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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the body. ALA helps convert blood sugar into energy by using oxygen. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and prevents damage to organs and cells. While ALA is produced by the body, adding supplements to your diet may be beneficial.

Traditional Latin American cuisine contains delicious ingredients that add flavor and spice to every meal. Tomatoes, salsas, chili peppers, citrus fruits, and alcohol can all promote good health when consumed in moderation. However, these high acidic foods, as well as fatty and fried foods, can cause unpleasant symptoms of indigestion.

Although Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing minority in the United States, the populations’ diabetes and chronic liver disease mortality is 50% higher than that of whites. As of 2013, hispanic Americans were faced with chronic liver disease/cirrhosis as 6th leading cause of death, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease being the most common form of chronic liver disease. Now, what causes chronic liver disease and why are Hispanic Americans so vulnerable against it?

Living in the U.S., Hispanic Americans are at risk of developing diseases caused by high LDL cholesterol, or also known as bad cholesterol. Once exposed to today’s consumerism culture of fast foods and “sugar-toxicated” everyday food, it’s hard to go back to our healthy diets.

Have you had difficulty getting up in the morning, after going to bed at a reasonable hour? Have you being feeling exhausted for no reason? Lack of memory? Are you craving salty and sweet snacks? I know this might sound like an infomercial but the reality is that more and more Hispanic Americans will answer “yes” to these questions.

Hispanic American men are reluctant to talk about impotency with their partners or even their doctor. But, it continues to be prevalent in today’s society. Impotency leads to low self-esteem, stress, relationship problems, unsatisfactory sex life, and possibly the inability to get your partner pregnant.

There is something about chocolate that makes a majority of us devour it. It has become one of the most popular flavors in the world. But, where does it come from? And is it truly beneficial? Most of the chocolate in the market contain additives, dairy, butter, and sugar. In other words, it’s been processed and stripped away from all the benefits cacao delivers.

Hispanic Americans is one the highest growing populations. It has also become one of the highest risked groups to develop several health complications. Due to the western diet, many Hispanic Americans have been at high risk of developing diseases that were once considered under the radar.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in Americans, and this risk is much higher for Hispanic Americans because of the causes that lead to cardiovascular disease such as diabetes, obesity, cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking and high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, 33.4% of men and 30.7% of women, Mexican-American, have cardiovascular disease.

Contrary to popular belief, calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone mass is not the only form to build bone density. Because of the media has done a great job in promoting these two supplements for bone mass, people rely and believe that this is the answer to good bone health. According to Dr. Josh Axe, a Clinical Nutritionist, calcium in the form of supplements or milk are not the best way to build bone health, it’s vitamin K2 that helps improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

Collagen is an important protein that makes the skin healthy and shiny. The inner layer of the skin, the dermis, contains many fibers supporting the skin’s characteristics such as texture, strength, and resilience. Collagen provides the basic foundation of the skin, protecting and supporting the epidermis (the surface of the skin) and also prevents the epidermis from collapsing in or on the muscles and bones underneath.

Essential fatty acids are essential for one reason: your body needs them. Our body does not produce them, therefore; it can only be consumed.

The major organ in our body is our skin. It serves as a protective layer from bacteria and controls body temperature. In addition, it serves as a cleanser because through sweat it can release toxins from your digestive system.

The prostate is a gland located between the bladder and urethra. Its function is to secrete fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. As men age, the prostate may encounter complications such as: Prostatitis (swelling and inflammation), benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), and prostate cancer. Other factors that may cause difficulties are family history, diet (high animal consumption), and race (Hispanic and Black males at higher risk).

There are many health issues that were once uncommon or thought of as only being hereditary. One of them is varicose veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are usually found in the legs and ankles. If left untreated it can lead to other health issues such as deep vein thrombosis.

Garlic or Allium sativum has been around for about 7,000 years and it is native to Central Asia. Many of its benefits have been recognized in culinary books for added taste, and aroma. It has also been featured in the scripture as a powerful tool to ward off malign influences. Now, Hispanic Americans can count on their abuelitos (grandparents) to give them insight on garlic as a remedy. According to Medscape, It is likely that the use of herbs by Hispanics is based on a verbal tradition that is handed down from one generation to the next. Garlic, in this case, has been referenced in many health books for its health benefits towards hypertension, colds, and infections.

