Monday, June 2, 2008
Relief from Headache Pain
A friend of mine suffers from frequent migraines due to a severe softball accident many years ago. Its awful to see her go through such pain; popping pills in an attempt to alleviate the pain. So I decided to do some research that my help her and other migraine sufferers to get through the pain in their head.
Consider the possibilities:
Seemingly unrelated problems sometimes bring headaches on. Dental disorders like cavities or abscesses, eyestrain or infections are common culprits. When your head hurts, consider whether the ache could have started somewhere else.
De-Stress your life:
95% of headaches are brought on by tension, research shows. In most cases, its not a tense situation, but how you respond to it. Attempt to manage your stress to keep those pesky headaches at bay.
Go with the flow:
One technique found to be particularly useful in dealing with headaches is visualization exercises in which you "go with the flow" of pain. Most people by fighting it. This may make the pain worse. If you flow with the pain, instead of fighting it, you give it the opportunity to flow right out of your body. Try this easy method: In a quiet room, lie on a carpeted floor or a bed. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself standing at the top of a stairway looking down into a beautiful, peaceful place. Slowly count backward from 10 to one. On each count, take a deep breath and imagine yourself descending one step. Go ahead and notice the pain, but continue walking down the steps.
As you take the last step down, notice that you have entered a beautiful garden filled with fragrant flowers, beautiful trees and a sparkling stream. Continue to breathe deeply, walk slowly toward the stream. Stand or sit by its side while you watch and listen to the gently rippling waters. Now imagine your headache pain connecting to and flowing into those waters. This may hurt, but just try to casually notice the hurt.
As the pain begins to flow, notice how the river gently washes it away.
Don't drink too much:
Alcohol constricts the blood vessels in your brain. More than a drink or two can constrict them to the point of pain. And excessive drinking, of course, often leads to the mother of all headaches, the hangover.
Don't smoke:
Smoking constricts your blood vessels and fills your lungs with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. If that doesn't give you a headache, some of the numerous other poisonous ingredients may do the job. Smoking injures your air channels, which can make you prone to sinus headaches.
Brush it away:
A simple scalp brushing can help treat and even prevent headaches. Use a brush with firm bristles. Start at the front of your head. Instead of long brush strokes, move the brush in little circles in one spot, then move it down to the next spot and repeat until you've brushed your entire scalp.
Sleep just enough:
No two people are exactly the same. For some, too much sleep can sometimes cause headaches. In fact, midday naps are notorious for bringing migraines. On the other hand, for some people sleep is the best antidote for a headache.
Stand up straight:
Poor posture, especially in your shoulders and neck, can scrunch up muscles and give you a headache. Practice good posture. Throughout the day, pay attention to how you're sitting or standing and correct yourself if necessary.
Stretch your face:
A little muscle action can counteract tension in your head. Act like a kid: make weird faces to stretch your mouth, cheeks and forehead.
Take herb and homeopathic medications:
A nice, warm cup of rosemary tea can relieve a headache. For something more medicinal yet altogether natural, a homeopathic pharmacist or physician can prepare you a special concoction. Natrum muriaticum is said to relieve throbbing. China officinalis is used to treat light-or odor-induced headaches.
Consider the possibilities:
Seemingly unrelated problems sometimes bring headaches on. Dental disorders like cavities or abscesses, eyestrain or infections are common culprits. When your head hurts, consider whether the ache could have started somewhere else.
De-Stress your life:
95% of headaches are brought on by tension, research shows. In most cases, its not a tense situation, but how you respond to it. Attempt to manage your stress to keep those pesky headaches at bay.
Go with the flow:
One technique found to be particularly useful in dealing with headaches is visualization exercises in which you "go with the flow" of pain. Most people by fighting it. This may make the pain worse. If you flow with the pain, instead of fighting it, you give it the opportunity to flow right out of your body. Try this easy method: In a quiet room, lie on a carpeted floor or a bed. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself standing at the top of a stairway looking down into a beautiful, peaceful place. Slowly count backward from 10 to one. On each count, take a deep breath and imagine yourself descending one step. Go ahead and notice the pain, but continue walking down the steps.
