You Are What You Eat: Triglycerides and Diet
by: Greg Post
I must confess that I am a Steve Martin fan. Like me he studied philosophy in his earlier days. He plays a banjo like I wish I could. And he is funny. In 1987 he was in a movie entitled “Roxanne”. He played a small town fire chief with an enormous nose who fell in love with a beautiful astronomer played by Daryl Hannah. The only problem was she had an eye for a younger fireman with a relatively normal nose. C.D. Bales (Steve Martin), having a poetic command of the English language, agreed to coach the younger and much more awkward man in his pursuit of the educated astronomer. It is a hilarious twist on an old story. In one of the more sober scenes C.D.’s friend Trixie encourages him to pursue the young maiden for himself since he was obviously in love with her. She makes her point by saying the truth “is as plain as the nose on your face.” Well said.
Many people today are concerned about their triglyceride levels. And rightly so. High triglycerides have been marked as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). But in all the scramble to reduce our triglycerides many doctors have been trying to tell us that the truth is as plain as the nose on our collective face.
Triglycerides are a form of fat. In fact they are the most prevalent form of fat in our bodies. Our bodies make triglycerides and we consume them in our diets. Even though we live in culture where ‘thin is in’, fat is a good thing. Triglycerides in particular are good because they are the form of fat our bodies use for energy. But like many things more is not necessarily better. Triglycerides truly represent an example of the maxim, ‘too much of a good thing’. In this case too much can contribute to serious health side effects especially in relation to heart health. So if your triglycerides are too high get them down.
But how? How do we get them down? To answer this question it is first helpful to understand what causes our triglycerides to rise. There are several causes which we will only mention in passing because they do not compose the main subject of this essay. There are certain medical conditions that elevate triglyceride levels such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, familial hypertriglyceridemia and pregnancy. And of course medical conditions are often accompanied by medications that negatively impact triglycerides. Among these are oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy, certain steroids, diuretics, beta-blockers, newer classes of antipsychotic medications, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, progesterone, retinoids and tamoxifen to mention a handful.
The above mentioned factors can contribute to a rise in serum triglycerides. But they are by no means the most common. For most of us our problems lie elsewhere. Diabetes is a common cause of high triglycerides. Unfortunately diabetes is a two-pronged fork. Not only does it affect triglyceride levels but diabetics are more susceptible to the damage that results from factors such as high triglycerides.
Obesity, whatever the reason, causes higher levels of triglycerides to hang around in the blood. As our nation gets progressively heavier higher cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as the heart damage that accompanies them, will become more common.
Now for the rest of us. For most of us our triglycerides are high for one reason. The truth is as plain as the nose on C.D.’s face. We are what we eat. Doctors, though themselves seldom the epitome of health, have been telling us for years to watch what we eat. With all the medical advances over the past several decades diet and exercise are still the primary and most effective methods for promoting heart health, especially in relation to cholesterol and triglycerides and the damage they can cause.
I have only this to say about exercise. Get some! But concerning diet we need a bit more detail. Let’s begin where it hurts the most. Alcohol, though good for your heart in many ways, is easily converted to triglycerides. If yours are too high stay away from alcohol.
Next in line, and this hurts me even more, is sugar. Simple, and especially highly processed carbohydrates, cause triglycerides to rise perhaps even more than alcohol. The American diet is no stranger to sugar and highly processed foods. Such foods are doing more than making us fat. They are causing the incidence of heart disease to escalate with amazing speed. When it comes to high triglycerides, sugar is your worst enemy.
Fruits are questionable. Eliminating fruits is not the place to start. Whole fruits, and the sugars they contain, do not convert to triglycerides as readily as their processed cousins. However, if you have done all you can in other areas of your diet you might consider reducing fruit intake. But before you do this make sure you have eliminated the juices that are more sugar and juice than they are fruit. And avoid canned fruits that are packed in syrup.
Since triglycerides are fat it makes sense to avoid fatty foods. I have in mind especially saturated animal fats. Foods such as bacon, sausage, fatty fowl like duck or goose and fatty beef should be restricted in your diet. Hotdogs and hamburgers? I realize they are the core of the American diet. But do I really need to comment on these?
Now for the surprise. Some fatty foods actually cause triglycerides to fall. Can you believe it? There is a silver lining behind every dark cloud. Cold water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, not the canned varieties, are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are well documented to reduce triglycerides. When is the last time you heard about an Eskimo having bypass surgery? Perhaps that is because Eskimos know that the American Heart Association has recommended two to four grams of omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources for people with high triglycerides. That is a lot of omega-3 but such quantities are well proven to lower triglycerides as well as offer a whole list of heart health benefits. Though it is difficult to eat that much fish and there is the risk of mercury poisoning, there is a safe way to get enough omega-3 to effectively lower triglycerides. You can take fish oils supplements. Please purchase them from a trusted source.
So, as you can see, the epidemic of rising triglycerides is an unnecessary danger. For most of us the solution rests in the things we eat and the exercise we need to get. It sounds all too simple. But I am a simple guy. I think it is nice to know that the solution to rising triglycerides is as plain as the nose on C.D.’s face.
For more information on causes of high triglycerides and triglyceride lower diets please use the links below.
http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/causesofhightriglycerides.html
http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/foodtolowertriglyceride.html
Xylitol, a relatively new, natural preventative is relatively unheard of by the public, yet it affects our lives on an everyday basis. In fact, we are more familiar with it than we know-at least our bodies are. Our bodies produce about 15 grams of xylitol on a daily basis, and yet most of us do not know how beneficial it is to our bodies.
Only recently has Xylitol been used as the dominant ingredient in preventative solutions and medicines, but it is about time we understood what xylitol is and what it can do for us. In an effort to familiarize mothers; families; business men and women; and everyone with eyes, ears, mouth, and nose; with xylitol, I have formulated this article into a glossary of xylitol, its preventative power, and its other benefits.
Xylitol Summary
Xylitol looks and tastes exactly like sugar. It is a crystalline substance found not only in the human body but also in most fruits and vegetables. But it is totally sugar free. Its benefits are confirmed by doctors and dentists, and the FDA has placed it in its safest food additive rating. In addition, xylitol continues to receive endorsements from national and international dental and medical associations.
Xylitol has been found so beneficial that it has been made the leading ingredient in chewing gum, nasal spray, and often as a sugar substitute or a sweetener.
Preventative Power
Because xylitol naturally keeps bacteria from settling on sensitive tissue in the ears, nose, mouth, and throat, it is ideal for prevention of common problems experienced by children and adults alike.
Often bacteria really begins working in our mouths shortly after we eat, consuming sugars and producing acids which create dental caries and tooth decay, leaving a cavity close to the gums in the enamel of the tooth.
Simply using chewing gum not only with xylitol, but with xylitol as the leading ingredient prevents bacteria from eating at the teeth, keeping your teeth safe between brushes and flosses.
We may not know how much sugar is in everything we eat. Think about breakfast cereal, which is one of the most common breakfast foods for both children and adults. In the rare circumstance a cereal does not contain sugar, we may add it or have sugar in our coffee and tea instead. For the entire day that sugar in our mouths is preyed upon acid-producing bacteria. Even a xylitol natural sweetener will provide the preventative power your mouth needs throughout the day.
Another common problem is caused by post nasal drip. The fluid that drains from the nose often builds in the sinuses or the throat, creating the perfect breeding ground for sinusitis or sinus infection. A simple sinus headache, created by sinus pressure, may be on of the first sinus infection symptoms you notice. The nasal congestions may build to the point of experiencing more than just pressure and headaches. Nasal problems may lead to sinus surgery.
In addition to having a nasal problem or a sinus problem, an ear problem may also arise. The ear and the nose are connected by the Eustachian tube, which is also susceptible to fluid collection, especially with allergies or after bathing or swimming. Normally the fluid drains into the nose, but it sometimes gets caught and builds up, causing various forms of otitis media or ear infection. The adult ear infection and inner ear infection are other forms of otitis media and develop in similar ways.
The infections cause swelling and a terrible ear ache may form as the first ear infection symptom. We may not realize how simple prevention really is. We are used to washing our hand before every meal and when ever they get dirty in order to avoid germs and bacteria. Since bacteria can settle in our ears, nose and throat at any time, the use of a xylitol nasal spray on a regular basis is just as important as washing our hands in order to prevent the afore-mentioned symptoms and infections, including an upper respiratory infection.
Other Benefits
Because xylitol is sugar free, and because of the way xylitol is absorbed so slowly by the body, and only partially used, it contains 40% fewer calories than other carbohydrates-perfect for those concerned about net carbs.
Diabetics do not have to be deprived of sweeteners in their food. Sugar free sweetener helps to keep blood sugar low. In addition, xylitol helps influence low sugar alcohol levels. As you can see, xylitol is good for more than an earache.
New benefits and clinical studies will continue to surface, and a xylitol education is an important part of prevention. After all, prevention is the best medicine.
About the author:
Joe Miller is a specialist in online advertising. More information on xylitol, visit Xlear.com.
Many people today are concerned about their triglyceride levels. And rightly so. High triglycerides have been marked as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). But in all the scramble to reduce our triglycerides many doctors have been trying to tell us that the truth is as plain as the nose on our collective face.
Triglycerides are a form of fat. In fact they are the most prevalent form of fat in our bodies. Our bodies make triglycerides and we consume them in our diets. Even though we live in culture where ‘thin is in’, fat is a good thing. Triglycerides in particular are good because they are the form of fat our bodies use for energy. But like many things more is not necessarily better. Triglycerides truly represent an example of the maxim, ‘too much of a good thing’. In this case too much can contribute to serious health side effects especially in relation to heart health. So if your triglycerides are too high get them down.
But how? How do we get them down? To answer this question it is first helpful to understand what causes our triglycerides to rise. There are several causes which we will only mention in passing because they do not compose the main subject of this essay. There are certain medical conditions that elevate triglyceride levels such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, familial hypertriglyceridemia and pregnancy. And of course medical conditions are often accompanied by medications that negatively impact triglycerides. Among these are oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy, certain steroids, diuretics, beta-blockers, newer classes of antipsychotic medications, cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, progesterone, retinoids and tamoxifen to mention a handful.
The above mentioned factors can contribute to a rise in serum triglycerides. But they are by no means the most common. For most of us our problems lie elsewhere. Diabetes is a common cause of high triglycerides. Unfortunately diabetes is a two-pronged fork. Not only does it affect triglyceride levels but diabetics are more susceptible to the damage that results from factors such as high triglycerides.
Obesity, whatever the reason, causes higher levels of triglycerides to hang around in the blood. As our nation gets progressively heavier higher cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as the heart damage that accompanies them, will become more common.
Now for the rest of us. For most of us our triglycerides are high for one reason. The truth is as plain as the nose on C.D.’s face. We are what we eat. Doctors, though themselves seldom the epitome of health, have been telling us for years to watch what we eat. With all the medical advances over the past several decades diet and exercise are still the primary and most effective methods for promoting heart health, especially in relation to cholesterol and triglycerides and the damage they can cause.
I have only this to say about exercise. Get some! But concerning diet we need a bit more detail. Let’s begin where it hurts the most. Alcohol, though good for your heart in many ways, is easily converted to triglycerides. If yours are too high stay away from alcohol.
Next in line, and this hurts me even more, is sugar. Simple, and especially highly processed carbohydrates, cause triglycerides to rise perhaps even more than alcohol. The American diet is no stranger to sugar and highly processed foods. Such foods are doing more than making us fat. They are causing the incidence of heart disease to escalate with amazing speed. When it comes to high triglycerides, sugar is your worst enemy.
Fruits are questionable. Eliminating fruits is not the place to start. Whole fruits, and the sugars they contain, do not convert to triglycerides as readily as their processed cousins. However, if you have done all you can in other areas of your diet you might consider reducing fruit intake. But before you do this make sure you have eliminated the juices that are more sugar and juice than they are fruit. And avoid canned fruits that are packed in syrup.
Since triglycerides are fat it makes sense to avoid fatty foods. I have in mind especially saturated animal fats. Foods such as bacon, sausage, fatty fowl like duck or goose and fatty beef should be restricted in your diet. Hotdogs and hamburgers? I realize they are the core of the American diet. But do I really need to comment on these?
Now for the surprise. Some fatty foods actually cause triglycerides to fall. Can you believe it? There is a silver lining behind every dark cloud. Cold water fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, not the canned varieties, are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are well documented to reduce triglycerides. When is the last time you heard about an Eskimo having bypass surgery? Perhaps that is because Eskimos know that the American Heart Association has recommended two to four grams of omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources for people with high triglycerides. That is a lot of omega-3 but such quantities are well proven to lower triglycerides as well as offer a whole list of heart health benefits. Though it is difficult to eat that much fish and there is the risk of mercury poisoning, there is a safe way to get enough omega-3 to effectively lower triglycerides. You can take fish oils supplements. Please purchase them from a trusted source.
So, as you can see, the epidemic of rising triglycerides is an unnecessary danger. For most of us the solution rests in the things we eat and the exercise we need to get. It sounds all too simple. But I am a simple guy. I think it is nice to know that the solution to rising triglycerides is as plain as the nose on C.D.’s face.
For more information on causes of high triglycerides and triglyceride lower diets please use the links below.
http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/causesofhightriglycerides.html
http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/foodtolowertriglyceride.html
http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/triglycerides.html
About the author:
Greg has degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.
About the author:
Greg has degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.
Only recently has Xylitol been used as the dominant ingredient in preventative solutions and medicines, but it is about time we understood what xylitol is and what it can do for us. In an effort to familiarize mothers; families; business men and women; and everyone with eyes, ears, mouth, and nose; with xylitol, I have formulated this article into a glossary of xylitol, its preventative power, and its other benefits.
Xylitol Summary
Xylitol looks and tastes exactly like sugar. It is a crystalline substance found not only in the human body but also in most fruits and vegetables. But it is totally sugar free. Its benefits are confirmed by doctors and dentists, and the FDA has placed it in its safest food additive rating. In addition, xylitol continues to receive endorsements from national and international dental and medical associations.
Xylitol has been found so beneficial that it has been made the leading ingredient in chewing gum, nasal spray, and often as a sugar substitute or a sweetener.
