Improving Protein Requirements the Meatless Way

The Better Life Experts | July 6, 2009


Some people either for cultural, religious or ethical reasons do not include meat in their diet. It is a personal choice that involves some degree of dietary risk because our bodies require amino acids to build and repair cells. Amino acids are often referred to as “the building blocks of protein”. Animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids in the right ratios and are known as suppliers of complete proteins. Most plant based foods lack one or more of the amino acids necessary to classify them as sources of complete proteins. Limiting amino acids in the diet can inhibit protein synthesis and consequently hamper the repair and production of cells and muscle tissue.

But, nature has provided a way out for people who do not consume meat products in their diet. By combining certain carbohydrates, you can create a complete amino acid profile without eating meat. Known as protein complementation, mixing food groups can ensure that you get enough dietary protein daily. As long as you eat a variety of complementary foods within a 24 hour period of time, you should be able to reach the required levels of amino acids necessary for the body to function properly. Complementary proteins have different amino acid profiles, but can function as complete protein sources when combined together.

Some examples of protein complementation include:

Combining beans with a tortilla; lentils with cornbread; rice with beans; corn with peas; peanut butter on whole grain bread; split pea soup with whole grain sesame crackers; and hummus with pita bread. These are just a few good protein complementation ideas you may want to try.

The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of protein is about 47 grams per day for the average sedentary (inactive) adult. This requirement increases with activity, so the average adult who exercises moderately to vigorously should be about 70 grams of protein per day.

Calcium Confusion and Reading Supplement Labels Carefully

Many of us are advised to use a calcium supplement if our daily requirements cannot be met through diet alone. Physicians may recommend a level of usage based upon elemental calcium, so it is important to read the labels on every supplement that you ingest. Elemental calcium is very important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Let’s take a look at calcium and its constituent parts.

Calcium is an element and cannot be broken down into other forms. Elements join together to form compounds, known as molecules. Calcium combines with carbon and oxygen (two other elements) to make a commonly known dietary formulation known as calcium carbonate. This molecule (calcium carbonate) contains elemental calcium, elemental carbon and elemental oxygen. Whew!

Okay, when calcium carbonate is digested, the calcium that was bonded to carbon and oxygen breaks off and returns to its elemental form. This amount is known as elemental calcium. For each tablet that contains 1,000 milligrams of calcium carbonate, only 400 milligrams (or 40%) is actually elemental calcium and becomes available for absorption through the digestive system. The rest of the tablet (about 60%) is carbon and oxygen.

Nearly all calcium supplements work similarly. They contain calcium compounds which in turn include different levels of elemental calcium, depending upon formulation. Calcium citrate, for example, provides 20% of elemental calcium, so a 1,000 milligram tablet of calcium citrate will provide approximately 200 milligrams of elemental calcium.

Calcium recommendations for men, women and children are given as milligrams of elemental calcium. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the following levels of elemental calcium should be ingested as follows:

0-6 months 210 mg.

6-12 months 270 mg.

1-3 years 500 mg.

4-8 years 800 mg.

9-18 years 1,300 mg.

19-50 1,000 mg.

51 and older 1,200 mg.

By choosing a brand of calcium supplements that meets U.S.P. (United States Pharmacopia) standards, dissolvability and absorption as well as purity standards can be assured. “Natural” sources of calcium in the form of bone meal or dolomite may contain toxic ingredients in the form of lead or mercury and therefore, should be avoided.

Since our diet is also instrumental in meeting some of our calcium needs, a future Bulletin will be devoted to providing information about which foods are best at helping us meet our daily quota of elemental Calcium

The Better Life Experts | May 29, 2009

Chocolate - a health food?

Chocolate can be good for you.

There are, however; some things you need to know about the chocolate and sweet cravings you experience.

When blood sugar levels drop below 65 milligrams, a sweet toot and sugar craving is the result. If the blood sugar level is allowed to continue below the 65 mg., headache, weakness, and even heart palpitations can occur. Thinking becomes slowed and confused which leads to grouchiness and irritability.

