Posts Tagged ‘Truth’
Food Allergies Truth
February 8th, 2010
admin
The truth about food allergy tests, food allergy diets, food allergy treatments and food allergy symptoms. How can functional medicine be used to treat food allergies? What is a food allergy? Food Allergies can cause rashes, hives, swelling and other symptoms.
'Old wives' Health Tips: Is There any Truth to Them?
January 25th, 2010
admin Most of us have heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor awayâ€, or that you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. But how much truth is there to such old wives’ health tips?
Growing up hearing certain sayings and tips resulted in many of us believing that they’re all true. But certain “common knowledge†health tips are actually relative to each individual, while others are not true at all. For example, many of us as teenagers heard that chocolate was a cause of acne. And, in fact, this “health tip†continues to circulate among both teenagers and adults today.
However, the truth is that acne is not caused by any specific type of food, including chocolate. Acne is, in fact, beyond your biological control, as it’s linked to the levels of testosterone in your body. So, rather than foregoing chocolate to keep your skin clear, a more effective way to combat acne is to cleanse your skin regularly to clear bacteria, or to use specialized acne medications.
Another common health tip is that you should drink eight glasses of water a day. While this is an estimate for the average person, the truth is that bodies differ when it comes to water intake requirements, and depend on various factors such as health, how active you are and where you live.
You may ask yourself how much water should I drink every day and while there is no set rule as to how much water you should be drinking every day, there are a few ways to estimate what your own requirements are.
One way is to use the “replacement approachâ€. Adults typically lose 1.5 litres of fluid a day through urination, as well as an additional litre through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food, however, usually provides around 20 per cent of one’s total fluid intake. That said, if the average person consumes 2 litres of water per day, along with a normal diet, they should technically replace their lost fluids.
Another way to determine your water intake requirement is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by two. Whatever number you end up with is the number of ounces of water you should consume each day. Again, if you’re particularly active or live in a warmer region, your intake should technically increase for both estimation methods.
Among the most popular health tips out there is that an apple a day keeps the doctor away – a tip that’s only partially true. Apples are full of vitamin C and polyphones, and they promote healthy teeth and gums. However, the obvious truth is that apples alone won’t keep you from getting ill. Instead, your body requires a balanced diet to stay healthy.
Another health tip that’s only partially true is that carrots are good for eyesight. In fact, most people believe that carrots are the best food for maintaining and improving eyesight. However, while carrots are full of beta carotene and vitamin A – which are both good for vision – there are certainly foods that are even better for the eyes – such as spinach and other leafy greens.
Last but not least, you’ve likely heard the saying that you can never be too safe when it comes to looking after your health. Again, this is a tip that’s only partially true. While it’s not healthy to be obsessive with health measures such as keeping germs away, you do want to safeguard your health in good measure. One example of this is securing health insurance. Health insurance is just one way to protect yourself in the event that something does goes wrong, but it certainly won’t inhibit you from living your life.
So, next time you hear an old wives’ tale, take it with a grain of salt – then consider what’s right and best for you.
The Truth About Diabetes
January 23rd, 2010
admin Like all complicated matters there are certain misunderstandings regarding Diabetes.
Today I want to dispel some myths regarding diabetes.
Here is a list of the questions that I will be discussing:
Can get diabetes from someone else?
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
People with diabetes eventually go blind
It’s not safe to drive if you have diabetes
People with diabetes can’t play sport
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Now for some serious myth bashing…
Can get diabetes from someone else?
Although we don’t know exactly why some people get diabetes, we know that diabetes is not contagious – You cannot get it from others. There is a chance that a person whose parents or brothers and sisters have diabetes might get diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. But lifestyle factors also play a part.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a combination of inherited and lifestyle factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
There is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications.
People with diabetes eventually go blind
Although diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age, research has proved you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes complications – such as damage to your eyes – if you:
• Control your blood pressure and glucose levels
• Keep active
• Maintain your ideal body weight
• Give up smoking
It’s not safe to drive if you have diabetes
Providing you are responsible and have good control of your diabetes, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes are not safe persists
People with diabetes can’t play sport
Pakistan’s famous all-rounder Wasim Akram has diabetes; many other people with diabetes take part in active sports. People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease. There may be some considerations to take into account with your diabetes before taking up a new exercise regime – talk to your doctor for more information.
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you’ve got diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu vaccinations. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose control, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with Type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.
People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate
Sweets and chocolate can be eaten by people with diabetes just like the rest of us, if eaten as part of a healthy diet. Remember that confectionery foods tend to be higher in fat and calories too so for this reason they should be limited especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
All fruit and vegetables are extremely good for you. Eating more can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. You should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This also helps to improve the overall balance of the diet. Eating a variety of different fruit and vegetables ensure you get the maximum benefit.
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Diabetic versions of foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, contain just as much fat and calories, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as that recommended for everyone – low in fat, salt and sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

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