Ketogenic Diet / Keto Diet Weight Loss

Could you please explain what the Ketogenic Diet Inflammation 2

Yes, the energy produced in living beings is produced from three types of molecules: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Here carbohydrates i.e., glucose is in priority, usually the energy is produced through this method but in the ketogenic diet I just reverse it and the energy is produced by the oxidation of the fat cells, so through this, our body starts to lose fat faster and, in our blood, it is Low levels of insulin, so very safe in diabetics, cannot increase the insulin spike.

The source of primary energy for all of us is carbohydrates. After the carbohydrate breakdown inside the body, glucose is formed, and glucose oxidation gives us energy. the excess level of glucose gets stored in the form of glycogen in muscles and body tissues, and after that, the body used it, the next level of energy source is fat cells, after that for energy production fat cells are used and its oxidation will be processed in the liver.

In this condition, the body’s metabolism becomes shifted by the brain, to fat oxidation and this continuous process of fat oxidation and this process is also called ketosis because in it the ketone body is formed, and this stage is called the keto state.

The body’s metabolic framework changes in the body, it is called ketosis, and in this digestion, the ketone body is shaped in the liver, and it is the principal wellspring of vitality. Fat cells burn faster at this stage and faster during the weight loss process, but we should keep certain precautions during the keto stage, as some of its consequences are also seen.

Ketosis

Ketosis is a metabolic state: it is not completely shifted at once; it takes some time between 1 to 4 weeks after metabolic states gradually change. First of all, the state-of-the-state glucose goes away from the stomach, some new enzymes are formed for it, and they metabolize Fat Cells through the liver and energy Produces during this process.

Take some additional supplements during the keto diet!

There is a shortage of some things in the body during the keto diet, so we should add them separately. We should drink more quantity of water because there is a lack of water in the body therefore there is a shortage of B complex and multivitamins. So, we should take complexes and multivitamins.

Green leafy vegetables should be eaten, there is fiber in them, and if there is a shortage of fiber in our body then constipation will be developed so that green leafy vegetables containing fiber should be eaten.

Ketogenic DietLow carbs keto diet is also called a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet It is also normal to say that our body’s metabolism is just uprooted by it, the normal body acts like growing sugar. But what happens in that fat burn is normal.

When we eat high carbohydrate content, then it creates glucose and insulin, it is the most common in the normal body, and whose oxidation produces energy and the insulin hormone.

What should we eat in the keto diet?

In keto diet, what comes under in keto diet, we should eat carbohydrates in which the amount of fiber is high because fiber does not increase the amount of glucose in our body and is beneficial for our digestion.

  • Seafood and meat Besides, meat, fish, beef, lamb, and poultry.
  • Low-carb vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, cabbage leaf.
  • High-quality unsaturated fats: high-fat cheese, butternut, Sunflower Seed
  • Low carb Fruits are Raspberry, Blackberry, and Other Fruits with low Glycemic Index Other fat coconut oil with high-fat salad dressings, and saturated fat.

In keto diet avoided grains like wheat, maize, rice, honey, orange, and syrup and more sweet fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, potatoes, and sweet legumes.

  • The recommended fat, protein, and carbohydrate ratio in a keto diet is 70%, 20%, and 5-10% respectively.

The key to achieving weight loss is to make some changes in your lifestyle and eating habits.

In keto diet weight loss, it is very beneficial for controlling our weight because it does not increase the amount of glucose in the body and the energy is produced by fat, due to which oxidation of directly fat cells remains. The amount of fat in our body is indeed low and so is the key to weight loss.

While taking the keto diet, we do not feel frequently hungry because it is a good source of energy and we feel full of energy because, during the time of taking it, the amount of glucose in our body is reduced, and can also be kept in control. While taking keto diets we feel a better quality in our skin and also in our problem of acne The quality of the skin is better than ever. This has been a boon for diabetics.

Looking to begin a keto diet plan? Here’s how.

The keto diet plan is a high-intake, high-fiber, sufficient-potassium diet which in medicinal circles is often used primarily to treat childhood epilepsy in very young children. The keto diet forces your body to use up fat instead of glucose for energy. This results in reduced hunger and allows you to stick to a reasonable diet even when you are highly hungry. It can be practiced by anyone, even if you have had a heart or kidney disease or diabetes in the past.

The keto diet plan is not designed for long-term weight control, as it puts a lot of emphasis on fats. The ketogenic diet pyramid is based on eating a wide variety of different carbohydrates and proteins. A lot of people don’t like the idea of eliminating carbohydrates from their diet and would rather focus on proteins, so the use of the MOST PROBABLY IMPORTANT carbohydrates is typically ignored in the process.

By eliminating certain carbohydrates, you can achieve ketosis easily, however, this can be quite hard at first as your body gets accustomed to the absence of the carbohydrates you were once consuming.

Ketogenic Diet 3Many experts agree that the best way to get started with the keto diet plan is to eat vegetables and lean meats. Eating more protein than vegetables (such as lean meats and chicken) helps boost your metabolism to burn fat faster after you stop consuming carbohydrates, which also helps you stick to your diet. Nuts and avocados are good veggies to eat as well because they are rich in monounsaturated fats that are essential to maintain good health and are not burned off by the liver.

The benefits of eating more protein include muscle building, better digestion, and increased stamina. Nuts and avocados also provide protein, which provides many essential amino acids for the body, and contain medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which are easily metabolized by the liver, allowing them to enter the bloodstream immediately.

The benefits of eating more carbs are the ability to control blood sugar, which can also help people lose weight. However, these carbohydrates should only be eaten in small amounts and should only be a supplement to your diet. Eating too many carbs can cause constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and even insomnia. If you have had problems with these symptoms before starting the keto diet plan, then you may want to limit your intake of carbs.

As you learn more about how to start a keto diet plan, you will find the best sources of protein are cheese, eggs, and chicken. Eggs are the most popular source of protein and can be found almost anywhere. Chicken is another highly favored food and can also be found almost anywhere. Both of these meats are lean cuts of meat, which makes them great sources of protein.

The most important thing is to make sure that you get enough protein from your diet, as this will help your muscles to grow and create new tissue.

Now that you know how to start a keto diet plan, the next step is to get your food list together. You will need a detailed list of what you will be eating for each day. Include any vitamins and supplements that you may need to take, as well as any other special medications or instructions that your doctor has given you.

It is a good idea to keep a food diary so that you can keep track of what you are eating each day. This way you can make sure that you are not getting any unwanted snacks and that you are eating real food.

The Keto Diet & You: Good Fit?

The ketogenic diet has been described as the biggest diet sensation – ever – in the nutrition industry. So, it’s worth looking into for that reason alone. A ketogenic diet is very high in fat (about 75%), moderate in protein (about 20%), and very low in carbohydrates (about 5%). It’s intended to put the body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body breaks down fat to create ketones for energy, rather than burning glucose.

What are the benefits of Keto?

Ketosis benefits we typically hear about are weight loss, increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and improvement in type 2 diabetes, as well as decreased epileptic seizure activity and inhibition of cancerous tumor growth. Small studies have shown promise for women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), an insulin-related condition. This may be due to its possible (not conclusive) ability to reset insulin sensitivity.

Everything Old Is New Again?

The current Keto diet is not the first time we’ve targeted carbs as a dietary villain. Medical trials with low-carb eating and/or fasting go back to the 1850s and even earlier. In 1967, Stillman introduced The Doctor’s Quick Weight Loss Diet, featuring essentially nothing but low-fat protein and water.

Next came the Atkins diet in 1972, high in fat and protein, and low in carbs. It helped with weight loss and also with diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic conditions. It’s still popular today.

In 1996, Eades and Eades introduced Protein Power, a very low-carb diet that seemed to help patients with obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes. So, reducing carbs, as the Keto diet does, has a history of helping people lose weight and/or improve metabolic factors. Anecdotal evidence supports that.

Does Keto Have Any Other
Benefits?

Probable benefits may be seen with neurodegenerative conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, likely because these brain disorders are related to metabolic disorders. Alzheimer’s is now called Type 3 diabetes.

Care for these conditions is best done under medical supervision.

In the Interest of Full Disclosure…

Initial weight loss with the Keto diet is rapid. The body has used its stored glycogen (carb stored in muscle) and dumped the water that’s stored with it. After that, weight loss may continue, but at a slower rate. Metabolism shows an initial increase that seems to disappear within 4 weeks. Keto doesn’t appear to offer long-term advantages in either fat loss or lean mass gains. In some people, Keto seems to increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

What About Negative Effects?

The usually mentioned “cons” of a ketogenic diet are nutrient deficiencies due to missing food groups and an unpleasant transitional state called “Keto flu,” which may last for days. It comprises hunger, dehydration, headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, constipation, brain fog, sluggishness, poor focus, and lack of motivation. Because these symptoms are so similar to those of people quitting caffeine, Keto has been posited as a “detox” plan.

Other negatives include problems with gut health on such a low-fiber diet and difficulties with adherence.

Regarding workouts, the Keto diet probably offers no advantage for most people. The glycogen depletion it induces may lead to hitting the wall (bonking). Athletic performance involving speed and power may be lower without glucose and carbohydrates as fuel.

The International Olympic Committee has urged athletes to avoid low-carb diets. They may lead to poor training adaptations and decreases in both power output and endurance. A colleague of mine induced cardiac arrhythmias in rats exercising on a low-carb diet.

Due to the low-carb nature of the Keto plan, my concern is how women may fare concerning serotonin synthesis and function. Carbs play a significant role in transporting tryptophan (the serotonin precursor) to the brain, so serotonin levels might drop without those carbs. How does that affect women in terms of mood, appetite, impulsivity, and more?

What’s the Bottom Line?

Keto seems to be viable for short-term weight loss and the other health issues described above. Whether the approach is suitable long-term is still in debate. Its benefits are still in debate, as well. Critics cite possible kidney damage and the lack of long-term studies and scientific evidence. Overall, Keto seems to be neither a long-term cure nor the ideal solution for those who just want to “be healthier.” Not least, the diet is difficult for many people to follow consistently. A preferable long-term food plan might be a more balanced one that’s low in sugar and “junky” carbs and emphasizes healthful, high-fiber foods, including vegetables.

The Keto Diet Plan is a modern diet approach that promotes glucose oxidation and offers numerous benefits. Unlike other diets, it doesn’t raise the glycemic index, making it a great option for people with diabetes. Overall, it’s a great way to improve your health and well-being.

The keto diet plan is a high-intake, high-fiber, sufficient-potassium diet which in medicinal circles is often used primarily to treat childhood epilepsy in very young children. The keto diet forces your body to use up fat instead of glucose for energy.

This results in reduced hunger and allows you to stick to a reasonable diet even when you are highly hungry.
It can be practiced by anyone, even if you have had a heart or kidney disease or diabetes in the past.

The keto diet plan is not designed for long-term weight control, as it puts a lot of emphasis on fats. The ketogenic diet pyramid is based on eating a wide variety of different carbohydrates and proteins. A lot
of people don’t like the idea of eliminating carbohydrates from their diet and would rather focus on proteins, so the use of the MOST PROBABLY IMPORTANT carbohydrates is typically ignored in the process.

Achieving ketosis can be easy by eliminating certain carbohydrates from your diet. However, it can be challenging initially as your body adapts to the absence of the carbohydrates you used to consume.

Many experts agree that the best way to get started with the keto diet plan is to eat vegetables and lean meats. Eating more protein than vegetables (such as lean meats and chicken) helps boost your metabolism to burn fat faster after you stop consuming carbohydrates, which also helps you stick to your diet.

Nuts and avocados are good veggies to eat as well because they are rich in monounsaturated fats that are essential to maintain good health and are not burned off by the liver.

The benefits of eating more protein include muscle building, better digestion, and increased stamina. Nuts and avocados also provide protein, which provides many essential amino acids for the body, and contain medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which are easily metabolized by the liver, allowing them to enter the bloodstream immediately.

The benefits of eating more carbs are the ability to control blood sugar, which can also help people lose weight. However, these carbohydrates should only be eaten in small amounts and should only be a supplement to your diet. Eating too many carbs can cause constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and even insomnia. If you have had problems with these symptoms before starting the keto diet plan, then you may want to limit your intake of carbs.

As you learn more about how to start a keto diet plan, you will find the best sources of protein are cheese, eggs, and chicken. Eggs are the most popular source of protein and can be found almost anywhere. Chicken is another highly favored food and can also be found almost anywhere.

Both of these meats are lean cuts of meat, which makes them great sources of protein. The most important thing is to make sure that you get enough protein from your diet, as this will help your muscles to grow and create new tissue.

Now that you know how to start a keto diet plan, the next step is to get your food list together. You will need a detailed list of what you will be eating for each day. Include any vitamins and supplements that you may need to take, as well as any other special medications or instructions that your doctor has given you.

It is a good idea to keep a food diary so that you can keep track of what you are eating each day. This way you can make sure that you are not getting any unwanted snacks and that you are eating real food.

The Keto Diet & You: Good Fit?

The ketogenic diet has been described as the biggest diet sensation – ever – in the nutrition industry. So, it’s worth looking into for that reason alone. A ketogenic diet is very high in fat (about 75%), moderate in protein (about 20%), and very low in carbohydrates (about 5%). It’s intended to put the body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body breaks down fat to create ketones for energy, rather than burning glucose.

What are the benefits of Keto?

Ketosis benefits we typically hear about are weight loss, increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and improvement in type 2 diabetes, as well as decreased epileptic seizure activity and inhibition of cancerous tumor growth. Small studies have shown promise for women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), an insulin-related condition. This may be due to its possible (not conclusive) ability to reset insulin sensitivity.

Everything Old Is New Again?

The current Keto diet is not the first time we’ve targeted carbs as a dietary villain. Medical trials with low-carb eating and/or fasting go back to the 1850s and even earlier.  In 1967, Stillman introduced The Doctor’s Quick Weight Loss Diet, featuring essentially nothing but low-fat protein and water.

Next came the Atkins diet in 1972, high in fat and protein, and low in carbs. It helped with weight loss and also with diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic conditions. It’s still popular today.

In 1996, Eades and Eades introduced Protein Power, a very low-carb diet that seemed to help patients with obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes. So, reducing carbs, as the Keto diet does, has a history of helping people lose weight and/or improve metabolic factors. Anecdotal evidence supports that.

Does Keto Have Any Other Benefits?

Probable benefits may be seen with neurodegenerative conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, likely because these brain disorders are related to metabolic disorders. Alzheimer’s is now called Type 3 diabetes.

Care for these conditions is best done under medical supervision. Ketones also appear to improve traumatic brain injury, based on research done on rats.

In the Interest of Full Disclosure…

Initial weight loss with the Keto diet is rapid. The body has used its stored glycogen (carb stored in muscle) and dumped the water that’s stored with it. After that, weight loss may continue, but at a slower
rate.

What About Negative Effects?

