Losing weight for good is a big topic. There will also not be much said about some fairly obvious health issues. If you smoke or have a problem with alcohol or drugs, you probably realize that this isn’t good for you. The same with overeating. Some of the methods here can help you with these issues, but I am not going to go into any detail about subjects that are so extensively covered all over the mainstream media and internet. The same with the advice to exercise. I do refer to exercise in the breathing chapter, but I don’t spell out “get x number of hours of exercise per week.” Exercise is important, but it should be tailored to you as an individual. I don’t want to imply that what I haven’t written about in detail is not important. It just isn’t the focus of this report.

What I am doing here is presenting a solid foundation upon which you can build. If you do have specific health challenges, need to lose a lot of weight, get into better shape, everything here will definitely be a good base upon which to add anything else you may need.

One final note about the focus of this report. I try, as much as possible, to give positive rather than negative advice. What I mean by that is, except where it is absolutely necessary (as with the chapter on junk foods!), I try to keep the focus on the positive –what is good for you rather than on what to avoid. Read the rest of this entry »

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Looking to make a change and lose some weight? I have reviewed the top diet on the internet and you can go and read over 200 comments people have made about why this diet has worked well for them, as well as some of the problems.

Tags: allergy, animal products, antibiotics, athlete, Autism, Ayurvedic medicine, cancer, dairy products, depression, diabetes, energy, healthier products, healthy products, heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, meditation, nutritional product, obesity, Organic products, particular systems, reflexology, relaxation, restaurant food, Sleep deprivation, strenuous sports, sweet products, Swimming, vegetarian diet

Serotonin is a very important brain chemical. One of the ways that we see serotonin in use is inour moods and especially in the way that we think. Think of serotonin in your brain as a funnel that just slowly drains goodness, if you have stress, don’t get our enough, get sick, then your serotonin production in your body will drop until that funnel has nothing to give your brain. This is bad. This is what causes depression in many people and there are ways to stop depression causing low serotonin levels.

Basiclally what you need to increase the creation of serotonin in your body is diet change, exercise, exposure to bright sunlight and if all else fails then SSRI antidepressent drugs.

The dietary supplement 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) is promoted as a treatment for insomnia, depression, migraine, obesity and attention deficit disorder in children. It is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and, in fact, the body makes it from the tryptophan present in foods such as beef, chicken, fish, dairy products and other high protein foods. I have found a lot of evidence that people swear by supplementing their diet with 5-HTP so this is something that you can try.

Exercise increases serotonin. We all know how important exercise is for improving our physical health and concentration as well as mood and it is the endorphin creation that fuels higher serotonin levels. Get exercise everyday. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Attention Deficit Disorder, dairy products, depression, Dietary Supplement, important brain chemical, insomnia, Lexapro, migraine, obesity, Prozac, seasonal affective disorder, treatment for insomnia

The main causes of osteoporosis are reduced production of the hormones estrogen (in women) and testosterone (in men) as we grow older. It is most common in women after the menopause. However it can also appear in older men and in younger people, usually as a result of hormone deficiencies, sometimes due to calcium deficiency or certain medications.

Osteoporosis is a condition defined as low bone mineral density – in other words, weak bones. Weak bones are likely to break more easily and the classic case is a senior lady who frequently falls and breaks wrists, hips and other bones. The risk of these fractures occurring is increased of course if the person easily loses their balance. This is associated with certain diseases but also happens much more often in elderly people. Poor eyesight also results in more frequent falls.

Broken wrists can make independent living difficult, especially as it is quite common to break both in the same fall. Fractures of major bones like the pelvis are more serious and often require surgery. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: calcium deficiency, dairy products, osteoporosis, surgery, Vitamin D

Mens Health has a great article on the nutrients and eating skills necessary to lose fat. I usually hate the slant of these articles because I thing the target them at 18 year old kids getting ready to go to the bar but thats just my attitude. The article is great and I am going to paraphrase the points here as I think there is some knowledge I can add and the article was a little wordy.

1. To lose weight, you must cut calories
The low-fat/low-carbohydrate debate comes down to this: You still have to eat fewer calories than you burn if you want to lose weight. Every study I looked at shows this. The perfect weight-loss diet is the one you can live with, whether you cut fat, carbs, or some combination.

2. Take Whey protein
A daily shake made with two scoops of whey protein, fruit (fresh or frozen berries or a banana), and water or crushed ice will decrease hunger. You can buy whey protein at any grocery store nowadays, this is the best option for protein enhancement in your diet.

