Holiday Health Tips

The holiday season is time to celebrate. Most celebrants overeat, and drink excessive amounts of alcohol, which increases stress on the body.

Overeating raises cholesterol level and body weight, which increases the risk of heart attack. Highly salted foods can elevate blood pressure.

Don’t eat hot food and drink cold beverages at the same time. The cold solidifies fats, making the stomach work harder. One can develop stomach ache, which sometimes leads to indigestion.

Excessive drinking of alcohol and alcohol products increases the heart rate, and causes palpitations. It can also lead to reckless driving, and unsociable behavior. So drink in moderation, and apply common sense.

Before beginning holiday drinking, be sure to drink plenty of water. Finish each cocktail with a glass of water to provide a balance that keeps the body working well.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron Flavescens) is poisonous. It contains toxins, which when ingested (leaves or berries), can cause stomach irritation. Accidental ingestion may also result in increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.

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Increased Folic Acid Consumption Reduces Coronary Disease

The fat lady didn’t quite hit that high note. But a recent study produced enough evidence to prove folic acid an inexpensive way to reduce coronary disease.

This study examined the evidence from several studies, to verify whether increased homocysteine level in the blood is a cause of heart disease. Homocysteine is an amino acid associated with arterial disease.

Since folic acid reduces homocysteine levels, therefore increased folic acid intake may reduce the risk of coronary disease and stroke.

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