What’s breakfast without cereal when you were a kid?? Super convenient and taste bud pleasing, but is cereal healthy?? Cereal does come from processed grains. How cereal is made is highly processed starting with processing the grains into flour, then adding sugar and water, undergoing high temperatures to shape the cereal, and then drying out the product into the final shapes. Nutrients are added, hence many of the labels stating fortified with vitamins and minerals. This crunchy food is typically enjoyed with milk or yogurt in puffed, flaked, or shredded form.
The major trouble that comes with cereal is the added sugar. Consumers are often misled by false claiming labels. You must read the nutrition facts, not the claims that say they can lower cholesterol or help fight diabetes. The next problem with cereal is that most people eat well over one serving at a time. Most cereals abide by ½ cup to 1 cup per serving with around 200 calories. However, a “bowl” of cereal is much more than this amount. Many cereals also contain refined grains, so it is important to find those that are whole grain so that more of the nutritional value is intact. To help, always look for cereals that contain at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. Another worry with cereal is that it can pack on the sodium. Therefore, between the added sugar and sodium, it’s no wonder we want to keep adding more and more to the bowl if there is milk left. Some cereals contain up to 500 mg per serving. When it comes to sugar, some cereal equates to eating cookies. Cereal also does not contain much protein at all, which means it doesn’t necessarily keep you satiated unless of course you eat a large quantity of it.
There are close to 6 million types of cereal. There are many crispy and crunchy brands. Cereals is quick and easy and of course has a longer shelf life than eggs and toast since it is a highly processed food. There are also hot cereals such as oatmeal and grits. All types of cereal either come in corn, wheat, or rice form. This ready to eat packaged option makes the morning routine much easier to manage. The worst types of cereals are those made for children, and they can contain up to 50% sugar. The packages only claim the good qualities, but it is important to read further into your selection. All the colors and shapes make cereal fun and attractive. Even in adulthood we can be nostalgic for a good bowl of cereal. For some, it’s a late-night snack too. Always read labels, always. Then make more informed choices because how you start your day can direct your energy, mood, and performance.
Dry, itchy skin is often associated with the skin condition called eczema (atopic dermatitis). It is marked by being long lasting and flaring up from time to time. For people who have eczema, their irritated skin will look like a rash that might be swollen. Other symptoms include crusting skin, small bumps, thicker skin, dry/cracked skin, and/or raw skin. Eczema can start in early childhood and continue through adulthood, flaring up from time to time. It is not contagious.
There is a gene associated with skin that deals with protection. After all, our skin’s purpose is to protect all that is under it. Some people with eczema lack protective genes. The weak skin then doesn’t retain moisture as well, and this reduces the protection against bacteria and allergens that are irritants. They’re also more prone to other types of allergies. Other people have too much of the bacteria called Staphylococcus which affects the good bacteria in the skin. The barrier skin provides is then not as healthy or effective. Because the barrier is weak, the person becomes at higher risk for immune responses such as inflammation.
Taking care of the skin is very important and having a skin care routine helps. When a person has eczema there are preventative measures to take to avoid flare ups. Moisturizing the skin a minimum of twice per day is good practice to follow. Shea butter and lotions can help seal moisture in. Because soaps can be especially irritating to people with eczema, it is recommended to only use cleansers that are dye free, alcohol, and fragrance free. Applying after bathing is best. Bathing should be done every day. There are certain triggers that can be avoided as well. Stress, cold air, dry air, heat, sweat, pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, stress, and rough wool fabric, should be kept away as much as possible. All of these are self-care measures, but if ineffective there are other options.
A health care professional can prescribe medications such as antibiotics to ward off infection when flare ups strike. There are pills that can be taken regularly to keep flare ups away as much as possible. Prednisone is an example of this type of medication. There are injectable biologics options too. Dupilumab (Dupixent) is an example of these. There are ointments and creams that can be topically applied which are typically corticosteroid products. For more severe cases, wrapping the area with the products on using a wet gauze can help seal in the moisture. Light therapy is another option which incorporates UVA and/or UVB rays.
Itching and scratching is the worst habit to form. Children must be taught not to this. Anti-itch and anti-allergy medications can be taken to help against this irritation. Skin plays a huge protective role for us. In turn, we must protect it. We don’t always get drawn the best hand to deal with, but if eczema is part of life, then taking care of it the right way is critical. Quality of life depends upon this. We must live in our own skin, so keeping the home comfortable just feels better.
