Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Get Headaches After Workouts
Get headaches after workouts. Is it normal?
Exercise headaches occur during or after sustained, strenuous exercise and can stem from dehydration, a dip in blood sugar, tight muscles in your chest, neck and shoulders or high blood pressure.
Here’s what you can do to avoid it.
Grab a small bite and sip on some lemon water before the workout to avoid low blood sugar or dehydration. Keep sipping water during the session, do a warm up to prep the muscles. Ensure that you ease your body into exercise and allow your heart to adjust to the intensity gradually. If the pain still persists, see a doctor to rule out other underlying health issues...Sunday, August 28, 2016
Common Allergies
Common Allergies
Know Your Allergy - Common allergies are unusual body responses like mild cough, skin rashes or other types of irritation brought about by an imbalance in the immune system. It is described as “unusual” or “exaggerated” because the foreign substance, also known as allergens , are usually harmless to the majority except for a few who experience sudden discomfort. |
| Image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Allergy_food.jpg |
Irritation occurs when the body has direct contact with the allergens. For example, it can be an ingredient in a soap or other beauty product that can suddenly cause itchiness. It may be a preservative in a snack that can cause the face to swell, or a spice ingredient that can give you an upset stomach. It can be as simple as dust in air that brings about sneeze attack. Almost every substance in the environment can be an allergen and may enter the body through the skin, mouth, stomach intestine or the lungs.
If you suddenly experience common allergies like mild cough, sneeze attack , or skin rashes then you are clearly allergic to that particular allergen. Some can have more severe symptoms which can lead to serious illness or even death.
Common allergies occur because the body cannot accept a particular allergen or foreign substance. The immune system immediately detects the harmful substance and so it produces an antibody called IgE or E-class immunoglobin to fight it. This triggers the release of different kinds of chemicals, including histamine. Allergic reaction takes place when the cells release histamine to the skin, lungs, nose or the intestines.
Common allergies come in many forms. Airborne allergy is caused by unseen particles in the air like pollen, mould spores, house dust mites or dander- a mixture small particles from your pet’s fur, skin scales and saliva. This condition is also known as allergic rhinitis.
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| Image from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Asthma_triggers_2.PNG |
Common allergies also cause asthma attacks. Asthma is triggered by sensitive and inflamed lung airways. When exposed to the allergen the airways are irritated that thus causing cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Insect bites and other foreign substances can bring about Skin Allergy. The result can range from localised redness and swelling like hives or rash however major skin flare-up in the form of eczema or dermatitis can also take place.
Also in the list of common allergies is food allergy. This is when an exaggerated reaction occurs after food intake. This happens because the digestive system does not have the particular enzyme or chemical, needed to break down the food for digestion.
Food allergy symptoms includes mild reactions like hives to full-blown anaphylactic shock where the patient experiences a sharp drop in blood pressure that causing breathing difficulties.
Allergy medications are prescribed to reduce the body’s reaction. This can be in the form of pills, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and shots (injections). Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others are available by prescription only.
It is always safe to be very vigilant about common allergies . It may not happen to you, but should any emergency occur you would know how to extend medical assistance. While some allergies mild others can be life threatening as in the case of food allergy symptoms, which commonly take place in public gatherings or restaurants.
Tags: asthma, health, allergy, allergies
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
5 Surprising Things That Affect Taste
5 Surprising Things That Affect Taste
What is really being affected is the flavor of the food? |
| Thai food image from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_cuisine#/media/File:Yam_wun_sen.JPG |
YOUR AGE
Sense of taste is strongest for women during childbearing years and becomes even more heightened during pregnancy, thanks to a hormonal surge. After menopause, your ability to taste bitterness sometimes drops off.
YOUR STRESS
In both genders, sugar cravings seem to be most intense when anxiety is high. Recent research from Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia has suggested that stress-activated hormones, called glucocorticoids, may affect how our taste cells react to sugar.
YOUR SNIFFLES .
"A huge part of what we taste is actually what we smell with our olfactory cells," says Valerie Duffy, RD. If your sense of scent is impaired whether
from allergies, a sinus infection or a more permanent medical condition savoring foods becomes more difficult.
YOUR EARS
People who suffered from moderate to severe ear infections during childhood may have damage to taste nerves, which can cause them to prefer
sweet and fatty foods. One study found that they were more than twice as likely to be obese as adults as people who hadn't had many ear infections.
YOUR EXPECTATIONS
People tend to enjoy foods more if they have a fancy name, such as Lightly Pounded Parmigiana Crusted Rib Pork Chop, than if they come without the fanfare, according to research from Cornell University. All the more reason to tell your family that dinner is Gourmet Grilled Tilapia with Broccoli Florets.
What Kind of Taster Are You?
Find out by answering yes or no to each of the following.Do you like spicy foods?
Do you like green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and collard greens?
Do you like fried chicken?
Do you like grapefruit?
Do you like really sweet desserts?
Do you prefer creamy salad dressings over oil-based vinaigrettes?
Do you drink your coffee black?
Do you like beer?
Do you like scotch or vodka?
The more "no" responses you have, the more likely it is you’re a super taster. A higher number of “yes” answers means you’re closer to a non taster. If you’re about half and half, you’re similar to the majority of Americans you fall somewhere in the middle.
Credit : HEALTH Magazine March 2015
Monday, July 18, 2016
HOW MUCH VITAMIN D IS ENOUGH?
HOW MUCH VITAMIN D IS ENOUGH?
