0 Diet and Lifestyle Determine Mid Life Weight and Disease Risk

(Article first published as Evolved Dietary Changes Lead to Weight Gain and Chronic Disease on Technorati.)

Our diet has changed radically over the past century and has become a significant cause of disease and illness as animal based foods account for a quarter of our calories. Processed foods which didn’t exist 100 years ago make up more than 60% of our present diet while naturally healthy vegetables and fruits provide less than 5% of our daily energy.

The food we eat influences our genes and is the leading cause of the rampant rise in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and obesity seen today. It’s possible to prevent and even reverse the damage from a poor dietary lifestyle by eating naturally high nutrient density foods.

A Diet of Processed Foods Leads to Illness

We need both calories and nutrients to survive. Modern food manufacturing techniques have removed most of the nutrition from the processed foods which represent such a significant portion of our calories. Vitamins, minerals and a host of essential nutrients provide the fuel we need to neutralize free radicals, facilitate DNA repair, counteract carcinogens and provide an effective immune response. After decades of nutrient deficiency our natural reserves are depleted and the stage is set for the onset of chronic disease often leading to a shortened lifespan.

Children Develop a Taste for Junk Food Early in Life

Many children are fed a diet of processed junk food from an early age and they quickly develop a taste for salty, sugared and fried foods. The instinct to eat vegetables, fruits and meats in their natural form is erased as their taste buds become satiated with a ined diet impregnated with artificially manufactured chemicals which are more pleasing to the taste.

An analysis reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association indicates that 800 of 2200 calories consumed by a typical child each day are attributable to solid fats and added sugar. These macronutrients are commonly known as `empty calories` as they provide scant nutrients and contribute to the growing childhood obesity problem. Children who acquire the taste for junk food early are much more likely to develop weight problems in later life and suffer from early onset chronic illness.

A Natural Food Diet Reverses Disease Progression

The vast majority of children and adults eat less than a quarter of the fruits and vegetables they need to provide minimal protection against disease. Include a minimum of five and optimally ten or more servings each day of fresh vegetables and leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, lean protein sources and protective monounsaturated fats. Prepare foods raw or minimally cooked and avoid overheating as this quickly removes nutrients. The human body has an amazing capacity to repair and reverse the effects of a poor diet. Health conscious people view natural foods as medicine which leads to a long and healthy life.

0 Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention with Natural Lifestyle

No other disease stirs more fear than Alzheimer’s disease. This mind robbing affliction is presently the sixth leading cause of death in the US and rising at an alarming rate. Estimates are that by the year 2030 nearly 1 in 4 adults will be affected by this cruel form of dementia. At present there are no drugs or procedures which can treat or even effectively slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s possible to significantly lower your risk of developing this insidious disease by understanding the underlying causes and following a natural lifestyle with targeted nutritional supplementation.

Extreme Lifestyle Changes Trigger Dementia

Modern medicine has no explanation for the explosion of Alzheimer’s cases over the past half century. Before 1950, cases of senile dementia as it was called were virtually unknown. Something significantly changed since that time to alter the course of this disease, and many researchers point to diet, chemical and environmental toxic exposure and a sedentary lifestyle.

We weigh considerably more than we did just 20 years ago, our diet is pumped with artificial food substitutes, sugar and hydrogenated fats and we’re exposed to a never ending assault of chemical toxins in our air, household chemicals and cosmetics.

The Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease

Our body has an amazing capacity to adapt to the changing world around us, but we’ve challenged our ability to cope with toxic overload. The brain remains well protected from the outside world, but eventually our poor lifestyle penetrates the blood-brain barrier as our metabolism breaks down and blood sugar and insulin swing out of control.

Messenger chemicals used by our body to protect us become our enemy, causing proteins to clump together in the brain and inhibiting normal electrical signaling. Memory capacity is slowly reduced and the stage is set for Alzheimer’s’ disease.

Alzheimer’s Treatment Through Prevention and Targeted Supplementation

The only way to combat Alzheimer’s disease is to adopt a natural lifestyle which is free of foods which promote metabolic dysfunction and chemicals which slowly accumulate in the body until they initiate disease. Food manufacturers remove most of the nutrients in the processed foods we eat, leading to a critical shortage of vitamins and minerals that are required to perform the billions of cellular functions needed for life.

Information reported in Reuters from an Oxford University study provides amazing results which confirm the power of natural nutrients to our health. The study found that B vitamins were able to prevent brain shrinking by up to 50%, allowing participants to retain cognitive function compared to a second group receiving a placebo. B vitamins are known to be essential to proper brain function with folic acid, niacinamide and vitamins B6 and B12 proving critical to memory retention and brain volume.