The usually mentioned “cons” of a ketogenic diet are nutrient deficiencies due to missing food groups and an unpleasant transitional state called “Keto flu” which may last for days. It comprises hunger, dehydration, headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, constipation, brain fog, sluggishness, poor focus, and lack of motivation. Because these symptoms are so similar to those of people quitting caffeine, Keto has been posited as a “detox” plan. Other negatives include problems with gut health on such a low-fiber diet and difficulties with adherence.

Regarding workouts, the Keto diet probably offers no advantage for most people. The glycogen depletion it induces may lead to hitting the wall (bonking). Athletic performance involving speed and power may
be lower without glucose and carbohydrates as fuel. The International Olympic Committee has urged athletes to avoid low-carb diets. They may lead to poor training adaptations and decreases in both power output and endurance. A colleague of mine induced cardiac arrhythmias in rats exercising on a low-carb diet.

Due to the low-carb nature of the Keto plan, my concern is how women may fare concerning serotonin synthesis and function. Carbs play a significant role in transporting tryptophan (the serotonin precursor) to the brain, so serotonin levels might drop without those carbs. How does that affect women in terms of mood, appetite, impulsivity, and more?

What’s the Bottom Line?

The effectiveness of the Keto diet in promoting short-term weight loss and addressing certain health concerns appears promising. However, its suitability for long-term use remains a topic of debate. Additionally, there are ongoing debates about the extent of its benefits, with critics citing concerns about potential kidney damage and insufficient scientific evidence from long-term studies.

Overall, Keto seems to be neither a long-term cure nor the ideal solution for those who just want to “be healthier.” Not least, the diet is difficult for many people to follow consistently. A preferable long-term food plan might be a more balanced one that’s low in sugar and “junky” carbs and emphasizes healthful,
high-fiber foods, including vegetables.

The Keto Diet Plan is a modern diet approach that promotes glucose oxidation and offers numerous benefits. Unlike other diets, it doesn’t raise the glycemic index, making it a great option for people with diabetes. I hope you will find in this health article some health tips related to healthy foods, the ketogenic diet is healthy, and hope it helps you, and please share this with someone you know that could benefit from the Keto Diet.

In general, this is an excellent means of enhancing your overall health and well-being.

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar: 7 Simple Steps to Defeat Sugar Addiction, Lift Your Mood, and Transform Your Health.

 

Prevention of Diabetes

Prevention of DiabetesIn the last half-century, the number of diabetes cases has increased fivefold. An estimated 16 million people in the US have diabetes and annually, the treatment of diabetes incurs a cost of $150 billion. Astonishingly, nearly 50% of these individuals are unaware that they have diabetes.

Although diabetes itself is a big enough health problem, the side effects are also ominous. For example, one-third of the new cases of end-stage kidney disease are the result of diabetes. Four out of five patients will die – not from diabetes itself, but from cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease) initiated by diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of amputations and blindness in older people.

Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions and more than 90% of these cases are known as type-2 diabetes (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes). We must seriously consider what is going wrong. Type-one diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes, because this type of diabetes is usually found in children and is the result of an autoimmune attack on the pancreas. This leaves these children without any insulin and therefore they must take insulin to survive. However, there is a way to decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

Syndrome X

Dr. Gerald Reavens, a physician and professor at Stanford University chose this term to describe several problems that have a common cause: Insulin Resistance. Through medical research, Dr. Reavens estimates that more than 80 million Americans have insulin resistance or Syndrome X.

Can you tell me what typically leads to the development of insulin resistance? Over the years, our diet has taken its toll. Because of a high carbohydrate and high-fat diet, many people have become less and less sensitive to insulin as a result.

The body desires to control our blood sugars. Therefore, when the body becomes less sensitive to its insulin, it compensates by making more insulin. In other words, our bodies respond to increasing blood sugar levels by forcing the beta cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin to control our blood sugars.

Did you know that insulin is not just a hormone that drives sugar into cells for storage or energy use? It also plays a key role in regulating fat and muscle. Unfortunately, one of the negative effects of diabetes is the oxidation of fat molecules leading to the formation of toxic lipid peroxides. This is why it’s important to maintain proper insulin levels to help the body deal with sugar and prevent damage from occurring.

People with insulin resistance need more and more insulin as the years go by to keep their blood sugars normal. Although these elevated insulin levels are effective in controlling our blood sugars, they also may lead to some serious health problems. Below is a list of negative impacts that can arise from high insulin levels, also known as syndrome X.

Prevention of diabetes

Inflammation of the arteries can lead to serious health issues including heart attack and stroke. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated levels of triglycerides, decreased levels of HDL (good cholesterol), increased levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), a heightened tendency to form blood clots, and uncontrolled weight gain that usually accumulates around the midsection.

Types of diabetes. When all the syndrome X factors are combined, our risk of developing heart disease jumps twenty-fold! When we consider the fact that heart disease is the number one killer in the industrialized world today, we can’t afford to disregard the growing risk of developing it!

After patients have had Syndrome X for several years, possibly even ten to twenty, the beta cells of the pancreas simply wear out and can no longer produce such high levels of insulin. At this point, insulin levels begin to drop and blood sugars begin to rise.

At first, only mild elevations of blood sugar may develop, which is known as glucose intolerance (preclinical diabetes). More than 24 million people in the United States are at this stage of glucose intolerance. Then, usually within a year or two, if no change in lifestyle occurs, full-blown diabetes mellitus will develop. The aging of the arteries then accelerates even faster as blood sugar begins to steadily rise.

What Causes Insulin Resistance?

There are several reasons which are suggesting why we become less and less sensitive to insulin over the years. But I truly believe that insulin resistance is the result of the Western diet. Although we are cutting back on fats, we still like to eat far too many carbohydrates. Most people don’t realize that carbohydrates are simply long chains of sugar that the body absorbs at various rates. White bread, white flour, pasta, rice, and potatoes release their sugars into the bloodstream even faster than table sugar. That’s why these foods are called high-glycemic.

Compared with foods such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, apples, and oranges, which release their sugars into the bloodstream much slower and are therefore considered low-glycemic foods.

If one consumes an excessive number of high-glycemic foods, it may have negative effects on one’s health, it causes blood sugar to rise very rapidly and stimulates the release of insulin. When our blood sugar drops, we feel hungry. So, we grab a snack or have a big meal and the whole process starts all over again. After some time, the release of insulin has been overstimulated so often that our bodies simply become less and less sensitive to it. For the body to control blood sugar levels, the pancreas needs to put out higher levels of insulin. It is these elevated levels of insulin that cause the destructive metabolic changes associated with syndrome X.

Can you provide me with information on the symptoms of Syndrome X?

After a blood test, you should get the level of HDL (good) cholesterol. LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides (the other fat in the blood). If you divide the triglyceride level by the HDL cholesterol, the ratio you get is an indication of whether you are developing the syndrome. If the ratio is greater than two, you may be starting to develop Syndrome X. Also, if you notice that your blood pressure or your waistline is increasing, it is even more likely that you are developing a serious case of Syndrome X.

When a patient treats his insulin resistance with simple but effective lifestyle changes, not only does he prevent accelerated damage to the arteries, but he also avoids diabetes itself. This is true preventive medicine. A healthier lifestyle, not the drugs doctors prescribe, will make the difference.

Diagnosis of Diabetes

One of the most widely used tests for diabetes is the fasting blood sugar test. Physicians also use a sugar-challenge test, in which a patient is given a sugar load (a pop-like drink that is loaded with sugar), and then takes a blood sugar level test two hours later.

Most physicians believe that a two-hour blood sugar above 200 is the level to diagnose diabetes. A normal two-hour blood sugar level should be less than 110. Patients who have a slightly elevated fasting blood sugar and a two-hour blood sugar between 130 and 190 are classified as having glucose intolerance- preclinical diabetes- and not actual diabetes.)

Prevention of Diabetes 2Since a blood sugar measurement indicates only how a patient is doing at a particular moment, another helpful test is hemoglobin A1C, which reveals the amount of sugar found in a red blood cell. This test is preferably done every four to six months. Since our red blood cells remain in our body for approximately 140 days, this test is a great indicator of how well a patient is truly controlling his or her diabetes. The normal range for hemoglobin A1C in most labs is 3.5 to 5.7. A diabetic should keep good control so that the hemoglobin A1C level remains below 6.5%. Then the risk of complications is less than 3%.

Of greater concern is the fact that at the time of actual diagnosis of diabetes, a majority (more than 60%) of these patients already have major cardiovascular disease. This is why it is critical for physicians as soon as possible and encourage lifestyle changes that can correct the problem. A patient may have Syndrome X for many years before he truly becomes diabetic.

Obesity People who are seriously overweight, men and women over 50-60 lbs., are 3000% more likely to develop diabetes. Even if you are moderately overweight, your risk of diabetes increases by 100%. Insulin resistance leads to central obesity, not the other way around. Obesity is a major aspect of this Syndrome.

This has to do with how your weight is distributed in your body. If it is evenly dispersed all over or you are heavy in the bottom (pear-shaped), you may need to drop some weight. But about Syndrome X, you are fine. But if you have gained substantial weight around your waistline (apple-shaped), you may be in trouble.

You have developed insulin resistance. If you have essentially a high- carbohydrate, low-fat diet, this makes the insulin resistance worse. The solution is to balance your diet by eating low-glycemic carbohydrates with good protein and good fat and when this diet is combined with a modest exercise program and cellular nutrition, the insulin resistance may be corrected.

Treatment of Diabetes

All physicians agree to improve their patient’s condition that they should encourage them, firstly: to pay more attention to insulin resistance, the underlying problem in most cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and not simply focus on treating blood sugar levels. This accounts for the fact that 80% of diabetics still die from cardiovascular disease. Secondly: they should encourage patients to make effective lifestyle changes that will improve insulin sensitivity. Doctors should consider medications as a final option. Doctors should consider medications as a final option.

How to prevent Diabetes Type 2 with Healthy Diet   

The American Diabetic Association primarily encourages diabetics to have a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. When we want to treat the underlying problem of insulin resistance, we have to take into consideration that there are low-glycemic and high-glycemic carbohydrates. The Glycemic Index indicates the rate at which the body absorbs various carbohydrates and turns them into simple sugar. 

Let’s talk about complex carbohydrates, (the ones with a lot of fiber) like beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and apples release their sugars slowly. When we combine these low-glycemic carbohydrates with good proteins and good fats, in a balanced meal, our blood sugar does not spike. Few people know that high-glycemic foods raise blood sugar much faster than when you eat candy can lead to diabetes symptoms.

Avocados, olive oil, nuts, beans, and soy are great sources of protein and contain fats that will lower your cholesterol. The best carbohydrates come from fresh whole fruits and vegetables. Avoid all processed food. An apple is better than apple juice. Whole grains are essential and avoiding processed grains is critical in developing a healthy diet for everyone, especially the diabetics.

How to prevent diabetes type 2 with diet when it comes to fats and protein, it’s best to limit your intake of red meats and dairy products. However, low-fat options like cottage cheese, milk, and egg whites can still be a part of a healthy diet.

Trans-fatty acids are one of the worst fats you can eat. These are called rancid fats because they are so harmful to our bodies. Look at labels when you shop. When you read “partially hydrogenated”, don’t buy it.

If people were to adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and incorporate some essential nutritional supplements, the prevalence of diabetes would significantly decrease.

Exercise Helps Considerably 

Prevention of Diabetes 12Modest exercise has tremendous health benefits. And exercise is especially critical for people with Syndrome X or diabetes mellitus. Because exercise makes patients significantly more sensitive to their insulin and is, therefore, a critical part of the lifestyle changes needed for diabetes and those who have insulin resistance.

According to various studies, consuming a blend of antioxidants can potentially enhance insulin resistance. For individuals with diabetes, it’s crucial to take a suitable combination of antioxidants as supplements, in the recommended amounts. According to various studies, consuming a blend of antioxidants can potentially enhance insulin resistance. For individuals with diabetes, it’s crucial to take a suitable combination of antioxidants as supplements, in the recommended amounts.

Chromium is critical in the metabolism of glucose and to improve insulin resistance. A study has shown that 90% of the American population has a chromium deficiency. Chromium significantly increases insulin sensitivity, especially for those who are deficient in this mineral. Diabetics and patients with Syndrome X need 300 mcg of chromium in supplementation.

Vitamin E not only improves antioxidant defenses but also seems to help the body with the problem of insulin resistance. People with low levels of Vitamin E have a five-fold higher risk of developing diabetes than those with a normal amount of vitamin E.

Many studies have proven that Vitamin E can protect animals with diabetes from this damage. It works by complex mechanisms that also neutralize sugar directly, besides reducing peroxide formation. Vitamin E works in humans too. In a study by Dr. Guiseppe Paolisso at the University of Naples in Italy gave groups of diabetics 900 IU of vitamin E. After four months the diabetics showed a remarkable reduction in blood sugar.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficit has been associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as an increased risk of retinopathy in diabetic patients. Studies have shown that when this deficiency is corrected in the elderly, insulin function improves significantly.

Unfortunately, diagnosing magnesium deficiency is very difficult. Typically, serum magnesium levels are tested where only a trace amount of the body’s total magnesium is located. Cellular levels of magnesium are much more sensitive and accurate; however, these can only be tested in research labs, not in hospitals. Magnesium deficiency often goes undiagnosed, and here’s why. We all need at least 400/ 500 mg of magnesium in supplementation.

Vanadium

Although not widely recognized, vanadium is a crucial mineral for individuals with diabetes. Studies have shown that vanadium supplementation can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. To maintain proper health, it is recommended that individuals with diabetes consume between 50-100 mcg of vanadium daily through supplementation.

Although not widely recognized, vanadium is a crucial mineral for individuals with diabetes. Studies have shown that vanadium supplementation can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. To maintain proper health, it is recommended that individuals with diabetes consume between 50-100 mcg of vanadium daily through supplementation.

As stated earlier, the prevalence of diabetes is reaching epidemic levels. Despite the enormous amount of funding dedicated towards this disease, we are still struggling to overcome it. Both medical professionals and the general public must shift their focus toward combatting insulin resistance instead of solely addressing high blood sugar levels. When we observe heightened triglyceride levels in combination with reduced HDL cholesterol levels, hypertension, or unexplained weight gain, we must acknowledge the potential emergence of Syndrome X and the rapid onset of cardiovascular damage that may already be occurring.

 

The Prevention of DiabetesInstead of only addressing the diseases resulting from insulin resistance, it is crucial to take proactive measures in treating the insulin resistance itself. It’s astounding how modest modifications to one’s lifestyle can lead to almost miraculous results, such as the eradication of diabetes.

 

Intermittent Fasting

Is Intermittent fasting good for you?

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been a topic of interest in the health and wellness community in recent years. Intermittent fasting is simply a different style of eating that is safe, effective and comes with many health benefits, including fat loss, when done the right way. If you really want to transform your body and get healthier, then intermittent fasting is a good option to improve your health.

IF involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating. There are different methods of IF, but the most common ones are the 16/8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window) and the 5:2 method (eating normally for five days and restricting calories to 500-600 for two non-consecutive days).

Research suggests that time-restricted feeding can have several potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. However, it’s important to understand the effects of Ketones on fat burning in your health.

