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Just In: Gunmen attack Niger communities again

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Some Communities in Gurmana ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have been attacked by gunmen again as the state is still battling with the kidnapping of some Kagara school students. 

Sarkin Zama, Bakin Kogi (Lagbe), Siyiko, and other adjoining villages were Wednesday evening invaded by gunmen, who stormed the villages in their large numbers.

The operation which lasted for hours was said to have recorded some casualty, but that could not be immediately verified by our correspondent.

Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Kokki, said some died while others who sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries were rushed to various health facilities for medical attention.

Kokki said scores of others were also abducted and taken to unknown destinations.

“Countless deadly attacks have become daily occurrences, thereby compelling the affected victims to live at the mercy of hydra-headed monsters. Defenceless, unarmed, and peaceful locals have been abandoned to their fate,” Kokki added.

Niger State releases names of abducted schoolchildren

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The Niger state government has released the full list of the 27 schoolchildren abducted from Government Science College, Kagara.

The state released the names of the students about 24 hours after they were kidnapped on Wednesday.

The list of the teachers abducted alongside the students was also released.

The student who was killed during the attack has been identified as Benjamin Habila.

Below are their names:

  • Jamilu Isah
  • Shem Joshua
  • Abbas Abdullahi
  • Isah Abdullahi
  • Ezekeil Danladi
  • Haliru Shuibu
  • Mamuda Suleman
  • Danzakar Dauda
  • Abdulsamad Sanusi
  • Bashir Abbas
  • Suleman Lawal
  • Abdullahi Adamu
  • Habakuk Augustine
  • Idris Mohammed
  • Musa Adamu
  • Abdulkarim Abdulrahman
  • Abubakar Danjumma
  • Abdullahi Abubakar
  • Bashir Kamalideen
  • Mohammed Salisu
  • Yusuf M Kabir
  • Isah Abdullah Makusidi
  • Polineous Vicente
  • Lawal Bello
  • Mohammed K Shehu
  • Mubarak Sidi
  • Abdulsamad Nuhu

According to the state government, the students were abducted alongside 14 others including nine of their family members and five staff of the school.

The names of the abducted teachers are:
Hannatu Philip
Lawal Abdullahi
Dodo Fodio
Mohammed Musa
Faiza Mohammed

The abducted family members include:
Christiana Adama
Faith Adama
Maimuna Suleman
Nura Isah
Ahmad Isah
Khadizat Isah
Mohammed Mohammed
Aisha Isah
Saratu Isah

Gunmen stormed the school in the early hours of Wednesday, overpowering the security guards on duty.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which was reportedly carried out by bandits who have been on the prowl, kidnapping and killing residents across the north.

A federal government delegation had visited the state amid efforts to rescue the students.

Serena Williams loses to Naomi Osaka yet again!

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Naomi Osaka knocked Serena Williams out of the Australian Open on Thursday, but in relentlessly moving her from side to side on the court, did she also push Williams closer to retirement? After her 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Osaka in the semifinals, Williams left the Rod Laver Arena court to a standing ovation, which she recognized with a wave of her hand and a tapping of her heart.

After 20 Australian Opens, was Williams saying goodbye to a country of tennis fans that she described as “so amazing”?

“If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she said in her post-match news conference, smiling weakly. “So …” Her voice trailed off.

Williams already had bemoaned her 18 unforced errors, including 10 on her forehand, considered one of the fiercest strokes in the women’s game.

“Not like I was on the run or anything,” she said, looking up at the ceiling to drive the tears back down. “They were just easy, easy mistakes.”

To what did she attribute all the unforced errors? Was it Osaka’s suffocating power? A bad day at the office? It was the eighth question of the news conference, and Williams’s composure crumbled.

“Uhh, I don’t know,” she said as she rose from her seat, crying. “I’m done.”

Williams has been stuck at 23 Grand Slam titles, one shy of the Australian Margaret Court’s career record, for four years, since winning the 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant with her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian.

Since returning to competition in 2018 after a difficult childbirth, which included a C-section delivery and complications stemming from blood clots, Williams has played in 11 Grand Slam tournaments and advanced to the semifinals or finals in six.

