Nutrition & Suplement

Natural Solutions to Common Dental Problems

2009-03-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

There are so many people out there who have a natural fear of the dentist, and that fear is understandable. The dentist is never a pleasant experience for anyone. It brings more pain and discomfort for some than for others, but all in all it is the type of thing that nobody ever wants to have to deal with unless it is absolutely necessary.

Luckily, every little dental problem does not have to send you to the feared dentist. While the dentist is a good idea for every six months, toothaches, persistent bad breath, whitening, and other such dental issues can all be taken care of at home. Here are a few natural dental care remedies that you can employ in the comfort of your own home, to save you the pain and the cost of having to go to the dentist.

Bad Breath

Put one teaspoon of rosemary, one teaspoon of peppermint, and one teaspoon of lavender into a cup. Shake well and place one teaspoon of that concoction into boiling water. About one cup of boiling water should be fine. Strain that mixture and put in the refrigerator for three to four hours. You have just made your own mouthwash, great for killing nasty oral bacteria and bad breath in the process.

Teeth Whitening

There are great deals of home remedies for those who are looking to whiten their teeth without having to invest in some fancy strips or trays. Orange or lemon peels work well for this purpose. Peel the fruit and rub the light side against your teeth to make a brilliant shine! It doesn't taste too bad, either.

Canker Sores

If you have ever had a canker sore, you know how thoroughly irritating and inconvenient they can be, not to mention extremely painful. There are a few ways to ease the discomfort of canker sores from the comfort of your home.

A simple one is to warm a tea bag and hold it on the sore spot for five minutes. It will feel instantly better. It won't cure it, but it can make it feel a great deal better.

A thyme mouthwash can also help to relieve the discomfort of canker sores. Just mix one teaspoon of thyme and a cup of water together and let it warm for ten minutes. It makes a great mouthwash for canker sores!

Toothache

Toothaches are something that people very commonly experience. They can be caused by poor dental health or just a piece of food stuck in the wrong place for too long. One of the most longstanding remedies for toothaches is to dip a Q-tip in clove oil and hold it on the tooth. Try not to swallow it. It will help ease the pain nearly instantly, and the relief can last for quite a while.

Ammonia also works well for this purpose. Soak a cotton ball in ammonia and hold it over your tooth for a few minutes, and it should feel better soon. Just remember not to swallow it as ammonia can be highly toxic. If your toothache persists for more than a day, you should probably make a dentists appointment as soon as possible.

It is okay to be afraid of the dentist. Whether in secret or not, many people are. For those times when you can't bring yourself to go see a dentist, here are some remedies you can employ at home to bring yourself a little bit of comfort.

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How to Use Supplements

2009-03-08T01:23:00.000-08:00

Most dietary supplements are designed to provide our daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, expressed on packaging as a percentage of the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI). This is the amount that is thought to be enough for virtually everyone, including those with particularly high requirements.

Other measurements used are Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), set for average needs but recognizing that some people need more (see RNI), and that others need less, which is expressed as Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI), the amount needed by Supplements are usually those with low needs. However if you habitual eat (or take) less than LRNI you are likely to find that you are deficient.

When taking food supplements it is important to follow the doses stated on the package in order to prevent any dangers of overdose and to avoid imbalances. All nutrients work in conjunction with others, and with substances in the body, so taking too much of one vitamin, mineral, or other food supplement could upset the balance of delicate mechanisms within the body such as enzyme production. Minerals that could be harmful, however, are rarely sold except on prescription.

As a general rule, vitamins and minerals work "synergistically." That means they both need each other to work properly and that neither works as effectively on its own. A classic example is the combined effect of vitamin C and the mineral zinc, which is used in the treatment of the common cold and influenza.

In most cases food supplements should be taken with or just after meals (exceptions are amino acids, which are most effective taken on an empty stomach).

You should avoid taking iron pills with certain antibiotics. Check with your supplier about the suitability of taking supplements with medication you are taking.

Based on the findings, published in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the researchers warned that consumers should be cautious about taking supplements containing the nutrients. At least 150 million Americans regularly take dietary supplements that often include antioxidants.

Hot Coffee, Tea and Spices

Habitual drinking of liquids that are too hot, or consuming an excess of irritants such as coffee, tea or pickles and spices can cause inflammation of the digestive linings, resulting in a drop of secretion of digestive fluids and poorer extraction of vitamins and minerals from food.

hose Over 50 Years of Age

Those over 50 should take multivitamin supplements without iron, Pleuss says. These are often marketed as "senior supplements."

To strengthen their bones and prevent osteoporosis, Pleuss recommends this group add two vitamins, B12 and D, as well as the mineral calcium. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and another 18 million more have lost enough bone to make them more likely to develop it. Although most of these 28 million are women, 5 million men are at risk, too, and they suffer one-third of all hip fractures, as well as spine and wrist fractures.

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Stay Fit and Look Beautiful with Biocare Vitamin B Complex

2009-02-23T00:45:00.000-08:00

Many of us consume health capsules like Biocare for different reasons and to fulfil different kind of requirements. Most of the times, we consume them just because our doctors have suggested or on some dietician's advice. One of the Biocare capsules that we consume is the vitamin B complex capsule. In this article, we will see why should we consume vitamin B complex capsules and how are they beneficial to us.

There are different types of B vitamins, and a standard B complex capsule would consist of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12 plus the vitamins Biotin, Choline and Inositol. All these vitamins help us in different ways and together they help in proper functioning of the different processes inside our body.

Vitamin B complex capsules help the body gain the energy that we get from the food that we consume. While vitamin B1 helps converting the carbohydrates that we eat into glucose, other B vitamins like Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and Biotin help in converting the glucose into energy. After consumption of vitamin B complex capsules for some time, you would see an increase in your energy level and that you do not get tired or stressed out easily.

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6 helps in proper digestion of the food that we consume on the day to day basis. It helps in production of Hydrochloric acid which helps in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates that helps in better digestion and increased energy level.

The Biocare Vitamin B complex helps in perfect functioning of the nervous system by assisting some important hormones and glands. Vitamin B complex also helps in making your skin, hair and nails grow beautiful with health. So start popping one each day and see the difference in both your beauty and performance very soon.

Which Foods Are Helpful To Lower Cholesterol?

