Posts Tagged ‘diet’

Eating a Low Carb Diet is Easy

Article by Arit Colut

Once upon a time people steered themselves toward food that was rich in carbohydrates. If you wanted to feel energized or were involved in sports, you’d probably look for foods rich in carbs to help your performance. Someone training for an event would fill themselves up on foods such as bread and pasts to give them extra energy. Yet now almost all diets recommend the opposite -that you avoid carbs as much as possible and eat more protein. The notion that carbs are not healthy and should be avoided is, of course, an oversimplification at best. Rather than trying to avoid carbohydrates altogether, it’s best to focus on ones that are healthy and natural, and to eat these in moderate quantities -so a low carb diet, with some modifications, is actually a good idea. Figuring out a good low carb diet takes a little planning, but it’s not hard. Check it out:

When you go out to eat, look for menu items that are roasted. Most menu items are going to be braised or fried but there are usually at least a couple of things that have been roasted instead. You should be able to find a place that cooks their vegetables by roasting. When making a choice if you must have a potato rather than a salad, choose roasted potatoes over French fries. Since you have chosen a low carb diet for getting healthier, you will want to choose roasted foods at a restaurant, because they don’t involve oil, like fried or braised foods do. Natural foods are best. Adopting a low carb diet is particularly challenging for people whose present diet is mainly made up of processed foods. There are foods that are marked “low carb,” but these are also processed foods that aren’t really a satisfactory answer. In fact, many diet foods will just make you want to go back to a high carb diet. You’ll feel much more satisfied if you switch to simpler, all natural foods. Many diet foods are artificially sweetened, which can cause mood swings and energy crashes; instead, try fresh fruits or some protein rich nuts.

How do you feel about pasta? Is it one of your favorite foods? You may be assuming that pasta is incompatible with a low carbohydrate diet. Luckily, you don’t have to give up pasta. You can find many whole grain and gluten free varieties of pasta.

It may take you a while to get used to these, but they are definitely healthier and lower in carbohydrates than those made from wheat flour. Take a look at all the alternative pastas around, or learn how to make them yourself. You can then continue to eat pasta while knowing that you’re eating a healthy, low carb food.

Low carb diets give you many options to choose from. Healthy carbs, in moderation, are quite good for you. It’s important to understand that some carbs are “good” and others “bad.” That’s why it’s not a good idea to try to avoid all carbs. Consulting with a nutritionist or your family doctor is also a good idea, as they can look at you as an individual and make recommendations.

The advantage of going to a professional is that he or she can examine you and talk to you, so you’ll be getting advice that’s specifically for you.

Omega 3 And Pregnancy – What Is The Right Time To Start?

Are you wondering about the relationship that omega 3 and pregnancy share? And what is the right time for you to start having it? Is it before pregnancy, during pregnancy or after pregnancy?
Answer is – the sooner the better and longer the duration you are on omega 3 the healthier it is for you and for your unborn child.

Dosage of omega3 is similar to any other diet where one should maintain the regularity and never exceed the normal limits. Studies have shown that results are much more positive if it is taken regularly over a long period of time. Of all the forms of omega3, DHA is very useful and plays an important role in functional behavior of many of our body organs.

As soon as you get to know the existence of a new life in you – you can start having DHA. Or I would say even before this. This helps you in conceiving too. Once you have conceived it is very important that you maintain the required levels of omega 3 in your body. Fetus is totally dependent on you for all the required nutrients and needs essential fatty acids for the development of brain, eye and nervous system. This required DHA is passed through the placenta to the fetus.

Many females are advised to take omega 3 in their third trimester, as this is the time when brain of fetus develops the most. It has been observed that premature babies have lower levels of DHA. Since they have not gone full term, they get omega 3 benefits for less duration. This is the reason, that omega 3 supplements should not be confined to just third trimester instead should be taken throughout the pregnancy.

A high quality omega 3 and pregnancy is an indomitable blend. You should continue the dosages of DHA after your delivery too, as it keeps both mother and baby healthy.

For the first few months the infant is totally dependent on mother’s milk, it’s all the more important for you to continue your dose of DHA during this period as well. Clinical studies have proved that breast-fed babies have better IQ advantages over babies fed on infant formula without DHA.  It also helps the child in better eye hand coordination and fewer sleep disorders.  Studies have proved that women who are on rich diet of omega 3 have less chances of breast cancer and post natal depression.

Benefits of DHA do not end here; it does a lot more that what we discussed above to you and your family. Visit my website to know more on the <a target=”_blank” href=”http://omega3brief.com”>omega 3 and pregnancy</a> where I have described an effective DHA supplement that I and my family take daily.

