FitSugar

Sulfite Sensitivity

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:03:00 -0800

Sulfites are sulfur based preservatives that are used to prevent or reduce discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables. They are also used to prevent black spots on shrimp and lobster. They are used to condition dough and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications.

Most (except for a few) wines contain sulfites. Yeast naturally produces sulfites during fermentation and most winemakers add sulfites to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. All wines made in the U.S. require a "sulfite" warning label. There are no such rules for wines made in other countries.

Why am I telling you all this? Because according to the FDA, 1 out of every 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites. They lack the natural enzyme to break them down. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea, hives or anaphylactic shock.

Sulfites can occur naturally in foods like wine and are added to certain foods as well. Some common foods that contain sulfites are baked goods, soup mixes, jams, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit.

Look at the ingredients and you may see:

sulfur dioxide
sodium sulfite
sodium bisulfite
potassium bisulfite
sodium metabisulfite
potassium metabisulfite

These are all sulfites, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may try avoiding sulfites to see if your symptoms go away. Or you can try sulfite free food and wine.

The Connection Between Wine, Sulfites, and Headaches

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Sipping a glass of wine is supposed to make you feel relaxed, but for some people, it can cause headaches, an upset stomach, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, hives, or even anaphylactic shock. It's caused by a sensitivity to something in the wine called sulfites. It's a sulfur-based preservative that occurs naturally or can be added to food such as wine. According to the FDA, sulfite sensitivity is pretty common - one out of every 100 people has it.
Reactions can range from mild to severe.

Most wines contain sulfites, except for ones that are specifically labeled "sulfite free." Yeast, used in the production of wine, naturally produces sulfites during the fermentation process. Winemakers also add sulfites to wine to prevent microorganisms from growing. In the US, it's required that wines contain a sulfite warning label, but you won't find labels like on imported wines.

There are other foods that contains sulfites, and to learn what they are read more.

Sulfites can be found in many foods. Some shrimp and lobster contain sulfites to prevent black spots from forming, and they are also used to condition dough and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications. Sulfites may also be found in baked goods, soup mixes, jams, molasses, grape juice, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit. If you're concerned about sulfites in your foods, check the package for these ingredients: sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, or potassium metabisulfite. If you've noticed symptoms after drinking wine or eating certain foods, you may want to look for sulfite-free alternatives.

Source

Hydrocortisone (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:43 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Hydrocortisone (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)

Treats skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other types of skin problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s)

Locoid Lipocream, Locoid, U-cort, Hytone, Pandel, Cortaid Sensitive Skin w/Aloe, Keratol HC, Quality Choice Hydrocortisone, Medi-Cortisone Maximum Strength, Caldecort, Medi-First Hydrocortisone, LanaCort Cool Creme, Cortaid Maximum Strength, NuZon, Westcort

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any other related medicine, such as triamcinolone (Aristocort®), betamethasone (Valisone®), or fluocinonide (Lidex®).

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Kit, Ointment, Lotion, Spray, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use only on the skin. You should not use this medicine in or around your eyes.
You should not use this medicine on your face or neck unless your doctor told you to do so.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub in gently.
Shake the lotion well before using.
The spray could catch on fire. Do not use the spray near high heat or flame.
Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to do so.
If this medicine is used on the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

If a dose is missed:

Put on the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not mix with or use other skin medicines with this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using hydrocortisone.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma, tuberculosis, diabetes, chickenpox, or a skin infection.
You should not use this medicine for other skin conditions without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Severe itching, burning, or skin irritation
Redness, swelling, drainage, or pus from the area or other signs of infection

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild, temporary stinging
Irritation, burning, redness, or dryness of skin
Raised spots on skin
Thinning of skin or bruising
Poor healing of skin
Acne-like skin changes

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0417

Get Your Green on at REI

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

It is no secret that I heart REI. They make and sell great gear. The sales people are extremely knowledgeable. Their online store is great. Plus it is a co-op that you can join, and at the end of the year you receive a dividend check. Well, if you like giving your greenbacks to green stores, REI is the retailer for you. And they continue to get greener!

While getting my green on over at treehugger.com, I just read that not only does REI now use ecologically sensitive labeling to indicate products that are designed to have less impact on our planet, they are also building green stores too. I call that a green double up!

Now you can shop easily for eco gear made with sustainable and recycled materials bearing the eco-sensitive label in a store designed to minimize REI's carbon footprint. The new REI store opening soon in Boulder, CO, is their green prototype store that uses solar energy to reduce its electricity consumption by 20 percent and its water usage by 30 percent.

If you can't make it to the Boulder store, you can always shop their eco labeled products online.

Tips From the Dental Chair

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:43 -0800

Sitting in the dentist chair is never pleasant for me. Luckily, my daughters still enjoy the experience - they think a cleaning is like having their teeth tickled. Inspired by their enthusiasm for oral health, I compiled a list of simple tips to make the experience of dental work a little less anxiety provoking.

