Foods That Fight Spring Allergies

Along with the bloom of spring comes allergy season, and experts say this could be one of the worst yet.  Allergy specialists and meteorologists alike have noticed an extremely high pollen concentration, due in part to winter precipitation and warmer temperatures. In addition, global climate change is leading to high levels of carbon dioxide, which encourages trees to produce more pollen and allows mold to flourish and release spores.

About 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, which are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to particles in the air. Symptoms include a runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing, post-nasal drip, and itchy ears, nose, and throat.

There’s more bad news, too.  As global temperature begins to warm, allergy season begins earlier each year, and lasts longer. Pollen counts have been rising, and the seasons for tree allergies and grass allergies may now overlap—making life miserable for people who are allergic to both.

Common treatments for allergies include antihistamines, decongestants and nasal spray, but solid science suggests that certain foods can help fight spring allergies, as well. Try these seven foods to fight your spring allergies.

1. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, Grapefruits, and More

Bring on the vitamin C, found in abundance in your favorite citrus fruits! This vitamin has antihistamine properties and preliminary research suggests that it may reduce the symptoms of allergies. It’s even been suggested that nursing moms can help developing kids reduce the risk of allergies if they have vitamin C in their breast milk. Vitamin C has many other benefits, too, since it helps to repair tissues in all parts of the body.

 2. Tomatoes

Children who adhered to a Mediterranean diet had lower levels of certain allergy symptoms, according to a 2007 study. The diet includes a high amount of fruits, nuts, and vegetables—including tomatoes.

Like citrus fruits, tomatoes are high in vitamin C, but their allergy-fighting properties go further. Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may helpreduce symptoms of asthma, which often worsen during allergy season. Lycopene has also been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties—a benefit that could bring welcome relief to people suffering from swollen nasal passages due to the pollen in the air.

In addition to potentially fighting the effects of allergies, lycopene helps inhibit the action of destructive free radicals.  Higher lycopene in the blood has been linked to lower levels of certain types of cancer.

3. Sunflower seeds

Get some vitamin E in your diet, and it could well combat those pesky allergy symptoms. Research has shown that a diet higher in vitamin E may reduce the body’s response to allergens. To get your fill of this vitamin, sunflower seeds are an excellent option. Wheat germ oil, almonds, and peanuts (or peanut butter) are also good choices.

4. Spinach

It’s time to make Popeye proud. Because people low in magnesium are more prone to asthma and wheezing, getting more of this crucial mineral, which plays a role in more than 300 biological functions, may be helpful.  Other sources of magnesium include nuts (especially almonds and cashews), bran, and oatmeal.

5. Onions and garlic

Add quercetin to the list of nutrients that scientists believe may reduce the symptoms of allergies. Although more research needs to be conducted to prove that this works in humans, in test tubes, quercetin prevented immune cells from releasing histamines—the very chemicals that cause allergic reactions.

Quercetin is an antioxidant, so it can help neutralize harmful free radicals as well. Beyond onions and garlic, other good sources of quercetin include apples, parsley, sage, citrus fruits, and even red wine.

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6. Honey

It’s been theorized that locally produced, raw honey may reduce seasonal allergies, because the bees use nectar from flowering plants in one’s area to produce honey, which might help desensitize the body’s response to pollen allergens.

Although the scientific evidence is limited, one preliminary 2011 study found that those who used birch pollen honey before the start of birch allergy season had better control of allergy symptoms than those on conventional medication. Patients who took birch pollen honey reported a 60 percent lower total symptom score, twice the number of asymptomatic days, and 70 percent fewer days with severe symptoms, compared to the control group. They also used fewer antihistamines than patients taking regular honey.

7. Butterbur leaf

This herb may be a good antidote for nasal discomfort in people with hay-fever, according to a 2006 study involving 580 patients. Study participants were given two tablets, and symptoms (including itchy eyes and nose, red eyes, skin irritation, sneezing, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea) improved in 90 percent of them, over a two week period.

Butterbur can be found over the counter in health food and supplement stores, but, as with all new treatments and herbal supplements, it’s best to speak to your doctor before taking it.

sources: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/7-foods-fight-spring-allergies

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Dry skin

 

 