As you take the last step down, notice that you have entered a beautiful garden filled with fragrant flowers, beautiful trees and a sparkling stream. Continue to breathe deeply, walk slowly toward the stream. Stand or sit by its side while you watch and listen to the gently rippling waters. Now imagine your headache pain connecting to and flowing into those waters. This may hurt, but just try to casually notice the hurt.
As the pain begins to flow, notice how the river gently washes it away.
Don't drink too much:
Alcohol constricts the blood vessels in your brain. More than a drink or two can constrict them to the point of pain. And excessive drinking, of course, often leads to the mother of all headaches, the hangover.
Don't smoke:
Smoking constricts your blood vessels and fills your lungs with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. If that doesn't give you a headache, some of the numerous other poisonous ingredients may do the job. Smoking injures your air channels, which can make you prone to sinus headaches.
Brush it away:
A simple scalp brushing can help treat and even prevent headaches. Use a brush with firm bristles. Start at the front of your head. Instead of long brush strokes, move the brush in little circles in one spot, then move it down to the next spot and repeat until you've brushed your entire scalp.
Sleep just enough:
No two people are exactly the same. For some, too much sleep can sometimes cause headaches. In fact, midday naps are notorious for bringing migraines. On the other hand, for some people sleep is the best antidote for a headache.
Stand up straight:
Poor posture, especially in your shoulders and neck, can scrunch up muscles and give you a headache. Practice good posture. Throughout the day, pay attention to how you're sitting or standing and correct yourself if necessary.
Stretch your face:
A little muscle action can counteract tension in your head. Act like a kid: make weird faces to stretch your mouth, cheeks and forehead.
Take herb and homeopathic medications:
A nice, warm cup of rosemary tea can relieve a headache. For something more medicinal yet altogether natural, a homeopathic pharmacist or physician can prepare you a special concoction. Natrum muriaticum is said to relieve throbbing. China officinalis is used to treat light-or odor-induced headaches.
Monday, May 19, 2008
DeGeneres, DeRossi to Marry.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ellen DeGeneres is putting the California Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage into action — she and Portia de Rossi plan to wed, DeGeneres announced during a taping of her talk show. DeGeneres was taping the episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Thursday, the day the state's high court struck down California laws against gay marriage, and it was to air Friday, a person close to the production said.
The person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Citing the court's ruling, DeGeneres said she and girlfriend de Rossi ("Ally McBeal," "Nip/Tuck") would be getting married.
De Rossi, 35, who was in the studio, and DeGeneres, 50, were applauded by audience members, the person close to the production said.
Calls and e-mails late Thursday to DeGeneres' publicist were not immediately returned.
The court ruling means same-sex couples could tie the knot in as little as a month. However, religious and social conservatives are seeking to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would undo the Supreme Court ruling and ban gay marriage.
DeGeneres has boldly used TV before to make a stand for gay rights.
In 1997, she brought her character on the ABC sitcom "Ellen" out of the closet, making the show the first on prime-time network TV to have an openly gay lead. The move drew cheers from gay civil rights organizations but was condemned by some religious groups.
A month before, DeGeneres had proclaimed from the cover of Time magazine that she was a lesbian.
DeGeneres and the glamorous de Rossi have been a familiar couple at Hollywood events, including the Academy Awards. Previously, DeGeneres had a high-profile relationship with actress Anne Heche.
In a 2005 interview with Allure magazine, the comedian said she hoped she and de Rossi are "together the rest of our lives."
"I never would have thought my life would have turned out this way," DeGeneres told the magazine. "To have money. Or to have a gorgeous girlfriend. I just feel so lucky with everything in my life right now." YAHOO-Associated Press.
The person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Citing the court's ruling, DeGeneres said she and girlfriend de Rossi ("Ally McBeal," "Nip/Tuck") would be getting married.
De Rossi, 35, who was in the studio, and DeGeneres, 50, were applauded by audience members, the person close to the production said.
Calls and e-mails late Thursday to DeGeneres' publicist were not immediately returned.
