It’s something we read or hear about all the time: people, in general, do not eat healthy. The average diet contains too much saturated fat and simple carbohydrates, elements that can lead to heart disease, obesity and other serious conditions. While not all people who follow a vegetarian diet do so for health reasons, such a diet is beneficial to the health.
There are three main types of vegetarians. Lacto vegetarians do not consume any meat, but instead live on fruits, vegetables and dairy. The lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is similar to the lacto vegetarian, with the exception that individuals who follow this diet consume eggs. As the name implies, fruitarians follow a diet restricted to fruits, but they may also eat nuts and seeds. Considered the most strict vegetarian diet, vegans do not eat meat, eggs, or dairy.
The only negative aspect of the vegetarian lifestyle is the high probability of vitamin deficiency. Depending on the type of vegetarian diet followed, an individual may not obtain the proper nutrients their body needs to function properly. One vitamin that is absent in most vegetarian diets is B-12. Vitamin B-12, which exists in meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry and is essential in the development of red blood cells and a healthy central nervous system. The common symptoms of B-12 deficiency include dementia, fatigue, hallucinations, balance problems, and vision disturbances.
People who have followed a vegetarian diet most of their life are more at risk of B-12 deficiency. Since B-12 can be reabsorbed, people who become a vegetarian later in life will typically do not display any symptoms of deficiency for as many as five years. It is a good idea to prevent deficiency from occurring because it is relatively difficult to reverse the effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also result in increased levels of homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is an antioxidant that when in high levels can have a toxic effect on the body. This is an important issue because as many as 20% of the people diagnosed with heart disease have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood.
The recommended dosage of vitamin B-12 is 10 micrograms. If you follow a vegetarian lifestyle, it is recommended that you have your blood checked to check for deficiency. If your doctor detects that you have a B-12 deficiency, they will provide additional information about the amount of B-12 you should take.
Why not check out our nutrition guide at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/nut-ebook.html
John Gibb is the owner of Nutrition guides, a website offering free nutrition advice and a quality nutrition book for newsletter subscribers.
Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. among both men and women. Part of the problem is it is truly a silent killer. There are few warning signs of a heart attack and the signs that are there dont necessarily make us feel bad. The good news is there are many lifestyle changes you can make to significantly decrease your risk of heart disease. Here are 9 simple steps to make over your diet for heart health.
1. Use the right fats: The good fats are found to preserve HDL (protective cholesterol) and lower LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels. The good fats are found in foods such as olive, canola, and peanut oils as well as nuts, avocados and olives.
2. Decrease the Saturated Fats: These fats tend to increase the cholesterol made by your body. They can increase your total and LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as dairy, poultry (especially the skin), meats, butter and cream based sauces and dressings. It is not necessary to omit these foods, just choose leaner options and have the higher fat foods once in awhile.
3. Remove all Trans Fats from your pantry! : Trans Fats are oils that have been hardened by the hydrogenation process, such as stick margarine and shortening used to make commercial baked goods, chips, and fast foods. Like saturated fats, these fats increase total blood cholesterol and LDL (Bad) cholesterol levels and may even lower HDL (Good) cholesterol levels. Food labels will be required to list the amount of Trans fats in a food product by 2006. Until then, if the ingredient list on the food label includes the term hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated, it contains Trans Fats. Avoid these products!
4. Increase Your Fiber! : Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood by binding to cholesterol in the intestine so it cannot be absorbed by the body. Good food sources of soluble fiber include beans and legumes, oranges, apples, prunes, broccoli, carrots, oat bran, oatmeal, and some cereals. Use whole grain products in place of their white counterparts. Eat at least 20-40 grams of fiber a day. (Most Americans only eat around 12 grams of fiber a day.)
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids every day: Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids meaning we have to get them from our diet. These fatty acids may reduce the risk of blood clotting, decrease inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, normalize heart rhythms and improve the immune system. Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids daily may reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death by 50-70%. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in: fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, halibut, and sardines. Other sources include ground flax seeds, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts.
