by rubber gloves, along with instruments used in a medical facility.  A reaction can occur even if you are not coming in direct contact with the rubber itself!

Latex is a natural rubber that comes from a tree in Brazil.  A latex allergy concerns the proteins found in the rubber that comes from the tree.  The protein found in the latex may cross-react with some foods, meaning if you have a latex allergy, there is a good chance you may also be sensitive to avocados, chestnuts, bananas, wheat, mangos, potatoes and tomatoes. Like most allergies, side effects include itchy eyes, a runny nose hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis shock.

The most common items that contain latex are balloons, rubber gloves, rubber bands, and erasers, some of which are everyday items. It is important to familiarize yourself with common latex products if you are latex allergy-prone and carefully read the labels before you bring items like this into your home.

Latex allergies can be inherited, so if you have any family members that are allergic, it is important to get your children tested with a skin or a blood test from your doctor. These allergies can also appear later in life due to long term exposure with the product. If you have any concerns about latex or foods that may interact with a latex allergy, check with your doctor or do a bit of your own research online or in the library.  You would be surprised to find how many ways latex can indirectly cause a reaction!

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PROBIOTICS TO REDUCE YOUR ALLERGIES

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The term ‘bacteria’, does not sound like it would jive with the word ‘good’, but that is where probiotics step in. Probiotics are good bacteria that live in your intestines. They are involved in digestion as they help break down your food and help your body absorb the vitamins it craves. Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics. They work for your body instead of against it.
Taking probiotics can help replace the good bacteria within your body and help fight against skin and food allergies. Lately allergies have been on the rise, and many researchers speculate that hyper-sterilization is the root cause. Using antibacterial soap, for instance, gel, or other cleaners obsessively, destroys all bacteria, good and bad, from our environment. This does not give the immune system an opportunity to strengthen itself and can become weak over time, especially in small children. Probiotics can help defeat these allergies, along with irregular digestion, plaque buildup, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and the most common skin allergy, eczema.
You can find probiotic supplements at the vitamin store or you can talk to your doctor to find the right bacteria for your body. You can also find probiotics in foods like non-dairy cultured yogurt (coconut, rice, soy), kimchi, miso, tempeh, and sauerkraut. Taking probiotics daily, or at least after taking antibiotics, is an effective way to maintain your health, both physically and mentally.

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SLEEP ALLERGIES?

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Many people today are developing allergies far into adulthood. Most people believe you have to be born with allergies, but you can actually develop allergies at any point during your life. It is possible for us to acquire more allergies as we grow with the more we are exposed to. Over exposure of any substance can cause an allergy!

A new finding suggests many people are gaining new allergies due to a lack of sleep. “Researchers claim that sleep shortage can contribute not just to ailments like diabetes or obesity but could also speed the risks of developing allergies and/or infections in the future.” Lack of sleep is caused by a multitude of reasons, stress, anxiety or a busy schedule. But these factors may in fact weaken your immune system, making you more likely to develop an allergy.

It is recommended that you sleep at least 6-8 hours each night. This may seem impossible with a busy schedule, but having enough rest will ensure a healthy body. Sleep contributes to many functions of the body, so not getting enough rest can affect your whole day, disrupting concentration, memory, appetite and of course your immune system. Try creating a good sleep schedule to fit your routine, and be sure to avoid heavy meals a few hours before sleeping , along with caffeinated beverages. We all know how demanding our schedules can often be, but it is important not to let your body suffer because of it!

References:

Sleep Deficiency Linked With Allergies

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ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO YOUR PET?

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Many people are allergic to the dander that comes off of cats and dogs and avoid them altogether, but some do not mind a little sickness if they get to keep their furry companions. Most people actually choose to continue to live with their pets even after they find out they are allergic to them because most allergies to dander are non-life threatening and can be treated with over the counter medication.

I know how important animals can be to a family, so I have compiled a list of simple things you can do to make living with a pet easier, even if you are allergic to them. First off, it is important to remember that people with pet allergies are not allergic to the pet hair itself but to the oils and dander on the pet hair. Also that there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog or a breed that people are not allergic to–these are myths!

