• Cardiovascular

    Housecall: 7 nutrition rules that will fuel your workout

a smiling young man in an exercise class at a gym

THIS WEEK'S TOP TOPICS
Nutrition rules that will fuel your workout
Your body needs the right fuel to run well, especially if you're active. What you eat and when affects your energy level during exercise and how well you'll recover after. Keep these seven simple rules in mind for fueling up for exercise and getting the most out of your workout.

Allergy medications: Know your options
Allergy medications are available as pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eyedrops, skin creams and shots. Some are available over the counter. Others are available by prescription only. With so many options, how do you know which medicine will ease your sniffling and sneezing? Here's a guide to several types of allergy medications and which ones might be right for you.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can lupus cause hair loss?
Lupus causes widespread inflammation that usually involves your skin, particularly on your face and scalp. Lupus can cause the hair on your scalp to gradually thin out and, especially along your hairline, become fragile and break off easily. Loss of eyebrow, eyelash, beard and body hair also is possible. Although it can be distressing, the problem is usually temporary. Learn more from Dr. April Chang-Miller, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist.

What is 'white coat hypertension?'
"White coat hypertension" occurs when the blood pressure readings at your health care provider's office are higher than at home or in other settings. It's called white coat hypertension because the health care professionals who measure your blood pressure sometimes wear white coats. It once was thought that this phenomenon was caused by the stress that medical appointments can create. However, some health care professionals now think it might signal that you're at risk of developing high blood pressure as a long-term condition. Learn more from Dr. Sheldon Sheps, an emeritus Mayo Clinic hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases specialist.

PLUS ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Bariatric surgery
Vocal cord paralysis
Celiac disease
Neurodermatitis

HEALTHY RECIPES
Creamed Swiss chard
Potato salad
Chicken brats
Apple salad with figs and almonds

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Weight-loss tip: Don't skip snacks
Do you feel guilty about snacking? Don't. Snacks aren't necessarily bad. In fact, well-planned weight-loss diets allow for snacks to help manage hunger and reduce bingeing. Eating a healthy snack of fresh fruit or raw veggies may stop you from taking second or third helpings at your next meal, dramatically cutting the total number of calories you consume.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

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