Diet + Nutrition

Sodium nitrite is an antioxidant used as a preservative in fish, meats such as ham, bacon and hot dogs, and other foods to prolong shelf life and prevent spoiling. It is also used as a color fixative and to manufacture certain dyes.

Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk products. Some people are unable to break down these sugars. These people are diagnosed with lactose intolerance. However, following a lactose-free diet will prevent the unpleasant symptoms that occur when a lactose-intolerant person consumes a milk product. You can find lactose-free foods in many grocery stores. Following a few simple steps will show you how to find these lactose-free foods.

Candida is a type of yeast that can live in the gastrointestinal system of the body. If there is an overgrowth, then the infestation can cause digestive problems, body aches, headaches and a general feeling of malaise. Mineral water has the potential to treat candida overgrowth when used with other foods as part of a special diet targeting the removal of the yeast.

Though many people joke that years of college drinking impacted their liver, in actuality, it is years of poor diet and exercise that really impede the liver’s ability to function. According to “Nutritional Healing,” the liver is responsible for metabolizing fat, thyroid function and removing toxic substances from the body. Author Phyllis Balch explains that overeating, a poor diet, toxins and drugs can wreak havoc on the liver. Cleansing this vital organ is possible, however, with a good detox diet.

If you are a winemaker, and you want to produce a wine that has the right level of acidity—so it has a longer shelf life—you need to know how to test for tartaric acid. Knowing this important procedure will help you to add just the right amount of sodium hydroxide during your wine-making process.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the food stamp program. SNAP benefits are used to buy food and increase the purchasing power in grocery stores for individual recipients of the program, thus improving the nutrition in their diets.

In the South, black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten for good luck on New Year’s Day, according to the blog Countrypolitan Cooking. Black-eyed peas are high in protein and low in fat, making them a good choice for any occasion.

Seaweed has been examined for centuries about its power to help a slew of degenerative and serious diseases. Today, seaweed therapy is popular with people living with arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Seaweed therapy is also being examined for its impact on cancer. Seaweed therapy is being researched in Japan because of its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, and some scientists have already reported promising results. Seaweed therapy can be used externally where the patient is wrapped in pure seaweed for a cleansing effect, or can be taken internally in food or pill form.

Phytoestrogen is dietary estrogen found in plant sources. Phytoestrogen shows benefits for relieving menopausal symptoms, as indicated by Mayo Clinic research. Other potential benefits which continue to be researched include prevention of prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens also are antioxidants and immune system boosters.

Potassium citrate and potassium chloride are salts. Both can be sources of potassium in the diet.

There is a growing concern among parents that negative behaviors displayed by children may be a result of a poor diet. Food dyes, additives, chemicals and insufficient nutrients may be partly to blame for the overwhelming amount of behavior issues that arise in both the school and home environments. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a review of two dozen scientific studies confirms that certain foods and food additives can have an adverse effect on behavior in children.

Calcium oxalate is a compound that sometimes forms in the kidneys or urine as a result of certain dietary and chemical factors. It is a key component in the formation of kidney stones.

Learning how to measure without utensils is essential for diabetics and individuals trying to lose weight. While portion control in the kitchen may be straightforward, with scales and measuring cups and spoons at the ready, dining away from home may present a challenge when it comes to estimating measurements. Comparing various measured amounts with other familiar items may make the guesswork simpler.

Oxalic acid occurs naturally in many fruits, vegetables and other foods. High levels of oxalic acid in the body can cause calcium oxalate kidney stones, calcium deficiency or gout. People prone to these conditions should limit their oxalic acid consumption.

Oxalates are an ester of oxalic acid found in many common foods such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, coffee, tea, peanuts and oranges. While they are not harmful to most people, sometimes doctors recommend that patients who have vulvodynia or problems with calcium-oxalate kidney stones adhere to a low oxalate diet in order to help alleviate symptoms of their disorders. Neutralizing oxalates in the diet mostly involves eliminating sources of oxalate and in the case of vulvodynia, taking calcium supplements.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Numbers lower than 7 signify acidic pH levels. Higher numbers represent alkaline levels. The pH of our blood should be slightly alkaline, right around 7.4. If the blood pH becomes overly acidic, a number of health problems can possibly be triggered. Extremely high blood acidity is known as acidosis. Test your body’s pH with saliva test strips and take steps to prevent acidic pH levels.

Having high levels of glucose in the blood is a condition known as hyperglycemia. This is a common symptom of metabolic disorders like diabetes, which is caused by insufficient insulin or a resistance to its effects. Diabetics must typically make changes in their lifestyles to manage their blood glucose levels.

In the high blood sugar condition of diabetes, glucose from digested food cannot be moved into cells due to insulin deficiency of the body. This increases the sugar level in the bloodstream, which can be lowered by various methods, depending upon the gravity of the condition.

