BLOG 295 TOFU

BLOG 295 TOFU

Tofu is a popular soy product that originates from China. It is made by condensing soy milk and pressing it into blocks (very similar to how cheese is made). To keep in this solid block-form, nigari is used which is a type of salt that comes from seawater. One of the more recent debates regarding soy is that soybeans are mostly grown in the U.S. Their production is widely from the use of GMO’s. The effects of genetically modified crops on health are still in need of long-term research. Tofu is a protein choice among those who practice a vegan/vegetarian diet.

Eating tofu can be part of a healthy diet because it is full of nutrients and is low in calories. About 100 grams or 3.5 ounces of tofu has about 145 calories, 17 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbohydrates. It does have 9 grams of fat in this serving. There are also other nutrients including calcium (53% of daily value), manganese (51% of daily value), iron, vitamin A, and magnesium, all in it.

Another great quality of tofu is that it contains isoflavones. These play a role in the activation of estrogen. Isoflavones act as phytoestrogens, so they act like the role estrogen plays in the body, but they don’t stimulate menstruation or mark inflammation. This is a topic of controversy revolving around the increased risk of cancer for women, especially those who are postmenopausal. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined that isoflavones don’t increase the risk for thyroid, breast, or uterine cancer. Other research says that women who eat more soy are less likely to die of cancer if they were diagnosed. They also may be less likely to have re-occurrence of cancer. One study has even said women who eat soy are up to 32% less likely to have breast cancer. There are great benefits of isoflavones tofu which include few menopause symptoms, possibly reducing the risk of depression during pregnancy, improving bone strength, and even improving brain function such as memory and attention.

Tofu can also lower the risk of heart disease because eating it can lower cholesterol. It can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 3-4%. Soy may also help lower blood pressure which can help ward off diabetes.

A possible downfall about tofu is that it does contain antinutrients. These are food compounds that impede upon absorption of other nutrients in foods. Tofu has Trypsin inhibitors which can block protein absorption and some people complain of indigestion when they consume this. It also has phytates which can reduce absorption of iron, zinc, and calcium.

Tofu can be part of a healthy, balanced diet to meet nutritional needs. The pros and cons of eating soy remain, but eating a variety of foods is always recommended. Tofu is a main component of many people’s plant-based diets. It absorbs many flavors and can be served in a variety of forms. The texture and taste variety make tofu attractive and easy to cook with. Our body benefits from what we put in it, so choose wisely and nutritionally as much as you can.

BLOG 294 BLOOD CLOTS

BLOG 292 BLOOD CLOTS

Blood clots are a natural reaction our body performs to prevent too much blood loss when injury has occurred. They’re a clump of blood that that is almost solid and gel-like. The clots can occur in the lungs, heart, brain, arms, and/or legs. They can form without you even knowing it. Blood clots form in your veins and can dissolve on their own, but when they don’t, this could be a medical emergency. You cannot know if you have a blood clot without medical diagnosis.

Risk is higher for blood clots if you smoke, have cancer, are over age 65, are pregnant, are taking certain birth control pills, sit or lay for long periods of time such as being on bed rest or long flights, and having a family history of having blood clots.

There are symptoms associated with having a blood clot. They depend on the size and location of the clot. A blood clot in the heart is very serious. It is called coronary artery thrombosis. Fatty tissues in the heart’s artery form and this can cut off blood flow which can lead to a heart attack. The heart isn’t getting enough oxygen or the nutrients that are needed. Clots in the heart are less common but if they do occur you might get short of breath, feel chest pain, be sweating, feel nauseous, have a racing heart, feel lightheaded, and/or have pain in your neck, arm, back or even jaw. A blood clot in the brain is also very serious and can cause stroke. Oxygen won’t get to the brain (hypoxia) and brain tissue won’t survive. Symptoms can be slurred speech, paralysis, dizziness, confusion, vision problems, and seizures. These symptoms can come and go and even if they go away, you should get checked because it could have been a mini stroke called a transient ischemic attack.

A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms can be chest pain, heart palpitations, coughing up blood, and feeling short of breath. A blood clot in the abdomen is a form of what is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Symptoms can be bloody stools, pain in the abdomen, bloating, vomiting, and accumulation of fluid called ascites.  A blood clot in the arm or leg is also possible and can cause swelling, have a warm sensation, look reddish, and be painful/tender.

There are different types of clots. A venous clot, called a venous embolism, can build up over time. The most serious type is the DV. Symptoms would be swelling, tenderness, red color, and/or pain to the area. They can be caused by a broken bone, obesity, lack of movement, autoimmune disorders, genetic disorders, and certain medications.  An arterial clot, called an arterial embolism, occurs in an artery. The onset of symptoms will occur immediately and can be the area feeling cold, blisters on the skin in the area, shedding of the skin, paralysis in the area, and no pulse in the area. They’re caused by plaque made of fat and minerals that break off and then block blood flow.

Even though we might not always be aware we have blood clots, it is important to have our regular physical exams and be proactive if/when warning signs occur. Blood clots are an example that movement is medicine, and we can help our blood flow by doing so. Keep a healthy body weight and eat a healthy diet and from there, the body is at least set up as best as possible to work efficiently. A healthy lifestyle always reaps benefits. We may not know until it’s too late in some cases, but don’t let preventable causes be the reason a blood clot happens.

BLOG 293 VERTIGO

 BLOG 293 VERTIGO

Vertigo is an off balanced sensation that makes a person feel like they are spinning and dizzy. There are a number of reasons one might experience this. It is most commonly associated with inner ear problems because the inner ear sends signals to the brain about movement. Other causes include Meniere’s disease, which is the buildup of fluid that causes pressure in the ear. Meniere’s can also cause ringing in the ears as well as hearing loss. Another cause of vertigo is associated with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) which is when tiny calcium particles clump up in the canals. An infection called vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis can cause inflammation in the inner ear. Other causes include migraines, stroke, tumors, medications, or head or neck injuries.

Vertigo can be triggered by changing the position of the head that causes a spinning, swaying, or unbalanced sensation. This can lead to headaches, vomiting, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss.

For many people, vertigo will go away on its own. The brain has the ability to adapt to the triggers. However, some more direct treatment is needed. Vestibular rehabilitation includes physical therapy that strengthens the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for sending signals to the brain for movement in accordance with gravity. Part of this treatment is training the brain to adapt to vertigo symptoms. Medications that can treat nausea and motion sickness can be used as well for vertigo purposes. If the inner ear is swollen, antibiotics can be used or steroids that can help reduce inflammation. Water pills can also help get rid of fluids in the ear, especially if the cause is Meniere’s disease. Surgery can be performed if there is a tumor, neck, or brain injury. Canal repositioning maneuvers can be done to help move the calcium out of the ear canals to be absorbed by the body (this is used to treat BPPV).

Feeling woozy and disoriented can disrupt daily living activities. Vertigo can last for hours or even days. Children try to create the sensation by spinning in circles for this temporary dizziness. Even little movements can heighten the feeling of vertigo. Turning over in bed can increase the uneasy feeling. It is important that a doctor clarify if symptoms are vertigo or if they are more from feelings of faintness or lightheadedness. A patient might be asked to perform coordination tests. They might be asked to walk to look for balance problems or be asked to slide one heel up the other heel again looking for balance. Health care professionals can work with the patient to reduce symptoms. One shouldn’t feel like they just got off a roller coaster in their day-to-day life. Vertigo can really cause distress, but help is available and should be sought after.