A Cancer Cure ??????

Yippee, A Cancer Cure

ARE YOU FEEDING THAT MIGRAINE?

If you have suffered a migraine before or experiences occasional migraine episodes, this post will be very helpful to you.

In a business meeting, a man rejected a cup of coffee because according to him, coffee gives him headaches. The man next to him called him coy, and just local. The story indeed made me laugh and I wondered if being a coffee drinker is a sign of confidence.

THE TRUTH is that the non-coffee drinker has discovered what works best for him and probably understands the effects that the things he eat or drink have on his health. When it comes to migraine and other headaches, there are two types of diets-

1.     The headache trigger foods- that can start the migraine reaction, and

2.     The headache fighting foods- that put the body in optimal migraine fighting shape, and can either relieve migraine or help you cope.

Some headache trigger foods include

• alcohol (even red wine)
• caffeine
• chocolates
• nuts (especially peanuts)
• yeast (especially in breads and other foods and drinks)
• some flavorings (like vanilla may contain alcohol)
• all alcoholic and fermented beverages
• all foods with tyramine ( all fermented, salted or pickled foods like aged cheese, fermented soy products like soy sauce and all nuts.)
• foods with tannins ( tea, red wine, chocolate, vanilla, black wallnuts and most herbal products.)

*NOTE. Different people have different triggers; it is therefore very important for you to understand what triggers your migraine and eliminate or cut down on them.

Headache fighting foods. In the world of diet cures for headaches/migraines, the best advice is simply to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty fresh, non-processed foods. That includes a variety of grains, fruits and vegetables. Here are some specific foods that are believed to be useful in cutting down the migraine pains.

• cayenne pepper
• ginger
• peppermint
• fish and fish oil
• oat meal
• wheat
• garlic
• calcium and magnesium rich foods.

What about fasting and skipping meals?

Yes they are surefire triggers for many people, possibly because of dropping blood sugar levels. Try to eat small amounts of meals throughout the day and avoid skipping meals. Remember that fresh is best- eat it fresh and cut down on processed foods. Avoid making sudden drastic changes in your diet, whatever change you want to make, ease into it and eat a well-balanced diet.

****Am pleased to let you know that Nutritionalert has been nominated for two categories(Best Fitness or Health Blog and Most Educational Blog ) in the ongoing Nigerian Blog Awards. Visit HERE and vote for Nutritionalert.

MEN- O- PAUSE?

I listened to a wannabe comedian describe menopause as a state in a woman’s life when all activities with the opposite sex ceases due to the changes that occurs in the woman. He depicted a state of misery which every woman should dread.

No!

Did anyone tell him that there is andropause for men? It can only get better during menopause, with the menstrual cycle gone, no PMS’s, no cramps, no sanitary towels and tampons here and there. (My thoughts while others cracked their ribs at the silly joke). Ok! Am not premenopausal, menopausal or even post-menopausal. Lucky to still be in the better side of 35, but that does not in any way mean that I do not look forward to my menopausal years.

Let’s talk Nutrition!

On a healthy diet, every woman can go through menopause, deal with all the hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other symptoms, stay attractive and have fun with her partner. If you are around, within or past menopause, here are some diet tips for you.

1. Deal with osteoporosis which is one of the health issues women face during and after menopause with a calcium rich diet like the non fat or skim milk, okra and leafy greens. Do not forget to up your vitamin D intake too because it is very essential for transporting calcium into the bones. You can take vitamin D fortified food and other foods like cod liver, sardines, mackerel and eggs. Do not forget the best source of vitamin D- sunlight. A 10 minute exposure daily will be good for you. Have you checked your vitamin D level recently?
2. Do not let weight gain rid you of pleasure during this period. Maintain a diet comprising of complex carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits.
3. Deal with hot flashes and balance your estrogen levels by eating soy bean and flaxseed. (Flaxseed is rare in Nigeria, but the supplements are available).
4. Eat bioflavonoid rich foods like oranges, grapefruits, tangerines etc, to successfully get relieve from night time leg cramps and bruises which usually occur during menopause.
5. Do not let your vagina stay dry; reduce the dryness by eating foods that are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. They will strengthen your mucous membranes and keep the grove on!
6. Eat avocados and let the oils offer you its rich nourishment. You will love your skin.
7. Don’t forget vitamin C rich foods, they are loaded with antioxidants that can help reduce degenerative diseases and inflammations, and slow down the aging process.
8. Pears, raisins, honey, peas, beans are rich in boron, eat them and reduce loss of minerals from your bones (osteoporosis), prevent muscle and joints aches and maintain a healthy hair and skin.
9. Make menopause fun!

***Menopause is not Men O Pause, this guy need to work on his jokes. What is your take on this?

A VOTE THAT WILL COUNT

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Are You Weakening Your Immune System?

Ask anyone leaving in a malaria endemic region, he or she will tell you that it is not an easy task. For my new friend Ayo (not his real name), sleeping under treated mosquito nets is less fun because the length of his bed can not accommodate his towering height.  Most nights he had to keep vigil on the mosquitoes, killing them with his high priced insect swat, his bare hands or whatever that could help him do the job. Despite his night time wars against the mosquitoes, he constantly went down with malaria which was most of the times accompanied by flu. 

Recently, my new friend testified that the frequency of his malaria bouts reduced when he made some changes in his diet. He did not develop an anti-malaria diet; neither did the mosquitoes become extinct. He realized the weakening effect of his diet and lifestyle on his immune system.

