Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Hydration and the Flu



Q: I have always been told to drink clear soft drinks versus water after the stomach flu.  Why?

A: When recovering from the flu, the goal is to increase your stamina by gradually increasing your fluid and food intake.  The first step is drinking clear liquids to hydrate and replenish nutrients that were lost due to the flu.

A clear soft drink is not necessarily easier on the stomach or better than water when starting the hydration process.  The best liquid is dependent on the body’s needs, what a person can keep down, and personal preference.

The following liquids are generally prescribed:
         Water – purest form of hydration available
         Clear soft drinks
         Usually free of caffeine and other additives
         Drink it flat – carbonation may irritate the stomach
         High sugar content may irritate stomach
         Sports drinks to boost the body’s electrolytes
         High sugar content and additives may irritate stomach
         Clear broths
         Low acid fruit juices

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Carrots and Vision



Q: Do carrots actually improve one’s vision?

A: Carrots can improve one’s vision if the person’s diet is lacking in Vitamin A.

Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.  Consuming the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A is known to provide the following eye benefits:

         Protects the surface of the eye (cornea)
         Delays the onset of age-related macular degeneration
         Prevents dry eye syndrome (chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye)

Consuming the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A is easily achieved by consuming a well balanced diet.  Vitamin A deficient diets are rare in the United States and common food sources are dairy products, fish, fortified cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

It is important to keep in mind that Vitamin A helps maintain good vision and delays some eye issues, but it will not prevent the development of all sight-threatening conditions.