Dont Eat Crayfish Raw

Who can account for taste? Some people find the taste of crayfish to be appealing - even when they eat them raw. Unfortunately, eating raw crayfish isnt a good idea - at least from a health standpoint. Recently, six people have become sickened with a rare parasitic infection called paragonimiasis which developed after they ate raw crayfish from various rivers and streams in the Missouri region. Not surprisingly, this has health officials concerned.

The Dangers of Eating Crayfish Raw

Crayfish can harbor a parasite called Paragonimus kellicotti, also known as the lung fluke, which leads to paragonimiasis. When the lung fluke enters the body through the digestive tract, it moves to the lungs where it exerts its unpleasant effects. People who have this rare infection usually develop cough, shortness of breath, difficult breathing, fever, and fatigue - which can be severe in some cases.

If the parasite isnt treated, it can lead to permanent lung damage. Occasionally, the lung fluke migrates to the brain where it causes severe headaches and visual problems including temporary visual loss. Fortunately, paragonimiasis can be successfully treated with a drug called praziquantel, once its diagnosed - but diagnosis can be a challenge unless doctors know theres a history of eating crayfish raw.

Most doctors dont think of paragonimiasis when they see a patient with lung symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough, thus the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. Without a high index of suspicion, the diagnosis can be quite challenging.

Dont Eat Raw Crayfish or Raw Crab

Raw crayfish arent the only source of this lung fluke. Any raw crustacean can harbor Paragonimum kellicotti - particularly raw crab. All crustaceans should be thoroughly cooked to kill any parasites that could lead to infection. Keep raw crayfish away from furry friends too. Dog, cats and other mammals are susceptible to this rare infectious disease too.

Eat Raw Crayfish?: The Bottom Line

Enjoy crawfish and other crustaceans safely by cooking them thoroughly before eating them. Crustaceans from polluted waters can be a source of other bacteria that cause food poisoning. Dont eat them raw - and dont let your pets have them either.

References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189871.php

Are Packaged Salads a Health Risk?

Packaged salads are quick and convenient way to serve veggies without lots of preparation. They come already pre-packaged in bags or clamshell containers where you simply select a pack and then take it home and add your favorite dressing. Many of these salads have been pre-washed, and some even say theyre triple washed and ready to eat. Sounds good, doesnt it?

It may feel good to know your salad ingredients have been washed, but it may not be enough to keep you from becoming sick. According to new information published on the Food Production Daily website, packaged salads are consistently a source of bacteria " including fecal bacteria that can lead to illness and food poisoning.

The Consumers Union used an outside laboratory to test over two hundred different brands of pre-packaged salads for bacterial contamination. Using an acceptable level of 10,000 colony forming units or less per gram of salad, they found that thirty-nine percent of the salads tested exceeded this number of bacteria. Fortunately, the bacteria they found werent the types that cause severe illness, but it shows that packaged salads arent being cleaned thoroughly enough to reduce bacterial contamination.

Buying organic packaged salads sounds like a good idea, but it didnt seem to make a difference in this study. Organic packaged salad was just as likely to be contaminated with bacteria as conventionally grown. It also didnt matter whether it came in a plastic bag or a clamshell container. Pre-packaged salads containing spinach were more likely to have high levels of bacteria as were salads that were within five days of their use-by date.

How can you protect yourself if you buy packaged salad? Choose packages that are six or more days away from the use-by date stamped on the package rather than older salads. Even if the package says the salad has been pre-washed or triple washed, wash it again. Even washing may not remove bacteria, but you may reduce the quantity " along with your odds of becoming ill. Dont be fooled by the sterile looking packaging " there could be bacteria inside that packaged salad could make you sick. Keep this in mind and clean it again.

References:

http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Quality-Safety/Bacteria-concerns-raised-in-leafy-green-packaged-salads

Chicken Soup for Colds: Does it Help?

When you had a cold as a child did you your mom offering you a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup? Moms have been using this culinary medicine for years and according to studies there may be some science behind using chicken soup for colds. That cup of homemade chicken noodle soup may do more than open up the sinuses and give you a psychological lift; it may actually alter the activity of cells that fight inflammation.

Chicken Soup for Colds: Is There Scientific Evidence?

In a study published in the medical journal Chest, researchers made an exciting discovery. When they added chicken soup to a Petri dish full of inflammatory cells called neutrophils the ability of these cells to move around and migrate was decreased. Neutrophils are cells that help to fight infection but also cause inflammation which is responsible for some of the uncomfortable symptoms experienced with a cold. That something as simple as moms chicken soup has the ability to ease cold symptoms is nothing short of amazing.

Eating Chicken Soup for a Cold: Other Benefits

Eating chicken soup for a cold has other advantages as well. The broth helps with hydration - keeping nasal passages moist and thinning down thick nasal secretions that make if difficult to breathe at night. The warm liquid also helps soothe an irritated throat and decreases the frequency of coughing. Chicken soup is also the ultimate comfort food which gives a psychological boost when youre dealing with a nasty cold.

Chicken Soup for Colds: Homemade or Canned?

Does chicken soup for a cold have to be homemade or be prepared in any special manner to offer benefits? In this neutrophil study, researchers tested both homemade chicken soup and thirteen different chicken soups out of a can - finding that most had anti-inflammatory effects with some canned soups having even more anti-inflammatory activity than homemade chicken noodle soup. Since they both work, its a matter of personal preference.

