Author: Staff (Page 30 of 31)

Preventing Altitude Sickness

Seeing the world through traveling can be a rewarding and exciting experience. However, even when soaking in new sights, safety should be a top consideration?especially when exploring areas that are unfamiliar and that the body is not accustomed to. Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness, is an illness that plagues many travelers. Mountain climbers or tourists visiting destinations at high altitudes should be aware of the signs of altitude sickness and know preventative measures and treatment options so they can ward off the symptoms and enjoy their trips as fully as possible.

As altitude increases, the number of oxygen molecules inhaled per breath decreases, so the body must operate with less oxygen. Travelers can begin to experience mountain sickness at 8,000 feet, but most do not feel the symptoms until over 12,000 feet. Most people experience mountain sickness because they attempt to climb too high too quickly; if they ascend at a slower pace, the body is able to better adapt to its new surroundings.

Mild mountain sickness can lead the traveler to experience dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and nausea. As the sickness gets more severe, symptoms include decreasing mental status, fluid build-up in the lungs, and the inability to walk. At this point, travelers should immediately descend to a lower altitude.

Climbers should take precautions to avoid experiencing mountain sickness. A pulse oximeter is a necessary tool for any climber?it can measure the pulse and the blood oxygen saturation, alerting climbers if their bodies are not receiving enough oxygen. Climbers should also avoid ascending to a higher altitude too quickly, and if they begin to feel symptoms, they should not travel further until the symptoms die down. Eating a high-calorie diet can be beneficial for travelers at a high altitude, as well. Travelers can take medications, such as acetazolamide or dexamethasone, before reaching high altitudes as a preventative measure.

Sweet or Salty? It Could be in the Genes!

Check out this article from Nutritiondata.com and see if you are a “sweet” or “salty”.

We may be predisposed to like salt in our genes which can help gives us clues to our health and fitness.

Love of salt is in your genes

Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:53 PM | posted by Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N

In the debate over whether to force manufacturers to reduce sodium in processed foods, I’ve observed that some will benefit more than others. It appears that some will also suffer more than others.

Although we know that people who eat a lot of salt develop a tolerance and preference for saltier foods, Penn State researchers find that genetics also plays a role in how salty you like your food. While some are happy with (or can at least adjust to) food with less salt, others will always find low-sodium foods especially unpalatable.

Interestingly, it seems as if those with hyper-sensitive taste buds (super-tasters) tend to choose saltier foods. Although they experience salt as super-salty, they appear to need more salt in order to block or balance bitter tastes that they experience as super-bitter. (See this summary from Medical News Today.)

This study used healthy volunteers. What I’d like to see now is an investigation into whether the super-taster trait is more or less likely in those with salt-sensitive hypertension!

Coconut: Craze or Credible!

The Chicago Tribune has done some research on the Coconut Craze.

Liz Applegate, director of sports nutrition at the University of California-Davis, thinks coconut water is fine to drink for hydration ? if you like the taste.

Applegate takes issue with some of the health endorsements including weight loss and heart health claims.

It would be nice to see this kind of scrutiny given to all nutritional claims made by big business:

Most of these sites that promote and sell coconut oil originate from coconut-producing countries, including India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Instead of research studies, you’ll find articles written by coconut oil advocates ? including Mary Enig, vice president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a controversial organization that is critical of “traditional diets” and extols the benefits of saturated fat.

Dr. Joseph Mercola Reveals the Bitter Truth About Artificial Sweeteners

Dr. Joseph Mercola shares some bitter truths about the artificial sweetner Asparatame.

In this article written for The Huffington Post he explains the dangers of artificial sweeteners and the particular dangers of Asparatame.

A name change can’t change the facts but the producers of this sweetener are hoping that you won’t notice!

The newly named AminoSweet is trying to sneak in under the radar.

Read this excerpt then read the full article here:

How Aspartame Wreaks Havoc on Your Health

Did you know there have been more reports to the FDA for aspartame reactions than for all other food additives combined?

In fact, there are over 10,000 official complaints, but by the FDA’s own admission, less than 1 percent of those who experience a reaction to a product ever report it. So in all likelihood, the toxic effects of aspartame may have affected roughly a million people already.

While a variety of symptoms have been reported, almost two-thirds of them fall into the neurological and behavioral category consisting mostly of headaches, mood alterations, and hallucinations. The remaining third is mostly gastrointestinal symptoms.

This chart will familiarize you with some of the terrifying side-effects and health problems you could encounter if you consume products containing this chemical.

Unfortunately, aspartame toxicity is not well-known by doctors, despite its frequency. Diagnosis is also hampered by the fact that it mimics several other common health conditions, such as:

How Diet Foods and Drinks CAUSE Weight Problems

In recent years, food manufacturers have increasingly focused on developing low-calorie foods and drinks to help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. Unfortunately, the science behind these products is so flawed, most of these products can actually lead to increased weight gain!

For example, researchers have discovered that drinking diet soda increases your risk of metabolic syndrome, and may double your risk of obesity — the complete opposite of the stated intention behind these “zero calorie” drinks.

The sad truth is that diet foods and drinks ruin your body’s ability to count calories, and in fact stimulate your appetite, thus boosting your inclination to overindulge.

Unfortunately, most public health agencies and nutritionists in the United States recommend these toxic artificial sweeteners as an acceptable alternative to sugar, which is at best confusing and at worst harming the health of those who take their misguided advice.

Dr. Mark Hyman Explains how Supplements can Save Our Health and Save Us Money!

In this article which appears on The Huffington Post, Dr. Mark Hyman, M.D. explains how taking a few key nutritional supplements can improve health and lower health care costs.

By spending just pennies a day, Dr. Hyman shows that we can improve our overall wellness with common vitamins that prevent some of the most costly and pervasive illnesses suffered by Americans today.

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