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Nitrites are used to preserve meats like hot dogs. Image Credit: StephanieFrey/iStock/Getty Images Although peanut butter, milk and fruits are common sources of food allergies, it also is possible to be allergic to other food components and additives. This includes nitrates, which are compounds that occur when nitrogen is broken down. Nitrates are converted into nitrites when certain bacteria – including botulism toxin – are present. If you suspect you may be experiencing a food allergy, knowing allergy symptoms and foods that contain nitrites can help you and your physician determine if you have an allergy....

Steak is high in protein but also high in saturated fat. Image Credit: mphillips007/iStock/GettyImages A strip loin steak is also known as a top loin, club, Kansas City or New York strip steak. This cut of steak comes from the top portion of the short loin, which is nestled between the cow’s ribs and sirloin. Advertisement Because this part of the cow does not get much of a workout, it contains more marbled fat and less muscle, resulting in a tender and juicy piece of meat....

An electronic scale. Image Credit: -zlaki-/iStock/Getty Images The use of digital body composition analyzers has increased in popularity to assess healthy weight in both the medical field and fitness industry. Body composition, also known as body fat percentage, is a more accurate predictor of healthy weight than the number of pounds on the scale as stand alone data. The ratio of muscle-to-fat is the true measure of healthy weight and predictor of potential health risks....

Pasta is a popular high-carbohydrate food. Image Credit: AlexPro9500/iStock/Getty Images With so much conflicting diet and nutrition advice available, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction, particularly when it comes to carbs. A healthy diet begins with the basics of how macronutrients — carbohydrates, protein and fat — contribute to the calories you consume. There are 4 calories per gram of carbohydrate, 4 calories per gram of protein and 9 calories per gram of fat, according to the USDA National Agricultural Library....

Too-shallow lunges aren't effective, but lunge too low and you may hit your knee on the ground. Image Credit: BraunS/E+/GettyImages Lunges are one of the best exercises for your lower body. They’re one of those staple moves, like squats or deadlifts, that are included in most people’s leg day routine — and for good reason. Advertisement When it comes to strengthening your glutes and hamstrings, lunges are more effective than squats, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE)....

Woman getting physical therapy on her forearm Image Credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock/Getty Images Pronator teres syndrome can cause compression of your median nerve, leading to pain and disability in your arm. Some careers require constant use of specific muscle groups, like the pronator teres in the forearm, which can lead to injury over time. Massage therapy and stretching are most often recommended to relieve syndrome symptoms, as the root cause is often muscle tightness from overwork....

While most ramen noodles are made with wheat flour, there are gluten-free ramen varieties available. Image Credit: AnastasiaNurullina/iStock/GettyImages Economical and easy to make, ramen is a simple dish consisting of quick-cooking noodles served in broth, often with meat and vegetables. While most ramen noodles are made with wheat flour, there are gluten-free ramen varieties available. Advertisement If you avoid gluten for preference or allergies, read nutrition labels carefully to be sure you're eating gluten-free noodles....

Hot flushes after drinking alcohol can happen for a variety of reasons, including drinking too much or as a symptom of a hangover. Image Credit: Mizina/iStock/GettyImages Alcohol affects every system in your body, including the central nervous system. So, when you drink alcohol in any amount, you may experience side effects such as hangover hot flashes. While some side effects are common, you may want to talk to your doctor if they become severe or happen frequently....