Meantime, the generation inspired by Williams is asserting itself. Players like Osaka are building their own legacies. Osaka quietly has compiled a 4-0 record in Grand Slam semifinals and won the championship in her previous three trips to the finals. “I have this mentality that people don’t remember the runners-up,” Osaka said, adding: “I fight the hardest in the finals. I think that’s where you sort of set yourself apart.”

Those are Williams’s sentiments exactly. During a recent tour of her South Florida home for Architectural Digest, she dismissed a runner-up prize on the shelf in her trophy room, saying she’d have to “put that one in the trash” because “we don’t keep second place” awards.

Over the past three years, Williams’s love for tennis and the joy she finds in competition have carried her through a pectoral injury, knee injuries and a left Achilles injury. She rededicated herself to the arduous — her word — task of improving her fitness, and where has it gotten her but on the wrong end of score lines in slugfests against considerably younger opponents like Osaka, 23, who fashioned her game after that of Williams, her childhood idol?

Morning Habits That Help You Lose Weight

No matter what your weight loss goals are, losing weight can feel impossible at times.

However, shedding a few pounds doesn’t have to involve a complete overhaul of your current diet and lifestyle.

In fact, making a few small changes to your morning routine can help you lose weight and keep it off.

Here we have simple morning habits to incorporate into your regimen to aid your weight loss efforts.

1. Eat a High-Protein Breakfast

There’s a good reason breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day.

What you eat for breakfast can set the course for your entire day. It determines if you’ll feel full and satisfied until lunch, or if you’ll be heading to the vending machine before your mid-morning snack.

Eating a high -protein breakfast may help cut cravings and aid in weight loss.

In one study in 20 adolescent girls, eating a high-protein breakfast reduced post-meal cravings more effectively than a normal-protein breakfast.

Another small study showed that eating a high-protein breakfast was associated with less fat gain and reduced daily intake and hunger, compared to a normal-protein breakfast.

Protein may also aid weight loss by decreasing levels of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone” that is responsible for increasing appetite.

In fact, one study in 15 men found that a high-protein breakfast suppressed ghrelin secretion more effectively than a high-carb breakfast.

To help get your day off to a good start, consider protein sources like eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts and chia seeds.

Studies show that a high-protein breakfast may aid weight loss by reducing cravings, appetite and ghrelin secretion.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Starting your morning with a glass or two of water is an easy way to enhance weight loss.

Water can help increase your energy expenditure, or the number of calories your body burns, for at least 60 minutes.

In one small study, drinking 16.9 fluid ounces (500 ml) of water led to a 30% increase in metabolic rate, on average.

Another study found that overweight women who increased their water intake to over 34 ounces (one liter) per day lost an extra 4.4 pounds (2 kg) over one year, without making any other changes in their diet or exercise routine.

What’s more, drinking water may reduce appetite and food intake in some individuals.

One study in 24 older adults showed that drinking 16.9 fluid ounces (500 ml) of water reduced the number of calories consumed at breakfast by 13%.

In fact, most studies on the topic have shown that drinking 34–68 ounces (1–2 liters) of water per day can aid in weight loss.

Starting your morning with water and staying well hydrated throughout the day is a great way to boost weight loss with minimal effort.

Increasing your water intake has been associated with an increase in weight loss and energy expenditure, as well as a decrease in appetite and food intake.

3. Weigh Yourself

Stepping on the scale and weighing yourself each morning can be an effective method to increase motivation and improve self-control.

Several studies have associated weighing yourself daily with greater weight loss.

For instance, a study in 47 people found that those who weighed themselves daily lost about 13 pounds (6 kg) more over six months than those who weighed themselves less often.

Another study reported that adults who weighed themselves daily lost an average of 9.7 pounds (4.4 kg) over a two-year period, while those who weighed themselves once a month gained 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg)

Weighing yourself every morning can also help foster healthy habits and behaviors that may promote weight loss.

In one large study, frequent self-weighing was associated with improved restraint. Furthermore, those who stopped weighing themselves frequently were more likely to report increased calorie intake and decreased self-discipline

For best results, weigh yourself right when you wake up. Do so after using the bathroom and before you eat or drink anything.

