slim down

2009-11-29T22:43:00.006+00:00

Weight Loss: 140 lbs during a juice fasting of 40 days
By: Bermuda Hills Writing Institute

A diet of natural foods combined with juice and water fasting returned my health and freedom. The disease crippling me was chronic hepatitis. Drug abuse began at age thirteen, and after years of serious addiction, I contracted hepatitis, a frustrating and very painful illness. My liver deteriorated as the years progressed, my other filtering organs (kidney and spleen) were caused to be overworked, thus damaging them, causing even more pain. A diet of natural foods combined with juice and water fasting My suffering lasted sixteen years. My liver was swollen to the size of a football. The liver is the largest cleansing organ, and does not have space for swelling. Swelling causes constant irritating pain which is felt from the rib cage to the stomach. Hepatitis is unforgettable as the irritation is constant. My life became very dismal and without hope. I was 270 lbs., a burned out addict desperately to rid myself of a massive chemical intake. I needed 20 to 30 tranquilizers a day so I would not lose my sanity. I had uncontrollable emotions. My nerves felt like electrical wires on overload. I did not know what to do, so I phoned Tom, a friend I have not seen the past years. He offered to help and welcomed me to his house.
After I slept for a few days, I realized how my rebellious spirit had grossly complicated my life. I had played the role of someone else for 20 years, someone who was invincible, ruthless and tough. An empty barren soul remained. I agonized over the loss of my family and I was flooded in tears , it wouldn't' stop. A victim with only me to blame. Massive depression controlled life, and I thought Tom would help if I moved in, seeing painful reality was something I could not stop. Tom listened to my sad story for several nights. My insides would have exploded if my all my pent up anguish had not found an outlet.
The changes were remarkable after 20 days of juice fasting. Although I was not cured, I continued fasting because of the results.
After 40 days of juice fasting, there was a metamorphosis from a sickly, unstable human into someone vibrant with health and well being. I shed 100 pounds which gradually built my self-esteem. This bloating was caused by the retention of large amounts of body fluids. Due to the drugs and a damaged liver, my body could not release these fluids. After the 40 days my weight had dropped to 170 lbs.,whatever had caused the bloating had healed. The swelling of my liver completely disappeared. My mind had clarity and stability. For the first time in years, tranquilizers were no longer needed. I thanked God that drugs had not caused permanent damage to my mind. If a butterfly could speak of the changes from a crawling insect into a multi-colored, graceful, flying creation, it would express my heart. I got back what drugs took away from me.
The power of addiction was broken by juice fasting, prayer, the grace of God, and the love of a friend. I was never this close to God in spirit.

If you are looking to post comments or for other fasting testimonies, see Fasting Stories and Testimonies , Fasting Home Page , Detoxification Programs Ref:FASTING&02

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2009-10-08T12:35:00.002+01:00

The Importance of an Annual Mammogram

By: Bizymoms.com Management
Mammogram is probably the most important tool used to diagnose or detect breast cancer. Mammogram is an x-ray of the breast, which detects changes, irregularities, lumps and tumors. It can also find micro calcifications (very small deposits of calcium) in the breast, which sometimes can lead to breast cancer. Mammogram is a safe procedure, and has been successfully used for the past 30 years or more

.Studies suggest that over 25-35% of women between 40-50 years of age have been able to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer as a result of taking adequate precautionary measures by going through the mammogram procedure and diagnosing early. Detecting breast cancer early with a mammogram also means women being treated early and thereby been able to avoid resorting to breast removal (Mastectomy – surgery to remove the breast).

Women quite often avoid getting a mammogram done due to the discomfort during procedure. Generally this procedure takes about 5-10 minutes and pain is minimum and with a small amount of radiation. As lumps and tumors at an early stage is painless, and the patient does not feel any discomfort, the doctors recommend that a mammogram be done annually. This is very important, so that, if and when there is an abnormality in the breast, it could be detected early and proper medication and treatment could be done to avoid disaster. For this reason, women are advised to take this matter seriously so that the mammogram is done regularly. According to research one in every seven women are detected with breast cancer if they live to the age of 80, at some stage in their lives. Thus every woman should make it a priority in their lives to make every endeavor to see that they look after their health, so that this dreaded disease could be minimized. After all, it is every woman’s duty towards their family as a woman, wife and mom.Over the past 25 years, with advancement in mammography, it has been made possible to detect tissue abnormalities in the breast. This is known as DCIS. (It is found in the milk duct of the breast). DCIS does not usually form a lump thereby it can go undetected during breast examination. With mammography 80% of DCIS cases have been detected and treated successfully.Why is it important that a mammogram is done and who are more at risk of developing breast cancer?

• Women who have been diagnosed before and treated are likely to develop a second breast cancer.

• Family history.

• Genetic changes (BRCA1, BRCA2)

• Menstrual at an early age or late menopause

• Breast density

• Excessive radiation or x-ray therapy to the breast

• Over-weight or obese

• AlcoholKeep in mind, that the discomfort during a mammogram is a small price to pay, when considering the harm and disaster one could face if and when diagnosed with breast cancer.
BizyMoms is bringing quality expert information on many topics of high interest to the mom community.

Visit BizyMoms' Expert Corner today for help and advice from skilled professionals. BizyMoms is proud to introduce Laney Cummings as an expert in Breast Cancer.
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2009-10-08T12:33:00.001+01:00

Why Do I Have Cravings For Carbohydrates?

By: Diana Walker

Why Do I Crave Carbs?

Eating carbs like pasta, rice, bread and sweets will raise your blood sugar levels. It also temporarily elevates the levels of certain neurotransmitters in our bodies, most notably dopamine which releases chemicals including endorphins that give us a feeling of pleasure and serotonin which produces a feeling of well being. Many of our comfort foods are also heavy in carbs. Think about the foods you want and crave when you are feeling stressed or sad. Is it mac’n cheese, fried chicken and mashed potatoes or a bowl of spaghetti? Maybe you start craving cake, cookies or pastries. One way or another we go back to the foods mom used to give us to make us feel better after a hard day at school or when we got hurt. Combine this with the raise in serotonin levels that tell our brains that we are happy and it’s no wonder we crave foods rich in carbohydrates when we are stressed or sad.

