Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not Part1
Robert Walker

The Basics of Food Allergies In Men

Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Fresh flowers, a friends cat

or dog, even dust can make people itch, sneeze and scratch almost uncontrollably. But what about

that seemingly innocent peanut butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about

food allergies and steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure to potentially dangerous

food allergens.

The Basics
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Most Common Food Allergens
Diagnosing Food Allergy
Treatment for Food Allergies
Other Resources
E-mail this Information to A Friend

The Basics
Each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from a variety of allergic diseases such as;

atopic dermatitis and other eczemas, hives, allergies to venom of stinging insects (honeybees,

wasps, and fire ants), allergic drug reactions and food allergies. According to the National

Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million Americans, (5 to 8% of children and 1 to 2% of adults) have a true food allergy.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance

Food allergy, also called food hypersensitivity,is a reaction of the bodys immune system to

something in a food or an ingredient in a food usually a protein. Food allergens are not broken

down by cooking or the digestive process. As a result, they enter the bloodstream and cause

allergic reactions throughout the body. Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions.

Other reactions to foods are called food intolerances or food idiosyncrasies. Food intolerance is

an adverse reaction to a food substance or additive that does not involve the immune system.

These reactions are generally localized, temporary, and rarely life threatening. Lactose

intolerance is an example of food intolerance.

Note: It is very important for individuals who have true food allergies to identify them and

prevent allergic reactions to food because these reactions can cause serious illness and, in some

cases, be fatal.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergy differ greatly among individuals. They can also differ in the same

person during different exposures. Allergic reactions to food can vary in severity, time of

onset, and may be affected by when the food was eaten.

Common symptoms may include: skin irritations such as rashes, hives and eczema, and

gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath can also result from food allergy.
Some individuals may experience a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis a rare but

potentially fatal condition which may include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing,

lowered blood pressure and unconsciousness.
Symptoms usually appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to the allergen.
Seek immediate medical attention standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of

epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airway and blood vessels.

For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Most Common Food Allergens
The eight most common food allergens include:

Milk (including yogurt and ice cream, and anything that is made with milk)
eggs
peanuts
tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds)
soy
wheat
fish
shellfish (such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab)
Note: These food allergens cause more than 90% of all food allergic reactions. However, many

other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.

Diagnosing Food Allergy
If you suspect you have a food allergy, get a medical evaluation. Treatment is basically avoiding

the food(s) after the specific food allergy is identified. You should see a board-certified

allergist to get a diagnosis, and a dietician to plan the proper diet.

Making a diagnosis may include a thorough medical history, analysis of a food diary, and several

tests including skin-prick tests, RAST tests (a blood test) and food challenges. Once a diagnosis

is complete, an allergist will help set up a response plan that may include taking medication by

injection to control allergic reactions.

Treatment for Food Allergies
Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to

prevent a reaction. Once the specific food has been identified, it must be removed from your

diet. It is important to read lengthy, detailed ingredient lists on each food you are considering

eating. The Food and Drug Administration requires ingredients in a food to appear on its label.

You can avoid most food allergens if you read food labels carefully, and avoid

restaurant-prepared food that might have ingredients to which you are allergic. Dont be shy

about asking for more information if the menu isnt clear.

Unfortunately, you cant take a medication in advance to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to

a specific food. However, there are several medications that will relieve food allergy symptoms

that are not part of an anaphylactic reaction. These include antihistamines to relieve

gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, or sneezing and a runny nose, and bronchodilators to relieve

asthma symptoms. These medications are taken after you have inadvertently ingested a food to

which you are allergic, but are not effective in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior

to eating the food.

Note: Randomly taking different food groups out of your diet can cause other health problems.

Seek the help of a doctor before making significant changes in your diet.

Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:

Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Food Allergies:
Websites*:

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Asthma & Allergy Foundation
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Food and Drug Administration
International Food Information Council
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center

For More Man Health Information Benefits Click Here http://todays-man-health-advocate.com

Consumer Focus: The Basics of Food Allergies

Tips for Avoiding Food Allergies
Eight percent of children in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by food allergies, along with

up to 2% of adults. The eight most common food allergens milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy,

wheat, fish and shellfish cause more than 90 percent of all food allergic reactions. However,

many other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.

