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Speak Up: How Do You Avoid Gaining Weight at Work?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:30:00 -0700

Many jobs require you to sit for eight hours a day, and if you don't have time to break away for lunch, you may have to grab the quickest meal, which tends to be not so healthy. Then there are the office parties complete with chips, soda, and cake, the frequent Dunkin' Donuts runs, the co-workers who bring in baked goods weekly, and those who make microwave popcorn daily. Stress from your job and long hours make you feel too tired to work out, and all this can translate to an expanding waistline.

So for those of you working 9 to 5 (or longer), tell me, what are your tricks and secrets when it comes to avoiding office weight gain?

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Start a Biggest Loser Competition in Your Office

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0700

The office is often a place where people end up gaining weight. What with all the sitting around all day, snacking at your desk, office parties, ordering food as a group, and the baked goodies co-workers bring in, it's no wonder extra pounds start to creep onto the scale. So instead of getting fatter at your job, lose weight together by starting a Biggest Loser-style competition in your office.

To find out how read more.

Choose a starting date where everyone gets weighed. Record the numbers on a chart (post it or have a responsible person hold onto it).
Then choose to do weekly weigh-ins or just do one big weigh-in on the last day.
Choose an end date. Make the competition for a short amount of time - I'd say two to four months long in order to see some real progress.
Then of course, figure out what the Biggest Loser will win. Everyone can put in $10 to $20 and the winner receives the grand total, or you can wager something, like everyone chips in to get the winner a massage or lunch out at their favorite restaurant.

Keep in mind that it doesn't matter how many pounds you lose - it's the percentage of weight you lose as compared to your body weight. Although it is a competition, you can encourage each other to eat healthier by having office potlucks and ditching the 3 p.m. runs to Dunkin Donuts. You can also motivate each other to work out by exercising at the office or hitting the gym together on your lunch break.

A little healthy competition can be just the thing to help you ditch your old habits, and even if you don't win, you'll feel good knowing you're getting healthier.

Source

Domino's Baked Sandwiches Burn Subway

partysugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:15:52 -0800

Advertising campaigns in which one company slams a competitor are nothing new: There's the coffee war between Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, and the burger battle of McDonald's versus Burger King. The latest companies to publicly duke it out? Domino's Pizza and Subway. According to a taste test conducted and promoted by Domino's, consumers prefer their baked sandwiches over Subway's sandwiches by a two-to-one ratio. Subway quickly responded to the claims by sending Domino's a letter telling the pizza chain to stop airing the commercials. Then last week on national television, Domino's president David Brandon burned the letter. Subway has yet to comment on Domino's aggressive advertisement, and a lawsuit is likely.

After tasting Domino's baked sandwiches, I find it hard to believe they could beat out Subway's sandwiches in a blind taste test. I also think the behavior in the video is childish and immature. Burning a letter? It doesn't necessarily make me want to run to the nearest Domino's for a sandwich. Watch the video below and tell me what you think. Whose sandwiches do you prefer?

Fat

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:56:59 -0700

Illustrations

Healthy diet

Omega-3 fatty acids

Calories and fat per serving

Saturated fats

Trans-fatty acids

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Fats are organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are a source of energy in foods. Fats belong to a group of substances called lipids, and come in liquid or solid form. All fats are combinations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Alternative Names

Saturated fat; Diet - fat; Polyunsaturated fat; Monounsaturated fat; Lipids

Function

Fat is one of the three nutrients (along with protein and carbohydrates) that supply calories to the body. Fat provides nine calories per gram, more than twice the number provided by carbohydrates or protein.

Fat is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Fats provide essential fatty acids, which are not made by the body and must be obtained from food. The essential fatty acids are linoleic and linolenic acid. They are important for controlling inflammation, blood clotting, and brain development.

Fat serves as the storage substance for the body's extra calories. It fills the fat cells (adipose tissue) that help insulate the body. Fats are also an important energy source. When the body has used up the calories from carbohydrate, which occurs after the first 20 minutes of exercise, it begins to depend on the calories from fat.

Healthy skin and hair are maintained by fat. Fat helps the body absorb and move the vitamins A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream.

