Month: March 2015

What Is Glycemic Index

The Glycemic Index is a concept developed in the University of Toronto in 1981. The purpose of the Glycemic Index is to measure the effect carbohydrates have on blood glucose levels. The Glycemic Index is imperative for anyone who needs to monitor their glucose level due to diabetes or hyperglycemia. With diabetes reaching epidemic levels in the United States, the development of the Glycemic Index could not have come at a better time. Each year, more people are diagnosed with this potentially life threatening disease that can cause many serious complications. It is important for anyone with this condition to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index so they can empower themselves and learn which foods should be avoided.

Carbohydrates are a diverse group of foods and all have different ways of breaking down in the system. People with diabetes have a difficult time breaking down certain foods, particularly those high in carbohydrates, in their system. Digestion is slow and sugars and starches are absorbed into the blood stream, causing an excess in blood glucose. Diabetics are often warned to limit their carbohydrate intake because it takes such a long time for most carbohydrates to digest. However, this is easier said than done and it is difficult, if not impossible, for many diabetics to eliminate carbohydrates from their diet. This is one of the reasons many diabetics are non-compliant in their treatment. Because diabetes does not often cause serious complications at onset, many patients refuse to take their medicine and continue eating foods that are high in sugar and starch.

The Glycemic Index is very helpful because it rates different carbohydrates based upon their effect on the different levels of blood glucose. Those foods that digest rapidly cause the less harm to the system and have a low glycemic index. The carbohydrates that take a longer time to digest have a higher rate as they cause more harm to the blood glucose level.

The Glycemic Index ranges from one to one hundred. A low food in the glycemic index has a rating of below 55. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and some pastas. Foods that fall between the 56 to 69 range are considered “medium” in the Glycemic Index. They include candy bars, croissants and some rices.

Surprisingly, although a candy bar scores in the medium classification of the glycemic index, it is not as harmful as those carbohydrates that score in the high glycemic index range. These include corn flakes, white rice, white bread and baked potato. In other words, it is easier for a diabetic to digest a candy bar than a baked potato.

Knowledge of the glycemic index is imperative for anyone who has diabetes or who has been diagnosed as borderline diabetic. To be able to understand which foods have the most impact on blood glucose levels is crucial for anyone fighting this potentially life-threatening condition.

If you or a loved one suffers from diabetes, become familiar with the Glycemic Index so that you learn about the different categories of carbohydrates and which groups should be avoided. There are many substitutes for carbohydrates that rate high in the Glycemic Index and are available at most grocery stores. While diabetes is currently without a cure, there are many different ways that people with this disease can life long, productive lives.

If You Want to Lose Weight Pills Could Be Dangerous

People looking to lose weight, especially if they really want to lose weight quickly, may try to find a shortcut. For many individuals who want to lose weight pills seem to offer an easy way to reach their weight reduction goal without having to put in nearly as much hard work. In reality, some weight loss pills can be dangerous. Some pills, even those that are made with all-natural ingredients, can have undesired and adverse effects on one’s health and should be approached with caution. In some cases these pills are completely ineffective and don’t perform up to their hype. Like any other dietary supplement or medication, you should never purchase and take any form of lose weight pills without first consulting with your doctor or medical professional.

That said, you should also understand that there are many safe and effective “lose weight pills” on the market. Responsible companies that produce and market legitimate weight loss supplements almost always carefully research the ingredients in their products, and these companies develop them under strict controls and using the highest product standards. Once they’ve created a supplement’s formula, the responsible companies then test their supplements extensively. Generally speaking, the best companies will most often invest a great deal of money in their products before they’re released for sale.

While pills can be effective as a diet aid, they aren’t a panacea. In order to lose weight safely and permanently, changes in lifestyle aren’t just a good idea, they’re almost certainly a necessity. If you talk to a doctor about healthy and effective weight loss they’re probably going to tell you that in order to have success you’re going to have to modify your diet and increase the amount of exercise you engage in. There isn’t an abundance of legitimate shortcuts to proper weight loss, and it really doesn’t seem that there are any magic “lose weight pills” available that can force your body to burn off those unwanted pounds without adjustments to your diet and without a proper approach to physical activity and exercise.

More and more in our modern society, it seems that many people are looking for instant gratification and a quick fix, and that holds true even when it comes to getting their bodies in shape. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that for many people, to rapidly lose weight pills are a popular choice to knock off the pounds rapidly. While there are many responsible and legitimate companies offering safe and effective weight loss supplements, there may be other unsafe and unhealthy “lose weight pills” out there in the marketplace. If you’re considering using supplements such as these to help aid your weight loss, consult with your doctor or medical professional and make sure you only use diet pills in a responsible manner.

