Showing posts with label health corner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health corner. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Tips to keep your body young


                  What to do to keep your body young


These 12 strategies will help you find your sweet spot. It's that place where you're giving your body what it needs, and it's repaying you by looking and feeling tip-top.

Eat the rainbow
Eat your greens... and your reds, oranges, yellows and purples. Nutritionists know that the natural nutrients and chemicals which are responsible for giving fruit and vegetables their gorgeous bright colours protect us from numerous health disorders, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and premature aging. The hundreds of different antioxidants help to mop up harmful free radicals before they damage cells and make us look old before our time, so always try to eat a wide variety of fruit and veg to reap the benefits.

Keep calm and carry on
If you're an excessive worrier, or if there is just too much stress in your life, then you could be at risk of making yourself ill and looking haggard before your time. Scientists say there is a direct link between emotional strain and premature aging; chronic stress appears to shrivel the tips of genes inside cells, shortening their life span and hastening the body's deterioration. Try to tackle the source of your anxiety head on, while meditation, exercise and yoga can also help you to relax.

Eat oily fish
Eating oily fish - such as fresh tuna, salmon and mackerel - can keep you disease-free and your skin from aging prematurely. Fish like these contain long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which experts know can prevent heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Your two portions a week may also protect your eyesight in old age. Boffins from the University of California, San Francisco, found that these fatty acids stop DNA from unravelling, causing cell damage.

Sun factor
Unless you want to arrive at middle-age looking like a prune's handbag, then it's not enough just to religiously apply moisturiser every day. Your skin is at constant risk of sun damage, even in the mild British climate where the sun doesn't often feel hot. Ultra-violet rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage cells, causing the skin to peel away and replenish - though the permanent damage has already been done. Make sure you apply lotion that comes with added SPF (at least 15), especially to your face and neck.

Find love
Easier said than done, perhaps, but studies show that having sex regularly while in a happy, loving relationship, helps to keep us looking young. One piece of research, by neuro-psychologists at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital found that couples who have sex at least three times a week look more than 10 years younger than the average adult who makes love twice a week. They claim that this intense form of pleasure triggers the release of a growth hormone in women which slows the aging process.

Eat for your skin
When you get older, the collagen in your skin is produced more slowly, which means skin cells aren't replenished as quickly as they used to be. Research suggests that a diet that is rich in lycopene and beta-carotene may help to keep skin looking young and glowing. These nutrients mop up free radicals before they can damage - and age - cells. Sweet potatoes, carrots and green leafy vegetables are full of beta-carotene, while tomatoes and watermelons provide the body with a rich bounty of lycopene.

Do yoga Ever seen a yoga instructor with a body you wouldn't die for? There's a reason for that; yoga is one of the best forms of exercise to keep you looking and feeling sprightly. For one thing, it's low impact, so your joints will thank you for hitting the mat rather than pounding the pavement. Yoga also provides elasticity to the spine and corrects bad posture, firms up the skin and strengthens and tones muscles, meaning you'll keep burning calories even when you're not working out. Finally, of course, it's extremely relaxing, so you'll reduce stress levels just by going to a class 2-3 times a week.

Switch to whole grains Despite studies showing that eating whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer by up to 30%, many Brits have no idea what they are and how they give their health such a significant boost. 'Whole grain' means all three parts of the grain have been used, including the outer-layer, which is full of fibre, and the nutrient-rich germ. Whole grains help stop the heart and artery walls from thickening and stiffening, meaning you're less likely to suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease. They also provide a steady supply of energy to cells, including the skin, keeping it looking good and controlling oil production. You should aim to eat around 2-3 servings of whole grain cereal, bread, pasta and other products every day to make the most of these benefits.

Get a good night's sleep
Think the term 'beauty sleep' is a myth? Think again. According to one study carried out in Sweden, people deprived of sleep for long periods appear less attractive and unhealthier than those who are well rested. Over time, this has a huge impact on how youthful you look. Sleep is one of the most rejuvenating treatments around. When you're in the land of nod your cells have a chance to repair and rebuild, whereas sleep deprivation limits this function. Lack of sleep also means you are more susceptible to stress, which can cause the capillaries in your skin to tighten, stopping nutrients from reaching the skin and leaving you looking worn-down and dull.