Food Sources

SATURATED FATS

These are the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels ("bad cholesterol"). When looking at a food label, pay very close attention to the percentage of saturated fat and avoid or limit any foods that are high. Saturated fat should be limited to 10% of calories. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as butter, cheese, whole milk, ice cream, cream, and fatty meats. They are also found in some vegetable oils -- coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. (Note: Most other vegetable oils contain unsaturated fat and are healthy.)

UNSATURATED FATS

Fats that help to lower blood cholesterol if used in place of saturated fats. However, unsaturated fats have a lot of calories, so you still need to limit them. Most (but not all!) liquid vegetable oils are unsaturated. (The exceptions include coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils.) There are two types of unsaturated fats:

Monounsaturated fats: Examples include olive and canola oils.
Polyunsaturated fats: Examples include fish, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils.

TRANS FATTY ACIDS

These fats form when vegetable oil hardens (a process called hydrogenation) and can raise LDL levels. They can also lower HDL levels ("good cholesterol"). Trans-fatty acids are found in fried foods, commercial baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers), processed foods, and margarines.

HYDROGENATED AND PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED FATS

This refers to oils that have become hardened (such as hard butter and margarine). Partially hydrogenated means the oils are only partly hardened. Foods made with hydrogenated oils should be avoided because they contain high levels of trans fatty acids, which are linked to heart disease. (Look at the ingredients in the food label.)

Side Effects

Eating too much saturated fat is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A diet high in saturated fat causes a soft, waxy substance called cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Too much fat also increases the risk of heart disease because of its high calorie content, which increases the chance of becoming obese (another risk factor for heart disease and some types of cancer).

A large intake of polyunsaturated fat may increase the risk for some types of cancer. Reducing daily fat intake is not a guarantee against developing cancer or heart disease, but it does help reduce the risk factors.

Recommendations

Choose lean, protein-rich foods such as soy, fish, skinless chicken, very lean meat, and fat free or 1% dairy products.
Eat foods that are naturally low in fat such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Get plenty of soluble fiber such as oats, bran, dry peas, beans, cereal, and rice.
Limit fried foods, processed foods, and commercially prepared baked goods (donuts, cookies, crackers).
Limit animal products such as egg yolks, cheeses, whole milk, cream, ice cream, and fatty meats (and large portions of meats).
Look at food labels, especially the level of saturated fat. Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat.
Look on food labels for words like "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" -- these foods are loaded with bad fats and should be avoided.
Liquid vegetable oil, soft margarine, and trans fatty acid-free margarine are preferable to butter, stick margarine, or shortening.

Children under age 2 should NOT be on a fat-restricted diet because cholesterol and fat are thought to be important nutrients for brain development.

It is important to read the nutrition labels and be aware of the amount of different types of fat contained in food. If you are 20, ask your health care provider about checking your cholesterol levels.

References

American Heart Association Nutrition Committee; Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Brands M, Carnethon M, Daniels S, et al. Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006 Jul 4;114(1):82-96.

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, Berra K, Bushnell C, Dolor RJ, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in women: 2007 update. Circulation. 2007 Mar 20;115(11):1481-501.

Review Date: 5/8/2008

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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.

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Source Doc: 1_002468

Subway Introduces Flatbread Sandwiches

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

Today Subway has announced that, beginning next Monday, it will offer flatbread as an option for any of its existing sandwiches, and will also introduce two new sandwiches, Chicken Florentine and a Steak & Bacon Melt, made with flatbread.

In a departure from Subway's signature fresh-baked bread philosophy, the flatbread dough will be baked off premises, then supplied to Subway franchises and finished off in on-site ovens.

With this launch, Subway is attempting to make headway in a tight market that includes other chains such as Dunkin' Donuts and Quiznos, which both already carry flatbread sandwiches. Do you think Subway's new product will take off?