Spice It Up

Want to make chicken noodle soup even more beneficial for colds? Add a little garlic or thyme to your next batch of chicken noodle soup. Garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, while thyme is an age-old remedy for coughs. Whether you make it homemade or serve it out of a can, keep eating it. Chicken soup for colds is good medicine.

References:

Chest 118 (4): 1150-7. PMID 11035691

What Your Car Says About You

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the way they speak or how they dress. What about your choice of car? What does that say about you as a person? Some psychologists say quite a bit can be learned from a persons car preferences and habits.

What your car says about you: Color

You might expect the personality of a person who chooses a white car to be quite different from one who purchases a fire engine red shade of automobile. The person who selects a bright red shade of car may be attention seeking and a bit impulsive, and is probably the life of the party. In contrast, the person who chooses a neutral shade of car might be a bit more conservative, not wanting to be the center of attention. Interestingly enough, black was the most frequent car shade chosen by the ultra ambitious, success driven individual.

What your car says about you: Model

The person who chooses a red Camaro complete with spoiler on the back is certainly going to fall into a different demographic group than the two gray haired ladies cruising in a Cadillac at twenty miles per hour in the fast lane. One is more likely to get a speeding ticket, while the latter car is going to get a few choice words aimed in their direction for blocking traffic. When you see a Chevrolet Corvette speeding down the road with the top down and a balding head gleaming in the sun, do you not envision a midlife crisis? In contrast, a mini-van might bring to mind an active family filled with children and pets.

What your car says about you: Condition

Have you ever peeped into a car window only to see the floor and seats littered with last Sundays paper, Hardees wrappers, yesterdays lunch, and store receipts dating back to last month? You can probably safely conclude the person is either a youngster or an older person whos quite disorganized and happy go lucky. In contrast, if a car interior is sparse with clean upholstery and carpeting with a simple briefcase and cell phone on the seat, you can conclude that the cars either brand new or youre dealing with a highly organized, obsessive compulsive type. Which type would you rather have working for you? In an ideal world, a car inspection would be a mandatory job interview requirement.

Yes, its true. A persons car choice can speak volumes about their general personality and habits so if youre concerned with your image, choose your next car with care!

Is Soy Hard to Digest?

One of the problems frequently encountered with eating a vegetarian diet is the problem of getting adequate protein. To meet the bodys protein requirements, many vegetarians turn to soy based foods such as tofu, soy milk, and fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh. One concern about eating soy based products is their effect on digestion. People who eat large quantities of soybean based foods complain of bloating, flatulence, and indigestion in greater numbers than people who eat meat based protein. Is soy hard to digest?

There are actually two factors that play into soys digestibility. Soy, like most legumes, contains compounds known as trypsin inhibitors. Trypsin is an enzyme produced by the pancreas thats important for protein digestion. Without the action of trypsin, protein doesnt get completely broken down or digested. This can lead to symptoms of gas, bloating, and generalized indigestion.

Another reason soy is hard to digest is that it contains the oligosaccharides raffinose and stachyose. These are the same indigestible carbohydrates found in beans, another big gas promoter. In some soy based foods, the oligosaccharides have been removed, but in many soy products, such as soy flour, significant quantities remain. Unfortunately, cooking soy foods doesnt make them any more digestible since the oligosaccharides arent broken down by heat. People vary in their degree of tolerance to soy foods. Some people have no problems eating them, particularly in smaller amounts, but when larger quantities are eaten especially in conjunction with an overall high fiber diet, indigestion and gas may result.

There is one potential solution to the poor digestibility of soy. Fermented soy foods such as miso and tempeh usually have lower levels of trypsin inhibitors and indigestible oligosaccharides and may give fewer symptoms. Tempeh is also higher in protein and fiber than tofu and has a firmer texture which makes a good meat substitute. Even people who experience gas and bloating after eating other legumes can often eat fermented soy products such as tempeh and miso without a problem. Fermented soy products also lack the phytates that can inhibit the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron

The bottom line? If youre looking for a vegetarian source of protein and find unfermented soy hard to digest, try tempeh and miso. Theyre a good source of protein and may cause less intestinal discomfort.

Can Taking Probiotics Prevent Preterm Labor?

Women who are pregnant may decrease their risk of delivering early by eating probiotic foods. Probiotic foods, such as yogurt with active cultures, have become popular among consumers because of their possible health benefits. Should you eat more of them if youre pregnant?

Can Taking Probiotics Reduce the Risk of Preterm Delivery?

When researchers questioned 950 women patients and 18,000 controls about their dietary habits, they found that those who ate probiotic dairy foods had a lower risk of preterm delivery. Preterm labor poses significant health risks for a newborn baby and is a common problem worldwide. Up to eight out of ten deaths in newborns are related to preterm delivery and the effects of prematurity, and researchers are looking for safe ways to reduce the risk of this pregnancy-related complication. Could taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods be the answer?

Why Do Probiotic Foods Reduce the Risk of Preterm Labor?

One of the most common causes of preterm labor is a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis. No one knows exactly why this infection increases the risk of preterm labor, but it may be due to the inflammation the infection causes. Probiotic foods are a source of friendly bacteria that help keep these sinister bacteria from gaining a foothold in the vaginal tract - and by reducing inflammation.

