Republic of Healthy Tips » body

10 Possible Causes of the Obesity Epidemic

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:17:31 +0000

It’s well accepted that reduced physical activity and fast food are linked to obesity. But the evidence that these are the main causes of obesity is largely circumstantial. To stimulate debate, experts suggest 10 other possible causes of obesity, outlined in the International Journal of Obesity.

1. Sleep debt. Getting too little sleep can increase body weight. Today, many get less shut-eye than ever.
2. Pollution. Hormones control body weight. And many of today’s pollutants affect our hormones.
3. Air conditioning. You have to burn calories if your environment is too hot or too cold for comfort. But more people than ever live and work in temperature-controlled homes and offices.
4. Decreased smoking. Smoking reduces weight. People smoke much less than they used to.
5. Medicine. Many different drugs including contraceptives, steroid hormones, diabetes drugs, some antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can cause weight gain. Use of these drugs is on the upswing.
6. Population age, ethnicity. Middle-aged people and Hispanic-Americans tend to be more obese than young European-Americans. Americans are getting older and more Hispanic.
7. Older moms. There’s some evidence that the older a woman is when she gives birth, the higher her child’s risk of obesity. Women are giving birth at older and older ages.
8. Ancestors’ environment. Some influences may go back two generations. Environmental changes that made a grandparent obese may “through a fetally driven positive feedback loop” visit obesity on the grandchildren.
9. Obesity linked to fertility. There’s some evidence obese people are more fertile than lean ones. If obesity has a genetic component, the percentage of obese people in the population should increase.
10. Unions of obese spouses. Obese women tend to marry obese men, and if obesity has a genetic component, there will be still more obese people in the next generation.

These other contributing factors deserve more attention and study. Even more explanations include: a fat-inducing virus; increases in childhood depression; less consumption of dairy products; and hormones used in agriculture. What do you think can be attributed to the epidemic?

Mind Games

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:21:12 +0000

Brain is the most powerful organ in our body. If we can optimize the use of brain, we can think cleverly and quickly. We can look for a solution for certain problems very quickly. We can learn something fast, we can notice something quickly and also we can drive ourselves to a bright future. Just like the other body organs, if we don’t use and improve our brain, the ability of our brain will decrease slowly but sure. Of course you don’t want this to be happened, so you need to improve your brain to make sure that the ability of your brain can keep improving from time to time. The best way to improve the ability of your brain is to play brain games.

Playing brain games is the best way to improve the power of your brain because you can do it with fun. You don’t have to feel the pressure and the difficulty because you just play games like the other games. You can check out your IQ first by taking IQ test and then write your IQ and try to play brain games, concentration games and any similar games and try to take IQ test and you will find that your IQ will increase.

The Basics of Water Soluble Vitamins

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:16:57 +0000

The human body uses two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. In the debate over the necessity of vitamin supplementation, nutrition experts generally agree that there may be a need for water-soluble vitamins supplementation. These vitamins are called water-soluble because they are dissolved in water. This property of the vitamins means that the body does not easily store them. You must consume foods with these vitamins on a daily basis.

The vitamins that make up water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex vitamins (B1-thiamine, B2-riboflavin, B3-niacin, B5-pantothenic acid, B6-biotin, B12-cobalamins, and folic acid) and vitamin C. The B-complex vitamins provide various bodily functions, including energy production, nerve cell, and carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolizing. Most people who eat a normal diet containing a variety of foods should have no problem getting enough of these vitamins everyday. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is essential for preventing the accumulation of free radicals in the system. Having a sufficient amount of vitamin C is associated with a low risk of heart disease and cataracts.

Depending on where you live, there are standards for what is required for both vitamins. There are varying recommendations for the B-complex vitamins. In general, you need 50 milligrams of vitamin C each day. This amount is lower or higher depending on your age, sex, health status, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This amount is only a guideline. You should discuss your personal needs with a health professional that can make a proper assessment of your dietary needs.

The most common foods that contain vitamins C include green vegetables, organ meats, and citrus fruits. The B-complex vitamins are a large group. Following a diet that includes a variety of foods including nuts, beans, whole grains, organ meats, fish, and poultry should give you the amount of B-complex vitamins your body needs.

Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins are available in mega doses. Although excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins are excreted in the urine, doing so can also result in stomach upset and other unpleasant side effects. You should never consume large doses of vitamins with approval from your medical doctor. If you and a health professional determine that you are not getting enough of these vitamins, supplementation may be a consideration.

