I’m sure you are aware that certain foods are known to cause gas more often than other types of foods. Do you know which food types will cause you gas? Not everyone has gas from the same foods. It is more likely that foods such as those containing carbohydrates will cause you gas or foods made from fats or proteins are less likely to cause you to produce gas; but how do you know which foods specifically cause you the most gas? How do you avoid these foods and still maintain a diet that will help you to be healthy?

Your have two choices when trying to avoid producing too much gas in your system:

1. You can keep a food journal for at least a month by recording everything you eat and drink (meals and snacks) as well as to record each and every time you experience or pass gas. Then you can get a better idea of exactly which foods and drinks tend to produce the most gas in your large intestine. Then you can avoid or eliminate these foods from your diet. You should ask your healthcare provider or nutritionist about the best way to go about avoiding or eliminating any food from your diet as some foods are essential for providing the vitamins and minerals and or fiber that we need to stay healthy.

2. The other alternative is to simply follow guideline based on what foods are known to produce the most gas and which foods are known to produce the least amount of gas when determining your diet. Again, it is important to include a variety of foods in your diet so that you can receive all the vitamins, minerals and fiber that you need on a daily basis. You should always be careful when eliminating a food type, so speak with your doctor or nutritionist for guidance.
Foods known to produce more gas:

Foods that contain carbohydrates

Foods that contain sugars (raffinose, lactose, fructose, sorbitol)

Foods that contain raffinose are beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, and other vegetables and whole grains.

Lactose is a natural sugar that is found in milk and in foods that are made from milk; such as, milk, cheese, ice cream. Lactose is also found in processed foods such as breads, cereal, and also salad dressing.

Fructose is a natural sugar that is present in many food items such as onions, pears, wheat, and artichokes and is also found in many drinks and fruit drinks that have been sweetened with fructose.

Varicose veins can be prevented and even helped by maintaining a healthy weight. Exercises may also help to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Exercise for varicose veins may be your best prevention and defense against these ugly and sometimes painful veins.

One type of exercise for varicose veins that anyone can do is walking. Try to walk at least thirty minutes a day. Walking will help to improve circulation in the lower body and keep the veins healthy.

Be sure to use a good supportive pair of shoes and begin a walking program slowly. Starting any exercise program quickly can cause injury, strained muscles and discouragement, which only leads to stopping the program. Even walking is an exercise program when the walking is continuous and designed to improve muscular ability and circulatory changes.

Swimming is an excellent exercise for varicose veins. Swimming laps on a regular basis will increase circulation throughout the whole body. Swimming strengthens the entire body and build muscles where needed. Water aerobics or even running in the pool with a vest will help to improve lower extremity circulation.

After exercises or at the end of the day there are other things that you can do to improve drainage from the veins. For instance you can lie flat on the floor and rest your legs on a chair seat or straight up against a wall for at least two minutes. This will elevate the legs higher than the heart and drain the blood from the swollen leg veins. If you find it hard to do this exercise, sit in a recliner and recline the feet up higher than the hips.

Another option is to lie flat on your back and place your arms at your sides or under your buttocks if you prefer. Raise your legs and start pedaling as if you were riding a bicycle. This is a great exercise for varicose veins to increase blood flow and decrease pressure on the veins.

An exercise you can do for varicose veins is to lie flat on your back, on the floor and bring your knee up to your chest. Hold your leg up with your hands by holding behind the knee. Move your foot up and down and rotate it at the ankle. Repeat with the other leg. This will help to improve the circulation in your legs and help prevent varicose veins.

Activities that can increase varicose veins are strenuous activities or standing in one place for long periods. Avoid strenuous exercises such as jogging, high impact aerobics or strenuous cycling. This type of exercise can actually increase the blood pressure in the legs and cause varicose veins to worsen by decreasing the amount of blood that is drained from the veins.

If you must stand for long periods of time, keep shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Bounce up and down on your toes several times an hour to aid in circulation. If possible, take a walk frequently. When you come home from a long day of standing, elevate your feet for at least an hour to help drain the blood from the veins in the legs.

Exercise for varicose veins can prevent these unsightly veins from getting worse. Exercise daily and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Usually the first symptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are severe itching of the eyes or skin of the face and then followed within minutes of the more serious symptoms such as swallowing difficulties and breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, skin hives or angioedema (which is swelling like hives but under the skin). Individuals experiencing these symptoms or if you notice someone else having these symptoms help should be summoned immediately such as calling 911.