Preventative Power
Because xylitol naturally keeps bacteria from settling on sensitive tissue in the ears, nose, mouth, and throat, it is ideal for prevention of common problems experienced by children and adults alike.
Often bacteria really begins working in our mouths shortly after we eat, consuming sugars and producing acids which create dental caries and tooth decay, leaving a cavity close to the gums in the enamel of the tooth.
Simply using chewing gum not only with xylitol, but with xylitol as the leading ingredient prevents bacteria from eating at the teeth, keeping your teeth safe between brushes and flosses.
We may not know how much sugar is in everything we eat. Think about breakfast cereal, which is one of the most common breakfast foods for both children and adults. In the rare circumstance a cereal does not contain sugar, we may add it or have sugar in our coffee and tea instead. For the entire day that sugar in our mouths is preyed upon acid-producing bacteria. Even a xylitol natural sweetener will provide the preventative power your mouth needs throughout the day.
Another common problem is caused by post nasal drip. The fluid that drains from the nose often builds in the sinuses or the throat, creating the perfect breeding ground for sinusitis or sinus infection. A simple sinus headache, created by sinus pressure, may be on of the first sinus infection symptoms you notice. The nasal congestions may build to the point of experiencing more than just pressure and headaches. Nasal problems may lead to sinus surgery.
In addition to having a nasal problem or a sinus problem, an ear problem may also arise. The ear and the nose are connected by the Eustachian tube, which is also susceptible to fluid collection, especially with allergies or after bathing or swimming. Normally the fluid drains into the nose, but it sometimes gets caught and builds up, causing various forms of otitis media or ear infection. The adult ear infection and inner ear infection are other forms of otitis media and develop in similar ways.
The infections cause swelling and a terrible ear ache may form as the first ear infection symptom. We may not realize how simple prevention really is. We are used to washing our hand before every meal and when ever they get dirty in order to avoid germs and bacteria. Since bacteria can settle in our ears, nose and throat at any time, the use of a xylitol nasal spray on a regular basis is just as important as washing our hands in order to prevent the afore-mentioned symptoms and infections, including an upper respiratory infection.
Other Benefits
Because xylitol is sugar free, and because of the way xylitol is absorbed so slowly by the body, and only partially used, it contains 40% fewer calories than other carbohydrates-perfect for those concerned about net carbs.
Diabetics do not have to be deprived of sweeteners in their food. Sugar free sweetener helps to keep blood sugar low. In addition, xylitol helps influence low sugar alcohol levels. As you can see, xylitol is good for more than an earache.
New benefits and clinical studies will continue to surface, and a xylitol education is an important part of prevention. After all, prevention is the best medicine.
About the author:
Joe Miller is a specialist in online advertising. More information on xylitol, visit Xlear.com.
Why Whey Protein?
by: Sandy Knoll
With all of the recent negative press given to body supplements, it makes good sense to be cautions about using different nutritional supplements as a part of your body building efforts.
Whey protein has been lauded as a safe, natural and simple supplement. It's use has become popular for those genuinely interested in good health through physical fitness and body building.
The importance of adequate protein levels in the body cannot be ignored. Since protein is used up when exercising, body builders must prevent muscle deterioration by maintaining protein levels. Naturally, building additional muscle mass will also require adequate levels.
Whey protein is a substance that is drawn from milk. That's right, plain old cow's milk. Whey is known to be a byproduct of cheese and, until the recent discovery of its health qualities, was discarded. In fact, scientists now know that what was once considered junk is actually rich in the amino acids which help build muscles and promotes good health.
As we know, protein is found in other basic foods such as meat, vegetables and grains. But, thanks to the research that has been done, we now know that whey protein is accepted by the body better. As a result body builders and other athletes can usually expect better results from whey protein than from other sources of protein.
This high quality and natural product is also useful for other people who may be on special diets, whether they are for weight loss, food allergies, or even for diabetics. Remember, high quality protein is essential for optimum health...not just for body building. Use of whey protein can help others heal quicker and recover from illness quicker.
As always, be sure to check with your health professional before implementing whey protein or making any other changes in your diet or routines. Like anything else, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so be sure to use it in moderation.
About the author:
Sandy Knoll, author, is a relative newcomer to bodybuilding but has some knowledge about nutrition. She operates http://www.findbodybuilding.com which is devoted to bodybuilding and body bulding resources. Visit http://www.findbodybuilding.com often.
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects?
If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.
WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?
Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Proteins supply these amino acids to the muscles which is why athletes use whey protein.
WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?
Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.
Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING WHEY PROTEIN?
Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being.
Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.
The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.
CAN WHEY PROTEIN BE DANGEROUS?
Whey protein is a food and so it does not have have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, too much of anything carries risks. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended.
If you are lactose intolerant you might try whey protein isolate which has less than 1% lactose and should be tolerable for most users.
Whey protein is a natural and healthy way to bring protein into your diet and increase well being.
About the author:
Hamoon Arbabi . For more information about Whey proteins, Multivitamins, Antioxidants and Creatines go to : http://homebusiness.nexuswebs.net/wheyprotein.htm
Arthritis dates back to prehistoric times and is seen all through the ages in the joints of the skeleton remains.
Most of you will have problems with your joints and it may be arthritis. Arthritis is associated with aging but it is not caused because you are aging. Arthritis is caused by the body not been fed the proper nutrients that keep your joints health and free of wear and tear.
There are plenty of joints in your body and typically there are only specific joints that have arthritic pain. Those are the ones that you use frequently. For men it is knees, spine, and feet. For women it is fingers, hands, knees, and spine.
Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. When your joints have bone-to-bone contact and grind against each other that area becomes swollen and inflamed.
There are two main type of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid – and others that are less known.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis means inflammation of the bony part of your joint. As your joints move against each other, the protective coating and surrounding material – membranes, oil sacs, cartilage – wear down. This wear down occurs when the joints see excess activity.
Normally you would not expect to see this wear down condition since there are many joints that see excess activity and don’t become inflamed or arthritic. There millions of people who don’t get arthritis, yet the use their joints are used just as much and perhaps even more. Then there are people who don’t use their joint to excess and still get arthritis.
So the actual cause of arthritis is more than excess activity.
The cause of arthritis has come down to a single or combination of nutritional deficiencies, excess joint activity, and emotional issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid means "similar to flowing pain." It is an autoimmune disease where good cell and tissue are attack by the immune system. Rheumatoid first affects the joint membranes and later the bone structure at the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in people of all ages. As this arthritis progresses it can becomes crippling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a recent disease, which appeared at the turn of the 20th Century. Its cause can be associated with diet where the balance of the joint structure receives chemicals that destroy its balanced condition.
Gouty Arthritis
Gout is a disease where uric acid deposits in the joints of feet and legs. When the body has an excess of uric acid, which it can’t eliminate through normal channels of elimination- the kidney – the uric acid settles in the joints and soft tissue causing pain.
Gout is more common with men, people with high blood pressure, alcoholics, diabetics, and obesity. Gout means drop. It was thought by Romans that gout was caused by poisonous crystals coming from the blood, drop by drop, and depositing in the toes.
There is some evidence that gout is related to the amount of wine that is drunk with the meal. This put an extra strain on the liver that tries to detoxify the wine and the meal at the same time. Result is the liver is unable to detoxify the complete meal.
Other Types of Arthritis
There are other types of arthritis. These account for a small amount of the types of arthritis that most people have. Here is the list:
Bursitis – inflammation of the shoulder joints and muscles.
Neuritis – is know as rheumatism of your nerves. When the sheaths of your nerves dry out you have neuritis
Myositis - pain that comes from working hard and muscles have friction between them.
Fibrositis – is when your connective tissue become inflamed Lumbago – occurs before you get arthritis of the spine.
Which arthritis doe you have? In other articles, I'll tell you what you can do to prevent or eliminate arthritis of any kind.
About the author:
Perhaps it is because I am getting older that I think cartoons are not what they used to be. I have five young children, all boys. Like any concerned parent I govern what they watch. I have found that some of the most detrimental shows on television are actually the cartoons because of the values, or lack of them, that they teach.
Fortunately some of the classics are still around. My favorite has always been that wascally wabbit Bugs Bunny and his trademark expression, “What’s up, Doc?” Unfortunately, for many of us the answer to the question, “What’s up, Doc?” is, “Your triglycerides.” Triglycerides are becoming increasingly important in heart health matters. In fact in the ‘Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)’, triglyceride testing is recommended as part of a complete cholesterol profile. In other words, it is recommended that doctors evaluate high cholesterol treatments in respect to a patient’s triglyceride levels.
So what’s up with triglycerides? Or perhaps we should phrase the question this way, “Why are my triglycerides so high?” If high triglycerides are really a serious health concern (and they are) then we are wise to be concerned if ours are high. Of course your doctor is the one to isolate the particular cause or causes of your elevated triglyceride levels. Or perhaps you do not have high triglycerides and are concerned to keep things that way. Either way let’s consider some of the things that influence triglyceride levels.
I enjoy backing into a subject so let’s begin with some causes that are not so common. The first grouping can be classified as medical conditions. These would include but are not limited to the following:
Hypothyroidism is one such condition. It occurs when the thyroid does not properly control metabolism resulting in fatigue, weakness, weight gain, cold intolerance as well as many other uncomfortable symptoms. It also tends to raise triglycerides.
Nephrotic syndrome is a serious kidney disease characterized by high levels of protein in the urine and low levels of protein in the blood. It also produces swelling around the eyes, feet and hands due to the retention of fluids. In addition to raising triglycerides it can also raise LDL cholesterol which is tied to coronary heart disease.
Several liver diseases can negatively affect triglyceride levels. One particular liver condition, known as fatty liver, involves the overproduction and accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in liver cells. Severe cases can result in liver cell death.
Familial hypertriglyceridemia refers to a group of rare genetic disorders resulting in high triglyceride levels. It occurs when the lever produces too much triglyceride and in severe cases can cause triglyceride levels in excess of 1,000 mg/dL and pancreatitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas).
Pregnancy is a not so rare medical condition that causes triglycerides to rise temporarily (usually in the third trimester). The preventive cure for pregnancy, abstinence, is readily available but must people find it a difficult pill to swallow.
Closely related to medical conditions are the medications we take to cure them. Some medications can negatively affect LDL and HDL cholesterols as well as triglycerides. Usually when a patient stops taking the medication his triglyceride levels return to what they were before taking the medication. If you are taking prescribed medicines ask your doctor if they can negatively affect cholesterol and triglycerides.
So much for the less common causes of elevated triglycerides. But now it is time to consider those causes which are usually to blame for our unhealthy condition. It is a short list beginning with diabetes.
Of course diabetes is a serious disease in many respects. In relation to heart disease it is treated as a risk factor equal to that of someone who has documented coronary heart disease. Persons with diabetes who experience a myocardial infarction (heart attack) have an unusually high death rate in either the short or long term. Therefore diabetics need to be very aggressive in lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Obesity is next on the list for the most common causes of high triglycerides. Triglycerides are the primary fat in our bodies, the main constituent in our energy system. People who are overweight tend to have much higher levels of these fats. They also have higher LDL cholesterol levels which are perhaps even more serious.
It would not be appropriate to assume that obesity has the same cause in every case. There are many conditions (like hypothyroidism) which can attribute to uncontrollable weight gain. These conditions are beyond our present topic. But I do have to ask this question: Why is obesity on the increase? The United States is becoming fatter. I think most of us suspect that changes in lifestyle habits are the primary contributors to the increase in obesity.
At this point our subject matter takes a turn. The causes we have already discussed are in many cases beyond our control (pregnancy being an obvious exception). Diabetics do not choose to be diabetics. But interestingly enough as we approach the most common cause of rising triglycerides we find ourselves in territory where we do have control. Some causes of obesity are difficult to control. Some are not. These latter causes deserve our focus precisely because we can do something about them. We can get more exercise. It may not be easy or convenient but we can do something about our lethargy. We don’t get enough exercise because we choose not to. Lack of exercise attributes to triglyceride buildup and obesity. In short, we often have high triglycerides because we choose to.
And now we have arrived at the most common cause of elevated triglycerides. And it is also the most controllable. Drum roll please….it is diet. They say you are what you eat. I hope that is not true. I love catfish and it is a bottom feeder. But in respect to health it is often a true statement. Your diet dramatically affects your health. This is most assuredly true when it comes to triglycerides. Our bodies both take in triglycerides when we eat and manufacture triglycerides from the things we eat. That is how we make energy. But diets high in certain foods and low in others cause the body to create and store inordinate amounts of triglycerides. Top on the list is sugar. Simple sugar is easily converted into triglycerides. We were never created to consume the large amounts of processed sugar that have become commonplace in our culture. Other simple carbohydrates also function like sugar. To reduce your triglycerides stay away from simple sugar and carbohydrates and their kissing cousin, alcohol. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains are another matter. They convert to triglycerides much more slowly.
Since triglycerides are fats, a diet high in fat is also a bad idea. But when I mention fats I have in mind mostly saturated fats and of course anything that contains trans-fats. Some fats however should be consumed in large amounts in order to reduce triglycerides. These are polyunsaturated fats especially omega-3. Omega-3 (particularly from fish sources) is well documented to dramatically lower triglycerides. In fact the American Heart Association recommends 2 to 4 grams of omega-3 from DHA plus EPA every day for those trying to reduce triglycerides. That requires eating a whole lot of cold water fatty fish. You can also buy quality fish oil supplements. But buy from a trusted source to guarantee that you are getting what you are paying for and nothing more, such as mercury.
So what’s up with triglycerides? Now you know. The main thing that is up with triglycerides is poor dieting. Fortunately this is within our control. We can be healthier if we choose to be. It simply takes a little awareness and a whole lot of discipline. So the next time you say, “What’s up, doc?” maybe the response will not be, “Your triglycerides.” Maybe it will be, “Your health scores.”
For more information on the causes of high triglycerides and the diets that help reduce them use the links below.
www.optimal-heart-health.com/causesofhightriglycerides.html
www.optimal-heart-health.com/foodtolowertriglyceride.html
About the author:
Greg has degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.
Whey protein has been lauded as a safe, natural and simple supplement. It's use has become popular for those genuinely interested in good health through physical fitness and body building.
The importance of adequate protein levels in the body cannot be ignored. Since protein is used up when exercising, body builders must prevent muscle deterioration by maintaining protein levels. Naturally, building additional muscle mass will also require adequate levels.
