Food is what we look forward to as we sit down at the big table to celebrate. But unfortunately, for an individual that is managing a food allergy, these joyous events can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing.

For many, food centers on celebrations - holidays, school events, special occasions, and family reunions. Food is not only a source of energy and sustenance, but for some, food is a highlight at these events. Food is what we look forward to as we sit down at the big table to celebrate. But unfortunately, for an individual that is managing a food allergy, these joyous events can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing. A food allergy is usually diagnosed during early childhood, but some individuals can develop an allergy to a certain food in the later stages of life. In order to make a proper diagnosis, an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergies, will begin testing. Testing may include a scratch test to expose the skin to possible irritants. If the skin reacts by exhibiting redness or swelling, the individual may have sensitivity to the corresponding type of food. Ninety-percent of allergic reactions stem from fish and shellfish, milk, nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts and cashews, and eggs. Even though these foods account for a majority of the food allergy cases, some individuals may be allergic to any type of food such as fruits, vegetables, and certain types of meats. When an individual has a food allergy, they may experience itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, stuffy or itchy nose, and excessive sneezing during exposure to a certain food. Occasionally a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the body to react to the allergy within minutes or hours after being exposed to the food. At

times, anaphylaxis can develop extremely quickly. During this type of reaction, an individual may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling sensations throughout the body, and tightness in the throat. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly and may become life threatening if treatment is not received immediately. Dealing with a food allergy is sometimes difficult. Watching what you eat and being aware of the ingredients contained in food is very important. In order to be in control of a food allergy, individuals need to eliminate the food item from their diet. Medications are not available for food allergies, so the best course of action is to stay clear of the foods that are known to cause distress; this includes both the eating and touching of foods. In addition to preparedness, communication is the key to successfully managing a food allergy. This includes asking the ingredients contained in menu items when eating out. Also, be sure to discuss a food allergy with a host of a party you are attending. Explaining a food allergy to the people serving the food will give you the important information you need to prevent becoming ill. Being aware of the menu before an event and choosing the best available options can help minimize anxiety about having a reaction to a food allergy. Knowing what is available and reading the ingredient labels can assist individuals who suffer from a food allergy in making educated decisions; which can help return a passion for food and enjoyment to return to those joyous celebrations.

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Natural Supplements Like 5-HTP To Support A Normal Sleep Cycle

5-HTP is 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and amino acid and a precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. 5-HTP can pass from the blood to the brain and allow it to synthesis serotonin and it is thought to work synergistically with some nutritional supplements to support the way we feel, otherwise called mood. It is also thought to promote a healthy sleep cycle since serotonin itself takes part in the processes that regulate mood, sleep and also control of appetite.

A typical healthy diet does not contain significant sources of 5-hydroxytryptophan. Instead, it is manufactured by the bodys biochemistry from l-tryptophan that is found in most proteins. Hence it is available from read meats, cheese, poultry and seafood. Most is available from beef and cheese and vegetarians and vegans rely on avocados, peanuts and cashews for their l-tryptophan. Even so, these sources of tryptophan do not lead to the production of large amounts of 5-HTP by the body and a supplement is indicated when natural levels have to be increased, not only in the case of vegans but for all of us.

The major natural source of this important amino acid is the plant Griffonia simplicifolia. Native to Central and West Africa, this is a climbing shrub and its seeds are an important source of supplemental 5-HTP. So the biochemical pathway to serotonin is from 5-HTP that is taken as a supplement or synthesized from l-tryptophan.

The reason that serotonin is so important is in its variously different functions within the body. It is found not only in the brain, but also in the intestines and in the blood. When you get cut, or the blood vessels get damaged, then serotonin is released by the platelets in the blood and acts by constricting the blood vessel, and so preventing or reducing blood loss. It also controls the action of the muscles in the cardiovascular system and intestines ensuring that they function smoothly by stimulating their contraction.

However, it is for its effect on the brain that serotonin is best known. It is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the transmission of electrical signals across the synapses, the small gaps that separate neurons. If these misfire then a whole range of neurological malfunctions can occur, including sleeplessness, autism, appetite loss, migraines, mood disorders and eating disorders. Serotonin is therefore a critical component of the brain and so, therefore, is 5-HTP, from which it is made.

The biochemical pathway involves the formation of 5-HTP from l-tryptophan by means of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, and another enzyme converts the 5-HTP to serotonin. The serotonin can then be converted to melatonin by means of a two step reaction involving two other enzymes. Incidentally, not all of the tryptophan is converted to serotonin since it is also used to manufacture niacin, Vitamin B3 by means of another biochemical pathway and different enzymes.