Should Pregnant Women Eat More Probiotic Foods?

There have been several past studies suggesting that probiotics lower the risk of preterm delivery, but more research is needed before doctors can universally recommend probiotics for women who are pregnant. On the other hand, eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt with active cultures, kimchee, tempeh, sauerkraut and miso may have benefits. Probiotic foods seem to be safe to enjoy during pregnancy, but always talk to your doctor first.

What about taking probiotics in supplement form? As long as you have a healthy immune system, theres no literature to suggest that probiotics are unsafe during pregnancy, although you should only take them under the care of a doctor if youre pregnant.

References:

Medscape.com. "Probiotic Dairy Products Linked to Lower Risk for Preterm Delivery"
Am J Clin Nutr (October 27, 2010).

Does Becoming a Mom Increase Brain Size?

Becoming a mom has its benefits - but can it even make you smarter? According to a new study published in Behavioral Neuroscience, having a child could give you a bigger brain.

Does Becoming a Mom Increase Brain Size?

Researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health did MRI imaging of 19 women after they gave birth - and repeated it at three weeks and three months. The findings were surprising. These women who had just delivered had a small, but significant, increase in the amount of gray matter in their brain. Gray matter is made up mostly of nerve cell bodies and is the portion of the brain most strongly associated with information processing and intelligence. In fact, the amount of gray matter is more important than overall brain size for determining intelligence.

Even more interesting was the observation that moms who were most enthusiastic about being a mom had the greatest increase in gray matter - compared to mothers who were less enthused about their new status as "mommy".

Why Does Becoming a Mom Increase Brain Size?

Keep in mind this increase in gray matter researchers wasnt huge - but it was still significant. One explanation is that areas of the brain involved in motivation and nurturing expand to allow new moms to interact and better care for a new baby. If this is true, it shows how adaptable the human brain really is. Whats the stimulus that causes brain gray matter to grow? It may be higher levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin that moms have circulating in their bloodstream after birth.

Oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of love and nurturing, is important, and its levels increase greatly at the time of delivery. Not only does it help with uterine contractions during labor, it plays a role in maternal nurturing behavior. Rats that receive injections of drugs that block oxytocin dont behave like a good mommy toward their offspring after birth.

Gray Matter and Becoming a Mom

Larger studies are needed to confirm that becoming a mom really increases brain size, but it does show that mothering is a complex activity that requires lots of gray matter. Doesnt it make you appreciate your mom all that much more?

References:

Eurekalert.org. "he Real ?Mommy Brain: New Mothers Grew Bigger Brains Within Months of Giving Birth"
The Journal of Endocrinology 112 (2): 275"82.

How to Prevent Bloating Problems When You Increase Fiber in Your Diet

You already know how good fruits and vegetables are for you and if youre making an effort to add more fruits and veggies to your diet, congratulations! Unfortunately, if youve increased the amount of produce you eat on a daily basis, you may be experiencing one of the most common side effects, excess bloating and flatulence. This is one of the "not so pretty" consequences of eating fiber that many fruit and vegetable lovers have to contend with initially. Whats the best way to deal with the bloating problems associated with eating fiber?

Excess bloating can be a more pronounced problem if you make the transition from eating a processed food diet to one thats rich in fruits and vegetables too quickly. This is particularly true if youre trying to adopt the new guidelines of eating nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day right away. The large fiber load can take its toll on your digestive tract, particularly if youre not accustomed to eating a high fiber diet. The result can be bloating problems that may make you want to reconsider your choice of diet.

The key to avoiding excess bloating from eating fiber is to gradually introduce larger quantities of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Instead of going from two servings a day to nine, try adding an extra vegetable serving each week to give your intestinal tract time to adjust to the new fiber load. In most cases, youll experience less bloating problems if you give the intestinal bacteria living in your gut time to adjust to your new diet.

You may find that certain fruits and vegetables are more likely to trigger bloating problems. The most likely culprits are legumes such as beans since they contain an indigestible carbohydrate known as raffinose. It can help to use Beano tablets, available at your local drugstore when you plan on eating beans. It may also help to soak beans overnight and pour off the water before cooking them. This helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause gas. Other foods that are notorious gas formers include broccoli, cabbage, onions, and asparagus. Take note of which fruits and vegetables cause the most bloating problems for you and avoid them if necessary.

If excess bloating persists after several weeks despite introducing fiber slowly into your diet, see your doctor. Bloating problems can sometimes be a sign of celiac disease, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, or other medical problems.

How to Prevent Stress Fractures When You Run

Stress fractures are a common injury among runners, whether they run marathons or run casually to stay fit. Most runners try to prevent stress fractures since they can keep them off the running track for up to three months as the bone heals. Are there ways to avoid getting a stress fracture if youre a runner?

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are tiny breaks that occur in weight-bearing bones such as the shinbone or foot. Theyre caused by repeated stress and trauma to the bone - from high-intensity exercise or running. Bone constantly remodels itself by reabsorbing and laying down new bone. Too much repetitive trauma can overwhelm this repair process leading to a stress fracture.

Prevent Stress Fractures: What Causes Them?