Young, wrinkle-free, smooth-looking skin is something that a significant number of people desire to have and wish to continue to have as they get older. What many don’t realize is exactly how the foods that they eat influence their skin. For people who eat a large amount of sugar on a regular basis, the effects their diet may have on them over a course of a lifetime may not be ones they enjoy.

Ranch dressing is frequently used as a salad topping, condiment and flavor enhancer in a variety of foods. It is one of the most common salad dressings available on restaurant menus along with caesar, thousand island and Italian. Its ingredients commonly include buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onion, parsley and garlic and onion powder. Variations on ranch dressing include bacon, honey mustard, cucumber, dill, and southwest, just to name a few.

How much sugar is too much? Sugar has been blamed for everything from obesity to hyperactive kids. While sugar is not the only culprit, there are many health benefits to cutting back on sugar in your diet. Be aware of the empty or hidden sugars in your diet, too, such as corn syrup or cane juice. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the amount of sugar you consume.

Every compound in the world has a certain pH level. This level, when looked at on the pH scale, determines how alkaline or acidic something is. If the number is below seven, the compound is said to be acidic and over seven means that it is alkaline. The human body is also subject to this scale and its pH balance can be either acidic or alkaline. If your body is too acidic, however, it can cause health issues. The human body works best if it is just a little bit alkaline as this allows cells to heal better and the chemical processes in the body to be more efficient.

Vitamin E is a vitamin found naturally in some foods that can also be bought in capsules. The vitamin has many benefits ranging from anti-aging properties to skin care. The vitamin can be used in topical form as an oil or ingested through food or capsules, and is readily available in all grocery stores and pharmacies. While there are many benefits of vitamin E oil, some are more well-known than others.

The Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Diet cannot be considered a crash or fab diet. In fact, it is a very healthy and beneficial way to detox the body and get rid of some of the extra fat in the body. One of the benefits of the diet is that it contains pectin, which is helpful for throat and mouth ailments. Another benefit is that it cleans the digestive tract and removes calcium deposits. There are reasons, other than weight loss, for doing the Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Diet.

It can be quite challenging to change to an all organic diet but it can be done, and contrary to popular belief can be done without spending too much money. The easiest and most healthful way is to start with your fruits and vegetables because those that aren’t organic can contain heavy amounts of pesticides. After you master that, you may want to start changing to other organic foods, and non food products, such as soaps, shampoos, laundry detergent, paper goods and clothing items. You can do this without being wasteful, or starting completely over by using what you have a replenishing with organic products.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that interferes with the body’s ability to transfer glucose from the blood to the cells. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream, which forces the body to flush out the excess through increased urination. This not only starves the cells of needed energy, but it also places stress on arteries and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure and gum disease. A healthy low-carb diet can help manage diabetes by reducing the rate at which glucose is released into the bloodstream.

Morning sickness is a common problem with many pregnant women. It can range from simply nausea to all-day sickness and vomiting. Although it is called morning sickness, it can occur throughout the day. Luckily, it should subside or be gone completely by your fourth month. The use of Vitamin B12 may help alleviate your symptoms, as B12 helps with the metabolism of your body’s cells, which aids in digestion. Digestion problems are common in pregnant women, including stomach problems and heartburn.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) does not always have to be treated with drugs such as Ritalin or concerta. There herbal remedies and diet changes that can drastically reduce the symptoms of ADD in children and adults. While they may not work for everyone, they should be tried first, as the success rate for treating ADD naturally is very high.

Juice cleanses have many names. Whether it is juice feasts, juice fasts or master cleanses–these are all names for a strict liquid diet. In each case, you drink only liquid from fresh fruits and vegetables. Cleanses can last as long as a day or extend as long as 6 months. The benefits of juicing when done correctly can be numerous, but the diet can also be dangerous if executed poorly.

You just found out from the pregnancy test or your doctor that you are pregnant! You probably feel excited and nervous at the same time and can’t wait to hold that brand new baby in your arms for the first time. Then after the excitement wears down and a few weeks have passed, you begin to experience morning sickness, which does not take place only in the morning. Pregnancy is not what you thought it would be–feeling sick every time you get a whiff of a different food. Here are some ways to relieve nausea in pregnancy.

The best way to avoid getting sick is with preventive maintenance. No one likes to go the doctor or the hospital. A great way to achieve this is by boosting your immunity. There are a multitude of angles you can take to safeguard yourself that are more than just taking huge quantities of pills. Read on to find out some key check points and activities to incorporate into your day that can make your body a smooth-running, germ-resistant machine.

Intense body odor can be embarrassing and harmful to self-esteem. Although body odor usually occurs because of a lack of proper hygiene, there can be other causes that have to do with internal organs. When the kidneys and liver have problems eliminating toxins in the body, these toxins can be released through the pores and can magnify body odor. For this reason, nutritional supplements can sometimes minimize or even eliminate strong body odor.

