What are healthy Christmas presents, anyway?

This is such a generic topic. What are we talking about? Health is in the eye of the beholder — or something like that. Realistically, there are so many products and gift ideas that you can give to someone who wants to prioritize their health. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s a good thing when you think about it. It means that there are multifaceted approaches.

You can see this in the choices on the market, too. There are health tests, skincare products, self-care guides, fitness accessories, and multiple other ways to explore health. So, no matter who you’re buying for, there’s a way to promote top health for everyone!

Top healthy gifts to consider

Perhaps that all sounds well and good, but you aren’t sure just how it works out. Below are some great introductory allergy tests to show how convenient and useful these can be as gifts for someone focused on their health.

Classic allergy test

There is a time and place for simplicity, and a classic allergy test is a fine example. This basic test helps you show someone the basics of allergies so that they can see what they react poorly to for a better relationship with their health and food.

Simple food intolerance test

Food intolerances are often pushed to the wayside or brushed off entirely. Help a loved one take charge of their very real symptoms by getting them a simple food intolerance test that will give them precious insight as to what’s going on in their body.

Combined food allergy and intolerance test

If you can’t choose which test is going to be the best choice for someone on your list, go for the combined food allergy and intolerance test instead. This is a wonderful choice for a blended and positive approach when looking for all the answers to your health-related questions. Plus, it’s always good to know about these common diet concerns.

Advanced allergy and intolerance test

We all have that person who adores health and all things health-related. For that someone, an advanced allergy and intolerance test will be a great choice that will offer a full spectrum of results.

Looking at it in greater detail makes it easier to understand why they make such gifts, even if you haven’t thought of it before now. If you still need that extra nudge, the other benefit is that these test results can help your doctor create a reliable plan for your healthiest future. This could include details like avoidance, medication for an accidental reaction, and more.

Shopping tips for a healthy holiday

If you’re excited to get started, read below for some healthy holiday shopping tips that will give you the support you crave.

Focus on the person you are buying for

Perhaps this sounds obvious, but it’s very true and important! When shopping for someone special, focus on buying for them specifically. Health is a very personalized thing, so don’t forget to pick a focus they will appreciate. For example, a workout card deck for the fitness lover in your life. Or a stress-relieving coloring book for a creativity lover with a high-stress life.

Start early and think over a few options

As you’re realizing, many things can fall under the umbrella of healthy Christmas presents. So, don’t necessarily pick the first one that you find. Take the time to research a few options and think them over so that you can compare them and determine what that person will enjoy most! There’s nothing wrong with having lots of ideas, after all.

Have a designated shopping buddy

If you know that you’re your worst enemy when it comes to staying on budget and getting something that will go over well, bring along a friend or family member who can keep you on track. Holiday shopping is always much more fun with a friend, anyway! So, make it a social event and start ticking people off your shopping list.

Whether you’re excited about getting started on your shopping adventure or you’re more on the reluctant side of things, this introduction to finding the right healthy Christmas presents will not be as difficult as you thought! You’ll make everyone on your list very happy, and they’ll be touched that you thought of their wellbeing, too.

The post Healthy Christmas Presents For Your Loved Ones appeared first on Allergy Test.

When celebrating the Christmas period, it can be difficult to manage when you have festive food intolerances, especially if you’re unaware of them and so are your loved ones. Food intolerance, even though not life-threatening, can diminish the quality of one’s life.

If you’re used to feeling sick and nauseous after every Christmas dinner, it’s time you got to the bottom of the issue by knowing your festive food intolerances. The only way to discover your intolerance is by taking an Intolerance Test. It will also be in your best interest to discern the symptoms of food intolerance.

Common intolerance symptoms

Festive food intolerance can cause gastrointestinal issues that vary from one individual to the next. These GI symptoms can also vary depending on how much the trigger was consumed. Unlike allergies, food intolerance symptoms can be more severe the more you eat the food that causing you issues.

These symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating

It can be tricky noticing these symptoms, especially if you’re used to overeating during this time of the year; then, you might need clarification on whether you’re suffering from food intolerance symptoms. However, a simple Intolerance Test will let you know, especially if you get those same symptoms every day you consume a specific group of foods.

You can manage the holidays in many ways when you have food intolerances.

Host

When you choose to be the holiday host, you can control what f]goes into your meals and avoid getting intolerance symptoms. Even if you’re getting help from someone else, you can let them know which independents they shouldn’t include in the foods you’re preparing.

Sometimes, when you’re not hosting, it can get difficult asking about ingredients in every single food, especially if you’re tired of being told to eat what’s served. However, when hosting, you know what you’re making and what foods you’ll make for others and not indulge in because you are intolerant.

When hosting, you can easily prepare and cook different meals while adhering to cross-contamination, especially if you’re highly sensitive to certain foods.

Meal prep

During the festive season, there tend to be many dinners that you need to attend, either with family, work, or friends. When you have a food intolerance, that can be a big issue. In dinners where you must come with some food, ensure you prepare something that doesn’t cause your food intolerance and only eat what you made. This way, you avoid the risks of intolerance symptoms.

