The Truth About Metabolism!

 

5  Metabolism Boosters: Separating Fact From Fiction

1. Don’t eat close to bedtime. You may have been told not to eat too close to bedtime because of the theory that your metabolism slows down at night and you’ll lose less weight than you would if you ate the same food earlier in the day. Not true, says Donna L. Weihofen, MS, RD, health nutritionist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisc. “Calories Count” whether you eat them in the morning or at night. The problem with nighttime eaters is that they are usually eating far more calories than they think, and the calories are denser.”
2. Drinking water speeds metabolism. Drinking plenty of water is healthful for a number of reasons, but it doesn’t make your body burn calories faster. It can help you feel full, which may keep some cravings at bay. “But that effect doesn’t last very long,” Weihofen cautions. “One of the things that does help is soup before a meal. A broth-type soup does help cut down on the amount of calories you will eat.” Of course, broth won’t speed metabolism, either, but it will help you stick to your diet plan.
3. Eat at the same time or at certain times every day to burn calories. Some diets recommend eating every couple of hours, while others advise sticking to a consistent schedule or number of meals for weight-loss success. Following a set schedule may help you stick to a diet plan, but doesn’t help you burn more calories. “There’s no magic to that,” explains Weihofen. “It’s whatever fits your lifestyle and your diet.”
4. Eating breakfast boosts metabolism. Eating breakfast on a regular basis is important for shedding pounds, but not solely because it improves your metabolism, says Emily Banes, RD, clinical dietitian at Houston Northwest Medical Center. “People who eat only one meal a day will shut down their metabolism. So breakfast is partly a metabolism-booster and it is partly to make sure you stay on track for the rest of the day,” notes Banes. People who eat breakfast are less likely to binge later in the day, which of course promotes weight loss.
5. Build muscle. The reality is that there is only one way to enhance metabolism: Build more lean muscle mass. “The best way to increase metabolism is by incorporating physical activity, both cardio and weight training, to increase lean muscle mass, which is what burns the calories!” advises Dr. Anding.

Even at rest, muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, Anding says. So weight-loss programs that encourage strength training and other forms of exerciseto improve your metabolism are your best bet.

10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon!

 

 Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.

In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritispain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

 When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

 

What Not to Eat When You Have Gout!

Purines are chemicals found naturally in some foods. When you digest purines, your body produces a waste product called uric acid. Some people experience a build-up of uric acid that causes their joints to swell and become tender, leading to chronic pain. This condition is a type of arthritis known as gout.  Watching your diet will help relieve symptoms and should be part of your gout treatment. Here’s how to choose low-purine foods so that gout symptoms will be less likely.

Ban the Beer

“Beer is on the ‘no’ list for people who have gout,” says Lona Sandon, MEd, RD, an associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Doctors used to believe that beer was bad for gout because of its alcohol content, but recent studies have shown that other alcoholic beverages may not be as harmful. It could be the brewer’s yeast or another component in beer that causes a reaction. An alternative is to drink wine in moderation.

Say Bye-Bye to Beef

It may be touted as “what’s for dinner,” but beef is a high-purine food and should be avoided — as well as pork and lamb. And while organ meats, such as kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains, aren’t much a part of the American diet anymore, people who live with the chronic pain of gout should definitely skip them because they are high in purines. Sandon suggests white-meat poultry as an alternative. “You don’t see as many problems with poultry as you do with red meat,” she says. Tofu is another choice when considering foods and gout relief.

Farewell to (Some) Fish

Some seafood is higher in purines than others. The worst for people with gout are anchovies, codfish, haddock, herring, mackerel, mussels, roe (fish eggs), sardines, scallops, and trout. “Salmon appears to be an exception and a better choice of seafood for someone with gout,” Sandon says. Most people find they can also eat limited amounts of certain shellfish — crab, lobster, oysters, and shrimp, which contain just a moderate amount of purine. Keep in mind however that some of the shell fish mentioned are bottom dwellers in the ocean and are unclean.

A Caution About Vegetables

As good as vegetables are in general, some are high in purines, including asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, peas, and mushrooms. However, high-purine vegetables don’t seem to aggravate gout the same way that high-purine animal-based foods do, Sandon says, adding that, “as long as it’s a vegetable source, you can eat it.” One further precaution when balancing foods and gout: Some dried beans, particularly fava and garbanzo, are high in purines, and you may find you need to avoid them.

Fruit, Fructose, and Gout

Fructose is what gives some fruits (and vegetables) their natural sweetness. Researchers report a correlation between foods high in fructose and gout symptoms, which can include chronic pain. These fruits include apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, prunes, and dates. It’s okay to eat these fruits if you have gout as long as you do so in moderation. Limit yourself to one to two cups per day. More importantly, avoid soda or soft drinks and juices that are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. Drink water or real fruit juices instead.