Additionally, remember that your weight may fluctuate daily and can be influenced by a variety of factors. Focus on the big picture and look for overall weight loss trends, rather than getting fixated on small day-to-day changes.

Studies have found that daily self-weighing may be associated with more weight loss and increased restraint.

4. Get Some Sun

Opening the curtains to let in some sunlight or spending a few extra minutes outside each morning can help kickstart your weight loss. One small study found that exposure to even moderate levels of light at certain times of the day can have an influence on weight.

Moreover, an animal study found that exposure to ultraviolet radiation helped suppress weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. Exposure to sunlight is also the best way to meet your vitamin D needs. Some studies have found that meeting your vitamin D requirements can aid in weight loss and even prevent weight gain.

In one study, 218 overweight and obese women took either vitamin D supplements or a placebo for one year. At the end of the study, those who met their vitamin D requirement lost an average of 7 pounds (3.2 kg) more than those with inadequate vitamin D blood levels.

Another study followed 4,659 older women for four years and found that higher levels of vitamin D were linked to less weight gain.

The amount of sun exposure you need can vary based on your skin type, the season and your location. However, letting in some sunlight or sitting outside for 10–15 minutes each morning may have a beneficial effect on weight loss. Sun exposure may have an influence on weight. Sunlight can also help you meet your vitamin D needs, which may help increase weight loss and prevent weight gain.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that involves fully focusing on the present moment and bringing awareness to your thoughts and feelings. The practice has been shown to enhance weight loss and promote healthy eating habits. For example, an analysis of 19 studies found that mindfulness-based interventions increased weight loss and reduced obesity-related eating behaviors

Another review had similar findings, noting that mindfulness training resulted in significant weight loss in 68% of the studies reviewed. Practicing mindfulness is simple. To get started, try spending five minutes each morning sitting comfortably in a calm space and connecting with your senses

Some studies have found that mindfulness can increase weight loss and promote healthy eating behaviors.

6. Squeeze in Some Exercise

Getting in some physical activity first thing in the morning can help boost weight loss. One study in 50 overweight women measured the effects of aerobic exercise at different times of the day.

While there was not much difference noted in specific food cravings between those who exercised in the morning versus the afternoon, working out in the morning was associated with a higher level of satiety.

Exercising in the morning may also help keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Low blood sugar can result in many negative symptoms, including excessive hunger. One study in 35 people with type 1 diabetes showed that working out in the morning was associated with improved blood sugar control.

However, these studies focused on very specific populations and show an association, rather than causation. More research on the effects of morning exercise in the general population is needed. Some studies have found that exercising in the morning may be associated with increased satiety and improved blood sugar control.

7. Pack Your Lunch

Making the effort to plan and pack your lunch ahead of time can be a simple way to make better food choices and increase weight loss. A large study including 40,554 people found that meal planning was associated with better diet quality, more diet variety and a lower risk of obesity.

Another study found that eating home-cooked meals more frequently was associated with improved diet quality and a decreased risk of excess body fat. In fact, those who ate home-cooked meals at least five times per week were 28% less likely to be overweight than those who only ate home-cooked meals three times or less per week.

Try setting aside a few hours one night a week to plan and prepare your meals so that in the morning you can just grab your lunch and go. Studies show that meal planning and eating home-cooked meals are associated with improved diet quality and a lower risk of obesity.

8. Sleep Longer

Going to bed a bit earlier or setting your alarm clock later to squeeze in some extra sleep may help increase weight loss. Several studies have found that sleep deprivation may be associated with an increased appetite. One small study found that sleep restriction increased hunger and cravings, especially for high-carb, high-calorie foods.

Lack of sleep has also been linked to an increase in calorie intake. In one study, 12 participants consumed an average of 559 more calories after getting just four hours of sleep, compared to when they got a full eight hours.

Establishing a healthy sleep schedule is a critical component of weight loss, along with eating well and exercising. To maximize your results, aim for at least eight hours of sleep per night. Studies show that sleep deprivation may increase appetite and cravings, as well as calorie intake.