Pet Tips

▪ Create a pet-free area

▪ Clean your house often; this includes dusting and vacuuming

▪ Bathe your pets at least once a week

▪ Be sure that it is actually your pet that you are allergic to; take an allergy test and be sure that you are not allergic to something that your pet is bringing into your home from outside

▪ Try to keep a hairless pet; like a fish or a turtle

Animals bring in all types of things from outside that can get trapped on their fur and eventually settle into your home. Even if you are not allergic to your pet it is important to maintain a clean environment for you, your family, and your pets to live in. Try using a HEPA air system in your home to remove any air born allergens. I hope these tips help you and your pets live in perfect harmony or at least in a sneeze-free zone!

References:

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/allergies_pets.html

http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=63

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WHY GLUTEN FREE?

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Many people go years before they know that their bodies are incapable of digesting or are allergic to gluten. Gluten is a protein molecule found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and oats. Two types of gluten issues that people may have are celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

Many people confuse a gluten intolerance for celiac disease when in fact they are different things. Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease and gluten intolerance is when your body simply has difficulty digesting gluten. Typically a gluten allergy causes a reaction to wheat products. Symptoms usually range from swelling eyes, lips and face, sneezing and respiratory problems. If you suspect you are allergic to gluten grains I highly recommend taking an allergy test. If you test positive then it is crucial that you maintain a gluten-free diet at all times. Over time if you continue to eat grains that contain gluten you can damage your digestive system and cause nutrient deficiencies.

Many companies are now catering to people with gluten allergies and are manufacturing more and more gluten-free products. Cereal, crackers and even cakes are now being made gluten-free. Try shopping at local markets or going online for specific items. Be sure to stay away from pasta and bread and any other foods containing grain. Gluten allergies are fairly new to doctors and patients everywhere so researching it will be very helpful. Look up new products online and gluten-free recipes for your whole family to enjoy.

Reference

glutensinsitivity.net

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SEASONAL ALLERGIES

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Seasonal allergies are probably the worst of all allergies and affect just about everyone. Whether the symptoms last all season or a few days, many of us get that congested itchy-eye feeling once a year due to the high amounts of pollen in the air ,and weeds sprouting up during the new season. As common as this allergy is, it is still a hassle to live with.

These allergies usually crop up during the spring and fall seasons. Symptoms range from itchy-eyes, runny nose, and congestion. In some cases, people may experience more severe symptoms and should speak with their doctor for ways to remedy them. I would suggest avoiding outdoor activities during the allergy season between the 5am and 10am. Studies have shown that these are the peak hours for high concentrations of pollen in the air. Try taking your daily walks later in the afternoon if you experience a lot of symptoms. Also, try to keep your windows closed at home and in the car to avoid excess pollen from entering your system. I recommend investing in a HEPA air system for your home to clear out any allergens from the air.

The only way to be sure if you have allergies is to check with your doctor. They can run a blood test or a skin test to check for any and all allergens. If you find these symptoms are affecting your everyday life and become a distraction, try taking some over the counter treatments like antihistamine nasal spray. As always, look for natural remedies first but if you need to, look for prescription medication from your doctor. Try not to fear the seasons because of allergies, just equip yourself with the right remedies so you can still enjoy each day!

References:

http://allergies.about.com/od/allergies101/a/seasonalallergy.htm

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CONTACT DERMATITIS

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Most people associate allergies with food, but sometimes allergens do not have to be ingested to cause a flare up or allergic reaction; sometimes all you have to do is come into contact with them. Skin allergies like these are called contact dermatitis and can be found among males and females of all ages.

 There are three types of dermatitis, irritant dermatitis (ID), allergic contact dermatitis, and over-treatment dermatitis. Irritant Dermatitis is the most common form and appears when skin comes into direct contact with an irritant such as acids, soaps, detergents,or other harsh chemicals. The irritated area will typically resemble a burn. Allergic contact dermatitis appears when you come into contact with something you know you are allergic to, and most symptoms will appear 24-48 hours after initial contact. The final form, over-treatment dermatitis, occurs when a topical cream used for one skin disorder causes another one, making the problem worse.

 The most common skin irritants are plants like poison oak or poison ivy, alkaline materials, latex, and perfume. Some products may not cause a reaction right away, but continued use of heavy products on your skin may lead to dermatitis. The only way to test for contact dermatitis is with a patch test, where a doctor sticks different allergens on your body and leaves them there for two days to see the result. As obvious as it may sound, it works for people who may use multiple products everyday and are working to figure out what their body is reacting to. Contact dermatitis usually lasts for 2-3 weeks, but if symptoms persist talk to you doctor about treatment. Lastly, be sure to use any prescribed topical treatments correctly to prevent further harm to your skin!

 References:

 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000869.htm

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