Also, meal prepping at home ensures you can attend these events, not eat, and still have something to eat at home that you can have at the end of the night. This also prevents you from eating junk food during this period due to a lack of options.

Having food, you can eat at home without getting symptoms also gives you something to look forward to and prevents you from eating what’s available at Christmas dinners. It can be easy to give in to eating what others are eating even though you know you’ll regret it later when you don’t have cooked meals at home waiting for you.

Be creative

You can still indulge in holiday favorites while keeping your intolerance in check. It’s best to buy in the vegan section if you have a dairy intolerance. If you’re gluten-free, you’ll find a nearby bakery that creates gluten-free recipes. When you look for these options when eating out or shopping, you can still indulge in your holiday favorites without further causing uncomfortable symptoms.

If you cook at home during the holidays, you can find many recipes online that match your festive food intolerances. You can use these to make delicious recipes you’d like to try out. Doing so will surprise you and your loved ones as you’ll come up with the most delicious dishes.

Focus on minimally processed foods.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re cooking at home or eating at a friend’s; it is the best way to stick to minimally processed foods. For example, instead of eating a casserole with many ingredients, whey only picks foods with minimal ingredients that are mostly fresh. Doing so can help you trace ingredients and prevent accidentally ingesting intolerant foods.

Eating elsewhere, you’ll be safe picking roasted veggies, fruit salads, and plain grains like rice. These are foods whose ingredients are easily traceable compared to other complex recipes. Pick a balanced meal while ensuring you know its ingredients, as they’re minimally cooked with very minimal ingredients.

Communicate

You shouldn’t be afraid to tell others you have a specific intolerance. Speaking up helps your loved ones prepare foods that are good for you and can’t cause you intolerance symptoms. You can also help explain to them about cross-contamination so they can avoid it when making your meals.

Loved ones would like to see you eat too at gatherings, and they would be more than happy to help you get food to eat too. If you feel they can’t do it sufficiently, you can offer to help them make the meal and ensure you create your meal.

Know your limits

If you can tolerate a specific food to a certain level, you must stick to that quantity and ensure you don’t get tempted to overindulge. Eating too many of those foods can often cause uncomfortable symptoms you want to avoid, especially during the festive season.

Final thoughts

Surviving Christmas with festive food intolerances can be a little hard, and these tips will help you better manage your festive season. The first step includes you are getting an Intolerance Test. This test will help you be aware of foods you must avoid, and you can easily manage your diet from there.

The post Surviving Christmas with festive food intolerances appeared first on Allergy Test.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, over 33% of American adults are at risk for developing kidney disease. Kidney disease impacts over 10% of the world’s population. Sadly, 90% of those with kidney disease are not aware they have it, because it is often symptomless.

What do our kidneys do for us?

We recently discussed the importance of Liver health and ways to take care of our liver. It is of equal importance that we pay attention to 2 more precious organs that are one of the main filtration systems for our body: our kidney. Much like our liver our kidneys act as a special filtration system for our body. They remove waste products from our blood. They also remove acid that is produced by the cells of our body, and help to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals. They control blood pressure, remove extra fluid from our body, and produce urine. They also activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones, and release the hormone that directs production of red blood cells.

Lifestyle Factors for Kidney Health

Since our kidneys are such a powerhouse that do so much for our bodies and health, it is only fitting that we take as many steps as we can to help support our kidney health. We cannot live without proper kidney function. There are many lifestyle factors that can help support overall kidney health which includes eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated with plenty of water, exercising regularly, controlling weight, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, monitoring cholesterol levels, getting annual physicals and blood work and being aware of your family health history.

In addition to lifestyle factors, it is important to monitor the health and wellness of our kidneys, especially if there is a family history of kidney disease, or someone has high blood pressure or diabetes, cancer, or takes many prescriptions, drinks a lot of alcohol, or does drugs. In addition to our standard physicals and lab work with our licensed primary care physicians, there are other ways to support our kidney health.

The At-Home Kidney Function Test from Allergy Test

We are so lucky to have state of the art lab technology to help us monitor our kidney health in a quick, easy and inexpensive way from home. Allergy Test has once again come up with an outstanding at home lab test to help us monitor our health and wellness. The at Home Kidney Test is a quick way to see if kidney health is off. Kidney dysfunction and disease is usually silent and symptomless, so taking a quick easy test such as this, can prompt a consultation for further investigation and diagnosis with your license health care provider, and help protect your kidney health. Supporting your kidney health can help prevent or halt irreversible damage, chronic illness, or even death.

The Kidney Health Test from Allergy Test is so easy to do! A testing kit will be shipped directly to you, with detailed instructions, easy to use sample collection, and a 24/7 support team available for assistance if needed. It is an easy urine test that will give you your results in 1 minute. This test will assess creatinine, protein, and specific gravity levels, which are very important kidney health parameters. Creatinine levels in urine can help look at how well your kidneys are functioning. Protein in the urine also measure how well your kidneys are working. A large amount of protein in the urine would prompt a consultation with your primary care provider to further investigate the cause of increase protein in the urine. Lastly, specific gravity measures the concentration of particles in the urine and the density of urine compared with the density of water. This is an easy and convenient way to see if you are properly hydrated and how well the kidneys are functioning. If any of these parameters are outside of the range indicated on the test, we recommend additional blood and urine lab work with your primary care provider.