Diet and Nutrition for Brain Health

Our brain is a complicated network of neurons which must fire in perfect order to allow us to learn, form memories and function optimally. It is particularly sensitive to blood sugar swings and insulin which has become resistant, both controllable by eliminating sugar and ined carbohydrates from the diet. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and organic meats which are supplied in their natural form, free of manmade contaminants and toxins known to deteriorate brain health.

Supplement with a high dose B vitamin complex specifically developed to support brain function, and don’t rely on inexpensive multi vitamins which provide little or no bio-available nutrients. Additional support is provided by the Omega-3 fat DHA, resveratrol, curcumin and grape seed extract. Lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by adopting a natural lifestyle and include targeted nutritional supplementation.

0 Your New Weight Loss Lifestyle

(Article first published as Weight Loss is Just a Lifestyle Change Away on Technorati.)

Americans continue to struggle with weight loss, and yet the number of people who indicate they are actively trying to lose weight has steadily decreased. As a nation, we have become less concerned about the impact overweight and obesity will have on our quality and length of life, as well as the burden being placed on an already broken health care system.

The solution is well within our reach, and like every significant achievement, healthy weight loss requires time, planning and perseverance. The most important part of losing weight is to keep in mind that it’s not a diet, but a new lifestyle which must be followed every day. Virtually every diet is destined to fail when viewed as a temporary plan. Only a sustainable dietary modification program with proper exercise will result in permanent weight loss.

Keep an Electronic Food Journal

The best way to develop a weight loss plan is to keep an accurate food journal and record everything eaten in a day. Be honest with your quantities and weigh foods where appropriate. Using one of the many free online food calculators, input the journal results to receive the total calories consumed for each day. Most people are surprised to see the total number of calories, especially when eating out or frequenting fast food restaurants.

After a few days, begin to look at the types of food you eat regularly, especially the high sugar items and refined carbohydrates. While it may be true that each calorie has the same impact on weight regardless of the type, studies demonstrate that many people are metabolically sensitive to calories from high fructose corn syrup and highly processed wheat and corn based foods. From an evolutionary perspective, these are new food groups which create havoc in our body, as it leads to abnormal fat storage and weight gain.

Eat a Well Balanced Diet to Lose Weight

Many fad diets eliminate one or more of the major food groups, resulting in an unsustainable lifestyle and possibly even damaging your health. The only diet which can work is balanced and consists of reduced quantities of lean proteins, nuts, seeds, healthy monounsaturated fats and unlimited raw green vegetables. The key is to eat healthy quantities of green leafy vegetables such as spinach and spring mix so you become full. Resist the natural urge to eat processed and refined foods which are laden with calories and have been stripped of nutrients.

It’s important to slowly eliminate the most calorie dense food choices such as sweets, breads, fried foods, snacks and soft drinks. Most people can easily eliminate 500 calories per day simply by making a low calorie substitution. This is a good starting goal, as 3,500 calories dropped per week will result in 1 pound lost. Most women will want to target approximately 1,200 total calories per day, while men will need around 1,500 calories. Never go below 1,000 calories per day, as the body has certain energy requirements for normal metabolic function which may be jeopardized.

Compliment Diet with Exercise

No weight loss lifestyle plan would be complete without exercise. Physical activity is a great way to achieve an extended calorie burn, but more important are the health benefits from improved blood lipids and blood sugar control as well as lowered blood pressure. Exercise helps tone the different muscle groups in the body and modifies insulin resistance that can alter how fat is stored and burned. This has a direct effect on weight loss and will also lead to overall improved health as you age. A high intensity workout is not necessary, as just 20 minutes of moderate exercise on most days is enough to reap the rewards and fuel weight loss.

Americans continue to gain pounds at an alarming rate, and appear to have become complacent with their efforts to lose weight. Dedication is required to reach a proper weight, and can only be achieved by committing to a new lifestyle of healthy eating and physical activity. It’s difficult to make the changes necessary to reverse a lifetime of eating processed junk food, but the reward is a natural and healthy weight loss which can be maintained for life.

0 Keeping Heart with Healthy Lifestyle

Keeping Heart with Healthy Lifestyle | How to maintain a healthy heart? Maintaining heart health is very important. Everyone wants live in a healthy life. With a healthy life, we can perform a variety of activities well, such as work, school, housekeeping, and other activities. What happens if our bodies are sick or have health problems? Of course all the usual activities will be hampered, even not at all feasible.

Our bodies consist of vital organs, which in synergy with each other. If any of these organs susceptible to interference, the performance of other body organs will be disrupted. One organ that becomes the engine of life is the heart organ. The heart as a machine body of work to pump blood throughout the body. If a cardiac disorder, cardiac performance will not function properly. The impact could affect the health of the body.

Causes of cardiac disorders including heart disease. Heart problems caused by weak heart muscle or heart attack. The cause is a blockage of blood vessels in the heart due to accumulation of fat or cholesterol. If no action is taken promptly, can lead to heart failure and death. Before the disturbances in the heart organ was attacked, do prevention by adopting healthy lifestyles.