An army of millions of microscopic soldiers operates within every one of us, each one ready to jump into battle against invading parasites and to carry out the duty of protecting us against diseases. How we feed these soldiers has a great influence on how well they protect us from diseases. On a poor diet, the immune system can not perform at its peak. Certain foods can keep the immune system army from doing a good job. Watch out!

The Offenders  

Too much sugar. Overdosing on sugar can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs. This includes table sugars and those in carbonated drinks and simple carbohydrates. In contrast, complex carbohydrates do not suppress or have a weakening effect on the immune system. Remember this tip the next time you grab a can of soft drink.

Too much fat. We already know that eating too much fat can lead to obesity which on its own can lead to a depressed and lazy immune system. This is another reason to lose weight if you are already overweight.

Too much alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake does not only lead to nutritional deficiency, it deprives the body of valuable immune-boosting nutrients. Just like sugar, it can reduce the ability of the white cells to multiply, fight or kill germs.

Finally, what foods are you allergic to? Your immune army recognizes these otherwise harmless foods as a forein invader and attacks it. This is the reason for allergic reactions. Several encounters with food allergens can cause the walls of the intestine to damage, thereby making it easy for other toxic substances to get into the blood stream. This can lead to illness.

Our immune systems are constantly working to protect us, let’s pay them back with a boost. See how to.

BLAME MY MOMMIE. Utterance of an obese 12year old

 

This morning, a 12year old boy told me to blame his mom for his weight problem. Having to wear clothes that are almost the same size with his father’s was the breaking point for his mother who brought him to our weight management clinic. He blamed his mother for always making him finish everything on his plate and rewarding him with chocolates.  According to him, his nick name –Biggy originated from his mum, and for him to keep up with the name he would just eat and eat to stay big. 

Poor woman, I could tell the pain in her tears while her massive son talked. Who wouldn’t say that she is a good mother and that she loves her child? The pediatrician had examined him and told her that the reason for her son’s weight problem was lifestyle and poor dietary habit. There is hope for this massive talking 12 year old, but can some one tell him to shut up so that mummy can hold back the tears? (I thought)

OK. I know that there are many parents who are doing the same things that this mother is being blamed for. Perhaps your own child is not obese yet or may never be, here is my candid advice.

 1.      Avoid using food as a reward. Chocolates, candies, ice cream and some pastries are usually used to reward children. They basically become more desirable than other foods 

2.      Encourage your child to eat breakfast regularly. Studies show that breakfast eaters tend to be slimmer than people who skip breakfast. 

3.      Do not force your child to eat everything on his or her plate. Remember, tinny tummies hold little food. It is better to give them little meals at regular intervals. 

4.      Get your children involved in meal preparation. Allow them to join you in preparing healthy meals, they are more likely to eat something they made or participated in making. 

5.      Children do not focus on health as a priority, talk to your child about the benefits of eating well and taking care of their bodies. 

6.      Model the right behaviour. Do not expect your child to eat vegetables when you don’t. If your child is gaining too much weight, it is unlikely that the rest of the family is having a healthy diet. Take a look at what the whole family is eating and encourage a healthy balanced diet for everyone. This means

-         Eating breakfast regularly

-         Eating fewer fatty foods such as French fries and other fried foods

-         Cutting down on sweets, cakes and other carbonated drinks

-         Eating more fruits and vegetables

-         Selecting wholegrain varieties often.  

7.   Finally, remember that sometimes to say No to your child is a show of love. 

Having any challenge in your child’s nutrition? 

What else can parents do to help an obese child?

Please share in the comment area below.

YOUR ANTIDOTE TO AGING.

Last night, my four year old son asked me to help him become 10years old. Having closed his eyes for about 2 minutes imagining that he was 10years old and hoping to rise up as a 1o year old by the time he opened his eyes. 

Very funny, I thought. I know many including me, who will rather imagine that they look as young as 30 or maybe 25 by the time they are 60years. While I pity the young man because he got disappointed at the end of the day, I saw hope for anyone whose imagination is contrary to the boy's own.

Aging can be described as a natural process that everyone must go through. It is what happens to our bodies’ overtime. It starts from the day we were born and continues until when we die. However, its ugly effects are only felt when we start hitting middle age. No one would love to see damaged skin complexions or visible lines on their faces, and many would do anything possible to halt aging or at least the unsightly effects of aging. The aging process may vary in individuals, some may age faster then others due to some factors, but the end result is, everyone will surely get to it some day.

Some may say that maintaining a constant supply of the magical Human Growth hormones (HGH) will mean enjoying a youthful life forever. Thank you Mr. Science, but how many can afford to submit themselves to an HGH replacement Therapy continuously, is it not pricey? What about side effects, are there none? While I wait for someone to lecture me on the HGH Replacement therapy, here is your antidote to aging.

They may actually represent a modern- day source of youthfulness, reduce the risk of some cancers, heart disease, strokes, cataracts and the ultimate- slow the aging process. They protect important cell components by neutralizing the free radicals. The antidote is called ANTIOXIDANT. Eating a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins may be the best way to improving your health and slowing down the aging process. Include antioxidant rich foods in your diet. Here are some examples.

1. Fruits

Citrus fruit and juices (oranges, grapefruits), Berries (strawberries, blackberry, blueberry etc),  carrots, kiwi, pineapple.

2. Vegetables

Raw cabbage, spinach, chili pepper, green peppers, tomatoes ginger, parsley, broccoli etc.

3. Dried fruits

Dates, prunes, apricots.

4. Cereals

Barley, millet, oats, corn.

4. Nuts and seeds

Hazel nuts, walnuts, peanuts, pecans, sunflower seeds.

5. Others

Egg yolk, liver, red beans, pinto beans

Finally, this is another reason to drink green tea.