Dry skin facts

• Dry skin is a very common condition that causes small fine flakes and dry patches.
• Itching is one of the most common symptoms of dry skin.
• Scratching may be hard to resist.
• Dry skin is more common in colder winter months and drier climates.
• The elderly are more prone to dry skin than younger people.
• Dry skin is more common in individuals with a history of eczema, atopic dermatitis, allergies, or asthma.
• Dry skin may rarely be a side effect of medications.
• Dry skin is more common in those with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
• Repeat itch-scratch cycles may lead to skin thickening and darkening.
• Possible complications include rashes, eczema, and bacterial infections.
• Extremely dry skin can cause cracks and breaks on the skin.
• Medications including topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines can help ease itching.
• Secondary infections may result from scratches and skin breakdown.
• Topical or oral antibiotics may be necessary for secondarily infected dry skin.
• Several home remedies, such as decreasing bathing frequency and lubricating the skin with thick moisturizers after showers, can help control and prevent dry skin.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin is a very common skin condition characterized by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis. While dry skin tends to affect males and females equally, older individuals are typically much more prone to dry skin. The skin in elderly individuals tends to have diminished amounts of natural skin oils and lubricants. Areas such as the arms, hands, and particularly lower legs tend to be more affected by dry skin. Dryness of the skin is affected by the amount of water vapor in the surrounding air, the humidity. Dry skin is also known as xeroderma.
Dry skin may be a mild, temporary condition lasting a few days to weeks. Dry skin may also become a more severe, long-term skin problem for some. Symptoms of dry skin include discomfort from skin tightness and itching. In addition, external factors such as weather can affect the severity of skin dryness. For example, cold or dry air and winter weather can worsen dry skin. Individuals whose occupations require more frequent hand-washing and sanitizing may experience dry skin more often. Dry skin may also be a side effect of some medications or a symptom of an underlying medical disorder.
The epidermis is normally composed of fat (lipid) and protein. The lipid portion of the epidermis helps prevent skin dehydration. When the skin's fatty oils are removed, the skin loses its protection and loses moisture more easily. As skin becomes dry, it also may become more sensitive and prone to rashes and skin breakdown. This condition is sometimes referred to as xerosis. Dry skin may be an entirely invisible skin condition, or may cause a fine dry powder-like appearance of the skin. Untreated, dry skin may become irritated and result in a red rash (xerodermatitis).
Simple prevention and treatment measures are very effective in the treatment of dry skin. Basic dry skin prevention steps include avoidance of harsh soaps and chemical cleansers. Treatment generally requires more frequent and regular applications of bland emollients and moisturizers. Untreated, dry skin may result in complications, including rashes, eczema, secondary bacterial infections, cellulitis, and skin discoloration. Fortunately, dry skin is usually mild and can be easily remedied

sources: http://www.medicinenet.com/dry_skin/article.htm#dry_skin_facts

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Treating Depression

8 Tips to Help You Stay on Track While Treating Your Depression

 

Taking care of yourself is an important part of getting better. Feeling the way you do now didn't happen overnight. Feeling better takes time, too. The following tips may not be right for everyone, so work with your doctor to determine what may work best for you. Remember, as you work on developing new, healthy habits, keep your doctor up-to-date on your progress.

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." – Abraham Lincoln

Tip #1: Stay Active

Exercise might seem too hard, so start small. Try a short walk or do a little gardening, for example. Talk with your doctor about what you both think could be an appropriate exercise routine.

Tip #2: Eat Healthier Foods

The food you eat is the fuel that runs your body. Work with your doctor to determine an appropriate goal before you change your eating habits. Also, consider asking a friend or family member to help you with shopping or cooking.

Tip #3: Get a Good Night’s Rest

Not getting enough rest can affect other parts of your life. Try developing good sleeping habits, such as limiting caffeine (especially later in the day) and trying to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, which can make a big difference.

Tip #4: Do Something Fun Each Day

Knowing that you'll be doing crossword puzzles, sketching, gardening, painting, or reading your favorite book will give you something fun to look forward to every day.

Tip #5: Defer Big Decisions

Some experts suggest putting off major decisions until depression has begun to substantially improve.

Tip #6: Manage Your Stress Level

Be mindful of taking on too many commitments. Getting well takes time. Take it easy on yourself in the meantime.

Tip # 7: Interrupt Negative Thinking

When you start to have a negative thought, try distracting yourself with a positive action. This can be anything — making a cup of tea, turning on the radio, or calling a friend.

Tip #8: Expand Your Support Network

When you're depressed, having a support system to lean on can make things a bit easier. Friends and family can help you do things when you're not well, such as making and keeping doctor's appointments. Sometimes the people close to you will notice changes in your mood before you do, so don't be afraid to ask for input — and help with everyday tasks when you need it.
 

 sources: http://www.webmd.com/mdd-treatment-steps/management-tips

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How to Lose 20 Pounds

A focused strategy will help you reach your weight-loss goal. Counting calories and getting active will help.