Whey protein is a substance that is drawn from milk. That's right, plain old cow's milk. Whey is known to be a byproduct of cheese and, until the recent discovery of its health qualities, was discarded. In fact, scientists now know that what was once considered junk is actually rich in the amino acids which help build muscles and promotes good health.
As we know, protein is found in other basic foods such as meat, vegetables and grains. But, thanks to the research that has been done, we now know that whey protein is accepted by the body better. As a result body builders and other athletes can usually expect better results from whey protein than from other sources of protein.
This high quality and natural product is also useful for other people who may be on special diets, whether they are for weight loss, food allergies, or even for diabetics. Remember, high quality protein is essential for optimum health...not just for body building. Use of whey protein can help others heal quicker and recover from illness quicker.
As always, be sure to check with your health professional before implementing whey protein or making any other changes in your diet or routines. Like anything else, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so be sure to use it in moderation.
About the author:
Sandy Knoll, author, is a relative newcomer to bodybuilding but has some knowledge about nutrition. She operates http://www.findbodybuilding.com which is devoted to bodybuilding and body bulding resources. Visit http://www.findbodybuilding.com often.
Whey Protein - Nature's Amazing Muscle Builder
by: Hamoon Arbabi
If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.
WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?
Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Proteins supply these amino acids to the muscles which is why athletes use whey protein.
WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?
Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.
Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING WHEY PROTEIN?
Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being.
Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.
The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.
CAN WHEY PROTEIN BE DANGEROUS?
Whey protein is a food and so it does not have have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, too much of anything carries risks. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended.
If you are lactose intolerant you might try whey protein isolate which has less than 1% lactose and should be tolerable for most users.
Whey protein is a natural and healthy way to bring protein into your diet and increase well being.
About the author:
Hamoon Arbabi . For more information about Whey proteins, Multivitamins, Antioxidants and Creatines go to : http://homebusiness.nexuswebs.net/wheyprotein.htm
Most of you will have problems with your joints and it may be arthritis. Arthritis is associated with aging but it is not caused because you are aging. Arthritis is caused by the body not been fed the proper nutrients that keep your joints health and free of wear and tear.
There are plenty of joints in your body and typically there are only specific joints that have arthritic pain. Those are the ones that you use frequently. For men it is knees, spine, and feet. For women it is fingers, hands, knees, and spine.
Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. When your joints have bone-to-bone contact and grind against each other that area becomes swollen and inflamed.
There are two main type of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid – and others that are less known.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis means inflammation of the bony part of your joint. As your joints move against each other, the protective coating and surrounding material – membranes, oil sacs, cartilage – wear down. This wear down occurs when the joints see excess activity.
Normally you would not expect to see this wear down condition since there are many joints that see excess activity and don’t become inflamed or arthritic. There millions of people who don’t get arthritis, yet the use their joints are used just as much and perhaps even more. Then there are people who don’t use their joint to excess and still get arthritis.
So the actual cause of arthritis is more than excess activity.
The cause of arthritis has come down to a single or combination of nutritional deficiencies, excess joint activity, and emotional issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid means "similar to flowing pain." It is an autoimmune disease where good cell and tissue are attack by the immune system. Rheumatoid first affects the joint membranes and later the bone structure at the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in people of all ages. As this arthritis progresses it can becomes crippling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a recent disease, which appeared at the turn of the 20th Century. Its cause can be associated with diet where the balance of the joint structure receives chemicals that destroy its balanced condition.
Gouty Arthritis
Gout is a disease where uric acid deposits in the joints of feet and legs. When the body has an excess of uric acid, which it can’t eliminate through normal channels of elimination- the kidney – the uric acid settles in the joints and soft tissue causing pain.
Gout is more common with men, people with high blood pressure, alcoholics, diabetics, and obesity. Gout means drop. It was thought by Romans that gout was caused by poisonous crystals coming from the blood, drop by drop, and depositing in the toes.
There is some evidence that gout is related to the amount of wine that is drunk with the meal. This put an extra strain on the liver that tries to detoxify the wine and the meal at the same time. Result is the liver is unable to detoxify the complete meal.
Other Types of Arthritis
There are other types of arthritis. These account for a small amount of the types of arthritis that most people have. Here is the list:
Bursitis – inflammation of the shoulder joints and muscles.
Neuritis – is know as rheumatism of your nerves. When the sheaths of your nerves dry out you have neuritis
Myositis - pain that comes from working hard and muscles have friction between them.
Fibrositis – is when your connective tissue become inflamed Lumbago – occurs before you get arthritis of the spine.
Which arthritis doe you have? In other articles, I'll tell you what you can do to prevent or eliminate arthritis of any kind.
About the author:
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter called "Natural Remedies Thatwork.com". For more information on arthritis go to: http://www.arthritis-remedies.for--you.info
Fortunately some of the classics are still around. My favorite has always been that wascally wabbit Bugs Bunny and his trademark expression, “What’s up, Doc?” Unfortunately, for many of us the answer to the question, “What’s up, Doc?” is, “Your triglycerides.” Triglycerides are becoming increasingly important in heart health matters. In fact in the ‘Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)’, triglyceride testing is recommended as part of a complete cholesterol profile. In other words, it is recommended that doctors evaluate high cholesterol treatments in respect to a patient’s triglyceride levels.
So what’s up with triglycerides? Or perhaps we should phrase the question this way, “Why are my triglycerides so high?” If high triglycerides are really a serious health concern (and they are) then we are wise to be concerned if ours are high. Of course your doctor is the one to isolate the particular cause or causes of your elevated triglyceride levels. Or perhaps you do not have high triglycerides and are concerned to keep things that way. Either way let’s consider some of the things that influence triglyceride levels.
I enjoy backing into a subject so let’s begin with some causes that are not so common. The first grouping can be classified as medical conditions. These would include but are not limited to the following:
Hypothyroidism is one such condition. It occurs when the thyroid does not properly control metabolism resulting in fatigue, weakness, weight gain, cold intolerance as well as many other uncomfortable symptoms. It also tends to raise triglycerides.
Nephrotic syndrome is a serious kidney disease characterized by high levels of protein in the urine and low levels of protein in the blood. It also produces swelling around the eyes, feet and hands due to the retention of fluids. In addition to raising triglycerides it can also raise LDL cholesterol which is tied to coronary heart disease.
Several liver diseases can negatively affect triglyceride levels. One particular liver condition, known as fatty liver, involves the overproduction and accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in liver cells. Severe cases can result in liver cell death.
Familial hypertriglyceridemia refers to a group of rare genetic disorders resulting in high triglyceride levels. It occurs when the lever produces too much triglyceride and in severe cases can cause triglyceride levels in excess of 1,000 mg/dL and pancreatitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas).
Pregnancy is a not so rare medical condition that causes triglycerides to rise temporarily (usually in the third trimester). The preventive cure for pregnancy, abstinence, is readily available but must people find it a difficult pill to swallow.
Closely related to medical conditions are the medications we take to cure them. Some medications can negatively affect LDL and HDL cholesterols as well as triglycerides. Usually when a patient stops taking the medication his triglyceride levels return to what they were before taking the medication. If you are taking prescribed medicines ask your doctor if they can negatively affect cholesterol and triglycerides.
So much for the less common causes of elevated triglycerides. But now it is time to consider those causes which are usually to blame for our unhealthy condition. It is a short list beginning with diabetes.
Of course diabetes is a serious disease in many respects. In relation to heart disease it is treated as a risk factor equal to that of someone who has documented coronary heart disease. Persons with diabetes who experience a myocardial infarction (heart attack) have an unusually high death rate in either the short or long term. Therefore diabetics need to be very aggressive in lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Obesity is next on the list for the most common causes of high triglycerides. Triglycerides are the primary fat in our bodies, the main constituent in our energy system. People who are overweight tend to have much higher levels of these fats. They also have higher LDL cholesterol levels which are perhaps even more serious.
It would not be appropriate to assume that obesity has the same cause in every case. There are many conditions (like hypothyroidism) which can attribute to uncontrollable weight gain. These conditions are beyond our present topic. But I do have to ask this question: Why is obesity on the increase? The United States is becoming fatter. I think most of us suspect that changes in lifestyle habits are the primary contributors to the increase in obesity.
At this point our subject matter takes a turn. The causes we have already discussed are in many cases beyond our control (pregnancy being an obvious exception). Diabetics do not choose to be diabetics. But interestingly enough as we approach the most common cause of rising triglycerides we find ourselves in territory where we do have control. Some causes of obesity are difficult to control. Some are not. These latter causes deserve our focus precisely because we can do something about them. We can get more exercise. It may not be easy or convenient but we can do something about our lethargy. We don’t get enough exercise because we choose not to. Lack of exercise attributes to triglyceride buildup and obesity. In short, we often have high triglycerides because we choose to.
And now we have arrived at the most common cause of elevated triglycerides. And it is also the most controllable. Drum roll please….it is diet. They say you are what you eat. I hope that is not true. I love catfish and it is a bottom feeder. But in respect to health it is often a true statement. Your diet dramatically affects your health. This is most assuredly true when it comes to triglycerides. Our bodies both take in triglycerides when we eat and manufacture triglycerides from the things we eat. That is how we make energy. But diets high in certain foods and low in others cause the body to create and store inordinate amounts of triglycerides. Top on the list is sugar. Simple sugar is easily converted into triglycerides. We were never created to consume the large amounts of processed sugar that have become commonplace in our culture. Other simple carbohydrates also function like sugar. To reduce your triglycerides stay away from simple sugar and carbohydrates and their kissing cousin, alcohol. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains are another matter. They convert to triglycerides much more slowly.
Since triglycerides are fats, a diet high in fat is also a bad idea. But when I mention fats I have in mind mostly saturated fats and of course anything that contains trans-fats. Some fats however should be consumed in large amounts in order to reduce triglycerides. These are polyunsaturated fats especially omega-3. Omega-3 (particularly from fish sources) is well documented to dramatically lower triglycerides. In fact the American Heart Association recommends 2 to 4 grams of omega-3 from DHA plus EPA every day for those trying to reduce triglycerides. That requires eating a whole lot of cold water fatty fish. You can also buy quality fish oil supplements. But buy from a trusted source to guarantee that you are getting what you are paying for and nothing more, such as mercury.
So what’s up with triglycerides? Now you know. The main thing that is up with triglycerides is poor dieting. Fortunately this is within our control. We can be healthier if we choose to be. It simply takes a little awareness and a whole lot of discipline. So the next time you say, “What’s up, doc?” maybe the response will not be, “Your triglycerides.” Maybe it will be, “Your health scores.”
For more information on the causes of high triglycerides and the diets that help reduce them use the links below.
www.optimal-heart-health.com/causesofhightriglycerides.html
www.optimal-heart-health.com/foodtolowertriglyceride.html
About the author:
Greg has degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.
Vitamin E – Just the Facts, Ma’am
by: hamoon
It is important to understand that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being and should do whatever is necessary to maintain our health and assist our bodies in resisting and fighting disease. Since health practitioners agree that vitamins are essential for life and health, we must ensure that we receive adequate amounts for our bodies to function properly and to protect us from illnesses. Vitamin E is one of the vitamins to which we should pay particular attention.
A vitamin is an organic substance essential for life that regulates metabolism and assists the processes that release energy from digested food. Vitamin E, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, assists in strengthening our immune systems and helps protect us from a variety of problems as well as several serious illnesses. This vitamin can be obtained from food or supplements.
There are two kinds of vitamins and both are needed by the body. Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored within the body in fatty tissue. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that cannot be stored and the excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins – with the exception of vitamin A – are measured in international units (IUs), and studies by the U.S. government’s National Institute on Aging have shown that at least 200 IUs daily of vitamin E are needed to garner any significant benefits from taking this vitamin.
How Does It Help?
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissue against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that usually contain oxygen and can interaction with DNA and other molecules leading to an impaired cell function. Vitamin E, one of the chemical compounds that prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds, neutralizes free radicals, and is, therefore, one of the body’s natural defenses against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K. Vitamin E improves circulation, is necessary in the repair of tissue, promotes normal blood clotting and healing, and can reduce scarring, too.
• Women find it useful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast.
• Older adults take it to help reduce blood pressure, relax leg cramps, help prevent cataracts, and, perhaps, to assist in reducing age spots.
• Vitamin E also helps prevent anemia, maintains healthy nerves and muscles, and promotes healthy skin and hair.
Where Do We Find It?
Food sources of vitamin E are nuts (e.g., almonds), sunflower seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains (e.g., wheat germ), olives, legumes, and dark and leafy vegetable (e.g., asparagus and spinach). There are also significant quantities of this vitamin in such foods as brown rice, cornmeal, eggs, kelp, milk, and organ meats. Some herb vitamin E sources are alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, flax, nettle, and rose hips.
Vitamin E, like all other vitamins, is not only available from food sources, but also as a supplement. It can be purchased in the form of a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid, and as a powder that can be mixed with water or juice or added to gels or bars. It can also be administered by injection. Read labels carefully so that you purchase only those supplements that have been extracted from a natural food source and have no harmful additives included. A proper balance of vitamins are needed in the body because they work in synergy, or cooperative action, and high doses of one vitamin can induce a depletion of another. You can take vitamin E safely in a one a day multivitamin, or as single vitamin supplement if you wish to take an amount higher than is included in a multivitamin. Visit a vitamin store and watch for the opportunity to purchase your vitamins at a discount.
How Much Do We Need?
The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your age, your weight, and the problems you are trying to solve or prevent. Remember that supplements should be taken daily, and should be taken with food so that you will receive other nutrients to assist in their assimilation. Keep your supplements in a cool, dark place to protect their potency, and take them as part of your mealtime routine:
• To maintain good health, you should take a minimum amount of 200 IUs daily.
• To help lower raised cholesterol levels, especially in young adults, take 300 to 600 IUs daily.
• For reducing menopausal symptoms, take 400 IUs daily.
• To help combat coronary artery disease and poor circulation, take 400 IUs daily.
Be Careful:
It is important to understand the different functions of vitamins if you are going to ingest them separately instead of within a multivitamin where the formulation will ensure a proper balance. In the case of vitamin E, there are a variety of concerns of which you should be aware:
• Vitamin E should be taken under medical supervision if you are also taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulant medication). Vitamin E acts as a blood thinner, too.
