Types of Digestive Enzymes
Digestion is a fine-tuned, complicated process that allows you to utilize nutrients from the food you eat. Several organs and accessory organs release enzymes that aid in the digestive process.
Read more →
The Most Common Food Preservatives
Humans have been preserving foods for centuries. Your ancestors used to dry, freeze, can or pickle foods to extend their shelf life. With an increase in packaged foods also came an increase in different preservation methods.
Read more →
Pain in the Stomach After Eating Fruit
Fruit is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends eating 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit per day.
Read more →
Arrhythmia & Potassium Deficiency
Potassium deficiency, also referred to as hypokalemia, occurs when the body does not contain enough potassium to properly carry out its functions. Your level of potassium usually falls between 3.6 and 4.8 mEq/L of blood. When potassium levels fall below this normal range, it can result in a potassium deficiency.
Read more →
What Are Healthy Ways to Sweeten Coffee?
It’s no secret that the sugar you’re putting into your coffee isn’t so sweet for your health. The sweetener contains empty calories, and consuming too much of it may contribute to weight gain and cavities.
Read more →
Ideas for a Pureed Diet
If you have a health condition or dental problem that prevents you from chewing and swallowing correctly, your doctor may have prescribed a pureed diet. You can use many regular whole foods as well as spices and other add-ins to create flavorful, filling meals.
Read more →
Iron Deficiency & Anemia in Men
Anemia is a general term for a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. A lack of sufficient iron, or iron deficiency, in a man’s body can lead to a medical condition called iron-deficiency anemia.
Read more →
Recommended Number of Servings of Fruit & Veggies a Day
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it’s not quite enough to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommended number of fruits and veggies per day. Fruits and vegetables don’t just fill you up without providing a lot of calories; they are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
Read more →
Pros & Cons of Dietary Supplements
Over half of the adults in the U.S. use at least one type of dietary supplement, the most common being multivitamins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The term “supplements” encompasses a variety of products such as vitamins and minerals, herbs and enzymes.
Read more →
Feeling Dizzy and Tired on a Diet
When you start a new diet, your body is bound to change. You may lose weight, and your skin may clear up. But on the other hand, you may feel dizzy and tired, at least initially. While some symptoms are normal in the beginning stages of a new diet, consult your doctor if dizziness and fatigue are persistent or severe.
Read more →
What Is a Good BMI For Women?
BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation based on your weight and height that is used to determine your body fat percentage. The general rule is that the higher your BMI, the higher your body fat percentage.
Read more →
Macronutrient Ratios in a Diet
The macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, fat and protein, are the only nutrients that provide you with calories. Your body needs these nutrients in large amounts to function properly.
Read more →
When High Fiber Diet Doesn't Relieve Constipation
If you suffer from constipation, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in the company of 42 million Americans, or 15 percent of the U.S. population. Constipation, which is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or having only dry, hard stools, is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems.
Read more →
Foods to Avoid With Bad Kidneys
Your kidneys are one of your body’s major filtration devices. They maintain your electrolyte and fluid balance, and they pull waste products out of the blood. When you have decreased kidney function, they are no longer able to perform as well as they should.
Read more →
What Is the Meaning of Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that provide the most desirable form of energy for your body in the form of glucose. When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream and provides energy to your cells.
Read more →
Anti-constipation Diet
Approximately 80 percent of people suffer from constipation at some point in their lives, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Read more →
Iron Supplements for Heavy Menstruation
Approximately two-thirds of the iron in your body is contained in your hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that makes up red blood cells. Because most of the iron in your body is in your blood, most iron loss occurs as a result of blood loss.
Read more →
How Many Carbs, Fats & Proteins You Need on a 1,200-Calorie Diet
A healthy diet is all about balance. Getting the right amount of each macronutrient -- carbohydrates, fats and proteins -- ensures your body is able to run efficiently. Your calorie needs dictate the amount of each macronutrient you need. The U.S.
Read more →
Water vs. Soda Pop
There’s a reason nutrition experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day while limiting soda -- or better yet, avoiding it altogether. Water is calorie-free and hydrating and the benefits are priceless.
Read more →
What Can I Do if My Blood Sugar Drops in the Afternoon & I Get Tired?
You know the feeling: The clock strikes 2 p.m., and you can barely pick your head up off the desk. Your first instinct may be to reach for a cup of coffee or an energy drink, but slow down. The tiredness you’re feeling is likely due to a drop in blood sugar, which can’t be corrected with caffeine.
Read more →