3. Meat kills fat
Protein takes the most calories to assimilate and digest, followed by carbohydrates, followed by fat. Animal proteins increase thermogenesis more than vegetable proteins, so the best calorie-burning foods are lean meats. Build your dinner around lean chicken, beef, or pork. That way, you’re burning the most calories through digestion at the end of the day, when your metabolism is slower. This is one of the big reasons that I think people are too concerned about their fat intake but at the same time do not eat enough protein.
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: colon cancer, consistent energy supply, dairy products, diabetes, fish-oil supplements, food, heart attacks, heart disease, inflammation, MDlabs.com., oil, osteoporosis, potato chips

The vegetarian diet – some swear by it while others hate it. The staunch vegetarians believe that the vegetarian diet is the key to staying fit and healthy for life. No wonder that most celebs follow the vegetarian diet. Animal lovers who have their personal reasons for staying away from non-vegetarian diet also follow this diet.

On the other hand, supporters of the non-vegetarian diet believe that vegetarians are in general weaker than they because vegetarian diet lacks the nutrition available in plenty from fishes, meat and eggs. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that fish, meat and eggs are nutritious foods in their own ways; however, that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t get an equal amount of nutrition from fruits and vegetables. In this article I will tell you what an ideal vegetarian diet should be like.

Vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet, any healthy meal should be rich in all the following nutrients:

1. Vitamins
2. Protein
3. Calcium
4. Carbohydrates
5. Zinc
6. Iron

Okay, now let me tell you about the foods in which you could find the above nutrients: Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: dairy products, food, vegetarian diet

Natural bad breath remedies mostly depend on identifying and treating the cause of the bad breath. Of course you can simply spray your mouth with peppermint at regular intervals through the day but this does not get rid of the problem, it only covers it up.

Bad breath or halitosis has two main causes: a problem in the mouth, or a problem in the digestive system.

Treating Bad Breath In The Mouth

Gum infections, trapped stale food, abscesses and problems with the teeth can all cause bad breath. Do not be ashamed to discuss this with your dentist, who may be able to help you identify the cause and treat the issue.

Brush your teeth and gums frequently and thoroughly. Brush your tongue at the same time. Some toothbrushes have a rough surface for brushing the tongue or you can buy a special implement for this purpose. Be sure to floss your teeth too.

Increasing the proportion of fruit and vegetables in your diet and reducing consumption of meat and dairy products will help to make your mouth an alkaline environment where canker sores and gum infections are less likely to flourish.

Parsley can help to neutralize the mouth and get rid of bad breath. You can either chew parsley leaves or make tea from fresh parsley, allow it to cool and then use it as a mouthwash every few hours.

Fenugreek is another good herbal bad breath remedy. Make tea by steeping the seeds in water, strain and use as a mouthwash or drink to improve the digestion.

Bad Breath Remedies For Digestive Problems

Bad breath is often caused by problems in the digestive system, especially the stomach. If you have a recognized digestive condition such as acid reflux, stomach ulcer or other stomach disease or disorder you should discuss this with your doctor. Your condition (or the treatment for it) may be contributing to your halitosis.

If you are not sick then consider making a few changes to your diet to help your digestion improve. Again it will be helpful to eat more fruit and vegetables. Avoiding certain combinations of foods is also important.

Fruit is very fast digesting and should be eaten alone or at the start of a meal so that it can pass through the system quickly. Do not mix it with fatty foods such as cream or pastry. If fruit is eaten with or after proteins and fats its process through the stomach will be delayed. It may begin to ferment or rot in the stomach, causing a bad smell. So eat plenty of fruit as a first course or a snack but never at the end of a meal.

Meat is difficult to digest and can provoke problems if your digestive system is weak or slow. It takes a long time to pass through the system and may begin to putrefy. Reduce the quantities of meat that you eat and wait at least 4 hours after eating a meat based meal before you eat anything else.

Avocado is believed to have amazing properties for the digestion and is one of the best bad breath remedies, cleaning out and neutralizing any poorly digested food.

Tags: abscesses, canker sores, dairy products, dentist, digested food, Gum infections, stale food, stomach disease, stomach ulcer

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, you may be looking for an arthritis remedy. If your arthritis is not a suitable case for surgery right now, if you are hoping to avoid surgery or if you are waiting, you may benefit from various natural remedies that have been successful for other people.