Source

Mmmmm, Pie: Desserts For Finicky Felines

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:17 -0800

While nine bucks is a lot of money to spend on a slice of pie for me to eat (read: gone in minutes), it's totally reasonable for these jumbo toy pieces filled with organic catnip.
Dish out this cute present for resident felines at Thanksgiving dinner (so they don't get jealous of their lucky dog counterparts). I plan on eating some pumpkin pie myself so I'm choosing this one, but Catzilla Crafts' Etsy store "bakes" up a bunch of goodies including cakes, donuts, eclairs, and even (my fave) banana pancakes. Cue the Jack Johnson, I'm diggin' in.

Cholesterol and diet

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:57:02 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Function
Food Sources
Side Effects
Recommendations
References

Illustrations

Cholesterol

Cholesterol producers

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body. Your body makes some cholesterol, and some cholesterol comes from the food you eat.

Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. This article focuses on cholesterol and your diet.

Alternative Names

Diet - cholesterol

Function

Cholesterol helps the body produce hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D. Cholesterol moves through the bloodstream to be used by all parts of the body.

Food Sources

Cholesterol is found in eggs, dairy products, meat, and poultry. Egg yolks and organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbread, and brain) are high in cholesterol. Fish generally contains less cholesterol than other meats, but some shellfish are high in cholesterol.

Foods of plant origin (vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, nuts, and seeds) contain no cholesterol.

Fat content is not a good measure of cholesterol content. For example, liver and other organ meats are low in fat, but very high in cholesterol.

Side Effects

In general, your risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis goes up as your level of blood cholesterol increases.

Recommendations

More than half of the adult population has blood cholesterol levels higher than the desirable range. High cholesterol levels often begin in childhood. Some children may be at higher risk due to a family history of high cholesterol.

To lower high cholesterol levels:

Limit total fat intake to 25 - 35% of total daily calories. Less than 7% of daily calories should be from saturated fat, no more than 10% should be from polyunsaturated fat, and no more than 20% from monounsaturated fat.
Eat less than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol per day.
Get more fiber in your diet.
Lose weight.
Increase physical activity.

The recommendations for children's diets are similar to those of adults. It is very important that children get enough calories to support their growth and activity level, and that the child achieve and maintain a desirable body weight

The following two sample menus provide examples of an average American diet and a low-fat diet.

AVERAGE AMERICAN DIET

Breakfast
- 1 egg scrambled in 1 teaspoon of butter
- 2 slices of white toast
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 1/2 cup of apple juice
Snack
- 1 cake donut
Lunch
- 1 ham and cheese sandwich (2 ounces of meat, 1 ounce of cheese)
- White bread
- 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise
- 1-ounce bag potato chips
- 12-ounce soft drink
- 2 chocolate chip cookies
Snack
- 8 wheat thins
Dinner
- 3 ounces of broiled sirloin
- 1 medium baked potato
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 1/2 cup of peas, 1/2 teaspoon of butter

Totals: 2,000 Calories, 84 grams fat, 34 grams saturated fat, 425 milligrams cholesterol. The diet is 38% total fat, 15% saturated fat.

LOW FAT DIET

For the same number of calories, a low-fat diet provides 190 mg of cholesterol, compared to 510 mg of cholesterol for an average American diet. Because fat is high in calories, the low-fat diet actually has more food than the typical American diet. An example follows:

Breakfast
- 1 cup of toasted oat ring cereal
- 1 cup of skim milk
- 1 slice of whole-wheat bread
- 1 banana
Snack
- 1 cinnamon raisin bagel, 1/2 ounce light cream cheese
Lunch
- Turkey sandwich (3 ounces of turkey) on rye bread with lettuce
- 1 orange
- 3 Fig Newton cookies
- 1 cup skim milk
Snack
- Nonfat yogurt with fruit
Dinner
- 3 ounces of broiled chicken breast
- 1 medium baked potato
- 1 tablespoon of nonfat yogurt
- 1/2 cup of broccoli
- 1 dinner roll
- 1 cup skim milk

Totals: 2,000 Calories, 38g fat, 9.5g saturated fat, 91mg cholesterol. The diet is 17% fat, 4% saturated fat.

NOTE: The low-fat diet example is too low in fat for small children to promote good growth. In addition, it may be difficult for them to eat such a large volume of food. Children should have a diet that is closer to 30% of calories from fat. Lower-fat diets may be appropriate in some children. Ask your doctor what is best for your child.