Vitamin D is critical for normal calcium metabolism and plays a vital role in maintaining bone and muscle health.
The vitamin is produced naturally in the skin as part of a reaction involving sunlight but is also consumed in the diet. Many people are vitamin D deficient because they shun vitamin D-fortified food products and don't get much outdoor activity. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for muscle strength, power, speed and preventing falls.
Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake is critical for maximizing muscle and bone health throughout life. The contribution of vitamin D beyond bone health is controversial. The Institute of Medicine recommends that people aged 1 to 70 consume 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day and that people over 70 consume 800 IUs. The guidelines of the Endocrine Society suggest that even higher doses might be beneficial. However, high doses of vitamin D can cause side effects such as high blood calcium levels and
kidney stones. (Endocrine News, November 2014)
SPRINT CYCLING INCREASES GROWTH HORMONE AND IGF-1
SPRINT CYCLING INCREASES GROWTH HORMONE AND IGF-1
Growth hormone and IGF-1 are two important anabolic hormones that increase lean muscle and strength. Growth hormone promotes muscle hypertrophy indirectly by increasing the production of IGF-1.
Growth hormone (GH) is a stress hormone that raises the concentration of glucose and free fatty acids. It also stimulates production of IGF-1. GH also known as somatotropin ), is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It is thus important in human development. Ref : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_hormone
Israeli researchers from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv found that growth hormone, IGF-1 and lactate increased during a single 30-second maximal sprint on a stationary bike (i.e., Wingate test). Growth hormone increased more and peaked earlier in women than men, but IGF-1 only increased significantly in men. This was an interesting study, but it has little practical application. (Fitness RX for women)
Thursday, June 9, 2016
High Blood Pressure Treatments
High Blood Pressure Treatments
A few short years ago high blood pressure treatments involved medications prescribed by a physician and it seemed to be the only treatment known to control hypertension.
With all of multiple side effects caused from drug therapy many people wonder if there is a better alternative. The good news is that there is!
If you have high blood pressure you should see your doctor to find out if it is secondary to an underlying disease which can cause the elevated blood pressure. If the underlying cause is treated and fixed this will correct the blood pressure.
The majority of those with high blood pressure have it because of poor lifestyle choices along with hereditary susceptibility.
Today we have learned through through lifestyle changes high blood pressure can be lowered naturally. There are four changes that need to take place at the same time. They are:
- Weight loss
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Low sodium diet
- Increase your physical activity
A study was done where 18 sedentary people with high blood pressure finished an exercise program which lasted for 4 months. During the program, they rode an exercise bike 3 days a week for 45 minutes each day. They did moderate exercise (60 to 80 percent of their predicted maximum heart rate). After the 16 week program, the average systolic blood pressure dropped 7 mm and the average diastolic pressure, 5 mm. The exercise also helped to keep their blood pressure from rising while they exercised. Their average systolic blood pressure was 19mm lower when exercising and the diastolic was 10 mm lower than before they began the program.
The Benefits to Exercise
The Benefits to Exercise , Not Just For Weight Loss!
We should be inspired to get fit and stay fit after learning what the benefits to exercise can do for the body, mind, and soul.
Being fit can mean different things to different people but ultimately it is everyone's desire to feel good and have a strong, healthy body. Total fitness involves well-being of the mind and body.
Live Healthy
Moderate exercise on a regular basis provides significant health benefits to people who are inactive. It will lower our cholesterol making our heart beat to a happier tune. When the bad cholesterol is down it significantly reduces our chances of coming down with, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension just to name a few.Be Happy
People who exercise regularly are happier because it increases serotonin which helps relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety more effectively than any medication. It also produces endorphins which are the body's natural feel-good hormones.Boosts the Metabolism
As we age we begin to lose muscle mass. Regular exercise can help maintain muscle mass and burn off body fat, so we can maintain a healthy body composition.Other benefits result in reduced joint pain, decreased PMS symptoms, stress reduction, a slowing down of the aging process, maintaining an ideal weight, good muscle tone, strength and endurance...and the list goes on.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Health & Fitness Exercise
Health & Fitness Exercise
It's never too late and never the wrong time to start exercising. Or, maybe you already exercise, but need some advice and/or upgrading regarding your health & fitness equipment. Home fitness machines are a way of exercising that comes with the convenience of being right at home!
Most popular keep-fit devices:
• Abdominal tools - To tighten the tummy. It comes in a few different forms. Abdominal workout machines include ab rollers, ab wheels (or ab sliders), bigger ab machines, and even electronic ab belts.• Exercise bikes - Workout while watching TV. Its come in as many different styles and with as many features as you could wish for.
• Home gyms - Professional equipment in your home to bring your body into tiptop shape.
• Treadmills - Great workout for the heart and legs. The best treadmill may be an elusive thing to nail down, but check out reviews of treadmills online and elsewhere.
• Weights & dumbbells - All-round body strengthener. Weights and dumbbells can be used conveniently and easily as part of a general exercise program to develop all round body strength.
You may be thinking that home fitness machines or health & fitness equipment will be too expensive for you. Well, not to worry! As with almost anything, there are discounts available for home gyms. Health & fitness equipment is available at wholesale cost or as refurbished merchandise… just be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into when you purchase a new machine, total home gym or any health and fitness equipment.
With the right shopping precautions, shopping for a home gym and health & fitness equipment doesn’t have to be painful and stretching for your wallet. Home fitness machines may well be within your reach and may be what you need to take charge of your lifestyle again.