Are Carbs Really Dangerous Or Addictive?

Yes and No.

Our body needs carbohydrates as a source of energy, but not in the amounts our society as a whole has been consuming carbohydrates, especially in the form or refined products such as bleached flour, white rice and processed pasta. It is also a good idea to stay away from white table sugar as much as possible. This refined sugar has almost no nutritional value other than the “empty” calories it provides. Eating whole grain products combined with some lean protein is a much better way to give our bodies the carbs they need while also absorbing an array of other nutrients, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. Combining some lean protein with the carbs will also keep us feeling full and satisfied longer than eating carbs by themselves. The high consumption of refined carbohydrates from white bread to pasta, in the western world is leading to an increase in health conditions from diabetes to obesity.

Can refined carbs be addictive?

Yes – not only to we get addicted to the neurotransmitters that are released by the consumption of carbohydrate rich foods, which is a reaction very similar to the “high” of a drug addict, consuming simple carbohydrates also causes our blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then plummet back down just as fast, resulting in a craving for more food. This is a desperate (and futile) attempt of our body to keep the blood sugar in balance.

What Can I Do To Curb My Carb Cravings?

One of the best ways to curb the blood sugar related cravings is to add some lean protein like egg whites, chicken breast or low fat cottage cheese to your carb rich meals. It will take your body longer to digest the protein, which balances and buffers the release of sugars from the carbohydrates in your blood stream, avoiding the blood sugar crash that will have you craving more food. If you are craving carbs as a way to deal with strong emotions such as sadness, stress, depression or feeling lonely, address your emotions and the reason behind them directly. Pay attention to when you are craving carbs, and find better ways to deal with the emotional causes of the craving. A great way to do this is to keep a food journal. Record what you eat along with a paragraph or two about how you feel. Review the journal after a week or two and it should be obvious what feelings and situations make you dig out the Peanut Butter & Jam sandwich. Good ways to deal with the emotional problems behind your cravings are to talk to people who are making you feel upset or stressed and trying to resolve the issue, cutting as much stress as possible out of your life, exercising and even seeking the help of a professional if you are feeling depressed. Reconnect with some old friends, or make an active attempt to go out there and meet new people if you are feeling lonely. Remember, eating a big bowl of pasta, or a piece of cake may make you feel better for a little while, but it’s really only a temporary Band-Aid.
Are cravings running your life? Diana Walker provides natural solutions to cravings, mood swings, and PMS. Immediately receive Diana’s free Cravings Coach TIPS at http://www.thecravingscoach.com/
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2009-10-08T12:31:00.002+01:00

WHY DO I HAVE CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS?

By: Diana Walker

Why Do I Crave Chocolate? Chocolate is packed with antioxidants and certain nutrients including iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Your body may need more of these nutrients and crave chocolate as a response. In addition to this, chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which controls oxytocin and endorphins, both of which will give you a feeling of wellbeing and even euphoria. Chocolate also contains anandamide, a chemical that acts like THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. This, in addition to the increased endorphins in your brain, when you eat chocolate explains why you crave chocolate. Craving chocolate during your period can be explained by the fact that chocolate contains a large amount of iron (more than in beef liver). Your body needs extra iron during this time, thus the craving. Is Chocolate Really Dangerous Or Addictive? Yes, chocolate does seem to be mildly addictive due to the brain stimulants mentioned above. I wouldn’t really call it dangerous, but you do have to watch out for your chocolate consumption, and make good choices in the type of chocolate you eat.

Darker chocolate is more beneficial to your health. Stick with quality dark, bitter sweet chocolate that uses cocoa beans that are as unprocessed as possible. The process used to make milk chocolate destroys many of the beneficial flavanols. White chocolate contains all the fat and calories of the sweet treat, without any of the flavanols and antioxidants. Take a look at the type of fat that is used in making the chocolate. Good quality chocolate uses cocoa butter. The main fat in cocoa butter, stearic acid, is a saturated fat that doesn’t seem to raise your cholesterol. Also remember that chocolate contains caffeine, which may keep you up at night. Excess caffeine does have some negative side effects. You should avoid caffeine as much as possible if you are pregnant.

What Can I Do To Curb My Chocolate Cravings? The best way to curb chocolate cravings is to enjoy it in moderation and to stick to the healthier dark chocolate that also contains lots of antioxidants. Craving chocolate is also often an indication of a lack of certain nutrients such as iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Let’s see what other foods you should be eating to make sure you get enough of these nutrients.

Iron – eat brown rice, whole wheat, liver, dates and beets

Copper – eat nuts (especially cashew), sunflower seeds, chickpeas, liver and oysters

Magnesium – eat peanuts, tofu, broccoli, spinach and soybeans

Potassium – eat apricots, bran wheat, raisins, figs, and baked potato with skin

I understand that sometimes you just have to have chocolate and the idea of eating some tofu or a slice of whole-wheat toast just won’t work. Grab a small piece of quality dark chocolate and savor it. Take your time, really taste the chocolate melting in your mouth and enjoy it without feeling guilty. This should take care of your craving and keep you from binging on a box of Hershey’s bars.
Are cravings running your life? Diana Walker provides natural solutions to mood swings, PMS, and cravings. Immediately receive Diana's free Cravings Coach TIPS at http://www.thecravingscoach.com/
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2009-10-08T12:30:00.002+01:00

WHY DO I HAVE SALT CRAVINGS?

By: Diana Walker
There are several different reasons why you may be craving salt. The first one is that over the years your body and your taste buds have been accustomed to a lot of salt. If you are trying to cut back on salt because of health reasons, your body will crave it, simply because it is used to lots of salt. Craving salty foods can also be a symptom of adrenal exhaustion, especially in people who live fast-paced, stressful lives. You could also be craving salt because your body needs the additional minerals found in natural salt. These minerals have been filtered out of our regular table salt. In this case eating salty food will only satisfy your craving temporarily until your body realizes it is still missing the extra minerals.