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep patterns, and synthesized in the pineal gland deep in the brain. It would therefore seem sensible to take supplements of melatonin directly in order to promote sleep, but this seems to be effective only where the patients melatonin levels are low. A melatonin supplement is not nearly as effective as a supplement of 5-HTP. Tryptophan is effective in improving sleep levels and decreasing the number of times insomniacs awaken during the night, but this is a prescription drug.

5-HTP is not, and can be purchased at any health store. It is a very effective substitute for tryptophan and a daily dosage of 50 mg 100 mg taken with fruit juice has a significant sedative effect on children and insomniac adults. All these facts have been established in double blind studies where neither the patients nor those carrying out the studies have known who received the drug or supplement and who were given a placebo.

Apart from its effect on sleep, 5-HTP supplements improve mood and help depression, PMS, anxiety and migraines, and also help overweight people by acting as an appetite suppressant. Insomnia can be caused by a number of factors, among them anxiety and depression, and serotonin can help to control these conditions. Melatonin secretion appears to be promoted by Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and B12 deficiency is common, especially among the elderly and in vegans, since there is no effective vegetable source. A vitamin B12 supplement might also help sleeplessness by improving the secretion of melatonin once biosynthesized.

However, although the supplement is a natural product, keep in mind that it is a mood-changing chemical and can interact with other drugs. Examples of known interferences are with triptans used in treating migraines, and Carbidopa that is used in the treatment of Parkinsons Disease. It is important that if you are on any other medication you check with your doctor that a 5-HTP supplement is safe for you to take. It has not yet been tested for safety during pregnancy and nursing and there is a possibility that it could be the cause of seizures in Downs Syndrome children, though that has still to be established.

To sum up, then, 5-HTP is not contained to any extent in a normal diet, but is manufactured from the bodys diet of proteins that contain its precursor, l-tryptophan. In the event of a 5-HTP deficiency, there is insufficient biochemical production of it from natural sources of l-tryptophan to make up for any shortage, and so supplements are required.

5-HTP supplements are indicated in the event of insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns and where mood and appetite have to be regulated. It is also used to alleviate the symptoms of melatonin deficiency such as depression, anxiety and tension, and in such cases 5-HTP, being a natural over-the-counter supplement, is preferred to the prescription drug tryptophan. Recently l-tryptophan has come back on the market as an Over the counter supplement available in health food stores. Melatonin supplements are effective only where there is a definite reduction in the patients natural level, and 5-HTP is more effective where a general increase in melatonin is needed.

5-HTP is a natural and safe remedy for sleeplessness, but you must check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are taking any other medication.

Many men suffer low libido and many of the ones who have it, have a zinc deficiency and you may think this humble mineral is not important but it’s vital for healthy libido and sex drive here’s why…Why is it so vital? Zinc is an essential mineral and is needed for the production of the key hormone testosterone. It has a huge influence on your sex drive Zinc content of the prostate gland and sperm is higher than in any other body tissues and helps regulate prostate fluid. Zinc not only helps produce testosterone, but also helps to maintain semen volume, keeping sperm healthy and regulating sex drive. A deficiency of zinc is associated with numerous sexual problems, including sperm abnormalities and prostate disease. A deficiency of zinc, means your prostate is not in proper working order, and without a healthy prostate, you simply can’t have a full and healthy sex life. Here are foods that are rich in zinc: Get plenty of fish and shell fish such as oysters are fantastic (no wonder legendary lover Casanova consumed 50 a day for breakfast!) lean red and white meat, oatmeal, cashews and milk. If you are vegetarian you are more likely to suffer from a deficiency, so make sure you get supplementation. In terms of sex drive you are what you eat and if you don’t give your body the right fuel you will end up with low libido another common deficiency is in Selenium which occurs naturally in foods - but with an onus on quick, refined meals, selenium content in many foods is negligible. Why is this one so important? Selenium is good for sperm motility and mobility; in fact, nearly 50% of the selenium of a man is in the testes and seminal ducts and men lose selenium in their semen. Getting enough selenium is therefore vital for peak sexual health.Think About This !We have touched on just two everyday foods which can lead to a low libido and today many people simply don’t get healthy diets so it’s worth looking at the simple causes first. If you take herbal sex pills, many of the herbs contained, will be rich in nutrients that today’s diets lack and can give you a great natural boost of goodness and libido enhancing fuel. So before you think you lack testosterone or have other complicated problems - remember you are what you eat! Zinc deficiency is a common cause of low libido so - feed your body the right fuel and your low libido go and your sexual desire will return.