Listeria in Your Freezer: How Long the Bacteria Survive

Listeria in Your Freezer: How Long the Bacteria Survive 

The latest Listeria-related food recall includes more than 350 frozen fruit and vegetable products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recall covers frozen foods produced as far back as May 2014, with "use by" dates through as far as April 2018, the CDC reported. Listeria bacteria represent one of the top causes of food-borne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The seemingly long shelf life for the Listeria in these products results, in part, from how the foods are stored: in the freezer. 

Listeria can live for a really long time in the freezer, said Benjamin Chapman, a food-safety specialist and an associate professor at North Carolina State University.

In fact, freezing is how scientists preserve bacteria when they want to study the organisms in the lab, Chapman told Live Science.

Although freezing temperatures will prevent Listeria bacteria from growing, they don't kill the bacteria, Chapman said. The microbes survive in the freezer, he said.

In addition, Listeria are among the few bacteria that can actually multiply at refrigerator temperatures, according to the CDC. For most other bacteria, these temperatures halt the bacteria's growth, sending them into a state of suspended animation.

Who's at risk?

Healthy people are unlikely to get sick from eating foods contaminated with Listeria. Rather, adults older than 65, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are at higher risk for illness, according to the CDC.

People who have been getting sick in this outbreak have ranged in age from 56 to 86, the CDC reported.

While Listeria is not ubiquitous, it is very common in raw foods, Chapman said. Most people ingest some Listeria daily, but not in high amounts, and those individuals are fine, he said. It takes, on average, thousands of Listeria cells to make a person sick, he said.

But when Listeria does make someone sick, "it's one of the most fatal pathogens we have," Chapman said.

Several CDC reports of Listeria outbreaks found that the infection's mortality rate was between 15 and 20 percent among people who became sick enough that they had to be hospitalized.

Staying safe

To protect yourself against Listeria, frozen vegetables should be cooked before they are eaten, Chapman said. Heating the foods kills Listeria, he said. 

In fact, frozen vegetables are not considered "ready to eat" products, meaning that the foods should not be eaten raw, Chapman said. Though eating raw, frozen vegetables may sound unusual, frozen kale, for example, is increasingly being used in smoothies, he said. And it's not uncommon for pediatricians to recommend letting young children chew and suck on frozen veggies while teething, he added.

Chapman noted that microwaving these foods is not the best way to prepare them. That's because microwaves provide very uneven heat distribution, Chapman said. The food will get very hot in some places and not hot in other places, he said. In other words, the bacteria might not be killed throughout the food. 

He also recommended avoiding thawing frozen vegetables in the refrigerator. This can be risky, especially if a person leaves the food in the refrigerator for multiple days, he said. 

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12 Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes

12 Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Blood tests tell you and your doctor when your glucose levels are too high. But signs of uncontrolled diabetes can appear all over your body. High blood glucose can damage nerves, blood vessels, and organs, resulting in a wide array of symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you spot any of them, so you can stay in control of your diabetes and improve your quality of life. 

 1. Your bowels and bladder don’t work properly.

Nerve damage can make it hard to tell when you need to use the bathroom, even when your bladder is full.As a result, you may develop frequent bladder infections. Constipation and diarrhea occur if nerves to the small intestine sustain damage. And your stomach may lose the ability to move food through your digestive system, causing vomiting and bloating.

2. You lose your hearing.

Sound travels a complex path from the outside world to your brain. Many small blood vessels and nerves in your ear play a role in transmission. High blood glucose can damage these vessels and nerves, making hearing loss twice as common in people with diabetes.

3. Your gums bleed.

Besides bleeding, you may notice your gums pull back and form pockets around your teeth. This is a sign of periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Without treatment, you may begin to lose teeth. And in a vicious cycle, gum infections can make blood glucose harder to control.

 

4. Your mouth is dry or sore.

High blood glucose robs your mouth of moisture. You may develop pain, sores, infections, and cavities as a result. Prevent oral problems linked to diabetes by brushing properly and visiting your dentist every six months. Also, quit smoking and clean dentures regularly, if you have them.

