Since hepatitis A infection are transmitted through the fecal-oral route, promoting a good personal hygiene and avoid direct contact with an infected person’s blood or stools are the best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection.

The following are some things that you can do to help you get started.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. This is very important especially when you’re going to preparing foods.
2. Keep bathroom clean
3. Make sure all household utensils clean
4. Avoid using household utensils that a person with hepatitis A may touch or use
5. Avoid sexual contact with a person with hepatitis A
6. Avoid injected drug use. If you do, don’t share the needles
7. Drink water from trusted source only
8. Get vaccinated if you are travelling to countries with high rates of hepatitis A infection

Unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A may be able to prevent hepatitis A by receiving injection with immune gobulin (IG) or the hepatitis A vaccine. However, it must be given within 2 weeks after exposure to be effective.

Source: 8 Best Ways to Prevent Hepatitis A

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Since there is no medication that can kill the HAV, the goal of hepatitis A treatment is to relieve the symptoms associated with the disease while the body fights the infection.

Here are some things that you can do to help you feel better until the infection passes.

• Get plenty of rest
  It is important to get plenty of rest as this can help your body to fight off the virus. So you will probably need to stay off work or school until the flu-like symptoms of hepatitis A pass.
• Drink a lot of fluids
  If you’re having nausea and vomiting, you will become dehydrated. To keep your body hydrated, drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water or clear juices per day. If you’re having trouble eating enough calories, you can opt for fruit juices or milk as they contain more calories.
• Avoid alcohol drinks
  Alcohol makes your liver work harder which can cause even more damage to the cells that are in fighting with the hepatitis A virus. Therefore people with the disease should avoid drinking any alcohol until they are fully recovered.
• Cope with nausea and vomiting
  If you are infected with hepatitis A virus, you’re likely to have nausea and vomiting. To cope with it, try eating six smaller meals a day rather than three larger meals and avoid eating fatty foods.
• Taking medication with caution
  Some medicines may harm your liver which can worsen your condition. So talk with your doctor before taking any prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Image source: eHow

Source: Hepatitis A Treatment

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A most common sign of hepatitis A is jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eye), which is caused by an excess number of a chemical called “bilirubin” in the blood. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted as bile through the intestines. However, when the liver is injured or damaged, it was not able to function properly. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up faster than the liver can break it down and pass it from the body.

Although this is an obvious sign, there are other common signs and symptoms of hepatitis A. These include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Sudden fever
• Dark-colored urine
• Abdominal discomfort, especially in the area of your liver
• Nausea and vomiting

The symptoms may last for up to several months. Talk to your doctor if your condition doesn’t get well within a couple of months.

While hepatitis A is not usually a serious illness but it’s important to get it properly diagnosed as it can cause a more serious condition such as hepatitis C (a more serious type of viral infection) or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

Once you have recovered from hepatitis A, you are usually immune from it and you will never catch the virus again.

Source: Hepatitis A Symptoms

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The virus is commonly spread when someone ingests foods or water that is contaminated the feces of an infected person or in close contact with the infected person. For this reason, the disease is thought to occur in areas where there are poor sanitary and hygienic conditions or where Hepatitis A is common.

When someone is infected with the hepatitis A virus, the virus enters their liver cells from the blood and then it uses those cells to multiply itself. As more and more of the hepatitis A virus is made in the liver cells, your body will start to show signs of dealing with the infection. These generally last for one to two months, but in several cases, symptoms may last six months or more. The infected person can transmit the virus to others for as long as two weeks before any symptoms appear.

Risk Factors for Hepatitis A

Although anyone can get Hepatitis A, but you’re at higher risk if you are:

• Having sex with a partner who has hepatitis A
• Living in areas with high rates of hepatitis A
• Regularly injecting illegal drugs
• Working near sewage (untreated sewage is often contaminated by hepatitis A)
• Having haemophilia – people with this blood clotting disorder often require a type of medication called a clotting agent, which can sometimes become infected with the hepatitis A virus.

