Prevent Osteoporosis With Pineapples

Prevent Osteoporosis With Pineapples

September 2nd, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Preventing the potentially crippling effects of osteoporosis is a concern for millions of people the world over. When it’s time to take a proactive stance toward prevention, reaching for some pineapple slices might provide a solution. This tropical fruit contains the trace element manganese, which has been strongly linked to the disease.

A Look At Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to a thinning of the bones. If left unchecked, bone thinning can progress to a point where fractures and breaks are common. The condition tends to be a silent one until complications arise.

Symptoms of the disease include:

  • Undiagnosed pain in the bones
  • A loss in height
  • Sudden severe pain, especially in the back
  • Compression fractures in the back

Risk Factors

There are a variety of risk factors for this disease. Some of the more common ones include:

  • Being female – Men can get the disease, but It is much more common in women
  • Age – Bone loss is more common after the age of 30
  • Smoking
  • Improper calcium and vitamin D consumption
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Ethnicity – Asian and Caucasian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis
  • Family history
  • Bone and body structure – People who are thin and petite are more likely to develop this condition.

The Pineapple Connection

Pineapples contain a fair amount of manganese. This trace element is considered essential for the absorption of calcium in the body. Low levels of this substance have been linked to the development of osteoporosis. While an abundance of manganese isn’t required on a daily basis, getting enough can be essential for ensuring proper bone health and maintenance. Other benefits of this substance include support immune system health, blood sugar balancing and cellular health.

While pineapples are an excellent source of manganese, they are not the only option. Other potential sources to include in diet are:

  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Wheat germ

Eating For Bone Health

The best protection against osteoporosis is a lifelong commitment to building and maintaining strong bones. On the dietary front, this means eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Some of the things that are important to consider include:

  • Calcium – This mineral is essential for proper bone growth and maintenance. Roughly 1,500 milligrams a day should be consumed by people over the age of 50. Food-based intake should occur throughout the day for better absorption and use by the body. Calcium is found in dairy products, fortified cereals, broccoli, kale, turnip greens, salmon and a variety of other foods.
  • Vitamin D – This vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium by the body. It is found in such foods as fish, egg yolk and liver.
  • Phosphorous – This is a mineral that is also essential for the production of healthy teeth and bones. It is found in milk and meat proteins. Some whole grains also contain this mineral.

Overall, it is essential to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other healthful foods to help prevent osteoporosis or stave off its effects if bone loss has already begun. Calcium supplements with vitamin D added can be quite useful, as well.

Preventing osteoporosis or warding off its more crippling effects is possible when diet and exercise combine to help build healthier, stronger bones. Pineapples can add an extra bit of protection when it’s needed the most.

Advice For Adding Bran And Other Fibers To The Diet

Advice For Adding Bran And Other Fibers To The Diet

August 29th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

If you’re like a lot of people, regularity with digestion is a concern. You know eating right is essential for preventing constipation and other uncomfortable complaints. Still, adding bran and other fibers to the diet can be a difficult balancing act. Eat too little and the system can back up. Eat too much and the effects are largely the same.

It is possible to work the right amount of bran and other fibers into the diet without going overboard. It’s just a good idea to make sure a variety of fibers are consumed and that other steps are taken to help fiber do its job better.

What Is Bran?

Bran is found in grain cereals. It’s the hard layer that covers the outside of the grain. Not only does bran contain a fair amount of nutritional value, it is also an essential fiber that can prevent and ease digestive conditions like constipation.

Bran is traditionally removed from grains like wheat when they are highly processed. White flour, for example, is lacking in bran.

Why Is Bran Important?

Bran and dietary fibers in general are a very important part of diet for a number of reasons. Not only does fiber ease digestive conditions and regulate bowel movements, but it can also have other positive health effects including:

  • Assisting with weight loss by making the body feel fuller faster
  • Lowering cholesterol for better heart health
  • Reducing the risk of certain cancers like colon cancer

Sources Of Bran

Bran that is useful not only for nutritional value, but also digestion is found naturally in a variety of grain cereals. Some of the more common sources of bran include:

  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Corn
  • Oats
  • Barley
  • Millet

Depending on the source of the bran, the fiber involved may be insoluble or soluble. Both types are important for preventing health conditions. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to make sure multiple sources of bran are considered. Oats and rice bran, for example, are soluble fiber and can assist in lowering cholesterol. Wheat bran is a source of insoluble fiber and helps with gastrointestinal issues.