2009-02-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

Food plays an important role in managing the cholesterol level in your body. Apart from a well-managed lifestyle or proper medication, it is mandatory that you switch to fat-free, cholesterol-free healthy diet to manage the level of cholesterol. If you are suffering from high blood cholesterol problem, quite obviously you are having a high level of LDL; then you should consider about three important factors concerning your selection about food to lower cholesterol. These three factors are saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. It is advisable that you make your meal absolutely free from these three diet components. Or else, at least limit the intake of these three diet components.

This article enlightens you on the important food to lower cholesterol level in your body. You may add any of the following foods to your diet to manage your blood cholesterol.

Beans, Peas and Lentils

This is an appropriate food to lower cholesterol level. Beans, peas, and lentils consist of high soluble fiber, which effectively manages cholesterol level in your body. You can always prepare a colorful salad dishes using these nutritional substances, and keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Apart from that, you may eat apples, carrots, barely, and oats to fulfill the need of soluble fiber.

Soy

It contains high protein. Isoflavones, naturally found in Soy products are believed to mimic the role of hormones that help in regulating cholesterol level in the body. If you really care about lowering your cholesterol level, it is a must that you take a minimum of 25gms of soy proteins as a part of your daily diet. You may take soy yogurt, soy burgers, ground soy, soy nuts, soy milk, tofu, and tempeh in your regular diet.

Fish

Fish is an ideal food to lower cholesterol level. It meets the demands for omega 3, which is beneficial for lowering high blood cholesterol. It especially provides protection against LDL cholesterol. Omega 3 fatty acids are commonly found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, tuna, and halibut. Fishes are the perfect option for getting omega 3, but you may also opt in walnuts, flax seeds, or almonds, to have the same benefits.

Olive Oil

Mono-saturated fats can effectively lower the level of high blood cholesterol, especially bad or LDL one. It has the ability to raise the amount of HDL cholesterol in the system. Olive oil is rich with mono-saturated fat. Hence, you can switch to this wonderful food to lower cholesterol, especially while cooking or preparing salads.

Flax seed

Flax seed is a perfect food to lower cholesterol level. It constitutes high protein, soluble fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. It consists of useful component called lignans. Lignans offers protection against cardiovascular problems by means of lowering LDL cholesterol level. Apart from that, it is assumed that flax seed has the ability to fight against few types of cancer like breast and colon cancer. It also helps protecting body from diabetes.

Garlic

Garlic is known as kitchen's pride. Its medicinal property is highly respected among different cultures for several hundreds of years. It has the ability to fight against different cardiovascular diseases such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. According to the results found in different scientific studies, garlic helps lowering cholesterol level. Garlic has two compounds, known as allin and allicin. These two compounds are assumed to intrude with the cholesterol metabolism function in the liver. Additionally, garlic also regulates the amount of cholesterol released in the blood stream.

Vitamin C and E

These two vitamins are well known for their anti-oxidizing property. They can help minimize the level of cholesterol in the body. The primary sources for deriving vitamin C are cabbage, oranges, potatoes, peppers, kiwi, and strawberries. On the other hand, for having vitamin E in your diet, you can easily depend on various healthy foods such as avocados, broccoli, mangoes, Brazilian seeds, peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Most Powerful Antioxidant In Your Body

2009-02-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Glutathione (GSH) is a protein produced naturally in our cells. Unfortunately, as we grow older our body produces less and less of this vital antioxidant. GSH functions both as an antioxidant and an antitoxin. It is a major defense system against illness and aging.

Our Glutathione level actually indicates our state of health and can predict longevity. Although there are more than 60,000 published papers on the beneficial effects of Glutathione supplementation, it is still largely ignored by mainstream medicine.

Glutathione also works to help improve mental functions, increases energy, improves concentration, promotes increased levels of exercise, improves chronic pain disorders, lowers blood pressure, improves heart and lung functions, and helps control the effects of diabetes.

Increasing age and other factors reduces the body's production and utilization of GSH. Research has shown that individuals who have low levels of Glutathione are susceptible to chronic illness.

Clinical data indicates our GSH levels decline by 8 per decade, beginning at the age of 20. Levels of Glutathione are further reduced by continual stress upon the immune system such as illness, infection, and environmental toxins.

A lowered immune system results in higher incidents of illness and disease. This is a ferocious cycle. While you need Glutathione for a productive immune system, a weakened immune system hampers the production of Glutathione.

Unfortunately, supplements containing Glutathione alone will not increase the body's GSH Levels. It is useless to purchase supplements that merely contain Glutathione, because the digestive system breaks down ingested Glutathione and it will not be absorbed into your system.

Glutathione provides the proper nutrients needed to promote the body's own ability to manufacture and absorb Glutathione. Glutathione aids in liver support by destroying environmental poisons thus helping the liver to function as the main production site and storehouse for Glutathione.

Robert Keller MD, MS, FACP is the inventor and developer of a new Glutathione enhancing product called MaxGXL. Dr. Keller was named as one of the worlds's 2,000 Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century, and has served on the scientific review panels for the National Institutes of Health and the VA. He has served on the faculties of the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin (Marquette Univ.) He has published more than 100 original articles in various medical journals.

Dr. Keller was elected to The Board of Governors of the American Academy of HIV medicine, and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Hemophilia Federation.

The Consumers' Research Council has named Dr. Keller one of America's "Top Physicians in 2003, 2004, and 2005 in the fields of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Hematology. Dr. Keller continues his medical practice and research activities at his clinic and laboratory in Florida.

How oxidation and inflammation are making you age, no matter how hard you work to take care of yourself. And what you can do about it.

Dr. Keller interview excerpts: You know all about inflammation-when you twist your ankle and it swells up to twice its size, that's inflammation. You probably also know that when you get a headache or strain your back, inflammation is the sources of the pain you feel. And, if you've read up on health conditions, you may be aware that inflammation is part of a heart attack.

These types of inflammation that we're familiar with are associated with illness or injuries. But chances are you're not aware of a very significant inflammatory reaction-one that profoundly affects your health every day of your life that is not caused by an illness or injury. I'm talking about inflammation at age cellular level, which is a normal process within the body.

To understand this kind of inflammation, it's helpful to think of the trillions of cells in your body as tiny "power plants', each working to its maximum capacity to produce the energy in a complex chemical process, of other chemical bonding oxygen.