The post Take charge of your Kidney Health Today! appeared first on Allergy Test.

The dominant active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is very beneficial to your brain and body. Curcumin is a very potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits. In Ayurveda, turmeric is used to manage pain and inflammation in the body. Western medicine is catching up to these benefits and discovering even more hidden benefits of this root.

Health benefits of turmeric

Turmeric is a piece you can add not only to your smoothies but also to your stews and curries. It contains several health benefits, which include:

Reduces inflammation

When one has chronic inflammation, it leads to various illnesses that can cause a lot of trouble. However, turmeric helps lessen inflammation in tissues. Inflammation is usually good for the body as it helps repair damage and fight invaders.

However, good inflammation is always short-term. But chronic inflammation occurs over time and attacks your body’s tissues. Since turmeric is good for anti-inflammation, it can reduce pain for people who suffer from arthritis. To get the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, you need to take it in high doses.

According to Arthritis Foundation, taking around 400 to 600 milligrams of turmeric upto to three times a day can help relieve inflammation. Even though turmeric can sometimes not help an active flare-up, it can prevent remission.

By lowering inflammation, turmeric can play a huge role in specific conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and various degenerative diseases. By preventing inflammation, turmeric can play a huge role in preventing these conditions.

Boost memory

According to a study, taking 90 milligrams of curcumin twice a day daily can help improve memory in people with dementia. Scientists recently discovered that neurons can multiply and grow, forming new connections in different areas of the brain. What drives the growth of neurons is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It’s a gene involved in making a protein responsible for the life of neurons.

The brain-derived neurotrophic protein plays a role in memory and learning. There are many brain disorders linked to decreased levels of BDNF proteins. Some include Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Specific animal studies have shown that curcumin can increase BDNF levels in the brain.

There is a need for human studies to prove the benefits of increasing BDNF levels. However, curcumin may help improve memory and attention if it does this.

Reduces pain for arthritis

In ancient Chinese and Indian medicine, turmeric was mainly used to help lessen pain from that arthritis. There are different types of arthritis. However, all of them cause inflammation in the joints. Considering curcumin helps with inflammation, it’s excellent for helping with arthritis.

There are several studies that prove it helps with joint inflammation. Specific research looked into the effects of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that curcumin was even better than anti-inflammatory drugs. There have been several other studies proving this. Hence it’s the best option for those with any form of arthritis.

Contains antioxidants

Tumeric is full of antioxidants. Oxidative damage is known to cause not only again but also many diseases. Free radicals are the elements that cause oxidative damage. They can affect substances like proteins, DNA, and fatty acids. Antioxidants are essential because they protect the body against free radicals and the damage they can impose.

Due to curcumin’s chemical structure, it can neutralize free radicals. Studies also indicate that curcumin may not only block the action of free radicals but also stimulate the work of other antioxidants.

May lower your risk of heart disease

Since curcumin can help reduce inflammation and oxidation, it can inadvertently lower your risk of heart disease. To reduce the risk of heart disease, the first action would be to lower blood pressure which curcumin has been shown to do in several studies.

Curcumin can also improve the lining of blood vessels, known as endothelium. The dysfunction of endothelium is what drives many heart diseases. Alongside other types of medication, curcumin may help manage cholesterol levels.

Can prevent and manage depression

Depression is mainly caused by the reduction of the protein BDNF and your hippocampus starts shrinking. The hippocampus helps with memory and learning. However, curcumin can help reverse this by boosting the levels of BDNF production.

Besides that, curcumin can also help boost the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body, which regulate mood and other bodily functions. So, one can consume more turmeric to get these benefits and reduce depression.

It may help prevent cancer.

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Supplementing curcumin can, however, impact many forms of cancer. Studies have shown it to be a very beneficial herb when it comes to cancer treatment. 

Several studies have shown that it can kill cancerous cells, prevent the spread of cancer, and reduce angiogenesis. When it comes to cancers affecting the digestive tract, curcumin has been shown to help prevent their growth. 

Final thoughts

So now that you know about turmerics active compound curcumin you should now understand all of the health benefits of turmeric. It’s a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Tumeric can help reduce symptoms of depression and arthritis similarly. However, if you get gastrointestinal distress every time you consume a drink or food with turmeric, it’s best to check for intolerance by taking an Intolerance Test. Even though you may have an intolerance, your doctor will advise you on the amount of this medicinal spice you can consume without suffering from symptoms so that you can also get the benefits of turmeric.

The post 7 Health Benefits of Turmeric appeared first on Allergy Test.

Both allergies and Thanksgiving intolerances are much more common than we’d think. This makes enjoying the holiday challenging or stressful for those who want to partake in the celebrations! Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help.