The term throat cancer refers to the development of cancerous tumors in the pharynx, larynx or tonsils. Treatment for throat cancer generally involves radiation therapy, which can result in inflammation of the throat and mouth and throat soreness or intense burning. These side effects increase the difficulty a throat cancer patient experiences when trying to eat. Because of this, a soft diet, which consists of foods that are easy to chew or swallow, is often recommended for someone with throat cancer....

references & resources Nutrients: "Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Weight Loss in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review" Nature: "A Randomised Controlled Study Shows Supplementation of Overweight and Obese Adults With Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria Reduces Bodyweight and Improves Well-being" Preventative Nutrition and Food Science: "The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity in Adults and the Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics for Weight Loss" Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome: "Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss" Journal of Nutrition: "Fiber Intake Predicts Weight Loss and Dietary Adherence in Adults Consuming Calorie-Restricted Diets: The POUNDS Lost (Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies) Study" Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "Fiber" Harvard T....

references Nigerian Medical Journal: "Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis — A preliminary report" Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. The best interdental brushes have soft bristles, a flexible head and are easy to use. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How We Chose Gum Proxabrush GUM Soft-Picks Bamboo Piksters DenTek Slim Brush TEPE Interdental Brush Oral-B Interdental Brush Handle Buying Tips Visit Page https://go....

The best stretches for better posture loosen up and relieve pain in your spine, chest, neck and back. Image Credit: Cavan Images/Cavan/GettyImages If you sit all day long, you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t feel great. While it might be impossible to avoid how you spend the majority of your day, adding some stretches for better posture into your daily routine can ensure your spine, chest, neck and back stay healthy....

GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid, is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps to facilitate normal operation of the central nervous system, the control center for a host of normal everyday functions. Doctors commonly prescribe GABA supplementation for patients who exhibit symptoms of deficiency. Such patients include children, who receive GABA, albeit at reduced dosages, to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and other nervous system disorders. Combats ADHD GABA acts as a moderating force within the nervous system, inhibiting excited neuronal activity that may be stimulated by a variety of mental and/or physiological stressors....

Exactly how much you weigh is a matter of genetics and your body composition. Image Credit: Hero Images/Hero Images/Getty Images Exactly how much you weigh is a matter of genetics and your body composition. Instead of aiming for a particular number on the scale, make feeling fit and fabulous your goal. Your body type influences how your weight distributes, what exercises best suit you and what you should eat to fuel activity....

Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here. Although you don't need to be drenched in sweat for a good workout, there's something satisfying about finishing a training session with a damp shirt. But when you're exercising at home, pushing yourself to sweat-level effort can be a challenge....

A woman is chopping vegetables on a board. Image Credit: ehaurylik/iStock/Getty Images The USDA RDA, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowance, is a set of guidelines to the recommended daily intake of a wide variety of nutrients. In addition to standards for children, pregnant and nursing women, and seniors, the USDA sets a standard of vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, fats and carbohydrates that the average adult should eat on a daily basis....

Devote some time to yoga on a weekly basis to strengthen your muscles and also relieve your stress levels. Image Credit: Stígur Már Karlsson /Heimsmyndir/E+/GettyImages Listen to Your Heart highlights the simple nutrition, fitness and lifestyle changes you can make for a healthy heart at any age. Heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in America, causing one in three deaths each year (that’s one person each minute!...

Getting too much or not enough of certain vitamins may cause your body to retain water or swell. Image Credit: MAURO FERMARIELLO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Science Photo Library/GettyImages Vitamins are essential to good health, but you can get too much of a good thing. Many vitamins seem harmless in large doses, but they may interact with medications or cause toxic side effects if you aren’t careful. Advertisement Some vitamins can cause swelling or ​edema​, a fancy word for fluid retention....

Image Credit: Estudi M6/iStock/Getty Images Regular exercise reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions, like heart disease. Some physical activity is better than none, but most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity, including jogging or running. Advertisement Walking or running can be performed outside or on a treadmill. For general health and weight loss purposes, treadmill training is just as advantageous as road training, and the treadmill provides added benefits, such as increased safety and convenience....

Hypothyroidism can affect your weight. Image Credit: gregory_lee/iStock/GettyImages Hypothyroidism affects approximately 5 percent of persons in the United States older than 12, as noted in December 2012 medical practice guidelines published in the journal Thyroid. Hypothyroidism affects women more frequently than men and the likelihood of developing the condition increases with age. Advertisement Because thyroid hormones influence the activity of virtually all body tissues, hypothyroidism can cause a wide array of diverse symptoms....