We all know we need oxygen. Oxygen is essential, ironically, is what makes it ultimately dangerous and destructive. Oxygen is a high unstable, highly reactive substance. All materials, when exposed to oxygen, will break down the bonds they have and from new bonds. This process-oxidation-releases a great deal of energy, but it also produces multiple waste products.

You've seen oxidation hundreds of times-it's one of the most common and powerful chemical reactions on earth. Oxidation is what happens when you leave an iron pipe out in the rain and you see it rust. It's also what happens in your fireplace when you see a lot consumed in flames. Think about that log in your fireplace-think about the soothing warmth and bright light it produces. Now think about the pile of ashes that's left behind.

Something very similar happens within your cells. Energy (like the heat and light in your fireplace) is produced by the cell's oxidative reaction, but is a "pile of ashes," so to speak. The waste products left behind are call oxidants. In many cases, they can themselves be corrosive and destructive-like the rust on that pipe I mentioned earlier. Even oxidants that are not in and of themselves harmful can really clog up the works in your cells, making the cells less efficient and less able to produce energy. And, because oxidation is present-not just in your cells-your body is under attack from as well as from within-with pollutants, food additives and other substances that can cause oxidative damage to the cells.

But as we all know, the body is an amazing self-correcting system, so of course there are natural processes in place to combat the damage oxidation does. That's where inflammation comes in. Inflammation is the natural result of a biochemical processes and reactions, the purpose of which is to undo the damage done by oxidation in the cell.

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Vitamin D Supplements

2009-01-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D is a vitamin found in food, and it can also be produced by your body after you are out in the sun. Supplements can also be effective in helping you get the vitamin D you need and prevent deficiency. There are many reasons you should consider making sure you are getting enough vitamin D; in fact it seems like each day there is a new discovery regarding this particular vitamin.

There are several benefits that are known for sure: Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption which helps you maintain strong bones, and it also helps to maintain your immune system. While these are important benefits themselves, there are other exciting potential benefits that are just being discovered. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D may help protect you against some cancers, and possibly reverse heart disease. In addition, there is an emerging opinion that vitamin D supplements may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with a particularly strong effect on women who suffer anxiety with PMS and anyone who gets depressed during the winter months. (Reference information regarding these studies can be provided if you contact the author of this article).

There are three ways you can ensure you are getting enough vitamin D. First, there are direct food sources, such as fortified milk, large fish like salmon and tuna, many breakfast cereals, and egg yolk. However, if you don't consume the fish, it is actually very difficult to get enough vitamin D from another source. For example, most milk is fortified to the degree that you'd have to have 10 cups to get your daily allowance. Second, your body produces vitamin D when you are in the sun, though it doesn't work when you are wearing sunscreen (though it is still important to use sunscreen to prevent cancer and other problems due to sun exposure). You should check this with your doctor, but it is known that a short exposure to the sun, even as little as 10 minutes allows the process of vitamin D production to start. The third way you can get vitamin D is through over the counter pills or supplements.

Vitamin D supplements may be most beneficial for you if you are in any of the following groups, all of who could be prone to vitamin d deficiency:
- Infrequent exposure to the sun or you must wear sun block almost all the time
- Lactose intolerant, or just don't enjoy milk or drink a lot of it
- Very sensitive to the sun and/or wear sun block
- Live far north of the equator, like New England in the US.
- Don't eat much large fish, perhaps due to concerns about mercury content
- Older adults (50 and over) are less able to produce and/or synthesize vitamin D
- Some medical conditions - consult with your doctor

There are serious health risks if you take too many vitamin D supplements. Read the container they come in carefully and consult with your doctor if it is at all unclear. Most supplements are very clear about the usual adult dose, so it should be easy for you to start a vitamin D supplementation regimen today.

Vitamin B12 Sources, Functions and Deficiencie

2009-01-12T05:39:00.000-08:00

Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin as well, because of its cobalt content. Vitamin B12 aids in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is an integral element in DNA formation. It functions with the binding of protein in food. During the digestion process, hydrochloric acid in the stomach discharges vitamin B12 from protein contents found in food. As soon as it is released, it binds with intrinsic factor (IF). Later intestinal tract absorbs this combination.

Vitamin B12 Sources

Vitamin B12 is a naturally derived substance. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products are the wise selection of vitamin B12 sources. Another great source of vitamin B12 is fortified breakfast cereals. This is a perfect choice for vegetarians to satisfy their vitamin B12 needs. Apart from that mixed spices prepared from mollusks and clam can be considered as one of significant vitamin B12 sources. Liver, beef, Trout, Salmon, Yogurt, Haddock, Clams, Tuna, Pork, and Chicken are the great sources of vitamin B12.

The requirement for vitamin B12 in a healthy adult is 2.4µg per day.

Vitamin B12 Functions

Essentially, vitamin B12 functions in various ways. The most important among all vitamin B12 functions is identified with the assistance in the neurotransmitter production. Neurotransmitter is an important element that regulates almost every function in our body and mind. Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism are also significant vitamin B12 functions. It helps in appropriate DNA replication process. It plays a significant role as a catalyst during hemoglobin synthesis. If you lack vitamin B12 in your daily diet, you may become anemic. It helps in red blood cells production. It helps in converting from homocysteine to methionine. This conversion is crucial in minimizing the risk of cardiac arrest.

Vitamin B12 Deficiencies

Typically vitamin B12 deficienciesmay occur due to two reasons one is inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food substances and the second reason is an inability to consume foods rich in vitamin B12. The later situation mainly occurs in the case of strict vegetarians. They suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies mainly due to the fact that they do not consume any foods coming from animals.

The common symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies may include constipation, memory loss, difficulty in walking or moving, megaloblastic anemia, mood disorder, numbness, sore tongue, disorientation, damage in the myelin sheath and dementia.

Pregnant women or lactating women need extra supply of vitamin B12, like any other essential nutrients. It passes to the placenta during pregnancy. Brest-fed infants receive their nutrients from their mother. Therefore a lack of nutrients may cause serious harm to their health. The women on vegan diet may lack the sufficient supply of vitamin B12. So the crisis may result within months of birth. If not taken into serious consideration, it may cause severe neurological damage in time.