Living with allergies at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving means food, as we all know. However, having allergies at Thanksgiving isn’t always convenient unless every single person knows every single ingredient in all of the food being served around the table. Since that isn’t practical, you’ll find it best to make a few adaptations that will help you to make the most out of your food-related holiday.

• Be prepared to bring your snacks: Since cookies and snacks can often be riddled with food allergens, it’s best to make sure that you bring your own allergen-friendly snacks that you can safely eat while you wait for the meal. In fact, consider bringing along a whole tray of them so that other people with sensitivities or allergies can have a snack as well if they happen to be dealing with the same issue.
• Visit places (and people) you trust: If bringing your own snacks or treats just isn’t possible due to scheduling or preferences. You can also consider the idea of limiting your food enjoyment to only those places that are aware of your allergy and cater to it — literally, in this case. This way, you’ll be able to eat what everyone else is eating and not have to worry about an unknown or forgotten ingredient that could just give you an allergic reaction.
• Don’t give in to the social pressure: One of the things about visiting acquaintances or estranged family is that not all of them will understand or respect the seriousness that is a food allergy. There might be pressures from them (as well-intentioned as they may be) to eat something that could possibly have an allergen. It’s tempting to give in and simply be one of the crowd, but it’s important that you stick to your own needs. Even if your reactions to allergens are mild, it’s not a good idea to tempt one happening that could end up in a medical emergency or, at the very least, an uncomfortable grist of reaction symptoms.
• Have extra medications on-hand: With all of that food and all of the people around, sometimes mistakes happen. It’s probably a good idea to make sure that you have extra allergy medication on you so that you are prepared in case of an unplanned reaction. Safety first, even during the holidays! 

What are common Thanksgiving allergies?

Let’s start with some information on what kinds of allergies can create a problem around the Thanksgiving table. Some of the most common Thanksgiving-related allergies include milk, carrot, soy, cinnamon, meat, and wheat.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. These are some of the most common food allergies that often appear in many Thanksgiving dishes. A crucial detail in making safe dishes for every attendee (including yourself) is knowing what you are dealing with for sensitivities and allergies. Before you set your menu in stone, consider allergy testing for yourself and any loved ones who seem to have “strange” reactions to food that you can’t explain. Unknown allergies are a very common problem!

Creating an allergy friendly thanksgiving table

The information above is useful, but what use is it to your festivities without the next steps and planning the perfect thanksgiving meal! How can you enjoy your favorite dishes without fear of health issues. It’s as simple as planning and carful consideration! Here are some tips.

Get Information from your guests

If guests come to your celebration, ask them if they have allergies or intolerances. This will not only make them feel more welcomed to your house and valued, it also allows you to to perfectly plan not just around your allergies, but each and every guests allergies. Once you have a list of all their average, you can start looking at the next step!

Plan your menu with allergy alternatives

One of the more common problem food items during Thanksgiving is the stuffing. Rather than taking it off the menu completely, why not look at some allergy alternate options? You can still go with the big brands you know and love, like Pepperidge Farm which have an allergy-free range.

Another Thanksgiving staple is dinner rolls, which also have a gluten-free or tapioca-based option available. You’ll be surprised how “close to the real thing” they are!

Now onto one of the biggest issues of them all – the poultry! If you have a guest that’s allergic to these types of food you can explore the other options available. If you’re looking for adventurous options, then look no further than pumpkin chilli, or butternut squash lasagna

Take suggestions from those with allergies

It may sound super simple, but you’ll never guess who has a wealth of knowledge about they can and can’t eat… those with allergies themselves! Like the first point, they’ll feel welcomed in your house knowing you’ve asked the right questions

Your dinner table for Thanksgiving is vital to get right. If you’re hunting for the right approach to this celebratory time of year, this will guide you to making it delicious, fun, and safe for everyone planning on grabbing a chair! Happy Thanksgiving!

The post Allergies and Thanksgiving appeared first on Allergy Test.

Even though carbs can contribute to weight gain, it’s mostly a factor caused by not understanding which carbs to eat and how to eat carbs. Eating hotdogs and pizzas daily can cause weight gain. However, the same can’t be said when it comes to whole grains.

Some carbs can be better for you than others, and thats what brings about the difference. The body needs carbs as part of a healthy diet. Carbohydrates are naturally present in plant-based foods.

Difference between good carbs and bad carbs

There are two forms of carbs, complex and simple carbs. Simple carbs are considered to be bad carbs, while complex carbs are good carbs. Simple carbs contain only some of the nutrients because they’ve been removed. The body digests simple carbs pretty quickly, which causes a spike in blood sugar, making you feel hungry after eating.

Due to the short-lived fullness caused by simple carbs, simple carbs can eventually cause overeating and weight gain. In the long run, this causes diabetes and high blood pressure.