 

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease has a few other names such as gluten sensitive entropathy and celiac prue. All these are scary names but the disease is not life threatening. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestines lining.

While this may not seem like a big thing, it does cause many other health problems that are far worse than Celiac disease.

Gluten is just a protein found in wheat and is actually what causes bread dough to rise. Gluten can be found in most commercial foods these days due to the extensive use of wheat based oils and additives.

A person who is extremely sensitive or intolerant of gluten is said to have Celiac disease. There is no known cause or cure. Some people are just more sensitive to gluten.

When these people consume gluten, the villi (hair-like structures in the intestinal lining) get damaged and as a result, the small intestines are unable to absorb nutrients from the food consumed. That is why celiac disease suffers can appear malnourished despite eating a lot.

The symptoms vary from person to person. This is what makes gluten intolerance so difficult to diagnose. Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, excessive flatulence, irritability, migraines, rashes, iron deficiency, unexplainable weight loss, inflammation, seizures, PMS and PCOS, etc. are just some of the health problems that affect people suffering from celiac disease.

People with this disease are also more prone to osteoporosis due to the lack of calcium absorption. Women are also more prone to infertility and if they do get pregnant, the chances of a miscarriage are higher than that of a normal woman who is not suffering from celiac disease.

All in all, it is not a pretty picture. The best way to combat the ill-effects of celiac disease will be to avoid gluten completely. You will need to examine your diet and food preparation with fastidious care. This will be very challenging and to a certain extent, time-consuming. Yet, there is really no choice.

A doctor will be the best person to diagnose celiac disease. He or she will conduct a physical exam on you, check your health history and probably do a blood test to measure the level of antibodies in your system.

In some cases, you doctor may do a biopsy on you where an endoscope is inserted into your mouth all the way down to your small intestine to check if there is any damage to the villi. The procedure is done while you’re sedated. Don’t panic yet.

Now that you know that there is no cause and the symptoms vary with the individual, you probably know that you have no control over the cause or symptoms.
So, what do you have control over?

Your diet. That’s what.

You know what is the best part? If you control your diet, you have control over the entire problem. You’re sensitive to gluten? Then make it your goal to avoid gluten like the plague. It is anathema to you.

Educate yourself on gluten and all that you will need to know about it. Make the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle. Once you make the changes, stick with them. You will need to avoid gluten for the rest of your life. So, you will have to get used to it.

Once you can do this, any problems associated with celiac disease will slowly diminish. In some cases, the damage may take years to rectify. In some cases, they may never be rectified. Whatever the case, if you have celiac disease, you need to go gluten-free and you need to have started yesterday.

All is not lost. Start today.

 

Are There Any Treatments Of Dementia?

When people are diagnosed with Dementia, they have to have a long discussion with their doctors about what their treatment options are. Typically, when people are diagnosed with Dementia, there are two kinds of treatments that exist, ones that can reverse the condition, and some that cannot reverse the condition. Here is more information on both kinds of treatments that are available to people who have been diagnosed with this life-altering condition.

Treatments That Reverse Dementia

For people who are diagnosed with Dementia that is reversible, the first thing that people need to do is to have their vitamin B12 levels check. One cause of Dementia is lacking in vitamin B12, and without proper levels of this vitamin, the cells in the brain are not going to work properly. Supplements are available of this particular vitamin, and people who start taking it are going to notice that their memory issues have improved. Another treatment to reverse Dementia involves taking medicine that can help for people who have been diagnosed with depression because the condition can have an effect on the brain. If people have been diagnosed with another medical condition, they need to talk to their doctor about their Dementia diagnosis because they need to make sure they are not put on medicines that can have side effects including memory loss and confusion.

Treatments That Cannot Reverse Dementia

For some people that have diagnosed with Dementia, the condition cannot be reversed. There are medications that people can take that are going to help them improve with their memory, and other mental functions. Another treatment for irreversible Dementia is to get counseling. It can be tough for people who are having memory issues to come to terms with the fact they have to rely on others in order to live their lives. Sometimes people can get very depressed with the fact their lives are going to change, and that can be hard to deal with. Counseling can be one way to help people cope with all the changes they have to go through. Also, there are support groups that families people can join, and they can share their feelings with other people that are going through the same kind of ordeal with their family members. Also, the support groups can offer advice for people on how to become more independent, which will mean that people with Dementia can still be able to do some things on their own.