Apart from that, individuals suffering from megaloblastic anemia or gastrointestinal disorder may receive benefits from vitamin B12 supplements. Few medications suggested for chronic problem may decrease the natural absorption of vitamin B12 in the body, in such cases additional supplements of vitamin B12 seem to be necessary.

As vitamin B12 supplements are essentially dependent on animal products, so we must understand that a strict vegetarian diet may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies. In such cases, fortified cereals must be taken under consideration to fulfill the requirement of vitamin B12.

Potential Health Risk

There is no established UL so far for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity. Till date, no such reports have been submitted in claim of adverse effects resulting from the usage of vitamin B12. However, medical studies conducted by Institute of Medicine say that individuals older than 50 years should depend on fortified foods to avoid possible vitamin B12 deficiencies. It is mainly because of the impaired absorption pattern for vitamin B12 coming from animal products, mostly prevalent at older ages.

Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin as well, because of its cobalt content. Vitamin B12 aids in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is an integral element in DNA formation. It functions with the binding of protein in food. During the digestion process, hydrochloric acid in the stomach discharges vitamin B12 from protein contents found in food. As soon as it is released, it binds with intrinsic factor (IF). Later intestinal tract absorbs this combination.

Vital Vitamins for Women

2008-12-31T09:05:00.000-08:00

Good health and fitness and fabulous physique can be achieved by having the regular supply of the vitamins in the body. So the question arises what are the various vitamins available for the women. So the most vital vitamins for the women are Vitamin A, D, C, E and B complex. Some of the minerals like the Calcium, zinc and Magnesium are also useful for the body. So the best optimum solution for this is to take the proper balanced diet so that the basic requirements of the vitamins for women can be maintained.List of the vital vitamins for women: -i. Vitamin A: -though it is recommended that the age of the person increase he should consume more vitamins but too much intake of vitamin A can cause the risk of causing bone fracture. Generally for women it is recommended to take just 1.5mg of Vitamin A per day. Making the bones is important but the women who are leading the menopause cycle must take care of this.ii. Vitamin D: - for the good health of the bone it is considered as the essential nutrient. The main sources of the Vitamin D are eggs, fish and food like cereals and breads. But the major source of the Vitamin D is the natural sunlightiii. Vitamin C: - it as an anti-oxidant and help in mopping up the damaged cells of the free radicals. The main benefit for the women is that this vitamin helps in slowing down the process of aging and also keeps the diseases away. So besides having tremendous benefits one advantage of keeping the body young can also be achieved. Some of the sources of the Vitamin C are citrus fruits, tomatoes, green vegetable, strawberries and potatoes.iv. Vitamin B (Folic Acid): - if the body of the women becomes less efficient in consuming and absorbing the vitamin B, then she can go for the intake of the green vegetable and preferring brown rice or white rice over the pasta. Folic acid can be found in the citrus fruits and kiwi fruit and some of the breads and cereals which are generally consumed at the time of the breakfast. v. Vitamin E: - although antioxidants are making the body free from the free radicals also they are protecting the body’s vital organs and hence help a woman in looking younger and maintaining herself. Clear skin and sparkling eyes can be obtained by the Vitamin c and E.

Alcohol and Cigarettes Facts

2008-12-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

Rachel Broune

Most adults would define cigarettes and alcohol as drugs. Fitness, physical health, mental health and long-term health all suffer as a result of medium- or heavy- drinking. Alcohol is also classified as a food because it contains calories. Cigarettes & Alcohol" is a song by British rock band Oasis, written by Noel Gallagher. Alcohol and cigarettes account for 0.9% of money spent on international trade. Adult men seem to be smoking less, women and teenagers of both male and female seem to be smoking more. Drinking modest, sensible amounts of alcohol, however, can be good for you. Smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. The average drink has about the same calorie count as a large potato but, unlike a potato or any other food, alcohol has no nutritional value. Many of the social effects of alcohol are psychological and cultural. Smoking causes cancer and increases the rate of ageing, by damaging the DNA inside cells.
Cigarette smoking causes a variety of life-threatening diseases. The use of alcohol can be controlled with informed consent, age restrictions on participants, validation of the study subject and tight manipulation of confounding variables. Italian long-liver Rafaela Moni who is 109 years old tells that moderate using of alcohol helped her to save her health and force during all her live. Smoking for pleasure or relief of an urge to smoke is counterproductive and shorted: The want of nicotine reduces pleasure, abandoning cigarettes altogether results in an increase overall happiness. Nationwide, 22.3% of high school students and 8.1% of middle school students were smoking in 2004. The calories are empty.Alcohol can produce detectable impairments in memory after only a few drinks and, as the amount of alcohol increases, so does the degree of impairment.
Harmful Effects Of Cigarettes Smoking generally affects a smoker's health, harming nearly every organ of the body, and causing many diseases.
heart attacks and stroke gallstones aneurysms leads to less stamina cancer peptic ulcers bronchitis damage a woman's reproductive health accelerates the development of the macular degeneration Harmful effects of Alcohol alcohol impairs behavior, judgment, memory, concentration and coordination. inflammation neuropsychological deficits brain damage physical behaviour menopause and menstrual irregularities throat cancer affects on the sleep cycle

Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Living

2008-12-16T03:41:00.000-08:00

Anna Josephs

Many of us equate vitamin, miniral, and nutrition supplement but most of the time what is purchase in the name of healthy food does not mean to be safe all the time.
Our body I made up of chemical component such as water, proteins, lipids, DNA, and carbohrdrates. We neeed to take all the supllement in a proper and balance manner. When nutrition supplement is take in amounts greater than the recommmanded dietary allowance they will no longer will be nutrition and they will be considred as durgs.
Many people eat anything and anytime which is unknowly or knowly effect your health and diet which will result in health problems, over wieight and lazyness. Nutrition products are alawys fresh and well sealed and always make you feel better.
Currently, too many nutritional benefits are processed, cooked or fried out of what we eat, which leaves us little choice but to supplement our diet with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to regain health and to stay healthy. If you add to this the pollution and other toxins you have to put up with, nutritional supplements become even more of a necessity
Once you give your body a hand by giving it proper fuel, such as a diet high in fruits and vegetables, along with a sensible set of nutritional supplements, you will soon notice a difference. Healthy food and good nutritional supplements will restore your engine to optimum working order. It will thrive and so will you. DO NOT self-medicate with large doses of vitamins, minerals, or other nutritional supplements without seeking medical advice.
Many of us start taking nutritional supplement with any advice on dietician which affect our body and which is realized by us. So be careful before you feel you need to take nutritional supplements, first discuss your concerns with your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified health care professional, for example, a registered nurse or dietician.