Those individuals who have experienced anaphylactic reaction before can be prepared for any future attacks by carrying medication on their person (purse or briefcase, pocket). A common mediation is epinephrine which is an injectable dose prescribed by a doctor. A common auto-injector, is called, the EpiPen. Those who have had a severe allergic reaction in the past should also carry antihistamine pills, such as diphenhydramine (Benedryl), as the effects of ephinephrine are temporary, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately after taking these prescriptions.

If you notice someone experiencing anaphylactic reaction, call 911 first and then look for special mediation pouch. Follow instructions and administer the medication by pressing the auto-injector against the person’s thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Afterwards, massage the injection site for about 10 seconds so that the skin can absorb the mediation. If the person can do so without choking have them take an antihistamine pill. If the person is wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace read the inscription carefully.

Have the individual lie down with feet raised higher than the level of his/her head.

Make sure any clothing that is tight is loosened such as a tie. If possible cover the individual with a blanket or coat. Never give a person in shock a drink.

If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the individual on the side to prevent possible chocking.

If the person has ceased breathing or there are no signs of a pulse, start CPR and continue CPR until medical personnel arrive on the scene.

A medication that has caused an allergic reaction has initiated an allergic reaction from the immune system of the individual. The immune system is recognizing that the drug is a foreign substance and is producing chemicals, such as histamines in large quantities in an effort to get rid of the “foreign body”, the drug.

Individuals experiencing an allergic reaction to a certain medication can have symptoms that range from mild to severe ones that can be life threatening.

How do you know if what you are experiencing is a drug allergy or a drug side effect?

The simplest answer to this question is that a drug allergic reaction is one in which your immune system is causing the reaction and when the reaction is caused by a medication’s therapeutic action than that is called, experiencing a drug side effect.

Drug Allergic reactions:

The symptoms that one may experience while having an allergic reaction to a certain drug is that they may have skin hives, a skin rash, itchy skin, itchy eyes, congestion of the nasal passages, or a swelling in the mouth or throat tissues. If they are experiencing a severe allergic reaction to a drug, they may be experiencing difficulty breathing, their skin may turn a bluish color, they may feel dizzy, faint, feel anxious, be confused, have a rapid pulse, be nauseous, experience diarrhea or other abdominal problems.

When a person is not allergic to a drug, that drug may still irritate them when they take it.

Drug Side Effect reactions:

Side effects to drugs are undesirable effects that occur in addition to the desired or therapeutic effect that the drug is supposed to have. Side effects from the same drug can differ from one individual to another and can also depend on the person’s age, weight, gender, ethnicity and also the individual’s state of disease. Side effects can happen when the drug is first started, or when dosages or decreasing or increasing or at the end of the medication regimen. Side effects are important because they can cause the individual to stop taking the medication or to miss doses or change the dosage in an attempt to avoid the side effect. Common side effects to drugs are stomach upsets, dry mouth, can happen with the gastrointestinal system, the skin, the blood, brain or bone. Mental side effects that certain medications can have on individuals include: agitation, anxiety, aggression, depression, hallucinations, hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness, and sleeplessness, weakness even suicide.

Muscular side effects seen in some drugs are leg cramps, muscle pain, muscle tremors, muscle spasms, and muscle tiredness, swelling of the feet or legs, and unexplained muscle weakness.

Other side effects that individuals have experienced after taking medications have been a sore throat, flu-like symptoms, cough, jaundice, liver or kidney failure, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, stomach bleeding, vomiting, seizures, bone pain or bone loss, anemia, palpitations, low blood cell counts, high blood pressure, tachycardia (fast heartbeat, facial flushing, and thrombosis (blood clot).

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Young children allergic to food (food allergies) will develop atopic dermatitis (eczema). These children can then be at an increased risk for allergic rhinitis (runny nose) and asthma. School aged kids are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis and asthma than younger kids. Usually atopic dermatitis fades by the time the child is an adult, as well as the food allergies.

Typically the onset of allergic rhinitis and asthma starts sometime during school age, teen years or as a young adult. Both allergic rhinitis and asthma usually lasts throughout the rest of the person’s lifetime. During the lifetime though the symptoms can fade and even disappear, only to reappear again.

Food Allergies:

Usually with food allergies there is a skin reaction to the substance that was ingested. Skin reactions can be hives, swelling, itching or redness of the skin. These skin reactions usually occur within minutes of eating the food (they can however be delayed for up to several hours). Other symptoms besides skin reactions are: breathing difficulties, diarrhea, nausea, stomachaches, vomiting, runny nose, sneezing, and also lightheadedness.