Stress fractures most commonly occur when a runner runs too many miles too soon. This is why experts recommend not increasing running mileage by more than 10% per week. Stress fractures also occur more commonly in older people, women, children, people with osteoporosis and runners with small or weak calf muscles.

Running and Stress Fractures: How Can You Prevent Stress Fractures if Youre a Runner?

Dont run too far too quickly. Gradually increase mileage over a period of weeks, and dont take long breaks from running since your risk will be higher once you start back. Another way to prevent stress fractures is to shorten the length of your running stride. This works by reducing the amount of time the body spends airborne, which causes the feet to hit the ground with less force.

Its a good idea to vary the surfaces you run on, and avoid running on very hard surfaces as much as possible. Check a vitamin D level and make sure youre getting enough "D" and calcium to maintain healthy bones. Replace your running shoes at least every 400 miles.

If you experience pain that gets worse as you run, see a doctor for an x-ray. Overuse injuries involving only soft tissue usually improve as you warm-up due to increased blood flow, but the pain of a stress fracture gets worse the longer you run. Never keep running with a stress fracture since it will prolong the healing time.

Running and Stress Fractures: The Bottom Line?

Enjoy the health benefits of running, but take steps to avoid a stress fracture that could side-line you for months.

References:

Time.com. "Is Running Bad for Your Knees?"

Is Hand Washing Really Effective for Preventing Flu and Colds?

Did your mother tell you to wash your hands if you want to help prevent flu and colds? Although this wisdom has been passed down through the generations, there have been few studies looking at how effective hand washing is for eradicating the flu virus. Could it be that hand washing is an overstated, old wives tale and the flu virus can actually survive an encounter with simple soap and water?

A study published in the journal Clinical Infection and Disease addressed the issue of preventing flu and colds by hand washing. Not only did they evaluate simple soap and water hand washing techniques for preventing flu and colds, they also tested alcohol based rubs to determine their ability to destroy the flu virus.

To do the study, they poured a highly contagious strain of influenza A onto the hands of a group of volunteers. The flu infested hands of the volunteers were then cleansed using simple soap and water washing or by using alcohol based rubs. A third group, serving as the control group, received no intervention. The groups were asked to wait sixty minutes before any attempt at cleansing was made to see if the virus could survive the waiting period.

Interestingly, a almost a third of the volunteers had no detectable virus on their hands after the sixty minute waiting period despite the fact that no intervention was performed. This suggests that the hands have some natural ability to resist the flu virus and that the flu virus might not stick to the surface of hands for long periods of time.

In the two groups who had virus on their hands after the sixty minute period, their hands were washed with soap and water or cleaned with alcohol wipes and then analyzed for the presence of the virus. The results? The influenza virus was successfully removed with both techniques, although old-fashioned soap and water hand washing appeared to be superior to alcohol based wipes.

This study confirms the fact that washing with soap and water seems to be effective in preventing flu and colds. It also suggests that theres no need to waste money on alcohol based wipes when a good bar of soap and running water works even better.

Although hand washing is a great way to prevent flu and colds, keep in mind that flu and cold viruses can also travel through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes which can be another significant source of transmission. In this case, youre best off wearing a mask.

Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

Dogs love human food, and most humans have a hard time resisting the pleading face of a dog who wants a bite of what theyre eating. On the other hand, some human foods are not only unhealthy for dogs, but a few can actually kill them. One food some people reward their dog with is nuts, especially almonds. Can dogs eat almonds safely?

Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

The humane society publishes a list of foods that are unsafe for dogs to eat, and the only two nuts on the list are walnuts and macadamia nuts. Feeding a dog as few as four macadamia nuts, depending upon the dogs size, can cause neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors and even paralysis. Walnuts can cause stomach upset in dogs and moldy ones that contain mycotoxins cause tremors in dogs. These two nuts are a definite "no-no" for all dogs.

Does this mean dog scan eat almonds since theyre not on the list? Even though almonds arent toxic to dogs, there are some good reasons to avoid giving your dog this nutty treat. Nuts of all types, including almonds, are on the list of foods that cause stomach upset in dogs.

Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are healthy for humans, but too much fat of any kind increases the risk of pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis can be fatal to your canine best friend, so its best to stay from nuts and fatty human foods. Giving your dog food high in fats may earn you a few tail wags, but it could have bad long-term health consequences.

Another reason not to give your dog almonds or other nuts is they can get caught in their throat or intestines, causing an intestinal obstruction that could require surgery. Who wants to put a dog through that?

Can Dogs Eat Almonds: The Bottom Line?

Almonds arent directly toxic to dogs like walnuts and macadamia nuts, but they do increase the risk of pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction. Almonds are a heart-healthy snack for humans, but if your dog loves them too, buy some organic peanut butter dog cookies to satisfy your dogs need for a treat. Its a safer option.

References:

Humane Society website.

Web MD. "Foods Your Dogs Should Never Eat"

The Advantages of Owning a Hairless Dog

If youre looking for a dog that stands out from the crowd, you might want to consider one of the hairless breeds of canine. Many people arent aware that dog breeds without hair exist which is a shame since they make wonderful pets. Plus, owning a hairless dog has a variety of advantages for the lucky dog owner.