Many scientific studies have shown that well being and a positive disposition result when the blood sugar levels remain above the fasting level.

The average American begins the day with high sugar content foods. Think about it. You're running late for work. You skip having breakfast. You stop at the nearest 7-11 or QT on your way to work and what do you buy? Sugar laden coffee and a couple of donuts! Or maybe you drive through Winchell's Donut Shop or Crispy Cream for your morning donuts and sugar-laden coffee.

If you are in a big hurry but not that late, your breakfast consists of the quick and easy. How about pop tarts, toaster strudel, frozen waffles, or coffeecake? And sugar-laden coffee, of course.

All that sugar that's consumed in the early morning hours causes the blood sugar to skyrocket, but in an hour or so it drops to a low level again. The result? Inefficiency and fatigue! The real function of sugar is to efficiently produce energy not fatigue.

The key to maintaining an even blood sugar level for hours after consumption is by adding protein to your breakfast. Drink a glass of milk or eat some yogurt or cottage cheese with breakfast. Another name for cottage cheese is curds and whey. There have been some excellent studies performed recently on the benefits of whey including increased hormone levels and lowered body weight. By adding milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese to your morning meal, you'll be taking a healthy step in the right direction.

If you feel you need a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, eat a protein bar. I didn't say to skip the chocolate. The important point is to add some protein.

Mrs. A was bragging, "I can eat chocolate and still lose weight." It was learned that Mrs. A skipped breakfast and had only a chocolate candy bar for lunch.

She went on to say, "I have to have my chocolate. I would rather starve myself all day than to give up my chocolate."

Studies have shown that chocolate consumption is healthy because of its polyphenol and anti-oxidant properties. "Chocolate is a mild stimulant and mood elevator."1 It tastes good too. In fact, chocolate is delicious. According to a study at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, five out eight women crave sweets. The most prevalent craving being the craving of chocolate. 2

Mrs. A would be functioning at a more efficient level by replacing the candy bar with a protein bar. The craving for chocolate and sweets disappears or is at least diminished when the blood sugar level is kept high. That is accomplished by eating protein foods - NOT sugar foods.

What Mrs. A didn't realize is that when a craving becomes so intense that you think you can't live without it, it's become an addiction.

Many women crave chocolate every month during either PMS of their menstrual cycle. In addition to a blood sugar level, this craving could also be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Many "chocolate-addicts" crave chocolate because of a chromium and magnesium deficiency.

Chromium helps stabilize blood sugar levels and makes better use of insulin. This action lessens the urge to indulge in those delicious tempting morsels of chocolate.

Another supplement that helps to naturally suppress chocolate and sugar cravings is the amino acid L-Glutamine. Glutamine is known as the essential "non-essential amino acid." It is known to alleviate hypoglycemia.

In summary, chocolate and other sweets can become an addiction for these reasons:

1. Low Blood Sugar Levels
2. Nutritional Deficiency

Supplements that help curb the craving:

1. Chromium
2. L-Glutamine

he best way to curb the craving:

1. Add Protein Foods to Your Meals
2. Eat Protein Foods for Your Snacks
3. Take Supplements

References

1. Zand, Janet, Allen J. Spreen, James B. LaValle. Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. New York, Garden City Park. Avery Publishing Company. 1999 p. 449

2. Studenmund, Gabrielle. Fitness Magazine May 2001. "Retrain Your Appetite" G & H USA Publishing, A Garner and Jahr Company. New York, N. Y. p. 55

About the author:

Bette has been writing nutrition, diet and weight loss articles for twenty years. The information she writes about is always up-to-date and timely. She'll leave you hungering for more of what she has to say. http://www.slimmer-fitness.com

Water and our Bodies

post by Sandra Prior

Water, next to oxygen, is the most important substance needed by our bodies. When we are dehydrated we start feeling lifeless and tired and unfortunately thirst isn't a very good indicator to when our bodies need water. Our bodies become less perceptive to thirst as we get older, which also increases our risk of dehydration.