Chuck Blake is an active researcher and consumer of fish oil products.Visit his website http://omega3brief.com today to learn more about the powerful benefits of omega-3 fish oils.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/omega-3-and-pregnancy-what-is-the-right-time-to-start-1363626.html

The Secret of Whole Food Supplements

Basically, Food Supplements are kinds of nutritional supplements that are usually made from whole food concentrates. Remember that fact that the typical American diet usually lacks nutrients. In addition, there may be commercial dietary supplements; however, these are usually artificially synthesized or were extracted chemically. In this case, such commercial supplements may in fact still cause nutritional deficiency. In the meantime, Whole Food Supplements are actually made of whole food concentrates. Plus, the process involved in making Whole Food Supplements does not use heat, making it preserve vitamins and other nutrients better.

Nutritional Vitamin Supplements – Whole Food Supplements are the best choice for complete nutritional vitamin supplements. Vitamins are completely necessary for life but do not act in isolation. Shaklee Whole Food Supplements provide not only the vitamins necessary for nutritional support and healing but also provide a number of cofactors and phytonutrients. Coming from concentrated food sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and beans, Whole Food Supplements provide complete, balanced nutrition with the added benefits of alkaloids such as carotenoids and polyphenols along with plant based amino acids which are necessary for proper absorption and utilization of nutritional vitamin supplements. There are literally thousands of phytochemicals beneficial to the human body that are not found in traditional chemically prepared vitamins that are present in their natural state in Whole Food Supplements.

Whole Foods Supplements as Vitamin Supplements – The best choice for complete nutritional vitamin supplements is surely provided by Whole Food Supplements. Remember that vitamins are not acting in isolation, although they may be essential in our diets. The fact is, in addition to nutritional supplements, cofactors and phytonutrients are also provided by Shaklee Whole Food Supplements. The reason why Whole Food Supplements may provide you complete and balanced nutrition is because it actually comes from beans, nuts, vegetables, fruits and grains. In this case, you can enjoy the benefit of carotenoids and polyphenols, in addition to plant based amino acids. Such acids actually help in the absorption and utilization of nutritional vitamin supplements. Phytochemicals that surely benefit your health may be prepared chemically, but Whole Food Supplements actually keeps them in their natural condition.

Whole Food Supplements and Mineral Supplements – In addition, mineral supplements can also be provided by Whole Food Supplements. Take note that Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Copper are required by the body because it helps you to prevent deficiency diseases. In this case, mineral supplements that are commercially manufactured actually uses chemically prepared minerals which are actually insoluble to the body. The advantage of Shaklee Whole Food Supplements is that it gives you those mineral supplements in a preserved natural state, which is made from natural whole foods like vegetables, nuts and grains. Therefore, mineral support and deficiency disease prevention can better be obtained from quality and natural supplements by Shaklee.

With Regards to Herbal Supplements – Also, Whole Food Supplements can also act as herbal supplements. Most commercial herbal supplements use heat extraction process, which actually destroys active ingredients. In addition, it is also a fact that most commercial herbal supplements are only single herbal supplements. In this case, Shaklee herbal supplements retain the form of active ingredients, because they actually use natural whole food processes. Whole plants, flowers, roots and seeds are also used, which helps them give you additional cofactors and alkaloids, making you better in treatment of diseases and balance restoration. These photochemicals are present only in Whole Food Supplements, as compared to traditional supplements.

One of the top retail dealers from USA, Anthony Antolics offers the best customer service and the best online prices on herbal products like mineral supplements, herbal supplements and many more. Log on to the website http://www.thenutritionnurse.com and make your health smarter.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/the-secret-of-whole-food-supplements-1358086.html

How to Compare Fish Oil Supplements

Let’s face it.  When you compare fish oil supplements, you should look at the total omega-3 content, the DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) content, the purity and the freshness, as well as the price.  The cheapest ones are probably not your best bet, but there is no need to pay extra if you aren’t getting anything extra.

In most cases, the high-priced brands don’t provide anything extra.  They cost more because they are heavily advertised or promoted by a celebrity spokesperson.  Either way, the manufacturer is charging extra in order to cover their advertising costs.

Every company has to advertise, these days.  But, billboards, full page magazine ads, television commercials and even radio spots cost a lot more than other types of advertising.  Smart manufacturers know that they get more for their money if they stick primarily with internet advertising and the “nicer” companies pass that savings along to you, the customer.

So, if you recognize the brand name on a supplement as one that has been on diet books or if you recognize the name as one that has been promoted on talk shows, then consider buying another brand.  If you compare fish oil supplements based solely on the quality (the amount of omega-3s, the DHA content, the purity and freshness), you will save money and still get the results that you expect.