5. Your vision changes.

You may notice you have trouble reading, or you see rings around lights at nighttime. Fluctuations occur in how clearly you can see at near and distance. Your vision may blur, and dark spots or flashing lights may appear in your field of view. Also, it may take longer for your eyes to adjust when you move from dark places into bright light.

6. Your skin cracks, itches, or changes.

Your body retains less moisture when you have high blood glucose, leaving your skin dry and itchy. Cracks allow bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause infections that heal slowly. Other signs may erupt on your skin, including dark velvety patches, blisters, rashes, scales, or hard pea-sized lumps. Some areas may turn stiff, waxy, cool, or hairless.

7. Your hands and feet tingle or feel numb.

Nerve damage disrupts signals between your extremities and your brain. You may feel a pins-and-needles sensation, but not heat, cold, pain, or even pressure on your feet when walking. The muscles in your legs and feet may weaken, leaving you unsteady.

8. Or, your hands and feet frequently hurt.

In other cases, frayed nerves send scrambled messages, triggering sensations out of sync with external stimuli. Even a light blanket on your feet may cause you to ache, especially at night. Also, you may experience extreme hot or cold sensations, or feel like you’re wearing gloves and socks when you’re not.

9. Your legs cramp or ache.

Circulation problems can cause your calves, thighs, or buttocks to hurt when you’re walking or doing other physical activities. This pain may decrease with rest. Still, report it to your doctor. You may need to take extra steps to protect your blood vessels.

10. Sex becomes difficult.

Intimate parts of your body aren’t immune from nerve damage. Men may have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Women may experience vaginal dryness or notice they don’t feel aroused or have orgasms as easily. However, these changes don’t diminish sexual desire.

11. You sweat differently.

Some diabetics sweat more frequently, especially at night or while they’re eating. Others stop sweating entirely, even in extreme heat. Check your feet—if the skin there is very dry, your sweat glands probably aren’t functioning properly.

12. You feel dizzy and lightheaded.

You may faint when you stand up too quickly. Your heart may beat too fast. If these symptoms develop suddenly or come with shortness of breath, chest pain, slurred speech, or vision loss, get help immediately. Blood flow to your heart or brain may have slowed or stopped.

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Alternative approaches to  reducing your blood pressure

There are numerous complementary and alternative approaches to managing your blood pressure. Some have a strong body of evidence behind them and are well accepted by the medical community, whilst others are little more than old wives tales.

Complementary therapies are defined as those that are used alongside with conventional medical treatments, whilst alternative therapies are used instead of mainstream interventions.

There is little doubt that evidence-based complementary therapies can have a very positive effect in supporting mainstream interventions, as long as they are discussed with - and approved by - your doctor or specialist first.

Alternative therapies, as the sole treatment, carry with them a greater risk of not achieving good management of your blood pressure - or worse, allowing your blood pressure control to deteriorate further, so it's absolutely imperative that you discuss alternative therapies with your doctor or specialist first before you decide on this approach.

Complementary and alternative approaches to blood pressure management

Lifestyle

Regular, moderate-intensity exercise and a low-fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will help you to maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, will help to reduce your blood pressure.

Controlling your sodium intake is a key part of managing your blood pressure. Minimise your intake of high-sodium foods such as packeted and tinned soups, savoury snacks and crisps, cured meats, cheeses and breads - and certainly avoid as far as possible adding salt to your food, either during preparation or at the table. Seasoning with herbs and spices is a great alternative.

Minimising how much alcohol you drink will help to improve your blood pressure control and by avoiding all forms of tobacco you will significantly reduce damage to the walls of your arteries, which can lead to hardening and increased blood pressure.

Finally, keep calm and… manage the stresses in your life - this will reduce the frequency of transient increases in your blood pressure.

Herbal supplements

Herbs such as Stephania tetrandra (tetrandrine), Crataegus species (hawthorn), Panax notoginseng (ginseng) and Rauwolfia serpentina (snakeroot) are all purported to help reduce elevated blood pressure. However, the evidence base behind these herbal therapies is still relatively limited so a discussion with your GP or specialist is important, especially as they may interact with mainstream blood pressure medication.