Typical foods with simple carbs include:

• Refined pasta
• Pastries
• White bread
• White rice
• Refined dough

Complex carbs are good carbs since they are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, slowing digestion. Not digesting food as fast causes a slow but steady release of glucose into the body, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Opting for a whole grain alternative of all the popular simple carbs will provide your body with the same type of food but with more benefits. You often find that whole grain alternatives contain less added sugar, preventing your blood sugar from spiking.

Complex carbs naturally occur in the forms of:

• Nuts
• Grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Milk
• Seeds

Types of carbohydrates

There are three main types of carbohydrates. These include:

• Starch is a complex carbohydrate made of many sugar units bonded together. Starch is naturally found in vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, and whole grains. Starches provide your body with vitamins and minerals. It takes your body longer to break it down; you feel fuller for longer, and your blood sugar remains stable.
• Sugar is the simplest form of carbohydrate naturally found in some foods like milk and milk products, fruits, and vegetables. Fruit sugar is known as fructose, milk sugar is known as lactose and table sugar is sucrose. Many foods, like candy, soda, and baked goods, contain added sugar. Sugars are simple carbohydrates, and the body breaks them down easily, causing blood sugar levels to rise quickly and fall equally quickly. Thats why eating sugary foods often results in having a burst of energy followed by feelings of tiredness. Some people have intolerances to the different types of sugars, with lactose intolerance being the most common. To know if you have a sugar intolerance, you can take an Intolerance Test.
• Fiber is a complex carbohydrate found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, cooked dry beans, and peas. Your body can’t break down most of the fiber, and most of it passes through your digestive tract, stimulating and aiding digestion. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar, leaves you feeling fuller for longer, and regulates blood sugar.

How many carbohydrates do you need?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends carbohydrates make up 45% to 65% of the calories you consume daily. So typically, you’ll consume between 225 to 325 grams a day. When eating packaged food, you’ll often find the number of carbs of that food on the Nutrition Facts Label. The label will also show sugars, fiber, and starch in the food.

The number of carbs you consume daily depends on your age, gender, and medical conditions you may be suffering from. Your weight goals and activity levels will also determine the amount of carbs you consume. People with diabetes count carbs to help manage their blood sugar levels.

USDA also recommends that when plating your food, you fill half with fruits and vegetables, one with whole grains, and the other with proteins.

Is a low-carb diet healthy?

While all forms of diets have their benefits, there is always a catch. A low-carb diet will often result in weight loss. Popular low-carb diets include a ketogenic diet and an Atkins diet. Some professionals recommend a keto diet for people with epilepsy, amongst other conditions.

Even though a low-carb diet may seem like a good deal, it takes time to follow long-term. Restricting the amount of carbs in your diet increases animal fats and oils, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Experts are still determining whether a low-carb diet is healthy for you; hence, it’s necessary to get your healthcare provider’s opinion before trying it out.

Benefits of carbohydrates on your health

Even though carbohydrates have been given a bad reputation, there are vital for your health for many reasons. These include:

Energy

Carbohydrates provide your body with energy. These macronutrients are the body’s primary source of energy. During digestion, your body breaks down starches into simple sugars, which the body absorbs into the bloodstream, known as blood glucose.

After digestion, blood sugar is then absorbed into the body’s cells, where it helps with insulin blood glucose is used by the body to give you energy, thus fuelling your activities, including breathing and thinking. Extra glucose is, however, stored in the liver, muscles, and other cells for later use. The body converts extra glucose into fats.

Weight control

When your diet contains lots of fruits and vegetables, you have a lot of fiber, leaving you feeling fuller for longer and controlling your weight. These fruits and vegetables also provide more bulk with fewer calories which causes a decrease in your calorie intake, causing weight loss.

Even though many people recommend a low-carb diet, few studies show that a diet composed of healthy cabs can cause weight gain or obesity.

Preventing diseases

According to studies, a diet comprising dietary fiber and whole foods can lower your risk of heart disease and strokes. Fiber also helps prevent blood sugar spikes and helps with digestion, among other benefits. A diet full of fiber helps keep your digestive tract healthy.

How to consume carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are macronutrients and are an essential part of your diet as they provide various vital nutrients. Still, not all crabs are good for you; you must learn which ones to consume. Here are some ways you can choose carbohydrates to ensure you have a balanced diet:

• Pick whole grains: Whole grains are a better source of carbs than refined grains. Whole grains are good sources of nutrients such as B vitamins. When refined, they go through a process that strips part of the grain, losing some nutrients and fiber.
• Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables prevents you from consuming added sugars often in processed fruits and vegetables. You need to consume fruit juice in measured amounts. Dried fruits have concentrated natural sugars with more calories; you must consume them in measured quantities. Fresh whole fruits and vegetables will offer you more bulk and fiber with fewer calories.
• Consume more beans, peas, and lentils: Beans, peas, and lentils are the most versatile and nutritious foods. They’re low in fat but high in iron, folate, potassium, iron, and magnesium. They also contain fiber and are a good source of protein, especially when trying to limit meat consumption.
• Eat low-fat dairy products: Dairy products and byproducts are good sources of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein, and other vitamins. Consider consuming a low-fat version to limit calories and saturated fats. Watch out for dairy products that contain added sugars.
• Limit added sugars: Added sugars isnt harmful in small amounts. However, there are no health benefits to consuming added sugars. Consuming less than 10% of added sugars daily in food or drink is recommended. Consuming more added sugars increases your daily calorie intake, which is preferable.