Antioxidants – Your Body’s Garbage Collector

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:15:45 +0000

Are you making the mistake of not eating enough antioxidants in your diet? I mean really, what is the harm? What, that is, aside from early aging, heart disease, cancer, and a host of other illnesses.

As someone who is concerned about your health, you should be very much aware of the foods you put into your body. But how many of us actually are?

If your health strategy is simply to eat what you want and hope for the best, you may be planting the seeds of your own future illnesses.

Antioxidants help to fight free radicals. But what are free radicals and why are they so harmful to your body? And why does your body need protection against them?

A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron. Because it has a free electron, it is highly reactive and very susceptible to oxidation.

Just think of how an exposed apple or potato turns brown when left uncovered. This is caused by oxidation. Well, this is what free radicals are doing to the inside of your body.

Free radicals are not useful as cells to the body. Instead, they steal nutrients from healthy cells – starving them. When healthy cells starve, they deteriorate, and in the process, weaken the body’s immune defenses. This is why your body needs to rid itself of them as soon as possible.

Free radicals occur in our bodies every minute of the day. But environment has an effect also. The more you are in contact with toxic environments such as cigarette smoke, radioactivity, smog, pollution, and so on, the more free radicals your body will absorb.

So how can you slow the free radical onslaught against your body? The key is antioxidants.

Normally, a healthy body full of antioxidants, is capable of handling free radicals easily. But if your body is under physical or mental stress, your body’s natural defense system may simply not have enough antioxidants available to fight the free radicals.

Antioxidants are believed to help protect the body from free-radical damage by interacting with free radicals in the body and short circuiting their harmful actions. They’re scavengers, or garbage collectors. They help to rid your blood vessels and cells of radical cells that would harm you.

Clearly, with all the evidence so far, no reasonable person could ignore the wealth of evidence pointing to the importance of antioxidants.

Although, not conclusive, high antioxidants levels have lent to conclusions that they can slow aging, prevent heart attacks and strokes,

The best way to ensure that your body is loaded with enough antioxidants is to eat the recommended five to eight serving of fruits and vegetables a day. Especially, those with high levels of vitamins E, A, and C.

But, really, how many of us do that? The only people I know doing that are hard core vegetarians.

Therefore, even though, it may not be the best choice, you should seriously consider making nutrient supplements a part of your every day dietary routine.

Taking vitamins or supplements daily that contain antioxidants are a good way to maintain cellular health.

Terrific Ways To Stay Hydrated And Healthy

admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:21:58 +0000

Dehydration is among the most common heat-related dangers for children and adults, so making sure your family meets their daily fluid intake needs should be at the top of your “To Do” list.

Dehydration can cause dizziness, nausea and weakness. “The human body is made up of about 60 percent water and can experience dehydration with only a two percent water loss,” says registered dietitian, Jennifer Seyler. “Getting enough fluid can help you feel and look good. Studies have shown positive effects in healthy individuals when proper hydration is maintained.”

As a general guideline, most adults need eight to 12 cups of fluids daily, while children ages one to three need five to six cups and children ages four to eight require seven to eight cups. Although this may seem like a lot, there are many easy ways to meet these needs.

Variety is Key. You may be surprised to learn that a peach can help you meet your daily fluid requirements. There are many natural, delicious choices with high water content, including refreshing fruits and vegetables, broth soups, sorbets and beverages like tea, juice and of course, water. Making these foods part of your day is as easy as enjoying a cup of hot or cold tea with breakfast, eating vegetables with lunch, or serving fruit compote for dessert.

Be Prepared. Stay ahead of the game by keeping fluids handy to sip throughout the day. When heading out of the house, make it a habit to put a bottle of water in your purse or your child’s backpack. Keep a bottle of water in your briefcase to ensure you stay hydrated at work. Pack delicious, juicy fruits such as peaches for a satisfying and hydrating treat.

Go All-Natural…The Easy Way. Natural hydration doesn’t have to be a flavorless task. Add a burst of flavor to your water with natural flavor enhancers such as new Celestial Seasonings Zingers To Go, which are packaged in individual servings for convenience as you zip through your busy day. With no artificial ingredients or calories and available in four delicious flavors, both kids and adults alike will love them. In fact, studies show that children consume approximately 50 percent more fluid when it’s flavored.

