Posts Tagged ‘People’

Why Some People Are Lactose Intolerant

September 7th, 2011

We all start out drinking milk in one form or another. So why do so many of us seem to “grow into” lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance, as you may know, results in the digestive discomfort that comes from consuming lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Most people in the U.S. are born with the ability to digest lactose. Infants naturally produce an enzyme called lactase in their systems that enables them to break down lactose, which is present in breast milk, as well as cow’s milk. Infants who may be lactose intolerant are fed lactose-free commercially prepared formulas, often containing soy milk.

As the years go by, the incidence of lactose intolerance in the population increases. That’s because our bodies are genetically programmed to produce less and less lactase as we mature. Eventually we start to experience the symptoms of lactose intolerance when we drink milk or eat ice cream, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, or other dairy products. The symptoms are uncomfortable – gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea – and at times, embarrassing.

Since not everyone becomes lactose intolerant, what determines who is at risk for developing the telltale digestive discomfort that comes from consuming foods with lactose? Researchers have discovered some interesting findings about lactose intolerance:

Postmenopausal women are more likely to start to experience the symptoms of lactose intolerance compared to men in the same age group. However, lactase production slows down as part of the natural aging process for both and women.

Ethnic descent can determine who will develop lactose intolerance. Descendants of Northern European countries are less likely to develop lactose intolerance until later in life. In cultures where dairy products were not typically consumed after weaning, the body naturally produces less of the lactase enzyme. These percentages show the prevalence of lactose intolerance among certain ethnic groups:

* Chinese: 95%
* Native Americans: 90%
* Asian-Americans: 90%
* South Americans: 75%
* African-Americans: 75%
* Hispanics: 55%

Infection and digestive tract disorders can cause a drop in the level of lactase production, even if only temporarily. If your body isn’t generating this enzyme, you will probably experience the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Some antibiotics can block the body’s ability to produce lactase while they are in your system.

New research continues to give us insight into the likelihood of developing lactose intolerance. A statement released by The National Institutes of Health during its conference in February of 2010 on “Lactose Intolerance and Health” discusses the prevalence of lactose intolerance by race, ethnicity and age.

You can also learn more about lactose intolerant from people who have discovered how to cope with it successfully. On the website for Lactagen, a program that makes it possible for people who are lactose intolerant to eat dairy products comfortably, people of various ages and ethnicities share their stories: a mother of a child diagnosed with lactose intolerance, a chemotherapy patient, and a physician, among others.

For those who have experienced the digestive discomfort of lactose intolerance and wondered “Why me?” it’s comforting to understand the reasons for lactose intolerance. If you’ve longed for the days when you could enjoy dairy products, consider exploring programs like Lactagen. You can’t turn back the clock or change your genetic history, but you can target strategies for managing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

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Lactose Intolerance – How Do Other People Manage Their Symptoms?

August 25th, 2011

If you’re like many of the 58 million people in the U.S. who suffer from lactose intolerance, the symptoms can be, quite frankly, intolerable. “Digestive discomfort” doesn’t really describe the situation for some people. The gas pains, bloating, cramps and rush-to-the-restroom feelings are not only painful, they can be embarrassing. That makes it difficult to talk to other people about how they cope with the problems caused by lactose intolerance – gas pains are hardly a popular topic at cocktail parties!

So what strategies work to overcome the symptoms of lactose intolerance? Do you simply avoid eating dairy products? Is it unreasonable to think you could actually drink milk or eat foods such as ice cream and cheese pizza again? What about products such as Lactaid® or Lactagen®?

If you feel like you’re the only one who’s looking for answers to questions about lactose intolerance, cheer up! Billions of people worldwide are in the same boat, adrift on a sea of digestive disorder distress. Fortunately, you can take steps to relieve the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Here are answers to three frequently asked questions:

* Should I avoid dairy? Many people try this, but there can be health risks involved. Lactose-intolerant individuals who avoid dairy products may not consume adequate amounts of nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are most abundant in milk and other dairy products. Not getting enough of them could put you at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, hypertension, and colon and breast cancer.
* What about taking a dietary supplement to relieve lactose intolerance? Products like Lactaid help relieve or prevent dietary distress caused by lactose intolerance, as long as you remember to take them every time you eat dairy. Plus, a surprising number of foods contain dairy products, so you need to be sure you know when you’re consuming lactose.
* Is there any way I can drink milk, eat dairy products and avoid the distressing stomach issues? Lactagen, a daily program that helps train your digestive system to break down dairy products, has shown remarkable success in the years since it was introduced. Developed by leading experts on lactose intolerance, Lactagen is safe, all natural, clinically tested and physician approved.

