“Don’t take away my wine!” was the cry of many a woman over the last few weeks when research reported one glass of alcohol per day increases the risk of cancer. As one of my post-menopausal patients so eloquently stated, “When they took me off HRT years ago due to the negative studies I turned to wine to relax and unwind. Now I’ve got nothing so I’m going to need a doctor’s note in case I hurt someone.”
Of course she was saying this in jest however the latest research caused quite a ruckus amongst the female health world. As part of my initial consultation we discuss alcohol consumption and more often than not I find many women drink at least 7 glasses of alcohol per week.
Although I am okay with drinking in moderation, I explain to women that alcohol raises estrogen and essentially clogs up the liver. It causes hypoglycemia at night which makes it difficult for women to fall asleep or stay asleep and is dehydrating to our bodies. Over the long-term, alcohol can deplete our B-vitamins which are so essential to health.
Due to its empty calories, alcohol can slowly pack on the pounds and may be a reason behind elevated blood pressure, triglycerides, and/or liver enzymes. And while I understand that nothing tastes better on a hot day than a cold beer or chilled chardonnay, it’s best done on a limited basis of 2-3 drinks per week.
Monday, March 9, 2009
5 Tips to Avoiding the Flu this Season
Everywhere you turn someone is coughing, hacking, blowing their nose, and sneezing in your general direction. You try to take cover but the germs spray all over you and you feel yourself going down. Here are 5 tips to help avoid the flu or recover quickly.
1)First and foremost – wash your hands and wipe down the things you use most. When was the last time you cleaned your cell phone or keyboard? How about your phone at work or at home? Do you wash your hands after grocery shopping and handling the shopping cart? You may want to re-think your answer in flu-season!
2)Avoid sugar and sugary drinks. Sugar brings your immune system down and provides fuel for bad bacteria looking to grow out-of-control.
3)Limit your dairy products – this includes milk, cheese, ice cream, whipped cream, creamer…etc. Dairy causes your phlegm to become thicker which then sticks in your throat, sinuses, and lungs making it difficult to expel.
4)Get enough sleep! When you aren’t sleeping well then your body doesn’t get the opportunity to go through its repair process overnight. Feeling tired and run down makes you more susceptible to colds and flu’s.
5)If you do get sick – then stay hydrated and lay low. This is your time to rest and heal your body so that you don’t become sick again 3 weeks later.
1)First and foremost – wash your hands and wipe down the things you use most. When was the last time you cleaned your cell phone or keyboard? How about your phone at work or at home? Do you wash your hands after grocery shopping and handling the shopping cart? You may want to re-think your answer in flu-season!
2)Avoid sugar and sugary drinks. Sugar brings your immune system down and provides fuel for bad bacteria looking to grow out-of-control.
3)Limit your dairy products – this includes milk, cheese, ice cream, whipped cream, creamer…etc. Dairy causes your phlegm to become thicker which then sticks in your throat, sinuses, and lungs making it difficult to expel.
4)Get enough sleep! When you aren’t sleeping well then your body doesn’t get the opportunity to go through its repair process overnight. Feeling tired and run down makes you more susceptible to colds and flu’s.
5)If you do get sick – then stay hydrated and lay low. This is your time to rest and heal your body so that you don’t become sick again 3 weeks later.
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