Is Salt Really Dangerous Or Addictive? The average American consumes 15 pounds of salt a year. This much salt can cause high blood pressure and hypertension. The excess sodium also leaches a lot of calcium out of your bones, which over time can lead to osteoporosis. Your body needs approximately 500 mg of salt a day. If you are an athlete or work hard physically, and sweat a lot, you will need more. FDA recommendation is a maximum of 2,500 mg a day for the average adult. Most North Americans consume over 5,000 mg a day. This is the processed, white, refined sodium chloride, which is toxic to our bodies.Salt cravings have also been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia. If you find yourself craving a lot of salt all of a sudden, it may be a good idea to schedule a physical. Be sure to mention your salt cravings to your physician, so he or she can administer appropriate tests for the conditions mentioned above.

What Can I Do To Curb My Salt Cravings? If you are craving salt as a result of being accustomed to consuming a lot of salt with your foods or enjoying lots of salty foods like potato chips, salted nuts etc., then slowly cut back on your salt intake and replace it with herbs and spices to give you lots of flavor without the salt. An excellent way to get the salt taste you crave as well as 84 necessary minerals is to use Himalayan Salt Crystals.If stress and adrenal exhaustion are causing your salt cravings, try eating food that are high in Vitamin C and Potassium. Foods High In Vitamin C – Citrus, Pepper, BroccoliFoods High In Potassium – Apricots, Bran Wheat, Raisins, Figs, and Baked Potato With Skin

If you are craving salt, or just consuming a lot of salt each day, start cutting back on your salt intake. Opt for low sodium versions of foods and condiments. Start paying attention to the amount of salt in certain food. Take a look at a bread label. You’ll be surprised how much salt is in a single slice of bread. Replace some processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables and season your dishes with herbs and spices. Stick with it and after a while you won’t miss the salt and will be feeling better.
Are cravings running your life? Diana Walker provides natural solutions to mood swings, PMS, and cravings. Immediately receive Diana's free Cravings Coach TIPS at http://www.thecravingscoach.com/
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2009-10-05T18:29:00.004+01:00

Migraine Headaches And Herbal Remedies

By: Lee MacRae

Migraines are one of the most painful and debilitating conditions a person may suffer from today. If you're thinking you are alone in suffering them or that that migraines aren't very common, these statistics may surprise you: In developed areas, migraines are as much as 300 to 500 percent more common than in third world and Asian countries. More than 500,000,000 (five hundred million) people have migraines every year. The following article will supply some information you can apply to help relieve your own migraines. The frequency and length of an attack can differ greatly from one sufferer to the next, lasting anywhere between a few hours, days and, in severe cases, even weeks. Contrary to popular belief a blinding headache is only one symptom of a migraine attack, as it can also cause nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, limb numbness and speech impairment.

The following delicious Migraine Tea from Ana Nez Heatherly of Gatesville, Texas, appears in the July 1995 Mother Earth News. She prepares a cold infusion of:

6 parts Rosemary leaves

4 parts Peppermint leaves;

4 parts Lemon Balm leaves;

4 parts Sweet Violet;

3 parts Feverfew

1/2 part sweet Violet FlowersButterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a perrenial shrub in the aster family that h as demonstrated a high deal of efficacy for the treatment of migraine headaches.

A double blind migraine study was published in Neurology in 2002. Researchers gave 202 migraine sufferers 100 to 150 mg of butterbur extract or a placebo twice a day. The butterbur suffers had 50% fewer migraines than usual while thos taking a placebo experienced only a 26% drop in migraine frequency.

A similar and previous study in 2000 with 58 patients came up with patients reporting 50% fewer headaches while the placebo group had only 10Herbs for migraine and other headaches can be very helpful, but there's lot of bad and even dangerous information out there.

If you really want to look into natural herbal alternatives, get a good guide that tells you the scientific facts.
Find some great medicinal herbs today at The Herb Store.
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2009-10-05T17:27:00.003+01:00

Calories Shifting Theory

By: Michael Smithers

This diet has become so popular and it has taken many peoples interest and attention. This theory has nothing new at all, athletes and body builders have been using it for years and the term they use is “zigzag diet” or “calorie cycling”.

Bodybuilders make use of it so as to lose weight they twist the calorie shifting theory in order for them to lose weight. In this theory all that is needed for you in order to lose weight is to shift the amount of calories that you induce per day. It does not recommend you to consume any type of food or do any particular exercise or limit yourself to anything. There is also a cheat day were you can take a break and eat what ever you feel like. The calorie shifting theory allows us to take control of our metabolism.

Metabolism is the breakdown, absorption and burning of nutrients in our body. The calorie shifting diet makes our metabolism act like crazy. In this diet our metabolism will listen to the foods that we consume and it will act according to the food that you will consume today. Basically the calorie shifting theory deals with our metabolism indirectly. With a bit of change in the calories we induce we can make our metabolism act like crazy and the result will be rapid weight lose. This theory has taken the world by storm because it’s healthier than compared to other diet regimes available. With this theory you are able to eat more calories than compared to other diets and you will still lose weight rapidly.The important factor about this diet is that it does not give you a predetermined order on how you should eat your meals. You are able to have your meals in any order and it recommends you to have 4 meals per day. These meals have to be consumed after every 2-3 hrs per day and you should eat until you are satisfied. You are able to eat as much food as you wish from the four food diet groups. The requirement is for you to group your calories together in a pattern so that it becomes helpful for rapid fat loss. You do not have to deal with social worries nor do you have to tell everyone that you are on a diet. With the calorie shifting method you can eat what ever you like so generally nobody will know. There is no restriction at all to what you should eat.The calorie shifting diet has actually made several people achieve their great goal in losing weight. There are several calorie shifting diets that are available and you are able to get this online via several websites on calorie shifting diet. This type of diet has actually drawn many peoples’ attention and it is quite flexible due to the fact that you do not have to limit your food intake, you also don’t have to starve or restrict yourself to the foods you induce.
Learn how YOU can lose 9 lbs every 11 days with the calorie shifting diet program or learn more about the calorie shifting weight loss
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2009-10-05T17:25:00.002+01:00

Great Tips For losing Weight

By: Peter Goligher
This article will give you a basic guideline regarding losing weight.

