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Why cortisol destroys your healthy weight loss diet

January 22nd, 2010

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What you eat and what you do can influence your hormones dramatically. When this happens you can either gain weight or lose weight. Avoid these key areas to make sure you lose weight with your healthy weight loss diet. Don’t take for granted just how powerful hormones like these are in determining your weight loss success.

This one hormone that can cause so many problems is called Cortisol. Excess cortisol will stimulate your appetite and prompt more calories to be stored as fat, so it is very influential in your weight loss plan. These are 2 things you don’t want when trying to follow a healthy weight loss diet. Cortisol also increases protein breakdown within the muscle, which means a slower metabolism and less calories burned. A key to successful weight loss is keeping your metabolism running at a fast rate so that you are always burning calories.

It decreases glucose utilization and increased insulin resistance, which means the glucose or sugars in your body are not used for energy as much as they should be. Instead they float around and eventually get stored as fat. This is strike two against your healthy weight loss diet and healthy eating plans.

One thing that directly increases cortisol is stress. Stress is the culprit in increasing cortisol levels and resistance to insulin and leptin. Stress can come from work issues, family issues, medical problems and even unhealthy foods. Higher cortisol levels come from stress-induced insulin resistance and increased leptin. Well, when you have higher cortisol levels your leptin and insulin resistance get worse. It is a vicious cycle that keeps feeding on itself until you are overweight or obese. Despite all your healthy eating plans and healthy diet plans if stress is dominating your life then your healthy weight loss diet may be for nothing.

Those with extra fat in your belly, a round face, high blood sugars or high blood pressure most likely have elevated cortisol levels. These are tips for how to lower your cortisol levels.

Eat every few hours. When you wait longer than five hours between meals your body may start to release extra cortisol, which then increases your appetite. By eating every few hours not only are you going to keep your cortisol levels low you are going to stimulate other hormones that help you feel full for a longer period of time and reduce that urge to keep eating. Also, eat lean protein at every feeding opportunity to trigger certain hormones that will help you to eat less food and burn more calories.

Of course you need to make sure that you also control your stress as I have discussed how important this is to controlling your cortisol levels. Reduce stressors in your life, set a regular sleeping schedule, and get plenty of exercise to maximize the benefits of your healthy weight loss diet.

Jayson Hunter is a Registered Dietitian with more than 10 years of experience helping people breakthrough and discover a healthier life. Learn more powerful nutrition tips at healthy eating guidelines.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/why-cortisol-destroys-your-healthy-weight-loss-diet-1768404.html

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Are We Taking A Healthy Approach To Health?

January 13th, 2010

The Healthy People Project was created in the 1970’s to set goals for Americans to live longer, healthier lives; and every 10 years the Department of Health and Human Services reports on the progress that was made. In 2010 there are more obese citizens, more citizens with high blood pressure, more children with untreated cavities and more fat and salt being eaten. However, vaccinations are up; most workplace injuries are down; and deaths from cancer, heart disease and stroke have dropped. With only about 20% of the goals being reached, it seems the Healthy People Project needs a “goalkeeper”.

New York City is trying to be healthier by reducing salt in many manufactured and packaged foods. Eighty percent of Americans’ salt intake is already in food, resulting in Americans eating about twice the recommended amount and increasing risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Among other reductions, the city wants a 40% salt reduction in breakfast cereals, 25% in bread and cold cuts and 30% in salad dressings. The goal is to reduce salt intake 20% in 5 years – by 2015; but because the reductions are voluntary, many manufacturers will take them with a grain of salt.

Then there’s airplane air, which is healthier than many travelers think. Although colds and flu can be passed by coughs and sneezes, there’s little chance of being infected if the sick person is more than 2 rows away and is present less than 8 hours. Also, most planes are divided into seven-row ventilation sections, in which cabin air is completely refreshed about 20 times per hour and is circulated through filters removing 99.97% of bacteria and virus-carrying particles. Touching contaminated surfaces – overhead bins, tray tables, lavatory doors – is usually how air travelers get sick. That’s a “plane” fact.

