Barb's Daily Dose

Probiotics Combat Diarrhea That Results From Antibiotics

Before you read further, let me warn you in advance that some of what I'm discussing here has to do with bodily fluids and diarrhea. If you're a caregiver and have dealt with this, I hope this helps. 

Recently, I was working with a family who's elderly mother had intermittent diarrhea as a result of gall bladder issues and some antibiotics she was taking for an infection.  She wouldn't leave the house for fear of an accident.  Embarrassing, depressing and isolating.

How Much Calcium Do You Need?

How Much Calcium do You have Each Day from Milk, Yogurt, Cheese or Supplements?

This is the question I always ask my patients during their annual exam.  No matter if they're 19, 39 or 59, most answer the same way.  Maybe they have a little milk in their coffee or cereal, some yogurt a few times a week, and maybe some cheese now and then.  Broccoli and spinach are thrown in once in awhile.  It all adds up, but it doesn't make the grade.  

Moo Juice and Calcium

If you're like most Americans, you may not be getting enough calcium or Vitamin D in your diet. We know that we build most of our bone mass by our 20's.

If you have kids at home, be sure that they are getting at least 3 servings of calcium rich food a day from yogurt, cheese, milk, or calcium fortified orange juice. If they're not getting enough, consider a multivitamin or a calcium supplement.  Look for one that also has Vitamin D.  

Fish is Brain Food

New research has found that elderly people with higher levels of several vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids in their blood had better performance on mental acuity tests and less of the brain shrinkage typical of Alzheimer’s disease.

Diets with a greater amount of junk food, meanwhile, produced the opposite results, according to the study.

Pass on the Salt

A Bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries sounds perfect for lunch or does it?

Should I skip the fries and have a salad instead?  Really, I should skip all of it and have a salad, unless I want to overload on salt and fat.  Since I don't want to chain myself to the elliptical machine at the Y, I've been watching my portions and now am more conscious of another hidden risk, Salt!

Diabetic on Metformin? Get more B12

A recent study from the UK found that people with diabetes who used Metformin were twice as likely to have a deficiency in Vitamin B12.  If you or a loved one is being treated with Metformin, either have your level checked or consider taking a supplement of B12 or one that has several B vitamins in it. This also applies to women with PCOS who are using Metformin.

B vitamins are found in meat, turkey, tuna, potatoes, beans, brewer's yeast, bananas and molasses. 

Eat Fish to Keep Your Heart Healthy

When I was growing up, my mother told me that fish was good for your brain. I don't know where she heard that, but it stuck with me.  Until we moved to Alaska, where we ate the salmon, halibut and Dolly Varden trout that we caught, my fish diet was limited to Fish Sticks on Friday and my favorite choice at McDonalds, the Filet-o-Fish sandwich.

On Edge Lately - Maybe It's the French Fries

Our Featured Guest Writer Today is Megan Kempston, Staff Writer at Caring.com

Research Links Trans Fat to Aggression

If you've been fighting the allure (and aroma) of fast food french fries, here's another weapon in your mental arsenal: In addition to being unhealthy, fried foods may make you irritable and aggressive.

Get Your Game On - A Healthy Game Day Menu

Some Healthy Tips for Super Bowl Sunday from Health.com

Get your game on - A Healthy Game Day Menu - Health.com.

Get Healthy and Lose Weight

If you’re thinking about losing weight and getting healthy, this recent episode on CBS can help you get started.

I’ve worked on my own weight loss over the last year. I've heard from quite a few people who read my blog and have also had success following this weight loss advice.  I’ve limited my portions and decreased carbs.

Don’t wait another day, start taking the steps you need to get healthy in 2012.