Why Our Bodies Need To Be Properly Hydrated

1. Water helps to purify our blood.
2. It reduces the stress on our hearts and stomachs.
3. It helps to remove body toxins and flushes impurities from the cellular membranes.
4. It allows better circulation to the extremities.
5. Water prevents premature ageing. It nourishes dehydrated sagging skin, leaving it clear and healthy.
6. Water lubricates body joints and aids muscle tone and flexibility.
7. It reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
8. It reduces the risk of cancer.
9. It alleviates fatigue to the liver and kidney.
10. It helps with the recovery from illnesses.
11. Water is very important in controlling body temperature and the distribution of nutritional elements.
12. Water reduces the risk of birth defects, it protects the growth of children's intelligence and helps with baby growth.
13. It reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and it improves the memory of adults.
14. It helps with losing weight, it converts fatty deposits into energy.
15. It reduces the problem of water retention.

Existing Conditions Water Will Help Improve

1. Lower back pain
2. Diabetes
3. Chronic fatigue syndrome
4. Asthma
5. Rheumatism and arthritis
6. Allergies
7. High blood pressure
8. Depression
9. High blood cholesterol
10. Neck pain
11. Alcohol dependency
12. Colitis
13. Being overweight
14. Diarrhea
15. Headaches
16. Spastic colon
17. Heart and circulation
18. Aching bones and joints

Important Information about Dehydration:

1. When you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated.
2. Children dehydrate more easily than adults do.
3. Water allows the body to metabolize fats more efficiently.
4. Fatigue is often a symptom of dehydration.
5. The human body has no water storage to draw on during dehydration. This is why you must drink regularly throughout the day.
6. By the time you feel thirsty, your body has lost over one percent of its total water amount. So drink before you get thirsty.
7. A dehydrated skin looks much older than a hydrated one.
8. Drinking water keeps your skin looking youthful, and vibrant.
9.Perfect Water ( a product) increases your hydration

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

General signs and symptoms of dehydration include: mild to excessive thirst, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, little or no urination, muscle weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. When your urine is dark yellow or had a strong smell, you are already dehydrated. Mild dehydration (treated correctly) rarely results in complications, but more severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in the very young and the elderly. If any two of the following signs are present, severe dehydration should be diagnosed and treatment should be started immediately:

Lethargy or unconsciousness
Sunken eyes
Skin pinch goes back very slowly (two seconds or more)
Unable to drink or one drinks poorly

How Much Water Must I Drink?

If you weigh 80kg and another person weighs 40kg and you both are drinking eight glasses of water, who is getting enough water and who is not? It all boils down to a couple of factors:

1. Body weight, for every 10kg of body weight, one big glass of water. 80kg = 8 glasses of water.
2. For every cup of coffee add one glass of water on top the amount of water you have to drink, caffeine dehydrates you as well as alcohol.
3. Depends on your activity, the amount of calories that you are burning.
4. Depends on the day's temperature. You lose moisture from your lungs with every breath.
5. Other fluids are not a substitute for water.

Minerals in Water

Minerals in water are probably the most talked about and most controversial issue when it comes to water purification.

Two different kinds of minerals: The first important part of understanding minerals in water is to know the difference between Organic and Inorganic minerals.

Inorganic minerals are minerals that never lived and are unable to bring life into our cells. They have a covalent bond which the body cannot break down. They are metals and the body treats them more as toxins than as nutrients. Our body's cells reject inorganic minerals and deposit them in various tissues: Organs, joints, bones and the circulatory system. These inorganic minerals that have been rejected by the body can lead to kidney stones, gallstones and ossification of the brain, arthritis, heart disease and the hardening of arteries.

Organic minerals once were or are now living and can bring life to and be utilized by cells. They have an ionic bond which the body can break down into usable material for tissue repair and function. They are made of a plant, or living organism and the body uses them as food.

