I recently did some posts on FODMAPs and how they can affect those with certain tummy problems. Be aware of salad dressings if FODMAPs are a problem for you. FODMAPs are in almost all salad dressings! You may want to use olive oil and red or white wine vinegars as all three are FODMAP free.
Helping you know how to use foods as medicines. You can help your body to heal and stay healthy by the foods you eat!However, with any medical condition, always consult with a physician before any changes in routine, diet or medication.
Friday, April 30, 2021
Thursday, April 29, 2021
OMEGA-3S WITH YOUR BRAIN IN MIND
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
WORK UP A SWEAT FOR BRAIN POWER
Are you one of those people who can't remember where you put your glasses, keys, etc? As we age, it is a fact that our brains shrink and unfortunately a smaller brain just doesn't work as well as we would like. Neurologist Majid T. Fotuhi, M.D., author of Boost Your Brain: The New Art and Science Behind Enhanced Brain Performance, says not to worry. He says the brain has the remarkable ability to keep growing at any age. But here is the catch - you have to have the right health habits if you want your brain to grow.
According to Dr. Fotuhi, "When you're working out to the point of breaking a sweat, you're actually growing new brain cells in your hippocampus." He says he knows that is mind-boggling but that there is solid science behind it. Below is what Dr. Fotuhi recommends to see significant brain benefits:
30 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity like jogging and 15 minutes of strength straining, such as lifting hand weights or doing squats and pushups, four times a week.
How about this for an incentive? Those who have a bigger hippocampus are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease. So eat healthy and exercise for better memory.
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
TIP FOR FREEZING COOKED MEAT
Tip: Portion the cooled meat and place in ziptop freezer (not sandwich or storage) bags, add liquid, remove air, seal and freeze up to 4 to 6 weeks.
Note: Placing the meat in the bags in portion size rather than in a large bag will be very helpful if you have a problem with portion control.
Monday, April 26, 2021
TIP ON STORING OMEGA-3S
Sunday, April 25, 2021
BENEFITS OF CELERY
Celery is a strongly alkaline food that helps to counteract acidosis, purify the bloodstream, aid in digestion, prevent migraines, relax the nerves, reduce blood pressure, and clear up skin problems. Celery contains compounds called coumarins which are known to enhance the activity of certain white blood cells and support the vascular system. Celery’s rich organic sodium content has the ability to dislodge calcium deposits from the joints and holds them in solution until they can be eliminated safely from the kidneys. Celery is a well known natural diuretic and has ample ability to flush toxins out of the body. Celery also has significant anti-inflammatory properties making it an essential food for those who suffer from auto-immune illnesses. It also contains significant amounts of calcium and silicon which can aid in the repair of damaged ligaments and bones. Celery is rich in vitamin A, magnesium, and iron which all help to nourish the blood and aid those suffering from rheumatism, high blood pressure, arthritis, and anemia. Fresh celery juice is one of the most powerful and healing juices one can drink. Just 16 oz of fresh celery juice a day can transform your health and digestion in as little as one week.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
ARE YOU MEETING YOUR DIETARY GUIDELINES?
Would you believe studies have shown that Americans are meeting their dietary guidelines? That's right but here is the bad news, that's only on average about 1 week out of the year. That leaves 51 weeks when we aren't usually meeting those guidelines. It is a well known fact that supplements and vitamins cannot replace a good healthy diet. However, if you aren't eating properly and find it hard to get your diet on track ask your doctor if you should be taking vitamins or supplements. Don't waste your money on these products if you don't need them. Your doctor is the one to give you advice.
Friday, April 23, 2021
Thursday, April 22, 2021
ARE FODMAPs IN ALL CARBS?
The answer to our title question is no! It is important to know that all FODMAPs are carbs but not all carbs contain FODMAPs. Basically FODMAPs fall into four categories:
OLIGOSACCHARIDES - Found in such common foods as wheat, rye, okra, watermelon, pasta, onions and garlic. That is a partial list.
GALECTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES - Found in such common foods as lentils, pinto beans, kidney beans, peas. Again, this is a partial list.
DISACCHARIDES (lactose) - Found in the milk of cows, sheep, and goats, soft cheeses ( cottage and ricotta), sour cream. Again, a partial list.
POLYOYS - Found in Xylitol, sorbitol, isomalt, apples, celery, peaches, pears, avocados, blackberries, cauliflower. Again, a partial list.
The above foods are partial lists listed to show you how common the foods containing FODMAPS are. Everyone is different. There may be one food or several that can trigger abdominal distress in a person. If you suffer from abdominal distress you may want to try eliminating certain foods to see if that eases your symptoms. If you are under a doctor's care for your symptoms, I suggest you work with them or at least discuss with them.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF EASE DIGESTIVE DISTRESS BY ELIMINATING FODMAPS
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
DIGESTIVE ISSUES AND FODMAPS
If you suffer from any type of digestive issues you are undoubtedly familiar with some or perhaps all of the following: gas, bloating, swollen belly, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation and pain. Some people have mild symptoms while others have symptoms so severe they isolate themselves socially and often suffer depression. Help is available often through medications and one can almost always help themselves through their diet. Since the 1990s ongoing research has suggested that FODMAPs could be the culprit. FODMAPS, certain short-chain carbs, are more fully described in my post a couple or so days ago. There is also a picture with that post of some low FODMAP and some high FODMAP foods. Unfortunately, FODMAPs are found in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. My next post will offer ways to help sufferers ease their symptoms. In the meantime, below is a listing of low to high FODMAP sugars and sweeteners.
Monday, April 19, 2021
Friday, April 16, 2021
WHAT ARE FODMAPS?
FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. If you suffer from digestives issues you may have heard the term as some try a FODMAP diet. FODMAPs are carbs that absorb water in the small intestine and pass through the large intestine where they quickly ferment as naturally occurring gut bacteria eat them. The process releases gas that along with excess water can cause abdominal discomfort or pain. We will go into this further in future post.
Friday, April 9, 2021
FOODS THAT SUPPORT LUNG FUNCTION
My husband is an invalid due mostly to COPD so I am always looking for ways to help him breathe easier. His disease is advanced but there are still small ways to help him. I had always blamed years of smoking for his disease, which is true, but I never really considered his diet. I discovered that diets high in processed foods can impair the lungs. My husband has always preferred processed foods over fruits and vegetables and changing his mind at age 74 is not easy. Diets that lean heavily on fruits and vegetables not only reduce the risks of COPD but can improve the respiratory system in those who have it. I'm working on this with my husband and I hope this information will help you eat to protect your lungs.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
DO YOU SMOKE OR USE TOBACCO PRODUCTS?
Even in 2021 with all we know about the dangers of smoking, almost 40 million American adults still smoke cigarettes. In addition to that approximately 4.7 million students say they use at least one tobacco product weekly and that includes e-cigarettes. This is not good when you consider the damage this does to lungs. Lungs are vital to life. We all know we need a brain and heart to live but without the lungs we are also in trouble. If you are one of the above statistics it would be to your advantage to stop using tobacco products. Your doctor is a good place to go for help. You can also visit smokefree.gov for helpful information.
Friday, April 2, 2021
BONES IN THE FEET
Do you know how many bones are in each of your feet? The number might surprise you! Each of your feet have 26 bones, both large and small ones. Would you believe that almost one-fourth of the body's bones are found in the feet? One of the easy way to take good care of your feet is to wear sturdy shoes that fit well.