| Heterocyclic Amines | The compounds formed when protein molecules in meat char from overexposure to high heat. Also called HCA's, these compounds have been linked to certain types of cancer in lab tests - and medical professionals warn of exposure to HCA's during the grilling season. Flare-ups on the grill can cause meat to char. To prevent these flare-ups, use a leaner cut of meat, turn the meat frequently while cooking or grill over a lower temperature. Grilled vegetables do not have the same cancer-causing compounds as meats, and can be good substitutes or supplements to meats on the grill. |
| Hypertension | When you have high blood pressure, or hypertension, the force of blood against your artery walls is too strong. High blood pressure can damage your arteries, heart, and kidneys, and lead to atherosclerosis and stroke. Hypertension is called a "silent killer" because it does not cause symptoms unless it is severely high and, without your knowing it, causes major organ damage if not treated. Your blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic measurement is the pressure of blood against your artery walls when the heart has just finished pumping (contracting). It is the first or top number of a blood pressure reading. The diastolic measurement is the pressure of blood against your artery walls between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood. It is the second or bottom number in a blood pressure reading. Exercise is known to lower blood pressure. |
| Insulin: How it Works | Insulin is used to treat: - People with type 1 diabetes
- People with type 2 diabetes whose pancreas produces little or no insulin or whose oral medications do not control their blood sugar. These people may take insulin either alone or along with oral medication.
- People with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels are high because of a severe illness or major surgery. After blood sugar levels return to a target range, they may be able to stop taking insulin.
- Women with type 2 diabetes who are pregnant or breast-feeding who cannot keep their blood sugar levels within a target range with diet and exercise.
Only one oral diabetes medication (glyburide) has been studied for use during pregnancy. Until further research is done, the American Diabetes Association recommends that pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding not take oral diabetes medications. Insulin lets sugar (glucose) in the blood enter cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin, the blood sugar level rises above what is safe for the body. Your body uses insulin in different ways. Sometimes, you need insulin to work quickly to reduce blood sugar. In addition, your body needs insulin on a regular basis to keep your blood sugar within a normal or near normal range. Some things to keep in mind: - The short-acting insulin reduces blood sugar levels quickly and then wears off.
- Some long-acting insulins start taking effect when rapid- or short-acting insulins begin to wear off.
The long-acting insulin, Lantus, starts to work within an hour after it is given and continues to work at the same rate for about 24 hours. Lantus cannot be mixed in the same syringe with other types of insulin. - Usually people who take insulin use a combination of a rapid- or short-acting and intermediate- or long-acting insulin. This helps keep blood sugar levels within a range that is safe for the body throughout the day.
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| Mercaptan | The sulfuric compound found in rotten eggs, onions, garlic, and asparagus. Most people find that eating asparagus makes their urine smell funny. The smell is due to the presence of mercaptan, which, as the digestive tract breaks down the asparagus, emits its funky odor. The strangely scented urine is not dangerous, nor should it deter you from eating asparagus, a fiber-rich vegetable high in folic acid and vitamin C. |
| Metabolism | Metabolism refers to all of the chemical processes that take place in the body, such as the burning of sugars (glucose) for energy and the release of digestive enzymes to break down food. Metabolism results in growth, the elimination of waste products (in urine and stool), healing of wounds, and other necessary activities of the body. Many factors can affect the rate of metabolism, including exercise, diet, temperature, and hormones. When problems occur with any of the normal metabolic processes, changes in the body can occur (such as diabetes or thyroid disease). Changes in metabolism can affect the entire body |