The court ruling means same-sex couples could tie the knot in as little as a month. However, religious and social conservatives are seeking to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would undo the Supreme Court ruling and ban gay marriage.
DeGeneres has boldly used TV before to make a stand for gay rights.
In 1997, she brought her character on the ABC sitcom "Ellen" out of the closet, making the show the first on prime-time network TV to have an openly gay lead. The move drew cheers from gay civil rights organizations but was condemned by some religious groups.
A month before, DeGeneres had proclaimed from the cover of Time magazine that she was a lesbian.
DeGeneres and the glamorous de Rossi have been a familiar couple at Hollywood events, including the Academy Awards. Previously, DeGeneres had a high-profile relationship with actress Anne Heche.
In a 2005 interview with Allure magazine, the comedian said she hoped she and de Rossi are "together the rest of our lives."
"I never would have thought my life would have turned out this way," DeGeneres told the magazine. "To have money. Or to have a gorgeous girlfriend. I just feel so lucky with everything in my life right now." YAHOO-Associated Press.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
2 states down...50 more to go!!
California's top court overturns gay marriage ban
SAN FRANCISCO - In a monumental victory for the gay rights movement, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot.
Domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage, the justices ruled 4-3 in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.
Outside the courthouse, gay marriage supporters cried and cheered as news spread of the decision.
"Our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation," the court wrote.
The city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups sued in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march.
"Today the California Supreme Court took a giant leap to ensure that everybody — not just in the state of California, but throughout the country — will have equal treatment under the law," said City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who argued the case for San Francisco. By LISA LEFF, Associated Press Writer
I think this is a momentous event! Gay and Lesbian couples are entitled to the same marital rights as heterosexual couples. When two people are in love and want to solidify that love by taking vows of marriage no one has the right to stop them. This is just the beginning. History has a way of repeating itself. It wasn't that long ago that segregation and separate water fountains where displayed for blacks and whites. We have conquered that battle and this battle of same-sex marriage state wide will to be conquered.
SAN FRANCISCO - In a monumental victory for the gay rights movement, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot.
Domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage, the justices ruled 4-3 in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.
Outside the courthouse, gay marriage supporters cried and cheered as news spread of the decision.
"Our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation," the court wrote.
The city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups sued in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march.
"Today the California Supreme Court took a giant leap to ensure that everybody — not just in the state of California, but throughout the country — will have equal treatment under the law," said City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who argued the case for San Francisco. By LISA LEFF, Associated Press Writer
I think this is a momentous event! Gay and Lesbian couples are entitled to the same marital rights as heterosexual couples. When two people are in love and want to solidify that love by taking vows of marriage no one has the right to stop them. This is just the beginning. History has a way of repeating itself. It wasn't that long ago that segregation and separate water fountains where displayed for blacks and whites. We have conquered that battle and this battle of same-sex marriage state wide will to be conquered.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Alternative medicine may be the way to GO!
To Your Health: 10 Treatments to live by
My friend, Cindy, has been suffering from bronchitis and sinusitis for a few months. She received dozens of prescriptions to help bring her back to good health, but unfortunately, the multitude of pills have not worked. Yesterday she went back to the doctors office in an attempt to get properly diagnosed. Well, after more tests and more prescriptions they just don't know why her chest is congested and her breathing continues to be constricted. I proceeded to tell her that she needs to seek homoepathic treatment or alternative medicine to find the root cause of her problem, which would in effect solve the problem. In my opinion, doctors just want to keep their patients sick and keep prescribing medications to rake in profits. They don't want to make us better, they want to keep us sick! I found 10 alternative treatments to common ailments that have scientific proof to back up their claims:
Dandruff-
Tea tree oil can wipe out dandruff's white flakes naturally. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. A study found that tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. It also may work on athlete's foot, toenail fungus and acne.
Back Pain
One in five adults have tried chiropractic treatment for back pain, neck pain or headaches. The idea is that when the spine, or another body part is out of whack, the body can't heal itself. Unlike most alternative medicine, many insurance policies cover chiropractic care.