1. Breakfast Counts! - Getting into the habit of eating breakfast gets you and your metabolism on a regular schedule and our bodies do better with a routine. For quick and easy breakfasts try a piece of fruit, granola bar, yoghurt, hardboiled egg on toast, English muffin with peanut butter, cereal, frozen waffles, oatmeal, or even just a glass of milk or juice.

2. Fitness exercise - This should consist of a good brisk daily walk for about half an hour. Don’t be a fair weather walker, go out regardless of the weather; just make sure to dress appropriately. An effective alternative to going outside is walking up and down a building staircase. This option is excellent for your heart, as well as maintaining leg muscles. To maintain a constant progression, try to increase your pace on a weekly basis. Set goals and gradually increase your distances. If possible, alter your cardiovascular sessions for an even more effective work out: use the staircase one day, and walk around the block on other days.

3. Motivation is key - You need to encourage yourself to achieve the goals that you have set at the beginning. Write your goal down on a piece of paper and place the paper at places where you will always see it, such as computer screen, telephone, etc. Also write down the consequences that you will face if you fail to achieve the goal. Be brutally honest with yourself.

4. Get Rest and Lose Stress - Stress can actually cause your metabolism to feign. Stress also causes a person, in many cases, to eat more than usual, which, of course, adds to the problem of gaining weight. Be sure to try, as much as possible, to relieve you of stress as much as possible, and with this, get proper rest. Sleeping too much equals less exercise, whereas, sleeping too little can cause irritability, which in turn, causes stress, and weight gain. With patience and determination, you can be sure that you can stabilize your metabolism levels, which would do nothing less than revitalize your entire life!

5. Don’t make eating boring - You can’t cut yourself off entirely from your favourite foods. You will want to cut back on them and maybe use them as a reward for good progression in your diet. At the end of the day if you do things right the occasional chocolate bar or soda pop is not going to make a difference on the out come

6. Water is key - This is probably the most important tip of all. Almost all of us are guilty of consuming too little water. We need to remember that metabolism is a process that requires water. Water is necessary for proper isotonic balance of body fluids and also to help in transportation of waste products of metabolism. When we consume too little water the body tends to slow down metabolism simply because it cannot ensure an optimal metabolism and getting rid of waste products. Therefore the secret to unlocking metabolism starts with drinking enough water. As a general rule we should all consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. Studies have shown drinking enough water could lead to a loss of about 50 calories a day - enough to shed 5 pounds in a year.
Learn to cook healthy meals the easy way at http://www.cookyourselfthinrecipes.com/

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2009-10-02T10:11:00.002+01:00

Complete and Balanced Source of Nutrition By: Deb Felter
A Much-Needed Source of Nutrients

Did you know that much of the food we eat today has a much lower nutrient content than it did a hundred years ago? Modern farming techniques, such as overfarming and the use of artifical fertilizers, have depleted the soil of much of its nutrient content, making it difficult to get the nutrition we need from our food. But the levels of nutrients in sea-based plants are still high, as the environment in which they grow hasn't been depleted in the way that land-based soils have. That's what makes the brown seaweed known as limu moui such a powerful resource for improving and maintaining health

.What Makes Original Limu Different? Original Limu is made from a type of seaweed called limu moui. This sea plant is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains seventeen amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein; essential and nonessential fatty acids; a broad range of vitamins and minerals; and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from damaging free radicals. It also contains a compound called fucoidan, which is nearly identical in chemical composition to human breast milk, one of the most beneficial foods there is when it comes to supporting the immune system. Fucoidan has been subjected to rigorous scientific research - over 700 studies - and has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties; it inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, and even causes certain cancer cells to die off instead of multiplying. Fucoidan is believed to be beneficial in may other ways, as well: it has antiviral and antibacterial properties and it helps promote healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

The nutrients in Original Limu are highly bioavailable. Its minerals are in colloidal form, which is more easily absorbed by the body than the metallic form of many mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals work together within the body, so the higher bioavailability of the minerals in Original Limu enhances the benefits of the vitamins it contains as well. If you don't like the taste of seaweed, don't worry. Original Limu is a delicious drink that blends limu moui with papaya, mango, pear, and apple. Even without added sugar or artificial sweeteners, it has the flavor of a tropical punch.
As a Certified Oncology RN for over twenty years, I can attest to the remarkable wellness found in drinking this unique chemical-free seaweed extract(Limu moui), as well as, by witnessing the myriad of health benefits in others. Good health is an essential feature of achieving the wealth and fulfillment you desire in life. Discover the secret to how this gift from the sea is improving health and for many...building prosperity, visit adjix.com/734t .
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2009-09-14T17:05:00.000+01:00

2009-09-10T13:46:00.001+01:00

GREAT TIPS 4 LOSING WEIGHT
By: Peter Goligher
This article will give you a basic guideline regarding losing weight.

.6. Water is key - This is probably the most important tip of all. Almost all of us are guilty of consuming too little water. We need to remember that metabolism is a process that requires water. Water is necessary for proper isotonic balance of body fluids and also to help in transportation of waste products of metabolism. When we consume too little water the body tends to slow down metabolism simply because it cannot ensure an optimal metabolism and getting rid of waste products. Therefore the secret to unlocking metabolism starts with drinking enough water. As a general rule we should all consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. Studies have shown drinking enough water could lead to a loss of about 50 calories a day - enough to shed 5 pounds in a year.
Learn to cook healthy meals the easy way at www.cookyourselfthinrecipes.com
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-10T13:37:00.001+01:00

Hoodia Side Effects: Will Hoodia Diet Pills Make You Hyper or Jittery?