Gout Treatment and Diet

Avoiding purine-rich foods is only part of your gout treatment. Losing weight can also help your gout symptoms.  Just be sure your weight loss is slow and steady — if you lose weight too rapidly, the amount of uric acid in your body may increase. Overall, the best diet is one based on foods that are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber.

 

The Connection Between Disease and Dental Health!

Good dental health is a reflection of good health overall — and how well you take care of your teeth may reflect how well you take care of the rest of your body. That’s why your dentist can tell you a lot more about your health than simply the state of your mouth. A routine dental exam may reveal problems with your bones, heart, or digestion because certain warning signs live inside your mouth.

And not only can routine dental check-ups reveal certain health problems, they may also prevent them. In fact, a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association found that people who received regular teeth cleanings and scrapings had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to people who didn’t get such dental care.

So the next time you visit your dentist, she could clue you in to one of these seven health conditions. How’s that for lip service?

Heart Problems

Did you know that adopting mouth-healthy habits may ultimately keep your heart healthy, too? Research has found a surprising number of links between the state of your dental health and your heart.

“Inflamed gums and loose teeth can be warnings of “heart disease” ” says Alyson Hope Koslow, DDS, a clinical assistant professor of restorative dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago. That’s because if you have a gum disease like periodontitis, the bacteria in your gums could travel to your heart and contribute to coronary artery disease. Bacteria may also increase your risk for heart disease by contributing to the formation of clots or further plaque build-up in your arteries that can interfere with blood flow to the heart. One Swedish study found that people with more pockets of infection of the gum around the base of the tooth had a 53 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the fewest pockets.

And as the recent AHA study found, regular dental cleanings will safeguard your smile and protect your ticker.

Diabetes

The most common dental health condition for diabetics? Gum Disease.

“Gum disease, bleeding gums, and loose teeth are all warning signs of diabetes,” Dr. Koslow says. “Diabetics also tend to have a slower healing time.”

Infections at your gum line can worsen the state of your diabetes and can contribute to the risk for heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to take steps to keep your mouth healthy (and your diabetes under control).

Dementia

This gradual loss of cognitive function is often signaled by confusion, loss of memory, disorganization — and an unhealthy mouth. “People with early dementia may show all the signs of poor oral hygiene,” warns Koslow.

If you notice that a loved one is neglecting her oral health, skipping dental appointments, and having problems managing daily routines, talk to her doctor.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by the weakening of bones, and it’s most common in post-menopausal women. But could your dentist be clued in to your thinning bones before you are?

“Osteoporosis does not cause changes in the teeth, but it doescause changes in the bone that supports the teeth,” Koslow explains. “This may show up as a receding gum line and loose teeth.”

If your dentist sees any oral signs of osteoporosis, let your medical doctor know right away.

Eating Disorders

By nature, people with anorexia or bulimia usually try to hide their condition — but a dentist may be the first one to spot it.

That’s because eating disorders can cause poor nutrition, which can lead to oral conditions like bleeding gums and dry mouth. In addition, “erosion on the insides of the front teeth may be a sign of forced vomiting in a young person with bulimia — stomach acid wears away at enamel and also makes teeth more sensitive,” says Koslow.

Nighttime Reflux

“Erosion of enamel from the insides of teeth, especially the upper back molars, is a clue to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),” Koslow says. Reflux of stomach juices can happen at night — but you may not be aware of it until your dentist sees its effects on your dental health.

Reflux disease can cause erosion of the esophagus and may even lead to esophageal cancer, so let your doctor know if your dentist sees possible signs of reflux. Treatment can include elevating the head of your bed, not eating in the hours before bed, and taking acid blocking medications.

Dry Mouth

What’s the big deal about dry mouth? “Saliva helps to wash away bacteria and debris that lead to cavities and gum disease,” Koslow says.

And if you’re producing too little saliva, your dentist will know. Dry mouth may be caused by medications or it may be a sign of a disease such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. The solution? Up your fluid intake, and your dentist may even suggest a saliva substitute.

The Elixir Of Youth?

Did You Know…

… that the elixir of youth may come from one of the world’s first cultivated fruits?

Pomegranates have been prized for their nutrition value for more than 4,000 years, especially in the ancient world of the Middle and Near East.

Now, research shows that this time-honored fruit can fight heart disease … support healthy cholesterol levels … lower blood pressure … relieve stress … improve your sex life … and, according to a brand-new study, even slow down the aging process of DNA.

