Body, Mind, & Spirit Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-21-2022

If you're adopting a low-cholesterol lifestyle, you'll need to rethink your food-shopping habits: Know which fruits and vegetables are most beneficial, and look for high-fiber foods. Also, become intimate with cholesterol and saturated-fat content in common foods so that you'll automatically make the healthiest choices. This Cheat Sheet helps you with all of these new ways of thinking. You also can find a handful of bonus recipes.

Article / Updated 09-19-2022

Food additives may be natural or synthetic. For example, vitamin C is a natural preservative. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic preservatives. To ensure your safety, both the natural and synthetic food additives used in the United States come only from the group of substances known as the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) list. All additives on the GRAS list Are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning that agency is satisfied that the additive is safe and effective Must be used only in specifically limited amounts Must be used to satisfy a specific need in food products, such as protection against molds Must be effective, meaning that they must actually maintain freshness and safety Must be listed accurately on the label Nutrient additives Vitamin D, which is added to virtually all milk sold in the United States, is one example of a clearly beneficial food additive. Most U.S. bread and grain products are fortified with added B vitamins, plus iron and other essential minerals to replace what's lost when whole grains are milled into white flour for white bread. Some people say that people would be better off simply sticking to whole grains, but adding vitamins and minerals to white flours enhances a product that many people prefer. Some nutrients are also useful preservatives. For example, vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows food spoilage and prevents destructive chemical reactions, which is why American food packagers must add a form of vitamin C (isoascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate) to bacon and other luncheon meats to prevent the formation of potentially cancer-causing compounds. Color additives Colors, flavoring agents, and flavor enhancers make food look and taste better. Like other food additives, these three may be either natural or synthetic. Natural colors One good example of a natural coloring agent is beta carotene, the yellow pigment extracted from many fruits and vegetables and used to turn naturally white margarine to buttery yellow. Some other natural coloring agents are annatto, a yellow-to-pink pigment from a tropical tree; chlorophyll, the green pigment in green plants; carmine, a reddish extract of cochineal (a pigment from crushed beetles); saffron, a yellow herb; and turmeric, a yellow spice. Synthetic colors An example of a synthetic coloring agent is FD&C Blue No. 1, a bright blue pigment made from coal tar and used in soft drinks, gelatin, hair dyes, and face powders, among other things. And, yes, as scientists have discovered more about the effects of coal-tar dyes, including the fact that some are carcinogenic, many of these coloring agents have been banned from use in food in one country or another but are still allowed in cosmetics. Flavor additives Every cook worth his or her spice cabinet knows about natural flavor ingredients, especially salt, sugar, vinegar, wine, and fruit juices. Artificial flavoring agents reproduce natural flavors. For example, a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in the batter lends cheesecake a certain je ne sais quoi (French for "I don't know what" — a little something special), but artificial lemon flavoring works just as well. You can sweeten your morning coffee with natural sugar or with the artificial sweetener saccharin. Flavor enhancers are a slightly different kettle of fish. They intensify a food's natural flavor instead of adding a new one. The best-known flavor enhancer is monosodium glutamate (MSG), widely used in Asian foods. Although it improves flavor, MSG may also trigger short-term, generally mild reactions, such as headaches, flushing, sweating, facial numbness and tingling, and rapid heartbeat in people sensitive to the seasoning. Preservatives Food spoilage is a totally natural phenomenon. Milk sours. Bread molds. Meat and poultry rot. Vegetables wilt. Fats turn rancid. The first three kinds of spoilage are caused by microbes (bacteria, mold, and yeasts). The last two happen when food is exposed to oxygen (air). Preservative techniques such as cooking, chilling, canning, freezing, and drying prevent spoilage either by slowing the growth of the organisms that live on food or by protecting the food from the effects of oxygen. Chemical preservatives do essentially the same thing: Antimicrobials are natural or synthetic preservatives that protect food by slowing the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. Antioxidants are natural or synthetic preservatives that protect food by preventing food molecules from combining with oxygen (air). The table is a representative list of some common preservative chemicals and the foods in which they're found. Preservatives in Food Preservative Found in … Ascorbic acid* Sausages, luncheon meats Benzoic acid Beverages (soft drinks), ice cream, baked goods BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) Potato chips and other foods BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) Potato chips and other foods Calcium propionate Breads, processed cheese Isoascorbate* Luncheon meats and other foods Sodium ascorbate* Luncheon meats and other foods Sodium benzoate Margarine, soft drinks * A form of vitamin C Other additives in food Food chemists use a variety of the following types of natural and chemical additives to improve the texture of food or prevent mixtures from separating: Emulsifiers, such as lecithin and polysorbate, keep liquid-plus-solids, such as chocolate pudding, from separating into liquid and solids. They can also keep two unfriendly liquids, such as oil and water, from divorcing so that your salad dressing stays smooth. Stabilizers, such as the alginates (alginic acid) derived from seaweed, make food such as ice cream feel smoother, richer, or creamier in your mouth. Thickeners are natural gums and starches, such as apple pectin or cornstarch, that add body to foods. Texturizers, such as calcium chloride, keep foods such as canned apples, tomatoes, or potatoes from turning mushy. Although many of these additives are derived from foods, their benefit is aesthetic (the food looks better and tastes better), not nutritional.

