The lowdown on feeding newborns cow's milk

by Dr Milton Lum

MANY Malaysian mothers do not breastfeed their newborn babies. The babies are given bottled milk at birth or within a few months after birth. The bottled milk is usually derived from cow's milk which comprises protein, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals mixed with water. Some babies are allergic to the proteins in cow's milk. This occurs despite the efforts of the milk manufacturers to produce bottled milk that is as close to mother's breast milk as possible.

It is generally accepted that about 1% to 5% of infants are allergic to the proteins in cow's milk and its various formulations.

Nasty reaction: Up to 5% of infants are allergic to the proteins in cow's milk and its various formulations. To avoid the allergy it is advisable to breastfeed the baby for six months or more.

Most infants will, fortunately, outgrow the milk allergies by the time they are two or three years old.

Milk allergy has to be distinguished from lactose intolerance. The former involves the body's immune system but the latter does not. Milk allergic reactions occur with the smallest amount of milk consumed.

Lactose intolerance is usually dose related - small amounts are tolerated by the body but larger amounts lead to a reaction which may mimic milk allergy.

Lactose intolerance is of slower onset than milk allergy and is not life-threatening. It is a harmless condition.

Milk intolerance is due to lactose intolerance which is the inability of the gastrointestinal system to absorb lactose, the primary sugar in milk and milk products such as milk powder, butter, margarine, cheese, yoghurt and chocolate. The lactose composition of milk products can be found by reading the labels of the products.

Lactose comprises two sugars bound together. Its absorption can occur when it is split up into two smaller sugars by an enzyme called lactase which is produced by the cells lining the small intestine. If the amount of lactase is low or absent, the body cannot or would have difficulty in splitting the lactose into two smaller sugars. The lactose then passes into the large intestine where the bacteria there cause it to ferment, producing a large amount of gas.

The amount of lactase in the intestine is high in babies. As the baby grows, the amount of milk consumed decreases leading to a reduction in the amount of lactase in the intestine.

Many Asians are at risk of developing lactose intolerance unlike adults in Europe and North America. Many people develop lactose intolerance when they have diarrhoeal diseases, during which the lining of the small intestine is slightly damaged by the frequent bowel movements. This results in a reduced production of lactose by the cells lining the small intestine.

Other causes of lactose intolerance are diseases of the stomach or intestines and its surgical treatment.

There are, however, some people who have low lactase levels but who are not lactose intolerant. The reason for this is unknown. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are abdominal distension and/or colic, stomach rumbling, increased passage of wind, nausea and diarrhoea.

There is marked variation in the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Some people do not have problems but others have symptoms with a small amount of lactose. Some do not have problems with certain foods which contain lactose but cannot tolerate other lactose-containing foods.

Self diagnosis of lactose intolerance is not difficult. This is done by refraining from consumption of lactose containing foods for a few days and then drinking two to three glasses of milk. If there is a tummy ache or diarrhoea within 30 minutes or so, it is likely that there is lactose intolerance.

The diagnosis of lactose intolerance can be confirmed by tests done by the doctor. One test involves measuring the blood sugar before and after drinking a lactose containing fluid. If the blood sugar is increased, there is no lactose intolerance. Another test involves analysing the breath for hydrogen gas after drinking a lactose-containing fluid. Hydrogen gas will be present if there is lactose intolerance as the lactose-containing fluid will be fermented by the bacteria in the large intestine. If one has an endoscopic examination, which involves passing a tube-like instrument into the stomach and intestine, the lining of the small intestine may be analysed.

Treatment

The treatment of lactose intolerance depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, all that is necessary is to reduce the consumption of milk and milk products. If the symptoms are severe, a lactose-free diet would be necessary. The doctor will, in such situations, refer the patient to a dietician who will advise on the composition of a lactose-free diet.

Lactose intolerance can be prevented by abstaining or reducing the consumption of milk and milk products when one has diarrhoea or has just recovered from it.

There are two ways in which cow's milk allergy present: gradually or suddenly. It usually presents gradually before the baby is six months old. The clinical features commonly occur with the passage of loose stools, blood in the stools, vomiting, colic, irritability and poor growth.

It can also present suddenly and rapidly with vomiting, wheezing, swelling of the skin and eyes, and rarely, anaphylactic shock, which is a sudden and severe allergic reaction involving the whole body and which is life threatening. This usually occurs soon after contact with the cow's milk allergen. Both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are affected with marked changes in the blood pressure and breathing difficulties. Most babies will outgrow their allergy to cow's milk by the time they are two to four years of age.

Cow's milk allergy may also be associated with other allergies like eczema and asthma. If the cow's milk allergy is not addressed adequately, it may lead to effects on growth with failure to thrive and nutritional deficiencies. The management of cow's milk allergy is premised on avoiding cow's milk. This would include a breastfeeding mother avoiding dairy products in her diet, lest it be transmitted to the baby in the breast milk.