Nasal Allergies:

Sneezing, itchy nose, itchy eyes, runny nose, post-nasal drip, dark circles under the eyes, and also nasal congestion are all symptoms of nasal allergies. Some individuals when they rub the palm of their hand on the nose cause a line to appear across the nasal bridge of the nose, called the “allergic salute”.

Summary:

Allergies are important to diagnose because not treating the symptoms can lead to being susceptible to viruses, sinus infections, ear infections and worsening of asthma if the person also has asthma.

Kids and adults of all ages can develop allergies to food, or environmental elements including fragrances and clothing materials.

Allergic reactions are not the same as intolerances to things such as milk intolerance. Side effects to certain medications are not allergies.

Kids can have food allergies and have them fade or disappear over time but allergic rhinitis and other allergic reactions once developed will last a lifetime but can fade and then reappear over time.

Allergic symptoms can be treated to bring some relief to the person suffering from allergies.

The best way to keep allergy symptoms in control is to minimize the contact with the things which trigger them. Typical allergy triggers include pollen from grass, trees, and weeds, animal dander, dust mites, and mold spores, both indoor and outdoor varieties. To avoid pollen, allergy sufferers should stay indoors during hot, dry, and windy days in the spring, summer, and fall. It is also best to stay indoors in the early morning when the pollen counts tend to be the highest. When an allergy to an animal is the case, is best to not touch the fur or feathers of the animal. Pet allergens may also be found in the saliva of the pet, especially in cats. The easiest way to avoid triggering pet allergies is to avoid animals altogether.

Dust mites are tiny microorganisms that live in dust. Dust mites eat the dead skin flakes and live in bedding, furniture, and carpets. Getting rid of carpets and taking extreme care to vacuum and dust is the best way to limit the number of dust mites in the home environment. Encasing pillows and mattresses in allergen proof covers may also help. Using a dehumidifier helps in some cases as dust mites prefer humid environments. Mold produces spores which are airborne and may trigger allergies. There are both outdoor varieties of mold that thrive within soil and dead leaves, plus is accumulates in dark, moist areas such as under bathroom or kitchen sinks and in damp basements. If mold is a trigger, it is vital to avoid working with garden soil or raking fall leaves.

There are a few additional ways to lower the exposure to pollen. Pollen clings to clothing, skin, and hair. By taking a bath or shower and changing clothes after being outside the chances are greatly reduced of having an allergic reaction. Taking herbs such as Echinacea and dandelion has been suggested to help allergy symptoms. Keeping windows closed during the day will also help lessen pollen within the home. By implementing just a few of these suggestions, allergy symptoms should lessen greatly. There should also be a reduction in the amount of allergy medicine required, but any medication changes should be discussed with the primary physician first.

Sometimes, cardiovascular disease is a term that is used interchangeably with heart disease. Either way you look at it, this affliction that can affect the arteries of the heart as well as the heart muscle itself is serious business. Heart disease aka cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of people in the United States and even the world.

In order to be treated for cardiovascular disease, you have to identify its symptoms and learn the causes in order to recognize it in yourself. Of course, a yearly doctor’s exam could help matters too, but rarely do people actually submit to yearly physicals unless it is a work requirement.

Causes of the disease

Indeed, cardiovascular disease points to physical issues concerning the blood vessels and the heart muscle itself. One of the largest culprits that cause injury to them is atherosclerosis, an arterial disease. Arteries are important because they carry the life-sustaining oxygen and other nutrients through the blood to all parts of the body. These supple vessels ensure your body is getting the nourishment it needs to stay healthy.

Unfortunately, a lifetime of an unhealthy diet full of fats and cholesterol as well as lack of exercise can cause a build-up of plaque which causes the arteries to stiffen up. When the arteries lose elasticity, this can hinder the healthy blood flow to the body. Smoking and obesity are other factors that can contribute to atherosclerosis, a by-product of cardiovascular disease.

Of course, it is important to recognize that there are other causes of cardiovascular disease besides atherosclerosis such as congenital defects, aneurysms, pericardium (sac around the heart) afflictions, and hypertension, disease that affects the valves of the heart and even diseases of the heart muscle itself.

Staying on top of your health

You cannot prevent cardiovascular disease that is caused by congenital defects but you can work hard to ensure that you do not develop it. Clean living is the best way to stay healthy. This means you should follow a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol and bump up your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Moderate your alcohol intake and stop smoking are two other important lifestyle choices. Add daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and you have the makings of a healthy heart.