Remember that certain herbs can actually increase blood pressure such as licorice, yohimbine and ephedra (Ma Huang), so if you're already taking these, you should consider stopping and you certainly shouldn't start taking them.

Nutritional supplements

A number of nutritional supplements have been shown to reduce blood pressure, although once again, the evidence is variable. One of the most substantiated supplements is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), for which there is good evidence of significant blood pressure reductions as well as negligible side effects.

Magnesium and potassium supplementation has also been shown to help control blood pressure levels. Like CoQ10, evidence is strong for these nutrients and they are well worth considering. Other supplements include omega-3 fatty acids and the amino acids L-arginine and L-taurine - all of which have been shown to have moderate effects on blood pressure although the evidence is less consistent.

Acupuncture

Although a great deal of research has been carried out on the ability of acupuncture to reduce blood pressure, many of the studies have found to have significant weaknesses. However, the risks are minimal so whilst more good quality research is needed, it may well be worth giving acupuncture a try.

Remember - consultation with your doctor or specialist is imperative. They will not only be able to advise you on how safe and effective the therapies you're considering are, but also ensure that they are right for you and integrate effectively with any medical treatment you may be receiving.

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10 Best Natural Remedies for Malaria

10 Best Natural Remedies for Malaria

Malaria is a deadly, widespread disease that threatens people across the globe, but there are a number of effective natural remedies, including grapefruit, fevernut, citrus fruits, holy basil, orange juice, cinnamon, warm water enema, and ginger, among others.

1. Ginger: A common and popular treatment for malaria is the use of ginger; fortunately, ginger is easy to access, particularly in many tropical areas, and can be boiled down into a powerful decoction that will boost your immune system and help to speed the recovery process from the infection. Ginger and its active ingredients –gingerol and unique hydrocarbons – are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities in the body, making this one of the most effective natural remedies.
2. Grapefruit: There is a powerful substance found in grapefruit, similar to quinine, that has been directly linked to neutralizing those malaria-inducing parasites. You can extract this substance for a concentrated dose, or simply add some delicious grapefruit to your daily diet. Grapefruits are widely available in tropical areas, and can do wonders for promoting overall health and rapid recovery.
3. Cinnamon: One of the best ways to get rid of malaria is to tackle its symptoms, namely fever, headaches and diarrhea. Cinnamon is a comprehensive remedy, as it can help to improve multiple symptoms of the disease at the same time. Cinnamon has a powerful organic component, cinnamaldehyde, which has anti-inflammatory properties and has been connected to a reduction in malaria’s often violent and painful symptoms.
4. Citrus Fruits: Although this is a rather vague suggestion, citrus fruits in general are often recommended for the treatment of malaria. Limes and lemons are easy to get a hold of in many malaria hot spots, and the mixture of antioxidant compounds,vitamins and minerals can help eliminate fever, prevent the spread of the infection, and speed up the healing process. Mixing a few drops of lime and an entirely squeezed lemon into a glass of water is a popular approach, or just take a bite of those tart, healthy fruits!
5. Fever Nut: Fever nut is a popular herbal remedy in India and the surrounding countries, as the seeds of this nut contain powerful active ingredients that can help to break your fever and boost your immune system. When a fever breaks, it is essentially the first step towards recovery, and fever nut (as its name implies) has been helping people survive malaria for hundreds of years.
6. Holy Basil: To reduce the symptoms and severity of malaria, people have turned to holy basil for many years; eugenol is the active ingredient in holy basil, and is largely responsible for its therapeutic properties, helping to eliminate bacterial infections. Different parts of this plant are used for dozens of different Ayurvedic remedies, making it extremely important in Asian countries that deal with many malaria cases.
7. Orange Juice: Vitamin C is known as an incredible immune system booster, and this has certainly proven true in the treatment of malaria. Since it can be difficult to keep food down while suffering through malaria, many people choose to go on a water and orange juice diet, in order to keep the body hydrated and promote a concentrated immune system attack on the infection. After a few days of this, other foods can be added back in, but the antioxidant and immune-system boosting effects of vitamin C are often enough to kickstart the recovery process.
8. Warm Water Enema: Malaria can also infect the bowels, which is why diarrhea is such a common symptom, so it is important to keep the bowels clean, and not provide a new place for the parasite to thrive. A warm water enema can keep the bowels clean and healthy, while also cutting back on inflammation and discomfort during the many bathroom trips a malaria sufferer will inevitably need.
9. Mosquito Avoidance: The best way to treat malaria is to never catch it in the first place, but to avoid mosquitoes in the tropical world is difficult, to say the least. Powerful bug spray (specifically those good for mosquitoes) is essential if you’re spending anytime in the wilderness of these risky areas. Furthermore, you should add mosquito netting to your bed and windows, so you can sleep soundly, knowing that you won’t wake up in two weeks with the symptoms of malaria. You should also ensure that there are no large pools of standing water near your home, as those are the perfect places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs!
10. Natural Diet: After you get past the liquid flush diet and have your immune system back in action, you should switch to a purely natural diet of fruits for some time. This constant burst of natural fiber and vitamins, as well as the antibacterial and antibiotic properties of fruit, will help push yourself free of the illness and get back to living normally. Finally, adding fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts is the final phase of a natural malaria diet.

