stimulate hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, which helps break down food. If you have low HCl, you have what is called an “underactive stomach”, and symptoms can range from excessive gas and belching after meals, feeling overly full, and abdominal pain and cramping. Proponents of apple cider vinegar recommend pouring a tablespoon in a glass of warm water and drinking that in the morning before eating. The acids balance the pH levels in your gut and promote good bacteria growth.

Experts say that it doesn’t block 100% of starches, but enough to prevent some that starch from being digested and raising blood sugar. It should be noted that apple cider vinegar should not be used in place of medication to treat diabetes and that for optimum diabetes maintenance, people should focus on their overall diet.

It’s murky and brown in color, and has a cobweb-like appearance. This is called “the mother”, which indicates it is good, quality apple cider vinegar. Do not drink apple cider vinegar by itself. The acidity is so high that it can actually erode your tooth enamel. Instead, dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of warm water. Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to receive the full benefits.

If you are having digestive problems or struggle to keep your blood sugar levels regulated, try incorporating apple cider vinegar into your diet to see if it helps. Here’s to your health!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and no more than ten teaspoons per day for men. The Center for Disease Control reports that the average American eats between 13 and 20 teaspoons a day. Here are some good reasons to get your sugar intake under control.

Lower Blood Pressure

If you eat a lot of added sugar, there is a good chance that you are at more risk for obesity. Gaining weight can cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes your heart and arteries to work harder, which can cause overall damage to your circulatory system. This can eventually lead to stroke, heart disease, heart attacks, artery disease and kidney damage.

for type 2 diabetes by 26%. Excess sugar intake causes high insulin resistance, which means fructose, glucose, and other forms of sugar cannot get into your cells and get trapped in your bloodstream. High blood sugar can lead to pre-diabetes and possibly the threat of actual diabetes.

Also, studies show that added sugars in your diet decrease the activity of the cells that regulate energy and metabolism. These cells are called orexin cells, and when they get turned off, you become sluggish and sleepy. Most of us are too busy to be slowed down, so it’s best to eat foods that give you sustained energy like whole grains and complex carbohydrates.

By reducing your sugar intake, you can increase your general health, energy levels, and possibly avoid serious diseases. You can still eat foods with natural sugars like fruits and vegetables, but it’s best to cut out those foods full of processed sugars. Your body will thank you!

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Less Sleep, More Weight

Studies show that people who do not get enough sleep, have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and wake up several times during the night are more likely to be overweight or obese. When you don’t get enough sleep, even for one night, your brain responds differently to high calorie junk foods.

The part of the brain that motivates a person to desire fattening foods was much more active. So when you are sleep deprived, it’s harder to say no to potato chips and ice cream. Also, the level of activity in your frontal cortex is reduced. This is where consequences are weighed and rational decisions are made. So once again, when you don’t get enough sleep, your ability to pass up junk food becomes more difficult.

The Diabetes Factor

Not getting enough sleep may also lead to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on your body’s metabolic regulation. If you only get four hours of sleep a night, your body’s ability to use insulin is impaired by 25 percent. Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes, a condition where your body is unable to use insulin to control glucose levels from food. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to other illnesses like heart disease.

The Insomnia Blues

Depression is much more likely among people who are sleep deprived. Studies were done on people who have insomnia, and it showed that insomniacs face a two-to-five- fold increased risk for developing depression. Insomnia is defined as having trouble falling or staying asleep most of the time.

Most people think a glass of wine will help them sleep better, but in actuality, it causes a more restless sleep. Avoid major activities an hour before bedtime. Refrain from doing chores, working out, or having arguments right before bed. Also, minimize noise, light, and temperature extremes in your bedroom. Get a sleep mask to reduce light, ear plugs or a white noise machine to drown out unwanted sounds, and make sure your thermostat is set between 54 and 75 degrees.

Hopefully these tips will help you get a more restful sleep and more hours of sleep. It’s something that we could all use a little more of. Nighty night!

Neighbors Emergency Centers are open 24/7, 365 days a year. We treat all kinds of emergencies including sports injuries and severe cold and flu symptoms. Go to www.nec24.com to find your nearest Neighbors location.