The word arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There are two types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis – caused by degeneration of the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage cushions the bones and allows joints to move smoothly. When it is worn away, the body tries to compensate for it by laying down extra bone. But this does not have the same properties as cartilage and the result is stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis usually affects older people although it can develop in a younger person, especially where joints have been damaged by injury. Knees, hips and shoulders are the most commonly affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis – this is a very different condition, an auto immune inflammation of the joints. It is caused by a deficiency in the endocrine system and appears to have an inherited genetic component. For most people it comes and goes, often flaring up at times of stress or when the body is weakened by sickness. It may begin at any age. It generally starts by affecting the joints of the fingers and toes, often resulting in distortion which can be permanent.

Arthritis Natural And Home Remedies

There are reports that arthritis can be helped by a number of natural and home remedies.

Raw potato extract is a traditional remedy that has been used for centuries. Wash a medium size potato but do not peel. Be sure it has no green patches. Cut it into thin slices. Lay the slices in a bowl, cover with water and cover the bowl. Leave overnight. Drink the water in the morning.

Copper is believed to strengthen the muscular system, helping to maintain flexibility. You can either take a copper supplement, wear a copper bracelet or drink water that has been standing in copper overnight. However it is important not to have too much copper in the system relative to other minerals, or other problems could develop. So do not take copper to excess.

Calcium supplements can also help some cases of arthritis. If you prefer not to take supplements you can take calcium in dietary form. Black sesame seeds (unhulled) are a good source. You will need to buy them from a health food store because most sesame seeds sold in supermarkets are hulled and are not a good source of calcium. You can grind them and add a little sesame oil to make tahini, or soak them for a couple of hours and sprinkle on bread or cereals.

Glucosamine sulphate is a supplement that can help reduce inflammation and pain in some cases. It is particularly good for less severe arthritis in the knee, and may help to prevent it worsening.

Garlic and turmeric both have anti inflammatory properties and can be included in your diet in generous quantities.

A mono diet of bananas, which are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, can be helpful in treating a flare up of rheumatoid arthritis. Eat only bananas for up to 3 days. Bananas should be ripe, i.e. starting to show brown spots on the skin.

Some foods appear to make arthritis worse and should be avoided. Trigger foods will be different for different people. You may have to cut them all out of your diet for at least 4 days and then reintroduce them one by one to feel the effects. This is a list of common trigger foods:

- sugar
- caffeine
- red meat
- dairy products
- citrus fruits
- corn
- wheat
- salt
- artificial sweeteners and other food additives

Generally it is good to keep the joints moving as much as possible to main flexibility. Mild osteoarthritis especially can be helped by regular practice of gentle forms of yoga and pilates. Be careful not to force your joints beyond a comfortable stretch.

Be sure to see your doctor if you believe you have arthritis and discuss with him or her any natural arthritis remedy that you are considering.

Tags: anti inflammatory, arthritis, dairy products, Food additives, health-food store, home remedies, inflammation, little sesame oil, Natural Arthritis Remedy Solutions, natural remedies, osteoarthritis, pain, rheumatoid arthritis, surgery

New diet programs seem to crop up almost every month, so much so that at times I find it difficult to remember all of them. A new kid on the block is the Ketogenic Diet. You may or may not have heard of it because it hasn’t been able to reach the popularity levels of Atkins Diet or South Beach diet. Nonetheless, weight loss has little to do with the popularity of a particular diet program.

In my experience I have found that people have lost weight with little known diet programs, and the opposite has also happened – that of people getting disappointed with the most popular diet program! The big question is: is the Ketogenic Diet just another fad or does it really work? That is what I would be exploring in detail in this article!

To understand the Ketogenic Diet, you need to know about ketones first, since this diet is based on how ketones function in our body. In short, ketones are the enemies of fats, and the more ketones your body has, the quicker you would be able to shed the extra pounds!

Now, as a matter of fact, our body has a soft corner for fat. It would rather burn your valuable muscles for the purpose of producing energy than that ugly fat. The Ketogenic Diet burns your fat deposits and produces the readymade energy your body can use. This is a win-win situation for you: neither you would need your body’s help to burn fat as it is done artificially by the Ketogenic Diet, nor would you lose your lean muscles!

Now the important part: which foods are you allowed to eat under this diet? Since carbs turn into fat and make you overweight, you should reduce their intake and increase the consumption of fatty foods. This means that you should be eating more of dairy products such as butter, milk, cheese, etc., and less of cookies, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, white breads, rice, pasta, fruits, etc.