• Remember that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and since it will be stored in the body in fatty tissue, it can reach toxic levels. People who decide to take mega-doses of vitamins and don’t know what they’re doing can suffer from too much of a good thing with this vitamin. If you are taking a multivitamin supplement and a separate vitamin E supplement, make sure you are not taking a toxic dose. Anything over 1200 IUs should not be taken without consulting a health professional.
• Be careful if you take iron as well as vitamin E. These two supplements should be taken at different times of the day because iron in the form of ferrous sulfate will destroy vitamin E. Organic forms of iron such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, however, will not harm the vitamin. Read the label and make sure you know which form of iron you are taking.
• Diabetics, people with overactive thyroids, and those with rheumatic heart diseases should be especially careful not to take more than recommended dosages of vitamin E.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure, begin with 200 IUs of vitamin E per day and gradually increase the dose over a period of six weeks until you reach the desired level.
• If you are taking vitamin E, you must also take a minimum dose of zinc as well, and some supplements will include the necessary amount of zinc in the Vitamin E tablet or capsule.
Vitamin E is an important element in our arsenal of disease-battling nutrients, and there is an increasing lack of vitamin E in our diets because of our dependence on processed food and the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Fortunately, supplements allow us to obtain whatever amount of vitamin E we need to keep us healthy.
About the author:
Hamoon Arbabi .For more information about Multivitamins, Proteins, Antioxidants and Ceatines go to : http://homebusiness.nexuswebs.net/multivitamin.htm
In most cases, high blood pressure is usually present long before its complications developed and shows some of its symptoms. In order to treat high blood pressure it is important to detect it in its earliest stage before it can do severe damages to the critical organs in the body. In addition, the increases in public awareness as well as the promotion of some screening programs that are aimed towards the detection of hypertension in its earliest stage are some of the keys that lead to successful treatment of hypertension. The essence of treating high blood pressure in its earliest stage can decrease significantly the risk of stroke, heart attack and even kidney failure. Moreover, life style changes in patients which are pre-hypertensive are advised since it is not yet well proven that treatment by means of medication are beneficial for patients with pre-hypertension.
In treating high blood pressure, it is important to note the blood pressure reading. For blood pressure that is consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg, the treatments consist of lifestyle modifications coupled with an appropriate medication. However, for cases wherein the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level which is usually under 90 mm HG and steadily remains above 85 mm Hg, a more aggressive treatment may be advised. Furthermore, there are instances wherein the borderline diastolic pressures are associated with end-organ damage, this kind of problem is usually associated with systolic hypertension as well as some factors that may have increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases especially on patients that are 65 years and over who are smoking and has hyperlipemia and diabetes. Regardless of the stage of hypertension, any patient can start with any one of the several classes of medication except of course the alpha-blocker medications. The reason for this is that alpha-blockers are usually used only in combination with another anti-hypertensive medication and only in specific medical situations.
There are some particular situations wherein certain classes of anti-hypertensive drugs are preferable compared to others as the first choice of drugs. An example of which is the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) which are inhibitors or the angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) drugs which are some of the first prescribed medicines especially for patients with heart failure, chronic kidney failure, for diabetics as well as for patients with weak heart muscles.
Moreover, some patients with hypertension sometimes have coexisting medical conditions in which case a particular class of anti-hypertensive medication or a combination of which may be chosen as the initial approach in treating hypertension. The rationale behind this is to control the hypertension at the same time curing the coexisting medical condition.
About the author:
Author’s Bio: Jinky C. Mesias is a lover of simple things and of nature. She spend most of her time reading and writing poetry. For comments and suggestions about the article kindly log on to blood pressure monitor store
Exercise is an important tool in managing your diabetes in order to live a longer, healthier life.
1. Exercise increase insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
All of our behavior results from the thoughts that preceded it, so the thing to work on is not your behavior, but the thing that caused your behavior, your thoughts.
- Dr. Wayne Dyer
Let me preface this article with the notion that I truly, indeed detest the word diet, but for simplicities sake… I’ll use it!
The stark reality is that sometimes eating too little can be a literal roadblock in attaining a lean fit and healthy body.
Eating less in daily calories (food/nutrients), than your minimum metabolic needs causes your body to burn muscle and store fat.
This is what is called the 'Starvation Metabolism' response, where the body, when deprived of adequate calories, will adapt to need fewer calories to function. As a result, dieters often regain the weight they lose almost immediately because they have starved their body into becoming a "fat-storing machine." Sadly the truth!
For most of its history, the human race was subject lock, stock and smoking barrel to the whims and fancies of dear old Mother Nature, especially where our nutritional needs were concerned. When the conditions were right, food was plentiful; when they were not, the populace starved. As a result, evolution shaped our progenerators bodies in such a way that during times of plenty, they were able to pack on layers of fat to provide them with the sustenance they needed to get through the lean times…not the ‘fit’ times, the ‘LEAN’ times!
And as evolution would have it, humans became adept at mastering their environment, nevertheless, famines grew rare, and the built-up fat reserves often went unused; our ability to manipulate the environment had exceeded nature's slow practice of adaptation.
At present, obesity is pervasive in wealthy nations like the U.S. So what in the heck happened to moderation and balance? Particularly impacted are those of us of European and Eastern African origin, whose forbearers needed bodies that could efficiently manufacture fat reserves to outlast the periodic famines. As a direct result, many of us have become corpulent, mostly because it's hard for us to fight the natural tendencies of our bodies to accumulate fat. Currently, some 64% of Americans are overweight and more than one third are obese.
With that being said, as contemporary living human beings, we don't have to allow nature to get the leg up on us (nature nurture then nurture nature). Being overweight and more specifically, over-fat isn't healthy, especially for those of us who suffer from conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions and other insufficiencies of adequate, abundant health.
But what's the best way to lose weight (fat)and to regain a healthy state of body composition?
As you might have guessed, there are to be nearly accurate, thousands of specialized or Doctor/Guru-ized diets, procedures, dieting devices, miracle pills, powders and the like out there, all of which promise you they'll help you get lean and sleek. Some of them actually work, but how can you tell which ones? How do you thread your way through the plethora of dieting on your way to a healthier, slimmer you, without setting off self-destructive behaviors that can incapacitate your dieting efforts?
The answer to that question is this: Very Vigilantly.
While persuasive and a little facetious, it's nonetheless true. Some things are palpably false, fraudulent, misleading or simply prey on our innermost desires; for example, there's no magic pill (never will be), grapefruit or otherwise, that can in an isolated form cause you to shed the pounds. New-fangled fad diets don't work, and neither do most of the "scientific" ones that are so fervently promoted. Despite this, Americans are willing to spend more than $50 billion a year on fad diets and gimmicks, when in fact the most effective dieting advice comes down to this: Expend more calories than you consume! What I refer to as the two (2) E’s, Exercise and Eat Right! Get it! To Ease!!! To ease all that ails us.
This, we know is true; it's just difficult to assemble the willpower necessary to… belly-up to such an audaciously unpleasant proclamation.
If you're adamant about your health and well-being and want to attain ‘real-results’, keep this truth in mind… “You can lose weight and keep it off”. Peranent weight loss can happen. The intention of this article is to help you along the way as you edify and develop the management skills necessary to achieve success by identifying the most common weight-loss myths that can perplex you during your expedition. We've left out the miracle claims and preposterous matter in favor of presenting more reasonable-sounding myths that an intelligent person might be beguiled and enticed by. Let's start with the most omnipresent myth.
#1
THE MYTH: Avoiding meals can assist you in losing weight faster.
THE TRUTH: Erroneous, Incorrect and Blatantly WRONG! This is Taking The Low Road!
It seems logical, just like its consequence ("the fewer calories you eat, the more weight you'll lose"), but it's not true. The effect is the opposite of what you expect. Dieting is based on the fact that if you burn more calories in a day than you take in, your body will begin burning fat. While this is true, if you expect to lose weight effectively, you need to maintain eating regular meals, especially breakfast.
Depriving your body of its necessary fuel and nutrients causes it to go into starvation mode; when this happens, your metabolism slows down so that you can get by on little to no food. Once your metabolism slows, it can be quite difficult to bring it back up to momentum, and until it regains its pace, normal eating will just cause you to gain more weight.
It can be a vicious cycle that's excruciatingly difficult to break. In addition, bypassing meals can make you feel lightheaded and weak, can have venomous effects on your cholesterol levels, and can be extremely perilous for diabetics.
In a nutshell, fasting and crash diets are forms of self-sabotage best avoided. What's more, eating frequently (and moderately) will leave you less hungry throughout the day and cause a satiated effect, so you're less likely to have or give in to your food cravings.
#2
THE MYTH: Starches are Fattening.
THE TRUTH: False and Unsafe.
For one thing, it's difficult to completely avoid starches, since they're a major component of staples like bread, pasta, grains, fruits, potatoes, corn, and rice. Even if it were possible to cut out all starches, if you did so you'd be starving your body of the fuel it unconditionally needs in order to maintain proper body-system function. Food consists of only three basic substances or macro-nutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Starches are carbohydrates; and carbohydrates, along with their metabolic products and core nutrients are your body's basic fuel.
Fortunately, nuts, beans, and a few other vegetable products are ready sources of protein. If you go vegetarian, you'll also need to be sure you get daily doses of Vitamin B12 and Zinc, supplements often missing in vegetarian diets.
Most people can continue to exist as vegetarians if they're extremely careful, but it's a continuous mêlée, and guess what? You can be just as healthy and out-of-shape on a vegetarian diet as you can on a regular diet, especially if you don't exercise regularly.
#4
THE MYTH: Sweating facilitates weight loss.
THE TRUTH: Absolutely… If the sweat is exercise induced!
Otherwise, all you're doing is losing water weight. Sweating is astonishingly effective at doing what it was meant to do: cooling the body by glazing the skin with evaporative fluids.
It was never meant to act as a weight loss system. Lose enough water, and you're toying with dehydration. Dehydration or progressive dehydration can occur if you fail to rehydrate yourself sufficiently after every workout. If you get sufficiently dehydrated, your electrolyte balance will get out of whack, your cells will be starved of the fluids they need, and you could die. Not a happy prospect, so avoid it.
For this reason, the old sweatbox and sauna are of no use for losing real weight. Neither are their modern "high-tech" equivalents, such as body wraps and plastic sweat suits, no matter how many people swear by them. All they do is dehydrate you. Yes, you lose weight: two pounds per quart sweated away. But that's weight, not fat. And the moment you drink enough water, you'll gain all that weight back. Like I have said… “Weight Loss is a LIE!”
#5
THE MYTH: Fat Free is… Calorie Free!
THE TRUTH: YEAH… RIGHT!!!
All "fat-free" means is that a particular food has no detectable fat content. Sadly, however, is that fat and its related compounds that give most foods their flavor. Ice cream, butter, cheese, and a whole host of non-dairy products, including chocolate, are little more than specially prepared, congealed fat. When manufacturers design many fat-free products, such as bread, cookies, ice cream, and the like, they know these products will be mostly dry and flavorless without fat.
Some fat substitutes are available, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset, and most are expensive. This leaves one common ingredient that manufacturers can use to make their products taste better: sugar. And they use it liberally; so many fat-free products are high in calories.
Furthermore, plenty of foods like breads and pasta are low in fat, but rich in carbohydrates and we already know what that means. Carbohydrates break down easily into our friend glucose, which can result in increased fat when consumed in excess.
You always have to consider calorie and portion size; you're fooling yourself if you do otherwise. Moderation is the key to dieting success… Any …long-term success for that matter.
#6
The Myth: You Either Diet Or Exercise, You Can’t Do Both Simultaneously!
The Truth: Don’t Get Me Started!!!
Yes…you can do both together and you should, it is referred to as Synergy; the coordination of two effective components working concurrently to derive a greater benefit than if isolated.
The dieting myths and misconceptions explored in this article represent just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are thousands of them out there: some are ridiculous and barely worthy of notice-like the suggestion that eating standing up helps you lose weight, or that you can base a diet on your blood type or color of hair-while others are less obvious, like those discussed here.
Dieting isn't easy and, while it's human nature to look for a simple solution to a problem, that strategy just won't work in this case. So heed these hints, and take it easy. Don't skip meals, keep your diet properly balanced, and exercise regularly. Avoid all fads, pills, and extravagant claims, because if it sounds too good to be true...well, you know the rest.
It doesn’t take more than losing a few pounds before you'll notice a difference in the way you look and feel. And, if you lose only a few pounds at first, even if you've been at it for a while, so what? Pick up a five or ten pound bag of flour and carry it around for a day, and you'll see how quickly you'll get tired of lugging that excess weight around.
Application of sound methodology is always the most effective means to achieve any objective, with that said, if you want to truly shed those extra kilos of fat, then do yourself a favor and draw up a plan, combine all the necessary elements of success and execute that plan…
About the author:
Kurt Lee Hurley's clients refer to him as the "Secret Weapon" and after over 3,000 weight loss successes, his Provo, Utah Wellness Facility has become known as a "Results Factory" a "Living Laboratory" of Achievement, Enhanced Human Performance and a place to congregate for Empowerment and of course, the Success of attaining Weight Loss RESULTS!
Diabetes, which affects more than 6% of the US population or over 18,000,000 people [i], is diagnosed when the body is not creating or effectively utilizing the hormone called insulin. As a result, much-needed energy from sugar, starch, and other sources are not being exploited as effectively as they should. This can lead to severe adverse health consequences, including nerve, ocular, and kidney problems [ii].
While genetics and environmental factors play a role, the exact cause of diabetes is as yet undetermined. However, one thing is precisely clear to those with this condition: eating right is vitally important.
Generally speaking, people with diabetes do not eat a standard “one size fits all” diet. Rather, they must adhere very closely to the healthy eating guidelines prescribed by their doctor.
However, these recommendations, which generally apply to the general public as well [iii], include principles such as eating a low-fat diet, and limiting calories from saturated fat to less than 10% of daily caloric intake. The recommendations also include eating complete sources of protein, and limiting calories from protein to 20% of daily caloric intake [iv]. It is worth noting that protein also plays an added support role in a diabetic diet, because protein can slowly transforms into glucose. As such, ingesting appropriate amounts of complete protein can help a diabetic manage blood-sugar levels.
