Aussie Chemist Info

If you think could be allergic or even just sensitive to a food then should confirm that suspicion by performing an elimination diet. The elimination diet is not aimed at weight loss, the elimination diet’s goal is to identify foods that you maybe allergic or even just sensitive too and that don’t agree with your body’s immune system.

The aim of this is to give you the information to perform an elimination diet.

Before starting the Elimination Diet you need to identify symptoms that you are currently suffering. These may include things like swelling, itching, rashes, nausea, vomiting, increased mucous, difficulty breathing, fatigue, joint pain, general discomfort, itchy eyes, etc. When you have identified these symptoms write them down next to the date that you are starting your elimination diet.
Next you should make a list of all the foods you eat that contain common allergens like milk, soy, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and peanuts or any foods that you think you maybe allergic too. These are the foods that you are going to avoid on your elimination diet. For one month you do not eat anything containing these common allergens or whatever specific food you suspect may be causing your problems.

At the end of the month check your list of symptoms that you wrote down. Circle the symptoms that you are no longer experiencing. These problems were likely caused by one of these foods. You have now identified that you have an allergy or sensitivity to food and you know that by eliminating that from your diet you can eliminate the symptoms.
You now need to hone in on which food specifically is causing you grief. To do this, add in one food group at a time. Maybe you start by eating nuts for a couple of days. If you don’t notice a return in your symptoms then nuts were probably not the problem. Maybe next you try eggs, if you notice that your symptoms have returned then eggs may be the culprit.

It is best not to stop after the first time you find a problem food. You could be sensitive to more than one kind of food. If you find a winner early on avoid that food for another couple of days and then move on to re-introducing the next food. Do this until you have tried re-introducing all of the foods that you had eliminated. By the end you should have a pretty good idea of what foods you have reactions to.

Elimination diets are often the first tool used by allergists to discover food allergies. You might want to get a head start on the process and save yourself the time and expense of visiting your allergist by performing an elimination diet on your own. It is one of the oldest and most effective ways to find if you are allergic or sensitive to a food. If after one month on the elimination diet your symptoms have not changed, you should see your allergist. Your allergy or sensitivity may be environmental or chemical in nature or the product of a more illusive allergen.

In reality you probably have what is called Lactose Intolerance is very different from a food allergy. An allergic reaction is when the body has an immune response to specific food proteins, Lactose Intolerance occurs when your body isn’t able to properly digest the sugar lactose which is found in milk products. The reason the body is unable to properly digest lactose is because it does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase which is produced in the lining of the small intestine. A person can be allergic to cow’s milk, but this is an immune response; Lactose Intolerance is a digestive problem.

What are the symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
If you have bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhea or even nausea after consuming dairy products then you may be Lactose Intolerance. The symptoms of Lactose Intolerance can happen very quickly or even as long as two hours after consuming dairy products. Other disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome that can cause similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis is important that to ensure that the correct treatment can be given.

There are at least three types of tests that can be used to diagnose Lactose Intolerance:

1. The Lactose Intolerance test is a blood test done over two hours. A person does not eat for a period of time and then consumes some milk product. The blood test tests how the body is processing sugar in the blood and this is a good indicator of how the body is processing Lactose from milk since it is a sugar.

2. The Hydrogen Breath test measures the amount of hydrogen in a person’s breath. If you have very little or no lactase in your body to break down lactose in your bowel, then small intestine bacteria will break it down instead, which leads to the production of gases including hydrogen. In this test a person drinks a milk product and then their breath is tested for elevated amounts of hydrogen being produced in their body and expelled through the lungs.

3. The Stool Acidity test is usually used to diagnose Lactose Intolerance in children and infants. As the undigested lactose is broken down by small intestine bacteria a byproduct of this is lactic acid which can be detected in stool samples.

There are few different causes of Lactose Intolerance such as the decreased production of lactase as we age, damage to the small intestine through injury or disease and there have been genetic links that have been found in people with Lactose Intolerance.

There is no cure for Lactose Intolerance, but treatment is simple and very effective. One obvious treatment is an avoidance diet. This is a diet that specifically contains no dairy products. Another simple treatment is the addition of Lactase to their diet when eating dairy products, which can be bought over the counter and sprinkled on your food. Finally there are an increasing number of readily available products that are lactose free or reduced. You can look for these products in your local supermarket.