Other Fiber Sources To Consider

Bran is not the only beneficial source of dietary fiber. Other foods can also help a person obtain the right amount of fiber in their daily diet. The options include beans, peas, citrus fruits, cauliflower, turnips, carrots and strawberries.

Consuming The Right Amount

It is recommended that adults consume between 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day to maintain health and keep digestive complaints at bay. Unfortunately, most people get only half the recommended amount a day.

There are ways to increase bran and other fibers in the diet easily. They include:

  • Replacing processed grains from the diet with whole grains.
  • Adding high-fiber snacks to the diet, such as granola bars, carrots and celery.
  • Trying to ensure that at least five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits are consumed in a day.
  • Taking supplements that offer extra boosts of fiber.

A Warning About Consuming Too Much

While it is important to get plenty of high-fiber foods worked into the diet, overuse can also cause digestive problems. To avoid concerns with bran and other rich fibers make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. This can help fiber work more effectively in the diet and is also useful for overall health.

Bran is an important to consider when digestive regularity is a concern. Just choose a variety of sources and do consider other fibers, as well. Proceed with moderation when adding fiber to the diet and drink plenty of fluids to gain the best results.

Eating Your Way To Better Breathing

Eating Your Way To Better Breathing

August 21st, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

For people with allergies, cold and other sinus and lung concerns, breathing can be quite the chore. When the nasal passages are blocked with mucus and the lungs are full of phlegm, misery doesn’t begin to describe the feeling.

While it’s tempting to reach for allergy and sinus medications, these pharmaceuticals can often cause drowsiness and other have unpleasant side effects. There is a better way. Mother nature provides a number of alternatives to medications that can help drain the airways and promote better breathing.

If infections are the cause of sinus and lung clogging, foods can also provide assistance. There are a variety of foods that are known for boosting immune function and helping the body better position itself to fight infection.

How Food Helps

There are a variety of foods that are known to promote draining of the sinuses and clearing of the lungs. They generally help by thinning out mucus so it is easier to drain through the body. This happens when foods promote a watering down of the mucus, which leads to a reduction of blockages.

Some foods are known to promote better blood flow, which can actually assist by providing a quicker resolution of infection.

There are also foods that can reduce the length of allergic reactions and even those known to act as natural antibiotics.

Foods That Make A Difference

There are a variety of foods that can be very beneficial for thinning mucus or simply aiding in its removal. Some of the more effective options for fighting breathing concerns related to blockages include:

  • Hot peppers – Chili peppers, habanero and even plain black pepper can promote a thinning of mucus, which leads to better drainage of the nasal passages and sinuses. Some really hot peppers can also promote better blood circulation and the release of endorphins. Circulation will assist with the removal of infections. Endorphins can blunt the pain associated with sinus infections.
  • Garlic – This spice is great for clearing the sinuses by helping thin mucus. It is also known to be a strong antibiotic and antiviral food. This means it can help the body battle sinus conditions that are related to infection.
  • Onions – This vegetables is notorious for making the eyes water, but it may also promote a watering down of mucus. This can help clear passages and lead to better breathing.
  • Pineapples – This tropical fruit contains bromelian, which is an enzyme that fights infection and also helps break down mucus in the system.
  • Citrus fruits and other sources of vitamin C – Vitamin C is known to boost immune function and reduce the impacts of allergic reactions. This makes it a good tool to use in fighting the effects of clogged sinuses and lungs.
  • Hot fluids – Hot tea, soup and other steaming liquids can assist in watering down mucus. To promote drainage, make sure to consume plenty of fluids both hot and cold when sinuses are backed up.
  • Mint – Peppermint, spearmint and other strong smelling herbs like eucalyptus can promote thinning of the mucus in the system and drainage. All three can be consumed in tea form.