Keep your eyes open; the visual stimulus will distract you from discomfort or pain.
Even with all those hands in your mouth, try to focus on your breath.
Bring your iPod to block out the noise of the drill.
Come up with a hand signal to alert the dentist when you're in pain, because a sudden movement or twitch can complicate matters.
Be sure to tell the dentist if you are sensitive and/or afraid. Most will be accommodating; if not, I suggest finding a new dentist.
Take a written list of questions and concerns so you don't forget them due to the stress of the visit.

Sensitivity analysis

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:15:02 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Sensitivity analysis determines the effectiveness of antibiotics against microorganisms such as bacteria that have been isolated from cultures.

Sensitivity analysis may be performed along with:

Blood culture
Clean catch urine culture or catheterized specimen urine culture
Sputum culture
Culture from endocervix
Throat culture
Wound and other cultures

Alternative Names

Antibiotic sensitivity

How the test is performed

Colonies of microorganisms are combined with different antibiotics to see how well each antibiotic stops each colony from growing. The test determines the effectiveness of each antibiotic against a particular organism.

How to prepare for the test

There is no special preparation.

How the test will feel

The way the test feels depends upon the method used for obtaining the specific culture.

Why the test is performed

The test shows which antibiotic drugs should be used to treat an infection.

Because many organisms continue to show resistance against various antibiotics, sensitivity tests have become more and more important. Your doctor may start you on one antibiotic, but later change you to another one because of the results of sensitivity analysis.

What abnormal results mean

If the organism shows drug resistance to the antibiotics used in the test, then those antibiotics will not be effective treatment.

What the risks are

The risks depend upon the method used for obtaining the specific culture.

Review Date: 1/22/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003741

Do You Have a Sulfite Sensitivity?

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

According to the FDA, 1 out of every 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites, a sulfur based preservative that occurs naturally or may be added to food. A sensitivity can develop at anytime, and reactions can be mild or life threatening. Symptoms of a sulfite sensitivity can include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea, hives or even anaphylactic shock.

In 1986, the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruits and veggies that would be eaten raw, but they are still found in many processed foods. Some shrimp and lobster contain sulfites to prevent black spots from forming, and they are also used to condition dough, and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications. Some other common foods that contain sulfites are baked goods, soup mixes, jams, molasses, grape juice, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit.

Look at the ingredients and you may see:

sulfur dioxide
sodium sulfite
sodium bisulfite
potassium bisulfite
sodium metabisulfite
potassium metabisulfite

Most (except for a few) wines contain sulfites. Yeast naturally produces sulfites during fermentation and most winemakers add sulfites to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. All wines made in the US require a sulfite warning label, but there are no such rules for wines made in other countries.

Fit's Tip: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to find out more information about sulfite sensitivity.

Source

Autoerythrocyte sensitivity

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:38 -0700

Overview

Definition

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Autoerythrocyte sensitivity refers to the sensitivity to one's own red blood cells (erythrocytes). This generally results in the destruction of red blood cells.

Review Date: 2/6/2007

Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001296

Health Benefits of Pears

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:13 -0700

Apples are in season in the Autumn, but pears are too. The soft, sweet, buttery flesh of the pear makes this Fall fruit one of my favorites. Plus there are so many varieties to choose from - Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou - that they each seem like a different fruit. These juicy gems are pretty healthy for you, too.

Pears are high in fiber. One medium-sized pear contains six grams, so snacking on a pear can help you meet your daily requirement of 25 to 30 grams. They're a delicious way to keep you regular too, which can help prevent colon cancer. A diet high in fiber can also keep your cholesterol levels down, which is good news for your ticker. Getting your fill of fiber from fruit is also linked to a lower risk for breast cancer.
Pears contain a fair amount of vitamins A, C, K, B2, B3, and B6. For expecting or nursing moms, they also contain folate. Pears aren't too shabby in the mineral department either, containing calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Vitamin C and copper are antioxidant nutrients, so eating pears is good for your immune system, and may help prevent cancer.
Pears also contain boron, which our bodies need in order to retain calcium, so this fruit can also be linked to osteoporosis prevention.

For the other health benefits, read more.

The hydroxycinnamic acid found in pears is also associated with preventing stomach and lung cancer.
It's a hypo-allergenic fruit. That means those with food sensitivities can usually eat pears with no adverse effects.
Eating three or more servings of fruits a day, such as pears, may also lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.
Quercetin is another antioxidant found in the skin of pears. It helps prevent cancer and artery damage that can lead to heart problems. A recent study at Cornell University found it may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease. So don't peel your pears!

Tell me, what's your favorite type of pear?

Stretch It: Lying Ab Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:06 -0700

After an intense core strengthening session with your trainer, your abs are so sensitive, it can even hurt to laugh. So here's a relaxing stretch you can do to lengthen your abdominal muscles, and relieve tension in your middle.

For instructions on how to do this stretch, read more.

Lie on the floor on your back. Extend your arms overhead.
Keeping your bum on the floor, lift your belly up to the ceiling and slide your shoulder blades an inch or so closer to your hips. Keep your upper back on the floor as you arch through your lower back.
Stay like this for 30 seconds, reaching your hands and feet away from each other.
Then release your lower back to the floor and sit up.