Caloric restriction

There are a number of crucial aspects that must be taken into account with intermittent fasting. Firstly, intermittent fasting is not a starvation process or some sort of diet. It is a healthy eating plan. There are many benefits of intermittent fasting. Most obviously, when someone fasts and reduces their daily calorie intake, it helps towards a healthier life. Remember, this is not like starvation, so it has to be followed wisely and carefully.

That being said, longevity may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with certain health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s also important to approach alternate-day fasting healthily and sustainably, by eating a balanced diet during the eating periods and not overcompensating with excessive amounts of food.

By following this eating schedule, you will get more energy and the wavering of blood sugar levels will be less. This process will ensure that the real energy is consistent. Also, one of the benefits of intermittent fasting is that it will help you to lower the risk of developing diabetes.

The benefits of intermittent fasting are that a hormone called Ghrelin, which is an enzyme produced by stomach lining cells that stimulate appetite, makes adjustments to the new style of eating, thereby relieving you from those hunger pangs.

As with any dietary or lifestyle change, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if is appropriate for you and to receive guidance on how to incorporate it safely and effectively into your routine.

What vitamins should you take for fasting

If you are following an intermittent fasting diet, it is important to ensure adequate nutrition during your eating windows/periods to support your health and well-being. While it is generally recommended to obtain nutrients from whole foods, certain vitamins and minerals may be beneficial to supplement during a fast to control blood sugar regulation.

  • Electrolytes

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for proper hydration and muscle and nerve function. During a fast, electrolyte imbalances can occur due to fluid and fat burning. Consider supplementing with an electrolyte supplement or consuming foods high in electrolytes such as leafy greens, avocados, and nuts.

  • Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is important for bone health, immune function, and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. However, many people have inadequate vitamin D levels, particularly those living in areas with limited sun exposure. Consider supplementing with vitamin D during a fast, particularly if you are not getting enough sunlight or consuming enough vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products.

  • B Vitamins:

B vitamins, including vitamin B12 and Folate, play important roles in energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells. During a fast, it may be difficult to consume enough B vitamins from food sources. Consider supplementing with a B-complex vitamin or consuming fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and leafy greens.

It is important to note that the need for vitamin supplementation during fasting may vary depending on individual needs, fasting duration, and dietary habits. Consult with a Healthcare Professional to determine if you should take any supplements during a fast and to receive personalized recommendations.

Is fasting safe

Weight lossFasting can be safe for most people when done correctly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. However, fasting may not be appropriate for everyone and may pose risks to certain individuals.

Potential risks of fasting include:

  1. Dehydration: Fasting can lead to dehydration if an individual does not consume enough fluids during the fasting period.
  2. Low blood sugar: Fasting can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for individuals with diabetes or other blood sugar-related conditions.
  3. Nutrient deficiencies: Fasting can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, intermittent-fasting diet is particularly important if an individual does not eat a balanced diet during the eating periods.
  4. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue: Fasting can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, particularly during the first few days of fasting.
  5. Eating disorders: Fasting may trigger disordered eating behaviors in some individuals, particularly those with a history of eating disorders.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a fast to determine if it is safe for you based on your health history and current medications. Additionally, it is important to approach fasting healthily and sustainably by consuming a balanced diet during the eating periods, staying hydrated, and not overexerting oneself during the fasting period.

Weight loss From Intermittent Fasting

Weight loss with intermittent fasting will begin to drop as you burn more fat. As you are eating fewer calories, your body will start consuming your excess body fat, rather than taking energy from the food that you eat while on an ordinary eating plan. Your body will already be working to get rid of your excess body fat and produce more lean muscle mass if you are fasting for 12 hours or more.

Other benefits of intermittent fasting include less glucose in blood and improved insulin levels, less inflammation, safety against diseases like heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

During the eating periods of intermittent fasting, you will reach Autophagy, which is your bodies maintenance system, it’s important to consume a balanced and nutritious diet to support your health and well-being.

Fat-burningHere are some tips on what intermittent fasting diets to include during the eating periods:

  1. Protein: Protein is an important nutrient that helps to build and repair tissues and supports muscle mass. Include protein-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu in your meals.
  2. Healthy fats: Healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Include foods such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and fatty fish in your diet.
  3. Complex carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes in your meals.
  4. Nutrient-dense foods: During the eating periods, focus on consuming foods that are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  5. Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Try to limit your intake of processed foods and instead focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

You can try a basic intermittent fasting plan by not eating any breakfast for a day and just drinking tea or water instead. So, for instance, if you stop eating after your evening meal at 7 pm and you wake up the following day at 7 am, it means that you would have fasted for 12 hours. If you then wait to eat your first meal at 1 pm, you will have effectively accomplished an 18-hour fast.

If you are considering starting intermittent fasting on a longer-term basis, you need to discuss it with your doctor so that you can decide on the best type of intermittent fasting plan to suit you. So, consult with a Healthcare Professional or registered dietitian to receive personalized recommendations for your diet during intermittent fasting.

Remember that the specific foods and macro nutrient ratios that work best for you may vary depending on your individual needs and goals. 

Best way to start intermittent fast

If you’re new to intermittent fasting, it’s important to start slowly and ease into the practice. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Choose a method: There are several methods of intermittent fasting, including the 16/8 method, the 5:2 method, and alternate day fasting. Choose a method that works best for your lifestyle and schedule.
  2. Plan your meals: During your eating periods, plan your meals to ensure you are consuming a balanced diet that includes protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
  3. Start with a shorter fasting period: If you’re new to intermittent fasting, start with a shorter fasting period, such as 12 hours, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
  4. Stay hydrated: During your fasting periods, drink plenty of water and other non-caloric beverages to stay hydrated.
  5. Listen to your body: If you experience any negative symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or fatigue, consider shortening your fasting periods or adjusting your eating schedule.
  6. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to intermittent fasting. Try to stick to your chosen method and eating schedule as much as possible to see the best results.

You do have to still exercise on a regular basis while intermittent fasting, make your schedules as you are fasting, as it will enhance your body’s ability to burn off more fats. Your body releases a growth hormone during fasting, which helps your body to consume more calories.

Ketosis

Remember that intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for everyone and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or lifestyle practice.

 

 

 

The Health Risks of Drinking Milk as an Adult

Drinking Milk as an Adult The Health Risks of Drinking Milk as an Adult

As an adult, drinking milk can positively and negatively affect your health. While milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, it can also contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase your risk of certain health conditions.

The primary benefit of drinking milk as an adult is that it is a good source of calcium. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and helps regulate muscle contractions, including those of the heart. Milk is also a good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Additionally, milk contains other essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and phosphorus.

Why is milk bad for adults; drinking milk as an adult can also have some negative health effects. Milk is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, milk can contain hormones and antibiotics, which can hurt your health.

It is important to note that not all milk is created equal. Whole milk contains more fat and calories than reduced fat or skim milk, so it is important to choose the type of milk that is best for your health. Additionally, organic milk is a good option, as it is free of hormones and antibiotics. The Health Risks of Drinking Milk as an Adult

In conclusion, drinking milk as an adult can have both positive and negative effects on your health. While milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, it can also contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase your risk of certain health conditions. Therefore, it is important to choose the type of milk that is best for your health.

 

The Benefits of Plant-Based Alternatives to Milk

The consumption of plant-based milk alternatives has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the numerous health benefits they offer. Plant-based milk is made from a variety of sources, including soy, almond, coconut, oat, and rice. These milks are lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and low in saturated fat, making them a healthier alternative to dairy milk.

Additionally, plant-based milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining good health.  Health Risks of Drinking Milk as an Adult

Plant-based milks are also beneficial for those with food allergies or sensitivities. Many people are unable to consume dairy milk due to allergies or lactose intolerance, Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk and dairy products. It is made of two smaller sugars called glucose and galactose. Some people have trouble digesting lactose and may experience symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy products. This is called lactose intolerance.

Plant-based milk provides a safe and nutritious alternative. Furthermore, plant-based milk is often fortified with additional nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

In addition to the health benefits, plant-based milk is also more environmentally friendly than dairy milk. Dairy production requires large amounts of land, water, and energy, and the production of plant-based milk requires significantly less. Plant-based milk also has a much lower carbon footprint than dairy milk, making them a more sustainable choice.

Overall, plant-based milk offers numerous health and environmental benefits that make them a great alternative to dairy milk. They are lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and low in saturated fat, and they are often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly than dairy milk and have a much lower carbon footprint. For these reasons, plant-based milk is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their health and reduce their environmental impact.

Exploring the Reasons Why Milk is Not Recommended for Adults

Is it good to drink milk every day for adults Milk is a staple in many diets, but it is not recommended for adults. This is because milk is primarily designed to provide nutrition to infants and young children. As adults, our bodies have different nutritional needs and milk may not provide the necessary nutrients.  milk is for children

First, milk is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Is it good to drink milk every day for adults, no adults should limit their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol to reduce their risk of heart disease. Additionally, milk is high in calories, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.

Second, milk is a source of lactose, a type of sugar. Many adults are lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot digest lactose properly. Consuming milk can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Third, milk is a source of hormones and antibiotics. These hormones and antibiotics can disrupt the body’s natural balance and can lead to health issues such as hormone imbalances and antibiotic resistance.

Finally, milk is not a good source of calcium for adults. Calcium is important for bone health, but adults can get enough calcium from other sources such as leafy greens, nuts, and legumes.


In conclusion, milk is not recommended for adults due to its high saturated fat and cholesterol content, its potential to cause digestive issues, its hormones and antibiotics, and its lack of calcium. Adults should look for other sources of nutrition to meet their needs.

Making the Most of Your Grocery Dollars

5 Tips for Saving Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Make a List and Stick to It: Before you go grocery shopping, make a list of the items you need and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and save money.

2. Buy in Bulk: Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries. Look for items that you use frequently and buy them in larger quantities.

3. Shop at Discount Stores: Discount stores such as Aldi and Lidl can be great places to find quality groceries at lower prices.

4. Buy Generic Brands: Generic brands are often just as good as name brands, but they cost less. Consider buying generic brands to save money.

5. Use Coupons: Coupons can be a great way to save money on groceries. Look for coupons in newspapers, magazines, and online.

How to Meal Plan for Maximum Grocery Savings

Saving Money on Groceries 2Meal planning is an effective way to save money on groceries. By taking the time to plan out meals for the week, you can ensure that you are only buying the ingredients you need and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Here are some tips to help you meal plan for maximum grocery savings.  

First, make a list of meals you want to make for the week. Consider the ingredients you already have on hand and plan meals that use them. This will help you avoid buying items you don’t need. Also, consider the time you have available to cook and plan meals that can be made quickly.

Second, create a grocery list based on the meals you have planned. Make sure to include all the ingredients you need for each meal. This will help you avoid buying items you don’t need and will also help you stay organized while shopping.

Third, shop with a budget in mind. Before you go to the store, decide how much you are willing to spend on groceries for the week. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Fourth, take advantage of sales and coupons. Look for items that are on sale and use coupons to save even more money. This will help you get the most out of your grocery budget.

Finally, stick to your list. When you are in the store, avoid buying items that are not on your list. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid unnecessary purchases.

By following these tips, you can save money on groceries by meal planning. Taking the time to plan out meals and create a grocery list will help you stay organized and avoid overspending.

How to Shop Smartly and Save Money at the Grocery Store  Saving Money on Groceries

Shopping smartly and saving money at the grocery store can be a challenge. However, with a few simple tips, you can make the most of your grocery budget and still get the items you need.

First, make a list of the items you need before you go to the store. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Additionally, check the store’s weekly circular for sales and discounts. This will help you plan your meals around the items that are on sale.

Second, consider buying generic or store-brand items. These items are often just as good as name-brand items but cost less. Additionally, look for items that are in season. These items are usually cheaper and fresher than out-of-season items.

Third, consider buying in bulk. If you have the storage space, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. However, be sure to check the expiration dates on items before you buy them.

Finally, take advantage of store loyalty programs. Many stores offer discounts and coupons to customers who are part of their loyalty programs. Additionally, look for coupons in the store or online.

By following these tips, you can save money at the grocery store and still get the items you need. With a little planning and research, you can make the most of your grocery budget.

Nourishment as a Cure

Exploring the Benefits of Eating a Plant-Based Diet for Optimal Health

Greek Doctor Hippocrates said food is medicine. Eating a plant-based diet is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are recognizing the numerous health benefits associated with this type of diet. A plant-based diet is one that is primarily composed of whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This type of diet is associated with a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.Food is Medicine

One of the primary benefits of eating a plant-based diet is improved heart health. Studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

This is likely due to the fact that plant-based diets are typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. Additionally, plant-based diets are often associated with lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.

Another benefit of eating a plant-based diet is weight loss. Plant-based diets are typically lower in calories than diets that include animal products, making them an effective way to lose weight. Additionally, plant-based diets are often higher in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full for longer and reduce cravings.

Finally, eating a plant-based diet can reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases. Studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes, certain types of Cancer, and other chronic diseases. This is likely due to the fact that plant-based diets are typically high in fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients that can help to reduce inflammation and protect against disease.

In conclusion, eating a plant-based diet can provide numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. If you are looking to improve your health, a plant-based diet may be a great option for you.

The Power of Super foods: How to Incorporate Them into Your Diet

Super foods are nutrient-rich foods that are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that can help to boost your overall health. Incorporating super foods into your diet can help to improve your energy levels, reduce inflammation, and even help to prevent certain diseases.

The first step to incorporating super foods into your diet is to identify which ones are right for you. Different super foods have different benefits, so it’s important to choose the ones that will best meet your individual needs. Some of the most popular super foods include blueberries, kale, salmon, quinoa, and chia seeds.

Once you’ve identified the super foods that are right for you, the next step is to figure out how to incorporate them into your diet. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add them to your meals. For example, you can add blueberries to your morning oatmeal or add kale to your lunchtime salad. You can also add quinoa to your dinner stir-fry or chia seeds to your smoothie.

Another way to incorporate super foods into your diet is to use them as snacks. For example, you can make a trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, or you can make a smoothie with yogurt, berries, and chia seeds. You can also make energy bars with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Finally, you can also use super foods to make healthy desserts. For example, you can make a blueberry crumble with oats, nuts, and honey, or you can make a chocolate avocado mousse with cocoa powder, avocado, and honey.

Incorporating super foods into your diet can be a great way to boost your overall health and well-being. By choosing the right super foods for your individual needs and finding creative ways to incorporate them into your meals and snacks, you can reap the many benefits that these nutrient-rich foods have to offer.

The Role of Gut Health in Disease Prevention: How to Improve Your Microbiome Through Diet

Good gut health is essential for overall health and well-being. The gut microbiome, or the collection of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, plays a major role in disease prevention. An unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, obesity, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your gut health and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

One of the most effective ways to improve your gut health is through diet. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fiber is found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are live bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers found in certain foods such as onions, garlic, and asparagus, and can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

sauerkraut

 

In addition to eating a balanced diet, it is important to limit your intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats. These foods can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to inflammation and other health issues. It is also important to stay hydrated and get enough sleep, as these can also help to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Finally, it is important to be mindful of your stress levels. Stress can have a negative impact on the gut microbiome, so it is important to find ways to manage stress and keep it under control. Exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature are all great ways to reduce stress and improve your gut health.