6. Five To Eight Fruits and Vegetables a day: Eating fruits and vegetables can help to decrease your risk of heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and can help to lower blood pressure. Fruits and Vegetables are loaded in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. The more fruits and veggies you eat, the more antioxidant activity in your body.
How do antioxidants work? Every day we are exposed to free radicals from our diets, sun, chemical exposure, pollution, etc. These free radicals promote the plaque build up in our arteries leading us to increased risk of heart disease. Antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals before they can cause damage to our bodies.
7. Folic Acid: High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood have been associated with damage to the blood-vessel walls, increased blood clotting, and overall increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Folate is a B vitamin which has been shown to decrease these homocysteine levels in the blood. Good food sources of Folate include green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, beet greens, and chard as well as legumes, asparagus, broccoli, oranges, orange juice, whole and fortified grains, walnuts and peanuts.
8. Add some almonds! Studies show that eating an ounce of almonds a day can help to lower your cholesterol. A matter of fact, a recent study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that eating a diet that included plant sterol margarine (such as Benecol or ProActiv), soy products, almonds and increase fiber was able to lower cholesterol levels as much as the statin drugs and in just 2 weeks time! Have an ounce of almonds as a snack, or sprinkle them in your cereal or salad.
9. Have a little soy: Soy has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
Using soy on a weekly basis is a great step towards protecting your heart. If you are not a tofu fan, try soy milk or yogurt, garden burgers, edamme (soy beans), or soy sausage patties. There are all kinds of ways to include soy in your diet!
Sample Heart Healthy Meal Makeover:
Sample day
Before:
Breakfast:
- glass of orange juice
- 2 fried eggs
- 3 slices of bacon
- 2 slices white bread with 3 tsp butter
Lunch:
- roast beef sandwich on white bread
- potato chips
Snack:
- 1 cup Cheez It crackers
Dinner:
- fried fish strips
- 1 cup mashed potatoes cooked w/whole milk and butter
- cup corn
Diet make over:
Breakfast:
-glass of calcium fortified orange juice
- scrambled egg beaters
- 1-2 slices of whole grain bread with 1-2 tsp Benocol or
ProActive spread
- 1-2 slices soy bacon or sausage links
Lunch:
- turkey, lettuce, tomato, and avocado sandwich
- 1 cup vegetable soup
- 8 oz vanilla non-fat yogurt with 1/3 cup of berries added
Snack:
1 ounce almonds
Dinner:
- 3 ounces baked or broiled salmon
- cup broiled red potatoes with olive oil
- cup broccoli
- 1-2 cups of salad with cut up pears and toasted walnuts with 1TB olive oil vinaigrette salad dressing
Results:
Day 1 = 2300 calories and 114 grams fat; 98 grams sat fat; 45% calories from fat
Day 2 = 1800 calories and 58 grams fat; 14 grams sat fat; 29% calories from fat.
Making small changes can go a long way to improve your heart health! What changes can you start making?
© Meri Raffetto, 2005
About the Author
Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She has developed two online weight management programs, The Mini Diet Makeover and The Ultimate Diet Makeover, which focus on a healthy, non-diet approach to weight loss. For more information or to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com
Acid Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a common disease which affects approximately 5-7% of the population. It occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, a long, thin, muscular tube, which connects the mouth and the stomach. This often causes a constant burning sensation behind the breastbone, which is commonly known as heartburn. Long-term or persistent heartburn should be evaluated by a doctor, as heartburn can imitate the symptoms of heart disease.
Once you have been properly diagnosed as having Acid Reflux Disease, there are a variety of treatment options available to you. Many doctors recommend over the counter medications, developed to reduce stomach acid, such as antacids or prokinetic agents. Some patients who are unable to control their symptoms with non-prescription medication may either choose prescription antacids or surgery, or opt for a combination of the two.
There are other options available, however, to help you manage your symptoms. Many patients are able to control their disease by simply by making lifestyle changes. Here are a few tips, to get you started.