Final thoughts

Carbohydrates are part of a healthy diet. They have a lousy reputation since they can cause weight gain if one consumes refined carbohydrates in high amounts. Consuming whole foods will help you reap the benefits of having carbs in your diet. Choose your carbohydrates wisely. If you get symptoms every time you eat certain carbohydrates, you need to take an Intolerance Test which helps you know your food intolerances to avoid those foods.

The post Macronutrients: Carbohydrates – Friend or Foe? appeared first on Allergy Test.

Shop in your favourite places

It’s normal to start on your favourite search engine for Black Friday sales and see what pops up. While that’s great thinking, it can lead you to places that you’re unfamiliar with (as far as determining if a sale is good) or lead you to overspend. Consider limiting your Black Friday shopping to only stores and brands that you trust so you can keep yourself in control of your funds and attention!

Think outside the box for gift ideas

While classic gifts are great, you can consider going with something unique that you can get a great deal on and give that special someone the element of surprise. For example, an air purifier is an excellent choice because it cleanses the air to rid it of gas, bacteria, and allergens. These are popular options for those with dust allergies or pet allergies.

Another unique gift is the tests that you’ll find on our Black Friday discounts page. Each test is available for up to 65% off during Black Friday weekend, and it’ll be something heartfelt and special for someone on your list who won’t be expecting it! Plus, you can grab one for yourself as a bonus if you’re curious to learn more about your health. There are a few to choose from.

Allergy and intolerance test

Whether you know you have an allergy or not, an allergy and intolerance test is a great way to get more information on your body’s needs. It’s often surprising how much is going on beneath the surface!

Comprehensive intolerance test

If you are curious about any food intolerances that you may have, in particular, then an informative and comprehensive intolerance test is a better match. It’ll give you extra testing parameters and help you see what information could be hiding in your body.

Advanced allergy and intolerance testing

For those that want to know more about both, advanced allergy and intolerance testing can provide a more extended testing profile and great information and guidance to help make whatever diet adjustments are needed.

In-depth allergy and intolerance testing

For the best deal regarding testing vs results, in-depth allergy and intolerance testing is a great choice. This is also a reassuring way to help someone get all the details possible from a single test!

Shop for “older” tech

Everyone wants the newest phones and tablets and earbuds, etc. Black Friday sales tend to make them more accessible. But what if you looked further back in your tech search regarding the release date? Typically, those one-year-old devices (or less!) will also be on sale during Black Friday, and the discount will be steeper. Considering the advances between the older version and the brand-new version, you are getting a great deal with very little difference in quality!

Set up online accounts beforehand

Shopping as a guest with online retailers can be challenging on a busy weekend such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Take the time to set up online accounts (and verify them) before the weekend starts. Since there will be so much site traffic, it can be challenging to do so during Black Friday. Also, the deals you are going for might sell out faster than you can create an account to complete the transaction!

Be careful of “too good to be true” deals

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there who are going to try to steal your money. Black Friday is an easy opportunity for computer pros to imitate a website to steal your identity, money, and more. If you receive a link to a website or brand that you love, but the deal sounds too good to be true, be careful. If you want to check out if it’s legitimate, don’t click on the link in the email; instead, go to the website on your own and find the page there. If it’s not there, that proves it’s a scam! You can do your part by reporting suspicious emails, too. This can help protect others from falling victim to them.

Start shopping before Black Friday

Another fantastic option is to get a head-start on your Black Friday shopping! Many Black Friday discounts will appear days or weeks before the Black Friday weekend. It can be a great way to get your favourite deal before it sells out. You’ll also avoid some of the addictive atmosphere and vibe around Black Friday shopping.

Consider in-store pick-up

One last tip to help you find the best deals is to consider shopping online but picking up in-store. Whether you are getting something big, something sensitive, or even just a lot of things, picking up your purchase in-store can help you save from an unnecessarily high delivery charge. Plus, employees will load your items directly into your vehicle for even more ease!

With the big weekend just around the corner, it’s time to start getting ready to get the best deals. These tips will help you make the most out of your time and funds and give you a unique way to look at this big shopping weekend. Now, all that’s left to do is get started. Happy shopping!

The post Tips for Finding the Best Black Friday Discounts appeared first on Allergy Test.

What is the function of the liver?

The liver is our largest internal organ as well as one of our most important ones, and It’s connected to every part of our body making it so important to look after especially in Liver Cancer Awareness Month. When we think of the liver, we often think of its function of removing toxins and harmful substances. In addition to filtration and detoxification, the liver also plays a large role in digestion and metabolism, protein synthesis, and storage of vitamins and minerals. The function of the liver is also to process the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines. Once it does, the liver breaks it down and creates the nutrients for the rest of the body to benefit from. It produces bile to help with digestion, processes drugs/alcohol/hormones, and stores vitamins and minerals.