One of the keys to discovering what works to help eliminate the symptoms of lactose intolerance for you is by learning from the experience of others. Check out blog sites, Facebook and Twitter where lactose intolerance is the topic, as well as sites like Lactagen. On Lactagen’s site and others, you can share ideas with other people who are learning to overcome lactose intolerance. You may find that you don’t have to give up dairy or feeling good.

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Why Are People Buying Acai Berry Powder?

July 8th, 2011

Acai berry has been promoted as a super food by manufacturers all over the world. While the research on the wonder food started some years ago, scientists all over the world are now slowly realizing its potential as a complete food for the future. They are grown predominantly in the South American continent along the Amazon basin and there has been some research into the people in this area and the effects this has had on them. The prolonged use of Acai berry in its true form sees inhabitants of some areas live well over 100 years. Those that consumed the acai berries on a regular basis have also been found to have little or no free radicals in their body. Free radicals are one of the most well known causes of many body diseases and are also closely associated with the ageing process. The full extent of the benefits of Acai berry powder are still not known as more and more people who use it express their satisfaction in different ways and in different areas of their health. People dealing with weight can also benefit from buying acai berry powder. You can also buy acai berry capsules and consume them on a regular basis.

Acai berry powder has been found to be very rich in anti oxidants. Antioxidants are the exact compounds that deal with not just the free radicals in out body but also help in the burning of excess fat in the body. It does not actually curb the appetite of a person but helps provide energy for the body by burning the excess fat present in the body. This can also be looked at as a side effect, a healthy regime of good food and plenty of exercise. If you are concerned with ageing then you should give Acai berry capsules or Acai berry powder a shot. You can buy acai berry powder over the internet as long as you ensure that it is from a credible source. It is also known to generally boost the immune system which is another one of its properties that has made acai berry powder such a valuable health supplement.

Acai berry supplements of other forms are also available which you can include in your diet regime in new and different ways. Acai berry juice is gaining high popularity as a dietary add on. You can also look for various frozen forms of the powder which is available. Pure Acai berry powder has a very good taste and you can mix it into your milkshakes, juices and pretty much everything that you want to. Another reason to buy acai berry capsules and powder is that you can use it as a health and energy booster for the whole home. It can be safely consumed in small quantities to the extent of one capsule per day and you will experience great energy throughout the day. It is known to also give some respite to sleep deprived people. Many users of Acai berry capsules have affirmed to this and also said that it was an overall stress relieving supplement.

With so much hype created around the miracle health supplement, you have to be careful when you buy acai berry powder or acai berry capsules. Always try and buy from a source that is credible and recommended by previous users. When you buy acai berry at a price that is cheaper than the rest of the market then understands that you are not buying a pure version of the extract as it is only grown in one part of the world and transporting it is simply not easy and cheap.

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Why do People Buy Wheatgrass?

July 7th, 2011

Today people are turning to health foods in a big way. There are a lot of foods that are available today for people who are looking to lose weight, maintain your body fitness, detoxify your body and keep good general health overall. The rise of the markets that offer supplements for promoting well being and advancing various diet and weight loss programs that offer people an assortment of health foods and supplements is well known.

Wheatgrass is fast becoming a popular food in this category. The benefits of wheatgrass as a nutritional supplement have been studied to a great extent and research has revealed that the main component that it has is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has far reaching effects on the body when it comes to getting rid of harmful bacteria from the body. It also has the rare ability to cleanse our bloodstream and provide it with rebuilding material. Fresh Wheatgrass juice is the best way to consume wheatgrass. The juice is exceptionally rich in nutrients that perform a detoxification of the body and also boost a healthy metabolism. It is also very effective in cleaning out our lungs of scars and other harmful effects of gases that are inhaled by us on a regular basis. The minimization of the harmful effects of carbon monoxide is also a significant action of Fresh Wheatgrass as it induces the production of hemoglobin. Owing to this property, it also aids people who suffer from high levels of blood pressure. It is also an important ingredient in increasing the iron quantities in blood which in turn also improves blood circulation. Wheatgrass Powder which is one of the forms of wheatgrass that is available in the market is also an excellent supplement for people who suffer from diminished iron levels in their body. All in all wheatgrass is one of the most modern food supplements.