There are many treatment options available for people who are diagnosed with Dementia. However, there are two kinds of treatments for people who have Dementia that is reversible, and treatment for when it is not. With people who have reversible Dementia, they have to do things like make sure they have the right amount of vitamin B12 in their bodies, and also have to make sure they are not taking any medications that can cause confusion and memory issues. For people who have to live with the condition, that is not reversible, the best things they can do is take medicine to help with their mental functions, and also seek out a support group so they can talk about what they are feeling as they go through such a live altering condition.

44 Year Old Diabetic Lost 35 lbs With This…

 

This is a true story about how a 44 year old out of shape diabetic who was about to give up, used a bizarre 2-minute “yoga-like” routine to lose 35lbs of STUBBORN fat…

Before I share this story, you should know that before he found these 2-minute routines, he was stuck in an all to common rut of getting motivated, working hard, not seeing results and eventually quitting.

Then… After the emotional pain built back up, he would repeat the cycle, only to be disappointed yet again. If you can relate… …If you’re frustrated about not seeing the results you want, then you must read his story…

==> How a 44 Year Old Diabetic Lost 35 STUBBORN Pounds Using these Bizarre 2-Minute Routines

In the story above, you’ll also see proof (both scientific and real life photos) thatBW-FLOW-IMAGE-02-Evans-Before-And-After-Top men and women of all ages, all skill levels and all health backgrounds have used these 2-minute “miracle” routines to burn 53% more calories in literally just ONE SESSION!

What causes Bacterial Vaginosis

The condition bacterial vaginosis is defined by an imbalance of bacteria present in the vagina. On average around one in three women will experience a bout of BV in their life time. Because of the rather embarrassing characteristic of this condition some women find it too shameful to seek treatment. But as with any noticeable differences encountered from what is considered the norm, as far as health issues go, it is far better to see medical advice that allow things to the progress into something worse or cause unnecessary worry and stress.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually detected when a change in the usual vaginal discharge comes about. Often this change is described to be a greyish looking colour to the normal clearer vaginal discharge and have a somewhat fishy odour to it. However, it is also a known fact that many women can have bacterial vaginosis without any apparent symptoms.

In the case where any change is noted in either the smell or colour of vaginal discharge it is strongly recommended to get it checked out. This is particularly important for pregnant women as any infections of the vagina can provoke complications in pregnancy. Likewise, any woman should seek medical advice in order to rule out any other underlying problems that can be prevented from developing further of detected early.

So what exactly causes bacterial vaginosis? Although bacteria is present anyway in the vagina, given it’s warm and moist environment, this type of bacteria is known as good bacteria and is also accompanied by a small amount of bad bacteria. Although it may seem hard to believe, but this bacteria present in the vagina actually protects against infections. However, when the balance of bad bacteria begins to outweigh the good, the interior of the vagina can become inflamed and show signs of infection. The obvious symptom is the greyish tinge to any discharge and the rather unpleasant fishy smell.

Unfortunately it still remains unclear as to why this change in bacteria comes about but it is generally thought to be as a result of sexually transmitted diseases, the use of scented soaps and lotions, smoking, an intrauterine device and the use of vaginal deodorants.

How Can I Help To Prevent The Onset Of Dementia?

No one said getting older was easy, and as people start noticing how fast time is flying on the calendar, they may wake up one day to realize they are now 50 years old or even older. They may notice that their body is changing, and suddenly, they are developing aches and pains they never did before. Another sign that they are getting older may be the fact that they are not remembering things like they once were, and may even get confused about something they have done on a daily basis. However, here is more information on how to prevent the onset of dementia.

Do Things To Keep the Brain Active

There are many things that people can do to prevent dementia, and one of the first thing that people want to do to prevent it is to start playing games. Though it may sound strange for people to start doing things like crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and other games, they are actually stimulating certain parts of the brain that are typically targeted for Dementia. The more active the brain is, the less likely it is to develop dementia, and they will keep their mental facilities nice and sharp.

Have an Active Social Life

Sometimes when people get older, they do not want to deal with the outside world too much. Though some people can be a little on the grouchy side, and may not want to deal with the world, the fact is that being socially active is another way to prevent dementia. When people are being social, they talk to others, and just the exposure to others, and any conversations that follow, can really be beneficial on a mental level.

People Who Smoke Should Quit

Studies have shown that people who smoke have greater risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, and problems with dementia. The reasons why cigarettes are so dangerous is the fact that the nicotine, and other ingredients, in the cigarettes can cause all the blood vessels of the body to shrink.