By: Travis Van Slooten
Hoodia side effects are almost unheard of if authentic hoodia supplements are taken. It is important to note that the critical word in that statement is authentic. Most are fake or are loaded with a variety of ingredients – caffeine and other mild stimulants being some of them. It's these other ingredients and mild stimulants that can produce unwanted side effects such as the jitters. Diet supplements that contain only authentic hoodia gordonii have a solid track record so far in terms of their safety and side effects.

While researched side effects are relatively unheard of, it is important to keep in mind that the herb has only been available on a mass scale as a diet supplement since 2004.

Another point to consider is that while hoodia has been used for hundreds of years with virtually no side effects by the African Bushmen as a natural appetite suppressant, they did not consume it on a regular basis. We don't know what the long term side effects are of daily use.

There are a few things you want to look for to be sure that what you are taking is authentic and to prevent experiencing any side effects. The first thing you'll want to do is read the product labels carefully. You are looking for as few ingredients as possible. Ideally, you only want to see one ingredient and one ingredient only – hoodia gordonii. If the product you are considering contains a variety of ingredients, make sure you know what the side effects are of each ingredient. It's common practice within the supplement industry to load diet supplements with a variety of ingredients – particularly caffeine and other mild stimulants. If you have sensitivity to caffeine and other stimulants, these types of supplements may very well make you feel hyper or jittery. However, a supplement that contains only 100% authentic hoodia gordonii will not produce such unwanted side effects. The second thing you'll want to look for is a CITES certificate. The majority of supplement companies get their hoodia from South Africa where it is primarily grown right now. The hoodia gordonii plant is a protected species so there are tight regulations over the exportation of it. All hoodia exported from South Africa must be accompanied with a CITES certificate. Companies that use authentic hoodia in their supplements will usually display their CITES certificate on their websites as proof that what they are providing is real. If you don't see this certificate, there is a chance that what you are getting isn't authentic.

The third and most important thing to look for is independent lab test results. Lab testing is the only way to know for sure if what you are taking is 100% authentic. Without lab test results, you can never be for sure what is in the bottle. While CITES certificates can be forged and product labels can be deceptive, you can't trick science. It either tests positive for authenticity or it doesn't. Granted, lab tests can be forged as well, but you can simply contact the lab to confirm the test results. Most companies that do independent testing will tell you what lab they use. The largest and most popular lab that is used by supplement companies is Alkemists Pharmaceuticals located in California.Companies that have their diet supplements tested regularly by independent labs will display their lab test results on their websites. You'll be able to see for yourself that the hoodia gordonii they use is 100% authentic. If you don't see any lab test results then there is a good chance that the supplement doesn't contain authentic hoodia – or at the very least contains very little of it. This is the most important thing to look for. As long as you take these precautions when shopping around for hoodia diet pills, you should be able to find an authentic product that doesn't make you feel hyper or jittery or make you experience any side effects for that matter.
Want to know which brands are 100% authentic and won't produce any unwanted hoodia side effects? I've done the research for you. Visit hoodiaandweightloss.com to find out which supplements pass the test and what to realistically expect from hoodia diet pills.
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2009-09-10T13:33:00.001+01:00