By following these simple steps, you can help to improve your gut health and reduce your risk of developing certain diseases. Eating a balanced diet, limiting processed foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all help to promote a healthy gut microbiome and keep you healthy.

Unlocking the Benefits of A2 Ghee: Natural Uses for…

Natural Ways to Use A2 Ghee

A2 ghee is made from the milk of cows that produce only the A2 beta-casein protein, which is believed to be easier to digest than the A1 beta-casein protein. The A1 protein is found in the milk of some cows, particularly those of European breeds like Holstein, while the A2 protein is found in the milk of certain breeds like desi cows. Some studies suggest that A1 protein may cause digestive issues and discomfort in some people, particularly those who are lactose intolerant, but more research is needed to confirm this.

A2 ghee is believed to be a healthier alternative to regular ghee made from cow’s milk, but as with any food product, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.OV_butter_13oz_ghee

While ghee has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its many health benefits, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that ghee can help alleviate colds and coughs. However, some people believe that ghee can help soothe a sore throat and alleviate cough symptoms by providing a protective coating on the throat.

Ghee is also rich in vitamin A, which is important for a healthy immune system, and may help boost immunity to fight off infections that can cause colds and coughs. Additionally, ghee is a natural source of antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to respiratory symptoms like coughing.

Overall, while more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of ghee, incorporating it into a balanced and healthy diet may have some potential benefits for overall health and wellness.

Ghee Good for Colds and Coughs?

A2 Cow Ghee is significant in healing nose blockages. Selling burnt ghee is an ancient treatment method for dealing with sinus and nose blockages resulting from colds and flu. Ghee is very good for colds and coughs because of its various properties, including the following:

  • It is anti-inflammatory thus, helping to relieve sinus pressure. 
  • It works as a lubricant for a dry nose and shields against allergens as it traps allergy-triggering particles effectively.
  • It clears the nasal cavity, and this is good for preventing congestion and improving breathing and respiratory function.
  • A2 cow ghee also has antibacterial properties effective in combating germs that cause coughs and other infections. It loosens chest congestion improving chronic coughing in the process.
  • The fatty acids found in pure ghee help in the reduction of throat irritation that can result from excessive coughing.
  • By helping the absorption of minerals and vitamins in the body thanks to the Vitamin K it has, ghee helps strengthen the immune system, thus combating coughs and colds.
  • It has antioxidants and saturated fats important in fighting free radicals that are dangerous to health.

From the above list, it is clear that a2 ghee in usa is good for coughs and colds. But how exactly can you use it to protect against coughs and colds, or treat existing ones?

  • Use with Garlic Cloves– One of the easiest natural remedies to fight coughs and colds using ghee is to sauté garlic cloves with the ghee before eating them. Take a few cloves and sauté in ghee and allow to rest till warm before eating. The two have amazing antioxidants and will improve the cough effectively.
  • Use with Onions– To improve and treat sore throat resulting from a cold, take an onion or two and sauté with A2 milk made ghee and eat. It might not be the most pleasant of experiences, but it works wonders in eliminating sore throat.
  • Use in Lukewarm Water– This natural remedy is especially helpful for chronic dry coughs. Add turmeric powder in lukewarm milk and a teaspoon of ghee, then add some powdered sugar candy before stirring and drinking. For those who are lactose intolerant, warm water should suffice. You should do it for at least 7 days to resolve the issue effectively.
  • Rub the Ghee– To loosen chesty coughs, heat some ghee and then run it to your chest, legs, and hands. It is also a good way to keep the body warm and prevent colds.
  • Massage Nostrils– Massaging inner nostril walls with desi ghee releases constriction and relaxes musculature and tissue, improving colds to a great extent. 
  • Use as Nasal Drop– Apart from massaging, you can also heat a teaspoon of cow ghee and use a dropper to drop the warm liquid into the nostrils to combat the dryness that results from colds. It also will help in preventing crust formation. 
  • Use with Cardamom-The natural remedy is good for relieving dry coughs. Mix half a spoon of lukewarm ghee with rock sugar and cardamom and take it thrice daily. cardamom

Now, the benefits of Ghee

Ghee, which is also known as clarified butter, is a type of butter that has been simmered and strained to remove the milk solids and water, leaving behind only the pure butterfat. Ghee has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and is considered a healthy fat. Here are some of the benefits of ghee:

  1. Rich in healthy fats: Ghee is a rich source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fats can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
  2. Lactose and casein-free: The milk solids and water have been removed from ghee, making it safe for those with lactose or casein sensitivities or intolerances.
  3. Contains butyrate: Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that has been shown to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.
  4. High smoke point: Ghee has a high smoke point, which means it can be used for cooking at high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.
  5. Rich in vitamins A, D, and E: Ghee is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.
  6. Improves absorption of nutrients: Ghee can improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from other foods, making them more available to the body.
  7. Enhances flavor: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of food, especially when used as a cooking oil or added to dishes as a finishing touch.

Preparing Ghee at Home

Ghee is prepared by heating the cultured butter at a medium temperature in any utensil at home. While heating, the butter starts melting and white froth assembles on the top. It then requires an occasional stirring which reduces the formation of froth and the color of the butter starts changing to pale yellow. Then it is simmered at low heat until the butter’s color turns golden. Slowly the residues settle down at the bottom and fresh Ghee floats above, which is ready to be eaten.

Ghee-good-fatGhee is a versatile cooking fat with several benefits over other cooking oils. Here are some of the most notable cooking benefits of ghee:

  • High smoke point: Ghee has a high smoke point of around 485°F (252°C), which means it can be used for high-heat cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and grilling without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.
  • Long shelf life: Ghee has a long shelf life, thanks to its low water and milk solids content. It can be stored at room temperature for several months without going rancid or spoiling.
  • Rich flavor: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of food, especially when used as a cooking oil or added to dishes as a finishing touch.
  • Enhances aroma: Ghee has a distinct aroma that can enhance the aroma of food, making it more flavorful and appetizing.
  • Adds richness to food: Ghee adds a richness to food, making it creamier and more satisfying.
  • Easy to digest: Ghee is easy to digest and can help improve digestion by promoting the production of stomach acid and enzymes.
  • Nutrient absorption: Ghee can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from other foods, making them more available to the body.

Overall, Ghee is a healthy and flavorful cooking fat that can be used for a wide range of cooking methods. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, as it is high in calories and fat.

Health & Nutritional Benefits

A2 Ghee benefits, which is a type of clarified butter, is a rich source of healthy fats and has several health and nutritional benefits. Here are some of the most notable benefits of consuming ghee:

  • Rich source of healthy fats: Ghee is a rich source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fats are important for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health.
  • Contains butyrate: Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that has been shown to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Lactose and casein-free: Ghee is made by removing the milk solids and water from butter, making it safe for people with lactose or casein sensitivities or intolerances.
  • High smoke point: Ghee has a high smoke point, which means it can be used for cooking at high temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.
  • Contains fat-soluble vitamins: Ghee is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, immune function, and bone health.
  • Enhances absorption of nutrients: Ghee can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from other foods, making them more available to the body.
  • May boost immunity: Ghee contains butyrate and other fatty acids that have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Ghee has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
  • May support weight loss: Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to have potential weight loss benefits.

cooking-with-ghee

Overall, ghee can be a healthy addition to a balanced and varied diet when consumed in moderation. However, it is important to keep in mind that ghee is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake.

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting

Prepare yourself. You might have heard or talked to friends that become unrelenting do-nothing and also lose all the unwanted fat you desire. Take notice of the fact that I have written body fat, which will be absolutely the opposite of cutting just body weight. Here’s the guarantee for you at the end of this blog you will have the requisite perfunctory comprehension to cut every bit of your body fat, get into the peak shape of your life, and still further extend your lifetime much lengthier.Intermittent Fasting 6

Read the entire blog to get every last bit of our most amazing tactics and magic regarding attaining the fitness level of your wildest dreams with much less work. I plan to say it as shortly as possible and actionable.

Misconception 1

You have to eat in increments of three or four hours such that you stoke your metabolism fire.

Every one of the health and fitness magazines in existence might give you the same story. Question any fitness coach or advisor and they should confirm that you need to munch every few hours or the metabolism fire would stop short. Here’s the thing that isn’t true. 

Supposing you don’t eat, the burning of fat in reality elevates. Starving will with time stop your metabolic fire, however, you will never let that happen; I promise. Here’s the way to hurdle this fib. Go for 2 or 3 big well-portioned square meals every day. Have breakfast, a noontime meal, and your pm meal and time nutrients proper then you will not ever be bothered to despair about planning meals in the future.

Misconception #2

Our gastrointestinal system may just use BLANK measurement of protein-rich food at each time.

Even though it appears that this may be true, is not true. Clinical studies demonstrate that should one take on 90 g. from protein foods during the daytime, it would be digested the same way by three 30 g increments or via only one ninety-gram feeding, considering that the diet needs the protein.Intermittent Fasting 2

Guzzling some whey protein about every 2 or 3 hours might make you boost the hormone insulin as well as deter burning fat; but that strategy without a doubt moves a hell of a lot of whey isolate jugs, which makes profits for the enterprises who publish those same health and fitness rags.

Benefits of intermittent fasting, what a coincidence! A quick fix would be to consume as many proteins as you will require at every mealtime. Usually, have one gram for a single pound of body weight any single day of your life. A person who registers at two-hundred lbs must eat two hundred grams of protein foods daily. If you want to find the approximate amount for any one meal time, go ahead and divide the daily total by two or three. I comprehend that when I eat three square meals, I should take in about sixty grams of protein stuff for each feeding just to target the daily requirements.

Misconception 3

I am forced to do tons of cardiovascular exercise to get rid of fatty tissues.

Sincere apologies to everyone, however, it is untrue. The cardio does be a little power with some gym-goers. But, it would be a bit like getting an M80 to create a bang. We all know it works; however, this may not be good enough for a great big change. Say you are trying to blow off fat mass, in contrast, resistance training will be the neutron warhead.Intermittent Fasting 11

We would get to be very lean by only correct exercise and a diet plan for weight loss with intermittent fasting. I sometimes like to add cardiovascular training whenever I want it, only perhaps to troubleshoot and enable the heart health components. Bottom line: fix your diet first and you will always stir in a bit of cardiovascular exercise right after the resistance-training program. When you do not weight train on any particular occasion, merely execute a little bit of cardiovascular exercise upon waking in the am hours. intermittent-fasting diet

Misconception 4

You have to get an AM meal.

I just know that there will be whole-hearted retribution coming from that. I know exactly what you would write. Hey, do you think e expert proves this or that? Problem is, sometimes the science will be incorrect. And the whole purpose of scientific study is to probe dogmatic philosophies to shed light on universal laws.

People, who take breakfast most often are leaner, and yet could this be the complete universal law? Folks who consume a big breakfast might be in totality a little more diet awake, which labels them as shapelier and far more likely to be physically fit, what do you think?

We need a research trial that would compare those who breakfast with people that have not within sectors that are now healthy aware and in good shape. I guess that one would realize that fat burning might be to a large extent elevated for the ones who avoid their breakfast.Intermittent Fasting 10

Here is the tip. Take 5-10 grams of BCAA after waking and get the workout during a fasted state. Soon after, consume your most substantial, high-carbohydrate, and most-calories feeding right after. Could you exercise in the evening? Great! You must do an enormous enjoyable binge in the witching hours before sleeping! But the meal can make you should limit calories.

How does intermittent fasting work, intermittent fasting is a diet pattern where you alternate between periods of fasting and non-fasting, type of intermittent fasting, there are various intermittent fasting plans to pick from and the fasting and feeding windows can vary from program to program. One example is the 5:2 Fast Diet, which calls for five days of eating normally and then eating a quarter of your recommended daily calorie requirement for the remaining couple of days. Some fast on two successive days while others opt to do it on non-consecutive days, such as a Monday and Thursday.

Major advantages of intermittent fasting

There are numerous good reasons to fast intermittently. Most people look at this eating plan as a part of a weight loss plan. Fasting intermittently can help raise your insulin sensitivity which almost always results in more visible weight reduction. The reason for this is that the more sensitive your body is to insulin, the more likely you are to lose fat and gain muscle insulin sensitivity is higher after 8-to-10-hour fasting periods and following exercise. Thus, most of the time, experts who endorse this diet method encourage training even during a fasting state as a way to lose more fat.

Fasting for 3 days could also help you reduce triglyceride and LDL levels. Intermittent fasting can also boost the secretion of growth hormone, which has a myriad of health benefits, particularly, its ability to negate the effects of cortisol like the storage of fat in the belly. Fasting, like other types of caloric restrictions, is also associated with things like increased longevity and decreased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses.

Intermittent Fasting

Who shouldn’t do fasting from time to time?

While this diet approach is effective and useful, it can cause unwanted effects on particular groups of people. People recuperating from surgery are discouraged from doing this type of diet. You are also discouraged from doing this if you are feeling sick or have a fever. Diabetes patients, particularly those receiving insulin, and people taking maintenance prescription drugs must consult with their doctor first before trying this. In addition, children, as well as expectant mothers or breastfeeding women, should not use this diet program.

Are there side effects?

Hunger is one of the commonest side effects of this method, particularly when you’re just starting. Eventually, you will experience hunger less often even if you eat less frequently.

In summary, the most important thing to bear in mind about fasting intermittently is to not look at it as a diet, but as a nutritional way of life. This approach is not for everybody, but it is a good way to lose excess weight and remain healthy while your body rebuilds itself internally.

You won’t ever locate a plan simpler to commit to. There’s nothing that enables many cheat days or re-feeds for a given seven days. And then moreover accumulates improving effects the longer you keep doing it.

Make sure that you drink plenty of water in the course of your fast to keep away from dehydration. It is not going to solely hold you hydrated but in addition, remove harmful toxins from your body. It is advisable to stay away from drinks that contain a lot of processed sugar or fructose. Water intake on one of the vital points in this how you can lose weight fast guide.

Most nutrition plans stall out being that you either slow your fat burning or you happen to lose steam with subsisting on tree bark and nuts. I am dispensing my tips since it is the most basic and awesome nutrition plan.

Autophagy is a process within your body that is responsible for degrading damaged and defective organelles, cell membranes, and proteins. It’s your body’s internal “maintenance system” where it identifies and discards damaged or malfunctioning parts of a cell.

Intermittent Fasting 4

Simply put, autophagy is the clean-up that needs to happen before growth and repair can occur.

Fasting greatly enhances autophagy. Autophagy is necessary to maintain muscle mass, and inhibition/alteration of autophagy can contribute to myofibril degeneration (degeneration of individual muscle fiber) and weakness in certain types of muscle disorders.

You wouldn’t want autophagy all the time fasting for weeks on end is probably not the best thing you could do for your muscle), but you do need a healthy balance of autophagy and growth for the optimal functioning of the human body. Keto intermittent fasting is another option.

