Body — Page 10

Food Intolerance Test Can Help Identify Problem Foods

December 20, 2010 by admin

Being unable to tolerate a food can be very aggravating. A food allergy, by contrast, is easy to spot, as you will react very quickly after ingestion. But an intolerance takes longer to become evident, and the person who has it might not even realize the cause. Or you can go out of your way to eliminate certain foods, and still not discover what the culprit is. So, a food intolerance test can determine the culprit a lot better than food elimination.

To start with, just because you cannot tolerate a food, that does not necessarily mean that you have an allergy to it. They are just simply not the same thing at all. If you have an allergy, the symptoms usually come on without warning, and are anything but mild. Intolerance is more mild and slower to appear. A food intolerance test, however, can clue you in to what should be avoided.

When you have a food allergy, you have an allergic reaction to a particular food, and your immune system fights back much the same as it does if you have an allergy to pollen. Food intolerance is different in that the immune system is not involved in the body’s reaction.

While your body will not react as if it is infected by something foreign, your body’s digestive organs (like your stomach and intestines) will respond negatively to many ingredients in food, simply because they are not tolerant of those particular ingredients in those foods.

When the body of a person stops to produce particular enzymes or chemicals, which help in digesting a specific food, then there is food intolerance. Many people experience this during their growing stage. Hence there are people who are intolerant to lactose, since the enzyme produced to digest lactose is decreased from the age of two years. Only when a person grows older, he develops symptoms that are unpleasant.

To discover what foods you are intolerant to, reduce your diet to water, lamb and brown rice only. These foods rarely cause problems in the average person. Eat just these foods for approximately three weeks. When you do decide to reintroduce foods to your diet, just introduce one every 3 to 4 days, not several at once. Keep a very detailed diary so you can discover possible causes if you do have a reaction. It should be clear within 6 to 9 months as to exactly which foods you are intolerant to and should avoid.

An ELISA IgG blood test can determine any food sensitivities that you may have. This is a very efficient test as it uses just one drop of your blood to test for over 200 types of foods. Once you know the foods that you can not tolerate and begin eliminating them from your diet, your digestion will improve as well as your energy and your sleep. Another unexpected benefit that everyone loves is rapid weight loss!

Food intolerance generally occurs because your body stops producing certain enzymes that help in the digestion of that particular food. If you suffer from this problem, a food intolerance test is the logical way to go to find out what is causing your problems. The key here is to remember that just because you cannot tolerate a particular kind of food; it does not necessarily mean that you have an allergy to it. Once you know the foods that you cannot tolerate and begin eliminating them from your diet, your digestion will improve as well as your energy and your sleep. Another benefit that everyone loves is rapid weight loss!

– Robert Harrison

All About Your Belly Fat – Why It Happens And How To Eliminate It

December 20, 2010 by admin

Belly fat is a common issue in women and increases in age. While it is linked to genetics or changing hormones, it is considered to be a health risk. Cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are just a few adverse health effects from having excess weight in this area. Learn what causes this and how to lose belly fat.

As you age, your metabolism slows down and this causes you to gain weight. The number one contributor to this is menopause. Fat deposits seem to distribute to the belly area from the legs, hips, and arms. While it affects mostly women, men are also affected by this issue.

When hormones change, the response of body fat changes as well. The ability of the body to break up the fat properly is compromised and the fat just makes its way to the stomach. If an active lifestyle is not followed and there is no exercise done, you will find yourself with this problem. Certain individuals are more prone to this due to hereditary.

The fact is, weight that is added to the belly is actually unhealthier than if you were to gain weight in other areas. If left alone, breast cancer, high blood pressure, and colorectal caner are just a few of the health problems you can anticipate. Problems with the cardiovascular system and gallbladder are common as well as heart disease and diabetes.

There are a few ways to find out if this problem is an issue for you. One way is to measure the waist and hip area. Keep in mind that although a calculation of your body mass index is usually correct, it isn’t always accurate for women who are experiencing menopause. When measuring, apply a tape measure around the waist and hip area. This should be done at the belly button level. Breathe regularly and do not suck in your stomach. Results of 35 inches or more are considered unhealthy and need to be addressed. Some research shows that a number of 33 or more presents a risk. This is true no matter how much an individual weighs.

Although many people believe that subcutaneous fat causes the problem, this is incorrect information. This type is the kind you can see and grasp. While it may be unpleasant for an individual to see, it poses less of a threat. Visceral fat is actually the big issue. While it cushions the internal organs and is found inside the belly, to much is harmful.

To treat the problem, a healthier way of life must be enforced. You should eat a balanced diet that is free of sugars, excess calorie amounts, and saturated fats. By doing this, you will notice a decrease in added pounds. Fruits and vegetables should play a big part in your diet, as well as getting rid of carbohydrates like white bread while watching the portion size on your plate. Before beginning a fat burning fitness regimen, be sure to talk with your physician.

While belly fat may be unpleasant, the overall fact is that it is unhealthy. If you don’t have regular fat loss, health problems may arise. An individual can control excessive weight gain by learning how to lose belly fat, eating right, and living an active lifestyle. Before beginning any regimen, be sure to talk with your doctor.

– Ben Pate