About the Author

Robert Walker is a health information marketer and writer that writes for
The Men’s Health Advantage Report at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com.

Tags: Allergic Diseases, Allergic Reaction, Allergic Reactions To Food, allergic reactions;, Allergies, Allergy Treatment, also called food hypersensitivity, American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, anaphylactic reaction, anaphylaxis, Asthma & Allergy Foundation, asthma;, Atopic Dermatitis, Author, called food hypersensitivity, Dangerous Food, diarrhea;, Dietician, Eczema, Eczemas, emergency treatment, epinephrine, Fire Ants, Food Allergens, food allergic reactions, food allergies;, Food Allergy, food allergy symptoms, Food And Drug Administration, food challenges, Food Diary, Food Groups, Food Hypersensitivity, food idiosyncrasies, Food Intolerance, food intolerances, Food Labels, Food Substance, food;, health information marketer, hives;, Insects Wasps, International Food Information Council, National Institutes Of Health, Nausea, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Protein Food, restaurant-prepared food, Robert Walker, runny nose, Sandwich Glass, serious illness, Shortness Of Breath, specific food allergy, Stinging Insects, Symptoms Of Food Allergies, the National, True Food Allergies, True Food Allergy, unconsciousness, United States;, USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center, vomiting, writer —

A Heart Healthy Diet Makeover
Meri Raffetto RD

Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. among both men and women. Part of the problem is it is truly a silent killer. There are few warning signs of a heart attack and the signs that are there dont necessarily make us feel bad. The good news is there are many lifestyle changes you can make to significantly decrease your risk of heart disease. Here are 9 simple steps to make over your diet for heart health.

1.Use the right fats: The good fats are found to preserve HDL (protective cholesterol) and lower LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels. The good fats are found in foods such as olive, canola, and peanut oils as well as nuts, avocados and olives.

2.Decrease the Saturated Fats: These fats tend to increase the cholesterol made by your body. They can increase your total and LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as dairy, poultry (especially the skin), meats, butter and cream based sauces and dressings. It is not necessary to omit these foods, just choose leaner options and have the higher fat foods once in awhile.

3.Remove all Trans Fats from your pantry! : Trans Fats are oils that have been hardened by the hydrogenation process, such as stick margarine and shortening used to make commercial baked goods, chips, and fast foods. Like saturated fats, these fats increase total blood cholesterol and LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels and may even lower HDL (Good) cholesterol levels. Food labels will be required to list the amount of Trans fats in a food product by 2006. Until then, if the ingredient list on the food label includes the term hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated, it contains Trans Fats. Avoid these products!

4.Increase Your Fiber! : Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood by binding to cholesterol in the intestine so it cannot be absorbed by the body. Good food sources of soluble fiber include beans and legumes, oranges, apples, prunes, broccoli, carrots, oat bran, oatmeal, and some cereals. Use whole grain products in place of their white counterparts. Eat at least 20-40 grams of fiber a day. (Most Americans only eat around 12 grams of fiber a day.)

5.Omega-3 Fatty Acids every day: Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids meaning we have to get them from our diet. These fatty acids may reduce the risk of blood clotting, decrease inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, normalize heart rhythms and improve the immune system. Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids daily may reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death by 50-70%. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in: fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, halibut, and sardines. Other sources include ground flax seeds, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts.

6.Five To Eight Fruits and Vegetables a day: Eating fruits and vegetables can help to decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and can help to lower blood pressure. Fruits and Vegetables are loaded in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. The more fruits and veggies you eat, the more antioxidant activity in your body.
How do antioxidants work? Every day we are exposed to free radicals from our diets, sun, chemical exposure, pollution, etc. These free radicals promote the plaque build up in our arteries leading us to increased risk of heart disease. Antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals before they can cause damage to our bodies.

7.Folic Acid: High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood have been associated with damage to the blood-vessel walls, increased blood clotting, and overall increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Folate is a B vitamin which has been shown to decrease these homocysteine levels in the blood. Good food sources of Folate include green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, beet greens, and chard as well as legumes, asparagus, broccoli, oranges, orange juice, whole and fortified grains, walnuts and peanuts.

8.Add some almonds! Studies show that eating an ounce of almonds a day can help to lower your cholesterol. A matter of fact, a recent study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that eating a diet that included plant sterol margarine (such as Benecol or ProActiv), soy products, almonds and increase fiber was able to lower cholesterol levels as much as the statin drugs and in just 2 weeks time! Have an ounce of almonds as a snack, or sprinkle them in your cereal or salad.