So, in a nutshell:

Eating every 2-3 hours is not necessary to gain muscle. Fasting now and then could potentially help you gain muscle. You can’t constantly bulk and expect all those excess calories to help you gain muscle…you’re just going to get fat.

Here is a video from my cardiologist on fasting benefits: Dr. Pradip Jamnadas.

 

Nourishing Your Heart: A Diet Menu

Heart-Healthy Diet Menu

Heart-Healthy Diet help with losing weight and strengthening your health. The connection between a nutritious diet and a healthy heart just became even clearer. A recent study by the University of Washington found that almost half of deaths from cardiovascular disease can be prevented by changing what you put on your plate.

To make those choices easier, researchers also identified several of the leading risk factors and measured how much they contribute to the likelihood of heart conditions and stroke.

It’s a big deal when you consider that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide. Find out which dietary changes will have the biggest impact on helping you to lead a longer and more active life.

Top Dietary Factors for a Healthy Heart

heart-healthy diet menu 2

1. Go nuts. The single most effective step you can take is to eat more nuts and seeds. They reduce 11.6% of the risk of CVD death.

2. Eat more vegetables. Vegetables were close behind. Aim for at least 7 servings a day of fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits.

3. Choose whole grains. Enjoy whole-grain bread, oatmeal, and brown rice. They have more protein and fiber than refined grains. Plus, they’re more filling, so you’ll probably feel satisfied with fewer calories.

4. Limit salt. Excess sodium increases blood pressure, and the symptoms are often invisible. Substitute lemon, garlic, and other flavorful herbs and spices.

5. Eliminate trans-fatty acids. Trans-fats raise unhealthy LDL cholesterol and lower healthy HDL cholesterol. You can avoid them by eating fewer processed foods, especially those that list partially hydrogenated oils in their ingredients.

heart-healthy diet menuMore Habits for a Healthy Heart

1. Try a Mediterranean diet. Following a Mediterranean diet guarantees heart-healthy choices. This diet consists of mostly plant-based foods, along with fish and moderate amounts of red wine.

2. Increase omega-3s. However, you eat, consider adding at least 2 servings of fish a week to your diet, especially fatty types like salmon and tuna. If you’re a vegetarian, rely on flax seeds, walnuts, and beans for your omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Quit smoking. Talk with your doctor if you’re having trouble giving up tobacco on your own. Your physician can help you understand your options, including nicotine-replacement devices and support programs.

4. Use alcohol in moderation. Small quantities of alcohol may be good for your heart. That means up to 2 cocktails a day for men and one for women.

5. Turn off the TV. Couch potatoes are at higher risk of heart disease, strokes, and cancer. Limit your daily viewing to 2 hours or less.

6. Exercise regularly. Physical activity makes your muscles stronger, and that includes your heart. Enjoy aerobic exercise, stretching, and resistance training. Design workouts that you love and will want to stick with.

7. Lose weight. Being overweight puts an extra strain on your heart, especially if those excess pounds are mostly around your waist. Slim down by eating less and exercising more. Ask your family and friends for support. They may even want to join you. Losing just 10% of your body weight can greatly enhance your cardiovascular well-being.

8. Manage stress. How you deal with stress can also take a toll on your heart if you reach for junk foods, beer, and cigarettes. Learn to relax more safely with meditation, stimulating hobbies, and gentle music.

Cutting your risk of cardiovascular conditions in half is one more worthy reason for eating a balanced diet and making other simple lifestyle changes. Take care of your heart by consuming more nuts, vegetables, and whole grains, and cutting back on empty calories

Mediterranean Diet (2)Mediterranean diets claim that they’ll keep you fit and healthy, and they’ve got centuries of evidence backing them up.

Whether you prefer Spanish or Greek cuisine, this is one approach to eating healthy for life. Read on to discover the major benefits of eating like the Mediterranean, ways to get started, and tips for incorporating more of their healthy lifestyle into your life.

 

Major Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet

  1. Lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Like any healthy living plan, a Mediterranean diet helps fight metabolic syndrome. You’ll lower your odds of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious conditions.
  2. Improve your emotional well-being. Civilizations around the Mediterranean basin have helped teach the world the importance of eating together to maintain social connections. They also demonstrate a constructive balance of physical activity and rest.
  3. Enjoy delicious foods. What’s better than a diet that lets you indulge in a wide variety of your favorite foods? Dine on grilled fish year-round. Sip lentil soup on a winter afternoon and serve hummus for an easy summer lunch.

How to Eat Like a MediterraneanMediterranean Diet-fish

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Get most of your calories from fresh produce. Aim for at least five to six servings a day. You’ll get the vital nutrients you need and the fiber will help you feel full while eating less.

2. Choose healthy fats. Stock up on extra virgin olive oil and use it instead of butter or margarine. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are better for your heart than saturated fats.

3. Substitute fish for meat. Fish is a great source of lean protein and it is brain food. The high levels of vitamin D in oily fish like salmon and tuna improve cognitive functions. Serve fish at least twice a week.

4. Stick to low-fat dairy products. Liven up your old breakfast cereal by mixing it into low-fat Greek yogurt. Buy skim or low-fat milk. Careful portion control lets you enjoy cheese responsibly.

5. Snack on nuts. Ditch the processed cookies and crackers in favor of nuts and legumes. They’ll keep you satisfied and make it easier to resist donuts.

Other Lifestyle Practices

1. Adjust your grocery budget. A Mediterranean diet can get a little pricey. Shop for seasonal produce bargains. Start your vegetable garden. Master home recipes for hummus.

2. Schedule family dinners. Eat together as a family as often as possible. You’ll model good eating habits for your kids and make it easier for them to talk with you. Studies show they’ll even bring home better grades.

3. Sit down to eat. Whenever possible, pull up a chair to eat. You’ll be more conscious of the calories you consume and you’ll digest your food better.

4. Drink in moderation. It’s okay to be a teetotaler. On the other hand, small quantities of red wine taken with meals may be good for your heart. The general rule is no more than one glass a day for women and two for men.

5. Exercise regularly. Pick activities you like and incorporate them into your daily routine. A 30-minute walk each day with a few weekly sessions of strength training and stretching may be all you need. Increase that to 60 minutes if you want to lose weight.

6. Manage stress. Find relaxation techniques that are comfortable for you. Listen to instrumental music, talk to your dog, or meditate.

Mediterranean Diet 2A Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight and stay in top shape. In addition to all that nutritious and flavorful food, by adopting some traits of the Mediterranean lifestyle, you’ll enjoy the best diet for heart disease reversal. Also, try American Heart Association’s 7-day diet.

 

Battling Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Together

Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Stopping Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity 5I have watched many heartbreaking stories on YouTube about children with deadly diseases that eventually take the life of these little children and the parents more times than not ask how come God took the life of my little child. I have been looking into this question and what I have found is very upsetting.

So far, I have found that God has given man cures for many diseases the problem is that man is so greedy that man would rather keep the cure secret and make a lot of money and watch while his loved ones die.

 

God says that man has a sinful nature and is naturally evil. I can’t think of anything eviler than this.

I keep hearing about all the advances in modern medicine today and about how we are much better off today than we were 50 years ago. I would agree with this statement as far as the advances in traumatic medicine are concerned but what happened to the rest of the industry?

The last disease that was cured to my knowledge was polio way back in 1953. I hate to burst anyone’s bubble but that was 65 years ago! What has the medical profession been doing for the last 65 years? It looks to me that today’s medical profession is more concerned with selling high-priced drugs than curing anybody of anything.

Stopping Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity 8Back in 2001, my wife was diagnosed with a fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and depression. For the last sixteen years, the medical doctors have put my wife on about twelve different medications. The cost of these medications to the insurance company came to over $3,000 a month or $36,000 a year.

She would shoot up two different types of insulin a day plus take three different pills for her type two diabetes. She would take one pill a day for her hypothyroidism, three pills for her depression, and another three pills for her high blood pressure.

It seemed like whenever we would go to the doctor, we could add another pill to our family of drugs. After sixteen years of this, I decided I would look into this myself because after all this time and money my wife wasn’t feeling any better than when we first went to the doctor sixteen years ago.

The next time my wife went to the doctor I went with her. I started from the beginning of my wife’s troubles and asked the doctor what had been done to get rid of her fatty liver. Her doctor told me that there was nothing they could do for a fatty liver there was no magic pill. Since all her medical problems began with a fatty liver, I figured this was a good place to start my investigation.

I have heard many people make fun of the internet but as long as you “consider the source” there are some very smart people teaching medicine for free. I listened to an hour-and-a-half lecture by Robert H. Lustig MD, UCSF Professor in the division of endocrinology. The program I listened to was called “Sugar the Bitter Truth.” Toward the end of his lecture, he mentioned that apple cider vinegar dissolves the fat from the liver.

We used one tablespoon of Braggs Organic apple cider vinegar in eight ounces of purified water once in the morning and once in the evening. I knew it would take some time to dissolve the fat from her liver because she has had this condition for over sixteen years. After about three months she started losing weight and felt more energetic.

Stopping Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity 9My wife used apple cider vinegar for a little over a year and went from 153 pounds to 118 pounds. We then went to her doctor and scheduled more blood tests. After talking with her doctor, I asked him how her liver test scored and her doctor told us that she no longer had a fatty liver and her blood tests came back in the normal range.

With my wife’s liver now back to normal we started looking into ways to stop my wife’s type 2 diabetes. I was watching on YouTube a doctor named Dr. Jason Fung. Dr. Fung graduated from the University of Toronto and he is currently practicing medicine at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.

Dr. Fung has several programs on YouTube and I listened to as many as I could find. Dr. Fung was saying that the current medical establishment is treating type 2 diabetes all wrong. He said that giving a diabetic insulin would be the same as giving an alcoholic alcohol to cure his alcoholism. He also said that insulin prevents your body from burning fat so the more insulin you take the fatter you get. Dr. Fung also says that diabetes is a dietetic problem that can be corrected with a proper diet.

On July 7 2018 my wife went on Dr. Fung’s low-carb, high-fat diet. immediately she stopped injecting the two types of insulin she used daily and after about five weeks she stopped taking her diabetic pills. (Invokana, Januvia and Lisinopril).

When she first went on the low-carb, high-fat diet we would test her blood sugar levels three times a day. The rule of thumb we used was if her blood sugar tested around 150, we were satisfied with that. We noticed on this diet that her sugar levels gradually started coming down. When her sugar levels hit the ’30s she would eliminate one of her pills. When her level consistently hit the 120’s she would then eliminate another pill.

It took a little over three months for my wife to be completely off all of her diabetic medicine. Dr. Fung says that the longer you have had diabetes the longer it will take to be completely off the diabetes medicine. My wife was a diabetic for over sixteen years.

Because of the weight loss she no longer needs her three medications for high blood pressure. Her blood pressure is consistently around 110 over 70. Because she no longer takes insulin, she no longer needs her medication for hypothyroidism. In conclusion, if you know anybody with type two diabetes have them go to YouTube and type in “Dr. Jason Fung” and follow his advice.

Also, if you know anybody that’s overweight and can’t get the weight off let them know it’s probably due to a fatty liver. The food industry would have you believe that this is due to too much fat in your diet. Not true! The truth is being overweight is due to sugar in your diet.

Stopping Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity 4Dr. Fung says that your metabolism can either burn sugar as energy or it can burn fat for energy. That is why the high-fat, low-carb diet works. When you cut out the sugar from your diet your body will then start to burn the fat as fuel.

Dr. Lustig of “sugar the bitter truth” explains it this way. When you eat food that contains sugar your liver stops processing the food and devotes all its resources to processing the sugar. Your liver then stops processing the food and turns the food into fat.

Sugar has also been proven to cause cancer. In 1968 there was a study done where the researchers put mice on a sucrose diet.

Over half the mice developed cancer. That study then was quickly silenced. you can find this study by typing in the google bar “does sugar cause cancer”.

I hope whoever needs this Type 2 Diabetes advice uses it and doesn’t give up because what I wrote works and is the truth.

The next medical problem we are working on is my wife’s depression, she is currently taking three medications for this. I’ll let you know how it works out in my next post.

And stay away from sugar.

Achieving Physical Balance: Tips for a Healthy Body

Tips for a Balanced Body

Nutrition and a balanced body are your well-being from the inside out and have been overlooked in modern days. We focus on outer appearance and sometimes miss that treating the inner causes is by far more successful in the long run than treating the outer consequences.

Our blood tells us!

Blood TestOur body is a vehicle and representation of everything we eat, drink, ingest or absorb regardless of form. Whilst I am not by far in favor of extremes or dramatic life changes, some balance and moderation are always good when it comes to food, drinks, and other substances we expose to.

Through our digestive system, our blood is a health barometer and a representation of all meals and liquids that come into our body. A blood microscope analysis takes about 5 minutes and shows: how we function, the level of toxins collected in the body, the state of health for the red cells, and the oxygen transportation.

How the body works

In chemistry, the pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral and our blood ranging between 7.3-7.4. Everything above 7 and up to 14 is alkaline, and everything below 7 and down to 0 is acidic.

When the blood and body are too acidic, they create an unfavorable environment where illness, bacteria, and yeast thrive. Hormonal diseases, digestive and lymphatic problems, cancer, reduced oxygen intake, and fatigue are only some of the issues that may appear.

whats inside countsScientifically it was not proven that an alkaline diet will remove these risks. Moreover, our bodies have strong regulatory systems that adapt to the environment and whatever food we choose in our diet. However, what is true, is that a more alkaline diet will ease the burden on your digestive system and your blood and body during the pH balancing process. When the pH is too acidic, the blood neutralizes it by extracting minerals from muscles or good alkaline food if any ingested.

Our mouth, digestive system, and mind (producing thoughts) are acidic, our muscles are alkaline. That is why, too much acidity results in low minerals (calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium) and overall weakened muscles and body.

The aim would be to have a diet that mirrors the normal pH of the blood. Unfortunately, our lives today make it difficult to easily access alkaline products. In simple terms, almost everything around us is acidic. Processed food, meat, dressings, alcohol, coffee, and cosmetics are acidic. The same goes for rumbling thoughts, overworking, stress, or usage of technology which produce acidity and bring blood pH below neutral.

So how can we help our Body be slightly Alkaline?

  1. Drink Alkaline Water! Water is vital to the correct functioning of the body, both from quantity and quality perspectives. The quantity depends on factors such as environment, health conditions, pregnancy in the case of ladies or exercising, and the intensity of physical effort. As with everything, a book can be written only on this. In a simplified version, a formula for the quantity (in liters) is your weight in kg times 0.4. For example, a weight of 60kg, requires an intake of 2.4 liters of water per day (60kg x 0.4).

Alcohol, coffee, or coffee-containing teas do not count and intake of water should increase proportionately. Soup and herbal tea are good and so is bottled water sold in shops if the label shows a pH level of around 7. Tap water (where drinkable) is mostly alkaline. If not, adding lemon juice, or sodium carbonate or buying a machine that alkalizes automatically would do the job.