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Cure Prostate Cancer with these Home Remedies

Some of the most effective home remedies for prostate cancer include the use of fish oil, soy, vitamin C,selenium, flaxseed, pomegranate juice, zinc, baking soda3,cannabis oil, lycopene, cayenne pepper, black cumin,stinging nettle, and behavioral changes, including aerobic exercise, meditation, and yoga. 

Soy: The link between soy products and prostate cancer is still being explored, but the surprisingly low rates of prostate cancer in populations with high soy intake, such as Japan and other Asian nation, is very significant. The phytoestrogens found in soy are known to be beneficial for women, but there appears to also be a link between male prostate health and this important substance too!

Vitamin C: As with many other health conditions, boosting your intake of vitamin C can be very helpful. Not only does it help to stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells, but vitamin C is also a key component of collagen, which is needed for damage and repair. Prostate cancer can effectively be slowed with antioxidants that neutralize carcinoma, so drinking your orang juice every day is a good idea!

Black Cumin: Black cumin oil may be considered a traditional or herbal remedy, but it has some measurable and impressive effects against prostate cancer. Displaying some serious anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, this herbal essential oil can dramatically reduce the number of cancerous cells, and continue to grow in popularity. 

Cayenne Pepper: You might not like the idea of chomping down on a burning hot cayenne pepper, but the capsaicin present in these powerful peppers has a significant anti-proliferative effect on cancerous cells, thus inducing tumor shrinkage and “starving” of cancerous cells. So, brace yourself and get a glass of water, but don’t ignore the proven benefits of cayenne pepper on prostate cancer cells!

Zinc: Zinc deficiency has been directly correlated with a higher risk of prostate cancer, so ensuring that you get enough zinc in your diet is crucial. You can boost your zinc intake by adding foods like beef, poultry, yogurt,cheese, and oysters.

Baking Soda: By helping to create a more alkaline setting in the body, some people have successfully reversed the effects of prostate cancer, due to its composition (sodium bicarbonate). He made it more difficult for cancerous cells to proliferate in the imbalanced pH setting of his stomach, and while drinking baking soda isn’t the most pleasant experience, it may have saved his life! 

Meditation: Eastern approaches to chronic diseases like cancer include meditation, as it is believed to improve the immune system, reduce stress hormones in the body, and naturally prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Studies have had mixed results regarding the direct efficacy, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try!

Cannabis Oil: Research on the effects of cannabis oil has grown exponentially in recent years, and cannabis oil has been connected to stopping the spread and development of cancer. A gene called ID-1 begins to spread in prostate cancer, but the cannabinoids in cannabis oil are able to inhibit the replication of this gene. This is a hugely important step forward for prostate cancer research, and cannabis oil is becoming more widely available as its true values are finally recognized.

Lycopene: Lycopene is associated with the red color in many popular fruits and vegetables, but it is also a powerful antioxidant that is linked to stopping the spread and even reversing cancerous growths, including those from prostate cancer. 