The most important part of avoiding cardiovascular disease is ensuring your commitment to getting yearly physical exams at the doctor is met. Donate blood periodically not only to help someone else but also to get the free cholesterol reading that comes with it. Do what you can to avoid a lifetime of medication and surgeries that are sure to happen if you get cardiovascular disease.

There are many questions that individuals ask when they are first diagnosed with diverticulitis. The goal of this article is to discuss some of the answers to the most commonly asked questions about diverticulitis.

One of the most commonly asked questions about diverticulitis is:

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

Individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis often present with the following symptoms:

Pain in the abdomen, usually in the lower left side. The pain worsens when the individual moves.

The individual with diverticulitis may run a fever or have chills because it is an infection.

They may notice bloating in the abdominal region and experience the passing of gas.

They may have either diarrhea or constipation.

Nausea and vomiting may occur, but sometimes these symptoms are not experienced.

Most individuals with diverticulitis do not feel like eating.

Another question asked by individuals has to do with the process of being diagnosed with diverticulitis, basically:

What tests does the doctor order?

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination first, and take a thorough medical history regarding symptoms and any signs of infection that have been experienced. Your doctor will order a blood test called a complete blood count or CBC. You may also have to undergo imaging tests such as x-ray, CT scan, or a type of test called a colonoscopy.

Once they are diagnosed with diverticulitis individuals want to know:

How will my diverticulitis be treated?

The treatment will vary depending on the symptoms and the severity of them. The treatment will be different if there are any complications from the diverticulitis such as peritonitis, perforation, abscess, obstruction or fistula.

If you are experiencing mild cramping the doctor may prescribe a heating pad, and acetaminophen for the pain. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection. These are usually given by mouth unless you are unable to keep anything down by mouth and then they are given intravenously, which requires hospitalization. If the antibiotics do not clear up the infection, you may require surgery. You will also require surgery if you encounter a bowel obstruction, peritonitis, a fistula, or a pocket of infection called an abscess.

People want to know how they can prevent diverticulitis especially once they learn that sometimes surgery is needed to treat complications from diverticulitis.

How to prevent diverticulitis?

You may be able to prevent diverticulitis by eating a diet that is high in fiber that includes fruits and vegetables and whole grains. It is also important to drink lots of water each day and to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day in order to help your bowels move normally. Doing all these things may help to prevent diverticulitis.

Once such source is the National Vaccine Information Center. Barbara Loe Fisher brings up several important points to consider in her blog, Vaccine Awakening. I highly recommend you read her article in its entirety.

Another source I refer to for various health issues it Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola has written several articles about the flu shot and you read the most recent article here.

Do your research and decide for yourself if you want to get the flu shot.

Symptoms of acid reflux include a dry cough, problems in sleeping, a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, and tightening of the throat muscles. A patient may find acid in the mouth if they bend down suddenly or overeat.

Doctors say there is not one cause of acid reflux disease but several. A band of muscle tissue called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter can lead to many symptoms and problems of GERD. It is an area of smooth muscles that is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the esophagus when we eat or swallow. It keeps the stomach contents from regurgitating into the esophagus. If these muscles relax or weaken they fail to keep the pressure barrier between the stomach and esophagus. Acid and pepsin from the stomach can back up into the esophagus and cause acid reflux.

Eating large meals or going to bed immediately after eating can cause acid reflex. Greasy, spicy foods and alcohol also may cause reflux problems. Stress and antidepressants, sedatives, and other medications for stress may also contribute to acid reflux problems. Smoking and drinking large amounts of carbonated drinks have shown to increase acid reflux trouble. You may also suffer from this medical condition if you are pregnant.

Remedies for acid reflux include using an old favorite, apple cider vinegar. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to one half glass of water. Sip this mixture while eating your meal. You may also take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar without adding water.

Gingerroot capsules may be bought at a nutrition store and can also help calm the nerves as well as help with acid reflux. Take one capsule after you are finished with dinner. This normally is your largest meal and the one that causes the most acid reflux attacks.

Many patients report by drinking cold low fat milk helps their GERD attacks. Cold apple juice also is effective. Patients report that eating raw carrots or apples will help with acid reflux.

A natural cure using fennel seeds helps some patients. Chew one half-teaspoon fennel seeds after your meals. Chew the seeds slowly and allow the juice to flow down your throat. Anise and lavender tea is a great way to reduce acid reflux. Mix equal amounts of the two ingredients and pour two one half cups of water over one teaspoon of the mix. Strain, cool, and add little honey to sweeten the liquid. Drink a glass in the morning and in the evening before going to bed. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor. A more serious condition may exist.

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