  1. Eat Greens! Almost all green vegetables are alkaline and good for digestion. Notice the difference in how you feel after eating veggies vs. eating meat or other processed food. Heavy meals induce a state of fatigue and burden as the system and blood are fully employed for digestion. On the other hand, vegetables make you feel light and energized, and in addition, they contain chlorophyll and help the production and transportation of oxygen into the cellswhat to eat
  2. Eat Proteins from Vegetables! Our bodies need Proteins, but good alkaline ones exist in vegetables. Meat such as pork, lamb, or beef has a pH between 3 and 4, below the pH level of our blood. In exchange, some vegetables such as broccoli, beans, peas, lentils, sprouts, mushrooms, corn, spinach, or artichoke contain a good proportion of proteins and can be a good replacement for meat. In a simplified manner, the formula of ideal protein intake (in grams) is your weight in kg times 0.8 (For example if you weigh 60kg you should eat around 50 grams of protein per day).

The ideal diet would include meat or fish only once a week, eggs maybe twice a week, and the rest of the necessary taken from the greens.

  1. Add good Fat to your meals! Fat is very important for the brain, and eyesight and they make you feel full. Fat is not necessarily meat or associated products. You can take your necessary dose of fat by adding alkaline ingredients to your food such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, or nuts and seeds that contain Omega-3s. Good fats (unsaturated) help reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Bad fats (saturated) are found normally in animal products and cooking oils.

Coconut oil, butter, olive, and avocado oils are relatively good for cooking.

However, seeds, nuts, and other vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, sesame, canola, etc. contain polyunsaturated fats which are unhealthy in the long run, especially for cooking.

  1. Eat natural Sugar! Added sugar contains no nutrients and is bad for the teeth, overloads the liver, can be addictive and can cause illnesses like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease. As with fats or carbs, sugar can also be categorized between ‘’good’’ and ‘’bad’’. Processed sugar or similar sweetener products are generally not recommended, including cakes, sweets, and commercially processed products containing sugar among ingredients.

The best intake of sugar and energy comes from fruits and vegetables. Agave, stevia, and coconut sugar are also good replacements. You may also create cookies and desserts from alkaline products such as almond milk, coconut, and banana (pH around 9).

  1. Have your dose of rich Salt! Salt helps the body with minerals and balances acidity. Processed salt contains limited amounts of minerals. Himalayan salt is a good modern option which contains 84 minerals. It has been preserved under ice and lava for millennia and kept free from pollution, so it’s a good source of healthy minerals.
  2. Limit Dairy products! Opinions differ quite a lot, but generally dairy is difficult for the digestive system, especially as we grow older and have fewer lactase enzymes (after the age of 4). Most of the world (depending on the ethnic group) is intolerant to dairy or highly allergic. In addition to different chemical substances that can end up in the milk such as pesticides or antibiotics. This creates acidity and employs the body to neutralize it. Because it’s an acidic source of calcium, our body will extract from its calcium to balance it and in return weaken our bones.milk-Balanced Body

Cheese is also not necessarily good and comes down to common sense. Besides the fact that it consists of milk, it may also contain mushrooms (like yeast) or other bacteria. Goat milk and cheese are a better replacement as their DNA is closer to the human one. Even better, you can make at home your cheese from Cajun fruits and different spices like salt and garlic.

How to detox your body?

In the body we have around 5-6 liters of blood (7% of the body weight) that transports nutrients and oxygen to the body, cleans the waste in our cells, fights disease, and moves hormones and chemicals. When our digestive system activates, it employs the blood for breaking food into vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

The more time the blood is employed for digestion, the less time and resources are available for the other functions of cleaning the body, transporting oxygen to the cells, and taking out the residuum and toxins.

Giving some breaks from eating can enable the blood to perform its other functions and improve health. For example, fasting has been in some traditions for ages. It’s a process of cleansing the body based only on liquid and no solid food. A simpler way to fast is once or twice a week between 6:00 pm to 12:00 am or between 12:00 am to 6:00 am.

That translates into having eaten solid food for around 75% of the time and allowing your body to detoxify 25% of the time. 

A balanced body

  1. Size of the portion is one of the biggest problems of today’s modern world. Obesity, digestive problems, bad sleep, bloating, and fatigue can be caused by what you eat and more important by how much you eat. The ideal size of your portion is the size of your fist, which is how big your stomach is. Everything in addition stretches the stomach to accommodate the amount of food consumed.

Except for green vegetables which contain water and shrink after chewing, most of the food maintains its original weight and size from the plate into your stomach.

To help yourself, use smaller plates and utensils for eating, as well as non-transparent dishes which have been demonstrated to facilitate eating higher quantities of food. what to eat 2

  1. Chew well! About 20-30 times for one bite. The more we chew, the more the food gets exposed to saliva and digestive enzymes. This facilitates digestive processes and avoids indigestion and bloating. Putting the fork down after having taken a bite, is a simple way to allow time to chew well and be present.
  2. Take Smaller bites! Taking little pieces and breaking down the food sufficiently is one of the most critical processes of the digestive system; overeating or eating in big pieces results in the food not being digested and transferred into the colon where they create a good environment for indigestion, flatulence and bacterial overgrowth.
  3. Don’t eat fast! Your meal should take about 30 minutes minimum. Eating fast allows one to put more food into the stomach and get ‘’stuffed’’ before realizing it. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to register the chemicals from the food and tell you if you are full. Satiety is not a result of your stomach being full but rather of your brain acknowledging the chemicals.

The level of chemicals increases 10 to 30 minutes after eating and decreases in the next 3-5 hours giving the sensation of hunger.

  1. Contrary to common knowledge, drinking water during eating is not recommended. The water dilutes the gastric acid and burdens the process of digestion. Water intake should be done 30-40 minutes before or after meals.
  2. Stay present! You may have caught yourself wondering when did you eat all the ice cream or all the popcorn. When we are not fully focusing on one process, we easily end up not realizing what we do. Overeating or not chewing well is very common when we watch TV or engage in conversations. Keeping your levels of awareness high and putting all the concentration in one place, will relief your stomach and bring short and long-term benefits.

soothing musicSome soothing music may be a wonderful way of accompanying your meals without distraction.

  1. Eat in healthy combinations: Proteins (meat, fish, eggs) go well with greens (vegetables), and greens go well with carbs (bread, pasta, rice, cereals). Proteins and carbs (starches and fruits) do not digest well at the same time and fruits ideally should be eaten alone. Allow a minimum of 2 hours between meals and around 3 hours in-between your last meal of the day and going to sleep
  2. Eat at regular hours. Your body remembers the time for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and prepares its resources for these processes. In other words, some discipline and predictability to your lifestyle make it easier for the body to allocate resources and employ them for optimal functioning.
  3. Buy and eat seasonal fruits and freshly collected vegetables as they maintain best their vitamins and minerals; replace eating anything processed with everything from the garden. Don’t avoid garlic and onions as they are naturally bacteria killing and try replacing processed fat with coconut oil and Omega 3/6/9.
  4. Treat your stomach! If you feel your digestive system needs some help you may want to talk to a doctor or nutritionist. Having a close look at what you eat may change your life for the better. Probiotics are also good helpers; they are good live bacteria that help the gut stay healthy and improve the digestive system. The impression is that bacteria is bad in general, but actually, our body is a home for good and bad bacteria and probiotics rebalance your intestine flora accordingly.
  5. Brush / clean your tongue. During the night, our mouth accumulates all kinds of bad bacteria resulting from digestion. Before putting these bacteria back into your body, you may wish to use a brush or scraper device to clean your tongue (which can be found online or at the pharmacy). Rinsing your mouth afterward with coconut oil helps eliminate the acidity, cleans even better, and has a good taste and smell; for a continued good start, I would recommend drinking a glass of warm water and lemon juice that has a high alkaline pH
  6. Brush your body 10 minutes after waking up (a big natural brush that can be found in body shops). These will gently remove the dead cells eliminated during the night from your body and allow the skin to breathe better, regenerate, and have an optimal release of toxins. Take a shower afterward.
  7. Exercise to increase your muscle mass and help the body become more alkaline. Practice love and a positive mindset as they are both alkaline as well.
  8. In addition to daily movement, meditation as a routine is a great tool to manage the rumbling mind and balance overall well-being.

Most of the things our bodies need can be made from natural products with no additives or chemicals. Even toothpaste can be done from mint, coconut oil, and soda with no aluminum; or sunscreen for example from carrot juice and coconut oil.

It’s a matter of lifestyle and caring for yourself.

Drink lots of water.


Special thanks to CAMELIA KRUPP, Certified Coach

 

 

The Art of Cooking Vegetables: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Cook Vegetables Correctly

How to Cook Vegetables Correctly

Cooking is a very sensitive subject, especially when we talk about vegetables. This is because vegetables are very sensitive to heat; therefore, in addition to being a very healthy food, we must know how to cook it properly to maximize its nutritional benefits.

If one day you need to cook vegetables, but they have gone bad or you have undergone a long trip to get to the kitchen, we propose some tricks that will help you get a tasty and perfectly cooked dish.

Make it easy

Beginners should go for easy dishes if they are new to cooking. On their own, most vegetables taste great, even raw! The best way to make most leafy vegetables, such as kale, taste great is to cook them at a very low temperature for a very short period with some olive oil, salt, and garlic. Dressings have a very strong or pungent taste, which can often overpower the slight taste and texture of most vegetables, so they should be used only for the strongest, for example, chard or spinach.

It’s all about timing

How to Cook Vegetables C

It is always essential to turn on the hood 10 minutes before cooking boiled, steamed, or sautéed vegetables, to inspect the clock on the hob (and use the timer if necessary), and to look at the color of the ingredients to prevent overcooking. Freshly picked vegetables should have a high sheen and not have lost any of their original colors like green sheen, orange, or yellow.

Moreover, they should not taste bland or greasy. A steam oven can also help you to prepare your vegetables, in addition to your cookware. Since this method does not damage the food, it keeps all of the nutrients and minerals intact.

The color and flavor are also enhanced. According to the food and the result you want, you can choose between 100% steam and baking mode with additional steam. Besides vegetables, you can also prepare meat and fish with great results. Following that, we explain how to cook various vegetables, so that you always find them accurate:

  • You can prepare broccoli buds by boiling, steaming, or sautéing them in a pan, stirring them for about 5-8 minutes to get the perfect texture.
  • To cook carrots with their original color, nutrients, as well as their characteristic crunchy texture, you should boil them for 5 to 10 minutes, steam them for 4 to 5 minutes, or sauté them for 3-4 minutes.
  • Eggplants need to retain their magnificent purple color. The process is simple: boil them for 5-10 minutes, steam them for 5-6 minutes or sauté them for no more than 3-4 minutes.
  • Red peppers cut into strips. No matter which of the three colors this product presents, its appearance is consistent. In the presence of heat, they soften quickly. The best way to preserve their sweetness is to cook them in a pan which takes about two to three minutes at most.
  • Cooking spinach is difficult because the texture is lost in seconds. If it is cooked for 2-5 minutes, it should not transfer the green color to the water. During the steaming process, they are cooked for 5-6 minutes, then sautéed with garlic and olive oil for 3 minutes. They are delicious and contain iron.
  • Kale or cabbages, for example, have an important complication: Cooking their stems requires more time than cooking their leaves. Separating the stems first and steaming the leaves before adding them is our recommendation. Let’s do everything together for three minutes at a time as the last step.
  • While pumpkins are a fun Halloween decoration, they are not a great candidate for culinary use. Many people think you can cook them like an apple. In reality, they are difficult to cut up, they have a very strong flavor, and they will quickly go from “cooking” to “boiling” in water.

Cookware suggestions from Gordan Ramsay

How to Cook Vegetables Correctly 9After cooking your vegetables, you still have work to do. After shaking them thoroughly, they will not cook anymore. You may wish to do this step, especially if you are going to use the vegetable for a salad. The same applies to boiled or steamed vegetables. It’s easy to prepare a dish in advance and serve it hours later without worrying about it spoiling or losing its properties by simply shaking it. Squeezing those delivers more flavor, texture, and color.

In a bowl, mix water, a lot of ice, and half a tablespoon of salt. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the vegetables from the pot to the ice bath after they have simmered for a while. After a minute, put them on a plate and serve.

And now for a special treat:

Stir fry that can be easily done and quickly cooked in your kitchen. If you are tired of take-outs and pizza nights, simply prepare this supper from a skillet in just a few minutes. Get all your food groups in one delicious, tangy bowl filled with so much flavor.

snow-peasSHRIMP AND SNOW PEA STIR-FRY: This can be ready in fifteen minutes and this simple stir-fry adds a fresh flavor with herbs and spices. If you desire to kick up more flavor from it, just add a tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger and serve over hot steaming brown rice or soba noodles. The preparation time is estimated at five minutes while the cooking time is at six minutes.

This recipe can make only two servings, but if you are serving more people, simply double the ingredients to make more.

INGREDIENTS:

One teaspoon of olive oil
3/4 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
One small garlic clove, minced
One cup of trimmed snow peas
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Two green onions, thinly sliced
Two teaspoons fresh lemon juice (1/2 small lemon)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper

THE PROCEDURE:
First of all, prepare all your ingredients according to the instruction on the list of ingredients above. Make sure to wash all your vegetables before cutting and slicing them into the required sizes, most are in bite sizes for easy cooking. Line up your ingredients in separate piles close to your stove for easy reach when frying. For best results, use fresh vegetables and new oil, never use used oil in stir frying because it alters the expected flavor we are creating. How to Cook shrimp Correctly

Once you are ready to fry, begin to heat oil in a large skillet or work high heat on your stove. Best if you swirl the oil to coat the pan.

Then you can now add the shrimp with the garlic and stir to fry for five minutes until the shrimp changes color to pink.

Then add the snow peas and the remaining ingredients and stir fry for another thirty seconds. Make sure that the veggies are crisp-tender before you remove the dish from the pan.

Taste-test the veggies and season with salt and black pepper according to taste.

cooking steamed rice

 

 

Serve immediately while hot with hot steaming rice.

 

 

 


 

The Power of Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium

About Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium

A balanced diet includes all the essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. There’s no way that you can skip or replace one for another. Even carbohydrates are necessary for the body, even though you might reduce the intake for losing weight or other health goals. One of the essential minerals for the body is potassium. Just like other minerals, people often take potassium intake for granted.

In this post, we will talk about the benefits of potassium in detail, along with quick tips and suggestions on the right intake, sources, and other aspects.

Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium 3The Basics:

Potassium helps in maintaining fluid balance in the body and helps in keeping the major organs healthy. It is extremely essential for avoiding several chronic health issues, related to the heart, brain, and nerves. Having the mineral in your diet is extremely crucial, especially because it aids in lowering blood pressure, which is an enormous risk for heart disease. Potassium and sodium often work in different wants, as sodium promotes the retention of fluids, which can result in higher blood pressure. With enough potassium in the diet, you can reverse the effects. It is also known to be beneficial for bone health and can protect your body from bone loss. It is also helpful in reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Potassium Daily Amount:

Experts advise around 4,700 milligrams of potassium each day for grown adults. However, if you check the figures, the amount taken by men and women is much lower. According to WebMD, men in the US get around 3,200 milligrams of dietary potassium per day, while women get around 2,400 milligrams on average. The deficiency is mostly related to junk food habits. Most people don’t eat enough fruits and veggies each day, which are the primary sources of dietary potassium.