Article / Updated 09-16-2022

One of the secrets of effective stress management at work is finding ways to incorporate a variety of stress-reduction techniques into your workday. By using these methods on a regular basis you can catch your stress early — before it has a chance to turn into something painful or worrisome. Take a look at these surefire strategies to help you nip that stress in the bud: Breathe. A day at work is usually a day filled with problems, pressures, and demands, with little time to think about relaxation skills. Your stress builds, and much of that stress takes the form of tension in your muscles. Drain that tension before it becomes more of a problem by trying some relaxed breathing. Move around: Get up and walk away from your desk — get some coffee or water, make copies. Walk around a lot, and at lunch be sure to get out of the office and take a quick stroll. Stand up some of the time you’re on the phone. And if you have a cordless model, walk around. This gives your body a chance to use different sets of muscles and interrupts any buildup of tension. Stretch and reach for the sky: For many of you, your days are characterized by long periods of sitting at a desk or stuck in a cramped work area, punctuated only by trips to the coffee or copy machine. Other folks are on their feet all day. In either case, stretching is a great way of releasing any tension that has accumulated in your muscles. Soothe yourself with sound: If you can orchestrate it, listening to calming music at your work site can unruffle your feathers. A radio, tape or CD player, and some appropriate music can be very relaxing. Classical music, especially Bach and Mozart, works nicely. If these composers are too highbrow, try one of the “lite” radio stations. Just keep the volume down, or use a headset. Lighten up: The right lighting in your workspace can reduce eyestrain and make your environment a more pleasant place to work. Go for soft and indirect lighting. Just make sure you have enough light. Create visual resting spots: Give your eyes — and your mind — a break with photos, artwork, or a plant. At regular intervals, look away from your computer screen or paperwork and focus on a distant object to “stretch your eyes.” You can also create visual relief to your office by adding a few interesting objects. For example: Organize your desk: How can a neater desk reduce stress? Well, because the source of many types of stress comes from a feeling of being out of control, of being overwhelmed. When your work area looks like a battlefield, you feel the tension growing. And when you can’t find that report you need, your stress level soars even higher. By organizing your files and piles, you get a sense (perhaps mistakenly) that there is some order in all the chaos. Become EC (ergonomically correct): Your desk or workspace can cause stress for other reasons besides disorganization. The problem is, your body was not designed to sit and work in one place for long periods of time. When you sit in a stationary position for long periods of time, your muscle groups contract. The blood flow to these muscles may become reduced, resulting in oxygen-deprived muscles. This can lead to pain, strain, muscle aches, and fatigue. Nourish your body (and spirit): What goes into your mouth from 9 to 5 (or from 8 to 7) can make a big difference in your stress level. Eating the wrong foods, or even eating the right foods, but in the wrong amounts, and/or at the wrong times can make it harder for you to cope with the stress in your life. When you eat poorly, your body doesn’t work as efficiently as it should. This means that you’re not in the best position to handle all the pressures and demands you must face at work. Work it out: If you can swing it, one of the better things to do on your lunch break is to hit the gym or health club. Many clubs and gyms are conveniently located near work sites. A number of exercise facilities may even offer you a corporate discount for joining. Better yet, many companies and organizations have workout facilities right on their premises. Work up a sweat, take a shower, and then have a quick but nourishing bite to eat.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-12-2022