It’s also a fact Norway is the world’s most infection-free country. A key factor in Norway’s public health system accomplishing this was a severe cutback on antibiotic use starting in the 1980’s. According to the World Heath Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the leading threats to public health. Because fewer antibiotics are prescribed in Norway than in other countries, Norwegians aren’t as likely to develop resistance to them and thus can fight the staph infection “Methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus” (MRSA). Because learning from Norway’s example would save approximately 19,000 U.S. lives yearly, hopefully the U.S. won’t be a slow learner.

Knight Pierce Hirst has written for television, newspapers and greeting cards. Now she writes a 400-word blog three times a week. KNIGHT WATCH, a second look at what makes life interesting, takes only seconds to read at http://knightwatch.typepad.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/are-we-taking-a-healthy-approach-to-health-1718956.html

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Noni Research – Are There Really Any Health Benefits?

January 6th, 2010

Since time immemorial, people all over the world have used natural and herbal plants for health and healing. Over the centuries these herbs and natural plants have been the subject of scientific research and development. There have been significant developments and breakthroughs that have resulted in a number of herbal supplements being introduced into the market. These supplements have potent ingredients to fight off common ailments and save lives. There are many plants like the noni plant that have proven to have miraculous effects on the human body.

The noni fruit too has been the subject of such scientific research as it has been proven that this fruit is abundant with rich health qualities. Noni research is the comprehensive and extensive research that is done on the noni plant that is scientifically called the Morinda Citrifolia. This research also focuses on the botanical and the historical properties of noni. The popularity of the noni plant has gained immense popularity over the recent years. It is very rich in nutritional benefits and currently is one of the fastest growing supplements in the world. Currently this powerful plant supports a huge industry that is based solely on the research and the development of the noni plant.

Recent studies have revealed that the noni fruit contains a pharmacologically active ingredient called xeronine that is an alkaloid. This worked positively to repair damaged cells in the human body. The primary function of xeronine was to regulate the shape and the regularity of the specific proteins that are present in the human body. With the help of subsequent noni research it was determined that the noni juice has the effects of having a lot of psychological responses in the human body. Some of the common problems that can be redressed by the daily intake of noni juice are high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, arthritis, gastric ulcers, sprains, injuries, mental depression, blood vessel problems, senility, pain relief, drug addiction, etc.

Recent scientific studies have also proven that the noni plant has the ability to fight off cancer very effectively. This fruit is rich in phytochemicals as well as five vitamins and three minerals. There has been vigorous noni research in this field and scientists have concluded that this fruit is very safe to consume like any other fruit. This is good news and extensive research is still being conducted in this field. After careful scientific studies it also has been found that no harmful ingredients were found and it also ranks high on the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. The herb should be consumed under medical supervision if a woman is pregnant. Those people who are susceptible to food sensitivities, allergies or asthma should also consult the doctor before taking noni juice. The herb is generally safe but it is wise to consult a doctor before you take it as he will be able to guide you on its dosage.

From the above it is clearly evident that the noni fruit is a natural potent herb that single-handedly can fight off many ailments. Rich in minerals and vitamins it should be inculcated in your daily diet if you are looking for healthy living and staying protected for life.

There are many documented noni research papers, all backed with extensive positive feedback. If the noni fruit is your supplement of choice, then it is highly recommended to use a verified iherb coupon to get the best products at the best prices!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/noni-research-are-there-really-any-health-benefits-1675591.html

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Why Cod Liver Oil is an Essential Health Supplement

January 3rd, 2010

Cod liver oil is a popular supplement which has been used by families across the generations as a way to improve their health. It can help reduce depression, augment the immune system and promote better blood circulation. The reason it is so healthy is because it is rich in four sources of essential nutrients, which are the omega 3s DHA and EPA, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Omega 3 DHA – This is a kind of fatty acid that is important for maintaining the health of the nervous system and promoting excellent sight. The skin, hair, bones and teeth all develop better when it there are sufficient levels of it within the body. Additionally, research has also linked it with both the prevention of depression, and the alleviation of symptoms associated with it.

Omega 3 EPA – The main benefits of this fatty acid are that it improves the body’s cardiovascular system and reduces inflammation. A secondary benefit is the slowing of the onset of arthritis. Elderly people especially need this fatty acid as part of their dietary intake, though it is still recommended for younger people too.

