Healthcare, Health Insurance, Vitamins, Nutrition

There are many types of allergies that people face, including allergies to foods. A food allergy is triggered when the immune system starts reacting to a compound in the food, most typically a protein. In addition to outright allergies, there are intolerances that may not involve the immune system at all. Common symptoms of a food allergy include bloating, headaches, hives or diarrhea. Severe reactions are a medical emergency and should be addressed by going to the emergency room. Anyone who has severe food allergies should have this information readily available and should also consider whether they need to keep an Epi-pen on hand for emergencies.

The most common food allergies include milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish. Because many people will have more than a single food allergy, it is important to read the ingredient listing for every food and to exercise extreme caution when eating outside of the home. Peanut allergies are so common these days that in some school districts, peanuts and peanut products are banned completely.

Almost ten percent of all children have some level of food allergy while the number for adults is 2%. (Source: Nutrition MD: Food Allergies and Intolerances)

Finding the Right Foods and Supplements for People with Allergies

After a doctor diagnoses you with food allergies and lets you know which one is affecting you, you will need to avoid that food in your diet. If you are allergic to eggs, for instance, you know you cannot have a nice fluffy omelet but there are more foods that you cannot have. If you read the labels of many of the foods that you buy in the grocery store you will find a warning label, typically saying “this food contains wheat, eggs and soy” or something similar.

Choosing a protein supplement can be very difficult for anyone who has food allergies. First, it is important to know where protein supplements come from. There are four foods that supplements are derived from: whey, soy, rice and egg. Of these, only rice is considered to be hypoallergenic and may be the only choice for those who have very serious allergies.

Whey protein is derived from milk, a byproduct of cheese making. Protein supplements from whey are the most common and come in either a concentrate or isolate form. The isolate has 90% protein with less fat and less lactose, making it a possible supplement choice for those who have only mild lactose intolerance. In addition to providing protein and other nutrients, whey protein boosts immunity, optimal storage of amino acids and enhances muscle recovery after workouts.

Soy protein supplements are derived from soy flour and also come in concentrate and isolate forms. This is a highly digestible protein source and improves the nutritional value of other foods as well. Soy protein can help reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Egg protein is derived from egg whites and is fat-free with high protein, which is considered to be the most desirable. Because it is made from egg, people assume it is high in cholesterol, but this is an overestimation.

Profect from Protica is also an option and can be good a choice for those with a number of food allergies. It contains 25 grams of protein per serving and comes in a number of flavors. In addition to protein, there are a number of other nutrients that are available with Profect.

How to Tell Which Supplement is Safe For You

Deciding which protein supplement is right for you is not always that easy, especially if you have food intolerances or food allergies. Discussing your protein and nutritional needs with your doctor is an important first step to take, allowing the two of you to figure out the best foods and supplements that you should use to keep yourself healthy, active and strong.

When you are diagnosed with a food allergy, you might try to avoid that food from time to time, but still may end up eating it anyway. However, if you progress to serious illness or symptoms occur more frequently, you may go to a doctor for diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with a food allergy of any kind, it is important to do a better job of avoiding that food, especially if that food allergy is bad enough to be potentially fatal.

Protein Supplements and Allergies: A Case Study

David is allergic to peanuts and wheat. A single bite of a peanut butter would land him in the hospital, and he was diagnosed when he was five years old. In addition to these food allergies, David is a typical picky child who doesn’t like fruits or vegetables and only half heartedly picks at meat. His mother is worried that her son’s entire diet is about to become nothing but chicken nuggets and the occasional serving of corn. Because there are so many foods that he might be allergic to, his mother worries about what to feed him. The doctor gives her a list of foods to include in his diet but he just won’t have any of them. In addition to the foods that he suggests, the doctor includes a list of a number of protein supplement types that David can try. Profect is ideal because of the fruit-based flavors and because it is so small that he can consume it quickly. His favorite is Blue Raspberry Swirl and he can either have it plain or his mother can mix it with other foods or beverages.

Profect gives David the protein that he needs in addition to vitamins and other nutrients that he is not getting from his very limited diet. It has no added sugars or fat.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

It might seem strange, but the foods that you eat can help keep your skin, hair and nails looking great and healthy. Protein is vital to every cell and function in the body. Your body uses protein to make your skin by replenishing skin cells as they die and slough off. Without enough protein in your system, your nails can become brittle and weak. Protein is also important as the body works to heal the effects of too much sun exposure. Protein should be increased whenever you are healing from trauma, illness or burns. However, make sure that you are not adding or changing the amounts of protein in your diet without discussing it with your doctor or your nutritionist.