Image source: webmd

Source: Hepatitis A Causes and Risk Factors

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In fact, an average person gets a fifth of daily calories from beverages. So what you drink also affect your body weight.

Choosing the right drinks can help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism, curbing your appetite, and reducing your total calorie intake, or vice versa. The following are some best and worst drinks for weight loss:

The Best Drinks for Weight Loss

1. Water
   Water is definitely the best drink for weight loss. It can help keep you feel full longer and cut down your appetite. A dieter is advised to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

   Studies have found that drinking water before a meal causes people to eat less at meals. In addition, new research suggests that drinking plenty of water can have a positive effect on your metabolism.

   It is estimated that increasing your water intake by two glasses a day can cause a 30% increase in metabolic rate, which in turn increasing the number of calories you burn.

2. Green tea
   Green tea is the best drink for people who looking for weight loss. Some compounds found in green tea may help in speeding up your metabolism and suppressing your appetite, and thus can lead to weight loss. For optimal benefits, drink green tea twice a day.
3. Vegetable juice
   As vegetables are naturally low in sugar content and high in fiber, taking the juice can help to suppress the appetite, causing those on juice to eat less.

   A study has suggests that having one glass of vegetable juice before meals cut down your calorie consumption by about 30 percent.

4. Green smoothie
   Green smoothie is an ideal weight loss drink as it’s loaded with fiber and low in fat. Making a green smoothie is pretty simple. Just add fresh vegetables, water and some ice into blender, and blend it up. Some of the best ingredients to add into your green smoothies are apples (with skin), blueberries, raspberries, bananas, celery, carrots, cucumber, and all leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale.

   It is important to keep your combinations simple. Simple combinations of four or less ingredients are easier to digest.

   For optimal weight loss benefit, chew your smoothie no matter how weird it feels at first. Because gulping it down without chewing will cause more sugar to enter into your blood stream, making it harder to lose weight.

5. Coconut water
   Coconut water contains many electrolytes which can increase the rate of metabolism. It is a great substitute for most commercial juices and energy drinks that contain a lot of calories and sugar which can contributes to weight gain.

The Worst Drinks for Weight Loss

1. Soda
   Soda has a lot of sugar and empty calories. It’s simply calories from sugar. Diet containing too much sugar can lead to weight gain and even obesity.
2. Energy drinks
   Most energy drinks contain a lot of sugar – about the same amount that’s the soda has. This sugar might give your energy a boost (on top of the caffeine). It’s ok to have sugar–containing drinks once in a while, but consuming too much sugar can cause cavities and weight gain.
3. Fancy coffee

   Coffee with a little sugar and skimmed milk may not be so bad but those with whipped cream give you more calories than a full meal. And this isn’t even to talk about its carb content.

   If you really want to drink this coffee, make your own at home so you know exactly what is going into it. Use low fat, or even preferably non-dairy milk such almond, and use stevia to sweeten.

4. Full cream milk
   This drink is not good for you who want to lose weight as it contains a lot of calories that hinder weight loss.
5. Alcohol drinks
   Alcohol drinks are loaded with empty calories which may slows your body’s ability to burn fat, making your weight loss goal harder to achieve. So if you want to lose weight, stay away from this drink.

Source: 5 Best and Worst Drinks for Losing Weight

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There are eight common species of tuna, including Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), Blackfin tuna (Thunnus Atlanticus), Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), Longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol), Northern bluefin (Thunnus thynnus), Pacific bluefin (Thunnus orientalis), and the Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). The most popular and widely consumed species are Albacore and Bluefin tuna.

Tuna fishes are available both fresh and canned. However, only about one percent of these fishes are sold fresh in the American market, while the rest is sold canned.

Tuna is a very popular ingredient in some cuisines. In American cuisine, canned tuna is eaten in sandwiches, salads, and pickles. In Japanese cuisine, fresh tuna is served as sashimi or used on sushi. It is also popular in coastal regions where the fish made by frying, grilling, currying or skewering the fish meat.

