Problem: Article: Eating high quality protein is important to your nutrition in general, and vital to keeping albumin levels up. As a rule of thumb, make sure you have at least one high-protein serving in every meal. Lean beef, pork, and lamb are all good options, as are fish, chicken, turkey, and eggs. In a 3 ounce (85 gram) single-serving portion, lean beef burger contains 21 grams of protein, chicken contains 14-28 grams, cooked salmon, trout, or mackerel contains 15-21 grams, and pork chop contains 15-21 grams. If you prefer not to eat meat, getting enough protein can be especially challenging. For advice about choosing the protein sources that will be best for you, talk to a dietitian. Be sure to eat dialysis friendly proteins if you are on dialysis. These include lean beef, lean turkey, chicken, pork chops, eggs, fish, meat substitutes, tofu, and protein powders. While you may need to focus on eating more protein, you still need to eat fruits, vegetables, and starches like bread, pasta, and rice. For example, add grated hard boiled eggs or tuna to sauces for pasta or rice dishes, or include shredded chicken or diced meat in soups and stews. Breakfast is an especially important meal, in part because it kick starts your metabolism for the day. You are also more likely to have a strong appetite when you first wake up. One good option is an omelet made with egg whites with cheese. While one egg contains about 6 grams of protein, egg whites are an even healthier source of protein. In fact, egg whites are 100% albumin. Two egg whites contain 7.2 grams of protein. It's very important to avoid skipping meals. Strive to eat small frequent meals to maintain your energy levels. However, if you do miss a meal by accident, make sure to eat a larger portion of protein at your next meal. Eating smaller meals may also be helpful if you have a hard time eating regular sized portions. A great between-meal or bedtime snack is cottage cheese. Try it with some fruit, such as apple sauce. (Cottage cheese is healthier than many other dairy products, as it is lower in potassium and phosphorus, which may pose a risk to those on dialysis with low albumin.) Smoothies are a quick, easy, and delicious way to get some extra protein. It's best to use a liquid that is not high in phosphorus, so avoid cow's milk. Almond milk or rice milk work well. Greek yogurt, pasteurized egg products or protein powder add the protein. Blend together with whatever fruit you favor. Ask a dietitian about what type of protein addition or supplement will be best for you. Both powdered and liquid forms are available. Note that a cup of Greek yogurt contains over 20 grams of protein. Smoothies made with Greek yogurt are especially good with granola blended in as well.
Summary: Include protein in every meal. Keep your meals balanced. Eat breakfast every day. Get more protein if you accidentally miss a meal. Make high-protein smoothies.

Problem: Article: Some manufacturers produce inks marketed as "black henna" that might be a mix of traditional henna and additional ingredients. Many, however, mix henna with coal tar hair dye that contains p-phenylenediamine, or PPD. PPD is not intended to be applied to human skin. It is not permitted to be used in cosmetics for skin in the U.S., as it can cause dangerous skin reactions. While inks marketed as "black henna" create tattoos that are darker and last longer than those created with traditional henna, these dyes are harmful and should be avoided. Red henna is generally safe when applied to the skin. Staining the skin reddish-brown, traditional henna can be safely used for body art. Red henna does, however, carry the risk of rare instances of reactions ranging from contact allergy to hypersensitivity. Before using henna to dye your hair or create body art, make sure you conduct a patch test. Apply a very small amount of the henna to a tiny patch or skin or swath or hair. Wait at least fifteen minutes before removing. If you experience any adverse side effects, such as redness or irritation, you should not use henna on your skin or hair. When applying a traditional henna to your skin or hair, be sure to wear gloves. This will prevent the dye from making its way to unwanted places and help create a sanitary application process. Department and specialty stores often sell kits that contain supplies for creating henna tattoos at home. These can contain caustic chemicals that are unsafe for use on human skin, such as kerosene, metal salts, benzene, lead, and artificial dyes, and should be avoided. If you do make the decision to get a henna tattoo, you should seek out a reliable professional with experience. Seek out a professional who has a good reputation in your community, has been practicing the art for an extended period of time, and who uses pure henna. Be sure to ask for a full disclosure of ingredients in the henna they will use for your tattoo. If you experience any side effects from a henna tattoo or hair dye, please seek medical attention immediately. While side effects from red henna are rare, they can still occur and necessitate a visit to your medical provider. Reactions to "black henna" tattoos are more common, with as many as 2.5% of people experiencing a contact allergy to p-phenylenediamine, or PPD. MedWatch, the Food and Drug Administration's problem-reporting program, can be reached by calling 1-800-332-1088. Contact MedWatch if you have an adverse reaction to body art or tattoos created with traditional henna or "black henna."
Summary: Avoid using "black henna" on your skin or hair. Use red, or traditional, henna. Perform a patch test. Wear gloves when applying henna to your skin or hair. Avoid purchasing henna kits for home use. Get a henna tattoo from a reputable professional. Seek professional medical help if you experience side effects. Report adverse reactions to the Food and Drug Administration.

Problem: Article: Carefully remove your zucchini noodles from the piece of fabric and lay them out on a clean table. If your zoodles seem dry enough, place them inside a number of small, freezer-safe bags. Though you can keep your zoodles in a single, large bag, smaller storage portions are more likely to keep their form and texture once thawed. It's important to keep your zucchini noodles compressed, so do not store them in firm containers like mason jars. If your zoodles feel soft and flimsy, repeat the drying process. After packaging your zucchini noodles, push down on each bag with your hands to remove any excess air. Then, close the bags tightly so that no more air can get in. To make sure you store your zucchini noodles for an appropriate amount of time, put a label on each bag and write the initial freeze date on it. If you created different portion sizes for each bag, consider listing the amount of zucchini noodles as well. Like most forms of summer squash, you can keep zucchini noodles in your freezer for up to 12 months. However, they may become less flavorful over time, so try to eat them as soon as possible. When you're ready to reheat your zoodles, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place your zucchini noodles in a strainer basket and set it in the water for approximately 1 minute. This will heat and rehydrate the zoodles. Try using your thawed zucchini noodles in cooked dishes like: Stir-fry dishes Alfredo-based dishes Shrimp scampi Pho Pad thai
Summary:
Place your zoodles in small, freezer-safe bags. Press the air out of your bags and seal them shut. Put a label on each bag. Store your zoodles in a freezer for up to 1 year. Boil your zoodles to thaw them.