These tips will help you enjoy the warm weather with a natural, healthy and hydrated body.

Nutritional Benefits of Whey Protein

admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:21:41 +0000

Adequate nutrition for your body before and after strenuous work-outs is important in order for you to reap the maximum benefits from your efforts. An increasingly popular way of achieving this is through the use of natural Whey Protein supplements.

Nowadays many athletes, especially Body Builders, are utilizing natural Whey Protein supplements to replenish protein levels that are burned off through hard-core exercise routines. Amino Acids prevent deterioration in muscle tissue as well as provide endurance and assist in building mass. Proteins help supply these amino acids.

- So what exactly is Whey Protein?

Whey Protein is derived from cow’s milk and is also a by-product of making cheese, which in the past was typically thrown out as a waste product. We now know that Whey Protein is rich in amino acids essential for building muscle and overall good health.

Whey Protein is also naturally found in breast milk as well as some types of baby formula. Although protein is also found in other foods such as meats and vegetables, Whey Protein is known to have the highest digestible levels of protein that the body can use.

Whey Protein offers several other health benefits like a healthier immune system, stronger bones, weight loss, and just plain overall better well being. Whey Protein is also sometimes used to help speed the healing of wounds or burns.

- Are there risks or side affects?

Since Whey Protein is derived from food it doesn’t have any of the risks associated with man-made supplements. However, you can even have too much of a good thing if you’re not careful. Extreme high use can be more than your liver can handle. Moderation is always best.

For those who are lactose intolerant, there is Whey Protein Isolate which has less than 1% lactose.

The Role Magnesium Plays in the Plan for Good Health

admin — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:21:40 +0000

Following a diet consisting of a variety of healthy food choices is really all that is necessary to stay healthy. The problem in our society is that there are too many temptations to keep us off the path of healthy eating. Although this is often the case, you should be careful that your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs.

When your body does not get the vitamins and minerals it needs it will often give you warning signs. It can take a couple of days or many years, but if you fail to act on these warning signs you run the risk of developing a serious health condition. If you don’t feel that you know your body well enough to know when you are in good health, a visit to your health practitioner for a physical may be necessary.

Of the minerals that you should attempt to consume sufficient amounts of on a regular basis is magnesium. Magnesium is a metallic element that plays several vital roles in the body. Magnesium is essential for the formation of bones and teeth, for muscle contraction, for the transmission of nerve impulses, and for the activation of many enzymes (substances that promote biochemical reactions in the body). There are about 1.25 ounces (35 g) of magnesium in an average-sized person, much of it in the bones and teeth.

A normal diet contains sufficient magnesium. Deficiency (which is rare) usually occurs as a result of a health condition, such as an intestinal disorder that impairs absorption of both calcium and of magnesium, a severe kidney disease, alcoholism, or prolonged treatment with diuretic drugs or digitalis drugs. If you have a deficiency of magnesium, you may experience heart arrhythmias, migraines, or difficulty sleeping.

The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies from 50 mg in the newborn to 400 mg in young men. Women have slightly requirements for magnesium, except during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Dietary sources are green, leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, soybeans, milk, and seafood. If you don’t eat a sufficient amount of these foods you may want to discuss vitamin supplementation with your health practitioner.

To check out the supplement we take daily and highly recommend, be sure to check out http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/what-we-use.html

Importance Of Minerals

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:19:34 +0000

We need minerals for the proper composition of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and regulation of muscle tone, including cardiovascular system.

Groups Of Minerals

Nutritionally, minerals belong to two groups:

macro minerals and trace minerals. Body needs trace minerals in minerals in minute amounts and macro minerals in larger quantities. Macro minerals are electrolytes for they help regulate cellular water balance.

Macro minerals:

Most people have calcium deficient diets. Good calcium nutrition through out life is essential for achieving peak bone mass and preventing deficiency-related bone loss.

Magnesium controls bio-chemical reactions in body and is crucial to good health. Dietary deficiency of magnesium may occur in elderly people, alcoholics, pregnant ladies, and people suffering from diarrhea. Studies show that taking magnesium supplements during pregnancy reduces birth defects.

Phosphorus deficiency is rare; it is imperative to maintain a proper balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus at all times.

Potassium helps maintain healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm. Low potassium might be responsible for high blood pressure.