Tuna, either fresh or canned, are rich in protein, vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids that provide a range of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Tuna

1. Maintain cardiovascular health
   Tuna is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids which have been shown to support cardiovascular health. It can help promote cardiovascular health by increasing the concentration of good (HDL) cholesterol in the body. The experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood, preventing the build up of plaque which can clog the arteries.
2. Prevent stroke
   Since tuna can help prevent blood clots and improves blood flow, it can help prevent the risk of stroke. Eating 1-3 servings of tuna a week is enough to lower your chance of getting stroke.
3. Control blood pressure
   Fresh tuna is naturally high in potassium but low in sodium, and research has suggests that a diet high in potassium and low in sodium can help control blood pressure. The omega 3 fatty acids found in tuna are also play a role in keeping your blood pressure within the normal range.
4. Supports eye health
   The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in tuna is also beneficial for the eye health as they can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes.
5. Cancer prevention
   Studies have shown that eating fish high in omega 3 fatty acids such as tuna may protect against certain cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and kidney cancer.

   Other studies have found that consumption of tuna can significantly lower the risk of leukemia as well. The studies show that tuna is a remarkable fish for reducing the risk of leukemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

6. Increase cognitive function
   Tuna is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is known to support cognitive function by promoting a healthy blood supply to the brain and lowering inflammation, aiding the transmission of electrical signals in the brain, and thereby reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Improve mood
   Tuna is a good source of selenium which is responsible for mood and appetite levels. A lack of selenium will cause unhappy and anxious feelings. The omega 3 fatty acids in tuna are also helps in improving mood levels.
8. Aid the detoxification process
   Selenium along with omega-3 contained in the tuna, are essential elements for the production of gluthathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant which is critical for a healthy liver, an organ that is responsible for clearing toxins from your body.

Although tuna is a nutrient-dense food, pregnant women and young children should avoid or consume it with caution because the high mercury content in tuna can pose some health risks to their unborn babies and toddlers.

Source: 8 Health Benefits of Tuna

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However, it doesn’t mean that all foods are equally effective in building muscle. In order to gain muscle mass, you should choose foods that are high in protein. Adequate protein intake helps prevent muscle from breaking down and stimulates new muscle growth. Therefore, having enough protein is crucial when trying to build muscle.

If you want to build muscle, here are some high protein foods that will help you get started.

• Chicken and turkey
  Chicken and turkey contain a very high amount of protein and have low saturated fat than red meat, making them the ultimate muscle building foods. One ounce of chicken breast and turkey contain about 9g of protein. Chicken is also very versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways, like baking, grilling, boiling, and barbecuing.
• Eggs
  Eggs are probably the least expensive form of complete protein. They contain all nine essential amino acids which is essential for the building and maintenance of muscles. One egg contains 6g of protein which is almost equally divided between the egg white and the egg yolk. Eating whole eggs can be more effective in building muscle, however if fat content is an issue, then you can remove the egg yolk by just consuming the egg white.
• Fish
  Fish is also a good source of protein. A serving (3 oz) of fish contain about 20 g of protein and has a very low amount of saturated fat, making it an excellent protein food choice. Fish like salmon and tuna are also rich in omega 3 acids which are essential to your health, especially in the process of building muscle.
• Nuts
  Nuts are the best muscle building snack as they contain a good amount of protein and fat. Nuts such as peanuts and almonds contain 9g and 8g of protein per ounce.
• Whey protein
  Whey protein, also known as ‘fast protein’, is one of the most useful types of protein for muscle building. This because it is rapidly broken down into amino acids and absorbed into the bloodstream, making it a very good protein to consume before and after a heavy workout. For this reason, it is a great option to supplement your protein needs when you’re trying to build muscle.
• Low fat chocolate milk
  Milk is one of the best muscle building foods because it contains both high quality proteins (whey and casein) that the body needs for muscle gaining, strength and recovery. One cup (250ml) milk contains about 8g of highly beneficial protein.

  Casein is digested more slowly than whey so it provides a steady supply of protein to your muscles, while whey gets metabolized more quickly. Since milk provides both of these proteins, it gives your body a perfect combination of muscle-building protein.