People also buy wheatgrass for its properties involved in natural appetite suppression. The suppression of appetite takes place as Wheatgrass Powder and wheatgrass juice boosts the metabolism of an individual and provides instantaneous energy to the body. Many people also buy wheatgrass as they believe that it has anti ageing effects which is true to some extent as it has more than 20 amino acids that the body needs and a lot of vitamins and minerals. Magnesium which is contained in chlorophyll is also a very important mineral for the body. Wheatgrass juice is also known to have many external benefits. It can be applied to the hair and the scalp. It is also known to have cleansing effects on the skin and prevents tooth decay to some extent also. Wheatgrass Powder consumed by people over a prolonged period of time has also shown that it also has cancer inhibiting properties. Wheatgrass Powder and wheatgrass juice are also known to help in any form of blood related disorders. It renews the circulatory system by flushing out harmful metals and chemicals in the body.

There are a lot of places that you can but wheatgrass from. Fresh Wheatgrass is easily available from many organic stores that are fast becoming popular for supplying fresh foods. You can also buy Fresh Wheatgrass from your neighborhood convenience store as some of them also stock up on wheatgrass products as well as the freshly grown product. You can also grow your own Fresh Wheatgrass in your home. You can also get your hands on Wheatgrass Powder from online stores as it has become popular in that form all over the world. Wheatgrass juice and powder can also be made from Fresh Wheatgrass that you can either grow or buy.

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Nutrition Tips For People On A Weight Loss Program

January 26th, 2011

People on weight loss programs often focus so much on losing weight that they forget an important aspect of staying healthy that is, providing nutrition to the body. If you are on a weight loss program, you should follow the important diet tips given here. Include A Lot Of Vegetables And Fruits In Your Diet Vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and high in fiber. Therefore, you should include plenty of vegetables and fruits, of varying colors, in your diet. This will help you to lose weight faster and also keep you full. Avoid Empty Calories Empty calories refer to food items that are high in calories but low in nutrition. Some examples of such food items are aerated drinks, French fries, cookies, white bread and so forth. These food items are not useful for the body.

They make the digestive system sluggish and inefficient. It is best for a person to refrain from consuming these food items irrespective of whether he or she is trying to lose weight or not. Have Small Meals At Regular Intervals Instead of having three big meals a day, you should eat five to six small meals at small intervals of three to four hours. Eating small meals helps in improving metabolism. It also helps in easy digestion and maintaining uniform energy level throughout the day. You should include a variety of foods in your meals so that your body gets proper nutrition. For example, if you have a sandwich, which is high in carbohydrates, for breakfast, you should have fruits and nuts in between breakfast and lunch, and tofu or lean meat, which are high in proteins, for lunch. In this manner, your body will get all the essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Never Skip Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

You should never skip it; otherwise you will tend to consume high calorie foods during the later part of the day. A wholesome and healthy breakfast is essential for good health. Read Food Labels Before buying any packaged or processed food, you should read its label. Check the nutrition facts. Learn to interpret the information on food labels to avoid falling prey to marketing gimmicks. For example, a low-fat food or a low-sugar food does not necessarily mean the food is low in calories. Do Not Completely Eliminate Carbohydrates From Your Diet Many people on weight loss programs make the mistake of avoiding carbohydrates all together. Carbohydrates are a good source of energy. A well balanced diet should contain around 40 percent of carbohydrates. For your daily carbohydrate requirement, you should choose whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Drink Plenty Of Water Water helps the body in transportation and assimilation of nutrients. You should consume at least eight glasses of water everyday. That will not only help your body absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins, but will also help you feel full. It is best to seek advice of a dietician or a nutrition consultant before starting a weight loss program. They will be able to chart a diet plan for you so that you can lose weight without compromising on nutrition.

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