14 Vegetables Nutritionists Say We Should All Be Eating More Of
Fresh, frozen or canned, the more you eat these veggies, the better you'll feel. Roasted, steamed, grilled, sautéed or consumed in raw form, vegetables can add texture, color and some much-needed nutrition to any dish. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, key vitamins and minerals, a diet filled with an abundance of vegetables can be beneficial to your overall health and well-being. In fact, countless studies have linked increased veggie intake to decreased risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. But despite their nutritional benefits, many Americans find getting the recommended 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day to be a challenge. If you're looking to reap more of the amazing benefits vegetables have to offer, always keeping a variety of vegetables on hand is a good way to ensure you're ahead of the game when it comes time to build a healthy, nutrient-dense meal. If it's hard to find fresh produce in your area, you'll also be pleased to learn that it doesn't matter if they start off fresh or frozen — in fact, studies have found that there is not much of a difference in the nutrient content between frozen and fresh vegetables. Need some inspiration? While any vegetable is a good vegetable, we've rounded up some of the most nutrient-dense, healthiest vegetables to start adding to your grocery list. Use our nutritionist-approved guide to create healthy plant-based meals and snacks you can enjoy throughout the day. But don't just stick to one type of veggie — choose a variety to bulk up your meals and reap the most benefits. If you want to kick the nutrition up a notch, we suggest serving your veggies with an added fat source, such as an oil-based salad dressing. Doing this can help you absorb nutrients like beta-carotene, which has been shown to fight inflammation.
2020-12-23T17:43:07Z
Taking Zyrtec All The Time For Your Allergies Can Come With Some Side Effects
They're rare but still sucky. Spring can seem synonymous with warmer weather and more sunshine. But it's also a time when many people are coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose nonstop. Allergy meds like Zyrtec can alleviate some of your symptoms. As with any other drugs, it's important to keep Zyrtec side effects in mind so you can get all the benefits while minimizing any potential downsides. The good news is there are fewer side effects from Zyrtec compared to first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, and it's relatively safe even at higher than standard doses for most people, says Jennifer Toh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Plus, any side effects are typically mild, and a majority of people can take the medication with no issues, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. ICYMI, Zyrtec is an antihistamine and it blocks histamines to stop allergic reactions, says Virginia Boomershine, an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Histamines are the culprits behind all those pesky allergy symptoms, like itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing. Keep reading to find out whether this medication is right for you and what you can do about the potential side effects. Meet the experts: Jennifer Toh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Virginia Boomershine is an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services Is it safe to take Zyrtec every day? Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers. Still, it's probably worth holding off on medication that you don't need, says Dr. Patel. So if you aren't having allergy symptoms or they get milder during a certain time of the year, that's probably a good time to take a Zyrtec break. "We always want the least amount of medication to control symptoms. However, starting allergy medications two weeks prior to your symptomatic season is best to help prevent symptoms," Dr. Patel says. Is it better to take Zyrtec in the morning or at night? It depends on whether you experience any side effects, says Robert Eitches, MD, an allergist at Tower Allergy. If your problems are only during the day time and you aren't really prone to side effects, then go ahead and take it during the day. But if you experience side effects like drowsiness, Dr. Eitches recommends taking your dose at night before bed. "That way you wake up in the morning relatively clearer too," he says. If it makes you sleepy, the side effect will have likely worn off by the time you wake up, and since the medication can provide relief for 24 hours, you'll still experience relief during the day. Is there anyone who should not take Zyrtec? Zyrtec is safe for most people, but there are some individuals who should stay away. Children under 2, anyone with a history of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and those with severe renal impairment shouldn't take Zyrtec, says Dr. Patel. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Patel recommends speaking to your doctor before using it. The medication is "primarily eliminated from your body through the kidneys," says Dr. Parikh. So, if your kidneys aren't functioning properly, the medication can accumulate and build up in your blood, which may cause additional damage to your kidneys and severe side effects. Additionally, if you take any medications that can cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines, you should talk with your doctor before taking Zyrtec, says Dr. Parikh, because combining the two may cause worsened side effects. Other antihistamines are typically okay to take with Zyrtec as long as they don’t make you too sleepy, she adds. And it's always a good idea avoid alcohol when you're on Zyrtec. When in doubt, go to your doctor with any questions before you take Zyrtec to quell allergy symptoms. 10 Zyrtec Side Effects To Be Aware Of It's best to be aware of potential Zyrtec side effects—especially if you're planning on popping the stuff on the reg over the next few months.
2023-04-14T21:17:46Z