Supporting your Liver Function In Liver Cancer Awareness Month

When the liver isn’t functioning optimally, excess hormones and toxins build up in the body. This can cause hormone imbalances, as well as other symptoms. Since the liver is such a crucial organ, it is important that we can take care of it. In addition to lifestyle modifications and parameters, we can get laboratory results to further assess liver function.

Lifestyle modifications to support liver health

• -Eating cruciferous vegetables because they help bind excess hormones and toxins in the body.
• -Staying hydrated! Aim for 1/2 oz of water per pound of body weight
• -Eliminating/reducing high-fructose corn syrup, food colorings, additives, and preservatives as much as possible
• -Maintaining a healthy diet (includes healthy fiber intake and healthy fats
• -Limiting/reducing alcohol
• -Minimizing over the counter medication use )(like ibuprofen and acetaminophen), reducing and eliminating trans-fats such as fast food, limit toxic exposure and heavy metals as much as possible, exercise,
• -Incorporating dandelion tea or burdock into your diet
• -Incorporating movement and exercise daily
• -Optimizing Vitamin D levels

At-Home liver function test from Allergy Test

In addition to lifestyle and nutrition modification to support the liver, there is also a simple, quick, and inexpensive way to monitor liver health from the comfort of our own homes. We offer a rapid liver function test that measures 11 parameters from a quick urine sample. Results take between 2-4 minutes. This test has greater than >97% reproducible results.

• Results do not give a medical diagnosis on their own but can be used as a prompt to follow up with your licensed medical provider for further examination and testing to help form a diagnosis or rule out a condition.

There’s no better time to support our liver health than now during Liver Awareness Health. Shop our Liver Function Test here!

The post October Is Liver Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on Allergy Test.

What are common ghoulish ingredients?

Many people don’t realize they have allergies or intolerances to common ingredients until they take a test. This is because mild allergies can be hidden easily, as we’ll talk about below. What are the most serious, ghoulish ingredients that could be hiding in your Halloween treats? The biggest ones are usually soy, egg, wheat, and milk. Not only are these among the most popular allergens, but they’re also common in Halloween candy and treats!

While allergies and intolerances are different in risk factors, don’t underestimate the potential of an undiagnosed food intolerance! If you eat something containing gluten and have gluten intolerance, for example, the reaction could be severe. In this case, severe doesn’t mean dangerous. However, severe food intolerance symptoms can be extremely painful and disruptive to your life.

It’s scary enough to know that you have a food allergy or food intolerance. But what about if you did not know you did and ate something dangerous? This is why intolerance and allergy testing is so essential as part of your health regime! It’s always better to know than not know!

Top signs of hidden allergies

So, how do you know if ghoulish allergies are haunting you without your awareness? What are signs that you have an allergy that may pop out unannounced at Halloween time and spook you? Here are some of the ones you may experience.

Tenderness in your face

If you have an allergic reaction, your body creates an inflammation response. This may cause your skin to become sensitive and inflamed. One of the most common places is tenderness around your eyes, forehead, or cheeks. It could be a food allergy if you have sudden tenderness and discomfort in those strange places.

Food aversion

Have you ever had that one food that you just hate thinking about? Let alone smelling or tasting? Sometimes, food aversion can indicate an undiagnosed food allergy. This is most common in infants and children, but it can also be an unusual allergy symptom in adults. This would refer to a food aversion so strong that it makes you gag even thinking about it. Typically, the smell or taste of it would give an allergic reaction of some kind that is so mild you might not notice it. It also may have been an experience so long ago that all you remember is the aversion, not the reaction.

Feeling sick

If you feel after eating something — sniffling, sneezing, fatigue, etc. — this could also be a food allergy symptom. If a food type constantly makes you feel sick after eating it, it’s never a good idea to continue doing so!

Reluctance to try new foods

While it’s normal for children and picky eaters to be reluctant, you may notice a slightly heightened reluctance in some people. Sometimes, these people have started connecting the dots between new foods and bad reactions. They understandably blame new foods for these reactions when it is one problem ingredient hiding (or haunting) them from one food to the next!

Celebrating Halloween with food allergies

This season, take the time for allergy testing so that you know what’s what. Those results can help you determine what is safe and symptom-free and what you should avoid. However, Halloween with food allergies to those major allergens can still be very tricky.

When eating out, be careful to avoid complex dishes. Those major allergens (or others) can often be hidden in complicated recipes and create a reaction that you wouldn’t expect.

Also, be careful in accepting homemade treats or meals from even those closest to you. Unless they are used to cooking for someone with the same allergies, many wouldn’t think to check the packaging for cross-contamination or manufactured ingredients that could cause you to react. After all, an unplanned reaction will always be spookier than someone’s hurt feelings. And you can always explain the situation to them!