The formula for bottle-fed babies has to be changed to one that is soy or hydrolysate-based. The latter contain cow's milk proteins which are less allergenic because they have been broken down. If the allergy is severe, an amino acid based formula is used. Most manufacturers market “hypoallergenic” formula products.

It is important to remember that there is cross allergy between cow's milk and soy milk in up to 50% of the late onset type of cow's milk allergy and 15% of the rapid onset type. If the allergy is severe, treatment with medicines like anti-histamines and adrenaline will be necessary. Vitamin supplementation may also be necessary.

If there is a family history of allergies (eczema and asthma), it is advisable to totally breastfeed the baby for six months or more. This will delay the onset of symptoms if the baby has cow's milk allergy. There are other benefits of breastfeeding which include improved immunity for the child and bonding.

If one wants to provide cow's milk in a child's diet, this may be done when the child is 12 to 18 months old. However, it is advisable to do this under medical supervision. It is important to check all food labels and avoid any food that contains milk or milk products. Advice from a doctor or dietician would be useful if one is unsure.

Dr Milton Lum is a member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia. This article is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation the writer is associated with.

Banana Nutrition

BANANA - This is my all time top superfood as it has some extremely powerful effects on the body and, as well as being high in minerals, will amaze you in more ways than one:

The fibre from unripe bananas reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol by up to 30%. The fibre in bananas is also helpful for constipation.

A ripe banana will soothe an upset stomach.

Bananas are a great energy source for the body which is instant and sustained.

Bananas can relieve heartburn.

They can also help decrease the risk of stroke by as much as 40%.

People suffering from depression feel better after eating a banana as the tryptophan in the banana is converted by the body into serotonin, which helps you relax, improves mood and makes you feel happier. Also helpful for people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Bananas help to regulate blood glucose levels as they also contain the vitamin B6 and can also help with PMS.

Bananas contain iron and can help with anemia.

They are also great for high blood pressure as they are high in potassium and low in salt. The potassium can also help you feel more alert so good for children's packed lunches.

Bananas are great for hangovers - make a milkshake and add honey - the banana calms the stomach and the milk soothes and re-hydrates your body.

If suffering from morning sickness, a banana can help as it keeps blood sugar levels up.

The inside of a banana skin can reduce swelling and irritation from insect bites.

The B vitamins in bananas can help calm nerves.

Bananas are a great mid-morning snack, if watching your weight, as they keep sugar levels steady (great for diabetics), so you are less likely to crave a high carb snack.

If you suffer from Ulcers, bananas are great as they are gentle on the stomach, they neutralize over-acidity and reduce irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Bananas can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

If you are trying to give up smoking, bananas can help as the B6, B12, potassium and magnesium found in bananas help the body to recover from nicotine withdrawal.

Bananas contain potassium, which is a vital mineral for the body and affects heartbeat, oxygen to the brain and also regulates water balance. Stress depletes potassium, so bananas can be very valuable in rebalancing potassium levels.

You can get rid of a wart by taping the inside of the banana skin over it.

You can even shine your shoes with the inside of a banana skin, then polish with a dry cloth!

When you compare it to an apple, it has 4 times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, 3 times the phosphorus, 5 times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.

So, I think you'll agree with me that we should all 'go bananas' and try and eat more of this amazing health-giving fruit!

Author: Wendy A Wood

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

Parenting Children - Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Parenting children is not easy! We all love our kids and want the best for them, right? But what if our habits and everyday behaviours are having a negative impact on our child's development? If you knew what you were doing wrong would you do something to change it? Would you want to be a better parent?

At school they stand out like beacons. They always arrive late to school looking like they just rolled out of bed. They don't have their homework completed on time and that important excursion note that was due back today remains unsigned in their school bag. They forgot to pack their lunch and aren't quite sure who is picking them up after school. Their belongings are un-named and not a day goes by without losing something. Their teachers label them as unreliable and their classmates would prefer to play with somebody else who isn't constantly in trouble.

What we might not see is the child's parent who makes a habit of turning up late to everything even when there is no real reason to do so. The parent who leaves everything to the last minute like ordering the school books for the new school year only to find that the book shop has run out of supplies and will need to back-order. The parent who never has time to read the school newsletter and doesn't realise that tomorrow is plain clothes day or that Monday is a pupil-free day. Parenting children to this parent is something you only need to think about after something goes wrong.

