Fashionistas-Here's to looking good & Eating well!

Happy Easter!
April, 17, 2011


When it comes to looking hot in your clothes there's a lot to consider. For instance if one is wealthy cosmetic surgery is a primary weapon against the bulge, so is gastric bypass surgery to reduce the capacity of what your stomach can hold. To eliminate unwanted wrinkles again there's cosmetic surgery, but for the rest of us everyday-souls,  Self-Health-Advocacy  is the best alternative when it comes to feeling and looking ones best.. The way a woman look sends subliminal messages to those around her and sparks make-it or break-it reputation. In order to be the fashionable Diva who stands out in the crowd your must consider your inner beauty as well as your outward appearance. and keep in mind self-esteem and good health are essential to looking good. A fashionista must be well informed  about beneficial health topics. My goal in creating this blog is to inform modern day fashionistas about the significance health and how it contributes to looking good. Today focus is on Cholesterol and Trans Fats definitely a hot topic  today. I have prepared easy-reading straight-forward facts which you can use to improve your self-health awareness and build upon this knowledge. Every fashionista should be aware that," when you feel good-you look good!

If you've been seeking a better way to look good start with your diet and some fundamental facts. I like to keep-it-real  so let me say, There is no way I can discuss everything there is to know about looking good nutrition but I do have tips which will help you get started. Make yourself comfy &. Lets begin with  Trans Fats & Cholesterol these two terms are kicked around a lot by the multi-million dollar Advertisers, Manufactures and culprits looking to reap profits from the products they're pushing and utilizing  creating public panic is one distasteful method too many of them make, but I'm to debate the message that  merely tossing money at the problem is the only way to go. In fact Self-Health Advocacy and Consumer Awareness are necessities that enable you to make informed decisions concerning yourself. What you really need to concentrate on is understanding and managing a delicious nutritious diet. Lets start with Unsaturated fats include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These foods are liquids at room temperature. However, monounsaturated fats normally harden when placed in the refrigerator. Unsaturated fats are given the name due to the carbon bonds in the fatty acids that comprise the molecule.

Significance

Unsaturated fats are considered healthier for the diet. These fats are shown to lower cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart

 Next it comes down to the  F word  (wash your mouth out with soap!) Fats or more to the point Trans Fats and Cholesterol. Trans Fats can be found in vegetable shortenings, majority of margarines, most cookies, crackers, potato chips and many other foods. In truth Trans Fats are deliberated added to most of the foods manufactured today using a process called Hydrogenation-Which defines how by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils Trans Fats are created. Some Trans fats are found naturally in meats and vegetables. Trans fats differ from ordinary fats because they're produced when product manufacturers convert liquid oil into solid highly concentrated fats like lard. Obviously there are financial motives for adding Trans fats to products:

1.They are cheap preservatives which increase the shelf  life of products.
2.They taste good-How many people can resist eating more than one potato chip.
3. Help preserve food color.
4.Satisfy hunger.

Elevated levels of Trans Fats, Saturated Fats and Cholesterol are the result of consuming large quantities of these types of  products. At this point allow me to state a fact that many people don't realize is that fat is essential for body homeostasis growth and proper development. As a parent you need to know that your child's diet must contain some fats for proper develop.Toddlers have the highest energy needs per unit of body weight of any age group. Withholding essential fats from children can lead to serious disease and various other healthcomplications such as retardation and malnutrition. Talk to your Pediatrician before you attempt to restrict nutrients from any child's diet.

Keep in mind maker of conventional foods and some dietary supplements are required to list trans fat on a separate line, immediately under saturated fat on the nutrition level. Food makes have been aware of these requirements since January 1, 2006 requiring  listing trans fat on nutritional labels (which makes life easier for consumers). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory chemical definition for trans fatty acids is all unsaturated fatty acids that contain one or more isolate ( i.e., nonconjugated) double bonds in a trans configuration. The Agency's definition, conjugated linoleic acid would be excluded from the definition of trans fat. Dietary supplement makers must also list trans fat on the Supplement Facts panel when their good contain reportable amounts of trans fat (0.5 grams or greater). The so-called popular energy drinks and power bars fall under the list of supplements which should be clearly labeled.