Having Parkinson’s disease (PD) makes for a challenging journey. Use the succinct information in this Cheat Sheet to recognize the important PD terms and acronyms, know where to look for related support, manage medications, and prepare emergency contact information.

Article / Updated 09-01-2022

If you think that you may be depressed, don't despair. Lots of help is available. Here are some sources you can consult to treat depression: Your family doctor. Ask for a complete physical. Sometimes depression is the result of another medical problem. Mental health professionals. See a counselor, psychologist, or therapist after you rule out other physical causes for your low mood. They can competently diagnose and treat your depression. Psychiatrists. These physicians have specialized training in the treatment of depression and other mental disorders. They typically focus on the use of medication and other biologically based treatments. The Internet. WebMD and the American Psychological Association are especially informative sites with useful, user-friendly information about depression. Just remember that the Internet can't replace professional help. Books. Visit your library. You can't read too much about the problem.

Article / Updated 09-01-2022

If you are depressed, you want to avoid doing nothing or having the wrong thoughts about it. Here are a few things you should do — or absolutely should not do. Do get help. You can start with self-help resources like books and the Internet, but you need to see a professional if your mood doesn't lift soon. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Don't ignore feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are serious! Seek help immediately. Don't think that there's nothing you can do. Depression is highly treatable. Do keep trying. If your first attempt to treat depression doesn't work, try something new. A variety of ways exist to help you. Don't blame yourself. Depression has many causes, and you certainly didn't ask for it.

Article / Updated 09-01-2022

People experience depression in different ways. This symptom checklist can provide you with a rough idea as to whether you are experiencing depression. Note any and all that apply to you. Feeling worthless Change in appetite Avoiding contact with other people Less energy than usual Not looking forward to anything More aches and pains than usual Unable to concentrate like usual Feelings of guilt Loss of interest in hobbies and things Feeling hopeless Feeling sad and empty Sleeping less Dwelling on thoughts of death Unable to make decisions Any of these symptoms can indicate that you're not feeling up to par. Merely checking one or two doesn't necessarily mean you're depressed, but the more items you check, the greater the concern of possible depression. Anyone can have these feelings for a little while. You should only be concerned if these symptoms last for more than a week or two. However, if you're having thoughts of suicide or death, get help, now.

Article / Updated 09-01-2022

Everyone experiences bad moods from time to time. A bad mood isn't the same thing as depression. Bad moods are transient, and they lift after a while. However, here are a few things you can do for a simple bad mood. Get moving. Almost any aerobic activity can alleviate a bad mood. Dance, run, or play. Get that heart pounding. Be grateful. Make a list of what you feel grateful for. Bad moods may make you forget the good things in your life. Spend a few minutes considering life's gifts, from small to large. Don't catastrophize. Realize that everyone feels a little low once in a while. Help someone. Focusing on helping another person is one of the best ways to overcome a lousy mood. It's a great antidote for dwelling on your own misfortune.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 08-29-2022

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you find a greater understanding of how you think and behave. CBT can help you identify what emotions are bubbling up inside you and teach you some practical strategies to help reduce the negative ones that don't serve you well.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 08-16-2022

Whether you’re struggling with shame and self-criticism or simply want to bring more compassion into your life, compassion focused therapy (CFT) is here to help. This Cheat Sheet offers details about how CFT can be helpful in different aspects of your life. You will find the many great personal benefits associated with CFT — benefits you may feel regardless of your circumstances. Also, learn specific ideas about how athletes, schools, and parents can benefit from using CFT, and the benefits that compassion-focused approaches may bring to the people around you.