growth

An Egg a Day Could Change Infant Growth Rates

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I’m at the age where a lot of my friends have kids. Lots of adorable pictures pop on social media of babies and toddlers. All different sizes. Tall, chunky (my favorite), and tiny. Baby checks always include growth rate metrics like height-age, weight-age, and weight-height to name a few. That data is collected and compared to the national average. Luckily for them stunted growth isn’t a problem.

Eggs

Growth Rates for Infants

Unfortunately stunted growth is more prevalent in developing countries due to lack of quality nutrition. A research study gave babies 6 to 9 months old, eggs to eat and compared them to a control group (no eggs). Children given eggs were 47% less likely to have stunted growth.  Researchers use eggs due to there abundance and low cost. This study may not have much relevance to people reading this because nutritional resources and support are ample in this country, but I believe this speaks more to the nutritional value of an egg.

Eggs Are Great Source of Nutrition, Period

You’ve read the many differing opinions on eggs. It’ll raise your cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease etc. As you’ve probably guessed, my opinion is different. Eggs should be a part of your daily routine. They are a cheap source of a nutritionally dense food. One egg contains approximately 75 calories, and is packed with 13 essential vitamins and minerals. Also add  6 grams of protein to boot. Stop using the egg whites only. The yolk has all the important nutrients.
Let’s say after reading this article, You’re going to start eating eggs and giving them to your children. First, check to see if your toddler has an egg allergy by mixing the egg and placing a dab on the forearm. After 24 hours check to see if there is a rash. If there is no rash, it’s safe to consume hard boiled eggs . Second, solids should be introduced to babies starting at month 6 of age and beyond. No solids including eggs should be consumed before then.

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Why Are You Sleepy After Lunch

Need A Nap? Why Are You So Sleepy After Lunch?

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After lunch, do you have this insatiable feeling of needing to nap? If you do, you will probably nod off staring at your computer while trying to look like you are doing work. You may even try to crawl into the dark cavernous depths under your work desk. Among the thoughts of counting sheep, you should be thinking about what you had for lunch.

Foods Causing You to Nap?

Let’s say a typical work desk lunch is a soda, chips/pretzels, and a sandwich. That combination is a recipe for a post lunch nap. Why? Glucose. Sugar in the soda, carbohydrates (carbs) from potatoes, and carbs from sandwich bread all add up to a big helping of glucose. Do you drink diet soda?The diet soda may be harmful to your weight goals and your cardiovascular health. Diet soda has been linked to unfavorable studies causing: increased stroke and dementia and no weight loss.

Anyways, a glucose filled meal inhibits or decreases a brain signaling structure called orexin. Orexin plays a role in sleep/wake cycle as well as feeding behavior and reward system. People with chronically low levels of orexin can suffer from narcolepsy. Narcolepsy causes extreme daytime drowsiness.

Protein Can Curb Drowsiness

So, if you eat a pasta filled lunch (carbs-glucose) you’ll feel sleepy. On the other hand, protein increases orexin. So a lunch of vegetables and protein will decrease the likelihood you will “nod off” after lunch. Not only will you feel more awake; you are more likely to be active. If you are stuck at work, at least you’ll be more productive.

I’m not saying your lunch is the only reason why you are sleepy. You may have watched a creepy episode of The Walking Dead. Who knows? Your circadian rhythm, amount of nighttime and daytime light, and food quality are all factors of general drowsiness during the day. Reconsider your lunch before taking drastic measures to stay awake.

For more information about Structural Chiropractic in Birmingham, Alabama, click here.

For more health news, click here.