The Skin

Your skin is the largest organ of the body and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. There are about a million new cases of skin cancer found every year in the United States. Ninety percent of these cases are cured, however 50,000 may recur. (Source: Ammer 2005) There are three kinds of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, the most dangerous.

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 75% of skin cancers and usually appears as a shiny, pearly gray nodule. Symptoms include:

- An open, oozing or bleeding sore that persists for longer than three weeks

- A red and irritated spot often found on the chest, shoulders, arm or legs that can be itchy or crusty

- A shiny bump, pearly or translucent, which might be pink, red or white in light skinned people or tan, brown or black in dark skinned people

- A pink growth with a raised rolled border and a crusted center

- A scar-like, waxy area which has poorly defined borders where the skin is yellow or white and often appears shiny and taut.

Squamous cell carcinoma starts as a scaly and slightly reddened lesion with a crusty surface but may take on a more nodular, almost warty appearance.

Melanoma is the most serious of the skin cancer types and makes up about 5% of all cases.

The Need for Early Detection – The best chance for a cure of skin cancer is early detection, but it is even more important to prevent skin cancer instead of having to try to treat it. Everyone should be using sun screen protection, especially in the peak hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm during the summer months.

The sun’s rays can be divided into three categories of radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. Of these, UVC poses the least problem from sunlight since its radiation is completely absorbed by the ozone layer. You can be affected by this light, but only from artificial sources. UVB radiation is what causes sunburns and affects the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). You get the majority of your UVB radiation per year during the summer months. UVA is the main danger to your skin, penetrating deeper into the skin and working harder to destroy it.

The skin damage that is done by UVA and UVB includes wrinkles, lowered immunity, aging skin and skin cancers.

Tips for good skin care:

- Wash your face with mild products that are meant for your skin type, whether it is normal, oily or a combination of both. There is no need for multi-step products or harsh chemicals. Avoid bar soaps, especially on your face, because they are too drying.

- Hot water is drying to the skin, especially in the winter months. Stick to lukewarm showers and avoid long soaks in the tub.

- Add lotion to your routine, slathering it on while you are still wet from your shower so the moisture really soaks in.

- Always check your skin carefully for any signs of changes that could indicate skin cancer.

- Visit a dermatologist for an assessment.

- Never squeeze or pick at your skin.

The Nails

Some people notice every single thing about their nails. Others only notice their nails when they are causing problems. Protein and protein-rich foods are top sources for the nutrient biotin, which is part of the B complex. These food sources include egg yolks, soybean flour, cereals and yeast. Foods with lesser amounts include cauliflower, lentils, milk and peanut butter.

While there are a number of products on the market that are supposed to increase the strength and length of the nails, your own nutrition is more important than these products whether they work or not. There are other tips for keeping your nails at their healthiest:

- Remove nail polish carefully

- There is no truth to the myth that you have to let your nails breathe every now and then.

- File your nails so that they are smooth and even.

The Hair

Hair loss can be genetic; however, there are also other conditions that can cause thinning hair. Crash dieting that causes you to lose 20 pounds or more in a short period of time can be a problem as well. If you lose more than a pound per week, you increase the risk of losing the hair on top of your head. Like fingernails, hair benefits from increased intake of biotin. Steer clear of the shampoos and other products that claim to re-grow or strengthen the hair, since they are typically gimmicks that do not work.

Tips for healthy hair:

- Use shampoos that are the best for your hair type (oily, normal, dry, curly, etc.)

- You do not have to wash every day; every other day is perfectly fine, unless you sweat a lot.

- Do not brush your hair while it is wet and at its weakest; use a wide tooth comb instead.

Nutritional Needs

A healthy diet is important not only for good health, but also to keep you looking good on the outside. Your hair, skin and nails will suffer if you are not getting the right level of macro and micronutrients. You should get enough protein, carbohydrates and fats to keep your entire system running properly. If you need to lose weight, aim for a weight loss of no more than one pound per week, which is healthier and safer for the body and more achievable over the long run.

Carbohydrates – Complex carbohydrates should make up around 50% of your overall daily calories. Whole grains, vegetables and some fruits will keep your blood sugar levels even and will keep you full for longer. Avoid simple carbs such as white sugar and white flour products as much as possible.

Fats – Your intake of fats should be 15-20% of the daily calories and should be of the healthy variety; monounsaturated and Omega 3′s are the goal here. Olive oil is one of the best of the fats that should be included in a healthy diet.

Proteins – Protein should make up 30-35% of the daily calories and can be either animal or plant based. Animal proteins should be low fat, and you should try to limit the amount of red meat as much as possible. Turkey, chicken and fatty fishes are good protein sources. Protein supplements are also good to consider. Profect, a liquid protein supplement shot from Protica, is small enough to carry around wherever you go and takes only seconds to consume. There are 25 grams of protein per serving and one hundred calories in this nutritional supplement.