Seems like temptations lurks on every corner when you are trying to lose weight. Most of the time, it’s our very own friends, family, and co-workers who are the “food pushers”. These people insist you have some, continuously offer, pressure you as they share, and inadvertently are trying to sabotage your diet. These people are not exactly supporting your change, rather, they’re making you feel guilty at happy hour and for skipping out on the birthday cake.
When faced with this predicament, the best answer to a food pusher is a solid, “No thank you”. There doesn’t need to be an explanation or justification. If you feel you need a follow-up, simply add, “No thank you, but I’m on a special diet”. When they just keep pushing, it’s time to say, “No thank, but I’m on a special diet and honestly I could use your support and encouragement”. Now, the guilt has been spun back around. Psychology 101.
Here are some additional tips to help with food-pushers and the ever-prevalent temptations all around you:
- While at work, ask that the treats and sweets be kept in the break room. They don’t need to be paraded at the entrance, rather, obtaining the donut requires a special trip to physically go up and get one. You are less likely to cave in when the visual proof is out of sight to better lead to out mind.
- 2 bite-rule of take and toss: This means that you accept the offer, merely nibble, then destroy of the evidence. The taste buds had their moment and you didn’t say no to offend anyone.
- At family gatherings or catered events that food is put in front of you: You can say I’m full right now but I’m going to take it home for later. You could say I’ve got a little upset stomach so I’m going to wait to take it home and actually have this at an enjoyable time for my stomach.
- Your spouse or partner really likes eating out and wants to continue to do so: Try healthier locations and say that you want to start to expressing love in other forms rather than food.
- Happy hour is every Friday: It’s time to try club soda with lime. You don’t have to miss out, but you have to learn to enjoy time with others without chewing or drinking. If someone keeps the pressure on, just say you have been getting major headaches from alcohol so it isn’t worth the risk.
- When someone says you have to try something: Tell them you will later. Stalling can make the immediate pressure subside then be forgotten.
- When someone says that the food is your favorite and you will love it: Just say you already had some. Little white lie for your waistline won’t hurt anyone.
- When someone tells you that one bite isn’t going to kill you: Just tell them that you are bottomless pit and once you start you won’t be able to stop so better not let that happen.
- When someone keeps saying have more or have another drink: Just say you have to drive or that you still have another engagement to stop by after so better not get too much in your belly now.
- When you are forced to take left overs: There are plenty of people in need of food or take it to work the next day for someone else to have. You don’t have to throw it away, but you can also take the plate and “accidently” set it down and leave it. Oops.
Yes, these replies all seem easy and caught in the moment you have to have the confidence and will power to assert yourself. Goals are goals and don’t let others, offerings, and those food pushers deter you from what you ultimately want to accomplish.
Cornstarch has a bad reputation but is still so popularly used and consumed. It is an ingredient that thickens soups, sauces, and desserts. Cornstarch is versatile and the answer to many cooking recipes. Other uses include softening baked goods, holding together fruit fillings, and adding crispy coating to meats, vegetables, and crusts. Many people have it in their pantry because it is used for so many purposes. However, as good as it is for cooking, it isn’t so good nutritionally. It is considered a highly processed food that is stripped of all its nutrients.
When it comes to cornstarch in our diet, well, it happens to be high in both calories and carbohydrates. The good nutrients we benefit from and need like protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, are not part of the picture. Although we don’t consume a full cup of cornstarch when we do eat it, for content purposes, one cup of cornstarch has 488 calories, 117 grams of carbs, and only 0.5 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. If you were to eat a fruit tart, you probably only have a tiny, tiny amount of cornstarch, but even this amount can affect your blood sugar. This is because cornstarch is high on the glycemic index. When we have foods that contain cornstarch, it is digested very quickly so your blood sugar spikes up quickly. Type 2 diabetics must be cautious.
A healthy diet can still have a minimal portion of cornstarch in it. Keep in mind, if cornstarch is used to thicken foods, well, it can do the same to your body. One to two tablespoons at a time on occasion is okay. It’s typically the type of foods you are eating that have cornstarch in them that probably aren’t the greatest. Having gravy, sauces, and desserts wouldn’t be foods to have daily. Puddings, custards, pancakes, waffles, beers, and ales aren’t what a healthy diet entails on a daily basis. The best way to stay away from cornstarch is to avoid processed foods entirely and when you cook leave this ingredient out of it. Basically, all foods with cornstarch also have plenty of sugar, fat, and sodium. There are other cooking alternatives to cornstarch such as tapioca, arrowroot, potato starch, or wheat flour. Be mindful, enjoy bites, and portion control might take willpower, but your overall health and body weight will thank you.
