Alterations in bowel habit are not uncommon when dieting or fasting, especially for long periods of time. Some people may experience constipation. Others may experience diarrhea. It is important to understand why these alterations occur when dieting in order to prevent it as far as possible. However, when diarrhea with >> Read More ...
Anorexia nervosa is among the more common eating disorders seen throughout the world. It is most common in developed nations. Most of us think of the extremely emaciated body as being the typical sign of anorexia. This is accompanied by other signs and symptoms indicative of poor nutrition, such as pale skin, thinning hair >> Read More ...
Dietary change, especially a calorie-restricted diet, is a cornerstone for weight loss alongside exercise. However, there are some fad diets that can be dangerous and even life threatening. Despite the advances in nutritional science, these diets have persisted for years and even decades. It is therefore important to >> Read More ...
Among the various nutritional deficiencies, low levels of zinc are usually not a concern for most people in developed nations. Studies have shown that there is no significant deficiency of zinc among vegetarians despite the mineral being more abundant in meat, poultry and seafood. However, in developing nations there may >> Read More ...
We often hear about good fats and bad fats which can have various effects on the health and functioning of the body. These fast are part of the every day diet and are unavoidable. Most foods have fats, even if it is not oily or greasy. Fats are necessary in small quantities but just as important is the type of fat that is >> Read More ...
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the common nutritional deficiencies globally. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only vegans that may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. Even vegetarians and meat eaters are at risk under certain circumstances and with certain conditions. Without proper nutrition or supplementation, low >> Read More ...
The body needs many different micronutrients to sustain life. One of these is the mineral known as potassium. While we do not often hear about a potassium deficiency, this chemical is vital for many important functions in the body. In fact with a very low potassium level, the nerves and heart cannot work properly and it >> Read More ...
Cholersterol is a type of fat that is needed for various functions in the body. Not only is some cholesterol sourced in food but the body also produces cholesterol. It is fair to say that cholesterol is essential for health and life but it can also be dangerous when present in high levels within the body. Excessive >> Read More ...
With the water comprising about 60% of the human body and some organs being as much as 80% water, the importance of water for human health and sustaining life is obvious. Hydration levels are not usually a concern for most healthy people who are consuming a balanced diet. However, the type of beverages, quantity and even >> Read More ...
What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose (milk sugar) because of a lactase deficiency. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose to glucose and galactose, which are normally completely absorbed from the small intestine into the blood. In lactose deficiency, undigested lactose >> Read More ...