Make Sure the Blood Pressure Is Normal

High blood pressure can be dangerous too because it can cause dementia. However, if people do what they are supposed to do, and go to see their doctor, they can get their high blood pressure under control. There are all kinds of medication that can ensure people will have their pressure to a normal level, and then they will have one less thing to worry about when it comes to preventing dementia.
People may start to notice they are not as sharp as they once were, and the simple fact is that they are getting older. One thing that people may notice is their memory may not be what it used to be and that can be because of dementia. However, there are things that people can do to ensure that they do not end up with dementia. If people can do things like do crossword puzzles, stay active, and make sure their blood pressure is normal, then they are reducing their chances significantly of not ending up with dementia.

How to be Gluten-free while on a Tight Budget

Going on a gluten-free diet is an extreme lifestyle change. It is by no means easy. You will not be able to consume the foods that you love. Any food that contains gluten or traces of it is out of the question.

Many gluten sensitive people suffer withdrawal symptoms and many quit the gluten-free diet because of the sacrifices that are required. They’d rather put up with the discomforts of gluten intolerance than give up their comfort foods. This should never be the case because in the long run, the toll on their health and well-being will be heavy.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, you realize that most gluten-free products that are sold are much more expensive than the normal products. This is due to the extra processing time required to remove the gluten. Of course, there is also the issue of economies of scale.

The gluten-free food market is much smaller than the market for normal food. So, everything gluten-free is produced at a higher cost which needs to be borne by those who are already suffering from gluten tolerance. Life is not fair indeed. Yet, we must roll with the blows and make the best of a bad situation.

There are several ways you can cut your costs when living a gluten-free lifestyle. This article will offer you a few tips. You can discover more ways as you go along.
First and foremost, a gluten-free diet should only be adopted by those who are gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant. It is not a trend or “healthy” choice. The gluten-free diet is not like the Atkins, paleo or Mediterranean diet. It is not healthier. It’s a solution to a health problem. If your body can handle gluten, you really need not be forking out money for gluten-free foods.

Since there are a wide variety of symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity, it would be best to go to a doctor and get a blood test done to confirm that you’re gluten sensitive. Just because you’re feeling bloated and lethargic for a few days in a row, it doesn’t mean you’re gluten sensitive.

You need to get a positive confirmation before committing to the gluten-free lifestyle. You doctor is the best person to consult.

If you are indeed gluten intolerant and you’re the only one in your family who is, don’t automatically assume that everyone in the family needs to go on a gluten-free diet. Of course, you will need to segregate your food and utensils but that’s about as far as you should go.

Making everyone in your family go on a gluten-free diet will skyrocket the food budget and not to mention, cause unnecessary hassle and irritation to the rest.

There are many foods that are gluten-free. In fact, the best and healthiest foods are gluten-free. Dairy, meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, rice, quinoa, etc. are all foods that have no gluten. If you adopt the Mediterranean diet and keep it gluten-free, you will have tasty food at a decent budget. It doesn’t get better than that.

Another thing you can do is make your own premade gluten-free products. There are many premade gluten-free baking mixes sold in the market. Most are relatively costly. You could buy the ingredients separately and make your own mix at a fraction of the price. It will be cheaper and most probably, healthier.

Buying in bulk will also cut your costs. Contact the supplier and cut out the middleman. Find out if any of your neighbors or friends are on a gluten-free diet. A few people ordering the same items at the same time could definitely get a good price from the suppliers.

These are just some of the ways you can keep your costs low. The fact of the matter is that most gluten-free products are unnecessary if you learnt how to eat and season your food naturally.

Pick up tips on paleo cooking and Mediterranean style cooking. Using natural ingredients to flavor mouth-watering dishes. Once you know what to do, you may be able to spend even less than a normal person would on food. It’s all a matter of being well-informed and making wise decisions.

 

Some pain relief options for osteoarthritis in the knees.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffers from osteoarthritis in the knees then you know how painful it can be. Fortunately, your suffering doesn’t have to be a constant reminder of how hard it can to simply walk across the room.

For osteoarthritis, most health care professionals recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol). With that said, there are many over-the-counter pain relievers available. Choose a brand that you can afford and one that provides you with relief. For instance, if Naproxen (Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) works well for you, use it.

*Just, remember these types of medications are only meant for short-term relief, not long-term use. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and read the warning information before usage.

Topical arthritis creams are also a good option for temporary relief. You simply apply the cream directly to the hurtful joints and it begins to work on contact. At first, you may notice a slight tingle or sting, but then comes the relief. This relief usually lasts as long as over-the-counter pain relievers.

As we have discussed before, when examining the active ingredients in over-the-counter arthritis creams, you are likely to find capsaicin. This ingredient is also found in cayenne pepper. Many not only recommend a capsaicin cream, but adding the pepper spice to foods for flavor and additional health benefits.