A Word About the Effects of Drugs on Nutrients

2008-12-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Depletion! If you are taking prescription or OTC medications, then you probably know about some of the side effects they may cause. In addition to the side effects, or possibly one of the causes of the side effects, and what many people and doctors don't realize, is the fact that drugs deplete certain vitamins, minerals, hormones, and other nutrients. This can happen in one of two ways – either by blocking their absorption, or by causing your body to eliminate them in less time than it normally would. The result is that you end up with deficiency symptoms that can have serious consequences (heart and nerve damage, stomach problems, etc). Depending on which drugs you're taking will determine which nutrients are getting depleted. These can include B vitamins, Vitamin K (needed for clotting and bones), friendly bacteria (which help balance immune function and digestion, among other benefits), coenzyme Q-10 (for cellular energy, the greatest concentration being in the heart), iron, zinc, and hormones, such as melatonin if you are taking beta-blockers. If it is not contra-indicated, you can take supplemental nutrients to help get your system back in balance. However, sometimes taking supplemental vitamins, minerals, or hormones may interfere with the drugs that you're taking – so always check with your doctor and find out if you can take certain nutrients. If your doctor is not aware of nutrient depletion, and is unable to answer your questions relating to that, you can find answers at several sites on the internet. I entered “"prescription drug" deplete nutrient” into Google and the first listing was an excellent chart showing what prescription drugs deplete which nutrients, with a link from that chart to a chart of OTC drugs and which nutrients they deplete. For drug nutrient interactions, a Google search with “"prescription drug" nutrient interactions chart” yielded good results. Another good source of information is your pharmacist. The population of the US (and much of the world, for that matter) is already nutrient deficient due to poor eating habits (fast foods, processed foods, sugar, artificial ingredients, etc), and depleted foods. Taking medicines that also depletes them can add to the problems and make matters worse. For example, the number one mineral deficiency in this country is magnesium. Complications from magnesium depletion include muscle weakness and conduction abnormalities, twitching, depression, hypertension, heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias. So if you are taking medication that blocks absorption of magnesium or causes it to be excreted from your system, you're adding to the problem - unless you take supplemental magnesium and eat foods rich in magnesium. What should you do? Well, besides adding a good multi-vitamin to your diet, as well as other nutrients that may be getting depleted, you need to take a good look at your diet and exercise program and make the necessary changes to them to get on the road to health. Then perhaps you will be able to discontinue the drugs and get back in the balance nature intended.

Vitamin A Sources and Deficiencies – Secret behind this Vitamin

2008-11-29T05:22:00.000-08:00

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, offers a whole heap of benefits in vision, reproduction, bone development, division of cells and cell differentiation. It also plays significant role in the production of white blood cells. In effect, it strengthens the immune system of the body and aids in fighting against various harmful germs and viruses. Vitamin A offers a healthy subtle sheath in the retina, respiratory tract, urinal tract and intestinal tract areas. Vitamin A deficiencies may cause breaking this sheath – this, in turn, makes it easy for germs to enter into the health system.

Types

Typically, vitamin A can be subdivided into two categories depending on their sources of availability. These two categories are preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoid. Preformed vitamin A can mostly be found from animals such as liver, whole milk and fortified food products. This type is easily absorbed in the form of retinol. Retinol can be converted into retinal and retinoic acid within the body. Provitamin A carotenoid can be found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Few common forms of this type of vitamin A are beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Among all of these forms, beta-carotene can be effectively prepared into retinol.

Sources of Vitamin A

Animals and animal products are considered as the wise selection for vitamin A sources. It is mainly because of the fact that it is well absorbed and utilized efficiently with the body system. However, plants can also be considered as vitamin A sources, but they can not be well absorbed within the body and may not function effectively as well. Liver, fortified skim milk, cheese, and egg are great vitamin A sources.

Carrot offers generous amount of vitamin A. Whether you take it raw or boiled or as a juice, it offers you plenty amount of vitamin A. Apart from that, you can depend on kale, vegetable soup, apricots with skin, apricot nectar, oatmeal, peas, orange juice, peaches, and pepper.

Deficiencies of Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiencies largely depend on regions. The deficiency is quite prominent in developing countries like India; however, it is rarely seen in USA. In the developing regions, a significant number of children become blind every year due to vitamin A deficiencies. On the other hand, vitamin A deficiencies are mostly related to the strict dietary restrictions and excessive alcohol consumption.

Night blindness is one of the most significant conditions occurring as a result of vitamin A deficiencies. Dated back to ancient period, Egyptian civilization also confirmed the usefulness of liver in treating night blindness. Liver is a great source of vitamin A contents. Vitamin A deficiencies contribute to night blindness by turning the cornea very dry and damaging the cornea and retina.

Vitamin A deficiencies may also contribute in weaker immune system. In developing countries, immunization program is thus restricted. The mortality rate is very high due to complications of infectious diseases like measles. Pneumonia is also believed to be caused due to vitamin A deficiency.

Current Controversies

Few scientific studies argue that there is a strong relation between beta-carotene and lower risk of cancer. A higher intake of colorful fruits and vegetables may lower the possibilities of lung cancer. However, it is strongly controversial in nature. It is mainly because of the fact that many studies also advocate against the correlation. They conducted research for investigating the significance of beta-carotene supplements in preventing various types of cancer, but could not find any effective result supporting the relevance.

Recent studies are going for finding out the potential adverse effect associated with excess intake of vitamin A supplements. Several researchers have found out that there is a strong correlation between excess intake of vitamin A and weaker bone structure. Hypervitaminosis A is a critical condition referred to the excess storage of vitamin A in the body. Birth defects, abnormalities in liver, declined bone mineral density and CNS disorders are the common adverse effects associated with the excess intake of vitamin A.

Vital Vitamins for Women

2008-07-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

Should you use Vitamin E for Scars?