Since the early hominids our experience with stress has been attained by means of food and protection for survival. Nowadays we experience stress by all sorts of means such as work, family, friends, economy, relationships, etc. The way that we react to stressors can make a difference on whether you stabilize your health or jeopardize your health

Hispanic American obesity is prevalent in the United States. The increase of obesity in adults and children continues to stager because of the convenience of fast food restaurants and the high consumption of empty calories, salts, sugars, and fats. With the advancement of technology, food scientists are able to manipulate grocery foods by adding additives that only add bright colors and longer shelf life with no nutritional benefits.

Alcohol is a widely popular drink that is consumed by about two-thirds of the U.S. population. There are three different types of alcohol: beer, wine, and liquor. Beer, being the most popular among the three, and can be traced back since early civilization.

According to the ANR (Americans for Nonsmokers’ rights) the tobacco industry targets Hispanic communities by placing Spanish language ads, print ads in Hispanic publication, and outdoor billboard advertising in localities with large Hispanic populations. The Hispanic population in the U.S. is prevalent and many industries such as the tobacco industry have found great opportunity and infinite possibilities to market to Hispanics.

If you were to describe America in one word, what would that be? Perhaps you would utter wealthy, democratic, and free. What if you were visiting America for the first time and you had to describe in one word how American people looked like to your family and friends back home. Most likely you would say obese.

Candida Albican is a type of fungus (single-celled) that is dormant and resides in the genitals and intestinal tract. Once awaken and if left untreated, it can cause serious health symptoms.

What do supermarkets, fast food restaurants, gas stations, liquor stores, and schools have in common? If you guessed soda, then you are absolutely right. Soda is one of the most consumed sugar drinks in America. According to The Digital Universe, they reference a statement by NPR (National Public Radio) that Americans are consuming 20 percent more diet sodas now than they did 15 years ago.

American Bone Health reference in an online article, Latinos and Osteoporosis, the following: the bone health crisis is particularly critical among Latinos because in California, hip fractures have doubled since 1983, while remaining unchanged or declining in other ethnic groups (Zigmond, 2004). Now, don’t be fooled and think that only Latinos and California are the only ones that suffer this health crisis. Take it as a sign. If you settle in this country and do not consume or take enough calcium you may be at risk of Osteoporosis.

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls or the walls of arteries, throughout the body. For those who suffer from hypertension, this pressure is abnormally high. Under this condition the heart must work harder to pump blood.

We have all experienced that painful, discomfort in our lower back. It can make you stop what you are doing, and/or it may cause you to lose sleep or toss and turn in the middle of the night. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional counselor, nearly 80% of adults in the United States are affected by back pain. Therefore, Hispanic Americans will most likely complain about back pain.

What is that on the outside of your lip? It might be cold sore or fever blister. They commonly occur on the lips as one or a cluster of blisters, but can also arise on the cheeks, chin, and nostrils. It is caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). This virus is contagious and can be spread by kissing or using the same eating utensils of someone infected. Typically it can last up to 10 days or more.

High Cholesterol is an increasing problem for Hispanic Americans. It’s really no surprise since Hispanic Americans have adapted to the dietary cholesterol foods of the western diet. The typical high cholesterol foods that have been consumed in staggering amounts are meat, eggs, milk, cheese, and fast foods. According to Docguide.cm, the American Heart Association states that high cholesterol is a serious health concern for Hispanic adults. Among Hispanic Americans age 20 and older, 51.9% of men and 44.8% of women have total blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher.

The media has embedded in the Hispanic American community that you must always look your best. Commercials, such as L'oreal and Pantene Pro V, show women with shiny, colorful, and bouncy hair. Ads, such as Rogaine, that target men and the importance of having hair. Celebrities, who look flawless, have made it a constant struggle for average living Hispanic Americans to keep up with their looks and always look presentable.

It's fall and winter season! This means it is time to take out the sweaters, scarves, beanies, and boots to keep you nice and warm. But, Achoo! You're sneezing, coughing; you have a sore throat, runny nose, and watery eyes. You thought that by keeping warm you wouldn't get the common cold. According to Phyllis A. Balch, cold weather does not cause the colds; it's just that cold viruses tend to flourish in colder temperatures, when there is less mugginess in the atmosphere

Headaches are as common as the common cold. That means that everyone has and will experience headaches throughout his or her life. Headaches can be minimal to severe, and can last minutes to days.

The traditional Hispanic diet consists of grains, corn, beans, rice, fruits, and vegetables. American culture has altered this diet, and now many Hispanic Americans have adapted to a new lifestyle that consists of processed foods and high saturated fats. This shift in diets has made Hispanic Americans more prone to develop an array of diseases due to high cholesterol.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic-American men, and the second-leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic-American women. According to the National Cancer Institute in 2010, almost 13 percent of Hispanics were current cigarette smokers, compared to 21 percent of non-Hispanic whites. Smoking rates are higher among Hispanic high school students (18 percent) than Hispanic adults.