Where to Get Your Potassium?

Unlike other supplements, you should get your potassium from the diet. Potassium can be found in many foods that are high in other minerals and nutrients. Some of the highest sources of potassium include winter squash, sweet potato, potato, yogurt, fruit juices, broccoli, and banana. If you are a non-vegetarian, you can get pork tenderloin and chicken breast too. Lentils, milk, and dairy products also have a good amount of potassium. Besides food, you can also get potassium from vitamin-enhanced water and other beverages with better ph. You might want to replace your regular drinking water with high-quality alkaline water.Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium 4

Please note that certain drugs that are used for lowering blood pressure can increase the levels of potassium in the body. If you have issues with your kidney function, your doctor might advise reducing the intake of potassium. Those who take medications should talk to their physician about how the drugs and medicines can impact the potassium levels of the body. Don’t shy away from asking questions, especially if you are unsure of the actual amount of mineral you need. Also, if you have a potassium deficiency, talk to your doctor about supplements!

Calcium:

Calcium is essential for your bones, and one study has revealed that it can also help in losing weight. Most dairy products, especially cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt are high sources of natural calcium. If you are a non-vegetarian, sardines can be your best pick. Keep in mind that you don’t need more than 500 milligrams of calcium per day. For certain health conditions, you may need to take additional supplements, but do talk to your doctor before starting any medication.

Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium 2Magnesium:

Magnesium is vital for the transmission of different nerve impulses and helps in regulating the temperature of the body. It also helps in maintaining the natural energy in the body and is vital for bones and teeth. Health experts have time and again emphasized the significance of having magnesium, zinc, potassium, and calcium in the diet. Besides being vital for the different functions of the body, magnesium also helps in the absorption of calcium too. Women should focus on the intake of this mineral, as it helps in keeping osteoporosis away and can offer relief from menopause symptoms. It is known to aid with common premenstrual symptoms. Magnesium also helps in protein synthesis in the body and can help in the absorption of other minerals. It works wonders on the muscles and can also reduce the impact of common health issues such as hypertension, sleep disorders, and headaches related to migraines. People who do not ensure enough intake of magnesium have a greater risk of type-2 diabetes.

Other tips that matter:

  • If you think you aren’t getting enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium, do not start popping supplements immediately. Always consult your doctor, if you have any health issues or concerns.

  • Keep a check on your diet and water. Besides including the foods, we have mentioned above, you can also go for alkaline and vitamin-enhanced water. You will find high-pH water in the market, which is rich in all of these minerals.

  • Extreme supplements can cause many side effects. For example, potassium supplements are known to cause diarrhea and stomach irritation, while excessive magnesium supplements can lead to nausea, vomiting, and low heart rate. Too much calcium can lead to kidney damage, constipation, and urination issues.

Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium veggiesIdeally, your focus should be on eating a natural diet at all times. Most veggies and leafy foods have the right amount of these three minerals, and with a little increase in your non-vegetarian protein intake, you can ensure that the minimum requirements are met.

Several other micronutrients are necessary for the proper function of the body vitamin E, calcium, Iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. These can be obtained from fresh fruits, green vegetables, and dairy products like milk, paneer, curd, egg, fish, etc. These days natural health supplements are also available in the market in packaged form. These can be used within 1 to 2 days of packaging.

These products can be immensely beneficial to people who are unable to meet their nutrition requirements through diet because of medical constraints, allergies, or mere diet imbalances.

 

Eating Well for Optimal Health

Good Nutrition as part of a Healthy Lifestyle

It’s a sad fact that about one-third (1/3) of American adults are overweight; due mainly to sugar and fructose intake. But wait, people can change that by adopting a lifestyle with the right diet. It’s important to know how fat is deposited in the body so that you understand how to make the body lose it. Your body needs food to obtain the necessary energy to function and feed its cells.

The calories in food have energy, commonly referred to as calories. The more calories food contains, the more fuel the body can obtain from it. Good Nutrition as part of a Healthy Lifestyle

To use the energy from the food, your body has to digest the food first. The process of digestion causes the body to burn some old energy to get new energy from the food. More energy/calories are burned if it’s more difficult to digest the food.

The body’s fuel is categorized as protein, carbohydrates, or fats. This fuel nourishes the body and keeps the body functioning. The leftover calories are eventually stored in the fat cells. Your body uses a part of the food’s fuel for nutrition. The excess fuel is eventually stored up as fat in the “fat cells” of your body, around the kidneys and liver.

Lose WeightFat cells are often deposited in the chest, hips, and waist region. As the cells become bigger, your physique acquires a doughy look. The body has a limited number of fat cells, and there is only so much fat these cells can store. Once the threshold is reached, fat begins to accumulate in the muscle lining of your arms and thighs, creating unsightly, flabby limbs.

EAT FAT-BURNING FOODS All foods can create fat, but certain foods can help burn fat. Some foods have minerals or vitamins that raise metabolism and act as virtual fat burners. There are negative-calorie foods with low calories that burn extra calories during digestion. Other foods, even if you eat them in small quantities, give you a feeling of fullness.

They contain very few calories. You will significantly reduce the fat profile of your body if you consume the right whole foods. By eating these fat-burning foods at the right time, in the correct amount, the body fat profile starts to reduce. Add in foods that lower the likelihood of fat depositing in your body for an extra boost.

Here is a list of everyday foods that double as secret fat burners.

Poultry Salmon, Tuna, Citrus Fruits, Apples, Berries, Oatmeal, Vegetables, Beans, Eggs, Almonds & Walnuts, Pine Nuts

ADD FAT BOOSTERS TO YOUR DIET

Mustard, Onions, Coconut Oil, Hot Peppers, Green Tea

INCREASE WATER INTAKEINCREASE WATER INTAKE

Help your body to reduce fat deposits by drinking more water. The kidneys do not function correctly without enough water intake. If they don’t work properly, some of the load is discarded into the liver. If the liver is doing the kidney’s work, it can’t concentrate on its’ main job of metabolizing fat. More fat will remain in the body and fat burning stops. So drinking the right amount of water improves metabolism and keeps your fat burning at full capacity. Water also flushes out toxins and improves the body’s ability to stay healthy.

BUILD MUSCLES

Keep your metabolism active and help burn calories. Adding muscle improves your body’s fat composition ratio. Because muscles are active tissue that continually renews itself, it always needs calories. While normal cardio burns fat only during exercise, weight training builds muscle to ensure that body fat continues to burn throughout the day.  Healthy Lifestyle 3

The main source of energy for muscles is fat. So, even when relaxing or sleeping, you continue to burn calories. The more muscle mass on your frame the more positive effect on your metabolism. It’s important to do weight-resistant exercises to build muscle and to avoid your metabolism from getting sluggish and packing on fat.

To have a healthy diet, it is necessary to follow a healthy eating plan. As it is crucial to know what the right food is, it is even more crucial to know what food not to eat. An appropriately designed healthy eating plan will serve you with all the essential nutrients required and makes your body used to the diet having a goal of calorie intake, which prevents overweighting. Most healthy eating plans have the following ingredients: Fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, herbs, and nuts. All such food items will give you the required nutrients your body demands.

Sometimes many herbs and supplements are added to a normal diet which can give many benefits. When choosing a supplement, it is advisable to be vigilant. Having too many, of the wrong or bad quality supplements can do more harm than good.

Good Nutrition as part of a Healthy LifestyleFollowing a healthy eating plan and detoxifying will make a difference in your health. When it comes to any diet or detox plan, there is no formula where “one-size-fits-all. Your body will let you know of the first signs of change for the better. Follow your instinct, and you are on the way to better health.

Now you have the secrets to a beautifully toned body in the palm of your hands. The only thing standing in the way of a lean sexy physique is you. Adopt these fat-burning secrets into your lifestyle and you will see results in a matter of weeks. The right diet plan will show you how to combine fat-burning foods to keep your body from melting away the flab.

There are countless delicious recipes to make the switch painless. Add a weight-lifting exercise regime and you will sculpt your body into an object of desire. And last; fasting is a great option to regaining your health.

The New You is ready to Emerge!

 

Mediterranean Diet: A Pathway to Optimal Health

A Model for Good Health -Mediterranean Diet 

Mediterranean Diet  When the heart disease rate in the United States was skyrocketing during the early 1960s, people in Greece had some of the lowest heart disease rates in the world. But the most remarkable fact about this is that they were enjoying this robust good health even though their diet racked up nearly 40% of its calories from fat plus they generally washed down their meals with a glass or two of wine.

Scientists searched the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and they discovered that it was not only the Greece people who were living longer but also in neighboring nations like France, Italy, and Spain. These folks were onto something, but what?

Mediterranean DietHere is what Christopher Gardner, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center in Stanford, California has to say about it: “For one thing, the traditional Mediterranean diet includes a lot of vegetables and legumes, along with fruits, fresh whole-grain bread, dates, and nuts. Meats like lamb and chicken are consumed infrequently and in small portions, and the main source of fat in the diet is monounsaturated fat from olives and olive oil, rather than the saturated fat from animal foods. In addition, physical activity is a big part of their daily routine”, he adds.

But just how healthy is the traditional Mediterranean diet? In one study French researchers looked at 600 men who recently had a heart attack. They put half of the men on a traditional Mediterranean diet and half of them on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that people with heart disease are typically told to follow. Those who followed the traditional Mediterranean diet had a 70% lower rate of recurrent heart problems than those following the prudent low-fat diet.

Other studies showed similar results. When researchers examined the diets and disease rates of people in seven different countries, they found that, while heart disease accounts for 46% of deaths of middle-aged men in America, only 4% of men on Creta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, had similar problems. The death rate from all causes in Crete during this 15-year study was lower than that of the other countries

In 2006, researchers reviewed 35 experimental studies of the Mediterranean diet and found that the diet had a positive effect on cholesterol and insulin resistance. Researchers also found that the diet also lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart attack and heart disease, and the risk of cancer in obese patients and patients who have had a heart attack.

low-fat dietOne study found that, in addition to the health benefits. people find it easier to stick to a Mediterranean diet compared with a low-fat diet. A group of 772 older adults in Spain who had diabetes or three or more risk factors for heart disease were assigned to one of three groups. Two groups followed a Mediterranean diet, and the third followed a low-fat diet. In addition to the Mediterranean diet contributing to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels after three months, it also made it easier for the study participants to maintain the diet, researchers say.

The Fat Factor The most important factor in the Mediterranean diet is that it uses fat from olive oil, with a total fat intake of 25 to 35 percent of total calories. Even though people in Mediterranean countries eat as much fat as we do (or more), they eat relatively little meat. Red meat is eaten only a few times a month, while fish and poultry are eaten every week.

This means that they consume only minuscule amounts of artery-clogging saturated fat. “The big difference comes from limiting saturated fat and replacing it with monounsaturated fat, like olive oil,” Dr. Gardner says. Besides olive oil being a monounsaturated fat, it also contains antioxidant compounds that help prevent chemical changes in the body that can cause the dangerous low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to stick to the lining of artery walls. Sweet desserts made with sugar and saturated fat are consumed no more than a few times a week.

Mediterranean Diet-nutsThe second-most common source of fats in the Mediterranean diet is nuts and seeds. Nuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts to the same kind of heart-healthy fats we find in fish ( which is also part of the Mediterranean diet). Studies have proved that people who eat the most of these fatty acids are the ones least likely to get heart disease.

The fish that people in the Mediterranean eat contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce clotting and inflammation in the arteries, thus significantly reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association reports that epidemiological and clinical trials have shown that cardiovascular disease incidence decreases when people consume omega-3 fatty acids, especially when it comes from fish and plant foods as opposed to supplements.

Physical activity People in Mediterranean countries also take plenty of exercises, in the form of walking, hard physical labor, and generally staying active. So even though they take a lot of calories from fat, they’re usually able to keep their weight under control.

Five-a-Day Protection The folks at the American Heart Association would be delighted if they could get us to eat the five servings (or more) of fruits and vegetables that people in the Mediterranean region eat every day. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes seasonally fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables over highly processed foods that don’t contain as many micronutrients and antioxidants. Studies have shown that people who eat the most fruit and vegetables have fewer problems with heart disease. Presumably, this is due to the antioxidant vitamins and healing compounds in these foods.

heart diseaseIn addition, fruits, vegetables, and beans, which are another Mediterranean staple, are among the best sources of folate, a B vitamin that may work hard in the fight against heart disease, says D. Gardner. Folate helps decrease levels of an amino acid called homocysteine. There is a link between too much homocysteine and heart disease. Research has shown that healthy people who have high levels of homocysteine have about 14 times more chance of having heart disease

High Fiber On top of all that, the Mediterranean diet is extremely high in fiber. High-fiber foods not only help to keep your weight down by filling you up without a lot of fat and calories, but they also help block the absorption of certain fats and cholesterol. This means that some of these harmful substances are flushed away before they can make it into the bloodstream. How powerful the effects of fiber are shown in a study of nearly 44,000 men, aged between 40 and 75, who added just 10 grams of fiber a day to their diet decreased their risk of heart disease by almost 30 percent.

A Drink for Good Health Another factor that contributes to a healthy heart is the fact that wine, especially red wine, is also included in a typical Mediterranean diet. Whine contains compounds called phenols that help prevent LDL cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. It also keeps platelets in the blood from sticking together and causing clots. “In moderation, wine can be a nice addition to a healthy diet,” says Robert M. Russell, MD, director and senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston.

Mediterranean Diet 3Final Thoughts Although the Mediterranean diet is most renowned for its role in helping to keep the heart healthy, it also appears to reduce the risks of other health threats, among them cancer of the breast and colon. Studies show that compared with women elsewhere in the world, women in some Mediterranean countries have half the risk (or less) of getting breast cancer. This could be due to their low intake of saturated fat and high intake of monounsaturated fats, fruits, and vegetables.

Indeed, Italian researchers have found that people in the Mediterranean region who follow the traditional diet – that is, those who eat lots of fruits and vegetables and not much fat and protein – are less likely to get cancer than those who eat more modern, less-healthful diets.

“The message here is simple,” says Dr. Christopher Gardner. “For optimal health, choose a plant-based diet, which is naturally high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, and low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium.”

-Thanks for your insight Adrian Joele.

 

Achieving Optimal Wellness Through Healthy Habits

Healthy Habits for a Balanced Life

I like to believe there are ten healthy habits one needs to follow to live a balanced life. No matter what I am doing whether on vacation or going about my day-to-day work these healthy habits are important to me. You may be wondering what these habits are. To know more keep on reading. My friends often find me saying that everything in life is about balance. Healthy living is the equilibrium of good habits, not something extreme. So how do we achieve this balance? To start with, we must focus on consistency but don’t rush because consistency takes time. Also, take a step back to disengage from negative self-talk and try to transform that into positive self-talk.

