Big Waistlines Lead to Big Problems
We already know that large waistlines lead to heart disease and some types of cancers, but now you can add asthma to that list. In this study we’re talking about waistlines of 35 inches or more. Even if you are not overweight this risk applies.
It’s thought by researchers that having the fat accumulate around the middle causes chemical reactions that cause these diseases. Furthermore they have also found that being even a little overweight can cause asthma too.
The measurement taken is at the level of the belly button, not where your waist goes in and creates those curves some of us have. If you measure over 35 see your doctor or nutritionist to find out how to get that waist measurement and maybe your weight down.
I would guess that since it’s an accumulation of fat, you may need to watch the amount of fat you take in everyday, and also if there are other factors that turn things into fat once you’ve eaten them.
Pregnancy, Stress, and Asthma
Four studies that were presented for discussion in Canada, conclude that other factors beside genetics can affect the baby’s immune system and determine whether it will develop asthma and/or allergies later on.
Stress levels were studied as were dust mites in the home. They found that higher stress levels increased the risk of asthma and allergies, and that the dust mites increased the risk even more.
Everything that the mother is exposed to is passed on to the baby. During the last trimester the mother begins to pass on her antibodies to the baby, thus strengthening the babies immune system.
Also worth mentioning is that women who have c-sections have babies with weaker immune systems, and first born children have a higher risk of allergies and asthma until age ten.