Archive for the ‘Health News’ Category

Health Benefits of Tofu

People are more concerned these days about their health. In an effort to eat a better diet, they are looking for foods that give them all of the benefits as well as a taste that they can live with. If you are looking for a protein alternative to meat, try tofu.

Tofu – it even sounds foreign rolling off the tongue. We know it is a vegetarian favorite and it is usually seen in a white block in the vegetable section, but what exactly is it and will you even like it? Here are a few facts about tofu that you may not have heard.

One, tofu is a source of soy protein. It is soybean curd. Hot soymilk is curdled with a coagulant. It is strained to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, it is pressed into the desired shape.

Tofu comes in many forms: soft, firm and extra firm. Depending on your cooking needs you will choose one of the three. As a protein source it can be used in place of meat in soups, casseroles, lasagna and other dishes. Because it is moldable, it can be shaped to resemble a chicken patty, a steak, a turkey breast or even ground beef.

Second, tofu is a source of good fats. It derives almost half of its calories from fats, but it also provides protein and carbohydrates. It is a complete food.

Third, tofu is versatile. We touched in this fact a little above, but that was just scratching the surface. Have you seen those frozen vegetarian foods? The meat-like substance is made from tofu. It can be cubed and used in place of meat in stir-fry, cooked on the grill and also sautéed in a pan.

Softer tofu can be blended into a creamy base for sauces and dressings. Instead of cream cheese filling in your cheesecake, try tofu. Usually, anywhere your recipe calls for a soft cheese, you can use a type of tofu as a substitute.

Fourth, tofu has no taste. This is good. Do you know why? Tofu can take on the flavor of any food that it comes in contact with. You can marinate your tofu in chicken or beef broth or even the same types of spices you would use for meat. Add some bread crumbs and you have a savory protein addition to your meal.

Compare tofu to some of your other protein sources. It is low in calories. And, it is a leaner source of protein than meat. Unlike meat, tofu can be used in place of cheese and even yogurt in dips for veggies and fruit.

You don’t have to be a vegetarian to try tofu. Look up a few recipes and see if it meets your approval.

Pregnancy and Digestion

Your body goes through changes when you become pregnant. As your baby grows inside your belly, it also has to make room inside of you. This can affect your digestion.

Pregnant women can experience quite a few digestive issues as they progress through pregnancy. Here are just a few that you may or may not be aware of.

* Morning sickness – It’s a combination of nausea and vomiting that happens to many women during the first trimester of pregnancy. It usually occurs in the morning and can be triggered by smells, eating certain foods or just getting out of bed and letting your feet hit the floor. By the second trimester, the morning sickness has passed for most.

To help manage your morning sickness, try eating a small amount of food to settle your stomach, like saltine crackers and water. Also get moving. Exercise can help you to combat the nausea.

* Heartburn – Even if you have never had heartburn before, you may experience it now. As the baby shifts, your organs move also to make more room. This can push on the stomach which in turn pushes some of the stomach acid back up into the esophagus. You’ll feel that telltale burning sensation in your chest.

A solution to pregnancy heartburn is to eat smaller meals. If less stomach acid is churning, there is less chance of it entering the esophagus. Also, try not to eat right before bed. This can cause heartburn in anyone, but it can become particularly bad when you are pregnant.

* Flatulence – No one wants to have gas even when they are pregnant. Hormones in the body relax musculature and can slow the process of digestion in the intestines. This can lead to more gas as a result of food moving at a snail’s pace through your system.

For an already tight belly full of baby, gas can add just enough bloat to make you really uncomfortable. If you are dealing with gas, try wearing loose-fitting clothing. This can prevent pain. Also, avoid foods that can increase gas production like carbonated soda and cruciferous veggies.

* Constipation – With baby moving about, you may have bouts of constipation. If it is hard to pass a stool, try drinking more water. Usually constipation is a result of not enough water in your system. That, in conjunction with pregnancy hormones, can make you miserable. Ingesting additional fiber can help food to pass easier and more efficiently through the digestive tract.

As a pregnant woman, you will be happy to carry a new life inside of you. But, that new life brings with it a host of internal changes that can make you less than happy much of the time. Ask your doctor about ways to help control your digestive system beyond what is mentioned here.

Diabetes and Foot Care

Diabetes is a metabolic condition that involves the body’s use of insulin. People with diabetes have to be careful about taking care of themselves. Feet are particularly sensitive to changes in the person with diabetes.

When someone has diabetes, their body doesn’t use insulin as it should. Insulin helps sugar in the blood to travel to the cells where it is needed. When there is too much sugar in the blood, the body can’t produce enough insulin to meet the need. In some cases, the body loses its sensitivity to insulin and the cells won’t accept it.

Problems with excess blood sugar can affect all areas of the body. Neurological changes involve damage to the nerve endings. In the extremities, damage results in lack of feeling. A person with diabetes can suffer an injury to their feet and not even know it.

Diabetes also causes problems with the cardiovascular system. When blood vessels are damaged an insufficient blood supply reaches hands and feet. The lack of blood can affect the healing process. People with diabetes have to be extra careful and get attention right away if they suffer a burn, bruise or cut.

If you are diabetic, here are a few ways that you can take care of your feet to avoid any problems.

* Wear comfortable shoes – You want to have room for your feet to breathe and move. Ill-fitting shoes can cause feet to rub and become inflamed. The skin can even crack and bleed over time.

* Check your feet everyday – Not noticing a sore or wound can lead to infection and worse, even amputation if it goes too long without care. Examine the tops and especially the bottoms of your feet for any changes. If you notice any, contact your doctor for further treatment.

* Use only doctor approved treatments for wounds on your feet – A doctor will know what to do to help your wounds heal properly over time. Using all sorts of over-the-counter medications can further irritate your feet and make the matter worse. Wrapping a wound with too tight a bandage can also hinder proper healing. Because you have diabetes, a doctor’s treatment will work better than any other remedies.

* Take a look at your surroundings – Keep your floor at home free from small objects that can easily stick in your foot without you knowing it. Pay attention to where you walk outdoors. Never walk without protective foot gear. Before putting on your shoes, shake them to be sure no loose objects are lurking inside that can wound your feet.

If you are a diabetic, taking care of your feet is very important. Examine them every day for changes and consult a doctor if you develop a wound.