These are common traits of disorganisation found in most of us at some time or another. But when they become ingrained into our everyday functioning and spill over into our parenting then the impact on our children can be profound. The child of a chronically disorganised parent is often de-sensitized to preparing ahead for any event and will suffer the consequences both now and later in life. They will most likely find regimented school life difficult and will never enjoy the carefree feeling that today is going to be a good day. Instead, each day will be filled with the expectation that bad news is to come. With child depression at spiralling levels, parenting children the right way has never been more important.

The good news is that it is never too late to change. Put yourself in your child's shoes for a moment and think about how much easier his life would be if he had the skills to pre-plan and be organised. Now adopt that skill set in your own life first and show him by example how it is done. Parenting children isn't such a mystery. Get organised, be a better parent and both you and your child will reap the lifelong benefits.

Author: Janeene Baker

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Provided by: Canada duty rates

Enjoy These Tips for Living a Healthy Life

What is more important than the way you feel? Is there anything more important? Your physical health, the way your body "feels", is probably the most important determining factor in the way you feel. Any feeling, weather it be physical or emotional is experienced through our bodies and by applying these simple tips for living a healthy life, the way you feel will vastly improve.

Psychoneuroimmunology, the science of the mind-body relationship, has now produced scientific evidence of the effect of your mind on your body and vice versa. Depressed people use their bodies in a certain way that causes them to feel depressed and by just changing simple things like their facial expressions, studies have shown, they can literally change the way they feel instantly.

The significance of this fact is that it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that our physical bodies have a tremendous effect on the way we feel both physically and emotionally. The one thing we are all pursuing in life is happiness and happiness is nothing but "feeling good." By following some basic tips for living a healthy life we can make significant changes in the way we feel physically, emotionally and mentally.

We've all heard the cliche "a healthy body houses a healthy mind" and thanks to scientific research we now know this for a fact. Also, the opposite is equally true: a healthy mind equals a healthy body. If we learn to be in control of our emotional association to food, we will automatically take care of our bodies. The instant satisfaction we get from junk food caused a lot of people to make pleasurable association (in their subconscious minds) to these foods that lead to overeating and addiction.

Living a healthy life starts with your body. If you take care of your body you will develop that sense of pride in yourself and the consequently the way you feel about yourself (or your self esteem).

With this in mind, let me offer you some very simple and basic tips for living a healthy life.

Firstly, realize the importance of oxygen to your body and your health. Breathing is not just to get oxygen to our vital organs. Every cell in your body requires oxygen for it's survival and health.

You are only as healthy as the cells in your body. In order to fully oxygenate our bodies we must learn to breathe deeply, fully and effectively. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths will, apart from oxygenating your system, stimulate the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Lymph is the body's natural cleansing system, essential to keeping your cells free from toxins and maintaining a healthy environment for the cells of your body to live in.

To breathe properly you must breathe in the following ratio: inhale(1) : hold(2) : exhale(4). For example inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and exhale for 16 seconds. Doing this simple exercise with 10 deep breaths 5 times a day will vastly increase your health, your energy and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Secondly, understand the importance of water to your body and health. Our bodies consist mainly of fluids and water, along with oxygen is the basis of all life. Taking sufficient amounts of water is essential for health and life, but also we need to avoid foods that drain our bodies from vital fluids. Foods that are high in sugar, salt, caffeine and preservatives will actually absorb fluids from your body causing certain vital functions to shut down. Eating foods that are naturally rich in water is essential and include all fruits, vegetables and sprouts.

Your body is your temple and what you put in is what you get out. Stop abusing it and adhere to these simple tips for living a healthy life. The very least you must do to life a healthy life is to stop depriving your body from the two most essential element, water and oxygen.

Applying these simple tips for living a healthy life will vastly improve your health and consequently the way you feel. When we feel good life is a pleasure and we suck from it all the juice. Life is a gift and know that tomorrow is not promised to you. Live everyday like it's your last and constantly seek out tips for living a healthy life and improving yourself and the quality of your life. It's all out there and the only thing that is required to have whatever you want from life is for you to go and get it. Just do it and do it with passion and joy.

Author: Deon Du Plessis

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Provided by: Mobile device news

Top Ten Health Tips

You can use this as a checklist to determine if you are on track with a healthy strategy.

If you are not incorporating all the steps then try to add an additional step into your daily regime. Focus on one step for at least two-three weeks and then once it becomes second nature to you; it's time to move on to implementing another step.

Within a year, you can achieve all the steps and monitor how you are feeling along the way. Positive progress breeds inspiration and will motivate you to achieve optimal health.

Your health is worth it!

1.) Include healthy protein with each meal to keep your blood sugar level even as well as your energy level.

2.) Monitor your sodium intake:

If you ate fairly healthy food, you would probably get between 600-1000 mg of sodium a day. American's average 4000 mg per day. Equal to 2 tablespoons of salt. So the goal is below the middle point. About 2000 (almost 1 tsp) would be just OK, less is better.