Sinus backups can cause a tremendous amount of pain and pressure. When it’s time to work the mucus out of the system, the right foods can get the job done. In many cases, they can provide relief while helping users avoid medications to see results.

Foods That Rev Up Immunities

Foods That Rev Up Immunities

August 13th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

The connection between food and the proper functioning of the immune system has long been known. The anecdotal evidence abounds. People who consume well balanced diets rich in vitamins and minerals tend to ward off illnesses much more readily than their counterparts who nosh on junk food. Still, many people are a little fuzzy on just what foods are the best to consume to bolster immunities. Others are unclear just how certain vitamins and mineral help.

Think of a body like an engine and the reason why healthy foods boost immunities will become clear. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and certain dairy products are a lot like a premium gasoline. They fuel the body without junking it up with unnecessary additives. Fatty, fried foods, processed foods and overly sugary foods are more like watered down gasoline. They provide some energy, but they junk up the system in the process.

In general, a diet that is well-rounded and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide the boost the immune system needs to effectively fight common and some not-so-common ailments. There are some foods, in particular, that have proven themselves friends of the immune system.

So, which foods are especially good for immune system health? Here are some of the top options for fueling immunities and feeding the body right:

  • Foods rich in vitamin C – This vitamin is considered one of the most powerful immune system boosters available. Found in fruits, vegetables and some foods that are fortified with the vitamin, this substance is known to help fight infections, viruses and more. One of the ways in which vitamin C works is by promoting the production of interferon. This antibody is known for blocking viruses and infections from getting into cells. Vitamin C is also essential for lowering the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer and more.
  • Vitamin E rich foods – Vitamin E is found in some foods, but is more easily attained in supplemental form. This is especially so if large daily doses are desired. This vitamin is known to enhance the production of killer cells that attack cancer and germs.
  • Carotenoids – Found naturally in foods like carrots, beta carotene is known to increase the number of cells dedicated to fighting germs and other undesirables. This antioxidant helps reduce the risk of heart disease, fights cancer and generally bolsters immunities.
  • Bioflavenoids – Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are generally also rich in this natural antioxidant. Bioflavenoids are essential for protecting cells from environmental damage and germs, as well.
  • Zinc – This mineral is well known for speeding along the course of colds and helping increase the number of disease-fighting T-cells in the system. It is vital at all stages of life, but can provide a particular boost for aging immune systems. Zinc is found naturally in legumes, oysters, beef and some shell fish.
  • Garlic – This common, everyday spice is known to increase immune function by promoting the growth of white cells. These are the body’s natural germ fighters. Garlic is also known to have antifungal properties and can have an antioxidant effect that wards off some types of cancer.

There are a variety of other foods that can help fine tune the immune system. To get the most out of diet, make sure to eat a balanced selection of foods on a daily basis. Fruits, vegetables and certain spices are especially important for bolstering natural immunities.

Garlic: A Powerful Tool In The Cancer Battle

Garlic: A Powerful Tool In The Cancer Battle

August 7th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

In the battle against cancer, food has long been known to play a pivotal role. Eat the right foods and cancer might be preventable. Consume poor choices and the risk for developing this potentially fatal disease and many others goes up. What about spices? Do they also play a role? When it comes to garlic, research is revealing that at least this particular spice might just play a very big role in prevention and even treatment of cancer.

What Is Garlic?

Garlic is a spicy, pungent plant that is closely related to onions and leeks. Its cloves are used in cooking in cultures found almost all over the world. Famed for its distinct flavor, this spice has been also used food medicine for thousands of years. Its properties are said to help treat such conditions as fungal and bacterial infections, high cholesterol, diabetes, intestinal worms, digestive disorders, thrush and more.

Garlic And Cancer

The curative and preventative properties found in garlic have been long known. In recent years, it has been found that this particular food can also help in the fight against cancer.