What exactly is a hairless dog? The hairless dogs are one of several breeds of dogs that can be readily distinguished from other dog breeds by the lack of fur on their bodies.. The five most common types of hairless dogs include:

The Chinese Crested Dog

The American Hairless Terrier

The Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Hairless Khala

The Mexican Hairless Dog

Here are some of the advantages of owning a hairless dog:

Shedding isnt an issue.

If running the vacuum cleaner isnt your favorite activity, a hairless dog may be for you. A hairless dog can be kept indoors without the worry of fur collecting on the rugs and furniture. This can be quite liberating if youve always had dogs that shed. Less time spent vacuuming means more free time to spend with your dog.

A great dog breed for allergy sufferers

Although no dog is completely free of elements that can aggravate allergies, the hairless dog breeds are considered to be low dander which makes them less likely to aggravate any existing allergies that you have. If you havent been able to have a dog before due to problems with allergies, a hairless dog breed may give you the opportunity to experience dog ownership.

Theyre very clean and odor free

Hairless dogs tend to be quite clean and free of odor since they dont have hair which can entrap dirt and debri. Plus, you wont have to spend time grooming a hairless dog as you would a dog breed with fur.

Theyre unique.

How often do you see a hairless breed of dog being walked by its owner? Chances are, youve seen very few which makes them quite special A hairless dog is sure to attract attention when you take him on walks or on trips to your local dog park. If you want to stand out from the crowd, a hairless dog may be your best choice.

If youre looking for a loyal, loving, and super clean pet that wont aggravate your allergies or force you to spend hours running a vacuum cleaner, youve found it with the hairless dogs. Why not find out if a hairless dog would be right for you?

A Surprising Way to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children

Lead poisoning in children can have serious consequences. Lead can cause delays in growth and damage to the brain that may not be reversible. At high doses, childhood lead poisoning can lead to kidney damage and even death. Unfortunately, lead is in sneaky places such as soil contaminated with leaded paint or gas - and even in household dust in older homes painted with lead paint. In certain households, parents do hobbies such as stained glass and use lead-based solder, which can expose kids to lead. Certain toys that kids play with and put in their mouth are also sources of lead exposure.

A Surprising Way to Prevent Lead Poisoning

You cant always control every source of lead your child is exposed to, but there could be a simple way to prevent lead poisoning - or at least reduce the risk. Make sure your child eats breakfast and at least two other good meals a day.

How does eating regular meals help to prevent lead poisoning? Calorie restriction, fasting and missing meals increases the amount of lead a child absorbs from their digestive tract. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Health, kids who eat breakfast every morning have lead levels that are 15% lower than kids who skip this important meal. It also matters what they eat. At least in animal studies, a low-fat diet reduces lead absorption. So, giving a child a low-fat breakfast in the morning could reduce how much lead their body takes in.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Can Have No Obvious Symptoms

The scary thing about lead poisoning is a child can have it without obvious symptoms. They may fall behind in school or experience vague abdominal pains, fatigue and loss of appetite. This is why all children should be screened for lead during the first year of life and again at age two. Older kids should be tested regularly if they live in an old house where they could be exposed to lead-based paint. Lead poisoning is a very real threat to children.

Lead Poisoning in Children: The Bottom Line?

Give your child a healthy breakfast in the morning and make sure they dont skip meals since this boosts lead absorption. Most importantly, have your child screened at the appropriate ages for lead - and regularly if you live in an older home.

References:

Medical News Today. "Regular Breakfast Helps Reduce Lead Poisoning in Children"

Merck Manual. Eighteenth edition. 2006.

Why People with Kidney Disease Should Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

People with kidney disease due to hypertension could benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables. According to new research, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits may help diseased kidneys function better and could offer a simple, drug-free way to slow down the progression of hypertensive kidney disease.

Eating Fruits and Vegetables for Hypertensive Kidney Disease

People with long-standing poorly controlled hypertension are at greater risk for chronic kidney disease. Over time, elevated blood pressures damage the blood vessels that feed into the kidneys, which reduces the kidneys ability to filter waste. It can also lead to kidney scarring, which further reduces kidney function. Sometimes the kidney damage is so bad that a person requires dialysis.

Can eating fruits and vegetables improve kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease? When researchers gave 40 patients with hypertensive kidney disease a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for 30 days, they made some interesting observations. When these patients began eating vegetables and fruits, they had lower levels of blood markers that indicate kidney damage.

Why would this be? Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables raises the pH of the blood, thereby reducing its acidity. When the blood becomes too acidic, it worsens kidney function and contributes to further progression of kidney disease. In fact, doctors often give sodium bicarbonate to people with chronic kidney disease to raise the pH of their blood and reduce acidity. Eating fruits and vegetables does the same thing. Its also possible that the antioxidants in vegetables and fruits play a role in boosting kidney function too.

Hypertensive Kidney Disease and a Fruit and Vegetable-Based Diet

Should people with chronic kidney disease due to hypertension eat more fruits and vegetables? Its important for people with diseased kidneys to discuss diet with their doctor before making changes, but eating more vegetables and fruits has few downsides. Some people with chronic kidney disease may need to restrict the amount of potassium they eat, which could alter the types and amounts of fruits and vegetables they eat. But other than this, eating vegetables and fruits is a positive for kidney function and for overall health. Talk to your doctor about this.

References:

Medical News Today. "Produce-Rich Diet Improves Long-Term Kidney Health".