2008-06-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

You'll find many people touting the use of vitamin E on scar tissue these days. They will often claim that it can make any kind of scar disappear within a few months. The honest truth is that vitamin E doesn't appear to help heal scar tissue.
In a 1999 study following patients after cancer surgery, doctors applied an ointment containing vitamin E to a part of the scar tissue and applied an ointment without the vitamin to the other half of the scar. The scar tissue healed at the same rate with both ointments and on a negative side the vitamin E ointment gave some patients contact dermatitis, which is red and itchy skin.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it snatches up free radicals, mostly in the skin, and transports them elsewhere for removal from the body. It also protects other antioxidants from oxidizing and becoming dangerous in the body, such as Vitamin A. It is involved in the metabolism of cells, but doesn't change cells such as skin tissue. Therefore it should have no direct effect on the improved appearance of scar tissue when applied topically. It is a nice supplement for your skin in general and will help prevent damage caused by free radicals that leads to premature aging.
People who have gained a visual improvement to their skin from applying Vitamin E probably gained it due to the massaging motions of their fingers while rubbing in the oil. Scar tissue is actually skin tissue with a lot of collagen fibers in it. When a wound is healing the collagen served as a bridge connecting the skin. It is tough and firm, but scar tissue can be broken down with continuous regular massage. Also Vitamin E is fat soluble and usually sold as an oil. The oil helps to soften skin tissue and makes it look better overall, if you don't have an allergic reaction to the vitamin E. Unfortunately some people are genetically predisposed to getting scar tissue when a wound heals, while others are not. It may be that those who claim a benefit from applying the vitamin E are simply people who aren't genetically disposed towards developing scar tissue.
A good way to prevent scars is to avoid picking at a scab. This will tear at the collagen fibers and make the wound look worse. Make sure to keep your wound clean and covered with a Band-Aid or gauze. There is the idea that wounds heal better when left open to the air, but many kinds of wounds need moisture to heal and the air will simply dry it out. Also you may think about taking an oral vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is involved with the creation of new skin tissue and this can help your wounds heal better.

The Science of Detoxification - How Does Detox Work?

2008-05-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

According to Dr. Henry Lindlahr, a great nature cure therapist, when morbid matter and toxic wastes accumulate in our human body, various ailments would start to surface. Therefore, in order to heal our body effectively, we need to work towards eliminating such waste matter and poisons.
Detoxification is the science of reinforcing body's own intrinsic power to detoxify itself, as a result of which it bounces back to its natural healthy state. It can help to build up our body's own resilience. We want to minimize the total toxic burden on our physical body by opening the doorways of elimination i.e: bowels, kidneys, lymph, skin, lungs etc. even as the body continues to receive nourishment in the form of food and drink. A holistic detoxification program not only enhances restoration and renewal at the gross physical level, but also at a subtle emotional and spiritual level. This explains the science of detoxification.
A normal, healthy body is supposed to naturally detoxify itself by flushing out all its self-produced toxic waste. When toxins are retained and stored in the body the condition is called toxemia. Besides purging the blood and tissues with toxic residue, detox cleanses and rejuvenates the entire excretory system and clears clogged bowels and blocked lungs, etc. It also flushes out sluggish kidneys and bladder.
No matter what detox program you choose, make it a point to drink at least 2-3 liters of pure water everyday. If possible drink alkaline water, so that those acids and other toxic wastes are quickly neutralized, diluted and flushed away and released from the tissues throughout your body as a result of your detox regimen. An effective detox program also removes impurities from the blood through the liver where toxins are usually processed. Other organs like kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph nodes and skin also participate in the removal of toxins.
Fasting for a short period of time is yet another way for a human body to promote the clearing of toxins. During the fast our organs rest, getting enough time to revive and rejuvenate themselves, which further the process of cleansing. While on a fast, make it a point to include mild exercises like Tai Chi to stimulate your liver in order to eliminate common toxins from your body. This also holds good for elimination through the skin, kidneys and intestines. By including Pranayam (Yoga's deep breathing exercises) you can have improved circulation of blood, which would bring more oxygen to your blood leading to the expulsion of toxins through the bloodstream.
In order to achieve the desirable result of your detox program you must alter your diet by cutting out the intake of all sugar, caffeine, nicotine, etc. The ancient Indian system of India called Ayurveda recommends avoiding deep fried food, spices, chilies, and all other sour acidic food like pickles.
It has been observed that after the period of an active detox program most people tend to relapse and get back to their old faulty lifestyle. As the proverb goes, prevention is better than cure. After reaping the desired results from a good detox program one should radically change one's lifestyle in such a way as to avoid junk food and stop being couch potatoes. Keep doing adequate exercises suitable for your age, weight etc, but avoid too much strain.

Emma Deangela is the author of detox and fasting site at eDetoxify.com. Combining both Asian and Western philosophy, Emma Deangela has helped many people by giving them health consultation to make their lives better and healthier through natural health philosophy. Visit eDetoxify.com to discover the health philosophy that lead many people to a healthy life.

Benefits of Honey

2008-05-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Many people often ask "Why is honey good for you?", "Is this sweetener really more superior than table sugar?". The answer is a clear "Yes!"

1) It is nutritious for you!: A much healthier choice than over-processed, factory-made table sugar table sugar and artificial sweeteners which do not have any vitamins or whatsoever nutrients, this natural liquid from the honey bees contains many vitamins like B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

2) It is a healthy food choice!: Honey has a healthy Glycemic Index (GI) , meaning that its sugars can be gradually absorbed into the bloodstream to result in better digestion. Eating excessive high-glycemic foods prompts an elevated insulin release in our body as a result of the pancreas being stimulated to metabolize the sudden surge of glucose into the blood.

3) It builds your immunity against sicknesses!: Honey contains natural antioxidant properties that can destroy biologically destructive chemical agents which have been linked to many diseases such as cancer. Not only can honey's antioxidants help to reduce free radicals in the body, they also provide nutrients for the development of new tissue. Because of this, for centuries, honey has been used all over the world in different cultures as a natural cure for many ailments, and traditionally as an effective home remedy, for instance the honey and apple cider vinegar tonic which is used for treating arthritis and bad breath.

