Whooping Cough Vaccine, A Secret Weapon to Protect Your Infant

As an earlier intervention, DTP (Diphteria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccines, should be best shot to 28-38 weeks pregnant women for helping them protect their infant from a "deadly" whooping cough. Whooping cough (pertussis) is contagious and is not too dangerous for adult, but it is so highly lethal for newborn and infant less than 1 year-old.

Some women may argue that they have ever had DTP vaccination when they were infant. Based on that statement, some studies has been done to all adults who have ever got DTP vaccination when they were child, and you know what? Nothing left. There were no more spesific antibody found in their bodies to attack whooping cough.

Some clinical data showed that DTP/whooping cough vaccine only persisted for 6 - 8 years after shot.

Most pregnant women may not show any signs and symptoms of whooping cough, but they are susceptible to re-infection or they can be a "healthy carrier" of pertussis bacteria for their future child.

Other issue that women who have ever got whooping cough will have their antibody automatically. Well, it's only half-right. You created your own antibody automatically, but it does not cover you for life. It only covers you for 10 - 15 years after its first onset.

Nowaday, this DTP shot urgently required for pregnant women in America and Europe, but it could be also required next in Asia, Africa, and other countries around the world. Yes!! All pregnant women whole the world should warn themselves and their family member around her for every possibilities of pertussis bacteria spread, since it's easy to spread when you breath.

For more peace of mind, all women should re-taken the DTP/whooping cough vaccine before they pregnant, and if you are a pregnant women, go consult to your doctor before taking your whooping cough shot.

SOURCE

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Best Gluten Free Diet Plan

Below are some examples of a balanced and delicious meals you can eat throughout the day, if you are a gluten-free person.

Breakfast

• 1 piece of gluten-free toast with peanut butter and a small bowl of fresh berries
• Egg white omelet filled with low-fat cheese and sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers
• Fruit smoothie made with low-fat milk and yogurt free of gluten additives
• Gluten-free cereal with low-fat milk and a small piece of fresh fruit

*Add coffee with artificial sweetener and low-fat milk to any of these!

Lunch

• Tuna salad made with light mayo on gluten-free crackers or gluten-free whole grain bread
• Spinach salad with tomatoes, carrots, and grilled chicken tossed in a light gluten-free salad dressing
• Chicken and cheese quesadilla fixed on a corn tortilla with a side of black or pinto beans
• Yogurt parfait made with low-fat vanilla yogurt and fresh berries, plus a gluten-free granola bar

Dinner

• Rice noodles topped with sautéed vegetables and tofu
• Grilled salmon filet with wild rice and a side salad (with light gluten-free dressing)
• Baked chicken breast with corn on the cob, and steamed broccoli
• Tacos made with pure corn tortillas filled with lean ground beef, black beans, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and low-fat cheese
• Some ideas for gluten-free snacks and sides
• seasoned steamed vegetables
• 1 small piece of fresh fruit (pears, apples, bananas, nectarines, clementines, or 1/2 of a grapefruit)
• fresh vegetables (cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, broccoli florets, celery sticks, etc.) with gluten-free light ranch dip or bean dip
• peanut butter and gluten-free rice crackers
• hard-boiled egg
• fruit and nut trail mix (~1/4 cup is a serving)
• 1 piece of gluten-free whole grain toast with hummus

Eating Out
You may find it hard to eat health when you are gluten-free. Try to find restaurants in your area that cater to gluten-free diets. Some restaurants have gluten-free sections on their menu or they may have ingredient lists on their website.

Also, plan ahead if you are going to a wedding, out to eat, or somewhere else where food is being provided. Always call to find out what your options are ahead of time. If needed, pack your own snacks and food with enough carbohydrates to get you through the day.

SOURCE

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Is Oatmeal Gluten-Free?

Gluten-Free Diet with Oatmeal

Based on Nutrition Service Journal of Massachusetts General Hospital in 2008, pure oatmeal is naturally gluten-free. However, most oats brand often contaminated with avenin in wheat or other grains that you need to avoid if you have gluten intolerance, even if you can find some sources of uncontaminated oats available on the market, but I’m not sure that 100% gluten-free oats guaranteed. If you would like to try and see, you are free to do so.

Gluten is a type of plant protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with gluten intolerance usually due to the celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder in small intestine, can’t digest gluten properly. Actually, the tiniest bit of gluten even damage their small intestine and makes them feel bad, often resulting in weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.

People with gluten intolerance usually show some common signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, and short memory loss.

This really a big problem since people with celiac disease is untreated, unless they can find or make a gluten-free diet which is the only lifetime cure for this disorder. 

How Do I Know a Tolerated Meals with a Gluten-Free Diet?

There are some substitutes like rice flour, almond meal flour, coconut flour, and potato flour, that you can use for home baking, plus buckwheat flour to create your own gluten-free bread, and combine with peanut butter and a glass of milk. Well, that all sounds good for your gluten-free breakfast ideas. Some alternate breakfast ideas can also provided by the daily mix of fruits, eggs, dairy products, and nuts.

You may say goodbye to your branded sandwich for lunch, if you don’t want to make some by yourself using either wheat-free or gluten-free bread. Good combination of cheese, chicken or meat, salad with fish, and avocado slices may be an option for your weekly lunches menu.

You may not miss your snack, too.  Cheese with fruits and mix yogurt can be a good options.

Your dinner time can be colorful with a great combination of some wheat-free carb products, such as potatoes, rice, quinoa, legumes, fruits, milk or yogurt; and meals like protein of fish, meat or seafood, poultry, butter fats, olive oil and avocado.

