Gluten-free foods, gluten-free menu options… Gluten-free choices are everywhere nowadays, but does it mean you should go gluten-free? Consider the following: If you’ve got celiac disease, then going gluten-free is necessary. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains). Eating gluten orContinue reading “Should I go gluten-free?”
Category Archives: Allergies
Healthy children, naturally
Did you know, a recent study showed that children given vitamin D daily were less likely to catch the flu (influenza A)? And that children taking probiotics were half as likely to develop eczema (atopic dermatitis) than those who didn’t? How can parents empower their child to stay healthy into their adolescent years (and beyond!) andContinue reading “Healthy children, naturally”
Food allergy or food intolerance? What’s the difference?
Some people think the terms “food allergy” and “food intolerance” are interchangeable, or variations of the same thing. However, the biological processes behind them, how they affect you and hence forms of treatment are markedly different.What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance? FOOD ALLERGY: During an allergic reaction, the body’s immune system producesContinue reading “Food allergy or food intolerance? What’s the difference?”
Five worst ingredients in food
Buying processed food may be more convenient than making wholesome meals from scratch, but are you aware of the hidden ingredients lurking in foods that may wreak havoc on your health? There are literally thousands of food additives out there, and a lot of them are at the root of many health problems. Here areContinue reading “Five worst ingredients in food”
Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?
New research published in December 2013’s Cell has revealed a possible link between the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the gut. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition often marked by decreased social interaction or impaired social skills. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria affected autism-like behaviour in mice. Many of the behavioural abnormalities, including anxiety-likeContinue reading “Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?”
Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.
Many people take breath mints regularly in hopes to cover foul breath. Others experience bloating and discomfort after meals, but never wonder why their body is sending them this message. Loose or unformed stool (diarrhea) alternating with periods of constipation is rather common for busy people living in Hong Kong and other metropolitan cities. IfContinue reading “Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.”
Gingerbread, mistletoe… and headaches?
The holiday season is here and while it is an exciting, joyous time for most people, doctors say that reports of headaches and migraines are typically higher during this period. This is probably due to the increased stress levels associated with the busy and bustling season. Though headaches may be common, it’s important to figureContinue reading “Gingerbread, mistletoe… and headaches?”
Pets boost children’s immunity
Studies show that children who have pets at home are more likely to have stronger immune systems and take fewer days off school. Researchers at Warwick University found that antibody levels in pet-owning children were significantly more stable, indicating that they had robust immune systems. These findings apparently support the “dirty hypothesis”, the researchers say.Continue reading “Pets boost children’s immunity”
Eating fish before age of nine months = decreased risk of wheezing and eczema
A recent study shows that feeding babies fish before nine months of age may cut their risk of pre-school wheezing. According to a Swedish study published in the December issue of Acta Paediatrica, eating fish before the age of nine months almost halved the likelihood of suffering recurrent wheezing at 4.5 years of age. TheContinue reading “Eating fish before age of nine months = decreased risk of wheezing and eczema”
Pollution. In you.
Today, we are constantly bombarded by chemicals and toxins in our everyday environment. Chemicals found in the air, water, household cleaners, laundry detergents, cookware, cosmetics and pesticides-all are potentially harmful to our bodies. What do toxins do in our bodies? Carcinogenic chemicals: cause or aggravate cancer Hormone-disrupting chemicals: mimic, block or interfere with hormones that regulate fertility and theContinue reading “Pollution. In you.”