9.Have a little soy: Soy has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
Using soy on a weekly basis is a great step towards protecting your heart. If you are not a tofu fan, try soy milk or yogurt, garden burgers, edamme (soy beans), or soy sausage patties. There are all kinds of ways to include soy in your diet!

Sample Heart Healthy Meal Makeover:

Sample day
Before:
Breakfast:
– glass of orange juice
– 2 fried eggs
– 3 slices of bacon
– 2 slices white bread with 3 tsp butter
Lunch:
– roast beef sandwich on white bread
– potato chips
Snack:
– 1 cup Cheez It crackers
Dinner:
– fried fish strips
– 1 cup mashed potatoes cooked w/whole milk and butter
– cup corn

Diet make over:
Breakfast:
-glass of calcium fortified orange juice
– scrambled egg beaters
– 1-2 slices of whole grain bread with 1-2 tsp Benocol or ProActive spread
– 1-2 slices soy bacon or sausage links
Lunch:
– turkey, lettuce, tomato, and avocado sandwich
– 1 cup vegetable soup
– 8 oz vanilla non-fat yogurt with 1/3 cup of berries added
Snack:
1 ounce almonds
Dinner:
-3 ounces baked or broiled salmon
– cup broiled red potatoes with olive oil
– cup broccoli
– 1-2 cups of salad with cut up pears and toasted walnuts
with 1TB olive oil vinaigrette salad dressing

Results:
Day 1 = 2300 calories and 114 grams fat; 98 grams sat fat; 45% calories from fat
Day 2 = 1800 calories and 58 grams fat; 14 grams sat fat; 29% calories from fat.

Making small changes can go a long way to improve your heart health! What changes can you start making?

Meri Raffetto, 2005

About the Author

Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She has developed two online weight management programs, The Mini Diet Makeover and The Ultimate Diet Makeover, which focus on a healthy, non-diet approach to weight loss. For more information or to sign up for our free newsletter, visit www.reallivingnutrition.com.

Tags: 1TB olive oil vinaigrette salad dressing, American Medical Association, Animal Products, Author, Bad Cholesterol, Beans And Legumes, Blood Cholesterol, cancer;, Canola Oil, Cardiovascular Disease, cataracts, chemical exposure, cut, decrease inflammation, folic acid, Food Label, Food Labels, Food Product, Food Sources, Good Cholesterol Levels, Good Fats, grain products;, heart attack;, heart disease;, Heart Healthy Diet, Hydrogenated, Hydrogenation Process, Journal Of The American Medical Association, Lifestyle Changes, Lower Cholesterol, Number One Cause Of Death, olive oil;, online weight management programs, Raffetto, Real Living Nutrition Services, Registered Dietitian, Saturated Fats, Signs Of A Heart Attack, Silent Killer, Sources Of Soluble Fiber, soy products, Sudden Cardiac Death, Trans Fats, United States;, Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack, www.reallivingnutrition.com —

Teen weight loss: Taking it slowly is still the best

According to recent studies more kids nowadays are mild to severely overweight. The 1999-2000 National health survey indicates that 15 % of children and teens are overweight.

The figure is nearly double that what was recorded a decade or so ago. Some blame their present lifestyle while others blame the lack of discipline in teens nowadays. Regardless of the reasons, teen weight problems are real.

But unlike weight loss programs for adults, teen weight loss programs are a little tricky since such programs when left uncheck can be potentially dangerous for their health. Because of the potential danger, dietitian and nutrition experts approach the subject with caution.

The basic problem with teen weight loss is that their bodies are still growing and developing and cutting down food intake will greatly influence their growth. It is therefore important that diet programs for teens should cover all their nutritional needs.

For teenagers, they generally need to grasp some basic concepts about eating right. If they eat too little, their health will be put at risk. But similarly, if they eat more that they should, the extra food turns into body fat causing weight issues. Teenagers should learn to eat food less with saturated fats.

These foods include those fried in fat and oil like fried chicken, burgers, potato chips, french fries, potato chips and other fatty meat. Meanwhile, they also should avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar contents like cakes, chocolates, butter, cream, peanut butter, pies, cookies, and generally any sweets and sweet based desserts.