9. Switch up Your Commute

While driving may be one of the most convenient ways to get to work, it may not be so great for your waistline. Research shows that walking, biking or using public transportation may be tied to a lower body weight and reduced risk of weight gain.

One study followed 822 people over four years and found that those who commuted by car tended to gain more weight than non-car commuters. Similarly, a study including 15,777 people showed that using public transportation or active methods of transport, such as walking or biking, was associated with a significantly lower body mass index and body fat percentage, compared to using private transportation.

Changing up your commute even a few times per week may be a simple way to ramp up weight loss. Walking, biking and using public transportation have all been associated with less weight gain and lower body weight and body fat, compared to driving to work.

10. Start Tracking Your Intake

Keeping a food diary to track what you eat can be an effective way to help boost weight loss and keep yourself accountable. One study tracked weight loss in 123 people for one year and found that completing a food journal was associated with a greater amount of weight loss.

Another study showed that participants who regularly used a tracking system to self-monitor their diet and exercise lost more weight than those who did not regularly use the tracking system. Similarly, a study of 220 obese women found that the frequent and consistent use of a self-monitoring tool helped improve long-term weight management.

Studies have found that using a food diary to track your intake can help increase weight loss.

Take Home

Making a few small changes to your morning habits can be an easy and effective way to increase weight loss.

Practicing healthy behaviors in the morning can also get your day started on the right foot and set you up for success.

For best results, make sure you combine these morning habits with a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle.

House of Reps screen new service chiefs

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday screened the new service chiefs.

The exercise was conducted behind closed doors after a brief opening session.

Before the session went behind closed doors, some of the service chiefs reeled out some of their plans for the Armed Forces.

The Chief of Defence Staff designate, Major General Lucky Irabor, said, “If confirmed, my intention is to foster a better Armed Forces that is capable of making effectively, the imperatives of the Constitution. By so doing, I intend to have some pillars that are allied to this broad focus of leadership. This may not come out as a vision because I believe that visions are meant for institutions and not individuals.

 “As a military commander, I intend to have leadership focus in outlining the broad areas. To this, I intend to build very professional Armed Forces that is effective, agile, result-oriented and of course, one that is loyal to constituted authority.”

Also, the Chief of Army Staff designate, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, said, “I will provide the right leadership for the Nigerian Army in this trying time of our nation’s history. Our best will be hinged on my command philosophy. I want a Nigerian Army that is professionally repositioned to defeat all adversaries in a giant environment.

Read Also: FG Delegation, IGP, Others arrive Niger State Following Students’ Abduction

“The Armed Forces will work in a societal approach where every Nigerian will be part of the security architecture to bring an end to our current security challenges. The vision is embedded in the command philosophy, buy on specific pillars such as readiness, the duty to country, dependability and continuous leadership development.

“For particular emphasis, mission readiness, training, functional manning and equipment, loyalty and sacrifice to the fatherland and continuous leadership development. We will build an Army that will be innovative in the 21st Century.”

Earlier in his opening address, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, noted that while the House intends to ensure that the government lives up to this noble creed, it plans to “engage robustly but also constructively with the nominees.”

Benson said, “The essence of the framers of our Constitution requiring the service chiefs to be confirmed by the National Assembly is to reiterate the supremacy of civil authority over the military in a constitutional democracy. We shall, therefore, take our role very seriously and we intend to discharge our responsibilities diligently on behalf of Nigerians.

“Nigeria as a country is blessed with brave and gallant soldiers; many of whom have paid the ultimate price in service to the country. It is to their memories that we must get it right with our National Security and help secure the peace for which they gave their lives.

“From the inception of this 9th House of Representatives, national security has been discussed more than 200 times at plenary. Yet, the nation is still grappling with diverse and increasing security challenges, despite some successes recorded by the gallant men and women of our Armed Forces. While I appreciate there is no single magic solution, I believe the kind of leadership provided to our Armed Forces is part of the solution mix.”

The lawmaker, before the session went behind closed doors, stated that the nominees would be grilled based on professional skill and experience; Nigeria’s war on terror and insurgency and insecurity in general; funding of the military; strategic security knowledge and vision of the nominees; and welfare of military personnel.

They are Maj. Gen. Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea lrabor – Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru – Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo – Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao – Chief of Air staff.