Herbs for Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar


           Herbs for Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar



The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood changes throughout the day and night. Your levels will vary depending upon when, what and how much you have eaten, and whether or not you have exercised.

According to ADA, the categories of Normal Blood Sugar: ? A normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 110 mg/dl. A diagnosis of diabetes is made if your blood glucose reading is 126 mg/dl or higher. 
? A normal blood glucose range at random is in the low to mid 100s. A diagnosis of diabetes is made if your blood glucose reading is 200 mg/dl or higher. 
? A normal blood glucose reading two hours after drinking the sugar-water solution is less than 140 mg/dl, and all readings between zero to two hours are less than 200 mg/dl. Diabetes is diagnosed if your blood glucose levels are 200 mg/dl or higher.

In an interview of Dr Mark Vinick(4 Jan,2011), regarding the importance of certain herbs and foods for supporting healthy blood sugar levels. He talks about certain herbs helpful in regulation and maintenance of blood glucose level, in this article we talk more about individual herbs and their relevance.
Cinnamon -
                       is used to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Dr. Richard A. Anderson and his colleagues at the Human Nutrition Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture screened extracts of a number of commonly consumed plants to see how well they could mimic the effects of insulin, a protein hormone that is responsible for regulating our blood sugar levels. From a selection of 49 culinary and medicinal plants, they found in laboratory tests that cinnamon was far more effective than any other plant in fulfilling insulin’s appointed role. Further research by Dr. Anderson’s group established that the active component in cinnamon responsible for its insulin-like activity is a water-soluble chemical compound called methylhydroxychalcone polymer, or MHCP. They found that MHCP was highly effective, providing essentially the same biological activity as insulin itself. It was effective not only in increasing the uptake of glucose (blood sugar) by cells, but also of stimulating the synthesis of glycogen, a polymeric form of glucose that is stored primarily in the liver and muscle tissues for use at times of peak energy demand, such as exercise. Type II diabetics should take a quarter to one full teaspoon of cinnamon per day.

Gymnema sylvestre or grumar -
                             is used to support healthy blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, all within existing normal, healthy levels. Research confirm that the leaf's chief ingredient gymnemic acid not only blocks the taste of sugar, but also that of artificial sweeteners. This is because gymnemic acid's molecular structure is similar to that of sugar. If gymnema molecules serve as "sugar stand-ins," the taste buds are satisfied and do not require the real deal. It stands to reason that if your sweet tooth has all but disappeared with this herb, you are less likely to consume high sugar items that will negatively impact your glucose or blood sugar levels. Scientific studies suggest that Gymnema Sylvestre can increase pancreatic function, which can in turn impact the production of insulin and control blood sugar. This ability is promising for managing a host of conditions including diabetes and hypoglycemia. In fact, a 1999 study of Gymnema Sylvestre and the Simulation of Insulin conducted by a group at Kings College showed that the Gymnema Sylvestre leaf can direct certain pancreatic cells to increase their release of insulin.

Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry -
                   also is a powerful rejuvenator and cleanser and tonic at the same time, so it will help with scavenging, eliminating the free radicals that the high blood sugar creates in the body. It stimulates the group of cells which secrete the hormone insulin, thus blood sugar level are reduced in diabetic patient. Chromium available in Amalaki also helps to bring down the blood sugar level. Further the eyesight complications caused by diabetes can be prevented using Amalaki.

Tribulus terrestris or gokshura -
               basically, this is also added many times to help support the kidney and the liver because over time, high blood sugar levels damage these organs also. Gokshura is a herb for hormonal balance, liver stimulation, reducing blood glucose, glucose toxicity impact in diabetics subjects and rejuvenating the urinary tract, kidneys, and reproductive organs.