References

Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive Summary of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA. 2001;285:2486-2497.

Review Date: 1/20/2008

Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, FACC, Asst. Clinical Prof. of Med, NY Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002472

Urethritis

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:45 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Following Up
Special Considerations
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Urethritis is infection and inflammation of the lining of the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine out of the body. In men, the urethra also carries semen. Urethritis is caused by bacteria and may impact the bladder, prostate, and reproductive organs. It can affect males and females of all ages. Females, however, are at higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms

There may be no symptoms of urethritis, particularly in women. When there are, symptoms include the following:

In men:

Burning during urination
Pus or whitish mucus discharge from the penis
Burning or itching around the penile opening

In women:

Painful urination
Unusual vaginal discharge

What Causes It?

Bacteria and other organisms entering the urethra
Bruising during sexual intercourse (in women)
Infection reaching the urethra from the prostate gland or through the penis opening (in men)
Bacterial infection after you have taken a course of antibiotics
Reiter's syndrome
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, syphilis, or HIV and AIDS

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider will do a physical examination of your genitals, do laboratory tests on a urine sample, and take a specimen of mucus from inside the urethra and, in women, the vagina.

Treatment Options

Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the organisms causing the infection.
All sex partners should be treated.
Sexual abstinence is recommended until treatment is completed, as disease can remain active even after symptoms have disappeared.

Prevention

Limit the number of sexual partners.
Always use condoms.
If you experience symptoms or suspect infections, seek treatment immediately and notify all sexual partners.

Drug Therapies

Depending on the cause of the infection, a physician may prescribe one of the following treatments:

Tetracycline, 500 mg four times a day, for 7 days.
Erythromycin, 500 mg four times a day, for 7 days (preferred in pregnancy).
Ceftriaxone, 250 mg IM once a day.
Ofloxacin, 400 mg once a day.
Ciprofloxacin, 500 mg once a day.
Doxycycline, 100 mg twice a day, for 10 days.
Metronidazole, 2 g orally once a day (not to be used during in pregnancy).
Clindamycin, 300 mg orally twice a day, for 7 days.
Acyclovir, 400 mg orally three times a day, for 10 days.
Famciclovir, 250 to 500 mg orally twice a day, for 10 days.
Valacyclovir, 1,000 mg orally twice a day, for 10 days.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition, herbs, and homeopathic remedies are useful in fighting infection, relieving pain, and strengthening the urinary system. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Try to eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

Nutritional deficiencies may be addressed with the following supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, E, the B-vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
L-theanine, 200 mg one to three times daily, for nervous system support.
Acetyl-L-carnitine, 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and muscle protective activity.
Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi), 100 mg capsule or 5 - 10 drops (in favorite beverage) three times daily, for antibacterial or antifungal activity and immunity.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), 3,000 mg twice a day, to help decrease inflammation.

Natural hormone replacement therapy may be used for chronic urethritis. Check with your health care provider.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) standardized extract, 300 - 400 mg daily, for kidney health. You may also drink 8 - 16 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice daily.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anticancer and immune effects. Use caffeine free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg three times a day, for anticancer, immune, and antibacterial or antifungal activity.
Uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg three times daily for no more than 4 days. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Bromelain (Ananus comosus) standardized, 40 mg three times daily, for pain and inflammation.

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies used for urethritis are listed below. Usually, the dose is three to five pellets of a 12X to 30C remedy every 1- 4 hours until your symptoms get better.

Staphysagria for urinary infections associated with sexual intercourse
Apis mellifica for stinging pains that are made worse by warmth
Cantharis for intolerable urging with "scalding" urine
Sarsaparilla for burning after urination

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be helpful in enhancing your body's immune function, overall urogenital health, and for the acute pain of urethritis.

Following Up

If your urethritis was caused by a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partners may need to be treated as well.

Special Considerations

STDs can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs and infertility in both sexes. They also can cause difficulties during pregnancy, premature delivery, low birth weight, and infections in newborns.

Supporting Research

Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I, Lipsitz LA. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. JAMA. 1994;271:751-754.