Keeping Heart Health - Healthy Lifestyle with Exercise

Preventing health problems in the heart of a healthy lifestyle can do with exercise. Exercise should be done regularly. Exercise portion adapted herself ability, age, and level of our health. It is better to consult your doctor what type of exercise appropriate to do. Do not let exercise make your body sick or injured because of the wrong type of exercise.

All kinds of sports good for health. However, to maintain fitness and heart health better Aerobic exercise types of work involving the heart. Here are some types of aerobic exercise that can be done to maintain heart health.

1. Healthy Walk
Do not underestimate this sport. Road has the benefit of maintaining a healthy heart. Walking motion is always dynamic organ pumping spur more active. Take the time to do brisk walking at least 30-60 minutes every day to maintain fitness and heart health.

2. Jogging
Performing regular jogging can keep in shape. When jogging, organ heart will beat faster to pump blood and the heart muscles become stronger. Jog 3-5 times a week can improve heart health and body.

3. Swimming
This is done in water sports (swimming pool). By swimming regularly at least three times a week can improve fitness and heart health. Swimming can strengthen the muscles of the body, can also lose weight.

4. Bicycle
Cycling also has the benefit of maintaining physical fitness and heart health. Cycling three times a week doing enough to keep them healthy. In addition, cycling can be done while tour with family or friends.

Keeping Heart Health | Applying Healthy Living Behavior

In addition to exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy heart must be accompanied by implementing healthy behavior. Here are some healthy behavior should be done.

1. Drinking Water
Lack of fluid in the body is very dangerous for health. Every day our bodies secrete fluid through the skin, kidneys, and lungs as much as a liter more. NII therefore, inadequate fluid needs by drinking lots of water.

2. Choosing Healthy Foods
Food intake to the body should be nutritionally balanced and adequate nutrition. Limit your intake of carbohydrates and protein. Increase consumption of vegetables and fruits. Avoid eating fast food.

3. Reduce Salt Consumption
Eating too much salt can cause hypertension, which can affect the heart. Reduce salt intake to keep your heart healthy.

4. Avoid Cigarettes
Smoking habits cause the heart. Reducing smoking has no effect on heart health. If you want a healthy heart, stop smoking now.

5. Breakfast
Breakfast is very important because the body requires energy sources for a day of activity. Breakfast does not need to eat calorie-dense food because it can cause drowsiness during the day or at work. Inadequate breakfast with fruit or juice.[Source: anneahira.com]

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0 Subtle Lifestyle Changes to Keep Colds Away

By now, most medically savvy individuals know that colds are caused by viruses and that we can only treat their symptoms, not their causes. But several studies have shown that there are seemingly minute lifestyle choices that can influence our susceptibility to infectious diseases. This means we can take slight preventive measures against cold infections, and they are particularly useful during the fall and winter months, when common cold infections are prevalent.

Did you know that the quality of your sleep influences your resistance to colds?

Adjusting your schedule to incorporate regular sleep can help you become healthier. Surprisingly, a 2009 study found a connection between vulnerability to cold and sleeping habits. To test the premise that getting a good nights rest optimizes immune function, scientists monitored the sleeping patterns of a group of healthy young adults, prior to being infected with a common cold virus strain. The study concluded that the people who get more sleep and better quality sleep are more resistant to infection. Commonly, a minimum of eight hours sleep is recommended.

Cold spreads during cold seasons because people tend to prefer crowded areas

The traditional theory says that you catch colds during winter because of cold weather. In reality, people are more likely to stay indoors or use crowded means of transportation during colder seasons, which increases their chances of being exposed to potential carriers of the cold viruses. Avoiding crowded areas (public transport, supermarkets, concerts, etc) as much as possible, will significantly lower the chances of contracting an infection. Choose to do your shopping at open markets whenever you can and ride your bicycle to get around, rather than using the local bus or subway. It wont only keep you safe from colds, but will also keep you fit!

Best defense is good prevention. Wash your hands regularly!

This timeless method is still one of the best ways to stop the spread of disease. Proper hygiene is an essential prevention technique that will fend off numerous types of infectious diseases, including colds. Keep your hands, face, clothing, and household surfaces sanitized, and you have already won a major battle against cold. If you come in contact with frequently used objects (such as door handles, or money) avoid touching your face before you can properly sanitize your hands. Using disposable towels and wet tissues can also help prevent the spread of viruses, even between members of the same household.

As most know, "prevention is the best medicine". The impact on health http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/v2/the-impact-on-health-from-a-small-even-temporary-change-in-food-choices/ from a small, even temporary, change in food choices can mean the difference between "calling in sick" and "taking advantage of a sick day" to do some extra holiday shopping!

By Michelle Bosmier
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bosmier
Image by healeo.com

Subtle Lifestyle Changes to Keep Colds Away