Remember that being obsessed with anything can cause the opposite outcome. Your reality is shaped by your thoughts and when you spend too much time thinking about losing calories, what food to eat, whether or not to use social media, or simply comparing yourself to others, you end up feeling depressed and disconnected from yourself. Changing these negative thoughts into more positive ones is a great healthy habit to try and develop.

Eating healthy foods provided by Mother Nature such as fresh fruits and green vegetables is another must-do if you are trying to develop healthy habits. Cut out processed and packaged foods as much as possible. Think about how you want your day to turn out and do one or two things for your health that will benefit you in the long run.  healthy_foods

Exercising moderately, eating some greens or drinking more water are easy ways to build good habits that you can swear by. Be mindful at all times and realize it’s not about yesterday or tomorrow; it’s about where you are today and at this moment – it’s all about now. Now that we have a basic understanding of what healthy habits seem like and how you can find that equilibrium in your life, let’s dive into a list of ten good habits that will make your well-being a priority.

Change your mindset.

Think of your health as a lifestyle change and a daily balancing act.

  1. Sleep sufficiently and in good time. Your body undergoes necessary repairs when you sleep. Physical and psychological repair takes place from 10 pm to 6 am.
  2. Be patient. It takes roughly ninety days to create a new habit. So develop patience and learn to love yourself through the process of change.
  3. Read voraciously. Educate yourself on spiritual practices, gain knowledge about the foods you eat, read about the lives of wellness masters – there are so many kinds of literature out there.
  4. Be mindful of your energy system. Think of your body as particles of energy and ponder over what kind of fuel you want to use to keep it functioning. Do you really want coke and chips to get into your system? I hope not because they will eventually break down your system.
  5. Hydrate often. Drink good quality water. If you like, you can add some lemon or other fruits to it to drink more frequently.
  6. Eat healthily. Consume natural foods and stay away from processed, packaged food. At least, 80 to 90% of the time, your food intake should be healthy.
  7. Don’t feel guilty. When you do eat food that is not good for your health, don’t kill yourself with guilt. Remember balance is important so once in a while, you can break away from your mundane diet and incorporate some junk in it until, of course, you’ve mastered the habit of eating well.
  8. Move around. Exercise is the best medicine – even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk or as complex as working out at the gym. Your body is meant for movement. Being in nature is one of the best things you can do for your body.
  9. Know yourself. Get to the root of why you’re self-sabotaging if you are and foster a more loving relationship of self-worth with yourself.

 

Eat Healthy – Be Well.

cherries_very_healthy

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Air Fryer Magic: Perfectly Cooked Veggies Every Time

Cook Vegetables in an Air Fryer

Cooking in an air fryer is a hit, especially when we talk about vegetables. This is because vegetables are very sensitive to heat the air fryer works best; therefore, in addition to being a very healthy food, we must know how to cook it properly to maximize its nutritional benefits.Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity

If one day you need to cook vegetables, but they have gone bad or you have undergone a long trip to get to the kitchen, we propose some tricks that will help you get a tasty and perfectly cooked dish. Cooking in an air fryer recipe works for almost all vegetables.

Beginners should go for easy dishes if they are new to cooking. On their own, most vegetables taste great, even raw! The best way to make most leafy vegetables, such as kale, taste great is to cook them at a very low temperature for a very short period with some olive oil, salt, and garlic. Dressings have a very strong or pungent taste, which can often overpower the slight taste and texture of most vegetables, so they should be used only for the strongest, for example, chard or spinach.

It’s all about timing

It is always essential to turn on the hood 10 minutes before cooking boiled, steamed, or sautéed vegetables, to inspect the clock on the hob (and use the timer if necessary), and to look at the color of the ingredients to prevent overcooking. Freshly picked vegetables should have a high sheen and not have lost any of their original colors like green sheen, orange or yellow.

Moreover, they should not taste bland or greasy. An air fryer can also help you to prepare your vegetables, in addition to your cookware. Since this method does not damage the food, it keeps all of the nutrients and minerals intact.

The color and flavor are also enhanced. According to the food and the result you want, you can choose between 100% steam and baking mode with additional steam. Besides vegetables, you can also prepare meat and fish with great results. Following that, we explain how to cook various vegetables, so that you always find them accurate:

You can prepare broccoli buds by boiling, steaming, or sautéing them in a pan, stirring them for about 5-8 minutes to get the perfect texture.

To cook carrots with their original color, nutrients, as well as their characteristic crunchy texture, you should boil them for 5 to 10 minutes, steam them for 4 to 5 minutes, or sauté them for 3-4 minutes.

Eggplants need to retain their magnificent purple color. The process is simple: boil them for 5-10 minutes, steam them for 5-6 minutes or sauté them for no more than 3-4 minutes.

Red peppers are cut into strips. No matter which of the three colors this product presents, its appearance is consistent. In the presence of heat, they soften quickly. The best way to preserve their sweetness is to cook them in a pan which takes about two to three minutes at most.

Cooking sweet potatoes with salt and pepper. During the steaming process, they are cooked for 5-6 minutes, then sautéed with garlic and olive oil for 3 minutes. They are delicious and contain iron.

Kale or cabbages, for example, have an important complication: Cooking their stems requires more time than cooking their leaves. Separating the stems first and steaming the leaves before adding them is our recommendation. Let’s do everything together for three minutes at a time as the last step.

While pumpkins are a fun Halloween decoration, they are not a great candidate for culinary use. Many people think you can cook them like an apple. In reality, they are difficult to cut up, they have a very strong flavor, and they will quickly go from “cooking” to “boiling” in water.

air fryer

After cooking your vegetables, you still have work to do. After shaking them thoroughly, they will not cook anymore. You may wish to do this step, especially if you are going to use the vegetable for a salad. The same applies to boiled or steamed vegetables. It’s easy to prepare a dish in advance and serve it hours later without worrying about it spoiling or losing its properties by simply shaking it. Squeezing those delivers more flavor, texture, and color.

In a bowl, mix water, a lot of ice, and half a tablespoon of salt. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the vegetables from the pot to the ice bath after they have simmered for a while. After a minute, put them on a plate and serve.

The Best Energy Boosters to Keep You Going

Top 5 Energy Boosters

With so many ads about which superfoods are best, it can be confusing to decipher what’s a scam and what’s the truth. That’s why I compiled a list of the top five energy-boosting foods that will give you true, lasting energy to keep you hopping all day! Oatmeal

Oats contain the energizing and stress-lowering B vitamin family, which helps transform carbs into usable energy. Oats are also low on the glycemic index because they have a lot of fiber. That means that your body gets a steady stream of energy, as opposed to a short-term spike, because the carbohydrates gradually flow into your bloodstream.oatmeal

The key here is to look for high-fiber oatmeal, like oat bran. For the best nutrition kick, avoid instant oatmeal and stick with more natural varieties, then add your own sweetness.

  • Lentils

Beans are a great source of fiber, which translates to a slow release of glucose, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. Lentils help reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, and they’re low in fat and calories to boot.

  • Bananas banana

Bananas provide a lot of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Unlike some nutrients, the body doesn’t store potassium for long periods of time. This means that your potassium level can drop during times of stress or during strenuous exercise when the nutrient is lost through excessive sweating. The sugar in bananas is an easily digested form of carbohydrate. Other fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches and pineapples also make great energizing and refreshing snacks. We all know we need to be eating more fruits in our diet!

  • Chocolate

Studies show that chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, and improve longevity. Chocolate contains sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories so consume in moderation. When possible, opt for dark chocolate or raw cacao for the highest source of antioxidants.

  • Almonds

These little guys are great if you’re looking to improve your focus and mental clarity. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s that produce an alert mental state.

  • Healthy Fats

Other healthy fats to include in your diet are avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and fish oil. Of course, you’ll want to check with your health practitioner before making drastic changes to your diet. healthy oils

Incorporating these foods into your daily menu takes some planning, so here are some ideas you can use to ensure you’ll have all the energy you need every day.

Breakfast

* Smoothies: For breakfast, a banana fruit smoothie is a quick and easy way to get the potassium your body requires for normal function. In a blender, combine a small banana, some frozen berries of your choice, ice, 1/2 cup low fat milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla. You can also add a tablespoon of peanut butter or some raw cacao powder as well. If dairy is off the list for then I suggest you use almond – coconut – or another substitute of your choosing.

* Oatmeal: If you need a quick breakfast, you may not always think of oatmeal, or you may think of instant oatmeal, which isn’t as nutritious. Some companies are making instant oatmeal healthier by not adding as much sugar and artificial flavoring, but you’ll always want to compare the sugar and fiber amounts across a few different brands to find the most nourishing oatmeal.

* Cereals: Another great alternative to a bowl of hot oatmeal is bran and muesli cereals. They contain a lot of the energy boosting nutrients of oatmeal, and often contain healthy nuts and dried fruits as well.

Snacks

* Almonds: These nuts are perfect as a mid afternoon snack. Grab a handful and take them to work with you in a snack cup or baggie.

* Dark Chocolate: When you’re feeling sluggish, a small dark chocolate bar is all you need for a great pick me up that will last longer than an hour or two.

Dinner Side Dishes

* Beans: Lentils are a great side dish to enhance many dinner entrees such as tacos and burgers. You can also make lentils a main dish by combining several types into one dish as a bean soup or bean casserole served with cornbread. Another way to eat lentils is to add some pepper and melted shredded cheese as part of a healthy lunch.


Working these naturally energizing foods into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little imagination and effort, you can have all the energy you need to stay awake and alert throughout the entire day!

 

The Benefits of Fasting: How to Fast Safely and…

Fasting Facts and how to do it Safely

People have been fasting for thousands of years for religious and health reasons, and some regard it as a weight loss tool. You’ve probably seen headlines about celebrities drinking exotic fruit juices to prepare for movie roles, and heard friends talking about their weekly fast days.

Fasting is still controversial among medical experts. If you’re trying to decide whether to give up food for weight loss or other purposes, consider these suggestions for staying safe while you fast.

fasting
fasting

Deciding to Fast

1. Losing weight. Any diet extremely low in calories will cause you to lose weight quickly, but you’re likely to gain it right back. That’s because you lose water and muscle mass, and your metabolism slows down. When you resume eating, you may gain weight while consuming the same amount of food you used to be able to manage.

2. Detoxify your body. Some diet books claim that fasting will purify your system and remove environmental pollutants. Most doctors believe that your liver and other organs do that job automatically.

3. Feel empowered. The stigma associated with being overweight can create a difficult relationship with food. You may appreciate the experience of control that comes with brief fasting.

4. Practice your religion. Many faiths include rituals based on fasting. Practitioners say it heightens their awareness and brings them closer to the divine.

5. Prepare for medical treatment. Listen to your doctor when they give you directions not to eat before certain medical tests or surgery. Proper treatment may require establishing an accurate baseline or giving your body a break from digesting food.

6. Live longer. A large body of research supports a connection between consuming fewer calories and extending your life span. The tradeoffs may be worth it for you.

Techniques for Fasting Safely

1. Drink liquids. Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns during any extreme diet. If you feel dizzy or confused, drink more water, and see your doctor if the symptoms continue.

2. Clarify your terms. There are many different kinds of fasts. Most healthy individuals can handle consuming nothing but water for up to 2 days. Fasts that allow liquid calories or eating at certain hours may be feasible for longer periods.

3. Alternate days. Alternate-day fasting is a hot trend since a British TV doctor wrote a book about his experience. You may want to experiment with his formula for five days on and two days off.  Intermittent Fasting

4. Study nutrition. If you’re trying to take off weight, keep in mind that fasting is a temporary and intense approach. In the long term, it’s important to understand how to eat healthily to stay in shape. Pick up a book on nutrition and try out new recipes for vegetables.

5. Watch for side effects. In addition to dehydration, there can be other consequences to fasting. Look out for bad breath, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. You may find it helpful to decrease your level of physical activity and postpone tasks that require heavy thinking.

6. Know your risks. Some adults need to avoid fasting altogether, including pregnant women and those who suffer from diabetes. The bottom line is that there are many diets more effective than fasting if you’re trying to lose weight.

On the other hand, you may have other good reasons to stop eating temporarily. In that case, fasting may be good for your body and soul, as long as you talk with your doctor and take precautions that will keep you safe while you cut out calories.

Going Raw: A Guide to Implementing a Raw-Food Diet

Implement a Raw-Food Diet

As you hear more and more about the impact your eating has on your health and longevity, you may be considering a raw-food diet. While this lifestyle could be quite different from your usual fare, you might find that you thrive on eating mostly raw foods.

What exactly is a raw food diet? In general, it means eating only things that are in a completely natural state. This means foods that have not been processed or cooked. For some folks, this can even include raw meat, though many raw-food advocates do not eat meat, other than perhaps a little sushi.

raw food diet
Raw vegan is very good!

These tips will help you make the conversion:

1. List acceptable foods that appeal to you. There are numerous books and websites available with lists of foods that conform to the principles of the diet. You’re likely to find a lot of foods you’ve never considered. Make a long list so you can provide yourself with a wide variety of foods and flavors!

2. Go shopping. Budgeting accurately may be challenging at first. While much of the food you’re likely to buy won’t be expensive, there will be a lot of it. Most raw foods don’t offer a lot of calories; you’ll be surprised how much you might need to eat.

* Avoid over-shopping, though; many of the foods won’t last as long as many processed foods.

3. Start slowly. If you’re not used to eating a lot of fruit, getting carried away might cause more than a little gastric upset. Introduce the raw foods slowly. Substitute a raw food item at each meal for something you didn’t typically eat raw. Continue adding foods over a week or two, until you’re 100% raw.

4. Throw out your processed foods. One way to be almost certain to fall off the wagon is to have other food readily available. We all have moments of weakness, so prepare for yours. Friends, family, and food banks will likely take what you no longer want to eat.

* If you have others in the house who won’t be eating raw, at least try to get rid of the items you’ll find most tempting.

5. Take a good multivitamin. Certain nutrients may be unavailable with a raw diet, and Vitamin B-12 is the classic example. Even if you’re not eating vegan and you usually scoff at manufactured supplements, talk to your doctor before you dismiss the idea.

6. Remember to get enough protein. Protein is another major nutrient you might lack if you’re not careful. Eating balanced meals is just as important as ever.

7. Keep adjusting until your diet is right for you. Assess how you feel. Are you losing weight? Are you losing too much weight? Are there other foods you’d like to try? Are there foods you’d like to eliminate?

8. Give raw foods for at least 30 days. If you can go 30 days without cheating, you should have an excellent idea of whether or not a raw-food diet is something that you want to continue. Any foods eaten outside of the diet will tend to interfere with an accurate assessment.

If a raw-food lifestyle is something you want to try, give the above steps a shot. Changing dietary habits is frequently a challenge; our bodies and minds get used to certain foods. Expect some challenging times over your first 30 to 60 days. However, keep in mind that medical data indicates that our dietary choices have a huge impact on our health.

 

Maybe a raw-food diet is an answer for you. Try it.

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