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Tag: Healthy Eating

Do you know where your milk comes from?

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Do you know where your milk comes from? Whether you’re trying to eat local or just curious about the origin of your milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese, the site Where Is My Milk From? will help you identify the city, state, and dairy where it was processed.

Most bottles and cartons of milk, as well as many containers of other dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, and even soy milk, are printed with a code. This corresponds to the state and plant where it was processed – information that is made public in the FDA’s Interstate Milk Shippers List but not very user-friendly.

Where Is My Milk From? makes it easy to plug in the code and get the name and location of the dairy. It doesn’t necessarily give you the whole picture, as the processing dairy might bottle milk from multiple dairies, but it can still be enlightening. The site also reveals the interesting fact that “different brands of milk often come from the same dairy – and the same cows.”

Locate the code on your carton or container, enter it above and click Find It. You’ll instantly know which dairy your milk came from! The same goes for your yogurt, chocolate milk, soy or organic milk, coffee creamer, cottage cheese, ice cream, and more!

Click here to check your code.


Getting on the wellness bandwagon

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Even Weight Watchers has accepted wellness is key.

We just read that Weight Watchers renamed itself to ‘WW’ as consumers want to be well, not to diet .

Weight Watchers rebranded as “WW” to broaden its focus to health. The company, which has helped people watch their weight through assigning points to food and organizing meetings, is renaming itself “WW” to reflect to overall health.

WW’s new tagline is “Wellness that Works.” WW plans to launch a new app and a partnership with Headspace, a company that teaches meditation through an app.

I always believed that lifestyle, not diet, is the way to manage health and weight—after all, when you think about it, the first three letters of DIET are DIE and that’s what if feels like you’re going to do when you are starving yourself on a diet.

Over the past year, I’ve been using the R3 Plan and I’ve seen remarkable results losing a total of 25 inches in the past six months. I’ll share more about that in coming weeks!

Welcome to the wellness plan WW!

Healthy Thanksgiving Tip

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We are going to brighten up the flavor of our cranberry sauce this year by following our friend, celebrity chef Diane Henderiks, and using her fabulous recipe! Her recipe adds finely chopped crystallized ginger and the juice, flesh and zest of clementines tangerines and/or oranges – for a citrusy taste with subtle gingery bite. We love it! Diane Henderiks’ Cranberry, Orange and Ginger Relish Ingredients: 3 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger 2 tablespoons cup fresh orange zest 1/4 cup coarsely chopped orange segments Step-by-Step Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat for about 8 minutes until berries begin to pop. Remove from heat, cool completely, cover and chill. Enjoy!

Probiotics can be the answer to good health

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You have probably seen or heard about probiotics in recent advertising or news stories. Probiotics can improve digestion, aid in weight management, increase energy, help with clear thinking, give you healthier skin and strengthen your immune system.

There are bad bacteria in your gut that can cause negative reactions to your health. That’s why it is important that you add good bacteria to your diet with probiotics. It is even more important if you are or have recently been on an antibiotic regime. Antibiotics don’t discriminate; they kill ALL bacteria, not just the bad ones, as the below post from The Gut Health Project points out.

The importance of balanced gut flora cannot be overstated. Among other things, it can help relieve joint pain; help prevent anxiety and depression; increase your energy, and obviously, improve bowel function. All of these contribute to your overall well-being—and, it doesn’t stop there either.

There are thousands of case studies that support these conclusions. In fact many physicians believe that there is no more important supplement that you can take than an efficient probiotic. There are basically six telltale signs that show you probably need an effective probiotic. The signs include: digestive issues; problems with weight management; fatigue or lack of energy; brain fog or a lack of mental clarity; skin issues and immune deficiency. It’s become quite apparent that probiotics are NOT ONLY for digestive issues, but for total health.

Choose your probiotic carefully. Choose one that is pure and effective, assuring widespread benefits. So take care of your gut and you will take care of your health, too. 

https://www.guthealthproject.com/6-signs-you-need-probiotics/

Health Benefits of Cranberries

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When doing healthy meal planning we are likely to think of blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries in the berry category. The facts are cranberries, recent studies have identified have more than two dozen antioxidant phytonutrients that can help to make us healthier.