Scientific studies are showing that garlic may in fact be a powerful ally in the battle against cancer. A German study, for example, has found that the compounds in garlic are toxic to malignant cancer cells. This food seems to have the ability to actually kill cancer cells in much the same way as chemotherapy drugs. The German study also found that ajoene, a compound in garlic, is much more likely to kill malignant cells and than normal ones.

A study conducted at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine also revealed that garlic acts as a biological response modifier. This food product seems to boost anticancer activity in the immune system, especially in relation to T-lymphocytes and macrophages, which are known to destroy cancer cells.

The antibiotic effect produced by garlic may also assist with other forms of cancer. It is believed that garlic can help prevent stomach and colon cancers by attacking the bacteria that has been linked with the formation of these cancers.

Using Garlic As A Preventative And Cure

While researchers admit much more study must be done on garlic’s potential role in preventing and treating cancer, it’s still more than possible to work this food into everyday life. Garlic is a highly common ingredient in dishes from almost every continent on the planet. It is also possible to purchase garlic supplements for a higher concentration of this important substance. It is important to note, however, that garlic should not be used in place of medical treatments when cancer is already present. It might prove to be a powerful booster as treatments are ongoing, however.

Enjoying A Cancer Fighting Diet

The links between food and cancer prevention and even treatment are hard to deny. For those who wish to prevent or help treat this condition, a basic, healthy diet is often recommended. This means eating a good combination of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat meats and low-fat dairy. Staying away from processed foods, dishes that are high in sodium and low in fiber can also prove to be important in the fight against cancer.

When cancer prevention and even treatment options are desired, garlic can play an important role. This common spice is proving its cancer-fighting abilities in research and may just hold a key to slowing and stopping the growth of this disease.

Clear Liquids Aren’t The Best Diarrhea Cure

Clear Liquids Aren’t The Best Diarrhea Cure

July 28th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

While it’s a seemingly benign symptom associated with a number of conditions, acute diarrhea can be dangerous. As the body loses fluids and nutrients through watery, frequent stools, energy and ability to fight illness can be lost. Replacing lost minerals and fluids is essential for recovery.

It used to be thought that clear liquids were the best option for treating the dehydration that often accompanies diarrhea. Water, broth, tea and some fruit drinks were typically suggested to rehydrate the body and add some fuel to the system. The times have changed and so has the school of thought surrounding diarrhea treatment.

What’s Wrong With Clear Liquids?

Although clear liquids can be beneficial for rehydrating the body, they do not typically replenish lost electrolytes and other minerals zapped during a run-in with diarrhea. This leaves the body weak and vulnerable.

There are other potential problems associated with the old fashion broth-and-water diet suggested for people with diarrhea. They include:

  • Salt content – Broth tends to have too much salt, which can add to dehydration concerns. Tea and water on the other hand might not have enough. Iodized salt in moderation is required by the body for proper functioning.
  • Sugar content – Many of the drinks given to people with diarrhea contain a large amount of sugar. Fruit juices, for example, can promote vomiting and exacerbate dehydration.

The Better Choices

When diarrhea is a problem, replacing lost fluids and minerals is a must. Since diarrhea is often caused by infection, these things are simply required to keep the body strong enough to fight off the underlying concern. There are certain foods and liquids that can assist with replenishing fluids and minerals without necessarily increasing the frequency of diarrhea. They include:

  • Low sugar electrolyte drinks – There are special drinks for infants, for example, that are meant to add fluids and electrolytes to the system. These can be essential for putting the body back into the right balance. When electrolytes – potassium and sodium – are low, the heart doesn’t function as it should. Electrolytes are used to create the electrical currents that make the heart pump properly.
  • Starchy fluids – Rather than reach for clear broths, it’s often suggested that starchy fluids that offer more nutrients are better. The options here include thick soups that contain potatoes, corn, wheat or rice. Coconut juice and chicken noodle soup – not broth – can also be useful.
  • Soft foods – Tapioca, plain rice, soft carrots, cereal and other starchy foods can also prove very useful for treating diarrhea.