One of the easiest ways you can volunteer to help others is by donating your blood. In fact, according to the American Red Cross, your donation can save up to three lives. In the U.S., someone is need of blood every two seconds. With a need that high, no wonder we hear of blood drives and donating events. Giving to others always feels good, and donating blood has its own way of being beneficial to the doner as well. It is completely safe when performed properly and with the correct equipment. You can safely donate up to 3 times per year.
Donating blood can help you feel better mentally and physically. Giving to others can reduce stress. It has also been found that donating blood can contribute to lowering the risk of heart attack and heart disease. This is because regularly donating can lower iron stores. This sounds counter intuitive, but lower iron stores reduce the risk of heart attack. Some research suggests donating can also lower blood pressure.
Not everyone is qualified to donate because there can be several risk factors. People with HIV, hepatitis B or C, if you have syphilis, or having West Nile virus, are all reasons you would not be able to donate. Some people get intimidated or a little scared when considering donating. This is because you might get dizzy, lightheaded, feel arm pain, and/or feel nauseous. Some people do have hemophobia so the site and setting of being around or near blood can be a major deterrent. About 500 ml of blood is taken during a standard donation. After being taken, the blood gets separated into plasma, red cells, and platelets.
We never know when life can present an emergency or disaster. People can lose blood and need more due to major blood loss during surgeries, having severe anemia, having sickle cell disease, form gastrointestinal bleeds, and even from loss of blood during childbirth. Donating blood is an easy, safe, fast way to help save lives. Just a little bit goes a long way and the more people who do it, the more there is to utilize upon demand.
Our bodies need protein for critical functions and performance of many bodily operations. We can get protein from both animal and plant sources and there has become popular interest regarding which is better. We need protein for cellular processes, including growth and structure, and for immunity related purposes. There is a difference between animal and plant protein, so the nutritional argument can vary for which type we should have if one were to choose one type versus the other.
There are about 20 amino acids the body uses to build protein. Therefore, protein is made of amino acids. Animal proteins are complete proteins because they contain all the 9 essential amino acids. Examples of these would be poultry, seafood, dairy products like milk and cheese, and eggs.
On the other hand, not all plant proteins are complete. There are complete plant proteins which are soybeans, Ezekial bread, quinoa, buckwheat, nutritional yeast, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and pea protein, but most lack one or more of the essential proteins. Examples of incomplete plant proteins include beans, nuts, legumes, wheat, and wild rice. However, if you were to combine incomplete plant sources such as having a peanut butter sandwich, which had peanuts and wheat as the protein sources, together they would make a complete protein. Another example would be having pita bread and hummus together to meet the “complete” status.
There are benefits to having both types of protein. Animal protein can help build lean muscle mass and ward off muscle loss with age. It greatly depends on the type of animal protein consumed. Eating fish can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. Eating red meat has mixed research showing an increase in risk for heart disease and stroke. Plant based protein has been associated with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and reducing the risk for cancer and stroke. A diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and nuts can help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes. However, eating fried vegetables and refined grains is not a healthy option.
A diet that includes a variety of plant-based proteins and lean meats is a good approach to nutrition. There are pros and cons to both types of protein and sometimes limiting to one or other can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Type and preparation are major factors amongst either type of protein. Fried chicken versus a handful of almonds would be an example of preparation influence. Collard greens drowned in butter versus grilled fish would also have its preparation influence involved. Protein isn’t to be skipped or lacked in our bodies, so whichever type you choose or if its having both, make sure you are aware you are meeting the body’s needs. As a rule, you should have one gram of protein per pound of body weight. Therefore, if someone weighed 120 pounds, they should have around 120 grams of protein. Stay strong with protein and stay strong with healthy dietary choices that have it.
“With a cherry on top” is something so many of us have said when it comes to desserts and beverages for a little added bonus. Cherries are a fruit that many people enjoy the flavor of. Sweet and tart are the two types of cherries and either come in a variety of colors, not just red. They’re actually nutritious, but that of course depends upon how you consume them. From pies to alcohol, cherries are used for many purposes. Here’s how they are healthy for us.