What about the minerals in our water: Although our bodies need up to 70 different minerals on a daily basis, more than 97 percent of minerals in water are inorganic and therefore undesirable in drinking water. Inorganic minerals are removed from water during nature's water cycle, that is, during evaporation from the sun, only the water itself is removed, with the inorganic chemicals behind.

The distillation process is one filtering process that mimics what nature does on its own. So, why are these minerals removed from pure drinking water? Inorganic minerals are picked up in the ground by the water supply. These inorganic, or non-living, minerals cannot be utilized by humans or animals. However, plants can. Plants turn them into the organic minerals through photosynthesis and then they're in a form that our bodies can use. Unfortunately the inorganic minerals that pass into our drinking water cannot help us and can in fact, harm us.

In closing: Water wasn't meant to be our source of minerals, plants are our source of minerals. Water function in our bodies is also far greater than being a source of food. You will be able to survive for up to 40 days without food but only six or seven days without water.

The Effect of Chlorine in Water

Chlorine is used for treatment of public drinking water because of its toxic effect on harmful bacteria and other waterborne, disease - causing organisms. But there is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows that chlorine in drinking water may actually pose greater long term dangers than those for which it was used to eliminate. One of the biggest problems with chlorine is the fact that it increases your risk of cancer. Firstly chlorine destroys vitamin E in our bodies. Vitamin E is a very important natural anti-oxidant which is part of our resistant against diseases like cancer. That is also why your skin itches and dries out after you have taken a swim in a swimming pool that has chlorine in it. The second thing that happens when chlorine is added to water is the chlorine binds with volatile organic compounds to form thrialominithanes.

Thrihalominitanes are carcinogens which are cancer causing agents. Chlorine reports have linked chlorine and chlorine by-products to cancer of the bladder, liver, stomach, rectum and colon, as well as heart disease, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), anaemia, high blood pressure and allergic reaction.


For Information on Perfect Water as a hydrating and Water Plus product - report here

Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu

Fruit Juice or the Whole Fruit

The citrus board isn't really that concerned about whether you choose to eat an orange or drink a cup of orange juice. The growers probably prefer that you go with the juice because it's more processed, which means they can charge more for it. But putting cares of major fruit conglomerates aside, which is better for your body - whole fruit or fruit juice?

The Winner is: A draw

The Reason: Oranges and orange juice, apples and apple juice, blueberries and blueberry juice, cranberries and - you get the idea - have benefits. As long as the juice is 100% juice, with no added sugars, both it and the whole fruit used to make it are packed full of antioxidants and are good sources of slow-digesting carbs. If you find that second part surprising, you're in the old school that believes that fruit juice is an excellent accompaniment for post-workout creatine.

Science - and the glycemic index of foods - has since shown that, although it's a liquid, fruit juice doesn't go through your body any faster than whole fruit. But there is another issue involved in the choice between fruit and fruit juice - fullness.

Whole fruit must be chewed, and it does contain way more fiber (in the example of orange versus orange juice, its 4 grams in the orange to juice's half a gram); both of these factors have an impact on appetite. Research has shown that the act of chewing actually enhances satiety following a meal. Fiber further slows fruit's passage through the digestive track and that means feeling fuller longer.

For these reasons, we recommend that you pick whole fruit for a midday snack (along with protein, of course) - it will tide you over longer than juice will. However, for your pre-workout slow carbs, juice is a better choice, if just for its convenient factor. Add a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder to a cup of orange juice, shake, and you have all you need to carry you through a grueling appointment with the iron.


Posted by Sandra Prior

Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu

Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a fairly common (albeit embarrassing) problem, and one that needs to be discussed. According to the Mayo Clinic, roughly 50% of all adults over the age of 50 have suffered from uncomfortable symptoms at one time or another. But because it is an embarrassing topic, most of us are reluctant to discuss our symptoms with a health professional and tend to avoid the topic even with those closest to us. Even television commercials for products to treat hemorrhoids seem to avoid a straightforward approach to describing the symptoms and causes of hemorrhoids. And how many of us hope that our children don’t decide to ask us “Where do hemorrhoids come from, Mommy?” after they see one of those commercials. In an effort to address this issue more openly, here are a few basic facts that could help you decrease the probability of becoming a hemorrhoid sufferer.