Adults are a different story all together. Mono-unsaturated (unsaturated fats) and polyunsaturated fats are helpful to efficient body function also, however  adults usually need less fat. Attempting to eliminate fats completely from your diet can lead to malnutrition thus leading to  Malnourished skin which is susceptible to dryness, wrinkled and a leathery appearance. Fats contribute to the suppleness of our skin. You can't be a drop dead gorgeous diva when your skin is in bad shape! If you have no preexisting chronic health conditions such as Diabetes or High Blood Pressure I suggert

When it comes to Cholesterol (Another form of fat) not all Cholesterol is bad. There are three different kinds of blood level cholesterol and triglycerides. Good Cholesterol (HDL) helps keep your arteries from clogging up & protects you against heart disease. A good lever is 60mg/dL or Higher. On the other hand Bad Cholesterol (LDL).accumulates and blocks arteries and contributes to heart disease. A good LDL level is less than 100mg/dL if you have hight risk for heart disease then less than 130mg/dL is suggested.  if you are otherwise healthy. Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body and is essential to body homeostasis. Cholesterol can be found in foods like eggs, meat, pretzels, potato chips, bakery good and other foods many love to eat.. Unfortunately  the body already produces some of the necessary cholesterol your body requires in order to function properly so the amount we need from food is  reduced.. Excessive cholesterol consumed in foods can lead to  health problems, such  as: Obesity, Heart Disease ( heart disease is on the rise in women living in the USA), stroke, depression. & even Breast cancer have been linked  to elevated cholesterol levels.

Women over age 21 should have their cholesterol checked annually via a simple blood test, The normal Cholesterol level should be below 200 and since most people never have signs or symptoms associated with  elevated cholesterols level ( Like Hypertension/High Blood Pressure it is insidious). A blood test is the only way to determine your cholesterol level. If you want to be a success in life become your own self health advocate and talk to your health care provider about what is best for you.

Cholesterol is on the tips of everyone's tongues these days and for good reason Cholesterol has a nasty little tendency to accumulate and clog up blood vessels, especially those blood vessels of the heart. Which lead to  Angina (chest pains), Shortness of breath (SOB) and Heart Attacks . During a  heart attack the heart muscle is cut off from essential nutrients and oxygen it needs to survive and begins to die if circulation to the heart is not promptly restored death may result. Strokes are a another result of of excessive cholesterol-Blood clots development as blood slows, clumps together and accumulates under pressure. It's best to familiarize yourself with all the facts associated with  Fats because they are also an essential part of a balanced diet providing energy and stored food resources for our  bodies and cholesterol helps in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K and carotene. There are a variety of medications used to combat and lower elevated cholesterol levels.

1. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors called statins:: Altoprev, Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor. Some common negative side effects include: Gas, Dizziness, Constipation, Headache, Diarrhea, and upset stomach. Generally are not used in patients with liver disease. Don't use these medicines if you are pregnant or nursing. Use these drugs with caution if you are also taking Gemfibrozil, Amiodarone, Verpamill, or blood thinner like heparin and coumadin. If you are Hiv+ and on medication, birth control pills, Nefazodone, and niacin you should talk to your doctor about the specific risk of using statins. As with all medications alcohol can cause unwanted complications in addition to large quantitites of citrus juices daily may interfer with Statin drugs. Call your Health care provider if you experience fever, dark urine, muscle aches and pains, and weakness.
2. Bile Acid Sequestrants include : Colestid, LoCholest, Prevalite, Questran (oral powder), and Welchol. Don't use these drugs if you have liver or gallbladder problems. If you have heart disease, ulcers, kidney disease or an under-active thyroid talk to your doctor about the risk associated with using these drugs. If you are already taking Spironolactone you should talk to your doctor prior to taking Colestipol(Colestid). Some common side effects can be heartburn, Constipation, Gas, Indigestion and Nausea. Warning Signs are stomach pain, vomiting, sudden weight loss, unusual bleeding from gums or rectum.