About one-third of all adults are estimated to experience what is known as Metabolic Syndrome which is not itself considered a chronic disease, but rather, a key risk factor for other chronic diseases, like diabetes and diseases involving the cardiovascular system, and often, UTI (urinary tract infections).

The health benefits of cranberries are highly credentialed as a phytonutrient-rich food. Most of these have shown to have antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties and many other health benefits. The article below from The World’s Healthiest Foods describes a list of Anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins and more that are delivered by cranberries in your diet.

Cranberries can help to regulate your risks from many chronic diseases as this article points out. It also provides a description, selection and storage suggestions and history of cranberries, which are arguably, a North American fruit.

One of the challenges of including cranberries in your healthy diet is their taste—tart, tannic and sometimes bitter— which explains why they are mostly a “special occasion” food (20% of their consumption is on Thanksgiving). My company has developed and manufactures a solution to that challenge in the form of a daily supplement that is made from cranberries. Their health benefits cannot be underestimated.   

www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=145

Blood Sugar and Insulin

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The ability of your body to control insulin can make significant differences in the quality of your health. Insulin is a hormone that is generated in your pancreas. It is released, optimally, in small amounts throughout the day and in larger amounts after meals.

Insulin and its effects can also cause you to gain weight, battle metabolic issues and even lead to diabetes. The below article from Get Your Lean On gives you some insight and tips on controlling the insulin your body manufactures.

Try to avoid all forms of sugar. There are study results referred to here that will give you some reasons why. In short, sugar promotes insulin resistance. Refined carbohydrates are another food to moderate or avoid completely, if you are able to, since they are converted to sugars.

The article also recommends eating foods that are higher in soluble fiber and will help stabilize and regulate blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber also produces higher levels of good “gut’ bacteria and makes you feel fuller, longer. Regular exercise should also be a part of your daily, healthy regime.

Finally, increase your consumption of lean protein. It helps to absorb valuable amino acids that build muscle. Eating the right proteins is critical to the overall effect of your insulin “smart” diet, so pay attention to the types and amounts of the protein you eat.

You may also want to consider some supplementation in your plan, regardless if your goals are weight-loss or simply universal good health. My company has developed a great tasting shake in several different flavors that allow me to easily and conveniently control my blood sugar and insulin levels.

www.getyourleanon.com/blog_home/2016/08/13/5-ways-lower-blood-sugar-and-insulin-levels-naturally-get-your-lean/

Are Suffering From Gluten Intolerance?

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Gluten is a widespread name for the proteins that can be usually found in wheat products. Grains that contain gluten include wheat, barley, rye, oats and others. People who eat gluten-loaded foods can feel a plethora of symptoms—often described as allergic reactions that can yield to intestinal inflammations. Problems like an unpleasant feeling in the stomach can easily become long-term damage.

Currently, you can’t be tested for gluten intolerance—but taking the test to rule out celiac disease can help. During normal digestion, enzymes are in charge of breaking down long strands of protein. Gluten amino acids are called peptides and they can be absorbed and transported within the body for later use. Occasionally, the body will treat peptides as foreign bodies and set off alarms, convincing the immune system the body is under attack, which can create  all sorts of health problems and symptoms.

It’s often difficult to note gluten intolerance, because many food items can hide its presence. To find traces of this compound, you have to start reading labels. In that way, you will be fully aware of the elements that are in that item. Watch for food additives, medications, and flavorings. Having knowledge of what you put in your body is crucial for your health.

Here is a list of 15 Indicators that can help you determine if you are gluten intolerant.