External hemorrhoids occur when veins around the anus become enlarged and inflamed. They often appear during the later stages of pregnancy due to pressure and also appear to have a hormonal component. Other causes of hemorrhoids include constipation from low fiber diets, insufficient water consumption, excessive lactic acid from dairy products or a vitamin E deficiency. Other dietary culprits include excessive caffeine usage and over consumption of alcohol because these substances rob the body of water, necessary for the digestion process. Lifting and carrying heavy objects may also cause hemorrhoids. Finally, some people may have a genetic predisposition to getting hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are painful and can make it difficult to have bowel movements. There are many ways in which we can prevent and treat external hemorrhoids ourselves, but often, they are a manifestation of other health problems that should be addressed by your physician. High blood pressure, obesity, cancer, abscesses, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. must be diagnosed and treated by your physician. If you develop hemorrhoids or have any rectal bleeding, call your doctor and make an appointment for evaluation. If your physician recommends dietary and/or lifestyle changes, some of the following could be valuable in the management of hemorrhoids:

Increasing fiber and consuming adequate fluids in your diet as well as avoiding heavily processed and refined foods can help prevent constipation, a major cause of hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids, be careful of hard wiping after a bowel movement because this can aggravate the tissues and actually cause new hemorrhoids to appear. Try using wet disposable cloths that are flushable to clean yourself gently and safely during flare-ups. If you cannot avoid heavy lifting as part of your job, make sure that you take precautions to raise and lower heavy objects properly so that you don’t weaken vein walls through excessive pressure. Losing weight can help reduce hemorrhoids because it lessens the pressure on veins in the rectum. Sitting too much can also cause or exacerbate hemorrhoids and is often an occupational hazard of long distance truck and bus drivers. Try and take advantage of any work breaks you have to walk around and reduce the pressure that constant sitting places on your rear-end.

Remember that external hemorrhoids are a fairly common problem that should not be ignored and can be treated successfully by making healthy lifestyle changes and working with your physician to treat any underlying health problems

ref; Better Life Experts | July 9, 2009

High Protein Diets and Bad Breath

An embarrassing side effect of low carbohydrate diet programs is halitosis (bad breath), commonly experienced within a few days of increasing protein consumption, a frequent companion to the low carb diet. Ketones (smelly chemicals) are produced as the body burns fat and exits through breath, urine and perspiration. A malodorous breath is the curse of dieters (just ask the co-workers, friends, family and just about any other person who comes into close contact with people who consume low carb-high protein foods). Ironically, it is one of the signals that a high protein diet is working, much to the dismay of many people who are on the breath receiving end of conversations with such a dieter.

The problem with low carb, high protein diets is that there is an insufficient amount of carbohydrate available for the body to burn off to supply its energy needs. When carbohydrate intake is too low, the liver converts fat molecules into fatty acids and ketone bodies, an alternative to glucose as a source of energy. When excess ketones (acetones) are produced, it can create an unhealthy state we call ketosis. Ketosis can lead to many health problems and is actually dangerous in extreme cases. Since most high protein diets limit the amount of carbohydrates you are allowed to eat, your body has no choice but to break down fat and other tissues, releasing ketones into your system. “Keto breath” is sometimes noticeable on people who are on very low calorie diets or on people with poorly controlled diabetes. Some people describe the odor as smelling like a combination of nail polish and rotten pineapple.

Another source of bad breath is the bacteria that live in the mouth. Bacteria feed off the food that lingers in the crevices of the gums, cheeks and tongue, giving off waste products that dentists refer to as “volatile sulfur compounds” (the smell of rotten eggs). These bacteria are part of a group called anaerobic because they thrive in dark, moist places that contain very little oxygen. Other bacteria within this group produce waste byproducts that smell like smelly feet, decaying meat, rotting corpses and fecal material. In general, we cannot detect these odors in a healthy person who maintains good oral hygiene, but when a person begins to diet, that changes. That’s because most of the volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath are waste products created by anaerobic bacteria as they digest proteins. To help counteract this, people who diet or exercise a great deal need to increase their fluid intake not only to replace the fluid lost during this time, but to keep the mouth clean and flushed out so that food and bacteria can more easily travel down the digestive tract.