A lot of diet programs claim to be the best solutions for over weight teens. These claims generally revolve around two basic concepts: the right diet and regular exercise. In reality, the quickest and easiest way for teens to loose weight is still the having the right diet and right exercise. Teens should always avoid diet pills.

Most of the kids or teens today eat fast foods, get exceedingly large food portions and are really extremely lazy lacking the necessary activities to build a healthy body. Simple outdoor activities for teens can help them loose some of their excess body weight. When you cut grass use a push mower, for example. Engage in activities like playing Frisbee which would help you exercise without even realizing it.

There’s really no quick way to loose weight. You need to work the excess fat off your body. It is the right combination of diet and exercise which will help you loose weight. But the problem with dieting and exercising is keeping motivated and goal oriented. Kids find dieting intimidating and regular exercise boring.

This is why full family support is necessary if you want your kids to loose some weight. You need to keep your kids and teens motivated. Encourage them and help them overcome their cravings by cooking, serving and eating the same food diets that they eat. Get them to be more active. If they find regular exercises boring, join them in other activities such as sports.

Teach them what to look for when they eat outdoors. Tell them the benefits of foods and teach them how to read food labels. You may be able to control their diet while they stay home but when they go outside and eat with friends, then you might have a problem. It is therefore important in any diet to implant a sense of self discipline and pride in what they do.

Tags: Best Solutions, Body Fat, Butter Cream, Chicken Burgers, Desserts, Diet Pills, Diet Programs, Dietitian, Fatty Meat, food intake;, Food Labels, food turns, food;, French Fries, Fried Chicken, large food portions, Loose Weight, Losing Weight, National Health Survey, Nutrition Experts, Nutritional Needs For Teenagers, Peanut Butter, Potato Chips, Potential Danger, Saturated Fats —

People are busier than ever before. Several decades ago, the so-called experts predicted we would be living a life of leisure and that there would be almost no need to work at all. The reality that we live in now is much different; we are working more and under more stress. It doesn’t take much of a leap to figure out why people are eating out more often, and how that can lead to obesity. Still, eating outside of the home is convenient, so having a restaurant calorie counter can be a real life saver.

If you have ever tried losing weight, then you know how difficult it can be. Anything you can use to help you lose weight is a good thing. A restaurant calorie counter is the ideal tool for helping you stay on your diet when eating out. It just makes sense to have this information on hand.

A big problem people have is unrealistic expectations. They decide they need to lose weight, and vow to make super-healthy meals at home. They envision themselves in the kitchen making nutritious foods from scratch, and sitting down to a nice home-cooked meal. If you can do this, then that’s great, but be honest about it. If you’re not already in the habit of making meals at home, then being on a diet won’t be enough to change that.

It’s much better to face the fact that you’re the type of person who likes to eat out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and it’s best to be realistic before starting a diet. Of course, once you’re in a restaurant you still have to watch what you eat, and that’s where a restaurant calorie counter can be so helpful.

Well, ‘helpful’ is one way to describe it, but ‘vital’ may be more accurate. While you can always check food labels for the items you have at home, very few restaurants put any kind of nutritional information right on the menu. Some fast food places will have a brochure that lists the info, but it’s rare for a regular restaurant to publish this information.

Without a restaurant calorie counter, the only thing you can do is guess how many calories you’re eating. That may sound reasonable, but studies have shown that people consistently underestimate the number of calories in the food they eat; and if you’re on a diet, then you can’t afford to be too far off. If you underestimate, then you may overeat; if you overestimate, then you may feel hungry all the time.

When selecting a calorie guide, it’s best to make sure it includes the restaurants you visit most. Of course not all locally owned restaurants will be covered, but most guides will give you a pretty close approximation for most foods. For example, if it’s an Italian restaurant, then make sure that the restaurant calorie counter you get includes listings for the foods most typically served at Italian restaurants.

Tags: Brochure, Calorie Counter, Calories, Decades, Diet, Eating Habits, Fast Food, Food Labels, Food Places, Habit, Healthy Diet, Healthy Meals, Home Cooked Meal, Leap, Life Of Leisure, Losing Weight, Nutritional Information, Nutritious Foods, obesity;, Scratch, Stress, Unrealistic Expectations, Vow —