Another Reason Not to Drink Protein Shakes After a Workout

After exercising, do you drink protein shakes to give your hard-working muscles more protein? If you work out, especially if you do resistance training exercise, you need more protein than a sedentary person, but drinking protein shakes may not be the optimal way to get it. It may be best to get your after-workout protein from solid foods instead. Heres why.

After-Workout Protein: Should You Drink Protein Shakes?

Protein shakes have become a popular way to "refuel" after a tough workout at the gym. But according to a study published in the journal Obesity, drinking protein shakes and liquid forms of protein like milk doesnt suppress hunger as well as eating foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, red meat and vegetarian protein substitutes. This can lead to greater calorie consumption when hunger strikes again too soon after drinking a protein drink.

On the other hand, a thick protein drink like a shake or a high-protein smoothie may be more satisfying than simply drinking milk because it has a heavier texture and consistency, which makes it more satiating.

Why Are Protein Shakes and Drinks Less Appetite-Suppressing?

There are a variety of reasons why liquid calories arent as satisfying. Liquids move through the gastrointestinal tract more quickly than solids, which may be a factor in why theyre less filling. Plus, the brain doesnt seem to register liquid calories as readily as it does solids, and liquids may not elicit the same gut hormone response as solids. The bottom line is most people dont always compensate for drinking liquid calories by eating less food the rest of the day.

What Does This Mean?

Get your after-workout protein from solid foods - not by drinking protein shakes. Good sources of lean protein for an after-workout snack include lean chicken or turkey, tuna fish packed in water, eggs, salmon and vegetarian meat substitutes.

Dont forget to add some complex carbohydrates to your after-workout protein to replace the glycogen youve burned during your workout. Make a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread - or enjoy a cup of yogurt with berries and nuts. An omelet with veggies or a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and flaxseed will give you a protein boost while replacing your carb stores. With all of good food sources of protein, who needs to drink protein shakes?

References:

Fitness Prescription. February 2011. page 30.

Do Sugar Alcohols Raise Blood Sugar Levels?

Diabetics are understandably concerned about limiting simple carbohydrates - to help keep their blood sugars under control. Still, most people occasionally enjoy the taste of something sweet but dont want to send their blood sugars soaring - which is one reason foods containing sugar alcohols are so popular. Do sugar alcohols raise blood sugar levels - and are they safe for diabetics?

What are Sugar Alcohols?

Fruits and vegetables contain very small quantities of sugar alcohols, but the sugar alcohols added to food products are made from sugar and starches through a manufacturing process - so they arent completely natural. These "manufactured" sweeteners are added to sugar-free products, but because theyre not as sweet as sugar, artificial sweeteners are sometimes added to "sweeten them up".

You can usually recognize sugar alcohols on an ingredient list, because they end in "ol. Some of the more popular ones in food are erythritol, sorbitol, and maltitol. Sugar alcohols are commonly used to flavor sugar-free gum and candy, but theyre used in other food and drink products as well.

Do Sugar Alcohols Raise Blood Sugar Levels?

Sugar alcohols are absorbed very slowly from the intestines and dont trigger a significant release of insulin. In fact, up to half of the sugar alcohols a person eats doesnt make it into the bloodstream, and, instead, is fermented by bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to gas and bloating, which is one of the biggest drawbacks of using sugar alcohols.

Because sugar alcohols are slowly and incompletely absorbed, they dont raise blood sugar levels significantly. On the other hand, eating foods containing sugar alcohols in very large quantities can elevate blood glucose levels, although not nearly as much as sugar. Most people arent able to use large quantities of sugar alcohols because of the bloating they cause.

Do Sugar Alcohols Raise Blood Sugar Levels: The Bottom Line?

Most diabetics are safe using sugar alcohols in modest quantities. On the other hand, bloating and flatulence are a problem for many people, which can make them difficult to tolerate. If you dont like to use artificial sweeteners, read the label carefully since some foods containing sugar alcohols also have added artificial sweeteners.

References:

Informaworld website. "Gastrointestinal Effects of Low-Digestible Carbohydrates"

Is Your Teen Getting a Nutmeg High?

Is your teen getting a nutmeg high? Nutmeg intoxication, or overdosing on the common spice nutmeg, is one of the newest trends among teenagers. This "kitchen cabinet" high is popular due to its easy availability and hallucinogenic properties. Its not just teenagers experimenting with nutmeg. Some kids are sneaking nutmeg from the spice rack and using it to get an easy high.

What is a Nutmeg High?

The common nutmeg spice that you have in your spice cabinet contains a compound called myristicin that causes hallucinations in large quantities. There are also other chemicals in nutmeg that may contribute to nutmeg intoxication.

Not all nutmeg highs are pleasant. Nutmeg intoxication can cause an acute psychotic reaction, severe anxiety and fear, a rapid heart rate and vomiting. Although uncommon, people have died from taking too much nutmeg. Of course, most teens dont consider this possibility when they experiment with nutmeg.

Nutmeg Intoxication: How Much Does It Take?

You wont get ill effects from sprinkling nutmeg on your egg nog in small quantities, but it doesnt take large amounts of this potent spice to bring on confusion and hallucinations. As little as one generous tablespoon will do it in an adult - and even less in a child.