Stinging Nettle: This is an old natural remedy for all concerns of the prostate gland, including prostatitis, which is often a precursor to prostate cancer. Therefore, adding a supplement of stinging nettle can protect you from prostate cancer before it ever develops.

Yoga: Similar to meditation, yoga is believed to re balance the body’s metabolism, provide non-impact exercise, cleanse toxins, and boost the function of the immune system. When performed in conjunction with dietary and other lifestyle changes, yoga can improve your chances of preventing prostate cancer.

Pomegranate Juice: Fruit juices have long been associated with antioxidant content, and pomegranate juice has recently received attention in cancer-studying circles for its apparent ability to slow the spread of cancer in numerous parts of the body.

Flaxseed: There are numerous benefits to adding flax seed to your diet, including its impressive level of lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, which can directly inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous cells, as well as lower inflammation throughout the body, including in the prostate.

Fish Oil: Often praised for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, it is a good idea to add fish oil supplements or oily fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon) to your diet to get this “good cholesterol”, which is correlated to lower cancer risk.

A Final Word of Warning: The danger of metastasis is very real in all cancers, including prostate cancer. You should always see a trained oncologist or medical professional when deciding on a cancer treatment plan. These home remedies are suggestions and complementary treatments, but should not replace formal treatment for this very dangerous disease.

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Is This Stress or a Stroke?

Are you stressed out? Is your head throbbing, and you just don’t feel right? Worried you’re having a stroke? You’re probably not.

Anxiety, migraines, blood sugar changes, and lots of other things can make you feel weak and funny — and they’re much more likely.

But call 911 right away if any of these suddenly happen to you:

A terrible headache, worse than you’ve ever had before
Weakness on one side of your body
Trouble walking, talking, or understanding things
Vision loss in one or both eyes

They’re all warning signs of a stroke. Don’t wait to call 911.

“Every stroke survivor had different symptoms, but the one thing that is common is the suddenness of the symptoms,” says National Stroke Association spokeswoman Clair Diones.

You know your body better than anyone else, says another stroke expert.

“If you are worried, you should probably get it checked out,” says Michael Rippee, MD, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

A Visual Guide to Understanding Stroke
What Else It Could Be

Take a deep breath and try not to worry if you’re feeling off. A lot of things can mimic stroke symptoms.

Stress is one of them. “Everybody’s body deals with it differently,” Rippee says. He’s treated people who’ve had changes in their vision and speech that were actually caused by stress and anxiety.

Or, Rippee says, it could be:

Migraine headaches. Migraines can look like a stroke. They can affect your vision and make you feel weak. If you have migraines, you have a higher risk of having a stroke, so watch your symptoms closely. If you have any of the warning signs, get medical attention right away.
High blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, it can cause headaches, feelings of weakness, and vision problems. This is what you might hear a doctor call “uncontrolled hypertension.” It’s also a major risk factor for stroke. For most people, normal blood pressure is a top number of 120 or less and a bottom number of 80 or less.
Anxiety. It could make you feel numb around the mouth or fingertips.
Changes in blood sugar. Too little or too much can cause vision problems, especially if you have diabetes and aren’t taking your medication, like insulin, or if you took too much. It could also cause you to feel confused, similar to a stroke.

Is It Just a Headache?

If you have a dull headache that you’ve had before, or if it feels like a tight band around your head, that’s probably a tension headache.

“If you have a headache that’s moderate to severe and out of character completely, that’s something to be concerned about,” Rippee says.

Some people describe pain from a stroke as the worst headache of your life, he said. If that happens, you should call 911.

Stroke Symptoms to Watch For

An easy way to recognize the warning signs of stroke is to think F.A.S.T.

F – Face. Can you, or the person having the symptoms, smile? Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arms. Can you, or the person having the symptoms, raise both arms? Does one drift downward?
S – Speech. Can you, or the person having the symptoms, repeat a single phase? Is the speech slurred or strange?
T – Time. If you see any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

“Stroke is an emergency, and it’s important that you get to the hospital,” Diones says. “We want you to call 911 if you are having symptoms. Even if it turns out you aren’t having a stroke, you could be having other health issues. It’s still important to work with your health care provider and be assessed and get the help you need.”