Resources: 

Nutrition Service. Massachusetts General Hospital. 2008

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New Studies of Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms in 2013

Recently, there were some studies by some scientists in the different countries for vitamin D deficiency symptoms. The results were quite surprising.

Scientists at University of Oslo, Norway, found that vitamin D deficiency likely responsible to the flu epidemic in Netherlands last week. According to the study, lack of UV solar radiation exposure due to this winter months drops the level of body's vitamin D, which is simultaneously weaken the body immune system.

[Photo by lifementalhealth.com]

The other research claimed that vitamin D deficiency has contributed to the premenopausal breast cancer. In that study, the team from UC San Diego, USA, led by Professor Cedric Garland, surprisingly found that half of 1,200 samples of women serum which had low vitamin D level had the risk of breast cancer three times higher than women in high vitamin D group.

The hottest news showed by a study that vitamin D deficiency related to depression or mental health. Study took place in different countries by different researchers in different occasions. Jane Maddock from the UCL Institute of Child Health, UK, examined data from the 7,401 people of the 1958 British birth group. Study used the questionnaires to explicate the behaviors of whom at 45 years-old. The results indicated that 45 years-old people with high level of vitamin D, at least 75 nmol/l, had a good control of their panic and lower risk of depression behavior.

Smaller study held by Sonal Pathak, MD., endocrinologist at Bay Health Endocrinology in Dover, Del. She studied three women who have vitamin D deficiency, who also in medication of underactive thyroid gland. Their vitamin D levels ranged from 8.9 to 14.5 ng/mL, while the normal levels are above 30 ng/mL, according to guidelines of The Endocrine Society. The women got vitamin D therapy for 8 to 12 weeks, and improved the level to 32 to 38 ng/mL. That was impressive.

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Get Rid of Your Sharp Pain in Stomach After Eating Once and For All

Some people often feel sharp pain in stomach after eating. There is a mild problem due to overeating but there is also a serious lead.

Reported by Livestrong.com, the onset of mild pain in stomach after eating probably caused by eating too much or excess gas formation in the stomach, but, it possibly indicates more serious condition if the pain become severe and often repeated.

Here are some causes of sharp pain in stomach after eating:

1. Overeating, which means that you eat more than your stomach can "eat". Eating too much will make a person feel sleepy and tired that people prefer to sit or sleep, then. This is what usually causes pain in stomach after eating. Eating too much, mainly eat unhealthy food, and sleep after eating can interrupt digestive process which can lead to many problems, especially digestive problems.
2. Intense pain in the lower right abdomen. This may be caused by appendicitis, which usually followed by nausea, vomiting or fever.
3. Gallstone induces abdominal pain in the right upper abdomen. This pain can radiate to the right upper back, right shoulder or chest.
4. Caused by Pancreatitis, in the event of severe abdominal pain in the upper abdomen after 6-12 hours of eating a heavy meal. Pain begins in the upper abdomen and spread to the sides and back which may be followed by nausea, increased heart rate, or fever.
5. The possibility of pelvic inflammation, heart attacks, ulcers in the stomach or food poisoning. All of these things can cause extreme abdominal pain after eating.

So What Can We Do?

Everyone needs to eat to provide energy. Stomach and small intestine secrete enzymes and hormones when food is digested. This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that we consume into useful material for body cells.

Most of the material is used as an energy booster, generating heat, or stored as glycogen or fat. However, some of them contribute to produce gases which cause stomach to be bloated, inflammation or any kind of discomfort.

To make your stomach more calm and relieve the pain, you need to eat food that is friendly to your stomach, and keep away from other types of foods and beverages that can cause abdominal pain. As reported by Healthmeup.com, here's how to choose foods that are good for the stomach:

Pay Attention to Your Eating Habits
If you get sharp pain in stomach after eating, you have to change the type of food you eat and your eating habits. You should eat a snack like fruit or bread at breakfast, not a heavy meal like steak or cheeseburger.

You should not eat 2-3 hours before bed. Lying on a full stomach can press your lower esophageal sphincter, a valve that keeps stomach acid and food does not come back up into the esophagus.

Eat Enough Fiber
Eating foods that contain plenty of fiber is an excellent way to maintain digestive health and prevent constipation. You need a variety of fibers such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in order to keep your colon healthy.

Some people do not fit in with the cereals and grains as it can cause bloating and bowel irritation. If this happens, you can eat fiber from fruits and vegetables instead.

Drink Lots of Water
It is important for you to keep drinking lots of water, because it can launch your digestive and disposal systems. Fiber works like a sponge, absorbing water. If no fluid, fiber can’t do the job and can lead to constipation, so you need consuming plenty of water. Drink two glasses of water before and after eating. You should also avoid caffeine because it can cause stomach discomfort.

Watch Your Food Composition
You need to avoid spicy food if it makes your stomach heat, pain in your stomach or even diarrhea. Some people also do not fit with certain foods. Acidic foods such as tomatoes, oranges and soft drinks can also cause abdominal pain.

If you can’t digest lactose (the sugar in milk), which happens to be the stomach bloating and diarrhea after drinking or eating products containing milk, such as cream, cheese, yogurt and chocolate milk.
 

Choose the Right Drinks
Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, may increase the gastric acid and cause stomach problems in some people. To reduce digestive problems, choose drinks that are not carbonated and contains no caffeine, such as herbal teas and water. If you must consume tea or coffee, limit your intake. One or two cups a day is enough.

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