- Exercise and activity level

- General health status

Everyone knows that the amount that you weigh will change your overall nutritional needs. Obviously, a 250 pound man will need more food in general to maintain his current weight than a 150 pound man or a 150 pound woman, for that matter. To determine how many calories you actually need to consume to remain healthy, to maintain your current weight or to lose weight, you need to calculate your base metabolic rate (BMR) and your activity rate. The formulas for doing so are very general and can be off by several points, so if you can have these determined professionally, do so.

To get your estimated BMR:

- Multiply your desired weight in pounds by 8 and then add 200. For example, if a woman wanted to weight 140 pounds her formula would be 140 x 8=1120 +200= 1320.

To find out how many calories that you burn from typical, physical activity:

- Multiply the number of minutes spent walking by 4

- Multiply the number of cardiovascular and strength exercises by 8

Finally, to find out the amount of calories that you need to eat each day:

- Add the number that you got with the BMR formula to the number that you got from your activity level. To lose one pound of weight per week, a healthy and achievable rate, you decrease the total by 500. If that goal number is lower than 1000, however, consult a doctor for advice.

(Source for all formulas: You On a Diet, the Owner’s Guide for Waist Management. Roizen, M.D. and Oz, M.D.)

The average person typically needs around 30-35% of their daily calories to come from healthy protein sources, which again, will vary depending on how many calories you actually need. Healthy protein sources include low fat animal proteins, like chicken, turkey, some cuts of beef, low fat milk and cheeses. In addition, plant protein sources are usually healthier and lower in calories. Another option is including liquid protein supplements or other supplementary sources in your diet, so that you are getting the right amount of protein without adding unnecessary, additional calories each day.

Gender and Age for Protein Needs

Men tend to need more protein than women do, however, it may be related to the fact that they are bigger and tend to weigh more rather than a physiological need for more protein. Some protein needs might change with age however, especially when the metabolism changes and the body starts to slow down slightly. The type of protein that is needed by older adults might change as well, with many needing a source that is easier to digest and metabolize. If meat sources have become difficult to manage, then plant-based proteins might be a good replacement. In addition, the older adult is a perfect candidate for liquid protein shots such as Profect, which is made by Protica.

Profect is a single serving protein supplement that can provide the correct amount of protein in around 100 calories. It is less than three ounces and can be consumed in a few seconds and carried anywhere. It is perfect as part of the daily diet of the older, active adult.

Exercise and Activity Level

The actual amount of exercise that you get every day can greatly influence how much protein you really need. We have all seen the huge jars of whey protein powder in the health food stores and other areas. Some people may think that this is what is meant by protein, since they may not realize that there are many sources of protein, including vegetarian sources. Protein is used by the body a number of ways, including to build, repair and maintain lean muscle mass, however, not all protein that is consumed will become muscles.

The myth that the more protein that you eat, the more muscle mass you will create is a common one, but it is simply a fallacy. If you eat more of any type of nutrient, regardless of what it is, you will not build lean muscle mass, but instead you will gain weight. We increase the amount of food and nutrients that we need by burning what is consumed. We lose weight by burning more than what is taken in. We do this by increasing the amount that we move around. That is why it is so important to incorporate exercise into any weight loss plans or efforts.

A sedentary person will need a minimal amount of protein, perhaps as low as .4 grams per kilogram of body weight. Those who do light to moderate exercises might increase their need to .5-.8 grams per kg of body weight. Intense exercisers might need up to a full gram of protein per kg of body weight, with intense exercise defined as moderate to intense exertion for 30-60 minutes at least four days or more per week.

Body builders, especially those who have supercharged their body to nearly twice their normal size, need even more protein per kg of body weight, but do not need to go above 1.5 grams per kg. It should be restated that the body builders do not get huge because of excess protein. They do so because of their genetics and intense workout efforts, coupled with good, balanced nutrition.

General Health Status

For the normal healthy person, the amount of protein that they need will vary between .4 grams per kg of body weight and 1 gram. Once you have learned how much protein that you need per day, you can start working out the proper eating plan that gives you good nutrition and adequate, healthy protein for your body’s needs. However, there are some conditions that might require extra protein on a temporary basis. These conditions include:

- Sickness, especially with fever

- Trauma or accident

- Burns

- Those recovering from surgery of any kind

The Conclusion

Protein is a vital nutrient used for a variety of body functions. Not only does protein play a role in the building of lean muscle mass, it is vital for every cell in the body. Protein is transformed into enzymes which are then used to push biochemical reactions forward. These reactions are used to carry compounds across the membranes and through the blood in every part of the body.