At the same time, maintaining low blood pressure is of enhanced important for those with diabetes. As such, a diet that helps maintain a healthy body weight is essential, since high blood pressure is related to obesity and overweight conditions [v].
Diabetics know full well they should eat a calorie-smart diet that is low in fat, fortified with complete protein, and scores low on the Glycemic Index [1]. Yet quite often what is lacking is time to ensure that this diet is maintained.
Unlike individuals without diabetes who can, if they must, “snack” on unhealthy foods from time to time, persons with diabetes are well advised by their qualified doctors to ensure that a very healthy eating regimen is consistently followed. Yet following this regimen is indeed difficult; especially since so many foods in restaurants and vending machines are utterly devoid of healthy ingredients.
At most, one might expect to find some low fat options when eating out; but these usually have high calories, high sodium – to compensate for flavor lost due to reduced fat – and a high GI score. None of this is welcome information for diabetics.
Fortunately, a product called Profect has been medically engineered to provide diabetics with a practical eating solution. Profect, with its low Glycemic Index, contains absolutely no sugar. Therefore, diabetics do not have to worry about their blood sugar levels spiking after eating a serving of Profect.
As an added benefit to those with diabetes, Profect contains 25 grams of complete protein [2] -- and zero fat. As such, Profect can be eaten along with other foods to slow down the overall absorption cycle. Ultimately, this means that Profect can effectively reduce insulin spikes and the subsequent creation of fat cells; which, as noted above, can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.
Yet perhaps most appreciated by diabetics is the fact that eating Profect is very convenient. It requires no cooking ability, nor the creation of a messy – and potentially poorly configured – health “shake” that might actually add too much protein to the system, and lead to adverse toxic buildup.
The fact that Profect is convenient may seem like something of a marketing “benefit”, to be touted on a website or a package container, but the reason for this has nothing to do with marketing appeal. People with diabetes, just like most of the population, lead busy lives in which time is of the essence. Finding 2 or 3 hours each day to create foods is oftentimes unrealistic.
It is because of this need for a convenient and easily accessible food that Protica Research created the 2.7 fluid ounce container to protect each serving. These containers are extremely strong, easy to carry and store, and are deliberately suited for busy, time-starved lifestyles.
Dealing with diabetes is a reality that more than 18 million Americans face each day, and over the next 2 decades the rate of diabetes is expected to increase by almost 250% throughout the developing world [vi].
Daily – one might say hourly – some of the finest brains in science are searching for preventions and cures that will help millions of people diagnosed with diabetes to lead full, healthy lives. Aligned with this ultimate mission is Profect’s eating solution for diabetics and healthy eaters alike.
ABOUT PROTICA
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com
You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com
Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
The glycemic index (GI) is a scale that measures how quickly carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose. The original purpose for the glycemic index was to help diabetics keep their blood sugar under control. The glycemic index has recently attracted a lot of attention in the bodybuilding, fitness and weight loss world and has even become the central theme in numerous best-selling diet books as a method to choose the foods that are best for losing weight.
According to advocates of the glycemic index system, foods that are high on the GI scale such as rice cakes, carrots, potatoes, or grape juice are "unfavorable" and should be avoided because high GI foods are absorbed quickly, raise blood sugar rapidly and are therefore more likely to convert to fat or cause health problems.
Instead, we are urged to consume carbohydrates that are low on the GI scale such as black eye peas, old fashioned oatmeal, peanuts, apples and beans because they do not raise blood sugar as rapidly.
While the GI does have some useful applications, such as the use of high GI foods or drinks for post workout nutrition and the strong emphasis on low GI foods for those with blood sugar regulation problems, there are flaws in strictly using the glycemic index as your only criteria to choose carbs on a weight loss program.
For example, the glycemic index is based on eating carbohydrates by themselves in a fasted state. If you are following effective principles of fat-burning and muscle building nutrition, you should be eating small, frequent meals to increase your energy, maintain lean body mass and optimize metabolism for fat loss. However, since the glycemic index of various foods was developed based on eating each food in the fasted state, the glycemic index loses some of its significance.
In addition, when you are on a diet program aimed at improving body composition (losing fat or gaining muscle), you will usually be combining carbs and protein together with each meal for the purposes of improving your fat to muscle ratio. When carbs are eaten in mixed meals that contain protein and some fat, the glycemic index loses even more of its significance because the protein and fat slows the absorption of the carbohydrates (as does fiber).
Mashed potatoes have a glycemic index near that of pure glucose, but combine the potatoes with a chicken breast and broccoli and the glycemic index of the entire meal is lower than the potatoes by itself.
Rice cakes have a very high glycemic index, but if you were to put a couple tablespoons of peanut butter on them, the fat would slow the absorption of the carbs, thereby lowering the glycemic index of the combination.
A far more important and relevant criteria for selecting carbs - as well as all your other foods, proteins and fats included - is whether they are natural or processed. To say that a healthy person with no metabolic disorders should completely avoid natural, unprocessed foods like carrots or potatoes simply because they are high on the glycemic index is ridiculous.
I know many bodybuilders (myself included) who eat high glycemic index foods such as white potatoes every day right up until the day of a competition and they reach single digit body fat. How do they do it if high GI foods “make you fat?” It’s simple – high GI foods DON’T necessarily make you fat – choosing natural foods and burning more calories than you consume are far more important factors. Although it’s not correct to say that all calories are created equal, a calorie deficit is the most important factor of all when fat loss is your goal.
The glycemic index is clearly not a "gimmick" and should not be completely disregarded, as it is a definitely a legitimate nutritional tool. Is it a good idea to eat low GI foods in general? Sure. Is eating high GI foods after your workouts a good idea? Absolutely. But diet programs which hang their hats on glycemic index alone as the “miracle solution” are just another example of how one single aspect of nutrition can be used as a "hook" in marketing and said to be the "end all be all" of fat loss, when it's really only one small piece of the puzzle.
Eating Low glycemic index foods alone does NOT guarantee you will lose fat. You have to take in the bigger picture, which includes calories/energy balance, meal timing and frequency, macronutrient composition, choice of processed versus refined foods as well as how all these nutritional factors interact with your exercise program.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 Tom Venuto
Tom Venuto is a certified personal trainer, natural bodybuilder and author of the ##1 best selling diet e-book, "Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle. You can get info on Tom's e-book at http://www.burnthefat.com. To get Tom's free monthly e-zine, visit http://www.fitren.com
The field of nutrition is awash with charts, tables, diagrams, models, acronyms, and abbreviations; more than the average person can memorize. As such, one often comes across someone who has simply burnt out trying to keep track of how much to eat, when to eat it, how to find the calories from fat, the RDI, the DV, and so on. There is an overkill of useful information within the nutrition field, and it can ironically provoke one to grow weary and exhausted, tune out, and go grab a fast food burger.
Yet every once in a while, a concept within the nutrition field emerges that truly demands attention. Over a decade ago, the USDA’s “Food Pyramid” was one such concept because it helped eaters discover how many gaps existed in their typical daily diet. Now, as the Food Pyramid begins to take a new shape, and as the nutrition field works to establishes itself as the most important branch of health care in the 21st century, an invention called the Glycemic Index is taking center stage.
The Glycemic Index (GI) is not new; it has been around for more than 2 decades. Yet until recently, its exposure beyond the world of diabetes has been limited [i].
The Glycemic Index indicates how “high” or “low” blood sugar levels change in response to carbohydrate intake. A “high” Glycemic Index indicates carbohydrates with a swift breakdown, whereas a “low” Glycemic Index indicates carbohydrates with slow, gradual breakdown. Both terms are of equal importance to diabetics, because there are times with high Glycemic Index foods are required, and times where low Glycemic Index foods are required.
Indeed, the Glycemic Index itself is not new, but its application far beyond the borders of a diabetic dialogue is notable; especially for dieters.
People striving to lose weight often face a nemesis much tougher than establishing an exercise regimen or introducing healthier foods into their diet. The problem is one of energy. Many dieters are surprised – and disturbed – to learn that their diet program is causing them to lose more than inches and pounds: they are losing energy.
This is often expressed as a complaint, as in “I’m feeling weak”, or even “I can’t stay awake”. Many dieters and those advising them have erroneously chalked this up to a matter of attitude, or will power, or some non-biological cause.
The plain truth is that many dieters have been oblivious to the Glycemic Index, and hence, to the fact that many of the diet foods they have eaten – or are eating right now – score very high Glycemic Index levels. As such, these foods are providing a quick boost to blood sugar levels, and then setting up the dieter for the inevitable fall. This is because high GI foods typically increase blood sugar values, which in turn trigger the hormone insulin to clear sugar from the blood. Since blood sugar (a.k.a. glucose) largely dictates the body’s energy levels, it stands to reason that this process manifests as an initial boost in energy, and then as a depletion of energy. This rise and fall of blood sugar – and energy – is often described by dieters using a “roller-coaster” analogy: one minute they feel confident and strong, and the next, they are about to pass out and require some kind of stimulant in order to make it through the day.
Regrettably for many dieters, that stimulant is usually more high Glycemic Index foods, such as sugary snacks or soft drinks. It is easy to see how this experience can lead an individual to stop dieting. After all, before the diet, the individual was merely gaining weight. On the diet, the individual is gaining weight and is exhausted for most of the day. It is better to quit the diet.
The above scenario only takes place, however, when a dieter unwittingly eats high Glycemic Index foods. Research has shown that low Glycemic Index foods, which raise blood sugar levels much more gradually than high Glycemic Index foods, are very helpful for dieters [ii]. This is because a dieter will experience less of a “roller-coaster” ride while on the diet, and furthermore, will be less inclined to snack because energy in the form of blood glucose is being released slowly and gradually. Low Glycemic Index foods are much more efficient sources of energy than high Glycemic Index foods, because the body needs less insulin to convert food into energy [iii].
Despite the growing awareness that low Glycemic Index foods are beneficial, the world of diet foods has not kept pace. This is because many manufacturers are searching frantically to find low Glycemic Index carbohydrates sources for their products, and overlooking a basic, simple fact: the lowest possibly Glycemic Index is no carbohydrates at all.
These zero-carbohydrate/zero sugar nutritional supplements – which are quite rare in the market – do not deliver any sugar to the bloodstream. As a result, dieters do not have to worry about riding the “roller coaster” of energy spikes and pitfalls.
Yet there is an even greater benefit for dieters who choose a ‘zero sugar’ nutritional supplement. If that low Glycemic Index nutritional supplement is rich in complete protein, then it will act as a sort of antidote to high GI foods by helping to combat their adverse consequences.
For example, a dieter who eats a high Glycemic Index candy car can mitigate the roller-coaster spike in blood sugar levels by eating a nutritional supplement that has very low Glycemic Index and has a rich source of complete protein. This is because the protein in the nutritional supplement mixes with the high Glycemic Index of the candy bar, and effectively lowers the overall Glycemic Index. This is welcome news to dieters who would otherwise be seeing those extra carbohydrates transformed by insulin into triglycerides, and stored in adipose tissue; also known as body fat.
Currently, only a handful of nutritional supplements are designed to offer zero carbohydrates and thus score as low as possible on the Glycemic Index. And of these zero-carbohydrate products, even fewer offer a rich source of complete protein that effectively helps counter the blood sugar spike impact of high Glycemic Index foods.
It is inspiring to note that Glycemic Index is getting some well-deserved attention from outside the diabetic community, where it has helped millions of people eat wisely. Now, dieters and obese people can enjoy the wisdom that this index promotes.
ABOUT PROTICA
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com
You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com
The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply to so many different groups of people, that listing them all would be quite a large undertaking. In the sense of an overview, the benefits of whey protein make it an excellent choice for individuals of all ages who struggle to maintain a healthy diet and to improve their overall health.
Providing all of the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of healthy muscles, nails, skin and other connective tissue, whey protein not only is almost completely devoid of cholesterol but aids in the removal of “bad” cholesterol from the body. Whey protein has the ideal combination of amino acids to help improve body composition and enhance athletic performance.
Whey protein is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine is important for athletes as it plays a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Whey protein is a soluble, easy to digest protein and is efficiently absorbed into the body.
It is often referred to as a "fast" protein for its ability to quickly provide nourishment to muscles. The body requires more energy to digest protein than other foods (thermic effect) and as a result you burn more calories after a protein meal. Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for cancer patients as it is very easy to digest and very gentle to the system.
Whey protein may be added to a wide variety of foods and beverages to increase the protein content without affecting taste. Healthy nutrition practices have been shown to play a role in helping to manage, and possibly prevent, the onset of type-2 diabetes. Whey protein, a high quality, high biological value protein, is a good choice for diabetics who need to carefully manage food intake.
A recent study in Europe compared whey protein to casein, the primary protein in milk. They found that older men who consumed whey protein showed greater protein synthesis, or growth, which helped limit muscle loss over time.
About the author:
Whey Protein Info provides detailed information about whey protein powder, drinks, concentrate, and best whey protein, as well as the benefits of whey protein and other helpful whey protein facts. Whey Protein Info is the sister site of Home Gyms Web.
I have thoroughly researched this diet and am giving you every detail of south beach diet for information.
South beach diet book is founded on the premise that switching to good carbs stops insulin resistance and curbs appetite which leads to weight loss. Also, good fats protect the heart and prevent hunger.
But this is hardly true as you will learn after reading this article.
South beach diet book offers a simplistic solution to weight loss. All you need to do is eat good carbs like whole grains, vegetables and beans instead of eating bad carbs like sugar white breads and potatoes.
South beach diet says, fast sugars are worst for dieters and slow sugars are good.
And how are these foods classified as fast or slow? The Glycemic Index.
According to south beach diet, the food having a high Glycemic Index causes the blood sugar to spike (go up) immedietly after having the meal,whereas the food with a lower GI does not drastically shoot up the blood sugar levels.
But this theory is only partially true. Yes, the foods with high GI are good for diabetics in helping them to keep their blood sugar levels in check, but contrary to popular belief, the glycemic index of a certain food is not the same.i.e. it depends on how the food is processed, stored, ripened and cooked.
Further, south beach diet is formulated on the premise that good carbs like whole grains have a low glycemic index and bad carbs like sugars, white flour and refined grains have a higher GI.
BUT THE TRUTH IS....