One cup of cherries has about 97 calories in it. We benefit from the fiber, potassium, and vitamin C they contain. We need potassium for nerve and muscle function, and we need vitamin C for good immunity and skin. Fiber is needed for digestion. Cherries also have magnesium, vitamin K, copper, and vitamin B.
A great reason to eat cherries is because of the number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds they contain. Antioxidants ward off oxidative stress which in turn helps prevent pre-mature aging and chronic disease. They have polyphenols which help fight cellular damage and reduce inflammation. Cherries have polyphenol antioxidants which include flavanols, catechins, and anthocyanins. These all keep the heart healthy.
Many athletes drink tart cherry juice to help with exercise recovery because of the anti-inflammatory property in cherries. This helps with soreness and muscle pain. In turn, some advocate that tart cherries can improve training performance because of better recovery.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries also aid with symptoms associated with arthritis and gout. They can reduce uric acid levels in the body. They also break down proteins that lead to arthritic pain.
Cherries can also help you sleep better. They contain melatonin which helps with sleep duration and quality. People with insomnia drink cherry juice to help them get to sleep when needed.
Adding cherries to your diet isn’t hard. They can be used in sauces, on salads, eaten raw, put in baked goods and smoothies, and even added to water (as well as other beverages). We might think of cherries as just a bit of sweet or tart taste, but there’s actually good reason to eat a handful of cherries from time to time.
Going to the hairdresser every 4 to 8 weeks is a beauty routine many adhere to. Between highlights, coloring, straightening and/or perms, your hairstylist knows you won’t stay away for long. Besides the expense, dying and/or perming your hair has its pros and cons in terms of keeping your hair healthy. We have all heard horror stories of damage such as breakage, fall out, or bad cover up processing. For something that makes hair look so good, why do some experts say it is bad for us?
Our hair is made up of proteins in every single strand. Proteins are the protectors of the hair, guarding the inside of the strand. Things to guard against include heat and UV rays. Whenever the chemicals of dyes or perms are applied, the protein protection layer gets lifted. This means the chemicals will reach the inside of each strand. The dye changes the chemicals that make up the hair so the color will change. This chemical process can lead to the loss of your hair’s strength which leads to hair becoming thinner, your hair not being able to withstand heat, and the hair follicles becoming rougher. Repeating this process over time can lead to the accumulation of damage you might see in your hair.
There are chemicals to watch out for and to use sparingly. Bleach is one of the most well-known and popularly used chemicals, but it can damage your hair depending on the pH (acidity) of your hair. Bleach can affect hair’s strength, moisture, and ability to withstand heat. Bleach colors hair because of the oxidation process that involves hydrogen peroxide. P-phenylenediamine (PPD) is another chemical compound common in hair dyes that require an oxidizer like hydrogen peroxide. Henna is a natural hair dye sometimes used, but it can still cause damage by making hair coarser and brittle. Overall, going to lighter hair is what causes more damage versus darkening your hair.
Chemicals can also be applied to hair to perm or straighten it. A perm is a chemical treatment to curl the hair and straightening your hair requires relaxing it with a chemical. A perm practically reprograms the molecular structure of the hair so that it takes on the desired wave or curl. Hydrogen attaches to the hair’s bonds and breaks them so that the new change can take place. The perming process can damage hair especially if you color it too. When done correctly, the risk of damage is less but sometimes the processing can be trial and error figuring out the timing and amount of product needed to achieve the desired style. Some people have had their scalp burned because of this trial and error.
The chemicals used to relax hair can cause fizziness and dryness. This is usually because of the applied heat. Split ends are very common because relaxers wear down the outer, protective layer of hair. Because the hair is weakened, breakage is also common. Considerable thinning of the hair can also take place. Scalp burning can also take place.
Hairstylists are likely to follow safe practices. There are questions you can ask and steps you can take to help keep your hair safe. Using a conditioning treatment or products that have a conditioner in them during the processing is recommended and minimizing heat can help reduce the risks of damage. On your own you can use shampoos and conditioners that have moisture additives. Spacing out the time between hair appointments can help the damage on top of damage happening, giving the hair time to become healthier in between. Styling your own hair using less heat when you can be a good idea as well.
Hair is interrelated to our self-esteem. When it looks attractive to us and is the color or type, we like best on ourselves, our overall confidence improves. Having a bad hair day is bothersome to anyone. Keeping those bad hair days away would be nice. Find a stylist you trust and be proactive in your own hair health. Your head of hair wants to feel good too.