Trace Minerals :
Chromium helps metabolize glucose. We do not get enough chromium from our diet. Athletes, pregnant ladies, people in forties need a supplemental boost.

Copper helps in building bones, accelerates healing process and helps maintain healthy nerves and joints. Copper deficiency manifests in osteoporosis.

Iron is essential to building blood. Young girl, strict vegetarians, athletes are usually low on iron.

Selenium is absorbed from soil either in plant produce or in livestock. Selenium deficiency has been linked to cancer and heart disease.

Zinc is vital for prostate gland function and the growth of reproductive organs. People suffering from diarrohea, kidney disease, excessive perspiration, diabetes can be low on zinc.

When minerals meet Women talking calcium after menopause should not take iron.

Do not take calcium and iron tighter for they neutralize each other.

Adults over 50 do not need extra iron unless doctor defects deficiency.

Those having insulin dependent diabetes a should consult their doctor before taking chromium supplement.

Sleep, Nutrition And Exercise?

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:16:44 +0000

Article Body:
While some of us think that sleep is a total waste of time and is only necessary so we do not collapse, this is a mistake. Some of the latest researches inform us that sleeping less than six hours a day can cause diabetes. The researchers seem to think that lack of sleep affects a certain hormone that is responsible for depressing the appetite. What happens as a result of a diminished sleep is that the organism produces less of this hormone, hence there is no stopping of our desire for food.

Bad sleeping habits would thus make you eat more, gain overweight and would increase the sugar level in your blood. Once you begin eating in weird hours, your nutrition is in danger. No diet would be able to restrain you. Professionals suggest that one should sleep between six to eight hours a day. Good healthy sleep would not only make you feel better, but will in fact do you better. It is important to try and go to sleep at the same time, so your body would learn to function in a certain regime.

Also, prevent yourself from having large meals before rest time and know the health effects of caffeine. Caffeine puts me to sleep actually better than anything, yet I try to consume it as less as possible. You all know the heavy feeling in the stomach when eating just before bedtime. Our body often times knows whats good and whats bad for us, all we have to do is listen to it.

What one can do before going to bed is a little exercise: I do not mean jogging for an hour, although it would of course be profitable, I mean spending about 20 minutes on stretching out and the like. Try and make a habit of it and also of getting a good night rest; our body is also a kind of a machine treat it well and it will serve you good. Have a goodnight everybody!

High Mercury Content in Fish

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:10:20 +0000

We all know that adding fish to our diets can help increase our body’s ability to repair itself, as well as its ability to burn body fat and keep our energy up, but its important to choose fish thats also going to improve your health as opposed to silently poisoning you

Being exposed to too much mercury can cause memory loss, tremors, neurological difficulties, advanced aging, decreased immune functions, and death.

But how is all this mercury getting into our body?

Well heres the top 4 places that contribute to the levels of mercury in our body (not in any specific order):

Vaccines (past and present)
Dental fillings
The environment
And Fish

Were going to focus on fish right now because thats the prime source of mercury in our diets. When coal is burned, inorganic mercury is released into the air and eventually ends up in our lakes, rivers and oceans. There, bacteria mixes with it and transforms it into methylmercury which is easily absorbed by fish (especially large or fatty fish), and is also easily absorbed by us when we eat those fish.

The good new is that our most recent studies indicate that the human body naturally rids itself of mercury over time assuming we stop ingesting it long enough for our body to do what it was made to do, and to help the process heres a list of fish that naturally have a low, medium and high level of mercury:

High mercury: Mercury levels differ from one species of fish to the next. This is due to factors such as type of fish, size, location, habitat, diet and age. Fish that are predatory (eat other fish) are large and at the top of the food chain, and so tend to contain more mercury. Fish that contain higher levels of mercury include:

Shark
Ray
Swordfish
Barramundi
Gemfish
Orange roughy
Ling
Canned or fresh tuna
Mackerel
Grouper
Tilefish
Chilean sea bass

Moderate mercury: Alaskan halibut, black cod, blue (Gulf Coast) crab, dungeness crab, Eastern oysters, mahimahi, blue mussels, pollack.
Low mercury: Anchovies, Arctic char, crawfish, Pacific flounder, herring, king crab, sanddabs, scallops, Pacific sole; tilapia, wild Alaska and Pacific salmon; farmed catfish, clams, striped bass, and sturgeon.