Bartram T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorset, England: Grace Publishers; 1995:436-437.

Berkow R, Beers MH. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Rahway, NJ: Merck and Company; 1992.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:432.

Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea--a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(2):79-99.

Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1086-1107.

Cvetnic Z, Vladimir-Knezevic S. Antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed and pulp ethanolic extract. Acta Pharm. 2004;54(3):243-50.

Doron S, Gorbach SL. Probiotics: their role in the treatment and prevention of disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2006;4(2):261-75.

Dryden GW Jr, Deaciuc I, Arteel G, McClain CJ. Clinical implications of oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2005;7(4):308-16.

Gonclaves C, Dinis T, Batista MT. Antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins of Uncaria tomentosa bark decoction: a mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemistry. 2005;66(1):89-98.

Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal. New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Books; 1995:109-110.

JAMA Patient Page. How much vitamin C do you need? JAMA. 1999;281(15):1460.

Johnston CS. Recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;282(22):2118-2119.

Hale LP, Greer PK, Trinh CT, James CL. Proteinase activity and stability of natural bromelain preparations. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005;5(4):783-93.

Heitzman ME, Neto CC, Winiarz E, Vaisberg AJ, Hammond GB. Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Uncaria (Rubiaceae). Phytochemistry. 2005;66(1):5-29.

Kruzel T. The Homeopathic Emergency Guide. Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books; 1992:98-102.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 452-454.

Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, Park JB, Wang Y. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;281(15):1415-1453.

Lieske JC, Goldfarb DS, De Simone C, Regnier C. Use of a probiotic to decrease enteric hyperoxaluria. Kidney Int. 2005;68(3):1244-9.

Lichtenstein AH, Russell RM. Essential nutrients: food or supplements? Where should the emphasis be? JAMA. 2005;294(3):351-8.

Schindler G, Patzak U, Brinkhaus B. et al. Urinary excretion and metabolism of arbutin after oral administration of Arctostaphylos uvae ursi extract as film-coated tablets and aqueous solution in healthy humans. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;42(:920-7.

Schmidt DR, Sobota AE. An examination of the anti-adherence activity of cranberry juice on urinary and nonurinary bacterial isolates. Microbios. 1988;55:173-181.

Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. New York, NY: Springer; 1997.

Shealy CN. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies. Boston, Mass: Element Books Limited; 1998.

Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.

Tierney LM Jr, et al., ed. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 1999. 38th ed. Stamford, Conn: Appleton & Lange; 1999.

Virtual Hospital: University of Iowa Family Practice Handbook. 3rd ed.

Yoon JH, Baek SJ. Molecular targets of dietary polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Yonsei Med J. 2005;46(5):585-96.

Review Date:
8/12/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Nail disorders

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:44 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
Who's Most At Risk?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Prognosis/Possible Complications
Following Up
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

There are several types of nail disorders, and a fungal infection is the most common. Most of the time, toenails are affected by a fungal infection. Following proper treatment, a fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails.

Signs and Symptoms

Nail disorders have the following signs and symptoms:

Discoloration or spotting
Painful, red swelling
Pits, ridges, scars
Lesions
Brown-black band

What Causes It?

Nail disorders are caused by infections, skin diseases, benign or malignant tumors, or certain system-wide diseases. They also may be self-induced.

Who's Most At Risk?

The following are risk factors for nail disorders.

Genetic predisposition
Excessive exposure to water, heat, and humidity
Tight-fitting shoes
Chemical damage
Diabetes
Skin diseases
Tumors
Over-manicuring
Habits involving picking at the skin surrounding a nail
Soil contamination
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you have symptoms of a nail disorder, you should see your health care provider. Your health care provider will make a diagnosis based on a physical exam, lab tests such as fungal or bacterial cultures, and imaging procedures if a tumor is suspected.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Keep your toenails cut short.
Make sure your shoes fit properly.
Avoid walking barefoot at public showers and swimming facilities.
Throw out old, worn footwear.

Treatment Plan

The infected nail may be removed, and medication you take by mouth as well as medication you apply to the nail is usually prescribed.