They are to replace the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, had on Wednesday last week read a letter from the President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), seeking the confirmation of the new service chiefs.

Buhari’s letter was dated January 27, 2021, while the stamp on the acknowledgement copy indicated that it was received on February 5, 2021.

Gbajabiamila later constituted a panel made up of chairmen, deputy chairmen and some members of the military-related standing committees, to be led by Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Mr Babajimi Benson.

American Court Sentences Nigerian to 10 Years in Jail for Fraud

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A Nigerian, Obinwanne Okeke, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an American court over a fraud of $11 million.

A press release on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia on Tuesday read: “A Nigerian national was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11 million in known losses to his victims.”
The press release, quoting Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Raj Parekh, further read: “Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims.

“Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.”

According to court documents, Okeke, 33, operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group based in Nigeria and elsewhere. From approximately 2015 to 2019, Okeke and others engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds.

The conspirators obtained and compiled the credentials of hundreds of victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Policemen reportedly raze Timber market in Nnewi

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Some Police officers in Anambra have allegedly set the Timber market in Nnewi on fire.

The Tuesday incident drew the anger of traders who damaged police vehicles.

It was gathered that police officers stormed the market in search of Indian hemp smokers.

Eyewitnesses said the officers ignited fire near a sawdust heap in an attempt to smoke out the suspects after no arrest was made.

However, the incident took a tragic turn when the whole Timber market was engulfed.

The inferno was said to have burnt about 100 shops as owners struggled to put out the fire. The Fire Service was called to the scene.

The traders and locals have called for an investigation. The area is currently tense

FG Delegation, IGP, Others arrive Niger State Following Students’ Abduction

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A Federal Government delegation including National Security Adviser (NSA) Mohammed Babagana Monguno and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu are currently in Minna, Niger State capital.

Also part of the delegation is the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

The delegation is in Niger State as efforts to rescue the abducted students of the Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, intensify

President Muhammadu Buhari has also dispatched to Minna, Niger State a delegation team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation and meet with state officials, community leaders, as well as parents and staff of the College.

Read Also: Niger governor orders immediate closure of boarding schools in crisis areas

Some gunmen had earlier on Wednesday morning gained access to the school around 2:00 am, dressed in military uniform, shooting sporadically into the air.

The school principal who escaped from the attack confirmed to Newsmen that the operation started from the staff quarters where they abducted members of staff including a couple before they gained access to the students’ hostels.

Other sources say some students escaped after the raid while a headcount is being conducted at the school to ascertain the actual number of missing students.

Abdullberqy Ebbo, director general, strategic operation of Niger state in a tweet said “one student was shot by the bandits and lost his life”.

He added that three staff of the school and 12 members of their families were also among the kidnapped.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ibrahim Matane, Niger State government secretary, told BBC News Pidgin that armed men had attacked the Government Science College in Kagara, about 260km (160 miles) northwest of the Nigerian capital Abuja, at approximately 3am (02:00 GMT).

The attackers, dressed in military uniforms and masks, stormed the school hostels to take away children, local media reported, adding that some of the children escaped during the incident.

Government Science College has a student body of about a thousand.

School authorities have begun a headcount to determine the exact number of missing children.

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned “the cowardly attack on innocent school children.”

“The President has directed the Armed Forces and Police, to ensure immediate and safe return of all the captives,” Garba Shehu, president’s spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday.

No group has claimed responsibility.

The incident comes hours after bandits released a video of more than 20 people abducted from a commercial bus near Zungeru town in Niger state.

It raises growing concerns about security and violence in the country’s north.

Causes of Vinegar Allergies, Symptoms and Alternatives

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A vinegar allergy does not cause the same immune system response as food allergies do. For this reason, people sometimes refer to it as a pseudoallergy. However, it can still cause allergy-like symptoms in some individuals. Vinegar is an acidic solution made by fermenting ethanol or sugar. Ethanol is the type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and spirits. Vinegar contains water, acetic acid, and a small amount of trace chemicals and flavorings.

People often use vinegar as an ingredient for pickling foods, in sauces and salad dressings, or as a way to add acidity to a dish. You can also use vinegar as a household cleaner, and some traditional medicine practices employ it as a healing remedy.