Migraines
Acupuncture- the ancient chinese practice of inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body. Studies have found that acupuncture may be as effective as traditional medicine in treating migraines. Experts caution, however, if you don't see an improvement after several treatments, acupuncture probably won't help.
Indigestion
Peppermint can help alleviate stomach aches, improve symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome, and relieve indigestion. Try chewing on peppermint leaves after a big meal or sipping on mint tea. It can also be taken as an oil in capsule or liquid form.
Insomnia
Doing yoga at least 3 times a week might help you sleep. Yoga's deep breathing and meditation techniques clear the body of stress, making it easier to fall asleep and it won't leave you feeling groggy.
Joint Pain
Years of playing sports can do a number on the knees, resulting in osteoarthritis. To fight through the pain, many people turn to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. Glucosamine can promote the growth of cartilage and repair it, while chondroitin promotes elasticity and blocks enzymes that break down cartilage.
Depression
Sometimes referred to as herbal prozac, small European studies have concluded that St. John's wort is useful in treating mild depression, but not severe depression.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Taking chasteberry can reduce symptoms of PMS, including breast tenderness, irritability, depressed mood and headache. Also known as monk's pepper, chasteberry has been used for more that 2,500 years for gynecological conditions. The berry of the chaste tree can stimulate progesterone production, which, in turn, stabilizes hormone levels and makes you feel better.
Common cold
Echinacea is the most used natural product, and for good reason: it helps fight the common cold. Echinacea boosts immunity and helps shorten and prevent colds.
Sunburn
After a long day at the beach, many use aloe vera for relief. The aloe gel can help burns as well as abrasions. The gel, which is squeezed from the leaves of the aloe plan, is antibacterial and stimulates the immune system. People also take aloe orally for conditions including diabetes and asthma.
My friend, Cindy, has been suffering from bronchitis and sinusitis for a few months. She received dozens of prescriptions to help bring her back to good health, but unfortunately, the multitude of pills have not worked. Yesterday she went back to the doctors office in an attempt to get properly diagnosed. Well, after more tests and more prescriptions they just don't know why her chest is congested and her breathing continues to be constricted. I proceeded to tell her that she needs to seek homoepathic treatment or alternative medicine to find the root cause of her problem, which would in effect solve the problem. In my opinion, doctors just want to keep their patients sick and keep prescribing medications to rake in profits. They don't want to make us better, they want to keep us sick! I found 10 alternative treatments to common ailments that have scientific proof to back up their claims:
Dandruff-
Tea tree oil can wipe out dandruff's white flakes naturally. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. A study found that tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. It also may work on athlete's foot, toenail fungus and acne.
Back Pain
One in five adults have tried chiropractic treatment for back pain, neck pain or headaches. The idea is that when the spine, or another body part is out of whack, the body can't heal itself. Unlike most alternative medicine, many insurance policies cover chiropractic care.
Migraines
Acupuncture- the ancient chinese practice of inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body. Studies have found that acupuncture may be as effective as traditional medicine in treating migraines. Experts caution, however, if you don't see an improvement after several treatments, acupuncture probably won't help.
Indigestion
Peppermint can help alleviate stomach aches, improve symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome, and relieve indigestion. Try chewing on peppermint leaves after a big meal or sipping on mint tea. It can also be taken as an oil in capsule or liquid form.
Insomnia
Doing yoga at least 3 times a week might help you sleep. Yoga's deep breathing and meditation techniques clear the body of stress, making it easier to fall asleep and it won't leave you feeling groggy.
Joint Pain
Years of playing sports can do a number on the knees, resulting in osteoarthritis. To fight through the pain, many people turn to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. Glucosamine can promote the growth of cartilage and repair it, while chondroitin promotes elasticity and blocks enzymes that break down cartilage.
Depression
Sometimes referred to as herbal prozac, small European studies have concluded that St. John's wort is useful in treating mild depression, but not severe depression.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Taking chasteberry can reduce symptoms of PMS, including breast tenderness, irritability, depressed mood and headache. Also known as monk's pepper, chasteberry has been used for more that 2,500 years for gynecological conditions. The berry of the chaste tree can stimulate progesterone production, which, in turn, stabilizes hormone levels and makes you feel better.