Bread is high GI whether whole wheat or white because it is made from finely ground flour.
Pasta is low GI, whether whole or white(thin languine has a high GI as compared to the thick one)
"Instant white" rice is low GI whereas "Uncle bens converted white" rice is high GI.
Take the case of sugars...Glucose is high GI, Sucrose is medium GI and fructose is low GI
This illustrates that recommending foods based on GI is confusing as well as misleading. On top of it all, there is no research to support the claim that the rise in blood sugar by eating high GI foods leads to high blood insulin levels, and that this leads people to overeat.
To summarise...there is no evidence to suggest that eating low GI foods leads to weight loss.
Now lets have a look at the south beach diet menu.
South beach diet book claims that you won't feel hungry while on this diet. This is impossible considering the fact that some of the menus average only 1200 calories, which is too low not to feel hungry.
The diet encourages you to eat seafood, chicken breast, lean meat, vegetables,whole grains, some fruits, beans, low fat cheese, nuts, oils and whole grains. fatty meats, high fat cheese, refined grains, sweets, juice and potatoes.
The choice of foods in this diet plan are somewhat healthy compared to other leading diet plans like ATKINS but restricting the consumption of carrots, bananas, pineapple and watermelon is the worst part of south beach diet.
The meal plan consists of three phases :
Phase 1 of south beach diet :
You are allowed to eat normal size helpings of chicken, meat, turkey, fish and shellfish, vegetables, eggs, cheese and nuts. You can have three meals per day. Desserts, coffee and tea are also allowed.
But for the first 14 days you are not allowed to eat bread,rice,potatoes,pasta or baked goods and even fruits!
Phase 2 of south beach diet :
You can slowly begin to reintroduce carbs into your diet again. The diet advices you to take all the forbidden foods in phase 1 like bread, pasta, fruits etc. in moderate quantities but at the same time not as much as you were having before.
Phase 3 of south beach diet:
This part is the most relaxed. Dr.Agastson says that you can now forget that you are on a diet. He says that now onwards it is just a healthy lifestyle you are used to, and going to adhere for the rest of your life.
All in all, south beach diet is one more money spinning fad diet for the creator of this weight loss program and a phsychological prop(support) for people who are allways hopping from one diet to the other in search of a hollywood like sexy body.
The initial weight loss caused by this diet is on account of calorie restriction and not because of low Glycemic Index or an invisible switch as Dr. Agastson's marketing language wants you to believe.
Your health could be 100 times better without south beach diet weight loss program,if you choose healthy foods like green vegetables,whole grains,fiber rich foods and vegetables.
And if you are eager to lose those extra pounds,why not do it the most natural way with the weight loss principles of Ayurveda medicinal science?
This is the most effective long term,scientifically proven solution to excess fat.
You can get real cutting edge fat burning secrets of Ayurveda in my Free 5day email ecourse by subscribing to my newsletter at: www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm
About the author:
Rajesh Shetty
Expert in weight loss principles of Ayurveda Medical Science and Author of the Best selling book, "Proven weight loss secrets revealed". http://www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm
A vitamin is an organic substance essential for life that regulates metabolism and assists the processes that release energy from digested food. Vitamin E, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, assists in strengthening our immune systems and helps protect us from a variety of problems as well as several serious illnesses. This vitamin can be obtained from food or supplements.
There are two kinds of vitamins and both are needed by the body. Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored within the body in fatty tissue. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that cannot be stored and the excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Fat-soluble vitamins – with the exception of vitamin A – are measured in international units (IUs), and studies by the U.S. government’s National Institute on Aging have shown that at least 200 IUs daily of vitamin E are needed to garner any significant benefits from taking this vitamin.
How Does It Help?
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects tissue against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that usually contain oxygen and can interaction with DNA and other molecules leading to an impaired cell function. Vitamin E, one of the chemical compounds that prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds, neutralizes free radicals, and is, therefore, one of the body’s natural defenses against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K. Vitamin E improves circulation, is necessary in the repair of tissue, promotes normal blood clotting and healing, and can reduce scarring, too.
• Women find it useful in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast.
• Older adults take it to help reduce blood pressure, relax leg cramps, help prevent cataracts, and, perhaps, to assist in reducing age spots.
• Vitamin E also helps prevent anemia, maintains healthy nerves and muscles, and promotes healthy skin and hair.
Where Do We Find It?
Food sources of vitamin E are nuts (e.g., almonds), sunflower seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains (e.g., wheat germ), olives, legumes, and dark and leafy vegetable (e.g., asparagus and spinach). There are also significant quantities of this vitamin in such foods as brown rice, cornmeal, eggs, kelp, milk, and organ meats. Some herb vitamin E sources are alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, flax, nettle, and rose hips.
Vitamin E, like all other vitamins, is not only available from food sources, but also as a supplement. It can be purchased in the form of a tablet, a capsule, or a liquid, and as a powder that can be mixed with water or juice or added to gels or bars. It can also be administered by injection. Read labels carefully so that you purchase only those supplements that have been extracted from a natural food source and have no harmful additives included. A proper balance of vitamins are needed in the body because they work in synergy, or cooperative action, and high doses of one vitamin can induce a depletion of another. You can take vitamin E safely in a one a day multivitamin, or as single vitamin supplement if you wish to take an amount higher than is included in a multivitamin. Visit a vitamin store and watch for the opportunity to purchase your vitamins at a discount.
How Much Do We Need?
The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your age, your weight, and the problems you are trying to solve or prevent. Remember that supplements should be taken daily, and should be taken with food so that you will receive other nutrients to assist in their assimilation. Keep your supplements in a cool, dark place to protect their potency, and take them as part of your mealtime routine:
• To maintain good health, you should take a minimum amount of 200 IUs daily.
• To help lower raised cholesterol levels, especially in young adults, take 300 to 600 IUs daily.
• For reducing menopausal symptoms, take 400 IUs daily.
• To help combat coronary artery disease and poor circulation, take 400 IUs daily.
Be Careful:
It is important to understand the different functions of vitamins if you are going to ingest them separately instead of within a multivitamin where the formulation will ensure a proper balance. In the case of vitamin E, there are a variety of concerns of which you should be aware:
• Vitamin E should be taken under medical supervision if you are also taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulant medication). Vitamin E acts as a blood thinner, too.
• Remember that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and since it will be stored in the body in fatty tissue, it can reach toxic levels. People who decide to take mega-doses of vitamins and don’t know what they’re doing can suffer from too much of a good thing with this vitamin. If you are taking a multivitamin supplement and a separate vitamin E supplement, make sure you are not taking a toxic dose. Anything over 1200 IUs should not be taken without consulting a health professional.
• Be careful if you take iron as well as vitamin E. These two supplements should be taken at different times of the day because iron in the form of ferrous sulfate will destroy vitamin E. Organic forms of iron such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, however, will not harm the vitamin. Read the label and make sure you know which form of iron you are taking.
• Diabetics, people with overactive thyroids, and those with rheumatic heart diseases should be especially careful not to take more than recommended dosages of vitamin E.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure, begin with 200 IUs of vitamin E per day and gradually increase the dose over a period of six weeks until you reach the desired level.
• If you are taking vitamin E, you must also take a minimum dose of zinc as well, and some supplements will include the necessary amount of zinc in the Vitamin E tablet or capsule.
Vitamin E is an important element in our arsenal of disease-battling nutrients, and there is an increasing lack of vitamin E in our diets because of our dependence on processed food and the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Fortunately, supplements allow us to obtain whatever amount of vitamin E we need to keep us healthy.
About the author:
Hamoon Arbabi .For more information about Multivitamins, Proteins, Antioxidants and Ceatines go to : http://homebusiness.nexuswebs.net/multivitamin.htm
In treating high blood pressure, it is important to note the blood pressure reading. For blood pressure that is consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg, the treatments consist of lifestyle modifications coupled with an appropriate medication. However, for cases wherein the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level which is usually under 90 mm HG and steadily remains above 85 mm Hg, a more aggressive treatment may be advised. Furthermore, there are instances wherein the borderline diastolic pressures are associated with end-organ damage, this kind of problem is usually associated with systolic hypertension as well as some factors that may have increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases especially on patients that are 65 years and over who are smoking and has hyperlipemia and diabetes. Regardless of the stage of hypertension, any patient can start with any one of the several classes of medication except of course the alpha-blocker medications. The reason for this is that alpha-blockers are usually used only in combination with another anti-hypertensive medication and only in specific medical situations.
There are some particular situations wherein certain classes of anti-hypertensive drugs are preferable compared to others as the first choice of drugs. An example of which is the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) which are inhibitors or the angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) drugs which are some of the first prescribed medicines especially for patients with heart failure, chronic kidney failure, for diabetics as well as for patients with weak heart muscles.
Moreover, some patients with hypertension sometimes have coexisting medical conditions in which case a particular class of anti-hypertensive medication or a combination of which may be chosen as the initial approach in treating hypertension. The rationale behind this is to control the hypertension at the same time curing the coexisting medical condition.
About the author:
Author’s Bio: Jinky C. Mesias is a lover of simple things and of nature. She spend most of her time reading and writing poetry. For comments and suggestions about the article kindly log on to blood pressure monitor store
1. Exercise increase insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
The key problem of Type 2 diabetics is insulin insensitivity, or insulin resistance. By exercising you can improve how well your insulin works; this helps you to control your blood glucose level.
2. Exercise improves your cholesterol levels.
2. Exercise improves your cholesterol levels.
Exercise helps by raising the good kind of cholesterol (HDL) and lowering the bad kind of cholesterol (LDL). Exercise can also lower triglyceride levels. This is good news for diabetics as diabetics are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. I myself have had cholesterol problems, but between proper diet and exercise and no drugs, I now have a much healthier cholesterol levels.
3. Exercise can decrease blood pressure.
3. Exercise can decrease blood pressure.
Many diabetics also have hypertension or high blood pressure. Exercising can reduce both your resting blood pressure and your blood pressure during effort (including exercise). This is very important for reducing your chances of heart disease and stroke. I also used be on blood pressure medication, and have been able to get off the drugs. Because of the strong genetic component, this took more than just diet and exercise; I take several supplements specifically to help keep my blood pressure in the healthy ranges. I also work on stress management and meditate, but exercise is a key ingredient to lowering it in most people.
4. Exercise can also improve heart efficiency, and help it work less.
4. Exercise can also improve heart efficiency, and help it work less.
This also helps with the cardiovascular risk factors. You will be able to exercise harder and it does not feel harder. This will make performing your daily tasks easier. Many people do not exercise because they think they do not have the energy. They need to exercise to get the energy. Your resting heart rate can also lower.
5. Exercise can improve your mood.
5. Exercise can improve your mood.
Diabetes can be a stressful disease, exercising can help you feel better mentally. Exercise can even improve depression which can be an issue with a disease like diabetes.
6. Exercise aids dramatically in weight-loss and maintaining weight-loss.
6. Exercise aids dramatically in weight-loss and maintaining weight-loss.
Specifically, the right kind and right amount of exercise aids in fat-loss and preservation of muscle tissue. Losing weight can improve blood pressure, insulin resistance, glucose levels, and cholesterol levels above and beyond what exercise alone does.
7. Exercise helps you to reduce your chances of diabetic complications.
7. Exercise helps you to reduce your chances of diabetic complications.
Better control of your blood glucose helps prevent serious complications of diabetes, including blindness, neuropathy, and kidney failure.
Please talk to your doctor and start exercising! You will feel so much better!
About the author:
Katrina McKenna is the leading diabetes and heart disease fitness expert. She is the author of the upcoming book "Diabetes Secrets: How You Can Lose Weight, Control Your Blood Sugar, Look Great and Feel Great with Diabetes". For more information and to subscribe to her free Health and Fitness Journal please go to: http://www.metamorfitness.com
Please talk to your doctor and start exercising! You will feel so much better!
About the author:
Katrina McKenna is the leading diabetes and heart disease fitness expert. She is the author of the upcoming book "Diabetes Secrets: How You Can Lose Weight, Control Your Blood Sugar, Look Great and Feel Great with Diabetes". For more information and to subscribe to her free Health and Fitness Journal please go to: http://www.metamorfitness.com
- Dr. Wayne Dyer
Let me preface this article with the notion that I truly, indeed detest the word diet, but for simplicities sake… I’ll use it!
The stark reality is that sometimes eating too little can be a literal roadblock in attaining a lean fit and healthy body.
Eating less in daily calories (food/nutrients), than your minimum metabolic needs causes your body to burn muscle and store fat.
This is what is called the 'Starvation Metabolism' response, where the body, when deprived of adequate calories, will adapt to need fewer calories to function. As a result, dieters often regain the weight they lose almost immediately because they have starved their body into becoming a "fat-storing machine." Sadly the truth!
For most of its history, the human race was subject lock, stock and smoking barrel to the whims and fancies of dear old Mother Nature, especially where our nutritional needs were concerned. When the conditions were right, food was plentiful; when they were not, the populace starved. As a result, evolution shaped our progenerators bodies in such a way that during times of plenty, they were able to pack on layers of fat to provide them with the sustenance they needed to get through the lean times…not the ‘fit’ times, the ‘LEAN’ times!
And as evolution would have it, humans became adept at mastering their environment, nevertheless, famines grew rare, and the built-up fat reserves often went unused; our ability to manipulate the environment had exceeded nature's slow practice of adaptation.
At present, obesity is pervasive in wealthy nations like the U.S. So what in the heck happened to moderation and balance? Particularly impacted are those of us of European and Eastern African origin, whose forbearers needed bodies that could efficiently manufacture fat reserves to outlast the periodic famines. As a direct result, many of us have become corpulent, mostly because it's hard for us to fight the natural tendencies of our bodies to accumulate fat. Currently, some 64% of Americans are overweight and more than one third are obese.
With that being said, as contemporary living human beings, we don't have to allow nature to get the leg up on us (nature nurture then nurture nature). Being overweight and more specifically, over-fat isn't healthy, especially for those of us who suffer from conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions and other insufficiencies of adequate, abundant health.
But what's the best way to lose weight (fat)and to regain a healthy state of body composition?