Food contains energy in the chemical bonds that hold the molecules (groups of atoms) together. The human digestive system breaks these bonds, releasing the chemical energy so that it can be converted into other forms.

Cornmeal is a type of flour found in corn bread and corn tortillas. Without realizing it, many are giving their bodies a nutritional boost. Cornmeal has specific nutritional facts that could make it an important asset to your diet.

Hyperglycemia occurs when glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. Hyperglycemia can occur at anytime but is generally associated with diabetes. Blood sugar levels should be between 70 and 150mg. Having high blood sugar is a potentially dangerous situation that can lead to many serious health problems.

Allergies are a result of the immune system overreacting to a substance in the environment. Allergies have a range of symptoms, including watery eyes, headache, runny nose and upset stomach. Factors that cause allergies to occur are dependent on the individual, but vitamins can help guard the body against them.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a well known immune boosting vitamin. An allergy is an immune reaction, so boosting the immune system is one way to lessen the effects of allergies such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Ascorbic acid is most effective in treating a cold when it is taken before the symptoms arise. In addition to boosting immunity, vitamin C also helps to improve muscle, bone and skin health. This powerful vitamin also strengthens other antioxidants such as vitamins A and E.

Diarrhea often occurs as a result of a virus, food poisoning or a reaction to certain medications. Diarrhea generally only requires home treatments. However, a doctor should be consulted if diarrhea continues for more than a week, if blood is passed with the diarrhea or if dehydration is suspected.

Diuretics help remove excess fluid and toxins from your digestive system. These can help naturally prevent infections as well as cure ailments such as kidney stones and high blood pressure.There is no need to purchase sometimes expensive medication for this, because a number of natural products from food can be useful diuretics.

Constipation in infants is not only painful for baby but can be a heart-wrenching experience for mom as well. Constipation in infants can be treated easily with a number of natural cures depending upon the symptoms and age of the baby.

Crystallized ginger is a dried fruit version of the somewhat spicy ginger root that people have been eating for centuries. Slices of the root are cooked in sugar water then rolled in sugar to dry and preserve it. Many people use it in desserts, but also for its medicinal purposes as a digestive aid, cure for nausea and many cold symptoms.

Acids and bases are two different classes of chemicals. Acids typically have a sour taste, turn litmus paper red and will create hydrogen gas when reacting with certain metals, such as zinc. Bases, meanwhile, turn litmus paper blue and have a more bitter taste. When acid and base solutions are blended in equal strength, they neutralize each other to create water and salt in a process called neutralization. Many acids and bases occur naturally in the environment.

Vitamin D is not considered an essential vitamin for liver function, but liver function is essential to providing vitamin D to the body. The liver and kidneys change vitamin D to an active form, which actually is hormonal in nature. Because of this, people with liver disorders can develop vitamin D deficiencies.

Medical literature traditionally associates high triglyceride levels with obesity, overeating especially carbohydrates and fats, and lack of exercise. Taking certain common medications including steroids, beta-blockers and birth control pills are also associated with high triglycerides. More recent information from holistic health practitioners, AIDS researchers and periodontal health researchers, consider whether there is an association between high triglyceride levels and infection.

While some women do drop weight while breastfeeding, others find that their weight remains steady or increases. Since breastfeeding women cannot significantly cut their caloric intake without damaging their milk supply, it can be difficult to start a serious diet and exercise program while nursing a baby. While bittersweet and emotional for many new mothers, weaning does offer women a new opportunity to begin a consistent diet and exercise plan.

Alkaline foods are beneficial for the body’s pH level because they help neutralize acidity in cells. These foods also keep the pH level around the optimal level of 7.4, which is beneficial for the body’s functions. If the body’s cells become acidic, the cells will begin to deteriorate. Alkaline foods help the body maintain high energy levels while promoting weight loss. Alkaline foods also produce mental clarity, help the body detoxify and maintain a healthy heart.

Making sure that you are getting adequate amounts of niacin is crucial to the over all health of your body. Lacking there of can have detrimental consequences such as high cholesterol, generalized or muscular weakness, digestive problems, skin infections and lack of appetite just to name a few. Choosing to include these vegetarian foods to your diet can prove worthy at balancing your body’s need for such a vitamin as vitamin B3, niacin.

While everyone knows that exercise is an important part of any weight loss plan, if your body is suffering from pain or alignment issues, it can make it difficult to properly perform any type of exercise routine.

The form of energy the body gets from food calories is not the same form of energy it uses to power its activities. The process that converts the chemical energy in food to metabolically usable high-energy phosphate bonds is called cellular respiration.

If you have problems with your kidneys, you probably need to alter your diet. Because your kidneys have decreased functionality, you may not be able to process the same kinds of foods you could prior to having kidney disease. By changing your diet, you can help ensure that your kidneys are not overly taxed by the foods you eat—one positive thing you can do to slow the progress of kidney disease or degeneration.