Popular Diet Comparisons
By: WittyArticles
At the end of the day, all people want to know is which diet reigns supreme and is worth my time and money? Which weight loss pill or exercise should I do? We all want to lose weight fast and guess what? and keep it off for good. Can some weight loss pill melt the fat off my frame, so I can eat whatever I want? The answer to that one may surprise you. Clinical trials are being run and some have finished with some shocking results you will like in regards to revolutionary, exciting new weight loss pills that are safe to take for the long run with little to no side effects. The more diets published in magazines and on the Internet, the more people are befuddled about what dieting really means and about the right way of bringing your body back into fighting shape. The exponentially growing number of obese people has turned weight loss into an industry like never before and the market is growing every year into the billions. It seems that all is needed is a nice idea and a great marketing in order to make a lot of money or get a lot of popularity by proposing some sort of strange diet, despite the lack of professional experience in this very overcrowded field. And there are many diets out there in magazines, TV and the internet. We’re going to go through the most popular diets, since a review of all the diets making the rounds would be beyond the scope of this article and we don't want to bore you with all the details. The most popular diet in the world many would say is the Atkins diet. The biggest thing in favor of this diet is that it lets you eat high fat dairy products like butter and cheese. However, the Atkins diet has fallen from its zenith over suspicions of increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, not to mention the the large number of people complain of muscle cramps, diarrhea, rashes and weakness. The debate over the scientific fundamentals of the Atkins diet is still raging on. Next comes Barry Sears, the Zone diet; another well-known eating plan. It’s all about eating the right mix of foods in order to reach the right hormonal balance for you. This state of balance, which is called the “Zone”, lets the body take in calories and use them through the day without putting anything aside as fat. This diet does some serious discrimination among foods without any scientific basis. Such as starchy vegetables, beans and whole grains are banned from your diet, although these foods are not in conflict with the principles of the Zone diet. Please note that The American Heart Association states the Zone diet lacks essential nutrients while promoting high-protein foods. Medifast is a highly effective meal replacement diet, which has been satisfying customers for over 25 years. Medifast has been recommended by over 15,000 physicians and has been clinically proven at Johns Hopkins. Medifast is a growing company in the weight loss market. Medifast is offering customers a FREE week of product with the purchase of a 4-week supply. Customers also receive Free Shipping with the purchase of a 4-week supply. You can expect to lose 20 pounds per month. They offer 2 week or 4 week food plan designed for men, women and diabetics. Easily design your meals online. Prices range from $140 to $285 which is based on choosing 2 week, 70 meal plan or 4 week, 143 meal plan, or diabetic plan which costs $285. The Jenny Craig diet is next on our list. One of the longest running diets that we know of, Jenny Craig started this business in the early 1980s and it’s still alive and purchased by Nestle, the famous chocolate maker. The basic idea of this diet is a trade off: say goodbye to recipes, and food shopping, and cooking, but you have to buy the super expensive Jenny Craig prepackaged food. And that runs to some $120 per week. Plus you have membership costs. Plus the vegetables and fruits which are not included in the prepackaged food. Therefore, If you can afford it and if you can adhere to it, the diet is not bad. The con here is you can buy similar low-calorie foods at the grocery store, and you don’t have to discuss this with a Jenny Craig expert that insists on your eating the prepackaged food because he gets a percentage of the sale price. Yes, they get a sales percentage on the food they sell you.>From Florida comes the South Beach diet. A lot of people have managed to lose weight with this diet and it actually works okay. The first phase of the diet will eliminate most foods containing carbs from your daily consumption. Fortunately, this phase lasts 2 weeks. Unfortunately, second phase focuses on return of whole grains and fruits and lasts as long as necessary. If reaching the desired weight takes you 1 year, then that’s exactly how long this phase is going to last. And if you don’t like the foods allowed by this diet then you’re out of luck I'm afraid. And yet another favorite dieting program around is the all popular Weight Watchers. This diet puts all the management tools in the hands of the user. A lot of people who are going through the same thing are going to be there to help you. If having company during difficult times helps your willpower, then you are probably going to lose all that extra weight. If, on the other hand, you don’t like the idea of being constantly under peer pressure, then this diet is definitely not for you to try. The Mediterranean Diet is based on food patterns typical of Crete, much of the rest of Greece, and southern Italy in the early 1960s, where adult life expectancy was among the highest in the world and rates of coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and other diet-related chronic diseases among the lowest. Olive oil is the primary source of fat. Cereals, which include pasta, are an integral part of the diet, and low consumption of red meats. This is just a brief summary, there are a lot of diets out there, dozens more than we’ve been able to go over here, so we invite you to visit our website to peruse many more diets and weight loss pills along with consumer ratings. The best thing to do when choosing a diet or weight loss pill is to do your own research. See what other consumers who tried it have to say and that will give you a better understanding of what works best. Then see what your physician and/or dietitian have to say about it. Why are diets so popular today and which ones are worth your time and money? We have listed the most popular, respected diets today. How many more diets do you want to try? There are so many of them like the cabbage soup diet to diets made just for diabetics. Consumers have been polled and they rated all the popular diets according to how much weight loss occurred and the time it took. Look, we all know many diets aren't fun to be on and for most of us it's going to be a lifestyle change versus one - two month duration. Therefore, many consumers opt to use diet pills to loss weight without sacrificing all their favorite foods and suffering through small portions. Some will try both a popular diet and a diet pill. Either way it benefits the consumer today because of the revolutionary advancement in weight loss pills like Proactol. The one diet or weight loss pill that has true backing from the medical community for the first time, since it has passed 8 clinical trials to support all their claims, for example,blocking around 30% of your dietary fat in each meal you have by binding to the fat and is flushed out of your body. On top of that it's an all natural appetite suppressant. After being on Proactol for a year, you won't have to worry about going on anymore diets or suffer from hunger pains.
The Weight Loss Research Center is where you can read Independent Information and see consumer ratings on weight loss pills, diets, exercise programs and trainers. www.yesweightloss.com/
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-10T13:28:00.001+01:00

o Calorie Shifting Diets Work?
By: Jenni Olsen
Most of us find diets really exciting since they prove to be the fastest ways of knocking of our extra pounds. We get attracted to diets that claim they can help us lose 6 pounds or more in just a week. Do all of these diets actually work? Can we actually lose weight in just a week's time? And is that healthy? To answer your questions, not all diets are genuine. There are many diets that will claim to help you lose weight but some of them may not do that. Some of them are healthy and some of them are not. So you have to be careful about which diet you decide to follow. However diets that work along the lines of the calorie shifting principle are very genuine and effective. They do help you shed your extra pounds and in a way that is not harmful to your body. The most famous of calorie shifting diets is the "fat loss 4 idiots diet". This diet proves why other diets are most unhealthy and proves to you a good scientific method of losing your excess fat.Some of the most common diets work at reducing your calorie or food intake for an extended period of time. This helps you to begin losing weight. But more often than not, you start putting on weight even while still following the diet. The weight lost does not last long enough. This is because our bodies have been designed in such a way that if you give it a considerable amount of time, its metabolism adjusts to whatever your intake is be it less of carbohydrates, fats or proteins or just less intake of the quantity of food. The fat burnt is proportional to the rate of metabolism. If your metabolism is fast, you will burn calories fast too. If metabolism is slow, naturally the rate of burning calories will be slow too. Lesser the food intake, slower the metabolism. Most of these diets are all about taking in fewer calories and hence lesser calories are burnt up as well. And if you go out on a binge even on one day, you will land up putting on even more weight since your metabolism will be slow and you will not be able to burn much fat.

The calorie shifting diets do not work like other diets. They have a scientific background. They understand that the rotation of eating routine is required in order to keep our metabolism high at all times. Higher the metabolism, more the calories burnt. The diet encourages the rotation of food stuff. It allows you to eat one type this week and to change it next week. So basically you eat new type of food every week. Your diet this week will not be the same as last week. This way your metabolism will be always high, thus burning out more and more calories.
Jenni Olsen is health and fitness expert who specializes in calorie shifting diets such as fatloss 4 idiots and has been consulting on the subject of weight loss for the last five years.
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-10T13:24:00.001+01:00

Divertiuclitis Diet
By: Katalin Cseke01 Katalin Cseke01
Diverticulitis is an intestinal disease characterized by the formation of pouches (diverticula) outside the colon. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula become infected, resulting in symptoms like abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation. Depending on the severity of the condition, diverticulitis might require surgery; however, most doctors agree that conservative management of diverticulitis is very important, and surgery is usually the last resort when it comes to treating diverticulitis. One of the most important factors involved in conservative management of diverticulitis is the diet a patient consumes. Patients suffering from Diverticulitis are usually placed on three different types of diets based on the amount of fiber present.

