Surviving Allergies

As the plants bloom allergy season begins again; 22 million Americans flock to doctors and drugstores to get relief. Relief comes in only a few forms each one with a cost. Who really wants to be drowsy all day?

For many people the way to get allergy relief is natural alternatives. It is believed that herbs, food, and phytonutrients will eventually cure allergies plus all-natural treatments are often less expensive and they work! Vitamin C, stinging nettles, and quercetin often found in apples, grapes, onions, and green tea have been shown to have antihistamine activity. Spicy food can also help with allergies because they thin mucous secretions which help to clear nasal passages. The best spices to try are cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onion, and garlic.

Reducing allergens help with allergies. When outdoors, wear glasses (sunglass/prescription); this will reduce the amount of pollen around the eyes. After coming back indoors wash hands to remove clinging pollen then, when possible, take a shower because pollen will linger on hair and clothes. Keeping the house clean will also help. Try cleaning with a damp rag or mop instead of dry dusting or sweeping. Vacuuming rugs and carpet frequently also reduces allergens. Air filters, especially HEPA filters reduce allergens in the air. Keep drying laundry inside to prevent pollen from setting on them. Don’t over water your indoor plants! The extra water creates a place for mold growth which can cause allergies.

Before making outdoor plans check your calendar! Pollen seasons are predictable so if you know what you react to see when the season starts and plan accordingly. Check the weather and allergy forecast. Pollen count is the highest on warm breezy mornings and cool, rainy days. If the pollen count is high try avoiding exercising outdoors or try less intense activities. If you are going out-of-town make sure to check the allergy forecast of your destination. Before starting your journey, turn the air conditioner on and open windows for 10 minutes. This removes dust mites from within the system. While driving keep the windows closed and use the air conditioner to circulate clean air. Before turning off the car, turn off the air conditioner and allow the blower to continue for a short time; this dries the vents and prevents moisture collection.

Before making any plans for the summer talk to your doctor about when to take your medicine. For some people taking it at night will help in the morning. Make sure that you keep treatments with you whenever you travel.

Sponsored by www.TheOneStopShoppingMall.com The “Best of Nature Best of Science”. One of our specialties is nutritional products all organic Vitamins, Supplements and Food products.

Vitamin D the “Sunshine Vitamin”

Summer has come Family picnics, sports and an assortment of outdoor activities is picking up. The more time spent outdoors the more Vitamin D your body creates. As ultraviolet rays hit the skin the body produces vitamin D. D is important for people of all ages because it helps with bone health; many foods don’t have the needed amount in them. Are we getting enough vitamin D and if not how do we get more?

Sunscreen is a good to use when going outside for any activity but it blocks ultraviolet rays, therefore, less Vitamin D is produced. People who use sunscreen are not the only ones in danger of not having enough vitamin D; if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, are over 50, or have dark skin you intake of D is lower.

To make sure that enough Vitamin D is taken you should take a multivitamin; most multivitamins contain 400 IU of D. Some calcium supplements may also have the needed D vitamin. The adequate intake for adults varies between 200 and 600. (The older you are the more vitamin D your body requires.) If you have a child that is breastfeeding you should take in 400 IU of D until the child is weaned then he/she should be given 34 oz. of D-fortified milk. If the child does not drink that much it is advised to give them at least 16 oz.

Vitamin D is important for the entire family. Make sure your family has the needed vitamin D to keep their bones healthy.

Sponsored by www.TheOneStopShoppingMall.com The “Best of Nature Best of Science”. One of our specialties is nutritional products all organic Vitamins, Supplements and Food products.

Summer Snacks for Kids

Now that school is out kids go for the easy meals, junk food. Occasional splurges won’t destroy a child’s diet but eating junk food everyday can. Eating junk food creates health problems and can cause obesity. There are answers to this food conundrum.

As summer comes kids want something cold to eat. Ice cream is very popular but there are healthier snacks that are just as cold. Popsicles are a great alternative especially homemade popsicles made up of the child’s favorite juice (antioxidant juice are good for older kids that need extra nutrition). Italian ice in push up packets can also be a cold snack. Another summer favorite is milk shakes. Parents can buy smoothies in a can; for a thicker more milkshake like consistency parents can blend the smoothie with ice and other frozen fruits in a blender. Another idea is to make your own smoothie. Cookies are a child’s favorite snack but they are junk food; parents can feed their kids granola bars made of organic ingredients instead. Candy is also a favorite summer time snack. Instead of candy parents can give their kids 100% fruit snacks or give them frozen grapes to cure their craving for sweets. Potato chips also have replacements; children can be given olive oil potato chips or vegetable chips instead.

When on the road the best thing to do about snacks is pack your own therefore when stopping at a gas station the kids won’t go after the junk food; it allows you to avoid the sugar high and the drop. Instead of packing soda which will only get the kids hyped on caffeine, get natural sodas flavored with fruit. Non-carbonated natural sports drinks also work instead of sodas they can be either regular or sugar free. Instead of greasy or messy chips pack nuts, corn nuts, trail mix, multigrain crackers, or low fat microwave popcorn popped right before leaving. If your kids prefer sweeter snacks try granola, raisins, apple chips, or pack some 100-calorie snack packs.

Athletic children need special snacks to keep their energy levels up and make sure they stay healthy enough for the game. Sports bars are one of the easier snacks for athletes especially if they are snacking in the car on the way to the game. Cereal, preferably whole wheat, with skim or low fat milk is a great snack to fill the stomach. Low-fat fruit-flavored yogurt with granola topping can also be a healthy alternative to regular yogurt or pudding. Other great snacks for athletes include: peanut butter spread on whole wheat toast with ½ an apple on the side, lean beef of turkey on pita bread with ½ cup of orange juice or an oatmeal raisin cookie with low-fat milk. All these snacks give an athlete what they should receive before beginning a game.