Jaundice occurs when the skin turns a yellowish color, even including the whites of the persons’ eyes and mucus membranes. The yellow pigment is the result of high levels of bilirubin in the body which is a type of bile. The liver produces bile which is a fluid that helps with digestion. Bilirubin’s specific job is to help breakdown red blood cells. Causes of jaundice could be from tumors, gallstones, and/or hepatitis.
During the production of bilirubin, there are factors that can affect this process, thus resulting in jaundice. Causes could be alcohol in the body, the presence of hepatitis A, B, and/or C, medicines, anabolic steroids, metabolic defects, and/or autoimmune disorders. Any of these could impede upon the two phases of bilirubin production which include the reabsorption of large hematoma (when blood collected under the skin). The other phase involves hemolytic anemias which is when blood cells are destroyed before their lifespan is over.
Other than seeing the yellow pigment, signs of jaundice (short-term) include fever, flu-like symptoms, chills, abdominal pain, and/or very dark urine. Visible signs include bruising, palmer erythema (red color on the palms and fingertips), and spider angiomas (collection of blood vessels surfacing the skin). The inflame size and tenderness of the liver can also be a symptom of jaundice. This is because jaundice can occur with liver disease. There could be blockage that is happening while bilirubin is being produced. This could occur from gallstones, pancreatic tumor, and/or gallbladder cancer.
Jaundice itself doesn’t necessarily have to be treated, but the causes and side effects can be. Some people get itchy skin which can be treated with topical creams. Some people vomit and have an upset stomach which can be treated with herbal teas and ginger. Being careful of liver health is important and one would want to stay away from alcohol and treat any form of hepatitis. Adequate hydration is critical. Some foods are more liver friendly than others. Packed, canned, and smoked foods should be avoided. Whole, fresh foods are the best options. There are also herbal remedies. Following a healthy diet and keeping a healthy weight is always pivotal for good health. It isn’t jaundice itself that is the problem; its causation that should be addressed. Our body gives us warning signs we shouldn’t ignore.
Iliotibial band syndrome (IT) is a pain many workout enthusiasts, runners, and cyclists can experience. The area affected is near the outside of the hip and/or the outside of the knee. The IT is a band of strong tissue that runs from the hip to the tibia which is below the knee joint and at the top of the shin bone. The responsibility of the band is to stabilize the knee when you move. However, excessive training, poor biomechanics, tight muscles and little flexibility, and/or repetitive unbalanced exercises, can cause pain to the IT area.
When the IT band is aggravated, the person will feel pain during the same movements, an achy/burning sensation near the hip, and/or knee pain. The pain ca be present only when movement is taking place or even during sedentary periods. Competitive athletes, long-distance runners, basketball, and soccer players, and sometimes people who are new to exercising, can feel any or all these symptoms. There are a few reasons the onset of pain might come. Not stretching pre/post movement, running down hill, not having proper supportive shoes, over-pronation (flattening the feet too much), having tight muscles in the buttocks, thighs, and hips, having knee arthritis so the knees “bow” in, and/or overworking out, can all lead to irritation of the IT band. Sometimes a bursa (fluid filled sac) can form when the bone continues to rub against the band. The R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevate) method should be used to address the irritation right away. However, if walking is uncomfortable and the swelling doesn’t subside, seeing a medical professional is advised.
In order to diagnose IT band syndrome, a medical professional can do the Ober or the Noble’s compression test. The Ober test is when the professional will lay the person on their side and move the knee and hip. The Nobel’s test would be the same, but the professional would apply pressure while moving the knee and hip. Going forward, making sure proper shoes are worn, stretching pre/post workout, running on flat, even surfaces, correcting muscle imbalances and form, and adjusting the workout intensity, are all ways to help the pain decrease. Physical therapy can be done to help with proper stretches and strengthening to lessen inflammation and pain. Natural remedies such as turmeric and Epson salt baths can also help with relief. Taking a break from the activities/movements that led to the pain is a good idea. The duration of the break would vary and trying other alternatives could be an option as well.
Movement is medicine and we do need physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, we must listen when our body speaks to us. Ignoring pain or continuing to add to the inflammation would only lead to more problems over time. We can keep moving, but maybe we must pivot in another direction or in another form. Injuries don’t have to be setbacks if we are proactive and mindful of our self-care.