Low fiber dietA patient experiencing initial discomfort due to diverticulitis is prescribed a low fiber diet. A patient is also prescribed antibiotics that target gram negative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria that might be causing inflammation of the diverticula. A low fiber diet gives the colon sufficient time to heal, and helps reduce the stress that is caused by a fiber rich diet. Contrary to popular belief, a low fiber diet does not prevent diverticulitis but simply ensures that a patient receives alleviation from the symptoms of diverticulitis. High fiber dietA high fiber diet is usually prescribed after a low fiber diet. Patients that are not in any discomfort or pain are allowed to eat a high fiber diet. Unlike a low fiber diet, a high fiber diet can ensure that the colon receives proper exercise and can help prevent diverticulitis. Unfortunately, a high fiber diet can only be prescribed after a patient has recovered from the symptoms of diverticulitis. Apart from ensuring regular bowel movement, a high fiber diet also ensures that the colon is healthy and reduces the chances of bacterial infection. No fiber dietA no fiber diet involves avoiding solid food altogether. Patients are advised to go on a liquid diet when they feel a flare coming on or if a low fiber diet has had very little or no impact. A no fiber diet allows the intestine to heal completely, as there is very little or no fiber at all that can damage the colon. The only downside of a no fiber diet is that patients have to take precautions to ensure they receive adequate nourishment to meet the body’s needs. Once a patient has recovered sufficiently, and the discomfort and pain have subsided they are usually prescribed a low fiber diet.

It is important to remember that diverticulitis usually affects people that have adopted a western diet and regularly consume foods that are low in fiber. In fact, people that consume high fiber diets are considerably less susceptible to colon diseases like diverticulitis. It is also believed that food stuffs that are poorly digested can aggravate and cause diverticulitis. Recent studies have shown that peanuts and seeds can aggravate and cause diverticulitis, and people suffering from diverticulitis are advised not to consume ‘seed’ based food stuffs like peanuts, cashews and other high fiber substances. Diverticulitis cureMost doctors prefer carrying out conservative management of diverticulitis. Patients are usually prescribed to go on a low fiber diet, and are prescribed a course of antibiotics if required. If the patient continues to experience discomfort or there are additional complications like bowel obstruction, fistulas and internal bleeding, surgery is usually the only option available. It is important to note that surgery is usually the last resort when treating diverticulitis, and in some cases surgery is purely elective. What is also true is that conservative management and proper medication can help manage diverticulitis effectively. In fact, people that are suffering from their first attack of diverticulitis are usually asked not to undergo surgery, and only patients that are suffering from repeat attacks are advised surgery. For more information on diverticulitis diet visit www.end-diverticulitis.com
Rhonda Dahl is the author of this article on Diverticulitis Solutions. Find more information about Diverticulitis Cureshere.
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-10T13:20:00.000+01:00

3 Reasons Why a Low Fat Diet Is Most Effective
By: Thomas Andrew
It has become a fact that much of the population today is considered overweight. Some just accept this fact, however more and more people are deciding to take action to lower body fat. It is best to get your weight under control before it becomes a serious personal health issue. With so many different diets out there today, it can be difficult to decide which diet is right for you. Recent studies state that Low Fat diets are better for you in the long run.

Many people who have been successful in weight loss have done so by limiting fat rather than carbohydrates. Low fat, high carb diet plans work better at keeping weight down. Only a minority of successful weight losers consume low carbohydrate diets. Many who chose a low carb diet are successful at first but end up gaining back the weight over time. More than half of Americans who have tried a low carb diet have given up. Even the American Institute for Cancer Research has urged dieters to "come back to common sense." It’s best to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. You should also reduce portion sizes and increase your physical activity.

Low fat cooking is a great idea for your daily meals. Yes, I agree that much of the flavor in the favorite foods we love comes from fat. Many feel it is difficult to get back that flavor that is lost, but it certainly isn't impossible. With a little guidance and experimentation you will discover the combination of seasonings that will make food enjoyable again. You can even lower the fat content just by using a different cooking method. Replace frying with baking and always use non-stick cookware. We all want to be healthy. The best way to get on the right track is to start lowering your fat intake.

A good low fat diet will help you lower weight and keep the weight off. At the same time, you will lower your risk of heart disease as well as other physical conditions. If you are not sure where to start, the internet can be a great resource for low fat cooking tips, recipes and other dieting support.
There are many challenges involved in making a low fat diet part of your life. Here is a resource I found that offers an easy way to get your low fat diet started. For more information on low fat dieting including diet support forums, low fat meal plans and more try visiting this site and check out the Free Trial Membership

Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-10T13:10:00.000+01:00

Weight Loss - Could Your Belly Fat Be Smoker's Belly?
By: Helen Hecker
If you smoke and carry weight around your middle, that belly fat could be smoker's belly! Most people have never heard of 'smoker's belly' but studies have been done in the past more than once that explain why you're on the thin side (or fat side) and have a protruding stomach.
Smokers usually weigh less than nonsmokers but they tend to have more belly fat. One of the studies done in England of 21,800 British men and women reported that even though smokers have a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) they have more belly fat.
Compared to people who have never smoked, smokers had the smallest waist to hip ratio than current smokers. The more cigarettes that are smoked the larger the belly. When current smokers were compared to former smokers or people who have never smoked, the smokers had bigger waist and smaller hip measurements. This research suggests that smoking may lead to more belly fat and also a reduction of lean muscle mass.
Even though smokers usually weigh less than nonsmokers, not all smokers are slim. When smokers start putting on weight or fat they are more likely than nonsmokers to deposit it around the belly and so says a second study.
It's still not known why smokers accumulate more belly fat than nonsmokers. Some researchers guess that smokers might be more likely to eat foods that are high in saturated fat.
What can you do about it if you have a fat belly?
Quitting smoking is the first thing you want to do. When you quit smoking the body will adjust and slowly you'll lose the belly fat provided you're not taking in extra calories. Combine this with a weight loss program or weight loss plan or diet that you devise and you will lose weight and get rid of belly fat fast. You waist line will shrink and you will lose inches that have been around for a long time.
For more info on weight loss, losing weight, belly fat loss and weight loss diets go to my nurse's website www.Best-Weight-Loss-Secrets.com for the best dieting tips, natural diets, advice, help and FREE info on weight loss pills, diet pills, surgery and weight loss programs
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-09T16:16:00.000+01:00