Foods To Avoid

When abdominal pain and diarrhea are a problem, there are a variety of foods that should be avoided at all costs. They can increase problems with diarrhea and serve to further strip the body of needed nutrients. They include:

  • Foods known to cause gas – Things like onions, broccoli, beans and cabbage can increase intestinal discomfort and promote further problems with elimination.
  • Dairy products – These, too, can add to concerns with diarrhea and promote further intestinal problems.
  • High-fiber foods – Any type of food that is known for being difficult to digest can add to discomfort when diarrhea is present.
  • Sugary foods – Foods that contain a high sugar content should also be avoided as they can promote nausea and vomiting, which can increase dehydration concerns.

While clear liquids were once consider the best for people with diarrhea, this school of thought no longer holds true. Replacing lost electrolytes and other nutrients is better achieved through special drinks and “cloudy,” starchy liquids that provide more substance.

Forego Coffee To Keep Acid Production Down

Forego Coffee To Keep Acid Production Down

July 22nd, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

It’s no secret that stomach acid inflames conditions like ulcers. Avoiding foods and drinks that promote the production of acid is simply a must for those who want to reduce symptoms and pain. Unfortunately for coffee junkies, this means their favorite beverage may be off the menu unless steps are taken to reduce its impacts.

Coffee, along with a variety of other foods and drinks, is a known producer of stomach acid. For those with conditions like ulcers, stomach acid can increase symptoms, prevent healing and even complicate the condition.

Why Acid Causes Problems With Ulcers

Ulcers are sores that develop inside the stomach, in the esophagus and even in the small intestine. While their formation has been linked largely to bacteria, stomach acid can ignite symptoms, foster the development process and even prevent treatments from being successful. Since this condition is known to create rather painful symptoms, keeping acid contents in the stomach low during treatment is essential. This holds even if increase acid doesn’t cause an increase in pain, because it can still prevent healing.

Why Is Coffee A Problem?

Coffee, both decaf and caffeinated, has been shown to increase the production of stomach acid. In its caffeinated form, coffee has also been shown to increase production of the digestive enzyme pepsin.

While studies have shown that coffee doesn’t necessarily increase pain associated with ulcers, the acid it produces can still present a problem. Coffee lovers will find, however, that there are some options that can help them continue to be able to enjoy their favorite drink.

Since coffee is linked to an increased production of acid, it’s also a potential problem for those with other conditions, as well. People who suffer from frequent occurrences of heartburn or who have acid reflux concerns might want to evaluate their consumption of coffee.

Strategies For Keeping Coffee On The Menu

Giving up coffee for some people is akin to giving up breathing. If ulcers are a problem or other acid-related conditions like reflux are, there are still ways to keep this drink on the menu. To combat the effects of coffee on acid production or ulcer exacerbation, drinkers can:

  • Limit intake – Many of the studies centered on coffee and acid production involved three to six cups a day. To keep production of acids lower, drinkers can limit their intake to one or two cups a day.
  • Pay attention to other foods consumed – If coffee is a must, limiting the intake of other acid-producing foods can assist.
  • Take over-the-counter medications – Acid reducers can assist with offsetting the effects of coffee on the stomach. When ulcers or acid reflux is a concern, these medications are often recommended by doctors.
  • Eat bananas – This fruit isn’t just for boosting potassium in the body. It’s also known as an excellent way to coat the lining of the stomach. While bananas won’t lessen acid production, they can protect the stomach lining from the effects of overproduction of acid.

Giving up coffee is a potential way to lower acid production in the stomach and help ulcers heal. This option, however, isn’t always favored by those who love coffee. There are ways ulcer sufferers can keep their drink on the menu without inflaming their condition too badly though. The right strategy can make a difference.

Dietary Fats Strongly Linked To Cancer

Dietary Fats Strongly Linked To Cancer

July 16th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

The links between a high-fat diet and the formation of certain cancers are well established. So, too, is the need for the body to have at least some fat intake a day to ensure proper functioning of organs like the gallbladder. If there’s a desire to prevent the feeding of cancer cells while still maintaining proper overall health, what’s a person to do? It all comes down to moderation and commonsense.