As you might have guessed, there are to be nearly accurate, thousands of specialized or Doctor/Guru-ized diets, procedures, dieting devices, miracle pills, powders and the like out there, all of which promise you they'll help you get lean and sleek. Some of them actually work, but how can you tell which ones? How do you thread your way through the plethora of dieting on your way to a healthier, slimmer you, without setting off self-destructive behaviors that can incapacitate your dieting efforts?
The answer to that question is this: Very Vigilantly.
While persuasive and a little facetious, it's nonetheless true. Some things are palpably false, fraudulent, misleading or simply prey on our innermost desires; for example, there's no magic pill (never will be), grapefruit or otherwise, that can in an isolated form cause you to shed the pounds. New-fangled fad diets don't work, and neither do most of the "scientific" ones that are so fervently promoted. Despite this, Americans are willing to spend more than $50 billion a year on fad diets and gimmicks, when in fact the most effective dieting advice comes down to this: Expend more calories than you consume! What I refer to as the two (2) E’s, Exercise and Eat Right! Get it! To Ease!!! To ease all that ails us.
This, we know is true; it's just difficult to assemble the willpower necessary to… belly-up to such an audaciously unpleasant proclamation.
If you're adamant about your health and well-being and want to attain ‘real-results’, keep this truth in mind… “You can lose weight and keep it off”. Peranent weight loss can happen. The intention of this article is to help you along the way as you edify and develop the management skills necessary to achieve success by identifying the most common weight-loss myths that can perplex you during your expedition. We've left out the miracle claims and preposterous matter in favor of presenting more reasonable-sounding myths that an intelligent person might be beguiled and enticed by. Let's start with the most omnipresent myth.
#1
THE MYTH: Avoiding meals can assist you in losing weight faster.
THE TRUTH: Erroneous, Incorrect and Blatantly WRONG! This is Taking The Low Road!
It seems logical, just like its consequence ("the fewer calories you eat, the more weight you'll lose"), but it's not true. The effect is the opposite of what you expect. Dieting is based on the fact that if you burn more calories in a day than you take in, your body will begin burning fat. While this is true, if you expect to lose weight effectively, you need to maintain eating regular meals, especially breakfast.
Depriving your body of its necessary fuel and nutrients causes it to go into starvation mode; when this happens, your metabolism slows down so that you can get by on little to no food. Once your metabolism slows, it can be quite difficult to bring it back up to momentum, and until it regains its pace, normal eating will just cause you to gain more weight.
It can be a vicious cycle that's excruciatingly difficult to break. In addition, bypassing meals can make you feel lightheaded and weak, can have venomous effects on your cholesterol levels, and can be extremely perilous for diabetics.
In a nutshell, fasting and crash diets are forms of self-sabotage best avoided. What's more, eating frequently (and moderately) will leave you less hungry throughout the day and cause a satiated effect, so you're less likely to have or give in to your food cravings.
#2
THE MYTH: Starches are Fattening.
THE TRUTH: False and Unsafe.
For one thing, it's difficult to completely avoid starches, since they're a major component of staples like bread, pasta, grains, fruits, potatoes, corn, and rice. Even if it were possible to cut out all starches, if you did so you'd be starving your body of the fuel it unconditionally needs in order to maintain proper body-system function. Food consists of only three basic substances or macro-nutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Starches are carbohydrates; and carbohydrates, along with their metabolic products and core nutrients are your body's basic fuel.
Most of the fuel your body uses comes from a carbohydrate identified as glucose. Some glucose you might consume in the form of candy or sodas; some carbohydrates in substances like alcohol, quickly break down into glucose. Glucose is absorbed by your cells and used to run your bodily processes; any excess is stored in your lover or converted into fat, where it can be called upon at need.
If your body lacks glucose, it'll eventually start using any fuel source it can find. At first these might be fat cells, but as they shrink, your body may begin attacking the protein reserves in your muscles for the fuel it needs, referred to as catabolisys. This is a "last-resort" move generally saved for famine conditions, so if it happens to you, it's bad news. The truth is that your metabolism by virtue of your circadian rhythm is better able to digest, to process and to assimilate certain food sources at certain times of the day… Translation: Some foods are more efficiently assimilated at set points of the day because of the composition or complexity of the source and as our metabolism rises and diminishes throughout the day. More complex foods such as starchy carbohydrates become increasingly more difficult to fully take through the digestive process, without a ‘diminished returns’ effect occurring and fat storage beginning.
#3
THE MYTH: Vegetarian or Vegan diets are healthier than omnivorous diets.
THE TRUTH: Not…
A diet (merely a regime of frequent consumption) consisting entirely of rice and french-fries, or of bananas and cheerios, can be considered vegetarian, but neither diet is healthy in the long run. If you're careful, you can get by just fine on a properly balanced vegan or vegetarian diet, but you'll have to manage your in-take very carefully. Vegetarian diets do tend to be high in fiber and low in fat, but the fact is that humans evolved as opportunistic omnivores. That is, our ancestors ate anything they could get their hands on: greens, tubers, bugs, and the occasional smidgen of meat and this dictated how our bodies today, still require nutrients for efficacy and fuel for performance, that’s what we do… Perform! Preferably Efficiently! Poor Physical Performance is what we simply call… SICK!!! Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually…what-have-you!
The human body developed and evolved to expect a diverse and varied diet, one that could provide all the nutrients it necessitates in a variety of forms. Meat was an important part of their diet, perhaps the most important part because it was so uncommon. Vegetarians must always be sure that they eat enough protein; protein is easily available in meat, so few omnivores have to worry about getting enough, but it's scarce in most plant foods.
If your body lacks glucose, it'll eventually start using any fuel source it can find. At first these might be fat cells, but as they shrink, your body may begin attacking the protein reserves in your muscles for the fuel it needs, referred to as catabolisys. This is a "last-resort" move generally saved for famine conditions, so if it happens to you, it's bad news. The truth is that your metabolism by virtue of your circadian rhythm is better able to digest, to process and to assimilate certain food sources at certain times of the day… Translation: Some foods are more efficiently assimilated at set points of the day because of the composition or complexity of the source and as our metabolism rises and diminishes throughout the day. More complex foods such as starchy carbohydrates become increasingly more difficult to fully take through the digestive process, without a ‘diminished returns’ effect occurring and fat storage beginning.
#3
THE MYTH: Vegetarian or Vegan diets are healthier than omnivorous diets.
THE TRUTH: Not…
A diet (merely a regime of frequent consumption) consisting entirely of rice and french-fries, or of bananas and cheerios, can be considered vegetarian, but neither diet is healthy in the long run. If you're careful, you can get by just fine on a properly balanced vegan or vegetarian diet, but you'll have to manage your in-take very carefully. Vegetarian diets do tend to be high in fiber and low in fat, but the fact is that humans evolved as opportunistic omnivores. That is, our ancestors ate anything they could get their hands on: greens, tubers, bugs, and the occasional smidgen of meat and this dictated how our bodies today, still require nutrients for efficacy and fuel for performance, that’s what we do… Perform! Preferably Efficiently! Poor Physical Performance is what we simply call… SICK!!! Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually…what-have-you!
The human body developed and evolved to expect a diverse and varied diet, one that could provide all the nutrients it necessitates in a variety of forms. Meat was an important part of their diet, perhaps the most important part because it was so uncommon. Vegetarians must always be sure that they eat enough protein; protein is easily available in meat, so few omnivores have to worry about getting enough, but it's scarce in most plant foods.
Fortunately, nuts, beans, and a few other vegetable products are ready sources of protein. If you go vegetarian, you'll also need to be sure you get daily doses of Vitamin B12 and Zinc, supplements often missing in vegetarian diets.
Most people can continue to exist as vegetarians if they're extremely careful, but it's a continuous mêlée, and guess what? You can be just as healthy and out-of-shape on a vegetarian diet as you can on a regular diet, especially if you don't exercise regularly.
#4
THE MYTH: Sweating facilitates weight loss.
THE TRUTH: Absolutely… If the sweat is exercise induced!
Otherwise, all you're doing is losing water weight. Sweating is astonishingly effective at doing what it was meant to do: cooling the body by glazing the skin with evaporative fluids.
It was never meant to act as a weight loss system. Lose enough water, and you're toying with dehydration. Dehydration or progressive dehydration can occur if you fail to rehydrate yourself sufficiently after every workout. If you get sufficiently dehydrated, your electrolyte balance will get out of whack, your cells will be starved of the fluids they need, and you could die. Not a happy prospect, so avoid it.
For this reason, the old sweatbox and sauna are of no use for losing real weight. Neither are their modern "high-tech" equivalents, such as body wraps and plastic sweat suits, no matter how many people swear by them. All they do is dehydrate you. Yes, you lose weight: two pounds per quart sweated away. But that's weight, not fat. And the moment you drink enough water, you'll gain all that weight back. Like I have said… “Weight Loss is a LIE!”
#5
THE MYTH: Fat Free is… Calorie Free!
THE TRUTH: YEAH… RIGHT!!!
All "fat-free" means is that a particular food has no detectable fat content. Sadly, however, is that fat and its related compounds that give most foods their flavor. Ice cream, butter, cheese, and a whole host of non-dairy products, including chocolate, are little more than specially prepared, congealed fat. When manufacturers design many fat-free products, such as bread, cookies, ice cream, and the like, they know these products will be mostly dry and flavorless without fat.
Some fat substitutes are available, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset, and most are expensive. This leaves one common ingredient that manufacturers can use to make their products taste better: sugar. And they use it liberally; so many fat-free products are high in calories.
Furthermore, plenty of foods like breads and pasta are low in fat, but rich in carbohydrates and we already know what that means. Carbohydrates break down easily into our friend glucose, which can result in increased fat when consumed in excess.
You always have to consider calorie and portion size; you're fooling yourself if you do otherwise. Moderation is the key to dieting success… Any …long-term success for that matter.
#6
The Myth: You Either Diet Or Exercise, You Can’t Do Both Simultaneously!
The Truth: Don’t Get Me Started!!!
Yes…you can do both together and you should, it is referred to as Synergy; the coordination of two effective components working concurrently to derive a greater benefit than if isolated.
The dieting myths and misconceptions explored in this article represent just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are thousands of them out there: some are ridiculous and barely worthy of notice-like the suggestion that eating standing up helps you lose weight, or that you can base a diet on your blood type or color of hair-while others are less obvious, like those discussed here.
Dieting isn't easy and, while it's human nature to look for a simple solution to a problem, that strategy just won't work in this case. So heed these hints, and take it easy. Don't skip meals, keep your diet properly balanced, and exercise regularly. Avoid all fads, pills, and extravagant claims, because if it sounds too good to be true...well, you know the rest.
It doesn’t take more than losing a few pounds before you'll notice a difference in the way you look and feel. And, if you lose only a few pounds at first, even if you've been at it for a while, so what? Pick up a five or ten pound bag of flour and carry it around for a day, and you'll see how quickly you'll get tired of lugging that excess weight around.
Application of sound methodology is always the most effective means to achieve any objective, with that said, if you want to truly shed those extra kilos of fat, then do yourself a favor and draw up a plan, combine all the necessary elements of success and execute that plan…
About the author:
Kurt Lee Hurley's clients refer to him as the "Secret Weapon" and after over 3,000 weight loss successes, his Provo, Utah Wellness Facility has become known as a "Results Factory" a "Living Laboratory" of Achievement, Enhanced Human Performance and a place to congregate for Empowerment and of course, the Success of attaining Weight Loss RESULTS!
While genetics and environmental factors play a role, the exact cause of diabetes is as yet undetermined. However, one thing is precisely clear to those with this condition: eating right is vitally important.
Generally speaking, people with diabetes do not eat a standard “one size fits all” diet. Rather, they must adhere very closely to the healthy eating guidelines prescribed by their doctor.
However, these recommendations, which generally apply to the general public as well [iii], include principles such as eating a low-fat diet, and limiting calories from saturated fat to less than 10% of daily caloric intake. The recommendations also include eating complete sources of protein, and limiting calories from protein to 20% of daily caloric intake [iv]. It is worth noting that protein also plays an added support role in a diabetic diet, because protein can slowly transforms into glucose. As such, ingesting appropriate amounts of complete protein can help a diabetic manage blood-sugar levels.
At the same time, maintaining low blood pressure is of enhanced important for those with diabetes. As such, a diet that helps maintain a healthy body weight is essential, since high blood pressure is related to obesity and overweight conditions [v].
Diabetics know full well they should eat a calorie-smart diet that is low in fat, fortified with complete protein, and scores low on the Glycemic Index [1]. Yet quite often what is lacking is time to ensure that this diet is maintained.
Unlike individuals without diabetes who can, if they must, “snack” on unhealthy foods from time to time, persons with diabetes are well advised by their qualified doctors to ensure that a very healthy eating regimen is consistently followed. Yet following this regimen is indeed difficult; especially since so many foods in restaurants and vending machines are utterly devoid of healthy ingredients.
At most, one might expect to find some low fat options when eating out; but these usually have high calories, high sodium – to compensate for flavor lost due to reduced fat – and a high GI score. None of this is welcome information for diabetics.
Fortunately, a product called Profect has been medically engineered to provide diabetics with a practical eating solution. Profect, with its low Glycemic Index, contains absolutely no sugar. Therefore, diabetics do not have to worry about their blood sugar levels spiking after eating a serving of Profect.
As an added benefit to those with diabetes, Profect contains 25 grams of complete protein [2] -- and zero fat. As such, Profect can be eaten along with other foods to slow down the overall absorption cycle. Ultimately, this means that Profect can effectively reduce insulin spikes and the subsequent creation of fat cells; which, as noted above, can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.
Yet perhaps most appreciated by diabetics is the fact that eating Profect is very convenient. It requires no cooking ability, nor the creation of a messy – and potentially poorly configured – health “shake” that might actually add too much protein to the system, and lead to adverse toxic buildup.
The fact that Profect is convenient may seem like something of a marketing “benefit”, to be touted on a website or a package container, but the reason for this has nothing to do with marketing appeal. People with diabetes, just like most of the population, lead busy lives in which time is of the essence. Finding 2 or 3 hours each day to create foods is oftentimes unrealistic.
It is because of this need for a convenient and easily accessible food that Protica Research created the 2.7 fluid ounce container to protect each serving. These containers are extremely strong, easy to carry and store, and are deliberately suited for busy, time-starved lifestyles.