 3.    Fibrates include: Lopid, Tricor, Antara and Triglide. If you have kidney, liver or gallbladder disease you shouldn't take these drugs. Don't use these drugs if you are taking other medicines to control cholesterol (HMG-CoA Reductase inhibitors also called Statins), Common side effects are: Headache, Constipation or Diarrhea, Dizziness, Stomach Pain, Flushing (Redness of the face and/or neck). Contact your doctor if you experience muscle pain, weakness or jaundice (yellowing of your skin & white of your eyes).

4    Niacin and what you should know about it: Don't use Niaspan if you have liver disease or if you are taking an immediate release niacin pill. Don't use it if you are pregnant and/or nursing.
If your are taking aspiring, high blood pressure drugs, HMG CoA Reductase inhibitor (Statins), or drugs to lower bile acid you need to discuss the risk with your health care provider. If you have history of heart attack, stroke, gout ask about the risk of taking this medication. Never be afraid to speak up for yourself when it involves your body. Some common negative effects of Niaspan are: Headache, Upset Stomach, Heartburn, Diarrhea, and redness of the face or neck (personally I have has clients who have experience the flushing and it is unnerving for many people). Be aware of warning signs and symptoms and contact your health care provider stat should you suddenly develop rapid heartbeat, fainting, dizziness, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye (Called Jaundice).

5. Combination Drugs are another way these medications may be prescribed. Two common drugs in this category are Vytorin (Generic name Ezetimibe & Simvastatin) and Advicor (Generic Name=Niacin and Lovastatin). What's important to consider about combo-drugs is never take Vytorin or Advicor if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not take Vytorin if you have Liver Disease. If you're taking Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Fenofibrate (Ticor), high blood pressure drugs, Protease inhibitors (medicines to treat HIV), or blood thinners such as coumadin and heparin should use caution when taking these tow medications. And if you consume large quantities of grapefruit or orange juice daily, it may affect Advicor usefulness. Common side effects include: Headache, flushing, upset stomach. Warning signs and symptoms are: Dark urine(Could indicate internal bleeding), stomach pains, Muscle pain,Tenderness or Weakness and Jaundice.

Another drug to familiarize yourself to is Zetia (Ezetimibe is its generic name). As usual pregnant women and breast feeding Moms should not take Zetia with another Cholesterol drug. If you suffer from liver disease you should not take Zetia with another cholesterol drug. If you are on anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) be extremely cautious since your risk of hemorrhage is increased when using them in combination. Side can be fatigue, bleeding, stomach pain and weakness. Beware warning signals like: Muscle pain, Tenderness, Malaise, Abdominal pain, Swelling of face and lips (Inflammation), and Severe itching.

These drugs have their own sub-categories in each group. If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol you and your health care provider must work as a unit to manage this problem. Determining which drug is best suited for you is primal and this is where  Pro-Self Healthy Advocacy is best utilized. Ask your health care provider what foods, herbs, or over-the-counter drugs should you avoid, When should you take each medication and how many times per day, should it be taken with food on the stomach of on an empty stomach,What are the side effects, Are the medications safe to use during pregnancy and Exactly what the drug is and why you need to take. Always ask what are the anticipated benefits of utilizing said drug(s).

When it comes to a balance diet there are many things to take under consideration but remember your body is your own you have a right to ask question and a right to agree or disagree with any health decisions related to your situation. So be the best darn fashionista you can be and become your own Pro-Health Advocate.

Here's looking at you girlfriends!

Tiease D. Deutsch  R.N/Artist/ Writer
Copyright by Tiease D. Deutsch April 19, 2011