Cancer And Fat Links

Fats are linked to a variety of different types of cancer. When a diet is rich in fatty foods, people are more likely to develop:

  • Colon cancer
  • Intestinal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer

In addition to promoting initial growth, high-fat diets may also fuel cancer establishment and spread. With this in mind, a low-fat diet is often recommended for preventing cancer and helping with treatments if cancer is already present.

An Anti-Cancer Diet

There are a variety of foods that are well known for their anti-cancer properties. Trying to consume them all on a daily basis, however, just isn’t typically feasible. To maintain a diet that boost overall immunities and properly feeds the body balance is required. It is generally recommended that this type of diet be followed for preventing and battling cancer:

  • Fruits and vegetables – These are the staples of an anti-cancer diet. Getting at least five servings a day of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, apples and prunes can assist on the cancer front. So can vegetables like broccoli, green leafy selections and tomatoes. Opting to drink 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices can also count toward daily requirements.
  • Whole grains – A diet that is rich in whole grains like rice, wheat , bran and oats can help prevent certain cancers and also protect heart health. Substituting whole grain options for processed white flour-based products is often the best way to gain results.
  • Lean meats – Fatty, red meats have been linked with a variety of health conditions. Rather than make this meat product a staple of the diet, it’s recommended that leaner choices be made. White meats like poultry and fish are often the best. Shellfish, too, can provide a protein boost without harmful fats and cholesterol.
  • Dairy products – Getting at least a few servings a day of dairy products is still important for overall body functioning. Low-fat choices, however, provide a happy medium. For cancer prevention, it is best to steer clear of products that might have growth hormones in them.
  • Fats – While overuse of fat in the diet is unwise, this item is still required by the body for proper functioning. To ensure a more healthful approach to fat consumption, consider using things like olive oil in cooking rather than saturated fats. Avoid animal fats when possible.

    • Low Fat Diets Are Better For Other Reasons

    When a high-fat diet is phased out for healthier choices, a number of other benefits tend to crop up. A low-fat diet is the smarter choice to prevent:

    • Obesity
    • High cholesterol
    • Heart disease
    • Diabetes

    Eating right on a daily basis may not guarantee the prevention of all diseases or forms of cancer, but it is a powerful tool to include in the arsenal. Remove an abundance of fat from the diet and fuel for serious conditions like cancer and heart disease will be reduced.

    A Banana A Day Keeps Ulcers Away

    A Banana A Day Keeps Ulcers Away

    July 6th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

    Living with ulcers and other conditions that are inflamed by stomach-acid is no fun at all. The discomfort and pain can sideline daily activities and make eating quite difficult. If a secret weapon is needed to make a difference in the condition, a pharmacy might not need to be the destination of choice. A grocery store that sells bananas or plantains might actually have something better.

    Research has shown that bananas have a particularly interesting effect on ulcerated stomachs and the handling of stomach acid in general. This simple fruit is used in many areas to both prevent acid-related conditions and treat them if they do arise.

    Understanding Ulcers

    Ulcers are sores that form in the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. While they are commonly caused by bacteria, stomach acid production can inflame them and sometimes promote their creation. This condition can produce symptoms such as:

    • Pain – Abdominal pain is the most commonly noted symptom of an ulcer. It can last for minutes or for several hours.
    • Nausea – An upset stomach, vomiting and a loss of appetite are also frequently associated with ulcers. Weight loss can coincide with this, as well.

    In extreme cases, ulcers have been known to bleed and cause more serious complications. Treating them is important, but so is taking preventative measures.

    Why Bananas?

    Bananas and their cousins plantains have long been used in natural food  medicine to treat ulcers and other acid-related conditions. Medical research has found that these fruits do have an ability to make a difference in these conditions. In fact, a medication is used in India that is produced from plantain powder. This drug, Musapep, has a 70 percent success rate in treating the symptoms associated with ulcers.