Pomegranate: An Anti-Aging Superfood

In November of 2011, scientists from the ProbelteBio laboratory in Murcia, Spain conducted a month-long study of the effects of pomegranate extract.  The study focused specifically on the pomegranate’s rich stores of antioxidants (important compounds that prevent age-related cell damage).

     The research team recruited two groups of volunteers.  The first group was given extracts of the whole pomegranate fruit in capsule form (extracts included the pith or membrane, peel, and seeds).  The second group received a placebo.

The research team was highly impressed with their results.  Those who took the pomegranate extract showed a significant decrease in a specific, important marker linked to cell damage.  That marker, known as 8-Oxo-DG, can have detrimental effects such as:

• Lessened brain function
• Weakening of muscles
• Impaired kidney function
• Decrease in liver productivity
• Aging of the skin

Sergio Streitenberger, lead researcher at ProbelteBio, believes the study “demonstrates that the regular consumption of this pomegranate extract can slow down the process of DNA oxidation.”

The pomegranate’s ability to decrease 8-Oxo-DG suggests that it wields significant power as an anti-aging super food.

Why Antioxidants Are The Ideal Anti-Agers

Antioxidants are crucial for preventing and reversing aging because they stop damage wrought by destructive free radicals.

“One way to look at aging is to think of it as rusting,” Streitenberger said, “or oxidizing.”  Free radicals oxidize our body’s molecules.  Everyday we take in these dangerous compounds in the food we eat, the beverages we drink, and even the air we breathe.  “We get old because we fall apart cell by cell,” said Streitenberger.

Sandeep Prabhu, assistant professor of immunology and molecular toxicology at Penn State, says that foods especially rich in antioxidants—such as pomegranates—qualify as superfoods because they have “the ability to neutralize harmful molecules in our cells.”

Once free radicals reach the DNA of our cells, Streitenberger warns, “the damage is cumulative and significant.”  This is why the ProbelteBio study is so astounding.  For any food to so effectively guard against the aging process “would be a significant breakthrough,” says Streitenberger.

A Pomegranate A Day…

Some scholars believe the forbidden fruit said to have tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden was actually a pomegranate, not an apple.  It could have been a mistranslation, because the word pomegranate comes from the Middle French pomme garnete, literally “seeded apple.”

Therefore, you might consider the pomegranate as the deluxe version of the apple, capable of so much more than simply keeping the doctor away.

But it’s important to remember that experts say the most potent health benefits come from consuming the whole fruit, not just the delicious seeds.  Most commercial juices draw their content only from the seeds, and contain only small quantities of the powerful antioxidants that protect against aging.  The real powerhouses are the inedible rind, hulk, and white pith.

These non-seed parts of the fruit are described as “inedible” not because they are toxic, but due to their bitter taste and unpleasant texture.  With that in mind, go to www.thelifestylechanger.com where you can find out exactly what your DNA says about you!

8 Low-Carb Veggies for Diabetic Diets!

Eating lots of vegetables is good for everyone and great for people with diabetes. Choose these low-carbohydrate veggies for a healthier, happier you.

By Regina Boyle Wheeler

Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

When you have diabetes, eating low-carb vegetables is a smart way to fill up without filling out your waistline or raising your blood sugar. Non-starchy or low-carbohydrate vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber as well as being low in calories. Plus, they’re heart-healthy, and several are believed to help fight some cancers. While choosing a rainbow of vegetables is a smart way to get nutrients, the following verries are among the best.

Spinach

Popeye had the right idea when he bulked up on green, leafy spinach. This low-carb veggie is a wise addition to a diabetic diet because it’s loaded with folate, beta carotene, iron, and vitamin K. To get the biggest nutritional punch, ditch the canned stuff and buy it fresh or frozen. Fold steamed spinach into an egg-white omelet at breakfast or toss fresh leaves in a healthy, low carbohydrate salad at lunch or dinner.

Tomato

Tomatoes, another superfood for diabetes, are packed with vitamin C and are good sources of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. They’re also low-carb and low-cal — just 32 calories per cup. The nutrient lycopene, which gives red tomatoes their color, is a powerful antioxidant and may protect against heart disease and prostate cancer. Add a slice of juicy tomato to your next sandwich or cook up a big pot of tomato sauce, a great topping for veggies, chicken, and other good foods in your diabetic diet.

Broccoli

If you’re not already eating broccoli, make a point of adding it to your diabetic diet. It’s low carbohydrate and loaded with vitamins A (beta carotene), C, and D. It also has calcium, fiber, and iron. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) says to look for florets that are packed tightly together and are dark green and not yellowing. Eat broccoli soon after buying it. Consider including raw or lightly steamed broccoli on your next party platter instead of chips.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a cool, crisp, low-carb choice for people with diabetes — a generous one-cup portion has fewer than 5 grams of carbohydrate. You can get your fill of this low-carbohydrate vegetable without worrying about raising your blood sugar too much. Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K and they also contain potassium and vitamin C. Keep in mind that cucumbers are not only for salads on a diabetic diet. Consider adding thin slices to sandwiches or wraps.