Sponsored by www.TheOneStopShoppingMall.com The “Best of Nature Best of Science”. One of our specialties is nutritional products all organic Vitamins, Supplements and Food products.

Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes

Summer is here!!! What are children’s favorite part of summer? No school and lots of time to play. New sports are starting up; soccer, baseball, track and field, etc. All mothers are on high alert to make sure their young athletes are healthy and have a chance to reach their full potential while keeping them away from the junk food sitting out. So what can parents do to help their kids out during summer?

The most important thing to remember is to keep everyone in the family hydrated. During summer dehydration can lead to severe medical problems. Parents need to make sure their child has plenty to drink before, during, and after the game; even when a child is not thirsty they can become dehydrated. A dehydrated athlete is likely to collapse of the field and that is not a good way to win a game! Sports drinks are a great way to get water into your child while giving them other essentials such as electrolytes. Liquids in the body help to regulate the body temperature preventing overheating. Before a child gets on the field they should have one or two cups of a non-sugary drink. Sugar before a game can cause stomach cramps or nausea during any strenuous activities.

Certain vitamins can also improve an athlete’s abilities. Athletes of all ages need the following vitamins for healthy bone growth, endurance, wound healing, and tissue growth: B vitamins, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc. B vitamins help to metabolize the carbohydrates and proteins that all athletes need to have in their diet. Calcium, as we have all been taught, helps with bone growth. Children’s bones are not as sturdy as adult athletes therefore they should receive 1,300 mg of calcium per day in children between the ages of 9 and 18. Iron carries oxygen in the blood through the body thus allowing the different parts of the body to work better. Children between 9 and 13 should receive 8 mg of iron per day. After 13 boys and girls need for oxygen changes. Boys 14-18 need 11 mg and girls in the same age range need 9 mg. Zinc heals wounds, helps with tissue growth and improves immune function. When a child becomes an athlete their body changes therefore consequently they may not get enough zinc in their daily intake. Athletes between 9 and 13 need 8 mg of zinc per day. Boys 14-18 need 11 mg; girls 14-18 should get 9 mg. If you are not sure that your child is getting what they need the best thing to do is ask your child’s doctor about starting a broad spectrum and mineral supplement.

Carbohydrates are essential to the diet of any athlete; they provide energy for the body and the brain while helping to maintain the blood-sugar level. Protein, used in the body to maintain and build muscles is also important especially while training for the sport(s) of choice. Fat is also important but it should be healthy fat not the type received from junk foods. Fat is an energy source. Healthy fats come from plants; some of the best places to get these fats are in nuts, olives and avocados. The fat in fries and processed foods should be limited but they are still needed in the body. It is advised that carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats be taken into the body 2-4 hours before beginning any sports. This time allows the food to begin breaking down and giving the athlete what they need in the game. During the game the athlete should eat a snack that will give them what they need especially if the game lasts longer than a few hours. After the game the child needs to replenish the carbohydrates and protein within a half hour of the finish of the game.

Sponsored by www.TheOneStopShoppingMall.com The “Best of Nature Best of Science”. One of our specialties is nutritional products all organic Vitamins, Supplements and Food products.

How to Prevent Dehydration

Summer is here so what problem is soon to arise, dehydration. The majority of people 65 and over are hospitalized because of dehydration. The most common symptoms are: dry lips, headache, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, nausea, muscle cramps, and darker than normal urine. Most people don’t realize when they are dehydrated. Some people only drink when they are “thirsty” but by the time you feel you need a drink you are usually dehydrated.

Some people are at more risk to experience dehydration. Children loose water quicker through the skin than adults especially through physical activity. It is advised that children receive 4-8 oz. of water before ever stepping foot outside. While playing they should be given 5-9 oz. of liquid every 20 minutes so that they can replenish their supply When they are finished playing they should drink 24 oz. within two hours.

Athletes also require a lot of liquids to keep from dehydrating. Even a short amount of exercise can greatly increase your need for liquids especially if you are outside. It is advised that the athlete drink 17-20 oz. before beginning any activities. While active the athlete should drink 7-10 oz. every 10-20 minutes. When the physical activity is done the body still needs more water to help replenish what it lost; it is recommended that at the end of all the activity the athlete drink up to 24 oz. within the next two hours. Other adults also need to be aware of dehydration. People working outside can loose a lot of water even if the labor is not very vigorous. If you are planning to work outside at any point of the day make sure that you have packed plenty of water and other drinks into a cooler and make sure to take breaks to relax and drink at least every two hours. Also older adults require more water. The heat will affect you intensely even if you are only standing in the sun. In older adults the sensation of being thirsty is reduced so there is less of a reminder to drink. It is advised that older people, especially people over 65, drink something every few hours.

Most people were told at one point in their lives that you should drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day. There is no scientific evidence saying that this is true yet it is still a good rule to follow. On average an adult loses 8-10 cups a day of water. If you drink a little more than eight cups a day then you can replace most of what you lost. The Institute of Medicine recommends that the average male drink 13 cups of fluids per day while the average woman not pregnant or breast feeding drink approximately 9 cups per day.

Some people say that they don’t like drinking water for one reason or another. There are other things that you can drink besides plain boring water. Flavored water is a fine replacement. Another popular replacement is a sports drink. It has been shown that lightly-sweetened, non-carbonated, flavored sports drinks do a better job of preventing dehydration than water. They are good especially for athletes with replacing lost electrolytes and they provide carbohydrate energy to working muscles.