Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, has been a source of confusion, especially in the dietary supplement industry. Supplements labeled "natural DHEA" have contributed to the misconception that DHEA -- a hormone your body produces -- is found in food.
Read more →
Finding a good chewable is a priority for adults who have a hard time swallowing tablets and parents whose pediatrician has recommended chewables for their growing children. The best source for chewable brand recommendations is your health care provider.
Read more →
Genetically modified potatoes are on the way to market as of 2015. The U.S. government has deemed GM foods safe, but not all scientists agree.
Read more →
Xylitol and sorbitol are sugar substitutes commonly found in foods labeled "sugar free" or "no sugar added." People on a diet, or those with diabetes, may be inclined to choose food and snacks containing xylitol or sorbitol as a way to reduce their sugar intake.
Read more →
Sprouts have a nutritional advantage because the sprouting process enhances their nutritional content and digestibility. Fenugreek seeds, which are actually legumes, sprout when they're soaked in warm water. They make a nutritious addition to salads, soups and other meals.
Read more →
Bergamot is commonly used to make Earl Grey tea, which is composed of black tea and bergamot oil. The oil is extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange -- a citrus fruit native to Italy -- giving Earl Grey its characteristic flavor. As with other teas, it's likely safe for healthy adults.
Read more →
Everyone experiences gas at one time or another. Gas in the digestive tract can cause abdominal pain, discomfort, flatulence and burping. Most people experience mild symptoms related to gas, which is normal. Others have an intolerance to complex carbohydrates.
Read more →
The Slimfast plan involves eating two meal-replacement shakes or bars, three healthy snacks and one self-prepared, 500-calorie meal for a total of about 1,200 calories daily. The plan is convenient but may not be for everyone since it has a limited selection of bars and shakes.
Read more →
Daily living and disease often trigger the release of inflammatory prostaglandins. Several healthy foods can help you eliminate these harmful chemicals.
Read more →
If you're like most Americans, you consume too much sodium. Most of the sodium in your diet comes in the form of salt, perhaps from fast food or processed food, which are both primary sources of sodium.
Read more →
The first phase of the Atkins diet, aptly named the induction phase, is more restrictive than later phases and is designed to jump-start your weight loss. You are limited to 20 grams of net carbohydrates each day, which refers to the amount of carbs in a food item minus the fiber content.
Read more →
Excessive bloating, burping and passing gas is uncomfortable, but rarely a sign of a serious condition. Certain foods in your diet can cause flatulence -- excess gas in the digestive tract. Antibiotics, irritable bowel syndrome and problems absorbing certain nutrients are other common causes.
Read more →
Purine is a compound found in many foods, but mainly those of animal origin. When you consume purine-containing food, your body produces uric acid as a result. This usually isn't a problem for most individuals. Uric acid, however, can become too high, either from reduced excretion or eating too many purine-rich foods.
Read more →
Your health care provider may recommend a restricted-fat diet if you have a condition such as gallbladder disease, which makes it difficult to digest fat. Physicians commonly recommend a low-fat diet after certain medical procedures like bowel surgery or cancer treatment.
Read more →
While tortillas are a staple of Latin cuisine, people in the United States commonly use them as a bread alternative such as for making turkey wraps. Commercially produced tortillas are typically made using flour and vegetable shortening such as soybean oil.
Read more →
Planning meals and making healthy food choices typically centers around nutritional benefits. However, some individuals must make additional considerations when planning meals.
Read more →
Because supplements may cause unwanted side effects, it's crucial to be aware of potential adverse reactions so you can make an informed decision. The same is true for Tonalin, a dietary supplement meant to reduce body fat.
Read more →
After gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, your body needs time to heal. Upon discharge from the hospital, your doctor may recommend following a low-fat diet for the first month to help reduce indigestion and digestive discomfort. After that, you typically can resume normal eating without any restrictions.
Read more →
Enzymes are crucial to your health as they enable your body to break down food components into usable nutrients. Your intestines and pancreas produce a wide variety of enzymes, and certain foods contain these beneficial constituents or contain bacteria that produce them.
Read more →
Fast food may seem like a convenient, inexpensive meal option, but it often contains excess calories, fat, salt, refined carbohydrates and cholesterol. Interest has grown in determining the health implications of fast-food consumption.
Read more →