Probably the most important lifestyle change that you could make to help you manage your GERD symptoms is the simplest- avoid the foods and drinks that make you uncomfortable! While this may sound like common sense, many sufferers find it difficult to make dietary changes. Try replacing fatty, deep-fried foods with healthier options, such as tasty summer salads and steamed vegetables. You should also try to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages, as caffeine is a known contributor to GERD, so opt for decaf teas and coffees instead.
Stress reduction is also key to the management of acid reflux disease. The body manufactures more stomach acid when under stress, so it is important to learn to relax. Meditation is a very useful tool for effectively reducing stress levels, so incorporating one or two short meditation sessions into each day can help you to relax. Likewise, yoga is also recommended as being an effective way to manage stress, so try to find a class near you.
By incorporating simple changes into your life, you can not only better manage your GERD symptoms, but also enhance the overall quality of your life.
Carl Spanier is the founder of Acid Reflux Causes a website that allows consumers
to quickly and easily get acid reflux
information.
Most diseases of the human body are caused by auto-intoxication or self-poisoning. The flesh of animals increases the burden of the organs of elimination and overloads the system with animal waste matter and poisons. Chemical analysis has proved that uric acid and other uremic poisons contained in the animal body are almost identical to caffeine, nicotine, the poisonous stimulating principles of coffee, tea, and tobacco.
This explains why meat stimulates the animal
passions and creates a craving for liquor, tobacco, and other stronger stimulants. Excessive uric
acid resulting from meat-eating also causes diseases such as rheumatism, Bright’s disease,
kidney stones, gout, and gall stones. Meat proteins cause putrefaction twice as rapidly as do
vegetable proteins. The morbid matter of the dead animal body is foreign and uncongenial to the
excretory organs of man. It is much harder for them to eliminate the waste matter of an animal
carcass than that of the human body. Moreover, the formation of ptomains or corpse poisons
begins immediately after the death of the animal and meat and poultry are usually kept in cold
storage for many days and even months before they reach the kitchen.
Another powerful influence tends to poison the flesh of slaughtered animals. As is well known,
emotions of worry, fear and anger actually poison blood and tissues. Imagine the excitable
condition of animals after many days of travel, closely packed in shaking vehicles - hungry,
thirsty, scared enroute to the slaughter -houses. Many die even before the end of their journey.
Others are driven half dead with fear and exhaustion to the slaughter pans, their instinctive fear
of death augmented by the sight and odour of the blood shambles.
Flesh is often a carrier of disease germs. Diseases of many kinds are on the increase in the
animals, making flesh foods more and more unsafe.
People are continually eating flesh that may
contain tuberculosis and cancerous germs. Often animals are taken to the market and sold for
food when they are so diseased that their owners do not wish to keep them any longer. And
some of the processes of fattening them to increase their weight and consequently their market
value, produce disease. Shut away from light and pure air, breathing the atmosphere of filthy
stables, perhaps fattening on decaying foods, the entire body now becomes contaminated with
foul matter.
To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:
Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy
Taking good care of your body means that you are able to maintain adequate amounts of the minerals, vitamins and nutrients that are needed to ensure a totally healthy well-being. Also, it is very important to note that the heart requires a significant amount of attention too, in order for it to be able to function well and be able to have a healthy circulation of blood around the body. When the heart is healthy, it is able to respond efficiently to the body’s changing needs for oxygen and nutrients, which vary with different activity levels throughout the day and night. There are several vitamins and minerals that specifically support the heart in these important tasks.
Potassium is a mineral that is quite important to how the heart can function more properly. At the most basic level, potassium is essential to the rhythmic, smooth and continuous pumping of the heart. This is because potassium supports the nerve transmissions and greatly takes part in making sure that every muscle in the body gets to move. Potassium greatly helps in regulating a person’s heartbeat.
Aside from being an important factor in keeping our teeth and bones healthy, Vitamin D is also important to the heart’s health and its ability to function properly. In fact, recent research has showed that meeting the standard recommended daily intake levels of Vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of death caused by heart failure. Sufficient intake of Vitamin D has been connected with reducing inflammation, which is a common cause of heart disease. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently, as well as affects the structure of the cells located in the heart.