Dealing with diabetes is a reality that more than 18 million Americans face each day, and over the next 2 decades the rate of diabetes is expected to increase by almost 250% throughout the developing world [vi].
Daily – one might say hourly – some of the finest brains in science are searching for preventions and cures that will help millions of people diagnosed with diabetes to lead full, healthy lives. Aligned with this ultimate mission is Profect’s eating solution for diabetics and healthy eaters alike.
ABOUT PROTICA
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com
You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com
Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
The glycemic index (GI) is a scale that measures how quickly carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose. The original purpose for the glycemic index was to help diabetics keep their blood sugar under control. The glycemic index has recently attracted a lot of attention in the bodybuilding, fitness and weight loss world and has even become the central theme in numerous best-selling diet books as a method to choose the foods that are best for losing weight.
According to advocates of the glycemic index system, foods that are high on the GI scale such as rice cakes, carrots, potatoes, or grape juice are "unfavorable" and should be avoided because high GI foods are absorbed quickly, raise blood sugar rapidly and are therefore more likely to convert to fat or cause health problems.
Instead, we are urged to consume carbohydrates that are low on the GI scale such as black eye peas, old fashioned oatmeal, peanuts, apples and beans because they do not raise blood sugar as rapidly.
While the GI does have some useful applications, such as the use of high GI foods or drinks for post workout nutrition and the strong emphasis on low GI foods for those with blood sugar regulation problems, there are flaws in strictly using the glycemic index as your only criteria to choose carbs on a weight loss program.
For example, the glycemic index is based on eating carbohydrates by themselves in a fasted state. If you are following effective principles of fat-burning and muscle building nutrition, you should be eating small, frequent meals to increase your energy, maintain lean body mass and optimize metabolism for fat loss. However, since the glycemic index of various foods was developed based on eating each food in the fasted state, the glycemic index loses some of its significance.
In addition, when you are on a diet program aimed at improving body composition (losing fat or gaining muscle), you will usually be combining carbs and protein together with each meal for the purposes of improving your fat to muscle ratio. When carbs are eaten in mixed meals that contain protein and some fat, the glycemic index loses even more of its significance because the protein and fat slows the absorption of the carbohydrates (as does fiber).
Mashed potatoes have a glycemic index near that of pure glucose, but combine the potatoes with a chicken breast and broccoli and the glycemic index of the entire meal is lower than the potatoes by itself.
Rice cakes have a very high glycemic index, but if you were to put a couple tablespoons of peanut butter on them, the fat would slow the absorption of the carbs, thereby lowering the glycemic index of the combination.
A far more important and relevant criteria for selecting carbs - as well as all your other foods, proteins and fats included - is whether they are natural or processed. To say that a healthy person with no metabolic disorders should completely avoid natural, unprocessed foods like carrots or potatoes simply because they are high on the glycemic index is ridiculous.
I know many bodybuilders (myself included) who eat high glycemic index foods such as white potatoes every day right up until the day of a competition and they reach single digit body fat. How do they do it if high GI foods “make you fat?” It’s simple – high GI foods DON’T necessarily make you fat – choosing natural foods and burning more calories than you consume are far more important factors. Although it’s not correct to say that all calories are created equal, a calorie deficit is the most important factor of all when fat loss is your goal.
The glycemic index is clearly not a "gimmick" and should not be completely disregarded, as it is a definitely a legitimate nutritional tool. Is it a good idea to eat low GI foods in general? Sure. Is eating high GI foods after your workouts a good idea? Absolutely. But diet programs which hang their hats on glycemic index alone as the “miracle solution” are just another example of how one single aspect of nutrition can be used as a "hook" in marketing and said to be the "end all be all" of fat loss, when it's really only one small piece of the puzzle.
Eating Low glycemic index foods alone does NOT guarantee you will lose fat. You have to take in the bigger picture, which includes calories/energy balance, meal timing and frequency, macronutrient composition, choice of processed versus refined foods as well as how all these nutritional factors interact with your exercise program.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 Tom Venuto
Tom Venuto is a certified personal trainer, natural bodybuilder and author of the ##1 best selling diet e-book, "Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle. You can get info on Tom's e-book at http://www.burnthefat.com. To get Tom's free monthly e-zine, visit http://www.fitren.com
Yet every once in a while, a concept within the nutrition field emerges that truly demands attention. Over a decade ago, the USDA’s “Food Pyramid” was one such concept because it helped eaters discover how many gaps existed in their typical daily diet. Now, as the Food Pyramid begins to take a new shape, and as the nutrition field works to establishes itself as the most important branch of health care in the 21st century, an invention called the Glycemic Index is taking center stage.
The Glycemic Index (GI) is not new; it has been around for more than 2 decades. Yet until recently, its exposure beyond the world of diabetes has been limited [i].
The Glycemic Index indicates how “high” or “low” blood sugar levels change in response to carbohydrate intake. A “high” Glycemic Index indicates carbohydrates with a swift breakdown, whereas a “low” Glycemic Index indicates carbohydrates with slow, gradual breakdown. Both terms are of equal importance to diabetics, because there are times with high Glycemic Index foods are required, and times where low Glycemic Index foods are required.
Indeed, the Glycemic Index itself is not new, but its application far beyond the borders of a diabetic dialogue is notable; especially for dieters.
People striving to lose weight often face a nemesis much tougher than establishing an exercise regimen or introducing healthier foods into their diet. The problem is one of energy. Many dieters are surprised – and disturbed – to learn that their diet program is causing them to lose more than inches and pounds: they are losing energy.
This is often expressed as a complaint, as in “I’m feeling weak”, or even “I can’t stay awake”. Many dieters and those advising them have erroneously chalked this up to a matter of attitude, or will power, or some non-biological cause.
The plain truth is that many dieters have been oblivious to the Glycemic Index, and hence, to the fact that many of the diet foods they have eaten – or are eating right now – score very high Glycemic Index levels. As such, these foods are providing a quick boost to blood sugar levels, and then setting up the dieter for the inevitable fall. This is because high GI foods typically increase blood sugar values, which in turn trigger the hormone insulin to clear sugar from the blood. Since blood sugar (a.k.a. glucose) largely dictates the body’s energy levels, it stands to reason that this process manifests as an initial boost in energy, and then as a depletion of energy. This rise and fall of blood sugar – and energy – is often described by dieters using a “roller-coaster” analogy: one minute they feel confident and strong, and the next, they are about to pass out and require some kind of stimulant in order to make it through the day.
Regrettably for many dieters, that stimulant is usually more high Glycemic Index foods, such as sugary snacks or soft drinks. It is easy to see how this experience can lead an individual to stop dieting. After all, before the diet, the individual was merely gaining weight. On the diet, the individual is gaining weight and is exhausted for most of the day. It is better to quit the diet.
The above scenario only takes place, however, when a dieter unwittingly eats high Glycemic Index foods. Research has shown that low Glycemic Index foods, which raise blood sugar levels much more gradually than high Glycemic Index foods, are very helpful for dieters [ii]. This is because a dieter will experience less of a “roller-coaster” ride while on the diet, and furthermore, will be less inclined to snack because energy in the form of blood glucose is being released slowly and gradually. Low Glycemic Index foods are much more efficient sources of energy than high Glycemic Index foods, because the body needs less insulin to convert food into energy [iii].
Despite the growing awareness that low Glycemic Index foods are beneficial, the world of diet foods has not kept pace. This is because many manufacturers are searching frantically to find low Glycemic Index carbohydrates sources for their products, and overlooking a basic, simple fact: the lowest possibly Glycemic Index is no carbohydrates at all.
These zero-carbohydrate/zero sugar nutritional supplements – which are quite rare in the market – do not deliver any sugar to the bloodstream. As a result, dieters do not have to worry about riding the “roller coaster” of energy spikes and pitfalls.
Yet there is an even greater benefit for dieters who choose a ‘zero sugar’ nutritional supplement. If that low Glycemic Index nutritional supplement is rich in complete protein, then it will act as a sort of antidote to high GI foods by helping to combat their adverse consequences.
For example, a dieter who eats a high Glycemic Index candy car can mitigate the roller-coaster spike in blood sugar levels by eating a nutritional supplement that has very low Glycemic Index and has a rich source of complete protein. This is because the protein in the nutritional supplement mixes with the high Glycemic Index of the candy bar, and effectively lowers the overall Glycemic Index. This is welcome news to dieters who would otherwise be seeing those extra carbohydrates transformed by insulin into triglycerides, and stored in adipose tissue; also known as body fat.
Currently, only a handful of nutritional supplements are designed to offer zero carbohydrates and thus score as low as possible on the Glycemic Index. And of these zero-carbohydrate products, even fewer offer a rich source of complete protein that effectively helps counter the blood sugar spike impact of high Glycemic Index foods.
It is inspiring to note that Glycemic Index is getting some well-deserved attention from outside the diabetic community, where it has helped millions of people eat wisely. Now, dieters and obese people can enjoy the wisdom that this index promotes.
ABOUT PROTICA
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com
You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com
Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
Providing all of the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of healthy muscles, nails, skin and other connective tissue, whey protein not only is almost completely devoid of cholesterol but aids in the removal of “bad” cholesterol from the body. Whey protein has the ideal combination of amino acids to help improve body composition and enhance athletic performance.
Whey protein is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine is important for athletes as it plays a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Whey protein is a soluble, easy to digest protein and is efficiently absorbed into the body.
It is often referred to as a "fast" protein for its ability to quickly provide nourishment to muscles. The body requires more energy to digest protein than other foods (thermic effect) and as a result you burn more calories after a protein meal. Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for cancer patients as it is very easy to digest and very gentle to the system.
Whey protein may be added to a wide variety of foods and beverages to increase the protein content without affecting taste. Healthy nutrition practices have been shown to play a role in helping to manage, and possibly prevent, the onset of type-2 diabetes. Whey protein, a high quality, high biological value protein, is a good choice for diabetics who need to carefully manage food intake.
A recent study in Europe compared whey protein to casein, the primary protein in milk. They found that older men who consumed whey protein showed greater protein synthesis, or growth, which helped limit muscle loss over time.
About the author:
Whey Protein Info provides detailed information about whey protein powder, drinks, concentrate, and best whey protein, as well as the benefits of whey protein and other helpful whey protein facts. Whey Protein Info is the sister site of Home Gyms Web.
South beach diet book is founded on the premise that switching to good carbs stops insulin resistance and curbs appetite which leads to weight loss. Also, good fats protect the heart and prevent hunger.
But this is hardly true as you will learn after reading this article.
South beach diet book offers a simplistic solution to weight loss. All you need to do is eat good carbs like whole grains, vegetables and beans instead of eating bad carbs like sugar white breads and potatoes.
South beach diet says, fast sugars are worst for dieters and slow sugars are good.
And how are these foods classified as fast or slow? The Glycemic Index.
According to south beach diet, the food having a high Glycemic Index causes the blood sugar to spike (go up) immedietly after having the meal,whereas the food with a lower GI does not drastically shoot up the blood sugar levels.
But this theory is only partially true. Yes, the foods with high GI are good for diabetics in helping them to keep their blood sugar levels in check, but contrary to popular belief, the glycemic index of a certain food is not the same.i.e. it depends on how the food is processed, stored, ripened and cooked.
Further, south beach diet is formulated on the premise that good carbs like whole grains have a low glycemic index and bad carbs like sugars, white flour and refined grains have a higher GI.
BUT THE TRUTH IS....
Bread is high GI whether whole wheat or white because it is made from finely ground flour.
Pasta is low GI, whether whole or white(thin languine has a high GI as compared to the thick one)
"Instant white" rice is low GI whereas "Uncle bens converted white" rice is high GI.
Take the case of sugars...Glucose is high GI, Sucrose is medium GI and fructose is low GI
This illustrates that recommending foods based on GI is confusing as well as misleading. On top of it all, there is no research to support the claim that the rise in blood sugar by eating high GI foods leads to high blood insulin levels, and that this leads people to overeat.
To summarise...there is no evidence to suggest that eating low GI foods leads to weight loss.
Now lets have a look at the south beach diet menu.
South beach diet book claims that you won't feel hungry while on this diet. This is impossible considering the fact that some of the menus average only 1200 calories, which is too low not to feel hungry.
The diet encourages you to eat seafood, chicken breast, lean meat, vegetables,whole grains, some fruits, beans, low fat cheese, nuts, oils and whole grains. fatty meats, high fat cheese, refined grains, sweets, juice and potatoes.
The choice of foods in this diet plan are somewhat healthy compared to other leading diet plans like ATKINS but restricting the consumption of carrots, bananas, pineapple and watermelon is the worst part of south beach diet.
The meal plan consists of three phases :
Phase 1 of south beach diet :
You are allowed to eat normal size helpings of chicken, meat, turkey, fish and shellfish, vegetables, eggs, cheese and nuts. You can have three meals per day. Desserts, coffee and tea are also allowed.
But for the first 14 days you are not allowed to eat bread,rice,potatoes,pasta or baked goods and even fruits!
Phase 2 of south beach diet :
You can slowly begin to reintroduce carbs into your diet again. The diet advices you to take all the forbidden foods in phase 1 like bread, pasta, fruits etc. in moderate quantities but at the same time not as much as you were having before.
Phase 3 of south beach diet:
This part is the most relaxed. Dr.Agastson says that you can now forget that you are on a diet. He says that now onwards it is just a healthy lifestyle you are used to, and going to adhere for the rest of your life.
All in all, south beach diet is one more money spinning fad diet for the creator of this weight loss program and a phsychological prop(support) for people who are allways hopping from one diet to the other in search of a hollywood like sexy body.
The initial weight loss caused by this diet is on account of calorie restriction and not because of low Glycemic Index or an invisible switch as Dr. Agastson's marketing language wants you to believe.
Your health could be 100 times better without south beach diet weight loss program,if you choose healthy foods like green vegetables,whole grains,fiber rich foods and vegetables.
And if you are eager to lose those extra pounds,why not do it the most natural way with the weight loss principles of Ayurveda medicinal science?
This is the most effective long term,scientifically proven solution to excess fat.
You can get real cutting edge fat burning secrets of Ayurveda in my Free 5day email ecourse by subscribing to my newsletter at: www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm
About the author:
Rajesh Shetty
Expert in weight loss principles of Ayurveda Medical Science and Author of the Best selling book, "Proven weight loss secrets revealed". http://www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm
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