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Showing posts from October, 2015

Acid vs Alkaline

For years the importance of maintaining a healthy pH balance was largely ignored by dietitians. However, physicians take the matter very seriously. Too much acid or acidosis can pose very dangerous health risks including but not limited to kidney failure, heart disease, liver failure, cancer and insulin deficiency. Often these conditions are attributed to other causes because the symptoms are cumulative and not immediate. Severe acidosis is comparatively rare but many people may suffer the effects of chronic low grade acidosis without knowing or understanding what it making them ill. What is pH Balance The letters "pH" actually stand for potential of hydrogen. The behavior of hydrogen atoms determines whether the body is acidic or alkaline. Ideally the body's pH should be 7.0 but a slightly alkaline 7.1 is fine also. Water's pH is 7, which is considered neutral. The general rule is pH under 7 is acidic, pH over 7 is alkaline. When the body's pH is lowe

Are Chilli Peppers Good For You?

The humble chilli pepper has quite a reputation: from the humble jalapeño to the ferocity of the scotch bonnet there is a variety for all capsaicin hot heads. Chillis and chilli sauces have been popular for some time, many people claiming for the “endorphin rush” that eating them is thought to produce, and several varieties of different strengths and flavours have been grown. The Dorset Naga is reportedly the hottest of them all, measuring up to and over one million Scoville Heat Units, the scale used to measure pepper heat. To get an idea of scale a pimento pepper measures a paltry 100-500 units, so if you find these too hot to eat it's a safe bet that the Naga would be inedible. Chillis Affect Appetite and Metabolism The chemical in chillis that give them their heat is capsaicin, a waxy compound that has very little taste or odour in its own right but interacts with a family of ion channels known as the vanilloid receptors. The major channel, known as TRPV1, is located

Antioxidants Keep You Healthy

In the natural process of cell respiration – oxidation – an oxygen electron is lost and becomes a free radical, an unstable molecule that can go on to damage cells and DNA. Antioxidants disable free radicals by donating electrons. Free radicals also form due to air pollution, radiation, pesticides and smoking. Antioxidants are a broad category that includes phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and fiber. People gain these antioxidants by eating fruits , vegetables , grains , nuts , spices and herbs – a healthy way of eating. Antioxidants Maintain Great Health Scientists believe antioxidants lower the risk of cancer by preventing free radicals from damaging DNA, and ease heart disease by controlling inflammation. Antioxidants support the immune system and are anti-aging. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends consuming a wide variety of plant food, between five and nine half-cup servings per day, to keep in good physical shape. Barry Sears, Ph. D., of The Zone Diet

Avoiding Burnout

Having a very active lifestyle can make it hard to incorporate certain things in your life. Most people struggle with sticking to an exercise regime. It can be extremely hard trying to commit to an exercise regime when life is so hectic. A new and demanding job, a baby on the way, moving into a new home or just adjusting to all the financial, social and familial responsibilities that we have as adults can run you ragged and leave little time for much else. Usually exercise is on the back burner until all these things are dealt with. It can be hard. You can take advice from people, watch different infomercials to try to inspire you but ultimately that “blah” feeling will set in. Getting rid of the “blahs” can be difficult but always beneficial. Leading an active life can be good but if your body isn’t used to regular exercise focused on stretching the muscles and raising the heartrate. You could go from “blah” to burnout. There are ways to get rid of the blahs without much fuss. If

Machines to Avoid During Workout Programs

Workout programs can be great for a person's health and body, but they can also cause damage if they are done incorrectly. There are machines at the gym the can damage joints and muscles, and these machines should not be used by the average person during workout programs. The Seated Rotation Machine Can Damage the Back Avoid using the seated rotation machine during a fitness routine. This machine puts a lot of stress on the back and does nothing to reduce love handles, it can be a waste of time to include this in a fitness routine. The seated rotation machine will work the muscles in the sides of the lower stomach, but there is a popular misconception that this machine will help get rid of love handles and it will not. If someone wants to get rid of their love handles they need to do a cardiovascular workout such as the stair climber so that they burn more calories, which is the only way for a person to lose weight . Stay Away From the Seated Leg Extension

Listeriosis Bacterial Infection and Symptoms

A listeriosis infection is caused by consuming contaminated foods that contain a bacteria labeled as listeria monocytogenes . Listeriosis symptoms can in some cases become dangerous and even sometimes life-threatening. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosis infections have become a major health care issue in the United States. What Causes Listeriosis Infections In order to prevent this bacterial disease, it’s essential that awareness is raised and individuals understand what causes a listeriosis infection. The bacteria known as L. monocytogenes is commonly carried through wild or domestic animals, water and soil. Additionally, the bacteria can spread to meats and vegetables, as the soil and water which contains this bacteria can easily transfer to these types of foods. For those who consume these contaminated foods, it is likely that they may become ill. Pregnant women are at an increased risk, as the listeriosis infection is more

Diabetes Food Pyramid

This diabetic food pyramid functions in a similar way to the regular food pyramid. One of the main differences is that the diabetic food pyramid focuses on limiting sugar intake . Diabetes is a disease that prohibits people from eating sugar at the same levels that they used to. This does not mean that all diabetics have to avoid sugar like vampires avoid the sun! Some people have mild cases that enable them to eat sugar once in a while. Others have to avoid it at all costs. The diabetic food pyramid is a lifesaver to many people. Just by looking at the pyramid they can tell which foods to eat and which ones not to. It also suggests serving sizes and suggestions for planning whole meals. The diabetic food pyramid has six categories of food groups. At the bottom the main group is grains, starchy vegetables, and beans. The second grouping on the diabetic food pyramid includes vegetables and fruits . The third includes diary products, meats and other sources of protein. At the t