Although the brands vary, the average one, these days, contains 1000mg of oils or a gram of fat per serving.  At least 50% of that fat should be omega-3 fat.  You’ll need to check the label or the manufacturer’s website to find out.

At least 28% of the fatty acids should be DHA.  If you compare fish oil supplements from different manufacturers, you will see that most of them are high in Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA.  Some don’t list the individual amount of any of the fatty acids.  The label simply says “contains DHA and EPA”.

The purity and freshness should be proven by a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory.  A number of different laboratories are certified to perform the analyses.  Manufactures do not have the equipment to perform the testing at their facilities.

Of course, the manufacturers have to pay for testing and some of them don’t want to go to the extra expense.  They would rather spend their dollars on ads.  Testing doesn’t cost that much and the manufacturers don’t have to charge much extra to be able to afford the tests.

But, if you compare fish oil supplements that are very low in price, you will find that there is no certificate of analysis available.  You can try contacting the manufacturer to find out what criteria they adhere to for purity and freshness, but that’s a frustrating and time-consuming thing to do.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/how-to-compare-fish-oil-supplements-1352712.html

The Importance of Fish Oil Purity

Boy did I learn a valuable lesson.  Fish oil purity is determined by measuring contaminant levels and the level of oxidation.  We can expect that there will be some level of contamination in the parts per billion or parts per trillion, simply because some of the things that we measure for are naturally occurring substances, such as lead, arsenic and mercury.

We can also assume that there will be some level of oxidation, simply because the oils are not processed immediately after the catch is pulled in.  We can only hope that the level of contaminants and the level of oxidation will be as low as conceivably possible.

If the level of contaminants is very low, in the parts per billion or trillion, there is no risk associated with consuming the oils.  If the level of oxidation is very low, there is no risk of fishy tasting burps or increasing our intake of free radical molecules.

Supplement manufacturers are able to test each batch of oils for contaminants and freshness, but many of them do not, because they are not required to.  As a general rule, you can be more confident about fish oil purity than you can about eating salmon, cod or another species, because it is not possible to test each one for contamination, without rendering it inedible, as long as the supplement manufacturer tests each batch.

In order to let their consumers know that each batch is tested, some manufacturers publish a copy of the laboratory report on their website.  Referred to as a COA or certificate of analysis, it is your guide to choosing a safe supplement.  If the brand that you are thinking about buying does not post a COA, then choose another brand.

The COA will give you more information that that having to do with fish oil purity.  It will also list the total omega-3s that will be found in each capsule, as well as the amount of individual omega-3s; Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid or DHA and EPA.

The average capsule contains 1000mg of oils, but only a portion of that is omega-3 fat.  In the better brands, a minimum of 50% of the fat is omega-3 fat.

Most brands contain more EPA than DHA.  That’s because most species of fish have a higher level of EPA than DHA.  We need both of those fatty acids in our diet, but research indicates that DHA is the most important.

Fish oil purity is a particularly important consideration in some cases.  If contaminants are detected, the manufacturer can use a process called molecular distillation to remove the impurities.  But, molecular distillation also seems to have some effect on the anti-inflammatory activity of the natural triglycerides.

DHA is of great importance to our brains.  Both, EPA and DHA, as well as another called DPA are important to our hearts.  The natural anti-inflammatory activity is important to every cell of our bodies, because inflammation is a cause of cellular aging.

  1. The company website should provide that information.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/the-importance-of-fish-oil-purity-1352718.html

Where to Buy Acai Burn Supplement

For a lot of people, who want to lose weight, they must have heard about Acai burn. For those that aren’t aware, it is a product that is composed of Acai berry extracts and other herbs. There are a lot of people who benefit from this product, especially for weight loss and colon cleansing. The great thing about this product and the reason why people buy Acai burn is the fact that there are no side effects associated with this diet supplement.

There are also other positive effects on your body, including the cleansing of the blood of all free radicals, which then leads to an improvement in the aging process, making you look younger and more youthful. You also tend to become more energetic and full of life because it helps strengthen the immune system.

I am sure that by now, you are beginning to wonder where you can you buy Acai burn. There are actually a lot of places where you could buy this dietary supplement. Aside from health stores and pharmacies, it can also be ordered online.

One way to order this is the company’s main website. It is best that before buying Acai burn, you see if the ingredients are given on the bottle as well as ensuring that there are indeed contact details for the company, in case problems arise. There are some sites that offer trial packs, where all you are required to do is to pay for the shipping fee.