Children need between 200 and 300 International Units of Vitamin D per day. Adults should have about 400 International Units per day, with those over 55 years of age, actually need to increase their dosage to 800 International Units. It is, however, important to not take Vitamin D in excessive amounts, as it can negatively affect one’s health.
Selenium is another mineral that is important to the function and health of the heart. Together with Vitamin E it actually serves as an important antioxidant in addition to its role in keeping the tissues of the body flexible. Selenium also offers protection against diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Lack of selenium in the body has been connected to various types of heart diseases and conditions including an enlarged heart and compromised heart function in children. For adult males, selenium intake should be about 70 micrograms per day while adult females should have a selenium intake of about 55 micrograms daily.
Magnesium actually helps the heart with its muscle contractions by regulating the neuromuscular activity that assures a regular heartbeat as well as its role in helping the body to make the most out of potassium and calcium - both of which also affect heart health and function. Adult men should have about 350mg of magnesium per day and adult women need 280mg daily. Depending on a child’s age and weight, the standard recommended amount of magnesium are 130mg and 240mg each day.
It is important to note that there are nutritional supplements that can greatly help a person when it comes to having a good bill of health. However, keep in mind that moderation is key when it comes to taking care of one’s health. Nutrient supplements may seem harmless at first glance but it can actually prove to be quite harmful to one’s health once taken in considerably excessive amounts.
Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
5 HTP, GABA and St. Johns Wort Mood Enhancers
What is 5 HTP Mood Enhancer? The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP), which comes from an African vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5-HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.
5-HTP mood enhancer is the precursor to serotonin. It improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in weight loss. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. Read more about 5 HTP Mood Enhancer supplements, click here.
What is GABA? A non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the “brain’s natural calming agent”. By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.
GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, discovered in 1950, is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and even seizures. GABA is able to induce relaxation, analgesia, and sleep. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are known to stimulate GABA receptors, and hence induce relaxation. Several neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and Parkinson’s disease are affected by this neurotransmitter.
What is St Johns Wort Mood Enhancer? Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John’s wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John’s wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have studied St John’s Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is “hypericin”, react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine), natural extracts from St. John’s Wort have shown to relax and soothe the psyche with minimal side effects.
|
About The Author |
Hoodia facts: The hoodia gordonii is only one species of hoodia plant that grows in areas of southern Africa. The hoodia gordonii species is the only species of hoodia that is believed to contain a natural appetite suppressant. A good hoodia reference for those interested in learning more about historical uses of hoodia plants, as well as the distribution of different hoodia species throughout Africa, including countries with wild stands of hoodia gordonii plantzafrica.com. This site lists known hoodia facts, permitting policies for cultivation and sites to visit for further information.
Hoodia facts: The research cited by many health supplement companies concerning how hoodia works to suppress the appetite was performed by D.B. MacLean and L.G. Luo at the Division of Endocrinology of Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island. This research was performed on laboratory rats and involved injecting the purified p57 molecule obtained from the hoodia gordonii plant directly into the brains of the rats. This research is largely used as hoodia reference material. The complete abstract can be viewed at PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Hoodia facts: Many hoodia reference materials state that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research began studying hoodia gordonii in the 1960’s, but the exact date has been hard to find. Most sources agree that sometime in 1995 or 1996, the active molecule in hoodia gordonii was isolated and identified. National Geographic did a complete story about the possible economic success that a poor society in southern Africa known as the San or Bushmen could achieve if all went well with the development of the molecule. The article titled “Africa’s Bushmen May Get Rich from Diet-Drug Secret” and appearing in the April 2003 issue of National Geographic News provides interesting hoodia facts and a snapshot into the lives of these ancient people.