When you consider the fact that Americans already consume more than twice the amount of protein needed, the addition of a high protein diet adds far too much protein to a system already on overload. Some of the health risks associated with eating too much protein include gout, kidney disease, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. So, if you or someone close to you notices that your breath smells, don’t just pop a breath mint to cover it up (although this can help). Instead, use this information to adjust the ratio of carbohydrates and proteins to achieve a healthier balance. One way to do this is to stay with low fat, high dietary fiber and high carbohydrate content, and to increase the amount of aerobic exercise you do. Include plenty of wholegrain, unprocessed grains, high-bran cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and fish, low-fat or skimmed milk and dairy products, legumes and small quantities of polyunsaturated oil or margarine. An excellent choice of vegetable is cabbage because it is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, while it is high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, manganese, vitamin A, thiamin, vitamin B6, calcium, iron and magnesium. Our Cabbage Soup Diet can help you avoid sacrificing important vitamins, minerals and fiber while helping you maintain a healthy fluid level as you lose weight. Contact us at www.betterlifeunlimited.com for more information about the Cabbage Soup Diet (click here for details or to buy) and any other nutrition-related questions you may have.

ref;The Better Life Experts | July 15, 2009

There are Vitamins and then there are vitamins

When I was younger I thought the mere act of buying a vitamin and taking it home was a major health step. Later I even swallowed some of them.

As I got older I met people in and out of the Health and what would become the Wellness Business (and I mean business). Among these people I met some researches and doctors who studied the effects of vitamins on the body - and on the sewage system I might add. (dont forget 40 years ago maybe less doctors had very little 'medical' knowledge about vitamins.
'Minerals?? - you mean dirt??'

One researcher from Canada Health had a great lecture where he showed store-bought vitamins in a jar. looked OK to me. Yes he said - but these are 'used' they have been through the body. (I had a picture, we all did - how did he get these 'used' vitamins?). THus the concern with the sewage syatem and all these used/unsed vitamins decaying there. (think estrogen and fish)

The 'coating' was such (quite often sugar and starch) that the body couldn't break it down - and they went in and out - the same.

Then I saw a study of how much vitamin c was left in a tablet after its packaging and shelving and storing and then you getting it home. And what was left may have trace Vitamin C , but could the body absorb it?

I asked a Doctor of nutrition - what was the best then. He said he didn't know if there was a best - but he recommenced I study what Nutrilite did and then compare against the rest.

I am not a scientsist - so I dont know either -but Nutrilite is worth using as a comparison. It seems to have right policy - idea.

Create your 'food' from plants that grow in farms you own and control. Harvest as little or as much as is ready - control the soil, control the harvesting, control the concentration, control the packaging and control the delivery system to the market. And make 'the vitmain' as much like food as possible as the body is designed to absorb food - not tablets.

Then make the 'vitamin or mineral' as 'whole' as possible, bundle in all the unintended bits and pieces found in nature to keep the process'organic'. That is a whole food vitamin.

I am sure on a small scale there are other companies that do what Nutrilite does, but I am amazed and their scale and dedication -not to sales but to quality of the whole

website - Nutrilite

Herb And Drug Interactions

Herbs are more widely used today in energy drinks and in supplements than every before. When ingested in combination with some prescription drugs and over the counter medications, complications can lead to serious clinical consequences. Why?

Possible Contamination
The supplement industry in the U.S. is loosely regulated and physical contamination of herbal products is a major factor in the interaction process. Over the counter medications and prescription drugs are heavily regulated and standardized – they are safer to use and content pure.