Common cold
Echinacea is the most used natural product, and for good reason: it helps fight the common cold. Echinacea boosts immunity and helps shorten and prevent colds.
Sunburn
After a long day at the beach, many use aloe vera for relief. The aloe gel can help burns as well as abrasions. The gel, which is squeezed from the leaves of the aloe plan, is antibacterial and stimulates the immune system. People also take aloe orally for conditions including diabetes and asthma.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Awww...a Massage...
Recently I've been feeling tired, sore, and run down. It feels as though my body is letting me down and just 2 weeks shy of my Strongman competition. As a female competitor it is necessary that I am able to perform at peak conditions. I can leave nothing to chance or injury. So, I decided to get a massage to alleviate some pain I had been feeling in my left shoulder, right knee, and later I would find out my QL. I could only describe this pain to my massage therapist as an aching deep in my hip. She was able to find the exact location and work on it. Its located between my last vertebrae and rib and is known as the quadratus lumborum. After an hour of being worked on I left my massage session feeling completely revived and ready to train a few more times before the big day. Not only did I learn about this deep muscle that had been plaguing me, I also learned about all the other benefits of a massage. Now I've made the decision to get one atleast once a week; yes folks, they are that important and they feel so good!!!
TOP 10 REASONS TO GET A MASSAGE:
1. A massage brings great relaxation and leaves your mind and body at ease.
2. You will experience pain reduction in the lower back area, relief of migraine headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, overused or sore muscles, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries.
3. Massage provides enormous stress reduction, lessening your muscle tension and lowering your blood pressure, increasing your mental clarity, mental alertness and revitalizes your mind. A massage can also increase academic performance and ability to focus on calculations.
4. Massage therapy and bodywork improves immune system functioning while relieving muscle aches and stiffness. They enhance tissue elasticity and joint flexibility; improves blood and lymph circulation; and promotes healthy vibrant skin.
5. A massage is an alternative to dealing with depression. Massage therapy increases self-esteem, improves your mood, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, and quiets insomnia. Massage can also ease PMS symptoms.
6. Massage therapy speeds healing of muscles, tissues, and skin. They are great for post-workouts, post-surgery, and muscle soreness in general.
7. Massage therapy is perfect for everyone...those physically fit, those who are athletes, elderly, pre/post-surgery. Its wonderful for improving motor skills and helps to maintain posture in the skeletal system, and increased flexibility.
8. Massages flush away waste products from your muscle, tissues, and skin more easily. This helps digestive disorders.
9. Massage therapy stimulates skin gland production, leaving clear, healthy skin. This will help to reduce superficial scar tissue, improving skin conditions.
10. Better overall health investment, maintenance of optimal health.
TOP 10 REASONS TO GET A MASSAGE:
1. A massage brings great relaxation and leaves your mind and body at ease.
2. You will experience pain reduction in the lower back area, relief of migraine headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, overused or sore muscles, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries.
3. Massage provides enormous stress reduction, lessening your muscle tension and lowering your blood pressure, increasing your mental clarity, mental alertness and revitalizes your mind. A massage can also increase academic performance and ability to focus on calculations.
4. Massage therapy and bodywork improves immune system functioning while relieving muscle aches and stiffness. They enhance tissue elasticity and joint flexibility; improves blood and lymph circulation; and promotes healthy vibrant skin.
5. A massage is an alternative to dealing with depression. Massage therapy increases self-esteem, improves your mood, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, and quiets insomnia. Massage can also ease PMS symptoms.
6. Massage therapy speeds healing of muscles, tissues, and skin. They are great for post-workouts, post-surgery, and muscle soreness in general.
7. Massage therapy is perfect for everyone...those physically fit, those who are athletes, elderly, pre/post-surgery. Its wonderful for improving motor skills and helps to maintain posture in the skeletal system, and increased flexibility.
8. Massages flush away waste products from your muscle, tissues, and skin more easily. This helps digestive disorders.
9. Massage therapy stimulates skin gland production, leaving clear, healthy skin. This will help to reduce superficial scar tissue, improving skin conditions.