The bad part of this diet program is that just like other fad diets, this one too is not without its share of side effects. Some side effects you may suffer from as a result of using this high-fat-and-low-carb diet are abnormal behavioral changes, stomach problems such as bloating and constipation, kidney troubles, as well as high cholesterol levels!
On top of that, there is no scientific or clinical evidence of the effectiveness of this diet with regards to weight loss. So far, only epileptic patients, that too mainly children, have benefited from the use of this diet. If you decide to opt for this diet, you shouldn’t do so without consulting a doctor or nutritionist!

Tags: atkins diet, bloating, constipation, dairy products, energy, low carb diet, nutritionist, readymade energy, south beach, South Beach Diet

You are fondling your baby in your arms, and reading a lifestyle magazine, and what catches your eye is the sexy photo of Jennifer Aniston – her curves as well as her flat stomach. You look at your fat belly and immediately start hating it like never before! You now want your belly to be like that of Aniston. While it is possible, it would take you some work and self-discipline in order to achieve your dream!

First of all, you should be overjoyed at the fact that you have birth to a new life, your baby, and even if you have regained some extra pounds in the process, it is still a small price you paid to give birth to your baby. And by the way, don’t forget that this situation is only temporary and if you follow my advice in this article, it is only a matter of time before you become your former self and gain back the slim figure that you had!

1. Be realistic: Like I said earlier, if you are serious about losing pregnancy pounds, you got to be extremely patient and realistic. Think about it: if you gained twenty pounds over the course of nine long months, is it realistic to think that you would lose them all within a month or two? Of course not! You should assume that it would take you at least another nine months to lose that weight, or maybe longer, since it takes more time to lose weight than gain it!

2. Breastfeeding helps: I would say that a mother is in a more advantageous position than an ordinary woman, so far as weight loss is concerned! Why? That is because as a mother you need to breastfeed your baby and you lose a lot of extra calories that way! You will be amazed at how much weight you would manage to lose everyday just by breastfeeding your baby!

But breastfeeding comes with a flipside too; since your body burns extra calories for the purpose of breastfeeding, it needs back those calories! Therefore, reducing your food intake is not an option for you. And of course you should stay miles away from fad diets which are more harmful than helpful for a mother!

Okay, so what should you do to lose weight? Eat healthy and in small portions. If you used to eat two or three large meals in a day, you would need to split those meals into several smaller meals, and eat each of those smaller meals every two or three hours!
Small and frequent eating would not only help suppress your hunger but also keep your metabolic rate high, both of which are required for fast weight loss!

When I mean healthy eating, I obviously don’t suggest that you survive on a piece of lemon, as that is totally unhealthy. You should include foods such as whole grains, natural fruits, vegetables, dairy products, soy, nuts, legumes, fish, etc., in your diet! These foods are pretty good for quick weight loss. Stay away from sugary foods because they would make you fatter!

3. Workout: You might be wondering whether workouts are at all needed since caring for your baby is work enough for you! Of course, it is true that you burn a lot of calories simply by caring for your baby, but that is not enough for losing pregnancy weight! You need to participate in regular workouts so that you are able to burn a lot of fat quickly. The more workouts you do, the faster you would burn fat and lose weight!

Moderate cardios are good for a mother. I would suggest that you don’t do any form of intense workout such as strength training or weight lifting till your body has recovered completely!

Another exercise I recommend is the Kegels exercise. It is so simple that you can do it anytime you want! All you need to do is simply tighten and release your Kegel muscles, the muscles you use to urinate. Did I say it is easy?

Some mothers feel a bit weak immediately after childbirth, and may not be ready for workouts. If that is you then it is perfectly okay. Since your body went through so much strain during the pregnancy it is only natural for you to feel weak during the first few months. Just stick to eating healthy foods as I suggested above and you may begin the workout session when you feel better!

Tags: dairy products, food intake, Jennifer Aniston

I just saw an article on CNN about a woman that lost 160 pounds on the Raw Food Diet. Many people ask me about this because the Raw Food Diet seems like a natural and safe way ot lose weight.

Raw food diets can be a great way to not only lose weight but also led a much healthier, natural lifestyle in general. Most raw food diets are plant-based, with at least 75% of the diet composed of raw food.

Food examples include living and raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, rolled or flaked grains, and seaweeds. Some adherents may also eat cooked grains and legumes, fresh fish and poultry. For the strict raw food diet, however, nothing should be heated over 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: cancer, chemical reactions, CNN, dairy products, digestive disorders, energy, food, Food additives, food diets, food enzymes, Food examples, food variety, raw food, raw food diet, raw food dieters, raw food diets, raw fruits, strict raw food diet