What is Salicylate Sensitivity?

Posted by Editor on Jan 15th, 2020 in Health | 0 comments

Food intolerance is still a sensitive subject because it’s not yet well-understood even by doctors. Consequently, those who suffer do not get the proper treatment they need and are even used as a propaganda to promote bogus wellness and diet fads. One uncommon type of food intolerance is salicylate insensitivity, which is difficult to diagnose because of a host of symptoms.

Salicylates and Its Sources

Salicylates is the name for chemicals that contain the salicylic acid base which are found in various plants and are also used to produce other products. In nature, salicylic acid is used by plants as protection from predators and diseases. Most people can tolerate some amount of salicylates, but a few suffer from a variety of symptoms even at small doses. In recent studies, it has been found that those with asthma are more likely to be salicylate intolerant and will have negative reactions to aspirin.

Symptoms of Intolerance

Most people with salicylate intolerance exhibit the following symptoms when they are exposed to salicylic acid: hives, fever, asthma, sinus inflammation, stuffy nose, tissue swelling, inflammation of the large intestine, diarrhea, gas, and polyps in the sinus and nasal passages.

The symptoms listed above are precisely the reasons why it can be difficult to diagnose. It might be mistaken for a food allergy or other condition, but it is quite distinct from an allergic reaction because the immune system does not react to the chemicals. The only way to diagnose it is to rule out allergies through a skin test, then exposure to a small amount of salicylic acid.

Foods to Avoid

Not only should people with salicylate intolerance avoid taking medication with salicylic acid, but they should watch out for food and beverages that contain them. Like most intolerances, the only way to stop the symptoms is to avoid the triggers. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to keep track of what you eat because salicylates are present in most vegetables, fruits, and spices. Some dairy, meat, fish, and cereals contain a small amount of salicylate, too.

The following is a list of food that contain a high amount of salicylates. Please note, however, that some people can still suffer from the symptoms even if the food contains only a moderate amount of salicylates.

• Vegetables: red chili, chicory, green capsicum, endive, courgetti, mushrooms, green olives, pepper, radish, tomato, zucchini
• Fruits: apricot, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberry, dates, grapes, guava, orange, pineapple, plum, prunes, raspberry, and strawberries
• Beverages: all types of tea, liqueur, port, rum, champagne, peppermint tea, wines, and cordials
• Spices: allspice, anise seed, cayenne, celery, cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, dill, fenugreek, five-spice, garam masala, ginger, honey, mace, mint, mustard, oregano, paprika, pepper, rosemary, sage, tarragon, turmeric, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce
• Others: peanuts, almonds, most savory chips and crackers, licorice, chewing gums, mints, and peppermints
• Non-Food Products: lotions, mouthwash, shampoos, conditioner, perfumes, and toothpaste

Different Exercises to Help Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Posted by Editor on Oct 1st, 2019 in Exercise, Fitness, Health | 0 comments

Lower back pain is experienced by more and more people today. No matter if you work in manual labor or you sit in a desk all day, you’re prone to experiencing lower back pain if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are many exercises you can do to alleviate lower back pain. You won’t even need to go to a gym in Singapore too.

Bird Dog Exercise

One reason why the bird dog exercise is ideal for reducing lower back pain is that it teaches you to focus on mobilizing your back all throughout.

The bird dog is done by getting on all fours, with your hands and knees on the floor. Position your hands under your shoulders and make sure your knees are also directly under the hips. Then, extend your right arm and left leg so they are level with your spine. Hold this position for 5-8 seconds then go back to the starting position. Then do the opposite and extend your left arm and right leg this time.

Bridges

The gluteus maximus or the buttocks is actually the largest muscle in the body. Because of that, a weak gluteus maximus will cause lower back pain. Bridges engage the glutes and are a great exercise for keeping the muscle strong.

Firstly, you want to lie on the ground while leaving your feet flat on the floor near your butt. Then, slowly lift your buttocks by pressing your feet on the floor until your whole body is straight. Make sure to keep your shoulders on the floor and to keep your arms at your side for better balance and support. Hold that position for about 10 seconds. Repeat about 5 times.

Supermans

The superman allows you to stretch and strengthen your back extensors. Back extensors run along both sides of the spine and basically helps you maintain a good posture and also arch your back.

As the name suggests, this is simply done by copying how Superman flies, with a few modifications of course. First, you want to lie down on your stomach and stretch both your arms out over your head. Then, stretch your legs but keep them on the ground. There will be people who find this exercise uncomfortable though. If you think this exercise does not benefit you, you won’t have to do it.

Try to Avoid: Leg Raises

The leg raise is mainly an exercise for the lower abdominals. Though this is the case, the movement involved in the exercise puts certain demand on the hips and the lower back. If you lift both your legs when your core is still weak, your back will compensate and that could lead to more lower back pain. As an alternative, you can try just lifting one leg at a time, with the other bent at the knee.

What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer

Posted by Editor on Aug 26th, 2019 in Health | 0 comments

Most types of skin cancer can be treated with early diagnosis and proper medication and procedures, but sometimes the symptoms are unnoticeable. Here are some of the things you need to know to determine if you have skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

This type of cancer begins in the cells found in the skin should not to be confused with cancer that begins in other parts of the body and affects the skin. Skin cancer can be classified into three types based on the parts of the skin that are affected by the cancer cells; such as, basal cell skin cancers, melanomas, and squamous cell skin cancers.

The most likely trigger of uncontrolled abnormal skin cell growth is the skin’s exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and even tanning beds. The UV rays damage the skin cells and trigger mutation or gene defects that will result in rapid multiplication of the cells that form tumors.

Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC)

Considered the most common type of skin cancer in the world, it is caused by the damage to the basal cells found right below the skin surface. An individual with BCC will notice bumps on the skin the same color as the flesh on the arms, head, neck, legs, chest, and abdomen. If not treated, the cancer cells can possibly affect the surrounding tissues, nerves, and bones and may cause permanent disfigurement. BCC is further divided into other types of cancer, such as, nodular, superficial, morphoeic, and pigmented.

Melanomas

This type of skin cancer is caused by the damage to the melanocytes that produce the pigment in the skin. Doctors consider this the most serious form of skin cancer and will usually show up as moles or dark spots that often go unnoticed. If you have moles, you should inspect them daily and look out for the ABCs of melanoma.

These are asymmetry (half of the mole looks different), border (the mole is irregularly shaped), colors (the shades of the mole vary), diameter (most are bigger than 6 mm although a few are smaller), and evolving (the mole has a different appearance since you last checked it).

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC)

The squamous cells develop on the keratinocytes, which are found on the surface of the skin (epidermis), the lining of the respiratory and digestive systems, and the lining of hollow organs. An individual with SCC will notice firm bumps, persistent sores or scaly patches on the face, neck and arms, which are often exposed to the sun. If not treated, it can affect the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and spread to other organs.

Other Types of Skin Cancer

The following types of skin cancer make up 1% of skin cancer cases in the world: T cell lymphoma of the skin, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland cancer, Bowen’s disease (early non-melanoma skin cancer), and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Early diagnosis is important, so look out for spots, sores, ulcers, lumps, and patches on the skin that have not healed for 4 weeks.

5 Things You Should Know About Autism

Posted by Editor on Apr 17th, 2019 in Health | 0 comments

Autism can be bewildering, especially to parents with children diagnosed with such condition. Individuals with autism are consistently challenged by the unique characteristics of the disorder, and with the right support system, they will be able to balance these tough characteristics. Having friends and members of the family with the right knowledge about this condition can contribute to a more advantageous future for these unique individuals.

Here are five facts that are worth knowing about a condition that’s too often misunderstood.

1. Children with autism can be affectionate
Those people who do not know anyone with autism may think that children diagnosed with autism are incapable of showing affection. This misconception might have probably stemmed out from the fact that some patients with autism diagnosis do not like to be touched or make eye to eye contact. Like normal people, some are more emotionally inclined, while others are not.

2. They can have successful careers, too
It is another common misconception that many of us believe—that children with autism have naturally slow mental development. However, where a particular skill or ability may be behind, the rest are advanced in individuals with autism. Therefore, it is absolutely possible for them to live successful lives when their best kills are honed and put to maximum use.

3. They are not limited in all abilities
Those with autism may struggle with the control of some skills, like social bonding, impulsivity and communication. However, the struggle to control does not mean that they have limited abilities. Instead, these people require different way of socializing, learning and executing day-to-day activities. Although we may have to approach people with autism in different ways to inspire and empower them, just like any other person, they are capable contributors to the world.

4. Show them how things are done
People, especially children, with this disability are visually inclined. Showing them how things are done instead of just telling them is a big help. You might have to repeat the process many times, but it would be a great relief once you have successfully taught that certain activity to them.

5. The most effective treatment at present are education and therapy, not medical
These treatment methods show the best results when started early. They are intensive in nature and are based on the unique behavior of an individual with autism. Active participation of parents is very critical in the success of the treatment and in nurturing the patient’s social interest.

Autism is a broad spectrum, so children with this condition are like any other diverse group of children growing up as adults with different unique personalities and abilities. Some grow up minimally verbal and may not be able to live independently, while others can live on their own and thrive on their own jobs.

4 Easy, Low-fat Ways to Prepare and Cook Fish

Posted by Editor on Jan 3rd, 2019 in Health | 0 comments

Fish is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and can be used as a low-fat alternative to pork or beef, and sometimes even chicken.

However, because fish have little to no connective tissue or fat, they can be delicate when cooked. Here are a few ways that you can prepare it to get the best results:

1. Marinate it.
The process of marinating adds more flavor and moisture to the fish, as long as you keep the fish sitting in the marinade for no more than 30 minutes.

The marinade can vary in ingredients, but they usually include oil and other acidic ingredients, such as chopped tomatoes, and even lemon juice, along with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Bake your fish.
Cooking your fish in the oven can be an alternative to fried fish that still gives you the satisfying crunch without the fat. Just be sure to keep an eye out for how much butter, mayonnaise, and oil you’re using.

When you do cook fish in the oven, always remember to add a small amount of water or vegetable stock just enough to cover the bottom of the baking pan before covering it in aluminum foil.

3. Pan-fry it.
Pan-fried fish is perhaps the easiest to prepare, and the technique always results in food that is both crispy and tender. Most seafood as well as certain varieties of fish with firm meats, such as cod, can be cut into smaller strips and stir-fried by themselves or with vegetables.

Pan-frying fish also takes less time compared to other methods, as each side will take between four and five minutes to cook.

4. Poach it.
Any fish can be cooked gently in any heated liquid, whether it’s wine, vinegar, fish stock, water, or even milk. The best part about poaching is that you can then use this heated liquid to form the base of your fish sauce.
To poach your fish, be sure to add just enough liquid to cover it and cover the pan with a tight lid. For fillets, cook for eight to ten minutes and fifteen to twenty for whole fish.

When it comes to cooking, always remember the principle of residual heat: when you take the pan away from the stove, the heat will continue to cook the food for several minutes.

The best way to achieve the results you want is by cooking the fish until it’s almost done. After that, remove it from the heat source and let it stand in the pan for the fish to cook on its own.