Most physicians will only write prescriptions for severe pain. This pain cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications. Opioids like Tramadol and Oxycodone are two of the most common prescribed pain relievers, but keep in mind that they do come with a higher list of side effects as well as a risk of addiction or problems from improper use.

*Always, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice when taking these types of medications. If you experience any side effect, contact them immediately.

– Heat

For most, heat provides pain relief. Draw a warm bath, use a warm washcloth, or purchase a heating pad. As always, caution is advised to prevent burns. Although most individuals benefit from heat, some do better with cold. Some medical professionals, according to Arthritis Today, recommended alternating between the two.

To reduce joint pain, strong muscle strength is needed. With strong muscles, you are able to rely on them and use them more. This puts less pressure on achy knees. In fact, strong muscles give the joints extra protection and cushion. Therefore, exercise is advised. If it is painful to exercise, start out slow with low-impact exercises. For some, stretching and light walking is enough. If still too painful, consider low-impact water exercises.

Some osteoarthritis patients may find it too painful to exercise. Your goal is to avoid and prevent pain, so why do something that causes it? Exercise has long-term health benefits. Not only does it promote an overall healthy body, but also it provides the joints protection through increased muscle strength. You can exercise at home, but physical therapy is good. In some cases, this gives you easy access to water exercises. You can also learn safe low-impact exercises to do at home.

Not all patients suffering from osteoarthritis are overweight, but those who are increase the risk of pain. The more weight you carry around, the more pressure there is applied to the knees. If you can lose weight without compromising your health, do so. The best way to lose weight is to combine exercise with healthy eating.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees are more likely to experience walking troubles. It can be painful to walk from one room to another, let alone leave the house. A knee brace can provide support and stability. A proper fitting knee brace not only makes it easier to walk, but less painful too! Knee braces are available for sale at most health and drugstores, but talk to your physician first.

Many arthritis patients believe they reach the point of no return. This is when the pain is so unbearable it seem as if nothing will work. Those individuals are more likely to suffer in silence than seek treatment. If you are one of those individuals or if you just need a push to lose weight or exercise, a strong support system is vital. For many, talking about their pain helps to ease it. Ensure you have someone at home to discuss your arthritis with or find local support groups.

Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about how to determine whether surgery is an option for relieving arthritis pain.

Can Your Diet Have An Effect On Dementia?

Every year, millions of people get diagnosed with Dementia. Though the diagnosis might be shocking, there are things that people can do to change how they live, and one of those changes is the foods that they eat. People may want to know if their diet can have an effect on Dementia, and the answer is yes, because there are foods that people eat that can actually help their situation. Here are some foods that can actually help with Dementia.

Leafy Green Vegetables Can Help with Dementia

One vegetable that can help with Dementia is anything that is leafy and green. Kale, spinach collard, and mustard greens, are the best vegetables that help with Dementia because they can help with mental functions, and also, there are comp

ounds in these vegetables that can treat depression, which is a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Cruciferous Vegetables

There are some vegetables that are naturally crunchy, and those are broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. When eaten, these vegetables work on the brain because of a compound called carotenoids. In the brain there is something called homo-cysteine, and if this amino acid is too high, then people can have issues with mental functions. Cruciferous vegetables can actually lower down homo-cysteine, which can help improve the cognitive functions of the brain.

Fruits that Can Prevent Dementia

 

In addition to vegetables, there are fruits that can also help with Dementia. For people who love to eat berries, there are plenty that can help with this condition such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. All of these berries contain anthocyanin, which is known as brain food because they help protect the brain cells from toxic substances in the body.

Pumpkins, Squash, and Carrots

 

Every time the fall comes, there is a flood of pumpkin and squash that hit every grocery store super market. While pumpkin is typically made into pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are plenty of other reasons why people need to eat it that have everything to do with preventing Dementia. All of these vegetables, especially the ones that are orange, contain vitamin A, which can help with mental function. Also, these vegetables contain a lot of iron, which can ensure that the blood being produced by bone marrow is strong and healthy.

Turmeric Spice

 

Turmeric spice is bright yellow, and is typically used for dyeing a fabric yellow. However, turmeric is also used in many Indian dishes, but the spice is also very beneficial to the body. For people who are at risk for Dementia, eating turmeric can mean helping keep the blood vessels in the brain nice and clean, and also improve the brain in terms of the memory.

For people who ask the question about whether or not the diet can affect Dementia, the answer is yes. There are many foods that people can eat that can help keep the brain functions strong such as turmeric spice, berries, cruciferous vegetables, and pumpkin. Eating these special foods can keep not only the brain cells functioning, but can also keep the blood vessels healthy, which is going to keep the mind sharp and the memory good.

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