  1. Constant headaches. The cause of recurring migraines after finishing your meal can be a big sign that shouldn’t be ignored. The biggest triggers are sugary foods, alcohol, dairy products, artificial sweeteners and processed meats. If you are eating lot of these foods, then there may be your answer. Be aware that everyday products like shampoos, products for cleaning and perfumes can contribute to migraines as well. The American Academy of Neurology hired researchers to do the study in 2001If this is the case, the solution doesn’t necessarily mean medicating yourself. Miracles can happen with just a few everyday changes. Try consuming more vitamins and minerals. Not only will they contribute to the migraines fading away but they can help with your overall health.
  2. Digestive problems. Gluten can affect the stomach and it can be the first organ to indicate something Is off. A study done in 2013 that was published in Gastroenterology Hepatology revealed some interesting facts. Gastrointestinal symptoms can be created by following the consumption of wheat in some people. Those people are usually suffering from celiac disease or allergies. Some of the symptoms are bloating, cramps, constipation, gas or heartburn. 
  3. Extreme exhaustion. Fatigue is a common symptom when we talk about gluten sensitivity. If you find you are extremely lethargic after a meal you may want to take a look at what foods may be triggering this feeling. Too many carbohydrates can give energy spikes that later lead to the feeling of somnolence. Hormonal imbalance due to gluten sensitivity can also yield some big changes to our body.
    Sleep problems like insomnia and struggling with proper brain function can have an impact on fatigue.
  4. Mood swings. We can all be prone to irritability—it’s normal and it happens to all of us. However, extreme anxiety and anger issues can feel awful—leading to a lack of self-control. People with a gluten intolerance have a tendency towards mood swings, feelings of depression and sadness. Two reasons are cited for these emotional rollercoasters: either your body is assaulting its tissues and yielding to inflammation or the gluten is obstructing the absorption of nutrients.
  5. Dermatological problems. One prominent target of gluten allergy-related effects is, of course, the skin—the biggest organ in the human body. It’s no rarity that people allergic to gluten suffer from multiple skin conditions at once. When gluten latches onto the top skin layer, the epidermis cells can get damaged beyond repair—causing rashes, itching, blisters and severe redness. A lack of vitamin A can also manifests itself through acne, psoriasis and several forms of eczema.
  6. Muscle pain due to fibromyalgia. FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia is the collective name for all types of muscle fiber-related chronic pain. It’s somewhat difficult to pinpoint, as it affects both muscle and connective tissue. Due to the prevalence of connective tissue, you may or may not feel pain in your bones too. One recently discovered cause of fibromyalgia just maybe gluten intolerance. During one prominent study, it was discovered that a non-celiac form of gluten sensitivity can be a cause of fibromyalgia. If you have fibromyalgia, you may want to try eliminating gluten-based products.
  7. Dental problems. Enamel is one of four major tissues that form the body of your teeth. Its role is to protect the body from acidic attacks and decay. Several proteins are responsible for its production—Enamelin and amelogenin are a pair of proteins responsible for creating and regenerating enamel tissue.  If you suffer from gluten sensitivity or a gluten allergy, these two proteins will be affected. This will lead to discolorations and problems within the enamel tissue. Because of this, it may become weaker and more sustainable to breakage.
  8. A clouded mind. A condition known as “mental fogginess” is characterized by a severe lack of focus and trouble staying concentrated. It’s a hazardous condition to have, as it can affect your day-to-day life. This cloudiness can indeed be caused by an intolerance to gluten and hinder the normal functionality of your brain and cause it to become less efficient in every way.
  9. A sudden appearance of autoimmune diseases.  When your body experiences gluten sensitivity, you tend to suffer from certain conditions known as autoimmune diseases. They are caused by the body attacking its own cells in a desperate attempt to preserve health and eradicate any presumed threat. There are 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Ones like lupus and multiple sclerosis aren’t surely caused by gluten. However, a person that already has MS or diabetes can see their symptoms worsen due to their gluten intolerance. A simple change in your diet can turn your whole life around in a matter of days.
  10. Frequent miscarriages and an inability to conceive. Everything about child conception and being pregnant is about hormones. There are several disorders which may severely disturb the hormonal system’s balance. One such disorder  isn’t really a disorder, but an intolerance to gluten. One woman went to a nutritionist as her last resort. He suggested that there may be a possibility of gluten intolerance. She laughed it off and tried removing bread and all wheat products from her diet. This instance proved to be the deciding factor in transforming her life. Several studies followed, describing the effect of gluten on human hormones. The results were astonishing.