Hoodia facts: All of the known hoodia gordonii clinical research has been performed by a company called Phytopharm or its partners. There have been informal clinical observations by American doctors, but all hoodia reference initially comes from Phytopharm. Phytopharm is currently partnered with Unilever, makers of Slim Fast and other food products, and announced in April of 2006 that they were moving on to the second phase of a five phase clinical research program into hoodia gordonii’s use as an appetite suppressant. Clinical research is research that involves human volunteers rather than laboratory animals. Phytopharm’s website provides answers to frequently asked questions about hoodia gordonii and their main website publishes past and present press releases. This is a good hoodia reference source for those interested in hoodia history.
Hoodia facts: The benefit of hoodia gordonii is that it is believed to suppress appetite (see CSIR, Phytopharm and MacLean studies). There is some evidence that it may increase metabolism (see Phytopharm and MacLean study). The acceptable dosage of hoodia gordonii to achieve desired results is unknown at this time. It is not known how manufacturers of supplements arrive at their recommendations. Some have based recommendations on the amount of the raw plant that one needs to eat to suppress the appetite. There is no hoodia reference guide for dosages and knowledge of hoodia facts is so limited that some professionals do not recommend hoodia gordonii for anyone. All reputable supplement companies recommend that dieters check with their own doctors before they begin to take hoodia gordonii.
For more hoodia facts, visit the Hoodia Info Blog.
Patsy Hamilton is an editor of the Hoodia Info Blog. Visit us at http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com
Heart disease is the No.1 killer of men and women despite the advances in medicine. In fact some might argue that our advances in medicine have overshadowed common sense and may even be contributing to the mortality rate.
Heart health supplements and some important lifestyle changes offer promise for people in the prevention of heart disease and heart attack, and for the support of the heart and cardiovascular system if you have heart disease or have had a heart attack.
Essential fatty acid supplements along with correct nutrition and some lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease - so says the FDA following a recent petition from a number of health companies.
Heart disease and heart attacks are the result of a number of problems and understanding the causes makes you better equipped to put some prevention strategies in place.
Arteriosclerosis - Hardening of the Arteries
Hardening of the arteries can occur as the result of a mineral deficiency, particularly magnesium - which then causes calcium to build up on the walls of the arteries. This will usually occur in the major arteries - particularly the aorta and other major arteries of the heart.
Excess Vitamin D (more than 400IU - international units) in the diet should be avoided as an adult, as this is another cause of the calcium build up.
Symptoms include angina, headaches, loss of memory, breathlessness and leg cramps in the early stages.
If you have high cholesterol then the cholesterol may be deposited in the arteries and you eventually get a blockage. This will lead to a classic heart attack (myocardial infarction) when the blood supply to the heart is interrupted.
Diet and Lifestyle adjustments
If you have arteriosclerosis you should:
• Avoid fried foods, hydrogenated oils and margarine (the ‘bad fats’ - also see section on cholesterol).
• Have a high fibre diet low in animal fat.
• Exercise, as this can help improve the ‘muscle tone’ of your arteries.
• Reduce your stress level - this will help lower blood pressure and your heart rate.
Recommended Heart Health Supplements for Arteriosclerosis:
• Plant derived liquid minerals contain a broad spectrum of over 70 minerals involved in a healthy cardiovascular system.
• Heart health supplements should contain herbs such as Ginkgo, Hawthorn, Garlic and CoenzymeQ-10 - these have been known to help support the arteries, prevent the build up of deposits on the arterial wall and assist with blood flow.
• An essential fatty acid supplement containing omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil is the ideal heart health supplement. It works by making the blood less ’sticky’ and help reduce cholesterol by raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol).
• High quality multivitamins - should contain all of the nutrients mentioned above and additional antioxidant vitamins A, C and E
Cardiomyopathy Heart Disease
Cardiomyopathy (also called Keshan disease) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a Selenium deficiency disease. It occurs in a number of cystic fibrosis patients and diagnosis is made from an ECG and an x-ray or CAT scan showing an enlarged heart.
As the disease develops it causes severe fatigue and damage to the heart muscle. A heart transplant is one alternative offered by conventional medicine.