Turmeric 
               - According to Dr Vinick "It is a spice that is also extremely useful for eliminating free radical damage that can happen as result of excess sugar levels in the body. So, it's a supportive nutrient." According to a study published in PubMed.gov "Administration of turmeric or curcumin to diabetic rats reduced the blood sugar, Hb and glycosylated hemoglobin levels significantly. Turmeric and curcumin supplementation also reduced the oxidative stress encountered by the diabetic rats."

Bitter Melon -
                Researchers believe bitter melon may lower blood sugar by increasing the activity of hexokinase and glucokinase, enzymes in your body that convert sugar into glycogen, which can be stored in your liver and used later for energy. A two-day Indian study published in 1999 examined bitter melon's effect on 100 people with type 2 diabetes. On both days, researchers tested the participants' blood sugar levels in a fasting state and after drinking glucose. Participants took 150 to 200 mi of bitter melon extract on the second day. That day, researchers found that 86 percent of the participants experienced an average 14 percent drop in blood sugar after fasting and after drinking glucose. Diabetics over-produce many fats in the body, including LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and so on. Lipolytic enzymes (lypases) are at least partially blocked by diabetes. So, they also become less able to "burn fat" inside the many kinds of tissues in the body, and tend to produce too much sugar and fat in the liver. Scientific studies reveal that Bitter melon tends to improve all of these processes. To take it, slice the unpeeled fruit lengthwise, remove the seeds, cut it into thin slices, and steam or boil them until the fruit is tender enough to cut with the edge of a spoon. Place the fruit with equal amount of water in a blender and puree for two minutes. Drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup once a day. Or substitute bitter melon juice, found in groceries. Look for the liquid extract in natural food stores; take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon up to three times daily.

Galega officinalis -
               is a plant from the Galega genus of the Faboideae. Galega officinalis has been known since the Middle Ages for relieving the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Upon analysis, it turned out to contain guanidine, a substance that decreases blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance. Chemical derivatives from the biguanide class of medication include metformin (Glucophage, commonly prescribed for diabetics) and the older, withdrawn agent phenformin. This herb actually decreases the cellular resistance to insulin, allowing the cells to utilize the insulin more efficiently in metabolizing glucose. It also decreases the absorption of glucose from the small intestine. It reduces the formation of glucose in the liver, and it increases the uptake and utilization of glucose in the fat and muscle cells throughout the body. Non-insulin dependent diabetics are able to better maintain blood glucose levels closer to the normal range, while insulin dependent diabetics are often able to reduce their insulin dosage and more easily maintain stable levels of the blood glucose.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Free Health Tips for Women to Weight Loss

        10 Easy Tips for Summer Weight Loss



TURN OFF THE TV AND STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER
Multitasking while you eat means you won't be as satisfied, a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found. Some of the study's participants ate while playing computer solitaire, while others ate without distraction. The results? The game-players were worse at remembering what they had eaten—and felt significantly hungrier afterward.



DRINK WISELY
At the end of a hot day, it's easy to down a few frozen margaritas or chilled sangrias just to stay cool. But that's packing on hundreds of calories. If you want a cocktail, instead try tequila and seltzer on the rocks. When a drink doesn't take like a Slurpee (we're looking at you, frozen mango-strawber-rita!) you sip more slowly and take in far fewer calories, says nutritionist Stephen Gullo.


GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
In a recent study, ten overweight volunteers went on a diet while sleeping 8.5 hours a night for two weeks and just 5.5 hours per night for another couple of weeks. (During the day, their diet and activity levels were exactly the same.) In both cases, the average weight loss was 6.5 pounds, but when the group slept less, they lost less fat (1.3 pounds versus 3 pounds), and felt hungrier.

EAT SPICY
Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, speeds metabolism, according to a recent study led by David Heber, a professor of medicine and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at UCLA. Participants received either placebo pills or flavorless capsaicin supplements daily for four weeks. The supplement group burned more fat for several hours after a meal, and they burned about 100 to 200 more calories per day, says Heber. Bonus: Spicy foods may trigger a feeling of fullness sooner than bland foods.