Vinegar is safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However, some people may experience adverse reactions.

Causes of Vinegar Allergy

Vinegar does not appear to cause the same types of immune system responses that those with food allergies experience rather, an intolerance or sensitivity to one of the ingredients or chemical components of vinegar may cause a vinegar allergy.

Though the symptoms of these reactions often mimic true food allergies, they are not quite the same. Some people may refer to these types of reactions as pseudoallergies

The ingredients in vinegar that people may be sensitive to or intolerant of include:

salicylates

histamine

sulfites

acetic acid

Each of these chemical compounds can cause allergy-like symptoms in some individuals, which can range from mild to severe.

Salicylate sensitivity

Salicylates are types of salicylic acid.

They’re naturally present in some foods and beverages. Manufacturers also use synthetic forms in medications and other products. While salicylates are present in vinegar, the amount may vary depending on the type of vinegar and its ingredients. For most people, salicylates are no cause for alarm. They’re often present in foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they may even offer some health benefits.

However, those with a salicylate sensitivity could experience allergy symptoms after consuming too much of these compounds

Some people also have severe reactions to acetylsalicylic acid — the type of salicylate in aspirin. However, having a reaction to aspirin does not necessarily mean you’ll also be sensitive to vinegar.

Histamine intolerance

Histamine is another common compound in food and drinks. It’s likewise naturally present in your body. Histamine has many functions and plays an important role in inflammation, your body’s response to allergens, and your overall immune system.

Histamine intolerance is a condition in which histamine is not efficiently metabolized. Scientists still do not fully understand the condition. That said, they believe a number of factors may cause it, including:

genetics

enzyme deficiencies

medications

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

gut bacteria

dietary intake

Vinegar not only contains histamine but also stimulates your body to release histamine.

Thus, individuals with a histamine intolerance may experience an array of side effects, ranging from mild to severe, after eating too much vinegar or other histamine-containing foods.

Sulfite sensitivity

Sulfites are chemical compounds that manufacturers sometimes use as food additives to help preserve foods. Some types are also present in cosmetics, medications, and other products. They also occur naturally in some food and drinks — particularly in fermented liquids like wine, beer, and vinegar.

Many people can tolerate a moderate amount of sulfites without any difficulty. However, having a sulfite sensitivity means that you may experience adverse side effects after consuming larger amounts of these compounds. Those with asthma or other allergies may be more likely to have a sulfite sensitivity. In fact, many of the symptoms of a sulfite sensitivity mimic those of asthma.

Some countries now require foods or drinks that are high in sulfites to state so on the label. Both the European Union and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require products that contain more than 10 ppm (10 mg per kg) of sulfites to be labeled.

Acetic acid intolerance

Acetic acid is one of the main byproducts of the fermentation of ethanol or sugars into vinegar. Though the amount may vary, most vinegars contain around 5% acetic acid. Some studies have shown that acetic acid may be responsible for some of the purported health benefits of vinegars, such as their antimicrobial effects and positive effects on blood sugar levels.

Some people may be intolerant of acetic acid, although this is not very common. A person is more likely to have an adverse reaction to acetic acid when they encounter the chemical in large amounts. Still, some people may experience side effects after consuming acetic acid in vinegar orally or from direct skin exposure.

Vinegar allergies typically result from a sensitivity or intolerance to one of the following chemical components of vinegar: salicylates, histamine, sulfites, or acetic acid.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a vinegar allergy may vary depending on the underlying cause. The severity might also differ from person to person. Here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms of a vinegar allergy or intolerance.

Salicylate sensitivity: asthma, diarrhea, hives, nasal polyps, stuffy nose, feeling swollen

Histamine intolerance: abdominal pain, bloating, congestion, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fast heart rate, feeling full, headache, itchy skin, sneezing

Sulfite sensitivity: asthma, diarrhea, hives, itchy skin, nausea, shortness of breath, tightening of the airway muscles, wheezing, stomach pain, tingling sensations

Acetic acid intolerance: asthma, hives, stuffy nose

It’s also important to note that consuming or being exposed to large amounts of vinegar may cause side effects like stomach pain or burning of the eyes, throat, and skin. This may even happen among those without a vinegar allergy.