  Low fat chocolate milk can be the best beverage after workout, as it contains all the required components needed by your body after workouts.

• Cottage cheese
  Another best source of whey and casein protein is cottage cheese. A half cup of low fat cottage cheese provides your body with about 16 grams of high quality protein, at an average 80 calories. Cottage cheese also contains live cultures which are good bacteria that will help breakdown and absorb all the nutrients you need to get bigger and stronger.

Source: High Protein Foods for Building Muscle Mass

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The body needs protein to make new cells, create hormone, and strengthen the immune system. It is also crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass. Without adequate protein, no matter how much exercise you do, you won’t be able to build muscles.

Proteins are large molecules that made up of a set of 20 amino acids which are responsible for the formation of cells, hormones, muscles, and many other tissues in the body. Of the 20 amino acids, half are produced by the body. While the other half (called essential amino acids) must obtain from the diet.

What happen if your body does not get enough protein?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 500 million people suffer from protein malnutrition. Inadequate protein intake may cause the body to break down muscle tissues.

In addition to that, protein malnutrition can decrease immunity, and cause changes in skin color and result in hair loss. Extreme protein malnutrition can leads to kwashiorkor, a condition characterized by irritability, growth failure and swollen belly. The disease is common in poor countries, and often occurs during natural disaster.

Who needs more protein?

• Children
• Athletes
• Active adults
• Pregnant women
• And those who suffer from protein-energy malnutrition

How much of proteins do I need per day?

The daily requirement of protein differs from person to person. For normal adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. The RDA increases to 1.0 gram/ kilogram of body weight in elderly people.

For those who are active, overweight or are in the teenage years, the amount of protein needs should be higher, you will likely need to increase your protein intake from the standard RDA of 0.8 g/kg of body weight to 1.2-1.7 g/kg. Also, the RDA increases by 30 grams on those who are pregnant.

What are the Protein rich foods?

Protein rich foods can be found in animal and plant products. Although all animal and plant products contain protein, but the amount and quality of this protein can vary widely.

Protein from animal sources contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs to keep fit and healthy. Some of these foods include poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, pork, and beef.

Plant protein contains many amino acids, but there is no single source contains all of the essential amino acids. Some of these foods include beans, cereals, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and soy products.

To get all the essential amino acids from plant sources, you need to combine different plant proteins to make up the complete protein. For example eating rice with beans or using cereal on milk. A few plant sources do offer complete protein without combining are soy and quinoa.

Source: The Importance of Protein to the Human Body

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For the new study, researchers at the University of Sydney involved 23 pregnant women, with an average age of 35, who had a BMI ranged from 17 to 42 when they were 16 weeks pregnant. They scanned abdominal aorta of newborn baby within 7 days to find out the thickness of the internal walls – intima-media thickness.

The intima-media thickness ranged from 0.65 to 0.97 mm and was associated with the mother’s weight. The higher the mother’s weight, the greater the baby’s intima-media thickness, regardless of how much the baby weighed at birth.

The results showed that babies born to mothers who had a BMI of more than 25 had a thickened lining in their major artery – which is a common risk factors for heart disease.

“The earliest physical signs of early heart disease are present in the abdominal aorta, and aortic intima-media thickness is considered the best non-invasive measure of structural health of the vasculature in children”, study co-author, Dr Michael Skilton said, as reported in Dailymail.

Amy Thompson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said that these results could suggest a direct link between a mother’s weight during pregnancy and her child’s risk of heart disease.

“However, this was a very small study of only 23 pregnant women and we would need further research on a larger scale to make a definite decision. Also, since the babies were only examined at one week old, we do not know what these findings may mean for their heart health as their life continues.”

“In addition, some of the mothers studied were smokers, and some developed diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy, which may have played a role in the outcome.”

“We do know that obesity during pregnancy can cause a number of problems for both the mother and their newborn baby.”

“If you are thinking of starting a family and have concerns about your weight, try to eat healthy and stay active.”