Known as “white muscle disease” in cattle, sheep and horses - this disease has been eliminated by the veterinary industry through simple and effective supplementation of selenium.
Compare that to a $250,000 US heart transplant operation!
Former world champion boxer Evander Holyfield was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy heart disease and banned from boxing for a year. His doctor put him on a supplement program including selenium and he was able to return to the sport…and the rest is history.
Recommended heart heath supplements for Cardiomyopathy Heart Disease:
• Plant derived colloidal minerals containing selenium.
• A good selenium supplement also high in Vitamins A, C & E - consult your health care professional regarding therapeutic dosage.
• Essential fatty acid supplements including omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil are important for blood flow.
• Current research indicates that heart health supplements with Coenzyme Q-10 may be of benefit to patients with Cardiomyopathy heart disease.
Heart Attack - Cardiovascular Disease
Every year over one and a half million people in the U.S. alone suffer a heart attack - and one in three die from them.
The heart picks up oxygenated blood from the lungs via the coronary arteries and then pumps it around the body.
If the blood flow through the coronary arteries is restricted either through a blood clot or a build up of cholesterol, then the blood flow to the heart can be cut off and if it isn’t restored within a few minutes then the heart muscle can be damaged (if the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, then you have a stroke).
In this instance, prevention is crucial and heart health supplements and doing things which are good for your heart and cardiovascular system are very important.
Diet and Lifestyle Treatment
• Avoid fried foods and margarine - use butter and extra virgin olive oil on low heat when cooking.
• Have a high fibre diet low in animal fat.
• Exercise regularly as this can help improve the ‘muscle tone’ of your arteries - a 30-minute walk or a swim each day is enough.
• Reduce stress - research clearly shows that enzymes and hormones associated with stress will cause an increase in your heart rate and increased blood pressure - not good if you’re at risk of a heart attack.
• Work closely with your health care professional
Recommended Heart Health Supplements for Cardiovascular Disease
• Supplementation with essential fatty acids containing fish oil is an absolute must. They keep the blood flowing by making it ‘less sticky’ and because they are “good fats” they assist with reducing cholesterol.
• Antioxidant supplements containing Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C have a protective function for the heart.
• Heart health supplements containing Coenzyme Q-10, (which is produced naturally within the body) have the ability to improve and strengthen cardiac function and should also be considered.
• Digestive enzymes along with Plant Derived Minerals may be beneficial for many people with heart problems - particularly as we get over 40 - as this ensures that you are able to get adequate nutrients to assist you on the road to recovery.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiac Arrhythmias such as an irregular or very fast heart rate are very common and kill more people each year than heart attacks. In an emergency situation, the heart stops pumping blood and can be returned to normal function by ’shocking’ the patient.
Food allergies, such as sensitivity to MSG, and deficiencies of the minerals and nutrients important for the contraction and relaxation of the heart are associated with this disease
Diet and Lifestyle Treatment
• Check to see if you have a food allergy to MSG, sugar etc and avoid the offending foods. Dr Wallach sometimes refers to this as the ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’.
Recommended Heart Health Supplements Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Plant Derived Minerals - supplementation with a good source of highly absorbable minerals including potassium, chromium, selenium and magnesium is important; plant derived minerals are 100% safe, 98% absorbable and contain over 70 different minerals in liquid form.
• Look for heart health supplements with Coenzyme Q-10 and B complex vitamins.
In summary, the terms heart attack and heart disease can encompass a number of different health challenges however there are some common factors involved in support through health supplements:
1. A small and regular amount of exercise and a lot of stress reduction is very important
2. Avoid fried foods, margarine and “bad fats” - check out the website below for free health reports on healthy eating, reducing cholesterol, heart health and more.
3. Heart health supplements which include essential fatty acids, plant derived colloidal minerals and antioxidants - particularly Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Selenium - may offer promising results.
Copyright http://www.Global-Longevity.com
Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and manages the Global-Longevity.com website.
