Dr. Jennifer Closshey opens up the mailbag to address Plant City readers’ wellness questions.
With so much health-related information coming our way from the news, advertisers and internet, it’s sometimes hard to sort it all out. Many in Plant City have reached out to me for answers, and I want to thank you all for the great questions you’ve sent.
Is Greek yogurt better for you?
Greek yogurt is high in protein, offering 17 grams of it against only five to seven grams of sugar in a single serving. This thick, extra-tart yogurt mixes well with sweet fruits, such as bananas or pineapple. The Australian yogurts are less thick and only slightly tart, making them better suited for green and tart fruit smoothies. Traditional yogurts work well in all smoothies and are less expensive.
Also consider the other international yogurt on the scene — Icelandic, or ‘Skyr,’ which packs 19 grams of protein per serving. With even less sugar per serving, at two to three grams, Skyr is thicker and more tart than Greek yogurt.
No matter which yogurt you choose, be confident that yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium and other important nutrients.
Why do I get dizzy while working out?
Dizziness is an important message from the body indicating something is wrong. Don’t ignore it.
The four main causes of dizziness during exercise are a drop in blood pressure, a drop in blood sugar, the pH level of the blood becoming too acidic or simply holding your breath. These conditions can happen during and immediately after exercise.
Two ways to stabilize blood pressure include proper warm-ups and cool-downs with each exercise session, as well as staying hydrated. Blood sugar can be affected by the timing of eating. Try to eat at least three hours before a workout. Eating too close to exercise can trigger the release of insulin, the hormone that triggers sugar absorption from the blood. Blood sugar drops as the sugars are absorbed.
Intense exercise can build excess lactic acid, thus making the blood too acidic. Adjust your workouts for less intensity until muscle and strength are built up. A little soreness is normal and expected with exercise, but excess soreness can actually slow the progress toward fitness.
Does exercise really benefit learning?
Research from the Holland Medical Center shows that the timing of working out after class influences learning retention. Study participants who exercised four hours after study had higher retention levels than those who exercised immediately after, or not at all. The secret might be the improved timing of the release of catecholamines, which are natural compounds that improve memory.
Let exercise be a healthy part of your study plan. Include sufficient sleep, proper nutrition and relaxation to keep a balanced approach to learning and living.
“Why do I hate to exercise?”
Believe it or not, years ago, I used to hate to exercise, too. Here’s my secret to turning that attitude around.
Do what you hate the most first in the day. Start your day with exercise. Getting up an hour earlier is only hard the first week or so. Then, it becomes a habit for the body.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