I am sure that you have heard that first impressions are everything, and to an extent this is quite true. People will judge you by how you look because it says how much you take care of yourself. Therefore, I recommend that you take care of your toenails. Yes, your toenails. According to MedlinePlus, our body hosts a variety of bacteria and fungi.

As a Hispanic growing up in America, your unique Latin traditions including your lifestyle as well as your diet may be influenced by Western culture. Traditional Latin cuisine is perhaps more beneficial than the typical Western diet. In the United States, Latin meals that traditionally consist of nutritious food items such as corn, grains, yucca, legumes, fruits and vegetables have shifted its healthful diet for the worse.

The human liver is an outstanding organ that filters the bloodstream from harmful substances (toxins, fats, bilirubin, overabundance of hormones, and dead cells), helps regulate and remove cholesterol; and it generates bile (a greenish liquid) which assists in digesting food to absorb essential nutrients to help give your body energy. In other words, the human liver is utterly beneficial for our survival. According to hepb.org, if your body was an automobile, your liver would be considered the engine. Our liver’s job is to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

One of the major health problems facing Hispanic American men today is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). This occurs when the prostate slowly enlarges and presses against the bladder and the urethra.

Today, poor eating habits are customary within the Latino population. Food insecurity, availability of healthy food items, and low socioeconomic status are all contributing factors to poor nutrition within this particular community. Low-income communities are populated with fast food restaurants. These restaurants accommodate to hard-working individuals that may lack time and money to prepare meals. These eateries provide inexpensive and quick solutions that can not only feed oneself but can also provide a sufficient amount of food for an entire family under just ten dollars.

what happens when your body is consistently exposed to stress? Your hormones go haywire. A hormone known as adrenaline elevates blood pressure. Simultaneously cortisol, a stress hormone, activates and increases blood sugar (glucose) levels beyond standard limits. This long-term activation of stress overexposes your body to these particular hormones that causes a disruption in the way your body functions.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetes is one of the many leading causes of death in the U.S. Diabetes is not a medical condition that stands alone. Scientific evidence has confirmed that diabetes is a major risk factor for developing renal disease. Renal disease occurs when diabetes damages the blood vessels that travel to the kidneys. When destruction in the blood vessels takes place, the kidneys begin to retain water and sodium, resulting in inflammation and complications for eliminating waste products within the body.

Vitamin D deficiency is the result of not enough sun exposure, too little exercise, and diet high in processed and commercial foods. It is also related to a number of illnesses that affect present-day Americans. Studies performed by the University of Texas Health Science Center found that older Mexican Americans take fewer vitamin D supplements than do other ethnic groups.

In American society, there is an extensive amount of pressure to succeed.  We all crave success, however success may come easier to some more so than others.  Latin Americans, particularly those that have immigrated here, may find that success is easier said than done. Hispanics that are not natives to this country may struggle with emotional distress. Latin Americans are classified as minorities. As minorities, occasionally we may experience inequality, poverty, and discrimination, in addition to language barriers during social interaction.

In America, Hispanics strive to acculturate themselves with the American ways of life. Health problems, such as stress, may be caused by individuals struggling to adapt to a new lifestyle. Studies have shown that insomnia, a sleeping disorder described as the difficulty to fall asleep and/or the struggle to remain alert during the daytime is currently prevalent amongst the Hispanic population. 

Traditional Hispanic diets vary according to the geographic region individuals have originated from. For instance, Mexicans typically consume four to five meals per day; however, those that have immigrated into the United States have become accustomed to a three-meal eating pattern on a daily basis. Foods that are used for meals vary according to income level, education, geographic region and family traditions.

Latin American cuisine demonstrates diversity because it is made up of many different cultures. Our traditional practices vary according to food preparation and techniques. However, even though our practices may differ in regards to specific cooking methods, we still manage to share common ingredients. Although the ingredients used in Hispanic American cooking are typically healthy, the preparation methods negate much of its nutritional value.

Today, Hispanics make up about 16 percent of the American population. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), research has indicated that Hispanic American drinking patterns may be contingent to acculturation, the process by which an individual may experience cultural modifications by adapting to traits from another culture. Clinical and experimental studies performed on alcohol and racial/ethnic minorities have reported that minority groups such as Hispanics are at greater risk of alcohol related problems.