There’s also something that Rippee says is just as serious as a stroke but harder to diagnose: a ministroke, called a transient ischemic attack or TIA. Symptoms are similar to a stroke but can go away quickly, often by the time someone sees a doctor. It can be a warning sign that you’re heading for a more serious stroke, so take action to stop that before it starts.

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The Pain of Waking Up to a Migraine Headache

Research has suggested strong links between sleep disorders and migraine. Migraine is a condition that is characterized by a typical one-sided throbbing headache often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Although there are several common triggers of migraine such as stress, sunlight, flashing lights, strong odors etc., there are many migraines who have complained of headaches that commence early in the morning. When probed further, these sufferers were found to have one or the other symptom of a sleep disorder.

Our normal sleep cycle:    
A normal sleep cycle consists of 4-5 stages of sleep including the REM (rapid eye movement) phase. A person is in deepest sleep during stages 3 and 4 and this is the time when neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals, are released in the body. Doctors say, ‘Migraine headache early in the morning may be caused due to a disturbed REM phase. If the REM stage is disturbed, the release of these chemicals is lowered, and hence a person wakes up to a feeling of tiredness and headache’. A migraine headache provoked by the REM sleep cycle disturbance starts 4-6 hours after sleep has started. Therefore researchers are of the opinion that nearly half of all migraines occur between 4 AM and 9 AM.

Stress, sleep disturbance and migraine:
Doctors blame today’s stressful life for a disturbed sleep pattern. Erratic meal timings along with diminished sleep hours and low physical activity have resulted in a cocktail of stress hormones accumulation in the body. Due to this, the normal sleep cycle gets disturbed and when one wakes up in the morning, they do not feel refreshed the way they are supposed to feel. For a migraine the suffering is highest as poor sleep and stress may be a trigger of that painful migraine headache early in the morning.

Symptoms of a sleep disorder:
It is very unfortunate that many people who suffer from sleep disorders are unaware of their condition. Following are some of the characteristics that point out a sleep disorder:

• Trouble falling asleep easily
• Tossing and turning in bed every now and then
• Feeling irritable or depressed the following morning
• Headache and pain in other parts of the body
• Feeling sleepy during day time and unable to concentrate on daily work

How to overcome migraine headache due to sleep disturbance?
If you are a migraine, the first step towards managing the condition is seeking appropriate treatment as migraine is a treatable condition. Secondly, avoid known triggers. It is the best way to avoid migraine attacks.

• Discuss your condition with your co-workers or family members. Managing work and reducing stress will help in preventing migraine.
• Always try to sleep and wake up at the same time. This will ensure your body’s circadian rhythm is not disturbed and the body doesn’t have to undergo stress each day.
• Have proper meals at proper times every day. Never go to bed on a full stomach as most of the bodily processes slow down when we sleep and undigested food may cause acidity leading to a migraine headache in the morning.
• Do not keep your mind alert while going to sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, try mind exhausting activities such as solving puzzles, crosswords etc 1-2 hours before going to bed.

Although there is no evidence to suggest that good sleep will eliminate bouts of migraine completely, having a good night sleep and rest will positively help in managing migraine. If you frequently wake up with headache in the morning, consult a physician immediately. Appropriate treatment, lifestyle changes and good sleep will help you wake up feeling fresh and happy.

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Diet For Ulcers And Gastritis

What is a diet for ulcers and gastritis?

A diet for ulcers and gastritis is an eating plan that limits or does not include foods that irritate your stomach. Your stomach can be irritated by foods that increase stomach acid. You will need to limit or avoid drinks and foods that cause your symptoms, such as stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion.

Which foods should I limit or avoid?

Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods cause your symptoms. Seasonings, such as pepper, increase stomach acid and may irritate your stomach. Foods that contain chocolate, are spicy, or are high in fat may also irritate your stomach. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine may also cause symptoms. The following are some foods that you may need to limit or avoid:

• Beverages:

• • Hot cocoa and cola
  • Whole milk and chocolate milk
  • Peppermint and spearmint tea
  • Regular and decaf coffee
  • Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
  • Drinks that contain alcohol
  • Orange and grapefruit juices
• Spices and seasonings:
  • Black and red pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
• Other foods:

• • Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
  • Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
  • Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
  • Hot chiles and peppers
  • Onions and garlic
  • Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice

Which foods can I eat and drink?

Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, cereals, pasta, and brown rice. Choose lean meats, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar. Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Ask your dietitian for more information about a healthy diet.

What other guidelines may be helpful?

• Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.

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Stress

Stress

About Stress

Stress generally refers to  a state of mind or mental tension that is linked to anxiety, irritability, insecurity, mental disorders like depression or insomnia and physical ones likemigraine, cardiovascular ailments and sexual dysfunction. It occurs in the presence of an external stimulus called the stressor. Usually factors like work pressure, personal commitments and working environment act as common stressors in daily life. Our body can handle stress with a mechanism called fight-or-flight response, where certain hormones are released to combat stress. But when the levels of these hormones are increased, several organs and systems of the body may get affected. Increased stress levels commonly affects the immune system, musculoskeletal system, circulatory system and digestive system.It is also linked to heart disease, diabetes and gastro-intestinal disorders.  There’s a causal link between stress and physiological ailment. However the fact that many individuals remain healthy after stressful events suggests that susceptibility varies from person to person based on genetic, environmental and psychological factors. In this section, you can read some interesting ways to handlestress ex: laughter yoga, natural remedies, healthy food and water.

Stress content

• Causes
• Symptoms
• Complications
• Home remedies

Causes

Everyone is different and tend to react differently to situations, but broadly, stress can be caused due to problems at the workplace, problems at home or even sudden changes in life. Bereavement or the death of a loved one is also one of the most leading causes of stress.

While the stimulus for the onset of stress could be different for all, the extent and severity of the condition depends on your innate strength to bear a problem. Therefore the stronger a person (mentally) the less likely he/she is to suffer from it.

Symptoms

 ‘Stress can manifest in mainly two forms – physical and psychological. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, restlessness, panic attack, mood swings, etc.

Sometimes due to extreme stress people tend to become increasingly silent, or can react in a manner opposite to his/her normal behavior. Physically the symptoms seen affect various parts of our body. For instance when stress affects the nervous system, a person would experience constant headaches, in the gastrointestinal system the person might experience reduced appetite, stomach upset or pain, and in case of the respiratory system one may experience difficulty breathing.

Stress also affects the heart and can lead to a rise or a sudden fall in BP and possibly a heart attacks. It can affects one’s sexual life as well. Other physical problems one can face is body ache and muscle aches as well’

Apart from these symptoms there are many more symptoms that affect every system in the body. According to the American Institute of Stress, a person may experience symptoms like frequent headaches, bouts of jaw clenching, tremors, trembling of lips, etc.

Complications

 ‘Ignoring it and living without dealing with the condition can leave you with many physical and psychological conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity,PCOD, menstrual disturbance, headache, eating disorder, weight loss and even IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome).’

Apart from that it can also lead to the development of heart disease and hypertension. 

Home remedies

Stress can affect the functioning of immune system drastically, affecting the defense mechanism against infections. Here are a few natural remedies that can help you combat stress or deal with it in a healthy way.

• Herbs: Herbs such as cardamom (elaichi), aswagandha, jatamansi, guduchi, brahmi, tulsi and shankhpushpi, lettuce, celery, peppermint, chamomile and fennel (saunf) have amazing relaxing properties. Make these a part of your diet by adding it to your tea.
• Oil massage:  oil massage is an easy way of de-stressing the body as well as the mind. For even better relaxation, mix in a little powder of shankhpushpi or brahmi into the oil you use for the massage.
• Cut down alcohol: Alcohol tends to increase feelings of anxiety and stress. Cut down on your intake of such beverages and you are sure to observe your stress levels becoming much more manageable.
• Breathing: A lack of proper breathing technique reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the brain which is a major reason for increasing stress levels. Wherever you feel stressed you should breathe in slowly and deeply a few times. Feel your stomach and chest expand as you inhale, and fall as you exhale.

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