Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (247 page)

EXTRA TIPS

If you smoke, stop now. Smoking depletes the body of the nutrients needed for the proper breakdown of homocysteine in the body and puts you at increased risk of disease.

Exercise daily. People who engage in regular, strenuous exercise have lower homocysteine levels than those who are sedentary. Exercise can also reduce your risk of developing many of the diseases associated with high homocysteine levels. Do 30 minutes a day of walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or cycling to a level at which your heart rate is raised.

HIVES

Hives, also known as urticaria, are characterized by a red, raised, itchy, or prickly rash. Often there is whiteness in the center or around the redness.

CAUSES

The rash is caused by a histamine released in the skin by the immune system in response to a perceived threat (an allergen). The following are common culprits:

Peanuts.

Eggs.

Sesame seeds.

Strawberries.

Celery.

Shellfish.

Some citrus fruits.

Processed and cured meats.

Alcohol.

Chemicals.

Plants.