The clock is ticking for Americans, literally. Achieving a work-life balance, which remains to be a luxury for tens of millions of working parents, has been overtaken by an even greater demand: a work-life-nutrition balance. Sadly, the rising demand for nutrition doesn’t include a real strategy that will allow people to reclaim time from their rushed lives.

The result of this dilemma has been an additional layer of stress applied on top of an already demanding life. This has further highlighted stress as Americas top health problem something that was first brought to public attention in the early 1980s, and has since more obvious in the 2 decades since then[i].

Once the link between time mismanagement and stress is made and it is nearly axiomatic at this point that this link exists[ii] — a variety of adverse health and nutrition consequences often result. The vicious cycle that ensues is harrowing and recognized to most individuals through direct experience, or through painfully seeing it manifest in the life of a family member, friend, or colleague.

Stress can — and infrequently does — lead to unhealthy eating[iii], which in turn, leads to even more stress because the body is not receiving the essential micronutrients and vitamins that it requires. While this is occurring, since poor eating is often related to undesirable weight gain, another level of psychological stress this one related to body image problems is unleashed.

This is already a confirmation of a serious problem at this point, even if the cycle ends here, however the problem might continue and may only become worse from hereon.

The psychological stress caused by the body image problems and/or weight gain can typically lead to “emotional” eating. It is assumed that 75% of overeating incidents have been as a result of emotional eating[iv]. This, in turn, leads to yet more nutritional deficiency, since the emotional eating is typically of unhealthy comfort foods which can be rich in saturated fat. This as might be inferred — leads to yet more stress, and the cycle continues, unabated, often leading to malnutrition, obesity, and in more cases than most average individuals realize, even suicide.

The virtually clinical description of this negative cycle in the preceding paragraphs does not remotely capture the indescribable pain and suffering that tens of Individuals experience each day as a result of the collision of stress, lack of time, and poor eating habits. It is sufficient within the context of this article to firmly declare that it is a significant health crisis as no amount of description can presumably describe the general wreckage that this unfavourable loop causes.

No quick-fix solution to a problem of this magnitude is possible, and any attempt for an overnight resolution should be met with the most aggressive skepticism. To deal with with a scenario of this degree requires an identification of the root cause and then present remedies that can reduce, or in some circumstances, preclude the unfavourable loop from starting off in the first place.

One of the root causes of this problem has been noted already: an absence of time. If more Individuals had more time, or felt that that they had more time, the stress related to not having sufficient time would not be able to pull them under and into a destructive nutrition spiral. Therefore, a solution that works on this level of time is going to be helpful in solving this problem to some extent.

When we became conscious that time is of the essence, numerous nutritional supplements were created which were geared to deal with this particular concern. Sadly, though many supplements can be ingested rapidly, a few of them don’t necessarily provide for the body’s need for macronutrients and vitamins.

Furthermore, and fairly irresponsibly, many so-called energy bars are very high in calories and carbohydrates, and as such can result in emotional eating and set off weight gain. And it’s much more tragic to behold that lost in the race to market most nutritional supplement products are the intentions to help individuals save time, eat healthy, and avoid the potentially deadly negative stress cycles, instead of just about filling the companies’ pockets via cleverly crafted ad campaigns and slogans. This is confirmed by the proliferation of self-professed nutritional supplements which are basically only costly and pretentious versions of candy bars.

There are, nonetheless, some products that have risen to meet the disputed ethical standards; products which have been conceptualized by precise nutritional scientists who recognize the necessity in our society, and have made strides in an effort to create useful products to help meet this need.

The surest way to identify such products is to look for those which offer a complete and properly-balanced nutrition source for time-conscious individuals, which includes: adults, kids, athletes, sedentary people, and all those that fall in between. At the same time, these customized products ought to be capable of supply a comprehensive range of important nutrients so that when time is of the essence they will stand in as meal replacements if necessary.

The resolution to America’s problem stemming from a scarcity of time is much too immense for a single product, or even a series of products to work out . Despite the fact that a one-size-fits-all solution to this problem is not actually possible, it is clear however that the solution should focus more on resolving the causes rather than chasing symptoms, to be able to be more effective. In this regard, nutritional products such as well-researched and scientifically-developed meals and supplements will have a big role to play in the resolution of this explicit dilemma.

References

[i] Source: “America’s 1 Health Problem”. Stress.org. http://www.stress.org/problem.htm

[ii] Source: “Stress Management”. WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/hw/emotional_wellness/hw153409.asp?pagenumber=3

[iii] Source: “Nutrition”. SVCMC. http://svh.nymc.edu/quickcheck/mstress/nutri.asp

[iv] Source: “Are You an Emotional Eater?”. About.com. http://exercise.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/emotionaleating.htm