“Looking after yourself when you’re pregnant will mean that you are in the best position to look after your baby when the time comes.”

Source: Babies of Obese Mothers Have Higher Risk of Heart Disease Later In Life

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The strawberries are native to North America and today are grown worldwide in temperate regions. Narragansett Indians in North America called the fruit ‘wuttahimneash‘ which means heart-seed berry.

There are over 600 varieties of strawberries throughout the world that differ in flavor, size and texture. The most common are June bearing strawberries which are derived from a mix of the Chilean Pine (F. chiloensis) and Scarlet Virginian (F. virginiana) strawberries. Strawberry is available year-round in the stores but they are fresh and plentiful during the peak season, which is from April to June.

Strawberries are probably the most popular type of berry among all the berries fruits. They are juicy, delicious, and extremely healthy. Strawberry is actually not a berry or a fruit but a pseudocarp (also known as false fruit), which consists of many tiny individual fruits embedded in a fleshy receptacle. The brownish or whitish spots, commonly considered seeds are the true fruits, known as achenes. These achenes make strawberries relatively high in fiber, potassium, and low in calories.

The health benefits of strawberries are numerous, as they contain many essential nutrients like folate, flavonoids, quercetin, manganese and vitamin C. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C. In fact, one cup of strawberries (about 8 strawberries) offers an incredible 150 percent of RDA of vitamin C.

Strawberries are also loaded with some unique phytonutrients which have shown to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants properties. The following are some health benefits of strawberries.

1. Protect against cancers
   The phytonutrients such as flavonoids and ellagitannins present in strawberries exhibit antioxidant properties which have been shown to be beneficial in suppressing the growth of certain cancer cells like breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
2. Prevent heart attack
   Strawberries contain dietary flavonoids and research has shown that the flavonoids may prevent heart disease by helping to dilate blood vessels and reduce the build-up of plague within the coronary arteries, which could lead to heart attacks. A new study found that women who ate the most strawberries and blueberries had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack compared to those whose ate less of the berries.
3. Lower cholesterol
   Strawberries are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol which can clog arteries.
4. Promote eye health
   The antioxidant properties in strawberries may help to prevent cataracts. According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, eating three or more servings of strawberries per day can decrease the chance of getting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third.
5. Relieve rheumatoid arthritis
   Strawberries contain an excellent source of vitamin C which helps relieve rheumatoid arthritis. Research suggests that people who don’t take vitamin C rich foods are three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who take vitamin C rich foods.
6. Maintain bone and teeth health
   Strawberries are a good source of manganese and magnesium which helps maintain healthy bones and teeth.
7. Fight wrinkle
   Being high in vitamin C, strawberry can help fight wrinkle. This vitamin helps to produce collagen in the body which improves skin’s elasticity and resilience. Also, strawberries are high in water content and thus can keep your skin hydrated which leads to healthy glowing skin.
8. Improve brain health
   The anti-aging properties present in strawberries nourish the brain cells and increase the brain health. A new study found that elderly women who ate more strawberries slowed their cognitive decline by up to 2.5 years.
9. Regulate blood pressure
   Strawberries may assist in the reduction of high blood pressure due to their high potassium content. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium.
10. Maintain a normal weight
    Due to its high water content and low calories, strawberries are an excellent food for losing weight and maintain a healthy normal weight.
11. Strengthen immune system
    The vitamin C in strawberries helps support a healthy immune system and prevent infection.
12. Reduce inflammation
    The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and lead to heart disease. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that women who eat 16 or more strawberries per week are 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) — an indication of inflammation in the body.
13. Control blood sugar
    Numerous studies have showed that consuming strawberries on a regular basis can significantly lower diabetes risk. This may due to the polyphenols present in strawberries which have been shown to reduce blood sugar elevations and insulin requirement.

When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are shiny, bright deep red color with no soft or dark spots. The darker red the strawberry, the sweeter it will be. Also, check the leaves at the top of the strawberry, the less wilted the leaves, the more fresh the strawberry.

Source: 13 Health Benefits of Strawberries

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