When it comes to purchasing from an authentic website, you can be assured that the products are genuine and not expired. You can also buy Acai burn from other trading/auction websites like eBay and Amazon but this should only be an alternative.

Remember that before spending your money, check if the product is worth it, and it’s wise to take advantage of a free trial. Take advantage of it and see what it can do for your health and body.

If you want more information on where to buy acai burn, and want a code to slash your shipping charge from $4.95 to $1.95, be sure to click here for your free trial!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/where-to-buy-acai-burn-supplement-1351116.html

Fish Oil For Women Can Be A Great Health Benefit

I would like to share with you a few of the many healthful advantages there are for taking fish oil for women. This great supplement consists of essential fatty acids that are necessary for good heart health, stabilizing heart rhythm, lowering artery-clogging triglycerides, and producing a slight drop in blood pressure. A Harvard study showed that eating fish five times a week reduced a woman’s risk of dying from a heart attack by 45%.

Many of us women have had slight problems with depression whether it has been from premenstrual syndrome, feeling blue after having a baby, or during menopause. Dr Joseph Hibbeln, MD, who studies the health benefits of fish at the National Institute of Health has stated that omega3 fatty acids found in fish elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are two chemicals in the brain. His research finds that people who took adequate amounts of fish oil were less likely to have problems with depression and anxiety (Reader’s Digest Sept. ’09).

A manual that has much helpful health information including taking fish oil for women during pregnancy is the book What to Expect When You are Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and others. She states that along with many health benefits for fetal brain development and proper retinal growth, DHA (the omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in this oil) has also been portrayed as a major factor in reducing mood swings in pregnant women as well as decreasing the risk of postpartum depression.

Increased moisture content of the skin, and better strength and texture of a person’s hair have also been attributed as benefits of fish oil. The hair and skin requires good polyunsaturated fats just like the heart does, and responds to an increase in the good fats in our diet by becoming more healthy and vibrant. Many women start taking fish oil for reasons unrelated to skin health and have been pleasantly surprised when they see positive results in more than one area of their body.

I have found it to be difficult to eat enough fish to get the adequate amounts of omega3 fatty acid we need to keep our bodies flourishing. There have been many cautions about high mercury levels in certain fish, and the FDA as well as the Environmental Protection Agency has issued warnings recommending that women of childbearing age and small children eat no more than 12 ounces of seafood per week. They stated that large doses of mercury could damage developing brains, causing learning difficulties and other problems. King mackerel, swordfish, shark, and tilefish are four fish that have been found to be extremely high in mercury levels and should be avoided entirely.

One way to get the health boost of fish without the threat of contaminants is to take this oil in the form of dietary supplements. Look for supplements that have been molecularly distilled guaranteeing you a pure product. I have only touched the surface of the many health benefits of fish oil for women. I hope you do more research on this vital nutrient as you seek to look and feel great.

Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at http://www.omega-3-health.com/ to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/fish-oil-for-women-can-be-a-great-health-benefit-1347026.html

Do Carbs Make You Fat | Low Carb Diet Plans

bit.ly Visit the Diet Solution Program to get your FREE sample meal plans and nutrition report. Are you confused about Carbs? Do you think you have to give up all carbs to lose weight? Watch this video as Isabel explains the truth behind eating carbs and losing fat. You do not have to go on a low carb diet to lose fat. Watch as Isabel tells you how. Isabel’s healthy meal plans and weight loss strategies have already helped thousands of people not only lose weight, but take complete control of their health. Get started on your own weight loss and health journey here at: bit.ly

Fish Oil and Postpartum Depression

One medication that has just received a great deal of attention lately is fish oil and its ability to prevent Postpartum Depression. But what is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression or PPD is also known as postnatal depression. This is a form of a clinical depression which may have an effect on women after she gives birth, and at times, also men are affected by this.

Postpartum depression happens in women after they give birth, usually in the first few months after giving birth. Warning signs include sadness, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, appetite changes, crying parts, insomnia and reduced libido. This condition is resplendently familiar.

There is some initial confirmation to suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish and fish oil, including Eicosapentanoic acid or EPA and Docosahexanoic acid or DHA, have an antidepressant effect. It has been discovered that during pregnancy, mothers selectively transfer DHA to their baby and through the breast milk to support neurological development in the developing child. Studies show that Omega 3 fatty acid will also improve the growth of the brain and visual system of the fetus. Thus, child-bearing women may become depleted of DHA, and it has been assumed that DHA deficiency may make mothers more susceptible to depression during the postpartum period. So, eating more fish during pregnancy may reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Consuming alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil or other vegetable oils could not be as effective as taking fish oil, because the ability of the body to convert alpha-linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid is limited.