Concurrent Use of Herbs May Mimic, Magnify, or Oppose the Effect of Drugs
Huh? Some herbs can cause side effects when used in combination with prescription drugs that are avoidable. A good example is the use of garlic or gingko biloba and blood thinner medications. Your physician may decide for a number of reasons to place you on blood thinners and the concurrent use with these herbs may result in internal bleeding.

Safe Consumption Levels
Some herbs may be considered safe to ingest in specific doses only. The United States loosely regulates supplements and herb levels can fluctuate from product to product. Since it is difficult for most people to track herb quantities in energy drinks, they may overload their systems without even realizing the serious consequences of excess consumption. If you are going to consume energy drinks, make sure you inform your physician. Your doctor will probably ask you what supplements you ingest daily. Be sure to inform your physician about any energy drinks and amounts (number of cans per day) consumed per day.

Patricia Zifferblatt | October 14, 2008 BLI

Possible Arthritis cures

Taking fish oil for arthritis has been recommended for hundreds of years. Recently, researchers have established that the oils do have anti-inflammatory activity. This is due primarily to the omega-3 content, but other factors are involved, as well.

Omega3s are what we call a group of essential fatty acids. There are two groups of fats that are essential to the human diet; omega6 and 3. They are necessary for the body to make a wide variety of molecules that perform numerous functions in the human body.

Many of the molecules have anti-inflammatory activity. Some affect mood and behavior. Others protect against neurological diseases. They affect cellular signaling, either positively or negatively, depending on the type. They also act on DNA, either activating or inhibiting transcription factors that are related to pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Cytokines are involved in the formation and growth of cancerous cells.

Omega6s are precursors to more of the inflammatory molecules, while omega3s down regulate inflammation and have a positive effect on the cells. The diet in Western societies (particularly the US) provides too many omega6s and not enough omega3s. It is for this reason that researchers began to look at the fish oil arthritis connection, as the condition is very common in the US.

There is also evidence indicating that long-term inadequate intake of omega3s increases the risk of osteoporosis, which often accompanies age-related arthritis. Osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones. It is the primary cause of hip fractures and other bone breaks in the elderly.

So, taking fish oil for arthritis may also reduce your risk of osteoporosis. But, it is important to evaluate the quality of a supplement, before you buy it. The manufacturer should guarantee purity and potency. They should provide proof that the oils are free of mercury, lead and cancer-causing chemicals like PCBs.

If precautions are not taken, a supplement can be bad for your long-term health, instead of good. The oils should be checked for oxidation, because oxidized oils may contain free radicals. Free radical molecules contribute to aging and disease.

There should be a high percentage of omega3 fats in each capsule. The best supplements provide a minimum of 50% omega3 and very little omega6. As mentioned, you are probably getting too many omega6s, already.

Laboratories can test for a compounds anti-inflammatory activity. Testing has been conducted in order to verify the fish oil arthritis benefits. It has been shown that oils with a high concentration have only about half of the anti-inflammatory activity that accompanies aspirin. But, the natural triglyceride form has a higher level, nearly equivalent to that of aspirin.

The best supplements contain 500mg of natural triglycerides and 500mg of concentrated esters in order to provide the highest amount of omega3s and the highest degree of anti-inflammatory activity. The manufacturer can voluntarily have their products tested for anti-inflammatory activity. But, it is not a requirement.

Taking fish oil for arthritis can be highly beneficial. Numerous studies have shown reduced pain, stiffness and necessity for pain meds. There are many other benefits that you might be interested in, too.

Check my website for more on the benefits of fish oil for arthritis and many other health benefits as well.

Carol P. Lawrence is a health and nutrition researcher and passionate about preventative health care. Visit her website: Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_P_Lawrence

Tight Hamstrings & Lower Back Pain

The hamstring muscles run along the back of your thighs to behind your knees. They connect to the bottom of your pelvis. If you have tight hamstrings, you will probably notice a consistent, downward, pull on your pelvis. And because the pelvis is the foundation of your lower back and spine, tight hamstring muscles contribute to lower back instability. This instability, in turn, can lead to greater risk of intermittent strains.