10 healthy snack choices you should reach for every week
By: Bizymoms.com Management
Quite often, people have incorrect views when it comes to healthy snacks or being on a healthy diet. Eating healthy does not mean that you are depriving yourself of food, it is being aware of what is good and bad for you, and taking precautions to avoid diseases and other health hazards, and living healthy and eating healthy.
In the past, snack foods has come under rap as it is associated with food that people go on a ‘binge’, as it is commonly termed. But research has revealed that eating four to five healthy snacks a day to the usual diet of three main meals per day, cuts cholesterol level by 8% and reduces the risk of heart disease by 16%. Healthy snacking also helps prevent over-eating and also keeps the metabolism at work and thereby burning unwanted calories. It helps fight fatigue and keeps the blood sugar at a normal level.
The following healthy snack choices have been gathered for your benefit. It is important in selecting foods that contain the adequate nutrients and energy required for the body.

Whole grain snacks are rich in fiber, and selecting low fat whole-grain crackers and whole grain crisp breads will give the required energy. A 200 calorie Bagel contains the 11% of the recommended iron. A Bran Muffin has three grams of fiber and 1.8 mg of iron, which is 10% of your daily intake.·
Fruits – Banana rich in potassium (11%) also contains 35% of daily intake of Vitamin B6. Cantaloupe rich in vitamin C, gives you the required amounts of vitamin C required for the body. Fruits and vegetables will provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which are essentials for healthy living.
· Nuts and seeds are high in protein and calories. Eating in small quantities is advised. Nuts are rich in fiber, phyto-nutrients and anti-toxidants.·
Raw vegetables, such as celery, carrots, green beans and cucumbers with a low fat dip are excellent healthy snacks.· Fresh fruit juices and smoothies, unsweetened are a must with your daily breakfast.·
Yoghurt is a versatile food and a healthy snack. It also can be used as a dip, mixed with vegetables as a dressing. It is rich in potassium, protein and calcium.
· Popcorn contains 93 calories and less than 1.5 grams of fat. It also contains Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Magnesium and Fiber.·
Greens and Salads are a must for the day. Farm fresh salads are a good substitute to your mid-day meal.·
Daily cereal and low fat milk, at the start of the day, will give you the required calcium and nutrients to keep you going.·
Toasted bread, with chicken, tuna and fish is not only a tasty snack but will also help you get your proteins and calcium requirement. It is important that you know your limits and nutritional values of your snacks. Keeping in mind that snack calories too count in your total requirements of calories for the day is vital, for healthy living and life-style.

BizyMoms is bringing their visitors quality information on many topics of high interest to the mom community. Visit BizyMoms' Expert Corner today for help and advice from skilled professionals. BizyMoms is proud to partner with Diet and Weight Loss Expert Jonny Bowden.
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

2009-09-09T16:08:00.000+01:00

Zotrim
Zotrim is a unique food supplement scientifically proven to aid weight loss, using a mixture of natural ingredients independently proven through various medical research. Each year 95% of people who try to diet FAIL!
Why be part of the 95% when you can be part of the 5% using Zotrim, a pill of natural ingredients, clinically tested & independent proven to aid & maintain weight loss.
HOW DOES ZOTRIM WORK
combined of 3 natural plant extracts, Yerba Mate, Guarana, Damiana, Zotrim suppresses the appetite yet because of the attributes of the natural ingredients gives you more energy.
Clinical trials & independent tests found on average
weight loss of ll lbs in 45days in a study published by the Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics.
Gastric emptying time of 58minutes – 20minutes more than placebo subjects.
Waist reduction of 4.3 cm in as little as 4weeks.
TESTIMONIALS
Case study Sharon Briers
Starting weight 13 stone Current weight 9 stone
After trying a variety of meal replacements & exercise regimes with little success, Sharon was almost ready to give up when she spotted the feature about Zotrim in a newspaper.
For the 1st time, Sharon felt confident she could lose weight & that Zotrim was the answer she had been looking for. Without radically having to change her diet or exercise plan the woman in the paper had managed to lose 4 stone. Months later Sharon is the proud owner of a size 10 figure & feels wonderful.
Case study Heidi Lambeth
Starting weight 16 stone 4lbs Current weight 11 stone 5lbs
A busy mum of 2 Heidi Lambeth was shocked when she realised she weighed over 16 stone. No matter how healthily she ate, she only ever felt full after eating large meals & often found herself snacking on her children's leftovers & sugary foods.
Self concious about her figure & fed up with receiving derogatory comments Heidi decided it was time for a change. She was impressed when a friend recommended Zotrim.
Again it was everything she was looking for: enabling her to take control of her meal portions & fill fuller for longer. Zotrim gave her the will power to resist snacking between meals , & she could still eat some of her favourite foods.
Initially a size 24, within weeks of trying Zotrim Heidi dropped a dress size & felt so confident with the results that she continued taking Zotrim.
2 years on Heidi has now lost 4 stone & her dress size is a 12. Her family have also benefited from the impact of Zotrim changing her eating habits. “I have passed on my good food habits to my family, My husband has also lost weight due to smaller portions & my family is much healthier in general.”
WHAT DID THE BBC SAY ABOUT ZOTRIM
The only company that could show a clear link between weight loss & their product was a herbal diet pill called ZOTRIM. Their research has been published in a reputable journal & conducted with a control group to compare any placebo effect.. by Professor Lesley Regan.