  11. Unexplained weight gain. One side effect of celiac disease is unexplained weight gain. Weight gain might not be a direct result of gluten intolerance, but a side effect of a malfunctioning gut. As people who are gluten intolerant consume gluten-rich foods, the inner lining of the small intestine becomes inflamed, causing, tiny fissures appear allowing bacteria and other food molecules escape into the bloodstream. These foreign molecules are seen as foreign substances in the bloodstream and the white blood cells start to attack them, causing more inflammation. This makes for the perfect environment to pick up weight. The easiest way to determine if  gluten is the cause of  weight gain is by gradually decreasing or removing gluten from your diet. If your body weight starts to drop, chances are you are gluten intolerant. To be sure, however, you need to reintroduce the gluten-rich foods, one at a time. When you do this, you will be able to see if you gain weight again.
  12. Depression and anxiety. There are certain foods that seem to lift a person’s spirits and others that seem to bring a person down. Gluten can be a depression-inducing food. Only one percent of people in the US have celiac-disease, the most extreme form of gluten intolerance. There are a number of other people who live with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and these people can experience digestive problems that are related to depression and anxiety. Gluten is also a major allergen that can cause unwanted brain reactions. A study was done 2014 where 22 people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity were given a gluten-free diet for three days. They then received either a gluten-rich, whey rich or a placebo diet to follow for a further three days. The researchers assessed the candidates after the three day period and calculated their depression scores. The candidates who received the gluten diet showed much higher depression scores than the candidates who had either the placebo or the whey diets. This strong correlation pointed towards how gluten could actually make you feel depressed. Another study published in 2007 also showed that people with celiac disease were 80% more likely to suffer from depression than those who were gluten tolerant. The study was performed on 1400 candidates. Furthermore, a Swedish study that was done in 2011, showed that people who had celiac disease also had a higher risk of committing suicide. Although the correlation between gluten and depression might not be a direct correlation, if you suffer from depression, you might want to consider cutting down on the gluten.
  13. Leg and arm numbness. One of the more surprising symptoms of gluten intolerance is peripheral neuropathy. This condition can manifest itself in a number of different ways, including numbness, tingling, burning and in some cases pain of the arms, legs, and feet. When you are gluten intolerant, your body sometimes starts to produce anti-gluten antibodies. When these antibodies attack the gluten, it occasionally also causes nerve damage. A study was done where 215 patients were screened for axonal neuropathy and the results showed that none of the patients had any medical reason for the neuropathy. However, when these candidates were tested to see if they were gluten intolerant, the study showed that 34% had high amounts of anti-gluten antibodies. Surprisingly 80% of all the candidates showed that they had the celiac disease gene. A clear indication that there had to be a connection between the neuropathy and gluten intolerance. According to the University of Chicago, it is actually quite common to show signs of neuropathy and not show any of the other gastrointestinal signs of gluten intolerance. Physicians recommend that you follow a gluten-free diet to alleviate and even remove any sign of neuropathy.
  14. Iron deficiency anemia. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin (the red pigment) to enable the transport of oxygen. The symptoms that accompany iron deficiency anemia is fatigue, irritability, headaches, brittle nails and a decreased appetite. Celiac disease can cause damage to the small intestine and restrict the absorption of iron. During the early stages of the disease, the upper two parts of the small intestine become damaged—this is where most iron is absorbed. If you have been suffering from chronic anemia and medication has not alleviated the issue, it is recommended that you have yourself tested for celiac disease by your physician.  Once you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and you start with a gluten-free diet, you will notice a change in your energy levels seeing that your intestine begins to heal and absorbs more iron. You need to give the diet between two through eight months to correct the imbalances that occurred.
  15. Canker sores. Canker sores are little lesions or sores that form around the gums, the inside of the cheeks and underneath the tongue. A person can typically have one to six canker sores at a time and they usually last for about 10 days. These pesky little sores are quite common and can be triggered by a number of things. They typically start to form between the ages of 10 and 20 and tend to resolve or fade away during a person’s 30s. These tiny ulcers can be quite painful and irritating, seeing that they are extremely sensitive and make eating a chore rather than a pleasure. When these sores occur repeatedly, the condition is known as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, or RAS. Doctors wanted to find out if there was a correlation between gluten and RAS and found 247 patients which were screened with the IgA antibody test, IgA and IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase. Seven random patients that tested positive for at least one of the sets were then sent for further biopsies and the results showed that they had gluten-sensitive enteropathy. These seven patients did not respond to the normal canker sore medication and were, therefore, put on a glutted-free diet for six months. During that time, four out of the seven patients showed a remarkable reduction in canker sores. The researchers concluded that when a person is diagnosed with RAS, he should consult a physician and test for celiac disease.