    Consumption of bananas doesn’t necessarily cut down on acid production in the stomach. Instead, it better positions the stomach to handle acid. Research has shown that eating bananas and cooked plantains stimulates the growth of cells and mucus to better line the stomach against acid. This, in turn, prevents ulcers in the first place and can treat them if they are already present. Basically, bananas help the stomach lining form a tougher barrier against acid.

    Why Try The Banana Cure?

    While the banana cure for ulcers might seem odd, there are a variety of reasons why consumption of this particular fruit is worth a try. Not only can bananas help better line the stomach and digestive tract to protect against acid, they are also:

    • High in nutritional value – Bananas are very rich in vitamin B, vitamin C and potassium. They are such an excellent source of potassium, in fact, they are strongly recommended for people with electrolyte imbalances.
    • Known to prevent other illnesses – Consumption of bananas has been linked with the prevention of such conditions as high blood pressure, kidney stones, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and renal cell carcinoma.
    • Are less expensive than other options – Bananas cost very little by the pound and make this particular preventative and treatment option quite affordable.

    When the lining of the stomach is weak or it has already been damaged by ulcers, protecting it from further harm from stomach acid is a must. Eating bananas every day just might help keep the doctor away and tackle acid concerns at the same time. While this fruit might not always get the job done, the benefits of adding them to the daily routine are without question.

    The Dangers of Spinach and Rhubarb Towards Kidney Stones

    The Dangers of Spinach and Rhubarb Towards Kidney Stones

    July 2nd, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

    You hear about kidney stones and can just feel the awful pain of somebody that has suffered through this terrible health condition. This is one of those ailments that you hope to never live through because it causes such a huge burden and such immense pain to the individual suffering from the condition. So how does it happen? Did the individual just not plan for and take on a healthy diet? Did they make wrong choices within their lifestyle that lead to the development of kidney stones?

    There are some rather obvious and poor behaviors such as improper fluid intake that can of course cause the problem. These bad habits and lifestyle choices often account for a variety of health conditions, but they are not the only reasons that an individual may develop kidney stones. Believe it or not, there are some foods which you would assume are actually good for you that can lead to the problem. This is where people need a good amount of education in this area of health.

    How Kidney Stones Develop

    Many people are unaware of just how kidney stones develop in the first place. It can be quite confusing as there are different types and different magnitudes of kidney stones out there. If an individual is to develop kidney stones, it is usually because they are prone to them. This can be due to genetic factors or even other medical conditions, but there is a greater likelihood that they will develop kidney stones within their body.

    Additionally, there is the fact that a substance called oxalate is what causes kidney stones to form in the first place. Truthfully oxalate that is found in the urine is actually made by the body directly, and this is usually at normal and healthy levels. However there are certain substances, particularly foods that happen to be high in oxalate. If consumed in excess, these can cause the oxalate levels in the urine to rise. In turn, this can then combine with calcium in the body and form what is known as calcium oxalate stones. There we have the problem!

    Watching the Foods That We Eat

    Amongst the foods with the highest oxalate levels you will find spinach and rhubarb. These are not the only foods that are high in oxalate levels, but they are the top two on the list. So what does this mean? Does it mean that you can’t ever enjoy spinach or rhubarb? If you happen to be prone to kidney stones, then you may want to avoid these two vegetables. If however you are not, then it may just be a good idea to limit your intake of spinach and rhubarb. Though they do offer some excellent vitamins, minerals, and nutritional benefits overall, they do pose a risk. So if you are worried about kidney stones, then these two foods are ones to watch and ensure that you don’t overindulge in at any point in time.

    How Does This All Work?

    So if you eat foods that happen to be high in oxalate levels such as spinach and rhubarb, it increases your overall oxalate levels in the urine. This is what causes the basis of the problem. If you avoid them, and particularly if you combine this initiative with the notion of increasing your calcium, you dramatically cut your potential risk of kidney stones. Calcium helps to bind oxalate in the digestive tract so that it is not excreted into the urine, and this is a big help. If you combine increased calcium intake with decreased oxalate intake, you are putting yourself at far less of a risk of kidney stones ever developing.

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