Drug Therapies

Your provider may prescribe the following antifungal or antibacterial medications.

Terbinafine
Itraconazole
Fluconazole
Steroids
Antibiotics

Surgical and Other Procedures

Your health care provider can remove or drain lesions, drain blood clots, and sometimes surgically remove the nail.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for nail disorders may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities.
Eat calcium rich foods, including beans, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and kale).
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

Nutritional deficiencies may be addressed with the following supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your acidophilus products.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful of oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi), 100 mg capsule or 5 - 10 drops (in favorite beverage) three times daily, for antibacterial/antifungal activity and immunity.
L-glutamine, 500 - 1,000 mg three times daily, for support of gastrointestinal health and immunity.

Herbs

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for inflammation and antibacterial or antifungal effects. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg three times a day, for antibacterial or antifungal effects.
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) standardized extract, 150 - 300 mg two to three times daily, for immunity. You may also take a tincture of this mushroom extract, 30 - 60 drops two to three times a day.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum ) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg two to three times daily, for detoxification support.
Topical: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia ), apply undiluted to affected nail (using a cotton swab) 3-4 times daily, for antibacterial/antifungal activity.

Homeopathy

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. A professional homeopath, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for nail disorders based on his or her knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

Calendula -- for reddish, scaly rashes
Graphites -- for cracking skin and nails with oozing fluid caused by fungal infections; symptoms improve with open air
Sulphur -- for fungal disorders that itch, particularly if warmth worsens symptoms

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help to enhance immune function, normalize digestion, and address disease conditions.

Massage

Massage can help stimulate circulation, which aids the transport of nutrients to the nail bed.

Hydrotherapy

Alternating hot and cold foot baths can be used to bring blood and immune cells to infected nails. Fill one bucket with hot water (be sure the water temperature is not so hot as to burn, but similar to a Jacuzzi -- about 100 degrees) and one with cold water. Place feet in hot water for 3 minutes, then immediately into cold water for 1 minute. Repeat this series three times, then vigorously rub feet with a dry towel. You can add seven drops of essential oil of lavender to the hot water to increase its stimulating effects. Patients with vascular disease or any other type of compromised circulation or peripheral neuropathy should NOT do hydrotherapy without their doctor's supervision.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Regenerating a toenail usually takes 8 - 12 months, while regrowing a fingernail takes half as long. Infection relapses or permanent damage sometimes occur. Complications may include cellulitis (tissue inflammation) and the embarrassment caused by unsightly nail appearance.

Following Up

Follow-up with your health care provider if you have any drug side effects or interactions.

Supporting Research

Bagg J, Jackson MS, Petrina Sweeney M, Ramage G, Davies AN. Susceptibility to Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil of yeasts isolated from the mouths of patients with advanced cancer. Oral Oncol. 2006;42(5):487-92.

Burton Goldberg Group. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Tiburon, CA: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc.; 1997: 951,952.

Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea--a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(2):79-99.

Cecil RI, Plum F, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 20^th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1996.

Cummings S, Ullman D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. 3^rd ed. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1997: 270-271.

Cvetnic Z, Vladimir-Knezevic S. Antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed and pulp ethanolic extract. Acta Pharm. 2004;54(3):243-50.

Das M, Sur P, Gomes A, Vedasiromoni JR, Ganguly DK. Inhibition of tumor growth and inflammation by consumption of tea. Phytother Res. 2002;16 Suppl 1:S40-4.

Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. 1999 ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.; 1999.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14^th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Gonclaves C, Dinis T, Batista MT. Antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins of Uncaria tomentosa bark decoction: a mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemistry. 2005;66(1):89-98.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 3^rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1996.

Hartford O, Zug KA. Tea tree oil. Cutis. 2005;76(3):178-80.

Heggers JP, Cottingham J, Gussman J, et al. The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(3):333-40.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 259.

Jong, S. C. and Birmingham, J. M. Medicinal benefits of the mushroom Ganoderma. Adv.Appl Microbiol. 1992;37:101-134.

Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993.

Rainone F. Milk thistle. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(7):1285-8.

Rakel RE, ed. Conn's Current Therapy. 51st ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1999.