So the next time someone remarks that you have a milk allergy you can respond by saying your Lactose intolerant but you do not have to give up your chocolate Ice cream.

Have you ever eaten a food that made you feel very ill, or worse had to go to the hospital because your body reacted severely to eating certain foods? These reactions could be caused by a food allergy. Food allergies are a result of the body’s immune system responding to proteins found in the food we eat. Sometimes this reaction is a minor, but in the cases of anaphylaxis which is a severe allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and causes a life–threatening response which can lead to difficulty breathing and shock ultimately leading to death.

The body’s response to a food allergy can take many different forms and affect different body systems.
*In the digestive system a person can experience stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain. These can be similar to symptoms of Gastro-enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome or Lactose Intolerance, so it is very important to get properly diagnosed in order to receive the correct treatment.
*In the respiratory system, food allergies may manifest as runny nose, scratchy throat, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. In more severe reactions you may experience shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. If you ever have a more severe reaction it is recommended you seek medical attention immediately.
*Skin reaction which can appear as hives, eczema, itching eyes, skin, mouth or throat. You may experience more severe reactions of swelling of the face, lips tongue or throat. These reactions must be treated immediately as this can lead to breathing difficulties.
*It may affect also effect your nervous system and sometimes the connection between mood swings and mental depression is not always easily recognizable.

What exactly is a food allergy?
Most are under the classification of an Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response. These are antibodies that are produced in the body that attack non-disease causing substances, which in this case are proteins found in certain foods. Some people are genetically predisposed to have this type of immune response. When a certain type of allergen passes into the digestive tract, the body releases IgE and this also causes chemicals such as histamines to be released. This leads to swelling. In the case of the intestinal lining, this change can lead to digestive problems.

Diagnosis is usually done by an allergist, who will perform skin prick tests and blood tests.
* Skin prick testing is most commonly performed on the forearm, although it is sometimes preformed on the back. The forearm is first cleaned with alcohol, then a drop of allergen extract is placed onto a marked area of skin. Using a sterile need, a small prick through the drop is made. This allows a small amount of allergen to enter the skin. If you are allergic, a small lump will appear after about 15-20 minutes. While the skin prick test can determine if the body will have a reaction to a certain type of food allergen, it cannot predict what reaction might happen if a person ingests that food allergen.
* In blood tests, the level of IgE antibodies is measured. There are certain average levels of accepted IgE levels for certain foods and if they are higher than that then a person is considered to have a food allergy. In general blood tests are less likely to accurately detect allergies than the skin test, and may give misleadingly falsely positive or false negative results.

So what can be done if you have a food allergy?
There is no cure for food allergies. It is recommended that you avoid any foods that you have an allergy too. Many labels on foods now state that there are certain kinds of potential food allergens either in the food or around the food; it is also a great idea to ask at restaurants if the food contains any potential food allergens. If a person suffers severe reactions to food allergens they may be prescribed an Epipen which administers epinephrine which can halt the allergic reaction. Or reduce the severity of a allergy reaction.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has a food allergy it is a good idea to be tested to make sure and to find out how bad you may react to the food allergen.
Food allergy testing is usually done by an allergist, who will perform skin prick tests and blood tests.
* Skin prick tests introduce a tiny amount of different possible allergy causing substances to the skin and they look for a skin reaction such as swelling or itching. While the skin prick test can determine if the body will have a reaction to a certain type of food allergen, it cannot predict what reaction might happen if a person ingests that food allergen.
* In blood tests, the level of IgE antibodies is measured. There are certain average levels of accepted IgE levels for certain foods and if they are higher than that then a person is considered to have a food allergy.

The first symptom of an allergic reaction to food is often itching and swelling of the lips or in the mouth, tongue and throat. Some or all of the following symptom are also related to food allergies:

* skin reactions, such as swelling and itching, eczema and red flushing of the skin.
* Nausea,vomiting and/or stomach cramps, diarrhea
* Coughing, wheezing or a runny nose and watery eyes
* Swelling of the lips, eyes and/ or face
* Sore, red and itchy eyes and ears
* Headaches or Migraines

Allergic food reactions usually happen within a few minutes of eating food that you are allergic to, but they can take several hours to develop.

Some people develop a severe, whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This is a rare but potentially fatal allergic reaction where the symptoms develop all over the body, causing swelling, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure and breathing problems. Problems also arise when the mouth and throat swell making it difficult to breath.