PLAN YOUR MEALS
Thinking through exactly what and when you're going to eat your meals can make you more likely to stick to your diet goals, according to a study in Psychology and Health. In a study designed to encourage healthy eating, all participants ate more fruit for a week, but those who made a concrete plan, wrote it down, and visualized how they were going to carry out the action—when, where, and how they would buy, prepare, and eat fruit—ate twice as much fruit as those who simply tried harder.


SHOW SOME SKIN
As it gets warmer, don't fight the urge to wear a micromini—the short skirt may help prevent you from indulging. "Studies show that women who wear loose-fitting clothes eat more," says nutritionist Jana Klauer.


DON'T LET YOUR SHOES DO THE WORK
Think you can cut your regular mile walk in half because you're wearing toning MBTs or Skechers? Not so fast. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse found no differences in heart rate, calories burned, or muscle activity when study participants wore them versus regular running shoes on a treadmill.


AVOID "DIET" FOODS SWEETENED WITH SUGAR ALCOHOLS
They can cause stomach bloating. (Look for "-ol" endings on ingredients, such as sorbitol.) And it's not just food; even many sugar-free gums and breath mints contain the culprits.


DRINK COFFEE
Studies show that caffeine speeds up metabolism, as do coffee's polyphenols, according to researchers from Japan's Kao Corporation. (Just remember that you can undo the effects if your coffee is covered in whipped cream and caramel.)


STAY MOTIVATED

It's easy to fall off the wagon and stop going to the gym and eating heathfully, but when you need some motivation to stay on track, jump up and down in front of the mirror, nude. "If things are still moving after you've stopped jumping, you'll want to de-jiggle them," says celebrity personal trainer David Kirsch.

It's easy to cover up a few extra pounds with a chunky sweater. But when the temperatures—and the hemlines and shirt sleeves—rise, there's just nowhere for the pudge to hide. Here, ten things that will help get you into summer shape without you ever having to break a sweat.

Free Health Tips for Women


      Free Weight Loss Tips and Guide




The key for you to the decline of weight is actually determing the best equilibrium in between consuming along with spending. Therefore, in case you are burning up your targeted quantity of calories as well as spending more than you take in, you’ll reduce weight. But it’s not too all to easy to loose weight. Sometimes, you retain creating attempts but still don’t get the outcomes. The reason being there are numerous other factors which come in to participate in. You ought to make certain that all yourweight loss efforts are carried out correctly and really should instill practices which can be favorable in order to weight loss. Offered here are some aspects in which influence the weight loss attempts.

Burning Ample Calories??
  • Occasionally individuals overestimate the quantity of caloric they’ve got burnt. All things considered, keeping the a record of the amount of energy you’ve got employed is very hard. When you exercising, the actual energy burnt depend on the kind, period plus the power of the particular exercising. So that you should know these types of, if you wish to uncover the potency of training session. The best way to document the particular timeframe as well as power of exercises are to utilize a log or even heart rate monitor.
  • There are several varieties of workout routines; a number of them entail working in opposition to gravity and some don’t. If you should make your weight treat your drive regarding gravitational pressure an individual burn far more calories. This consists of workout routines such as working, walking, along with aerobic exercise. Physical exercises that don’t have to put out gravitational stress about muscle tissue are floating around and bicycling. Also, if the concentration of physical exercise may differ and then a lot more number of calorie consumption are generally burned up.

Get Sleep
  • Another critical factor that plays a role in weight loss gets satisfactory relaxation or perhaps sleep. Quite a few regulating and hgh are released during the night and while all of us snooze. If you do not get ample snooze as well as relaxation then your launch of these kind of human hormones could easily get afflicted. Also, habits just like keeping way up late at night forces you to snack more often, ultimately causing an increase in consumption of calories.

Anxious..?
  • Panic and anxiety furthermore result in weight achieve and may are available in way of your weight loss targets. Older females are specifically susceptible to this type of weight obtain. Stress may also have an effect on your own sleep, hence limiting your own weight loss. Furthermore, anxiety worsens craving for food. The increased binge adds to extra calorie intake.


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