Vitamin A – The digestive tracts and mucosal linings both benefit from Vitamin A. Viral infections and bacterial growth are also restricted, as a more resistant immune system develops. The skin too is improved because the presence of vitamin A is necessary for skin disorders to heal.

Vitamin D – This is crucial for the development of strong healthy bones. It is helpful in enhancing the strength and efficiency of the immune system and it also regulates blood sugar levels which is great for those with type II diabetes. Additionally, it has been shown to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular related diseases and high blood pressure.

There is also a very interesting use of cod liver oil that few people know about, which is that it can actually help prevent tooth cavity due to it increasing the presence of tubular dentine, which is produced by the body to help fight cavities. Where the overlaying enamel has worn away, this tubular dentine can help heal the decayed spot and rebuild portions of the tooth.

That is a lot of benefits to get from just a single supplement, right? And there really is no alternative. Whilst other supplements offer some of the some benefits that cod liver oil supplements do, none offer all of them.

Even consuming a lot of fish, or even fish oil, will not give you the same level of health benefits as the supplements do, as cod liver oil is high in vitamin D, whereas normal fish oil is not. You can consider cod liver oil as fish oil+. They even taste ok these days due to the capsules being flavored.

With all of these proven health benefits in mind, anyone who is not currently taking cod liver oil supplements is doing themselves a disservice, and it could be a decision that they come to regret later in their life.

For the best quality Norwegian Cod Liver Oil, visit http://www.norwegiancodliveroil.net/Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/why-cod-liver-oil-is-an-essential-health-supplement-1660126.html

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3 Stages of the Medifast Diet Plan

January 2nd, 2010

Losing weight has always been a problem by many. If only everyone could have bodies like of those stars we see on film and TV, then we would not have too much difficulty. We could all look like fitness experts and health buffs, and feel our confidence soaring up high. However, before you think that being thin is all about looking good and feeling confident, the more important reason to shed off those pounds has to do with health. As you probably know, being overweight can bring you a multitude of illnesses and health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol level, diabetes, and so many others.

Because of this, it is necessary that you lose weight, but even more important is to do it the healthy and safe way, such as through Medifast diet for example. Medifast is a safe, effective, quick and easy way to get rid of those flabs and fats that would require you to eat nutritionally balanced and portion controlled meals that are also low in calories and fats. Medifast is not your ordinary fad diet that gives temporary solution to your weight problem. This one aims to establish a healthy routine in your life especially those that have to do with lifestyle and eating habits.

The general Medifast diet consists of three stages such as 5 and 1, transition, and maintenance. During the first stage, the dieter will consume around 800 to 1000 calories per day by eating five pre-prepared Medifast meals and one high protein low fat meal called “lean and green,” which includes a low fat food such as chicken, fish or tofu, and salad or vegetables. You can choose from a wide variety of Medifast meals that come in different shakes, bars, soups, oatmeal, chili, eggs, bars, crackers, puddings, fruit drinks, and so many more.

The second stage is the transition stage, wherein you will slowly cut down on the Medifast meals that you eat and increase the amount of regular food. Calories also increase up to 1,500 per day. This stage would have to depend on how much weight you have already lost. The last stage called maintenance is said to be critical in keeping off unwanted fats. You should maintain a healthy diet of no more than 1,500 calories. By this phase, your body should have fully adjusted to your new eating bodies and you would see significant results in your weight and form.

Medifast meals are said to be nutritionally balanced because they contain sufficient protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are necessary for the body to maintain proper health. This program also includes just the right amount of fat that the body requires to function normally. The most important thing about this diet is that it is both effective and safe. When you want to lose weight the healthy and safe way, this is the right program for you. Make sure that you have the right attitude, patience, and perseverance to undergo this diet plan and maintain it to keep those unwanted fats out of your body.

Jenny Jamison is a weight loss specialist and counselor for Medifast. She is an expert in healthy diet, fitness, and a weight loss motivator. She writes about the Medifast meal plans, how to use them, how to stay motivated, and how to get the very best results.
For more tips and information about medifast and medifast diet, please visit her online.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/3-stages-of-the-medifast-diet-plan-1657152.html

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