He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Bird Flu Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Essential Fatty Acid Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com
If you are serious about building muscle mass or sculpting your body you most likely supplement your diet with commercially available whey or soy protein powders (and possibly other supplements). No doubt within a short period of time you discovered the protein shakes whey powders produce may not be the best tasting drinks you’ve ever had. Despite this you try to stick with them because your goal is a better body and a supplement shake that doesn’t taste so great is simply a sacrifice you make.
People find that the flavor of the protein shake powder they paid a good money for quickly gets boring. If you are taking your protein shakes two or even three times a day it can become a real chore. This is when people start to experiment a little by adding other ingredients to make their protein shakes taste a little better.
You can soon turn your boring, often tasteless, protein shakes into mouth-watering bodybuilding or dieting delights. All you need to have to get started is a blender and a little imagination.
Choosing What to Put in Your Protein Shakes
Before rushing off to your refrigerator to blend everything in site, let’s go through some basic principles you will want to consider first. Not only do you want to create the best tasting shakes but you should also aim to make the most effective protein shakes for your dieting requirements. This is important because there is no point throwing full fat ice cream, chocolate sauce, peanut butter and full fat milk all together to create a wonderful tasting fat gaining shake. You need to be a little wise when choosing your ingredients.
So what kinds of ingredients make good choices for your shakes? I recommend using the following tips when getting your ingredients from the supermarket or refrigerator:
- Try to keep as many of your ingredients as natural as possible. A good example of this is using natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter. The natural version has better protein content and also natural fats that are important in your diet.
- Fresh fruit should be used whenever possible. Fruit contains the carbohydrates that will fuel your workouts and your day. The complex sugars in fruit are important to any diet (unlike the simple sugars in sweets, sodas, etc).
- Think about ingredients that will boost your shake’s protein content. For example, you could throw a handful of nuts into the blender for a little extra protein without making the shake much thicker. You could add a few raw egg whites (if you are worried about eating raw eggs you may be able to find treated egg whites in cartons at your supermarket). You could always simply dump an extra scoop of whey powder in there as well.
- Make sure you have enough liquids. If you get a little too carried away you may discover your shake is easier to eat with a spoon then drink from a glass. When you first start creating your shakes it is a good idea to add your liquids (water, fat-free milk, fruit juices, etc.) in stages so that you get your desired consistency.
- Examine the nutritional information for each ingredient and consider the impact it will have on your dieting goals. For example, you may be opting for fat free (skimmed) milk if you aren’t trying to gain weight.
- Always know what your goal is and make your shakes accordingly. If you are trying to shed the fat you will be skipping the types of ingredients that add too many carbohydrates and fats while trying to increase the protein content.
- Think of how you might create a unique flavor. You can try things like cinnamon, vanilla, honey, coconut milk, etc. Once you get the hang of this you will see the possibilities are endless.
Making Your Protein Shake
Once you have decided on the ingredients for your shake you are ready to start. It couldn’t be simpler and if you can make toast you won’t have a problem. It’s a good idea to think about the order in which you will add your ingredients into the blender. Always add your main liquid source first so that everything else you add afterwards is easily blended. Following this, add your protein powder and give your blender a quick ‘burst’. Now you are ready to add the rest of your ingredients and blend until you get the right consistency. At this point you may want to add a little more liquids to tweak your shake’s thickness. Throw in five or six ice cubes to make your shake more refreshing.
Now you can let your imagination invent all sorts of bodybuilding and dieting concoctions that make your supplement shakes a great deal tastier. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends at the gym and people across the world through the internet. You will also discover many ideas other people come up with to inspire you further. Visit websites and online forums for recipes and you can get some ideas from my site’s Whey Protein Supplement Shake Recipes section. Happy blending!
Adam Zahler is an internet marketing professional and entrepreneur with a strong interest in fitness and nutrition. He is also the owner and creator of the free Bodybuilding and Protein Supplements Recipes site where visitors can find protein recipe ideas and also share their own recipes.
Did you know?
20% of Australian children reported symptoms of Asthma in the past year.