10. Better overall health investment, maintenance of optimal health.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
We've Got This One
The other day I was at the gym training for my strongman competition. I was in the middle of my deadlift sets when a guy approached the squat rack next to me and proceeded to load his weight. Once he completed his stack, he began to do shoulder shrugs, a wasted exercise in my opinion. Sure, it looks good to stack a bunch of weight on the barbell, but its really not all the impressive of an exercise. I was preparing for my next set of 10 reps with 225 lbs, when he decided to casually stroll by and offer his tips and advice. He first asked if I was doing this for fun or preparing for a competition. I told him I do it for both reasons. Then he told me something about being explosive and what I should do right before I start my set. Seriously dude, I'm 5'3'' and lifting 1 and 1/2 times my body weight, easily, do you really think I'm going to benefit from your 2 cents. Guys are underestimating us ladies. We know what we're doing in the gym, and if a male wants to offer suggestions, they better be damn good ones, sufficient enough to warrant interrupting my workout. Guys, the gym in not a meat market, don't try to pick up girls during our workouts, its annoying. Again, unless you truly having some meaningful input to offer, just let us finish our workouts. Come on guys, we've got this one!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup - wikiHow
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup - wikiHow
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from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
High fructose corn syrup is commonly used in place of sugar in processed foods in the USA. In fact, the average American eats an astounding 41.5 lbs of high fructose corn syrup per year.[1] American subsidies and tariffs have resulted in corn being a much more economical sweetener than sugar--a trend that is not seen in other parts of the world. Now that high fructose corn syrup is being added to an increasing variety of foods (breads, cereals, soft drinks, and condiments) some people are looking for ways to avoid this artificial sweetener.
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How to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
High fructose corn syrup is commonly used in place of sugar in processed foods in the USA. In fact, the average American eats an astounding 41.5 lbs of high fructose corn syrup per year.[1] American subsidies and tariffs have resulted in corn being a much more economical sweetener than sugar--a trend that is not seen in other parts of the world. Now that high fructose corn syrup is being added to an increasing variety of foods (breads, cereals, soft drinks, and condiments) some people are looking for ways to avoid this artificial sweetener.
Steps
- Be clear about your reasons for avoiding high fructose corn syrup. There's significant controversy surround the safety of consuming high fructose corn syrup, but there is, as of yet, no conclusive evidence that's it's more detrimental to one's health than table sugar. Despite its name ("high fructose"), it contains about the same amount of fructose as table sugar.[2] Nevertheless, many are concerned and suspicious for various reasons:
- Beverages containing high fructose corn syrup have higher levels of reactive compounds (carbonyls) which are linked with cell and tissue damage that leads to diabetes.[3]
- Many nutritionists believe that the human body can better handle foods that exist naturally rather than novel foods and additives created or modified on a molecular level in a lab.[2] Unlike high fructose corn syrup, sugar undergoes no chemical processes or molecular changes.
- The corn from which high fructose corn syrup is derived may be genetically modified.[4][5]
- There are increasing concerns about the politics surrounding the economics of corn production (subsidies, tariffs, and regulations) as well as the effects of intensive corn agriculture on the environment.[6]
- Some argue that sugar simply tastes better than high fructose corn syrup.[7]
- Beverages containing high fructose corn syrup have higher levels of reactive compounds (carbonyls) which are linked with cell and tissue damage that leads to diabetes.[3]
- Read food labels. This is the easiest and most sure-fire way to know if there is high fructose corn syrup in your food. If there's an ingredients list, look for high fructose corn syrup.
- Ignore the word "natural" on labels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate the use of the word "natural". Foods and beverages can be labeled as "natural" even though they contain high fructose corn syrup. Many companies justify the labeling under the premise that high fructose corn syrup is derived from a natural substance--corn (although the corn may be genetically modified).[2]Organic food, on the other hand, is more likely to be made, not just with sugar, but with pressed cane juice - a form of sugar that hasn't been processed.