1/4 tsp salt = 600 mg sodium
1/2 tsp salt= 1200 mg sodium
1 tsp salt = 2400 mg sodium

3.) Monitor your sugar intake:

The average American eats approx. 24 lbs. of sugar a year! Hard to believe isn't it. It's just not the sugar we notice we are using, but hidden sugars in our foods such as Ketchup, jams, soups, etc.

There are 9 teaspoons of sugar in 12 ounces of soda. Plain water would be a better alternative.

Try to keep your sugar intake to 32 grams of sugar daily.

4.) Eat 5 fruits and vegetables daily.

Eat organic whenever possible to lessen the toxic load.

5.) Drink plenty of water.

6.) Limit processed or fast food intake.

7.) Read the nutritional labels on food so you are aware of the nutrients that you are consuming.

8.) Take a healthy multi-vitamin for additional support for your body.

9.) Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily in some form.

10.) Get 10 hours of sleep every day.

Author: Nancy Guberti
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Excise Tax

33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips

by Sandy Shield

Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping tips that can be used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a guide to strengthen your purchasing power.

1. Plan your spending. Avoid impulse buys.

2. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.

3. Watch for unadvertised specials.

4. Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.

5. To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.

6. Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price, instead of regular price when you must have the item.

7. Know the sales cycle in your area.

8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it.

9. Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I deserve it" mentality.

11. Buy at the end of the season.

12. Stock up when prices are low.

13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops, warehouse clubs, yard sales, and garage sales.

14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your shopping cart.

17. Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.

18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

19. Know your prices, keep a price book.

20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price book helps you.

21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always cheaper.

22. Look at unit prices.

23. You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.

24. Remember the "Rule of Three": If an item has three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money.

25. Never pay full price.

26. Shop defensively.

27. Try store and generic brands.

28. Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.

29. Shop for gifts year round.

30. Return purchases that do not meet your expectations.

31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.

32. Call before you go to confirm item is available.

33. If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.

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Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and frugal tips. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2005.

How to Grow Your Own Kombucha Mother or SCOBY

Image via Wikipedia

Many people are interested in obtaining a Kombucha mother to start their first Kombucha brew. However, it is not easy (in some sense) because there are not that many people brewing Kombucha in Malaysia. My mother-in-law got hers from a friend of hers, thus started our family's journey to a whole new world of brewing Kombucha and Water Kefir.

Do not despair if you are not able to obtain your own Kombucha mother because there is a way to grow a new Kombucha mother easily, though it will take more than 2 weeks to form.

I have searched and found these videos which will show you the step by step method of growing a Kombucha mother.

Here's an interesting information! My friend told me that even if you do not have any starter Kombucha tea to start with, you are still able to grow a mother with just the water, sugar and tea. Maybe will try this out one day.

Please make sure that all the utensils you use are cleaned and properly sterilised before you start!

Here are the videos. Hope you enjoy them!


Warm regards,
Sany Woo

Country all set for shopping festival

TheStar Online (November 19, 2009)

PETALING JAYA: Shopping malls and retailers are all gearing up for the Malaysia Year End Sale (M-YES) — a much-anticipated celebration of shopping, dining and entertainment from Saturday to Jan 3 next year, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen.

Shopping is the second biggest share of tourist expenditures after accommodation, with its contribution of RM13,282.4mil in 2008, compared to RM12,254.6mil in 2007, being an increase of 8.4%, she said.

“The year-end excitement of school and winter holidays and festivities is clearly felt in Malaysia,” she said.

Ng added: “I believe that we are on target to reach 20 million tourist arrivals by the end of the year; final quarter events including M-YES will certainly boost our tourism revenue.

Over 44 days, M-YES brings to visitors and shoppers in Malaysia a host of events and bargains which will see some 350 retailers across the country taking part.

Among the specials awaiting shoppers to Malaysia are Privilege Cards at selected malls that entitle them to better bargains. They only need to present their passports and/or boarding passes at the customer service counters of participating malls in the Klang Valley.

Other promotions during the M-YES 2009 include the “180 Minutes Shopping Madness” at Suria KLCC where shoppers have to look out for Santarina in order to win a shopping voucher valued at RM500; and the MasterCard promotion offers a chance to win a Paris holiday with every RM500 charged to their card.

In an emergency situation, call ICE!

Today, I received an email which I would like to share with all my friends. I believe this will help raise everyones awareness of the importance of helping strangers contact your loved ones should anything happen to you.

Here is the email. Please share this message with as many friends as possible so that they are aware about the "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign!

Warm regards,
Sany Woo
-----


Dear Friends,

We are human beings. Anything can happen to us any time.

Below given mail is self explanatory.

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest .

Remember:-
ICE will speak for you when you are not able to!