4) It energizes you!: This perhaps is the most common reply kids get from their parents when they ask "why is honey good for you?" An excellent natural supply of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy for our bodies, honey is popularly used for its effectiveness in quickly boosting the performance, endurance and relieve muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural fruit sugars, fructose and glucose plays an important role in preventing fatigue during exercise and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream digested by the body. Also, honey is free of cholesterol and it has been reported that adding small amounts of it in the daily diet could even help keep cholesterol levels in check.

5) It beautifies you!: This anti-aging benefit of honey is probably the best reply to "Why is honey good for you?" There exist a huge number of honey products in the market for hair care, baby care, skin care for sunscreen, hand lotions, facial scrubs and moisturizers. Honey's hygroscopic properties also renders it a great cosmetic ingredient as it keeps skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying. Its natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties also support the skin's ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and supple.

B-12 & the brain

2008-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

People with low blood levels of vitamin B-12 a decade earlier were more likely to score poorly on a test that's widely used to screen for early signs of dementia.
However, the usual blood test for vitamin B-12 wasn't sensitive enough to detect a link. It appeared only when researchers looked at methylmalonic acid (which goes up when the body has too little B-12) or holotranscobalamin (the active part of B-12).
What to do: People aged 55 or older can lose the ability to absorb the B-12 that's bound naturally to protein, so they should take a multivitamin or eat fortified foods with at least 6 micrograms of vitamin B-12 (that's the Daily Value).
This study isn't proof that lower B-12 levels lead to memory loss, but severe B-12 deficiency can cause irreversible neurological damage that looks like AIzheimer's disease.

FITNESSHEALTHNUTRITION

2008-05-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

There are times when even the most fitness and health conscious diner succumbs to the temptations of the buffet and calorific sweet meat But is pigging out occasionally a harmless indulgence or a real health worry? Here are some fitness health nutrition tips to lose weight healthily
Firstly we need to stay clued in. Knowledge is power. In other words, we have to arm ourselves with the facts about fitness, health and nutrition. For instance we need to know what a healthy diet is and ignore the fads. This way we are more likely to build confidence in our abilities and achieve our fitness goals. Long term weight control is about being realistic, and enjoying healthy eating and exercise habits for life and reaping all the benefits.
It is absolutely important to have clear motivation. It will be better to write down the reasons for wanting to achieve fitness by following a nutritious and healthy eating pattern .It definitely helps our feeling of commitment. We have to include reasons that are not just about appearance. For instance, will it help us feel fit enough to do more things that we want to do or will it cure the back pain etc.It can be a useful motivator if the going gets tough.
It helps us to become more aware of our eating habits and problem areas if we write down what we eat and drink. It is a powerful way to kick off planning and bringing changes to the diet and put us in control as it paves way to recognize what is going on and understand more about our self. Keeping a food diary helps to stay on track and see the great progress made.
Another important fitness health nutrition tip is to set realistic goals. Losing five to ten percent of the weight is an ideal target. Losing modest amounts of weight are not just easier to keep off but bring big health benefits. If the goals are realistic they are likely to be achieved and we stick with them and feel successful, which in turn boosts our self confidence.
We need to work out as to how to achieve the goals. Writing the goals and action plans helps enormously. Much of the eating we do when we are not hungry is a habit like response to a variety of triggers. We need to plan ways to avoid these triggers like keeping the binge foods out of the house or joining an evening class instead of watching TV etc.
One of the main fitness health nutrition tips is to be a conscious eater and make choices about what we eat. It will not only help us feel in control and achieve our goals, it will stop us from feeling deprived. If unwanted food cravings do strike, acknowledge them and distract oneself with a chore or a more involving task.
Finally eat regular meals, starting with the breakfast. It helps us to regulate how much we eat by stabilizing blood sugar levels and allowing us to recognize natural feelings of hunger and fullness. They also stop us from worrying about hunger as we know our next meal or snack is not far away.
All of the above fitness health nutrition tips are the latest tricks of the trade which helps one lose weight healthily. So get real and be specific, remember the first few days are always the hardest .But with perseverance, you can outwit your weight.

Understanding The Nutritional Value Of Sprouts For Your Health

2008-01-30T02:17:00.000-08:00

Health & Fitness :: Nutrition & Supplement

Eaten for thousands of years by cultures in other parts of the world, sprouts are regarded as extremely nutritious and even life-prolonging. Unfortunately, most people don't realize the numerous health benefits of sprouts. Often dismissed as the dietary choice of vegetarians, sprouts actually offer benefits that should be considered by everyone. This article discusses the health benefits of sprouts, the advantages of sprouts over other foods and the types of things that can be sprouted.
Health Benefits Of Sprouts
Sprouts provide many things our bodies need for us to live healthy lives. They are an excellent source of protein which helps our bodies repair itself as well as regulates many of our bodily functions (balancing of water, delivering nutrients, etc.). Sprouts also provide a huge dose of vitamin C, helping our immune systems fight off colds and diseases. Further, some types of sprouts such as broccoli sprouts have elements that can help prevent cancer. In fact, some studies have suggested that broccoli sprouts contain several times more anti-cancer chemicals than in mature broccoli.
Another benefit of sprouts is that they are organic. Many fruits and vegetables that you purchase in stores have been compromised by pesticides and other fumigants. This is not true of sprouts. Further, sprouts are easily digestable due to their cell walls being delicate and easily releasing nutrients.
Advantages Of Sprouts Over Other Foods
One of the primary advantages of consuming sprouts is the level of vitamin production that happens within them. When vegetables and fruits are purchased from your local supermarket, those foods have stopped producing vitamins. In fact, they stopped producing them the moment they were picked. Then, those foods are often shipped hundreds, even thousands, of miles to the stores where they are eventually bought by customers.
Sprouts continue producing vitamins up until the moment you consume them. Even in your refrigerator, they will keep growing and producing vitamins. Eating sprouts instead of store-bought fruits and vegetables ensures that your body will enjoy the maximum amount of vitamin content.
Types Of Sprouts
When most people think of sprouts, they think of little green, leafy things. But, sprouting can be performed on dozens of different food items. For example, you can enjoy sprouting grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Or, you can sprout nuts and seeds such as peanuts, almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Sprouting can also involve foods that you are already familiar with such as cabbage, chick peas, mung beans and green peas.
Though most people tend to avoid sprouts, much of the public's perception is based on lack of knowledge. In truth, sprouts offer nutritional value that is nearly impossible to get from other vegetables and fruits that are purchased from grocery stores. In addition, their nature allows for the easy absorption of nutrients and vitamins enabling our bodies to fight off diseases more effectively. If your body's health is important to you, consider adding sprouts to your diet.