60% of Australians are overweight with 20% obese.
Australia has the highest rate of childhood obesity in the world.
7 Million Australians over age 25 are at risk of Diabetes
Since 1907 incidence of cancer has risen by over 400% and heart disease by over 250%
Each year in Australia there are 18,000 deaths as a result of medical intervention. 425,000 die as a result of medical intervention in the US each year.
5% of pharmaceutical drug users suffer from some form of side effect.
(Source) NHMRC 2003)
There is clearly a problem with the conventional health system. The question is, what’s the alternative?
A new technology is changing the world of medical science. Science has found that there are eight essential glyconutrients, which enable our cells to communicate. Cellular communication is at the heart of the body’s ability to fight disease and maintain optimum health. Whether you are in good shape, want to live longer, have superior quality of life, or are facing a medical challenge, the addition of essential glyconutrients to your diet will make a positive difference.
With over 70,000 research papers published worldwide the scientific evidence is overwhelming. Dr John Axford, president of Clinical Immunology at the Royal Society of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical bodies in the world states, “Glycobiology is one of the last frontiers of science to be conquered and is going to be at the cutting edge of a large number of discoveries and therapies over the next decade.” Glycobiology is the Science of glyconutrients.
Glycomics (the study of glyconutrients) has been named in the 2003 MIT Technology Review as one of 10 emerging technologies to change the world over the next decade. A recent symposium held by MIT included Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the world wide web, Steve Wozniak, Co-founder of Apple Computers, and representatives of a glyconutrient company, Mannatech. Clearly, this discovery is going to have a major impact on health in the next ten years.
Science Magazine (March 2001) devoted a complete issue to the study of glyconutrients. Harper’s Biochemistry 1996 edition, an essential textbook for Doctors and Pharmacists, states,
” About 200 monosaccharides (carbohydrates) are found in nature, however only eight are found in the chains of glycoproteins.”
Dr Benjamin Carson is listed in Time Magazine as one of the 20 most respected Doctors in the USA. He is Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, one of the most prestigious hospitals in the USA. He is one of the world’s top Neurosurgeons. Dr Carson says that “glyconutrients helped save his life and should become a complementary component of our healthcare system.” Dallas Weekly, February 2004.
For years, carbohydrates or glyconutrients were thought to be only used by the body for energy and have no therapeutic benefit. One day, while researching why Aloe Vera in its raw state was such a powerful healer, a scientist, Dr Bill MacAnally, discovered that a biological sugar present in the plant provided its healing properties. He then found out how to stabilise the glyconutrients in the Aloe plant. Over the next 15 years research showed that there are eight glyconutrients that our cells require to communicate effectively.
Your cells communicate using glycoproteins, essential sugars on the cell receptors ensure that effective communication occurs. Wars occur when two leaders fail to communicate effectively. When effective communication occurs, our natural defence system does its job and we maintain good health.
When we consume glyconutrients plus a range of vitamins and minerals, phytonutrients and phytosterols, our body is often able to heal itself without dangerous drugs or antibiotics. Tens of thousands have attested to this and there is research specific to a wide range of conditions.
We believe that the body can heal itself of any condition given the right environment. This includes reducing stress, moderate exercise, a positive attitude to life and good nutrition. Glyconutrients are an essential part of your ability to maintain optimum health in our modern world.
In 2002, the AMA (American Medical Association) reversed its position on vitamin and mineral supplements. It says, “Reversing a long-standing anti-vitamin policy, The Journal of the American Medical Association today is advising all adults to take at least one multivitamin pill each day.”
Could it be that the increase in debilitating diseases occurring in recent times is simply linked to the absence of essential nutrients. Science says that without necessary glyconutrients, the body can’t properly assimilate other nutrients. There is a synergistic effect.
More on Glyconutrients
Independent Mannatech Associate and Wellness Consultant
More on Glyconutrients http://www.healthyaussie.com
John Gaydon has been researching natural health for over 20 years. He was employed for some time as Technical manager for a division of Australia’s largest pharmaceutical company.