Teens who experiment with nutmeg usually dont get high right away. It takes as long as five hours to get a nutmeg high - or a nutmeg low in the case of teens who experience anxiety and vomiting rather than blissful joy and a pleasant escape from reality. Nutmeg intoxication makes some teens feel pretty bad, and the effects can last a day or two until the nutmeg chemicals are cleared from the body.

Time to Lock up the Spice Cabinet?

Nutmeg highs are concerning, because nutmeg is so readily available. Most people already have it in their spice cabinet, and its sold in every grocery store in the country without so much as a warning on the label.

If you have kids or teens in the house, keep the nutmeg in hidden since many kids have heard about nutmeg highs and may be curious enough to experiment if its within easy reach. Let teens know about the dangers of nutmeg intoxication and the fact that many people have bad experiences. Dont make it easy for them to take part in this risky trend.

References:

Fox 7 website. "Nutmeg Intoxication: Youths Dangerous New Trend".

Drugs.com. "Nutmeg".

Jewelry Designers! Heres a New Market for Your Handmade Jewelry Designs!

Are you a jewelry designer looking for new markets for your handmade jewelry business? There are lots of local markets for your jewelry designs you may not have considered.

For example, have you visited a hair salon lately?

Oh, Im sure your hair looks fine. BUT, did you know that a hair salon can be a fantastic place to sell your handmade jewelry?

I found this out many months ago when I was brainstorming for new ways to market my jewelry. I picked up the handy, city yellow pages and turned to the beauty salon section.There were loads of entries for salons in my area. More possibilities than I had even imagined. A hair salon sounded like a good fit for the bracelets and hair sticks I was making at the time.

Immediately, I called the first one on the list and asked them if they would be interested in viewing my collection of handmade jewelry for possible inclusion in their salon. Much to my surprise, the owner was quite enthusiastic and we set up an appointment for viewing the next week. I hurriedly got my collection of beaded bracelets and hair sticks together to present to the owner.

Upon showing my jewelry and hair accessories at the store the next week, I immediately sold two pieces to girls who worked at the salon and we subsequently set up a 60%/40% consignment arrangement to sell my pieces. I was ecstatic!

Guess what? Eight months or so later, that relationship still exists and my jewelry sales in her salon are quite healthy. Ive since called other salons and met with the similar success. Of course not every salon was interested, but MANY of them were.

Why not consider giving this a try in your area? Almost every city or town has an abundance of hair salons and these sites are a natural for jewelry impulse purchases.

Earrings seems to sell particularly well in salons as women who have recently cut their hair may have ears that are previously more exposed than before or, possibly, they want some new ear jewels to show off their stylish new cut. Of course, hair sticks and hair accessories are the perfect compliment for a hair salon. Be sure to take these along if you have some to sell.

Any way you choose to look at it, this can be a winning relationship! Hair salons can be a perfect fit for the handmade jewelry designer.

Help! My Dog is Snoring at Night and Keeping Me Awake

Is the sound of your dog snoring keeping you awake at night? If your dogs snoring is particularly loud, it may even prevent you from sleeping in the same room as your dog. Surprisingly, up to one in five dogs snores to some degree at night, making it a fairly common problem for both dog and owner. Why do dogs snore and how you can stop dog snoring so you and your dog can get a good nights sleep?

Dog snoring usually doesnt carry serious health consequences. Certain dog breeds have a propensity to snore due to the way their faces and snouts are constructed. These include Bulldogs, the Pekingese, and Pugs. These dogs tend to have shorter, narrow nasal passages which can make breathing more difficult.

Snoring in a dog can be caused by anything that causes a small blockage in the airway during sleep. One of most common causes for dog snoring is allergy related problems. This can cause post nasal drainage which can precipitate nighttime snoring. Snoring can also be caused by small growth such as polyps in your dogs air passages.

Another common cause of snoring in both dogs as well as humans is obesity. This can be corrected by putting your pet on an appropriate diet and initiating a good exercise plan to take the excess weight off. Sometimes taking off a few pounds can have a dramatic effect on the frequency of snoring.

If your dog is snoring habitually, a trip to the vet might be warranted to exclude correctable causes of snoring such as polyps or other growths in the throat that may aggravate snoring. These growths may be removed surgically which can correct the problem. If your dogs snoring is related to obesity, your vet can help you determine optimal nutrition and an exercise plan that will help your dogs general health as well as his snoring problem.

If you happen to have one of the dog breeds more prone to snoring due to their unusual facial anatomy, you may be able to have a surgical procedure performed on your dog while hes still young that will allow better breathing and less airway obstruction. This may correct your dogs snoring problem and help to promote better overall flow of air.

If your dog is deemed healthy and continues to snore throughout the night, you may want to consider having your dog sleep in his own room. To make him more comfortable, give him lots of pillows and some familiar toys. As an alternative, you can always invest in a good pair of ear plugs.

Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is Surprisingly Common

Most people think of posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD as being a disease of adults who have undergone very stressful experiences, but childhood PTSD is surprisingly common - especially in very young children. According to an article published in Family Practice News, almost half of all children under the age of six develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder after undergoing a stressful experience - a disturbingly high number.