 

Antibiotic Overuse

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As soon as we get the sniffles, a sore throat or a drippy nose, the first thing many of us do is reach for an antibiotic. They’re usually readily available in our medicine cabinets. They are available because they are over-prescribed by doctors and emergency rooms everywhere.

47,000,000 prescriptions in the U.S. are unnecessarily prescribed. Efforts need to be made to improve the way we take these drugs and the way physicians prescribe them. This should be a national priority.

The article below from the Centers for Disease Control outlines the dangers of overuse of antibiotics. Surprisingly at least 23,000 people a year die from antibiotic misuse.

The article states when antibiotics are needed and should be taken. Additionally, it explains when antibioticsare NOT needed and should not be taken. There are recommended alternatives that can be used (and things to do) to feel better. While antibiotics can be very effective when prescribed and taken properly, they can also cause physical problems like reductions in good bacteria and immunity to the antibiotics themselves.

Of course, the best way to fight disease is to stay healthy in the first place. A good diet, plenty of water and moderate to vigorous exercise are good lifestyle choices that help avoid the onset of disease. A pure and effective vitamin regimen can also be effective. Be sure that you research the supplements you choose and make sure there are studies that support your choice.

www.cdc.gov/features/antibioticuse/index.html

Benefits and Needs for Fiber

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While there is a wide range of foods that provide fiber, in today’s world, it is difficult for most of us to consume enough fiber to satisfy the daily minimums. The article below from “Food is Medicine”, shares twenty foods that provide high levels of fiber.

Today’s Western diet probably satisfies only about half of the recommended amount of fiber that you need. As the article states: this is a big deal because high fiber foods guard against a number of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Many processed foods are “fiber enriched”, but these are not the most desirable source of this valuable (and indispensable) dietary need.

The article makes the case for foods high in fiber as the best way to satisfy your needs, it admits that it is unlikely that you will be able to satisfy minimum needs with diet alone; and suggests that you will need a supplement to meet your daily requirements. It also points out that the quality of the supplement can, and will, make a big difference.

An effective supplement will contain a recommended balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber provides bulk in the digestive system which helps the elimination process, expelling carcinogens and toxins from the bowels. Soluble fiber is actually retained in the bodily system, creating a gel that prolongs elimination so that key nutrients can be absorbed more efficiently.

Some fiber supplements do not contain soluble fiber at all. Still, others do not contain enough insoluble fiber to do the job properly. It is important to have the correct balance of both. As has been stated, a healthy diet is best and this list of high in fiber foods provides a handy guide for healthy meal planning.

The company with which I am associated, offers a complete array of supplements and high-in-fiber snacks that allows me to effectively control my fiber intake daily. These products and supplements contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. I am convinced that my good health is as a result of these indispensable products. Here’s to your health!   

draxe.com/high-fiber-foods/

Fiber for optimal health

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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer.

Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older. People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

The good news?

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50.
If everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.

There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.

Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:

  • Get screened starting at age 50.
  • Encourage your family members and friends over age 50 to get screened.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Get plenty of physical activity and eat healthy.

One healthy addition to your diet is fiber. On a daily basis, 95% of Americans are only getting about half as much fiber as they need. Fiber is a component of plant foods that is never broken down and absorbed by the body—allowing it to perform important functions that  no other food can. The two forms of fiber, soluble and insoluble, both play important roles in maintaining optimal health as well as helping  to keep your colon “clean”.

Why fiber?

Well, according to research fiber can help prevent serious issues developing in your digestive tract because it  can sweep away toxins and waste throughout your body. Studies also show that the adequate amount of fiber helps supports immunity, improves regularity, and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

I’m lucky to have found a great fiber product that’s a scientifically balanced blend of seven fiber sources, plus vitamins, antioxidants, soothing herbs, and probiotics. A single glass of this broad spectrum fiber provides 12 grams of healthy fiber to help me meet my optimal daily fiber and offers several benefits I don’t get from traditional fiber products.

Quick quiz: True or false?

You should get tested regularly for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.

Answer: 

Starting at age 50, get tested regularly for colorectal cancer. When it comes to colorectal cancer screening, you do have options. Learn more about screening here.

Decide which screening test you prefer here.