The Start of a New Health Year 2008 - Natural NutritionHome

2008-01-29T01:45:00.000-08:00

:: Health & Fitness :: Nutrition & Supplement

Two thousand eight is on the horizon. In moments it will be here and a new year starts again. This year will be big on using natural remedies to cure your own illness and conditions. For those of you that have been reading and studying the use of natural remedies, you are 10 steps ahead of everyone else.
There are a tremendous number of people that are not familiar with using natural remedies. My sister who is a head nurse knows very little about them. My whole family lacks this knowledge, except my eleven year old.
Yes the new generation will be brought up using natural remedies more than the past generation. History is repeating itself. The young willingly accept the idea that vitamins, minerals, herbs, and food can prevent or cure illness.
But, this idea of natural remedies does not sit well with the FDA or the AMA. They are hard at work trying to pass legislation that will regulate natural remedies just as drugs are - dispensed only by a doctor. Doctors that suggest you take vitamins or natural remedies to prevent illness, if discovered by the AMA, will lose their licenses. Studies, research, discoveries, or experiments that indicate natural remedies can prevent or cure illness are ridiculed by the medical industry.
If people use more natural remedies - vitamins, minerals, herbs, homeopathic salts, special nutrients, or even food - to prevent or cure illness, then they will use less drugs. Pharmaceuticals will lose money. They are not going to stand by and let this happen. They have already been busy for years providing disinformation on natural remedies. Most every famous naturopath has been pursed by the government and discredited for revealing how natural remedies can cure your illness. This is not going to change in 2008.
What is going to change are those of you who are awake to natural remedies and many new people who are going to awaken are going to start using more natural remedies to prevent illness.
In my past newsletters, I have written you to eat more fruits and their juices for breakfast. This helps your body to detoxify the toxins collected during your sleep. Eating a heavy, solid breakfast interferes with your natural detoxification cycle causing the liver to store night toxins in your cells as fat.
I have suggested that you strive for 2 bowel movements per day to keep unused and undigested food moving through your colon and not stagnating. You do this by eating more fruits and vegetables and by eating less processed food, which has a hard time moving through your colon.
I have told you to take digestive enzymes and probiotics. Even if you are 25 or 30, take digestive enzymes and save your body's ability to create these enzymes for a rainy sick day. Enzymes are used in hundreds of body, chemical, reactions and not just for digesting food. Saving your digestive enzymes for when you need them is a smart move.
Supplement with specific vitamins, minerals, or special nutrients. Studies have shown that those who supplements live longer, healthier lives than those who don't.
Stress is the number one killer, so reduce stress. Stress creates hormonal imbalances and causes your endocrine system to overwork. Endocrine organs - thyroid, pancreas, spleen - that become overworked lose function and this leads to disease. Stress causes your adrenal to release excess cortisol, which causes brain cell damage and imbalances in your sugar and testosterone levels. Always look for ways to reduce stress, since this will increase your life span.

All About Nutrition

2008-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

All About Nutrition

In order to optimize your health a good diet is essential. But, with all the fad diets around it can be difficult to know what is 'good'. Nutrition science to the rescue! Though some things are still controversial, numerous studies reinforce the following basic information. A healthy diet requires not just items from the four basic food groups, but in the proper proportion. The average person will need about 2000-2500 calories (sometimes more for larger men, less for women and those looking for rapid weight loss). About 50 from fats (yes, fat is good!) and 20% from protein. Carbohydrates are the main source of compounds needed for energy. Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are rapidly broken down in the intestine and absorbed. Some processing starts the minute they hit your tongue. Complex carbohydrates - starches, such as those found in potatoes - take longer, but are also healthy in moderation. Fats are chemically similar to carbohydrates, and contain fatty acids essential to health. Proteins are lysed (split) to make amino acids, that are then recombined to form proteins used in muscles and other structures. Meat is a valid and healthy source of protein for almost everyone. About 3 ounces per meal is about right for the average sized person. A cup of pasta is a good source of carbohydrates. Two cups of leafy green vegetables supply fiber, minerals and vitamins. A balanced meal can be made up of a serving of meat or other protein source, starchy carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, corn or potatoes, and fruit. Easy on the butter or margarine, go light on cheese, sauces and anything high in sugar or fat. Though you could get the basics from a variety of sources, when considering weight control in addition to getting the proper balance, it's important to know which sources are high in what. Fat contains nine calories per gram, which is double than other energy sources. Thus, you need to keep those foods high in fat down to modest levels. That also helps control cholesterol levels. All sources of carbohydrates have four calories per gram. But healthy sources also contain needed minerals, vitamins and fiber. Some examples are fruits (apples, pears, peaches), nuts (walnuts are lower in fat than peanuts or cashews, for example) and grains (for fiber and minerals). Why is candy bad, unless consumed in very modest portions? Because they are designed to be high in fat, high in sugar with much lower amounts of helpful nutrients. Neither fat nor sugar are harmful in moderation. Indeed, they're essential to good health. But when consumed in a form that contains an excessive proportion, they provide enormous calories and fewer other nutrients. A single Snickers candy bar, for example, contains 63g, with 53g of sugar, but only 2g of fiber. This kind of snack, especially at the beginning of a new diet of nutritional regimen, can be hard to resist. A cup of broccoli (something that you probably don't often crave) has, by contrast, only 6g total, of which 2.5g are fiber, 1.5g are sugars. A cup of sweet corn has 31g total, 21g are starch (complex carbohydrates), 3g of fiber. Unfortunately, listing the good and bad traits of the foods you eat doesn't help healthy foods to sound more appealing, or unhealthy foods less tasty. Fortunately, there are ways to help control unhealthy cravings. One of the best ways to curb cravings for sugary, salty, and unhealthy foods is to have a clean and healthy digestive system. A short-term cleansing program, such as Isagenix 9-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System, is a great way to jumpstart a lifetime of new eating habits, as it re-trains the body to crave healthful foods. In the end, the best way to being a launch a true lifestyle change is to change the way your body sees food.