- Be especially picky about beverages. Soft drinks, sports drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and almost every sweet drink you can think of contains high fructose corn syrup.
- If you can't see the ingredients list, such as when you go out to eat, choose water (if it's flavored, make sure it's no-calorie) or diet drinks. Beverages with fewer calories typically avoid high fructose corn syrup, which is a high calorie additive.
- Buy from small bottlers who use sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. Some smaller brands, such as Jones Soda and Dublin Dr. Pepper, have switched to pure cane sugar in the interest of both health and taste.[8]
- Buy soft drinks from across the border. If you must have your fix of certain soda brands and you happen to live near Canada or Mexico, look into buying in bulk from those countries, which use sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.[7]
- Check the Passover section of your supermarket. Some soda companies produce a sugar/sucrose-based version of their products around Passover for Jews who are restricted by custom from eating corn during this time. Coca-Cola produces a version of Coke without corn syrup[9] that can be identified by a yellow cap and is considered by some to taste better than Coke Zero, which is also free of corn syrup but contains artificial sweeteners, not sugar.[10]
- Consider 100% fruit juices as an alternative to sodas. Beware of juice "cocktails," which may only contain a small percentage of actual juice and almost certainly will have added corn syrup. Welches and Northern have both kinds. All Libby's products are 100% juice and, while many Simply Orange products are sweetened (simply Lemonade, Simply Limeade, etc...) Not all of them are and the ones that are use sugar.
- If you can't see the ingredients list, such as when you go out to eat, choose water (if it's flavored, make sure it's no-calorie) or diet drinks. Beverages with fewer calories typically avoid high fructose corn syrup, which is a high calorie additive.
- Lower your sweetener consumption altogether. It's been largely shown that the supposed link between high fructose corn syrup and obesity is not due to the high fructose corn syrup itself, but to the increasing consumption of sweeteners in general, especially soft drinks.[2][11][12] The USDA recommends that a person with a 2000 calorie, balanced diet should consume no more than 32 g (8 tsp) of added sugar per day.[13] Here are some sweet foods and the percentage of the daily recommended amount of sweeteners they provide:[11]
- typical cup of fruit yogurt - 70%
- cup of regular ice cream - 60%
- 12-ounce Pepsi - 103%
- Hostess Lemon Fruit Pie - 115%
- serving of Kellogg's Marshmallow Blasted Froot Loops - 40%
- quarter-cup of pancake syrup - 103%
- Cinnabon - 123%
- large McDonald's Shake - 120%
- large Mr. Misty Slush at Dairy Queen - 280%
- Burger King's Cini-minis with icing - 95%
- typical cup of fruit yogurt - 70%
Tips
- Some grocery stores have gone as far as to ban all products which contain high fructose corn syrup[14] which makes avoiding it much easier, if you can find such a store.
- Adding more fruit to your diet can help you avoid high fructose corn syrup as well as satisfy your sweet tooth and get the vitamins you need.
Warnings
- Replacing all the calories consumed in high fructose corn syrup with sugar will not have any noticeable impact on weight because they both contain the same amounts of fructose and calories. The switch may beneficially impact your health, although there's no scientific proof that it will. Only reducing your sweetener intake overall is guaranteed to lessen caloric intake and improve health.
Related wikiHows
- How to Stop Sweet Cravings
- How to Follow a Low Sodium Diet
- How to Read Nutrition Facts on Food Labels
- How to Add Fruit to Your Diet
Sources and Citations
- ↑ http://www.hfcsfacts.com/PerCapitaConsumption.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/02/business/yourmoney/02syrup.html
- ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070823094819.htm
- ↑ http://discovermagazine.com/2001/mar/cover
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgenic_maize
- ↑ Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma. ISBN 0143038583
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041109/news_1b9mexcoke.html
- ↑ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/293972_jonessoda29.html
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosher_foods#Kosher_for_Passover
- ↑ http://benfrantzdale.livejournal.com/214482.html
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 http://www.cspinet.org/new/sugar.html
- ↑ http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/86/6/1577
- ↑ http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/AppendixA.htm#appA2
- ↑ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/341888_fructose01web.html
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