There seems to be an increase in Western Civilizations of food allergies. It has been reported that at least 6% of all children and 4% of adults living in western countries have food allergies.
There are eight main types of foods people are allergic to that constitute at least 90% of all types of food allergies;
The most common food allergies are:
milk,
peanuts,
tree nuts,
eggs,
seafood,
shellfish,
soy and wheat.

Just when you think the worst of the menopause symptoms are over, there is the menopause weight gain symptom to deal with. Weight gain begins primarily during perimenopause. It is estimated that a woman may gain a pound a year during this time.

There are many causes of menopausal weight gain and the following is beleived to be the main reasons:

*It is believed that hormone levels associated with menopause are a factor but may not the sole cause of weight gain. However, aging and lifestyle does play a major role in how your body changes over the course of time.

*Menopausal women tend to exercise less; eat more; and burn fewer calories. The result is a shift in the composition of your body which results in more fat and less muscle as your metabolism slows down.

*Genetics most definitely contribute to weight gain. If your parents are on the heavy side, chances are you or one of your siblings will inherit that particular body type as well.

While we all know that weight gain can cause health problems, excess weight gain during menopause increases the chance of developing serious conditions. Studies have shown that women who gain in excess of 20 pounds after menopause increase their breast cancer risk by nearly 20 percent. On the other hand, women who lose weight after menopause can reduce their risk of breast cancer by that much and more. It is estimated that women who lose 20 pounds after menopause reduce their breast cancer risk by as much as 23 percent.

In order to maintain a healthy body and reduce the risk of weight gain after menopause, you need to maintain proper balanced diet combined with regular exercise. Exercise increases the metabolism, which allows you to burn fat. In addition, strength training exercises increase muscle mass, which not only boost your metabolism but strengthens your bones as well.

While everyone knows the benefits of a proper diet, it has also been established that as you age you require less than 200 calories a day to maintain your weight. This applies to women in their mid to late 40’s. Thus, if you begin to establish and maintain a healthy diet with the onset of perimenopause, it is more likely you will not gain as much weight when you are in a full menopausal stage.

We all have to deal with the changes in our bodies as we age; there is no escaping that fact. As we get older; parts of our body will sag; shrink, and expand. Perhaps the trick is to not worry about what you can’t control, but to control the things you can. Menopause and weight gain can be managed and controlled and you will live a long productive healthy life.

Obesity continues to be a serious problem and is predicted to reach epidemic levels before it gets better.

Here are some diseases that you are putting yourself in risk of if you are carrying a lot of extra weight:

1. heart disease
2. stroke
3. diabetes
4. cancer
5. arthritis
6. hypertension

Losing weight helps to prevent and control these diseases.

The quick weight loss methods which have spread like fire these days do not provide lasting results, it is better to rely on a healthy weight loss lifestyle option which will provide a lifetime results. You have to set realistic goals and not expect to lose a lot of weight in a short span of time.

Here are some tips on how you can lose those unwanted pounds the healthy way:

1. Do not starve your self.

The key to a healthier way of losing weight is: Do not diet.

You may seem happy and feel that you are losing those unwanted flabs on your belly and thighs by skipping meals. But remember that this would not last long. Your body cannot tolerate having insufficient food to fuel the energy that you use up everyday.

2. Start your day right with breakfast.

Mothers always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Have a healthy meal in the morning to jump-start your metabolism.

Your food intake after you wake up will be used to burn fat all day long.

3. Eat small, healthy meals frequently.

Five small-serving snacks per day is better than three hearty meals. Eating more frequently, and in small servings, can prevent over-eating. This will also increase your metabolism and make calories burn faster.

4. Decide on how much weight you want to lose.

Keep your goals realistic. In the long run, it is virtually impossible for you to lose 40 pounds in 2 weeks. Have a mindset that you want to eat healthy to stay healthy for the rest of your life.

Once you have decided on a weight loss plan or program, stick to it and make sure that you follow your own set of dieting rules.

5. Drink lots of water.

Your body needs sufficient water to burn fat and keep your cells hydrated and healthy.

6. Avoid large amounts of sugar.

Plan your meals around lots of fruits and vegetables, some bread, rice or pasta for that carbo fix that you need, plus lean meat and protein rich-foods. Sweets, sodas and pastries should be once-in-a-while indulgences only.

7. Watch your fat intake.

Fat is not the culprit to being overweight. You need this to keep your weight at the proper level.