Obtaining appropriate rest, nutrition, and support are very significant, in view of the fact that being exhausted or sleep deprived or feeling stressed can add force to and fuel feelings of depression and sadness.

However, some experts also warned pregnant women about eating too much fish because of mercury contamination. Because of this, it is important for pregnant and those nursing women to use fish oil products that are not high in mercury, so as not to expose the fetus or infant to extreme amounts of this toxic metal. It can be hard to get what you need from your diet. It is better to consult your doctor first if the supplement is right for you. A doctor who is trained to diagnose, treat, and stop postpartum depression will be able to make a precise assessment of fish oil’s efficiency, particular to the needs of the mother or mother-to-be.

Esther is an advocate for living a healthy lifestyle including taking Omega-3 fatty acid. For more information on fish oil supplements please visit her site today. http://www.threefishoil.com/
By Esther Bell

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/fish-oil-and-postpartum-depression-1347203.html

Common Complaints with Colon Cleanse Products

Herbal colon cleansers have become a popular option these days not only for easing constipation but also as people realize the importance of digestive and colonic health. Many people are ready to try out herbal colon cleanse products based on their reputation for safety and efficacy. However, not all herbal colon cleansers are created equal– each product can have its side effects. Here’s a list of common side effects I have found from reviews by people who have used herbal colon cleanse products.

Fiber-Based Herbal Colon Cleanse Products

Many people who have used fiber-based colon cleansers complain of abdominal discomfort, bloating and gas. When taking a fiber-based colon cleanser, the amount of water intake must be just right. Too little water intake can result in constipation.

You may also experience these side effects in spite of drinking the prescribed water intake especially if the colon cleanse products contain ingredients such as cascara sagrada. According to Food and Drug Administration guidelines, cascara sagrada should not be used for more than 7 days. Watch out for herbal colon cleanse programs that contain this ingredient, especially if the duration of the cleanse is more than 7 days.

Constipation is another side effect especially with products that contain flaxseeds as the dietary fiber. Flaxseed is known to cause constipation especially if there is inadequate fluid intake.

Herbal Colon Cleanse Products

Long, unusual stool formations – this side effect is usually due to an ingredient inside the herbal colon cleanse—bentonite clay. Bentonite clay has the ability to absorb toxins but it also mixes with feces to form the unusual shapes depicted by many colon cleanser manufacturers on their websites. The explanation they give is that it is an accumulation of years and years of waste stuck inside your colon—be aware that these long strains of what they call years of accumulated waste is actually created by the bentonite clay.

There are other herbs you may want to stay away from such as black walnut hull, Pau d’arco, wormwood; even licorice can cause side effects in some people. Many of these herbs have not been well-researched or have serious side effects especially for people who already have preexisting-conditions.

Headaches, back aches, cramping and nausea or some of the other complaints associated with herbal colon cleansers.

Some herbal colon cleansers include instructions for dietary modifications such as fasting or eating only certain kinds of fruits or juices. This type of dieting may not be suitable for all, and can result in excessive weakness, and cramping.

Oxygen-Based Colon Cleanse Products

Oxygen-based colon cleansers usually contain magnesium oxides. These are known to cause rapid and thorough emptying of the bowels. This type of colon cleanser is usually used before surgery. The most common complaint associated with oxygen-based colon cleansing is watery stools that often cannot be controlled. Many have commented on embarrassing situations even while remaining close to a restroom. Side effects also include cramping, diarrhea, rash or hives, itching, dizziness or lightheadedness, mood or mental changes, unusual tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting.

Choosing a Colon Cleanse Product with the Least Side Effects

When choosing a colon cleanse product make sure you go through the formula and review the ingredients. It would be advisable to search forums for comments by people who have used the product you intend to purchase. Keep an eye out for colon cleanse products that are formulated by a medical doctor and use scientifically supported ingredients, as they could have lesser side effects. The combination of ingredients allays side effects and gives you a more comfortable colon cleanse experience.

A doctor-formulated fiber-based, herbal colon cleanse, like BeneCleanse, uses a three-stage approach. It helps to cleanse the colon, detoxify the system, replenish a healthy microflora, and prime the digestive system. It also includes scientifically-based ongoing nutritional support for maintaining colonic and digestive health through daily intake of MultiFibe capsules. Such colon cleanse products are a great way to promote natural regularity and may help strengthen overall health and boost the immune system.

NaturalDetox is a manufacturer of colon health supplements that are carefully formulated by a physician. This herbal colon cleanser provides a 3-step approach for colon cleansing, promoting and nutritionally maintaining a healthy colon.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/common-complaints-with-colon-cleanse-products-1340789.html

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