When you need clear and precise data, testing for food allergies and food intolerances will be the way to go. It will help you enjoy your Halloween season and give you the freedom to get creative in your candy selection, treat baking, and more. All you have to do is call out those food ghouls and send them off to the next world, never to return! Grab your test from us here!

The post Ghoulish Ingredients or Hidden Allergies? Can You Do Halloween With Food Allergies? appeared first on Allergy Test.

Even though some people suffer from salicylate intolerance or sensitivity, it’s not quite as common as lactose or gluten intolerance. Similar to other food intolerances, it can be challenging to diagnose salicylate intolerance unless you get an Intolerance Test.

What is salicylates intolerance?

Salicylates are compounds in foods and products. Salicylates are derived from salicylic acid. Salicylates are naturally present in some foods, but they can also be manufactured and added to other products like food preservatives, aspirin, and toothpaste.

Salicylates, whether natural or manufactured, can cause symptoms in people suffering from intolerance. Plants that contain salicylates produce them to defend against harm, including insects, diseases, and fungi.

Salicylates intolerance or sensitivity occurs when your body cannot break down a specific chemical in the foods or drugs you consume. This often results in gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be pretty uncomfortable.

Causes of salicylates intolerance

Naturally, consuming high amongst of salicylates can cause adverse reactions. However, the body can handle small amounts of this chemical. People who don’t suffer from salicylate intolerance can comfortably eat foods with this chemical and even take an occasional aspirin for headaches without any problem.

However, if you’re suffering from salicylate intolerance, you’ll experience symptoms upon consuming these small amounts. People with salicylate intolerance have the inability to digest, metabolize, and excrete it.

Salicylate intolerance is often caused by the body overproducing leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators which have been linked to various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, anaphylaxis, interstitial lung diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Leuotrines overproduction is triggered by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that regulates the leukotrienes. When leukotrienes build up in the body, it results in salicylate intolerant symptoms. 

Even though there aren’t definite statistics for people with salicylate intolerance, it’s more common in people with asthma. Research also shows that people with inflammatory bowel disease and allergies are likelier to have salicylate intolerance.

Salicylates intolerance symptoms

Salicylate intolerance causes symptoms that mimic those of other illnesses and which are general. These symptoms can also vary from one individual to the next, both in severity and how long they take to appear. Common salicylates intolerance symptoms include:

• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Sinus infection and inflammation
• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Hives
• Welling tissues
• Abdominal cramps
• Stuffy nose
• Gut inflammation

Salicylate intolerance symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on one’s ability to break down the chemical. While some people suffer from symptoms after exposure to small amounts of salicylates, others don’t, and only large quantities affect them. The amount that can affect an individual solely depends on their body’s ability to break down this chemical.

Foods that contain salicylates

There are many salicylates foods that we consume daily. However, the foods with the highest levels include vegetables, spices, and fruits. The level of salicylates found in food can vary depending on certain conditions, including the level of ripeness, growing conditions, and preparation.

Besides fruits, vegetables, and spices, other items that contain salicylates include:

• Perfumes
• Medications
• Mint-flavored toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Lotions
• Shampoos and conditioners

Salicylates can seep through the skin, so you must check the products you put on your skin and see whether it’s an ingredient. The most potent source of salicylates includes aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen.

How to get a salicylates intolerance diagnosis

Suppose you think you may be suffering from an intolerance. In that case, it’s necessary to get a doctor to take tests to check for any underlying conditions or let them decide if your symptoms are due to any chronic conditions you could be suffering from.

Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease often cause symptoms that are salicylate intolerance or other food intolerances. Hence it’s best to know if you may be suffering from such. However, if you’re sure there could t be affecting you, there’s a different way to get your diagnosis.

You can access an Allergy and Intolerance Test, which will help you determine what allergies and intolerances you may be having. This test includes allergy testing because sometimes salicylate intolerance symptoms may seem similar to allergies.

If you find out you have any food allergies or intolerances, managing your lifestyle and diet will help alleviate the symptoms. The best way to deal with salicylate intolerance is to find salicylate foods your body can tolerate because living without fruits and vegetables is a little impossible. You can, however, successfully eliminate aspirin from the drugs you’re taking for headaches as it contains the highest among salicylates.

You can talk to a dietitian who will recommend fruits and vegetables that you can consume in specific amounts to prevent salicylate intolerance symptoms. Your doctor can even put you on an elimination diet. During the re-introduction period, they’ll help you build up your salicylate tolerance so you can consume most fruits and vegetables without a problem.

Final thoughts

Salicylates are a compound naturally found in some plants. It’s also added to some medications and non-food items. While most people can tolerate salicylates, some people are extremely sensitive to these compounds and may need to restrict their consumption quantities.

Getting an Allergy and Intolerance Test will help you determine whether you have salicylates intolerance or any food intolerances and allergies. This test checks for allergies and intolerance in food and non-food items against your blood sample. So you’ll get definitive results. Once you get your results, you can discuss with your doctor or dietitian the way forward and how to plan your diet so you can manage your allergies and intolerances.

The post What Is A Salicylates Intolerance? appeared first on Allergy Test.