There is such a thing as healthy fats. Olive, peanuts and canola oil have them. Tuna, salmon and mackerel have omega-3 fats which is good for the heart.

8. Exercise.

Leave your car if you are only going a few blocks from home, take the stairs instead of the elevator, jog, cycle or skate. Use these activites and other home chores if you are too lazy to go to the gym and take exercise classes. Make sure that you do this regularly and you will not even notice that you are already shedding pounds with these mundane activities.

It does not matter how much weight you plan or need to lose. What is important is that you set realistic goals for yourself.

Eat healthy, drink lots of water, have enough sleep and exercise. This will give you a greater chance of losing weight and improving your health on a long term basis, which would result to a new, healthier you.

by: Michelle P James

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne, and is only used externally
Benzoyl peroxide medication is available in many preperations such as creams, lotions or gels that are usually applied once or twice a day to the acne affected area. A small amount is applied to the affected area and rubbed in gently.

What are the side effects of Benzoyl peroxide
The use of Benzoyl peroxide medication may produce the following side effects initially that usually do not require medical attention;

* increased sensitivity to the sun, keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
* mild burning or stinging
* red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days

However, notify your doctor if the following effects occur:
severe redness
irritation
scaly eruptions,and or rash.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment with Benzoyl peroxide, and then start to improve. It may take 8 to 12 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect. If you do not see any improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, call your doctor or health care professional.

You should not use this Benzoyl peroxide if you are:
* under 12 years old
* should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy and as it is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Though there have no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Benzoyl peroxide should not be used with
Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with Benzoyl peroxide, unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional: medicated cosmetics, cosmetics that dry the skin (especially products that contain alcohol), rough soaps or cleaners, and any other acne preparation or skin treatment. If you use these products in combination with Benzoyl peroxide they can increase the risk of skin irritation.

Benzoyl peroxide products may bleach hair or colored fabrics.
Avoid getting the medication on your clothes.

The cervix is located in the lower narrow portion of the uterus, this opening to the passageway is called the cervical canal. During a menstrual period the blood flows down from the uterus through the canal and into the vagina. Producing mucus that helps sperm move from the vagina to the uterus, the cervix remains tightly closed. Knowing where and what the cervix does will help a lot when discussing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the formation of abnormal cells on the lining of the cervix. Normally as cells grow they divide, the old cells die, and new cells replace them. When the normal process by which cells divide goes wrong, masses of tissue known as tumors begin to grow. Benign tumors are not life threatening and normally can easily be removed permanently. They usually stay in one location and do not normally spread to other parts of the body. However, some tumors are malignant; these are the ones that are a lot more serious as they have the possibility of spreading and growing at alarming rates if not caught early. They are life threatening and can be removed but sometimes grow again. When these malignant tumors occur, they are known as cancer.

Risk factors that can contribute to the possibility of developing cervical cancer are infections. The main infection that causes cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus,
These are common viruses that are extremely contagious. It is estimated that most adults have at one time in their lives been infected with HPV because of coming into sexual contact with another person with the virus. It can cause changes to the cervix that will eventually turn into cancer, warts, or other uncomfortable and unpleasant problems. A weakened immune system will have the same affect. The cervix of women who have had many sexual partners have a higher level of risk than those who have not. Sometimes normal aging is a factor of abnormal cells, usually occurring in women over the of age 40.

Cancer that spreads from its place of origin to another part of the body, produces a new tumor that is identical to the original cells and therefore the cancer is the same no matter what part of the body it has spread to. For example: if a woman has cervical cancer that has spread to her breast we would not call this breast cancer but we would say that the cervical cancer cells are located in her breast. It would be treated as cervical cancer and not breast cancer.

Regular screenings for cervical cancer is imperative as the cells can be prevented from forming into cervical cancer way before symptoms begin. It is recommend that regular PaP smear test are performed to find cervical cancer or abnormal cells that lead to cancer of the cervix. Girls and women ages 9 to 26 of age can be vaccinated with Gardasil, which protects against the two types of HPV responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine also blocks infection by two other strains responsible for 90 percent of genital wart cases. The vaccine works best when given to girls before they begin having sex and run the risk of HPV infection. The vaccine may not protect people already infected and may increase their risk of the kind of lesions that can lead to cervical cancer

Early detection in is the way to preventing this kind of cancer, it is treatable with a high rate of success, so get tested regularly to prevent this from becoming a big problem.