Roberts JR, ed. Clinical Procedures inEmergency Medicine. 3^rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1998.

Rotsein OD. Oxidants and antioxidant therapy. Crit Care Clin. 2001;17(1):239-47.

Schelz Z, Molnar J, Hohmann J. Antimicrobial and antiplasmid activities of essential oils. Fitoterapia. 2006;77(4):279-85.

Scher RK. Novel treatment strategies for superficial mycoses. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999; 40(6).

Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.

Yoon JH, Baek SJ. Molecular targets of dietary polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Yonsei Med J. 2005;46(5):585-96.

Wischmeyer PE. Clinical applications of L-glutamine: past, present, and future. Nutr Clin Pract. 2003;18(5):377-85.

Review Date:
8/6/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Cataracts

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:33 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
Who's Most At Risk?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Prognosis/Possible Complications
Following Up
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Cataracts are clumps of protein that collect on the lens of an eye and interfere with vision. Normally, light passes through the lens (the clear tissue behind the pupil) and focuses on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens becomes cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly over time and are a natural result of aging. Once cataracts become large enough that vision loss interferes with everyday activities such as driving, reading, or watching television, they should be surgically removed.

Signs and Symptoms

Decreased or blurred vision (often described as a "fog")
Double vision
Halo around lights
"Second sight" -- when an individual who normally wears reading glasses can suddenly read without them
Brown spots in the visual field

What Causes It?

A cataract develops when protein in the lens clumps together and blocks light from reaching the retina. It is not clear what causes these proteins to clump together, but some researchers speculate that cataracts may develop as a result of chemical changes in the lens that occur with aging. Other researchers believe that there may be several causes of cataracts, including smoking, diabetes, and excessive exposure to sunlight.

There are several different types of cataracts:

Age-related cataracts -- those that develop with older age
Congenital cataracts -- those that are present at birth or develop in early childhood, usually in both eyes
Secondary cataracts -- those that develop in people with medical conditions (such as diabetes) or in those who use steroids
Traumatic cataracts -- those that develop as a result of an eye injury

Who's Most At Risk?

The following factors may increase an individual's risk for developing cataracts:

Being older than 50 years of age
Genetic diseases (such as Down syndrome)
Certain medications (such as steroids)
Maternal infection (such as rubella), drug ingestion, or radiation therapy during pregnancy
Metabolic disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Eye disorders (such as glaucoma)
High-voltage electrical injury

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

People experiencing symptoms associated with cataracts should see an eye care professional. The care provider can make a diagnosis and help determine which treatment or combination of therapies is most appropriate.

Eye care professionals can detect cataracts with the following tests:

Visual acuity test -- measures vision at various distances
Pupil dilation -- the pupil is widened with eye drops to reveal more of the lens and retina
Tonometry -- measures fluid pressure inside the eye

Treatment Options

Prevention

Wear ultraviolet (UV)-blocking sunglasses
Abstain from smoking cigarettes

Certain medications may help delay cataract formation (particularly in those with diabetes or other high-risk conditions), but none are known to reverse the progression of cataracts once they form.

Drug Therapies

Eye drops (containing phenylephrine and homatropine) may be prescribed to dilate the pupil and provide better vision in some individuals
Aldose reductase inhibitors may help prevent or delay cataract formation in people with diabetes
Antibiotics and steroid eye drops may be prescribed following the removal of cataracts

Surgical and Other Procedures

In its early stages, a cataract usually does not interfere with vision. Over time, however, a cataract may grow larger and cloud over more of the lens, making it difficult to see.

When cataracts cause vision loss that interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching television, surgery is the only effective treatment. An eye care professional may also recommend that an individual have a cataract removed if the patient has other eye conditions, if the cataract threatens to cause another eye disorder, or if the presence of the cataract prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem.

During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with a substitute lens. Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States today. According to the National Eye Institute, roughly 90% of people who have cataract surgery experience improved vision as a result.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for cataracts may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.

