Generally, most picky eaters will outgrow their finicky eating patterns but what about those who don’t? Surprisingly, some adults who were former picky eaters as kids never really change that narrative.
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Read MoreThe second largest organ in your body, your liver, is sort of a jack of all trades. It can process what you eat and drink into energy, makes cholesterol, stores various vitamins and minerals, removes bilirubin from the blood along with other harmful substances, makes bile to help digest fat, and regulates the composition of blood.
Read MoreUp to 45 million people in the U.S. have an open sore in the lining of their gastrointestinal tract known as an ulcer. An ulcer can occur in the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), the stomach (gastric ulcer), and the esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Ulcers are often referred to as “peptic ulcers” to indicate they occur in the digestive tract.
Read MoreOften confused with osteoporosis, osteopenia is a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal but not to the extent of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease. The decreased bone density of osteopenia can lead to bone weakening and bone fragility with an increased risk of breaking a bone.
Read MoreIBS is a disorder affecting between 25 to 45 million people in the US who know all too well the disabling symptoms it can cause disrupting their lives. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder causing pain in the belly, gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. Up to 1 in 5 Americans have chronic IBS with symptoms lasting for years or a lifetime.
Read MoreOne of the most complex pieces of machinery found in our body is our colon. More than just an inert tube attached to the tail end of our digestive system (our rectum), our colon dutifully performs what no other organ cares to deal with – our bowel movements. But in addition to that thankless yet necessary job is the fact our colon also directs the balance of fluid and electrolytes in the body and plays host to a crucial ecosystem of bacteria playing a vital role in our health. Until something goes wrong with this essential organ, many of us fail to appreciate just what our colon means to our health and well-being.
Read MoreThe exact cause of anorexia nervosa – an eating disorder that predominantly affects women – is not known. Biological ,psychological and even environmental – Western culture's unhealthy obsession withbeing thin – factors all have their own camps and adherents. Likely it is some combination of the three.
Read MoreAs recent as the 2010 DGA, and for many years previous, the recommendation has been to limit dietary cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams (mg) per day.
Read MoreRob Kardashian, 28-year-old reality television star seen on ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’, has been diagnosed with diabetes after being rushed to the hospital for feeling ill. This is news to him and the family, as they were unaware he was diabetic. As seen on the reality show, Rob has gained a significant amount of weight over the last few years and has been battling with depression. As a result, he has removed himself from the public eye and no longer appears on the show with his sisters and mother.
Read MoreA new reports says that one in five, or about 20 percent, of American kids have unhealthy levels of cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are even worse for children who are obese as over 43 percent of obese kids have bad cholesterol levels. Among this group, teenagers have the worst cholesterol levels; 27 percent are aged 16 to 19 years old. Heart disease with artery clogging blockages can start as young as three years old.
About 21 percent of American children and teens have some form of “abnormal” cholesterol. And nearly 14 percent of kids have unhealthily low levels of “good” cholesterol. Cholesterol levels in children are mainly associated with diet, obesity, and heredity.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the cells of our bodies. We naturally produce cholesterol because it makes other essential substances such as vitamin D or hormones. It also makes substances to help with digestion. However, cholesterol is also found in the food we consume such as poultry, meat, and dairy products. Consuming foods that are high in saturated and trans-fats makes our liver produce more cholesterol than we need. Too much cholesterol causes plaque to develop in the walls of the arteries. Increased cholesterol levels can eventually lead to serious health problems such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. “Bad cholesterol” is also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol create a buildup of plaque in the artery walls, which can cause the arteries to become blocked. This can result in atherosclerosis, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
“Good” cholesterol is also known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the artery walls. Good levels of HDL cholesterol help protect us from heart attacks and strokes. However, a low HDL cholesterol levels may increase the risk of developing heart disease.
When should your child have their cholesterol levels checked? It is recommended that children start screening as early as age 2, but no later than age 10. If the fasting lipid profile is normal, they should be screened again in three to five years.
For kids who are overweight or obese and who have a high blood-fat level or low level of "good" HDL cholesterol, the first form of treatment is to lose weight. This can be done by eating a healthier diet, getting more physical exercise, and often times getting nutritional counseling.
Tips for children to improve cholesterol levels
· Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, biking, and swimming, can help raise HDL levels which lowers the risk for heart disease.
· Eat a healthy diet. Eat foods low in total fat, saturated fat, trans-fat, and cholesterol. Make sure to eat a variety of foods in order to get all the essential nutrients.
Stress can take a toll on your blood sugar levels. The most common type of stress is often associated with work. When you are feeling overwhelmed and under a lot of stress, your body releases hormones that can make your increase your blood sugar. This is more common in people with type 2 diabetes. To de-stress, learn how to relax and practice deep breathing. Exercise can help too. Also, try to eliminate some of the things that are making you so stressed out.
Read MoreHeart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women. There are 720,000 deaths every year as a result of heart attacks.
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