Researcher sponsored by the University of Southern California at Los Angeles and the University of California at Irvine looked at the incidence of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder in 284 children between the ages of three and five who had undergone a stressful experience such as a motor vehicle accident or a major injury. Using a special psychiatric assessment tool, they found that forty-four percent of these children had symptoms of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder.

Even more surprising was the fact that a second study showed that even minor trauma can bring on childhood PTSD symptoms - events as minor as having a medical procedure done. In these cases, childhood posttraumatic stress symptoms could still be seen a year to fifteen months after the procedure.

Are children more susceptible to childhood posttraumatic stress symptoms? One researcher, Dr. Stacy Drury, thinks so. She believes that children are more prone to childhood PTSD before the age of six because their central nervous systems are still developing. Stressful events can cause subtle changes in brain activity and levels of brain neurotransmitters and hormones that control mood and stress levels.

What does this mean? Preschool children may be especially susceptible to childhood PTSD. Parents need to be aware that stressors that seem minor to them - even medical procedures such as getting stitches - may cause enough anxiety in young children to precipitate symptoms of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder.

Children who show signs of childhood PTSD such as changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, reclusiveness, lack of interest in normal activities, anxiety, or unusual fear should be taken seriously. Researchers in this study are developing special behavioral therapies to help children with PTSD early on. They key is to seek help for a child who has symptoms. The earlier the treatment - the better the outcome.

References:

Family Practice News. May 1, 2010. page 25.

Edible Flowers: The Joy of Flowers You Can Eat

If youd like to add a new dimension of taste and beauty to your recipes, why not discover the pleasures of edible flowers? Certain types of flowers can be both edible and delicious. Remember the sweet nectar you sucked from the honeysuckle plant as a child? And thats only the beginning. Before eating any kind of flower, its important that you know the flower is edible. Certain flowers are toxic and should be avoided. Here are some ideas on how to eat flowers and how to not eat flowers:

How to Eat Flowers

Edible flowers can add a touch of sweetness and color to dessert offerings. Try adding edible flower petals to cake or cookie batter or place a few colorful petals on top of a dish of vanilla ice cream. You can even make candied flowers which are the ultimate gourmet delicacy. For complete instructions on how to make candied flowers, read this article. Edible flowers also make a lovely garnish for almost any dessert. When you serve a piece of chocolate cake, sprinkle a few calendula or dianthus petals on the plate for a touch of color. Edible flowers can also be added to teas and dessert drinks for both flavor and beauty.

Add some edible flowers to your salsa mixes or add them to butter to make delicious, gourmet butters for a special occasion. Edible flowers can also be mixed with cream cheese to make cream cheese dessert balls. Edible flowers are a natural to add a touch of color to cool, fresh salads. Go a little crazy and sprinkle a variety of edible flower petals onto a freshly made omelette before serving. Flowers make beautiful garnishes for almost any meal or occasion.

How NOT to Eat Flowers

Before eating any flower, you need to be sure its edible and nontoxic. Furthermore, in order to avoid exposure to pesticides, you should only eat edible flowers that are organically grown. Never eat flowers that you find at floral centers, nurseries, or by the side of the road. Eat the petals of the flower only. Remove the pistils and stamens before adding them to your recipes. Be sure to rinse your flower petals in cold water before serving. Even better, grow edible flowers right in your own garden.

Edible flowers can make a delightful addition to any culinary presentation. Why not learn more about flower you can eat and discover the many ways to use them in your recipes?

How to Clean Cat Urine from Your Carpet!

If youre like me, you dearly love your pets, but it can be frustrating when one of your "animal children" scents your carpeting with the odor of urine. Unfortunately, cat urine odor can stick around for a long time unless you take the proper steps to eliminate it. Even more important, that residual urine odor can cause your cat to urinate in the same spot again. You definitely dont need that!

So, whats the best way to clean cat urine from your carpet and eliminate cat urine odor? Here are some steps you can take that should work to restore your carpeting to its original, pleasant smelling state:

1. Focus on absorbing as much of the cat urine as possible by blotting with a soft, cotton towel. Its important that your carpet be as free of urine as possible before starting the cleaning process. Continue blotting with new towels, until the towel is dry after blotting.

2. In a glass container, mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Apply enough of this solution to the soiled area to penetrate into the fibers of the rug. This will help to remove the odor from the deeper portions of the carpeting. You dont want to do a superficial cleaning job and be left with the odor.

3. Allow the vinegar to dry. If you need to speed up the drying process, try using a fan to blow air on the area.

4. Sprinkle the dried area with a layer of baking soda.

5. Mix together 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to which youll add a teaspoon of a mild, liquid soap such as dish washing soap. Do a test application on a small, area of carpeting thats not visible to make sure this solution wont change the color of your carpeting. If no color change occurs, you can lightly apply this solution over the baking soda.

6. Use a soft cotton towel to gently rub the area of carpeting with the baking soda/hydrogen peroxide solution.

7. Allow the area to dry completely and then vacuum up the baking soda.

Ive used this technique several times and have had excellent results with no discoloration of my carpeting. Just be sure to do the test application to make sure ithe hydrogen peroxide solution doesnt lighten the color of your carpeting. After vacuuming, your carpet should be back to its unsoiled state with a fresh smell.

Now that you know how to clean cat urine from your carpet and remove cat urine odor, you dont have to live in fear anymore of those "little accidents"!