Nutrition and Supplements

Nutritional tips include the following:

Eliminate all suspected food allergens, including dairy (milk, cheese, eggs and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
Eat more antioxidant-rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and berries (such as blueberries, cherries, and raspberries). Berries contain high levels of beneficial antioxidants for eye health.
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in such commercially baked goods as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Exercise moderately, if tolerated, 5 days a week.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, D, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tbsp. of oil one to two times daily, to help decrease inflammation. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg two to three times daily, as an antioxidant.
Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant support.
Alpha-lipoic acid, 25 - 50 mg twice daily, for antioxidant support.
Lutein, 2 - 6 mg daily, for antioxidant support in eye health.
Zeaxanthin, 1 - 10 mg daily, for antioxidant support in eye health.

Herbs

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) standardized extract, 80 mg two to three times daily, for antioxidant and vision support.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) standardized extract, 40 - 80 mg three times daily, for antioxidant support and blood flow.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis ) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.

Homeopathy

Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider certain remedies for the treatment of cataracts based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Physical Medicine

Contrast hydrotherapy (alternating hot and cold water applications to the face or back of neck) may improve circulation to the head and facilitate the transport of nutrients to the eye. Hydrotherapy to eyes, head, or neck should be done only under supervision of a knowledgeable doctor.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

The National Eye Institute estimates that vision improves in about 90% of people who have cataract surgery. Complications from surgery are rare, but can include infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, or light flashes. With prompt medical attention, such problems can usually be treated successfully.

Following Up

A health care provider may prescribe eye drops or medications to help healing and control the pressure inside the eye for a few days following surgery. An eye shield or eyeglasses may also be necessary. A health care provider will schedule eye exams as needed to check on progress.

Supporting Research

Bartlett H, Eperjesi F. An ideal ocular nutritional supplement? Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2004;24(4):339-49.

Bartlett JO, Jaanus SD. Clinical Ocular Pharmacology. 2nd ed. Boston, Mass: Butterworths; 1989:807-808, 414-416, 630.

Bast A, Haenen GR. Lipoic acid: a multifunctional antioxidant. Biofactors. 2003;17(1-4):207-13.

Branch WT Jr. Office Practice of Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1994:584, 866-867.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998:168, 2208, 2558.

Fraunfelder FT, et al. Current Ocular Therapy. No. 3. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1990:613-618.

Fontani G, Corradeschi F, Felici A, et al. Cognitive and physiological effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Invest. 2005;35(11):691-9.

Gaby AR. The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: Part 1. Alt Med Rev. 1996; 1(1):11-17.

Granado F, Olmedilla B, Blanco I. Nutritional and clinical relevance of lutein in human health. Br J Nutr. 2003;90(3):487-502.

Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001;6(2):141-66.

Kang JH, Pasquale LR, Willett W, et al. Antioxidant intake and primary open-angle glaucoma: a prospective study. Am J Epidemiol. 2003;158(4):337-46.

Lu M, Cho E, Taylor A, et al. Prospective study of dietary fat and risk of cataract extraction among US women. Am J Epidemiol. 2005;161(10):948-59.

Mody VC Jr, Kakar M, Elfving A, et al. Ascorbate in the rat lens: dependence on dietary intake. Ophthalmic Res. 2005;37(3):142-9. Epub 2005 May 3.

Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, Calif: Prima Publishing; 1998:193-196.

Newell FW. Ophthalmology: Principles and Concepts. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 1996:369-378, 516.

Pandi-Perumal SR, Srinivasan V, Maestroni GJ, et al., Melatonin. FEBS J. 2006;273(13):2813-38.

Rotsein OD. Oxidants and antioxidant therapy. Crit Care Clin. 2001;17(1):239-47.

Santosa S, Jones PJ. Oxidative stress in ocular disease: does lutein play a protective role? CMAJ. 2005;173(:861-2.

Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.

Yoon JH, Baek SJ. Molecular targets of dietary polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Yonsei Med J. 2005;46(5):585-96.

West AL, Oren GA, Moroi SE. Evidence for the use of nutritional supplements and herbal medicines in common eye diseases. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006;141(1):157-66.

Wyngaarden JB, et al. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1992: 1077, 1308, 2270, 2358.

Review Date:
8/7/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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