Lose 20 Pounds: Successful Strategies
Here are four diet truths to help you achieve your goals:

• Cutting out sweet drinks is non-negotiable. Sweet tea, soda, and flavored and sweetened milks, waters, and coffees all have to go. Drink plain water, low-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks instead. A study of 810 adults between 25 and 79 years old showed that after 18 months, those who cut out sweet drinks had greater weight loss than those who cut down on food calories. One possible reason: While your body lets you know when it is full of food, there is no way for your body to tell you when you’ve maxed out on liquid calories.
• Physical activity helps counting calories. Being physically active burns calories while it improves your overall health. Aim for 30 minutes a day most days of the week. A brisk 30- to 45-minute walk burns 100 to 200 calories. If you can burn 200 calories through exercise, you only have to cut out 300 calories in food or drink to reach your daily calorie-cutting goal.
• Strategically eating less drops weight. A study of 811 overweight people who participated in four popular diets found that whether diets were low-fat, high-protein, or a combination didn’t matter — weight-loss success depends on cutting out calories. In fact, you can continue to eat filling portions if you simply replace high-calorie foods with low-calorie foods that contain a lot of water, such as fruits and vegetables. A study of 97 obese women who ate either a low-fat diet or a low-fat diet with additional fruits and vegetables found that those who emphasized fruits and veggies lost up to five pounds more.
• Journaling leads to success. Counting calories is easier if you write down (or type in) what you eat, including serving sizes and details such as condiments you may have added. “Research has shown that exercise and journaling really make a difference in long-term weight management,” says Gail Curtis, assistant professor at Wake Forest University Health Sciences in Winston-Salem, N.C. A detailed journal will help you identify your successes and pinpoint where you can cut additional calories or replace high-calorie foods with low-calorie ones.

With dedicated work you can apply these truths to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks or less. So get moving!

  sources: http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/how-to-lose-20-pounds.aspx

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Why Men Should Be Concerned About Belly Fat

Belly fat doesn't look pretty, but that's not the only problem with it. Men who have excess belly fat are at higher risk for health problems. However, not all tummy fat is created equal. There's subcutaneous fat, the jiggly kind you can pinch and squeeze between your fingers. Then there's visceral fat. Visceral fat lies deeper within your pelvic cavity, where it wraps around organs. It's visceral belly fat that's directly linked to health problems. Higher levels of visceral fat in men are associated with a host of medical issues including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Why is belly fat in men such a problem?

We think of belly fat as being a storage depot for energy that can be accessed during times of low food supply, but researchers are learning that fat is much more than that. Fat also produces hormone-like compounds called cytokines that increase inflammation. This is especially true of visceral fat. These inflammatory compounds can trigger the type of low-grade inflammation that plays a role in heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Plus, visceral fat is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in men. Pretty scary, huh?

How much is too much?

If you're a male, how do you know if you have too much? You don't have to be overweight to have too much visceral fat. In fact, relatively thin men can have problems with visceral abdominal fat and not know it, since visceral fat lies deep in your pelvic cavity.

The best indication? A waistline greater than 40 inches in circumference. Combine that with elevated lipid levels (triglycerides or LDL cholesterol) and high blood pressure and you almost surely have a problem with visceral fat. A 40-inch waistline is an arbitrary cutoff point for a higher risk for health problems, but it's important to take an expanding waistline seriously. A 38-inch waist can very quickly turn into a 40-inch one unless you make the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Since visceral fat produces cytokines that are pro-inflammatory, it can quietly do harm, like cause blood vessel inflammation that leads to heart disease and high blood pressure, increase insulin resistance, and promote the growth of tumor cells. There's another problem too. Some of the excess fat can deposit around the liver, leading to a common condition called fatty liver. In some people, fatty liver progresses to liver inflammation and then cirrhosis. That's another reason to keep belly fat under control.

What can you do about it?

Fortunately, if you're a male with excess visceral abdominal fat, you can reduce your risk by making appropriate lifestyle changes. Here are some things you can do to tame belly fat:

• Lose weight if you're overweight.
• Do vigorous exercise several times a week. All exercise helps to reduce visceral fat but high-intensity exercise appears to be best. Start out walking but as you build up your fitness level, alternate walking with short periods of running, gradually increasing the intensity over time. Don't forget about the importance of resistance training to help improve body composition.
• Choose the right kinds of carbs. Avoid processed carbs that are rapidly absorbed and choose more whole foods that are naturally high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut back on sugar, soft drinks, and "white" foods like white rice, potatoes, and bread made with white flour. Avoid foods with high fructose corn syrup or trans-fats, present in many packaged foods. Fill up on vegetables! Veggies contain natural compounds that help reduce inflammation.
• Cut back on saturated fats in animal foods and full-fat dairy products. Instead, choose healthier forms of fat like monounsaturated fats in nuts, olive, and avocados, and omega-3 fats in fatty fish. Substitute plant-based protein and fish for a portion of the meat you eat.
• Cut back on alcohol. Drinking three or more drinks a day can increase visceral fat. Stick to one glass of red wine daily. Red wine has natural antioxidants that may lower your risk for heart disease.

The Bottom Line

If you're a man, you may have too much visceral belly fat and not know it. Measure your waistline every few months and make sure it's not expanding. If you're approaching 40 inches, it's time to make some lifestyle changes. The good news? A combination of diet and exercise will go far toward decreasing belly fat. So take a closer look at your diet -- and get moving!

source : http://health.yahoo.net/articles/obesity/why-men-should-be-concerned-about-belly-fat

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