Though not a true allergy, a vinegar sensitivity or intolerance may cause many of the same symptoms as other food allergies. Some of the most common symptoms are asthma, hives, itchy skin, and stomach pain.

Treatment of Vinegar Allergy

Vinegar allergies cannot be cured. However, a qualified healthcare provider can teach you how to manage them.

Furthermore, because people may be reacting to one of multiple compounds in vinegar, vinegar allergies can be especially hard to diagnose.

If you think you may have a vinegar allergy, it’s best to work with a healthcare professional, such as an allergist, physician, or dietitian, to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms and discuss treatment options.

Oftentimes, managing a vinegar allergy simply means eliminating vinegar from your diet or only using it in small amounts that you can tolerate. If your allergy is due to a chemical in vinegar, such as salicylates or histamine, you might also have to eliminate some other foods from your diet in addition to vinegar. Unfortunately, that sometimes includes healthy foods, like certain fruits and vegetables.

Working with a medical professional to make these kinds of changes to your diet will help ensure that you do so in a safe and healthy way.

How to eliminate vinegar

Eliminating plain vinegar from your diet may be easy, but identifying prepared foods and drinks that contain vinegar could be more difficult.

Identifying vinegar

When dining out, it may be especially important to check with a restaurant employee if you think that a food or drink may contain vinegar.

Here are some items that often contain vinegar:

pickled foods

condiments

soups and stews

salad dressings

sauces and reductions

marinades

cocktails

This is not a comprehensive list. Many other foods may also contain vinegar. Thus, if you need to eliminate vinegar from your diet, it’s important to closely read ingredient labels to see whether they contain vinegar.

It’s also important to remember that some people with allergies may be able to tolerate small amounts of vinegar without experiencing any side effects.

Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how much vinegar you can safely consume.

Substitutes

If you have a vinegar allergy, it may be best to eliminate all types of vinegar from your diet. In that case, you may want to try using other ingredients or flavorings instead of vinegar.

Here are a few options for vinegar substitutes:

lemon juice

lime juice

orange juice

grapefruit juice

cherry juice

grape juice

cranberry juice

wine

tamarind paste

It may be tempting to substitute other condiments like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for vinegar.

However, some types of condiments might contain vinegar or the same chemical compounds that are causing your vinegar allergy.

That is why it’s important to work with a medical professional to determine safe substitutions for vinegar in your diet. This is the best way to ensure you don’t unknowingly consume vinegar or another allergen.

It’s best to treat a vinegar allergy under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can properly diagnose the condition and help you make safe dietary changes to avoid vinegar.

Take Home

Current research does not show that vinegar causes true food allergies. However, multiple components of vinegar may cause pseudoallergies.

These are sensitivities or intolerances to certain foods that often mimic many of the same symptoms as true food allergies.

Nevertheless, the symptoms of a reaction to vinegar may range from mild to severe. Thus, they could be dangerous or uncomfortable for some people.

If you think you could have a sensitivity or intolerance to vinegar, it’s best to work with a medical professional to properly diagnose and manage the condition.

DPR warns against hoarding of petroleum products by depot owners, threatens sanctions

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DPR has warned depot owners against the hoarding of petroleum products in their facilities across the country.
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), has warned depot owners against the hoarding of petroleum products in their facilities across the country.

This follows the reported appearance of queues at some filling stations across the country, which could be a result of artificial scarcity created by the depot owners and some retail marketers.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this warning was issued by the Director/Chief Executive of DPR, Mr Sarki Auwalu, in a statement on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, in Lagos.

Auwalu, in his statement, noted that the warning had become imperative following reports received by the agency on the unwholesome activities of some depot owners who have created artificial scarcity by hoarding products in some parts of the country.

Their illegal activities could be to ultimately help achieve their agenda of driving up the price of these petroleum products.

While pointing out that the nefarious activities of these depot owners is causing untold hardship to Nigerians, Auwalu said that from available records, there was product sufficiency in the country and that there was no need for such practices by these group of unpatriotic citizens.