How do you know if you have tight hamstrings? A simple way of evaluating whether or not you have short or tight hamstring muscles is to lie flat on your back and have someone slowly raise one leg. Make sure that your leg is completely relaxed. Do not use your own muscles to help lift the leg. Generally, if your leg can be raised 90 degrees from the ground (straight up towards the ceiling) without any major tightness anywhere along your hamstrings from behind your knee to your pelvis, your hamstrings are of an appropriate length. However, if you start to feel tightness before 90 degrees, it is a good signal that you need to stretch (and often). .

If you have chronic low back pain, try stretching those hamstring muscles on a daily basis for a few months. Even if you don’t have lower back problems, stretching the hamstring muscles every day will help to keep your lower back and pelvis stable and balanced.

The Better Life Experts | May 11, 2009

Watching For Signs

Young men, as well as young women, take risks especially with regards to sports. Teenage self esteem is tied closely to the physical body and it is difficult during these formative years to separate the two. Girls are generally influenced by media models who are dangerously thin, and in an effort to imitate fashion, may develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Young boys, however, tend to be manipulated by images of muscular bodies. As a result, some teenagers are drawn to the use of steroids in order to compete or even “level the playing field” with other young men who use steroids. But before we discuss the dangers of steroids, here are some facts about steroids as they are produced by our bodies and the important role they serve in maintaining good health.

There are three general categories of steroid hormones within the human body:

• Sex steroids are a type of sex hormone that is responsible for sex differences and they support reproduction. Included in this group are androgens, estrogens, and progestagens.
  
  
• Corticosteroids include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids regulate many aspects of metabolism and immune function, whereas mineralocorticoids help maintain blood volume and control our urinary output of electrolytes. Most medical 'steroid' drugs are corticosteroids.
  
  
• Anabolic steroids are a class of steroids that interact with androgen receptors to increase muscle and bone synthesis. There are natural and synthetic anabolic steroids. When we hear the word “steroid” today, it usually refers to anabolic steroids. Synthetic anabolic steroids, however, tend to be abused most often by young men, in part, because they are easily obtained (albeit illegally) and can increase weight, muscle size, strength and endurance fairly quickly. Anabolic steroids may also help muscles recover at a faster rate after workouts and enhance athletic performance during sports.

The downside of using the steroids often sold at gyms, sports competitions, or via mail and over the internet is vast. Quality and purity of these drugs is unknown. The possible health side effects of unsupervised, prolonged usage of steroids can include liver damage, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Other common problems include changes to the reproductive system, impaired glucose tolerance (which can lead to type 2 diabetes), high blood pressure, edema, decreased immune function, etc. Combined with alterations in behavior as well as psychological problems, steroid usage becomes a “no brainer” in the sense that these drugs should only be used by a medical professional in an appropriate setting for specific reasons. They should never be used indiscriminately by anyone (and especially not young people) in order to enhance athletic performance.

This form of drug abuse can damage young healthy bodies and adults should be aware of some of the warning signs of steroid use before long term health problems and addiction occurs. Getting the advice of a health professional if steroid use is suspected can be the difference between life and death for a teenager. These are dangerous drugs and adolescents typically either don’t realize it or they fool themselves into thinking they will be alright by minimizing the risks associated with steroid use.

The following list details some signs of possible steroidal use:

• Compulsive weight training
• Quick gains in weight and muscle growth that don’t seem normal
• Persistent unpleasant breath odor
• Aggressiveness and mood swings
• Unexplained darkness of skin or purple (or red) spots on the body
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Jaundice of the whites of the eyes

This is a partial list only and a medical professional must be the person who diagnoses and treats this problem. Abrupt withdrawal from steroids can be deadly and should be undertaken with the supervision of a doctor.

There are better ways for young men to achieve safe and effective muscle growth. Maximizing training programs together with sports nutrition can have an impact on improving sports performance. Supplying a growing body with the right nutrients as well as appropriate exercise will produce beneficial results without the dangerous use of steroids.


The Better Life Experts | April 28, 2009