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eDiets.com reserves the right to delete any comments we deem inappropriate.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Remember to Wash Your Hands!
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We all know that we should wash our hands after we use the bathroom, when we sneeze and before we eat. This should be a standard practice, but now a study now shows how washing our hands consistently throughout the day after any type of activity, can help keep us healthier.We don't always realize how germs can spread. When we are eating (before and after), shaking a hand, using a door handle or even using someone else's keyboard or mouse, we can be exposed to harmful germs. By simply remembering to wash our hands or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer throughout our day, we can help keep those germs from spreading and keep from getting sick.
There are so many illnesses that can be spread through not washing, it's the easiest method to prevent something severe. So. let's keep our hands clean!
Denise, DTR, CPT-AFAA
Nutrition Specialist
It's one day at a time and that's what you need to focus on; each day that you do this will make you stronger for the next!
Labels: bacteria
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Heads Up Germaphobes!
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The season is upon us and germs are lurking, perhaps in places we’d least expect them. According to Francis Largeman-Roth, senior editor for “Health” magazine, there are 12 areas in homes where germs tend pop up at alarming rates.First on the list is surprisingly not the bathroom. On average, there are 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain of the KITCHEN SINK alone! Not to mention sponges, faucets and basins are often dirtier than the ones in the bathroom. What's the solution? Antibacterial products will help wipe out most bacteria on counter tops and sinks. Also, run your sponge through the dish washer, with the dry cycle, to zap most of the bacteria there too!
Second on the list, and NO surprise to my husband, the airline pilot, but perhaps to you - airplane lavatories. Let’s just say all surfaces within these confines are places where E. coli and other nasty germs are likely to be found. Careful when you flush the toilet in this lavatory environment as the great swirl often swishes upward. Turn your back, flush and run!
Those are just the first two areas where germs hide out. Check out this article for ten more places that might shock you into antibacterial submission as well as to find solutions to get through this otherwise wonderful time of the year.
The wise words of Mrs. Eiker, my kindergarten teacher, still echo in my head, “Cover your sneeze please” and it looks like she was right!
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
You never know what you can do, unless you try!
Labels: bacteria
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Chocolate Cravings, a Weakness or Bacteria-Induced?
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Good news to all of us chocoholics, there might be a reason for our chocolate cravings after all. Now we can say it is not due to a lack of self control, but attribute it to the type of bacteria found in our gut instead. I know, I know, one more excuse to have my afternoon treat. Well, then let's find out the complete story!According to MSN article “Chocolate cravings may be a real gut feeling,” the reason why we might eat chocolate on a daily basis could be due to the type of amino acids produced by the bacteria in our gut. A study conducted by Sunil Kochhar, involved in metabolic research at the Nestle research center in Switzerland, found that individuals that eat chocolate have a high content of glycine while those that do not eat chocolate had elevated levels of taurine.
There is more good news! According to the article, the individuals that ate chocolate daily reported lower levels of bad cholesterol, LDL. Remember, dark chocolate is recommended instead of white chocolate due to its antioxidant power.
The debate is now focused on whether the bacteria found in our gut changes with our eating habits? Or is the bacteria making us crave chocolate? I say we blame it on the bacteria!
Wendy, BSc, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition Specialist
"Thoughts determine what you want...Action determines what you get."
Monday, October 15, 2007
Introducing Probiotics: The Good Bacteria
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One of the latest trends in reducing infections, is the use of “probiotics”. Probiotics as defined by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”You see, when antibiotics are used to treat illness they not only kill the bad bacteria, they kill the good bacteria that is there to keep us healthy. So the idea of using antibiotics in conjunction with probiotics will replace the “good” bacteria the antibiotic removed.
Research has shown many advantages with the use probiotic, like treating diarrhea, IBS, lactose intolerance, cramping, bloating and even eczema (especially in children).
With all the great benefits of probiotics the market is now saturated with new products containing them. However, Registered Dietitian, Carrie Miller advocates the best source of probiotic is from your food. Miller states, “when it comes in a food source, your body knows how to use it”. Yogurt is a great choice but all yogurts aren't created equal, “choose products made by companies invested in doing research on their products “said Mary Ellen Sanders, a microbiologist and leading expert on probiotics.
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“The best way out is always through”
Labels: bacteria
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Germ-fighting Cocktail?
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This is too good to be true! Research is now showing that the organic compounds found in both white and red wines have germ-fighting abilities for your teeth and throat; however, it seems red wines exhibit stronger antibacterial effects than whites...but not by much. This is great news for me since I'm partial to Rieslings and Pinot Grigios. But of course there has to be a down side to any new and exciting discovery, right?! In this case, the acidity of the wine can actually soften your tooth's enamel, so it is best to wait at least 20 minutes after enjoying a glass of wine before brushing.
So let us all raise our glasses to the new mouthwash...Cheers!
Tracey, MS, RD
Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition Specialist
"Where there's a will, there's a way"
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