Cabbage

Eating cabbage is an inexpensive way to add vitamins K and C and antioxidants to your diabetic diet. Cabbage is also a good source of manganese, fiber, and vitamin B6. This low-carb veggie is at its peak in the fall and early winter. Pick a head that is firm with shiny leaves. When you get it home, put it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap once it’s cut to slow down the loss of vitamins. Experiment with recipes that use this low carbohydrate vegetable raw as well as cooked.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts might not win any popularity contests, but they deserve a spot in your diabetes meal plan. Besides being low-carb, these mini cabbages are full of vitamins A, C, and folic acid, and fiber. And just like cabbage, brussels sprouts are a cruciferous low-carbohydrate veggie, which experts believe may ward off some cancers. For cooking success, the ADA suggests sprinkling fresh brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh lemon juice, and roasting them at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Cauliflower

Another neglected low-carbohydrate veggie, cauliflower can be a boon to your diabetes meal plan. This vegetable is brimming with vitamin C. In fact, just one serving has more than half your daily requirement. It contains fiber, calcium and iron to boot. Cauliflower is also a versatile low-carb vegetable. You can serve it raw on a veggie tray, or cook it by roasting or steaming. It’s also great cooked and pureed into a silky soup; just cook until tender, then blend it with chicken broth.

Asparagus

This flavorful veggie has only 27 calories per cup and is very low-carb, coming in at only 5 grams. Asparagus is packed with vitamins K and A. At the store, look for firm, bright green stalks with compact heads. Thinner stalks tend to be more tender. Snap off the woody ends with your hands (they’ll break naturally at the right point), then steam, sauté, or roast.

How to Get Thicker, Longer Hair!

 

Everyone wants thicker, longer, stronger hair. Here’s how to get your hair longer and thicker with ease.

 

Wish your hair were longer and thicker? Who doesn’t! Long, thick hair looks beautiful any way you wear it. But for some of us, thin hair is a problem, or we’re used to short cuts and afraid to grow them out. Fear not. It’s easy to get longer, thicker hair. Just try these easy tips.

• Get a good, professional haircut, and don’t be afraid to go a bit shorter than you might like the first time. Ask your stylist to cut off dry, split ends and give you a style that will grow in thicker and beautiful. The goal is to get your hair in healthy condition to grow it longer and thicker.
• As your hair grows in, return for regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks to keep hair healthy, strong, and in the best condition to get longer and thicker. Ask your stylist to apply a salon-quality conditioner to keep hair smooth and strong.
• Wash your hair every few days — do not over-wash. Washing hair too often pulls the strands, damages the scalp, and rids your hair of the natural oils that are essential for growing longer, thicker hair.
• Gently condition hair every day. Apply products generously and massage into scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Put extra conditioner on the ends and leave in after rinsing. Use warm water and a cool rinse — never immerse hair in hot water.
• De-tangle hair regularly using a wide-toothed comb. Knots and tangles interfere with the hair’s ability to grow longer and thicker.
• Don’t over-dry your hair with a hair dryer. Instead, blow-dry hair lightly, or better yet, let it air-dry.
• Avoid using curlers, hot rollers, curling irons, or straightening irons. They all cause hair to dry out, and hair can’t grow longer than its damaged ends. Instead of getting thicker, your hair will actually start to thin.
• Invest in a top-quality brush with natural bristles. Try 100 strokes before bed each night to stimulate hair growth.
• At night, tie back hair in a ponytail or braid, then roll into a bun and tie it up. This protects hair from pulls and knots while you toss and turn in your sleep. Use soft cloth hair ties — never uncovered elastic! — and secure gently.
• Use a hot oil treatmentor hair mask once a week to nourish hair. Follow the directions on the package, let it sit in the plastic cap for at least 30 minutes, then rinse and style as usual.
• Go for the natural look — avoid permanent waves or straightening treatments. While these may give the illusion of longer, thicker hair temporarily, they damage hair and prevent it from growing thicker and longer on its own.
• Be smart about your hairstyle. Wear hair up or pulled back on hot days to reduce sweat and grime, but wear hair loose whenever possible. Too much pulling, tying, braiding, twisting, and fussing breaks hair and makes it harder for you to grow long, thick hair.
• Lead a healthy life. Good nutrition, adequate rest, regular exercise, and stress management all help your body grow longer, thicker hair.

It’s easy to get your hair longer and thicker. With a little love and smart styling, your hair can get thicker and longer naturally.