If you’re overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight is associated with a myriad of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, and reducing your risk for heart disease. Not only that, experts say, but this kind of weight loss is easier to attain and maintain, setting you up for success in the long run.
Your Weight “Set Point”

Just as your body temperature is programmed to stay around 98.6 degrees, your body weight is naturally regulated to stay within a range of 10%-20%, says Thomas Wadden, PhD, director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at University of Pennsylvania Medical School. This weight range is known as the “set point.”

A complex set of hormones, chemicals, and hunger signals help your body naturally maintain your weight within this range, says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD.

It is not just a matter of genetics, though. Your eating and exercise habits can also help to determine your set point.

“Overeating swamps the internal regulatory system, and, as a result, the set point increases — which is much easier to do than it is to lower it,” says Wadden. The body adjusts to the higher weight and “resets” the set point to defend the new weight.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to set your range lower. “With changes in healthy eating and exercise behavior, you can lower your set point,” says Blatner.
The 10% Solution to Weight Loss

A recent book, Break Through Your Set Point: How to Finally Lose the Weight You Want and Keep It Off, by George Blackburn, MD, suggests that maintaining a 10% loss for six months to a year helps your body adjust to the lower weight and thus reset the set point.

Wadden explains that when you lose large amounts of weight at once, you set up an internal struggle and hormones like ghrelin spike to make you hungrier as your body tries to defend its comfortable range.

Instead, experts recommend that you try losing 10% the old-fashioned way — by slowly changing eating and exercise behaviors — then maintain this new weight for a few months before trying to lose more. Not only will your body get the signal to lower its “set point,” but you’ll give yourself a chance to get used to new food choices, smaller portions, and regular exercise.

“When patients lose 10% it may not be the pant size they want, but they start to realize how a little weight loss impacts their health in very positive ways,” says Blatner. “They feel better, sleep better, have more energy or less joint pain, and some people are able to reduce medications.”

source: webmd

“Lather, rinse, repeat” may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won’t give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you’ll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.

“Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. “If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body — inside and out.”

If you were born with fine, thin hair, you’ll never have rope-thick tresses — no matter what you eat — but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, say nutrition and hair experts.

And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.

“Even though you can find beauty supplements on the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible,” Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in Vallejo, Calif., tells WebMD. “In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, has been linked to hair loss.”

Read on for the 10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.

Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon

When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it’s hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.

“Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health,” says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. “A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look.”

Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables

Popeye the Sailor Man didn’t eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body’s natural hair conditioner.

Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.

Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans

Beans, beans, they’re good for your … hair?

Yes, it’s true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.

Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts

Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.

Brazil nuts are one of nature’s best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry

Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.

“Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color,” Giancoli tells WebMD.

Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.

Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs

When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn’t matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they’re served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.

They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.

Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains

Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you’ve still got hours to go before dinner.

Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters

Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair — and who doesn’t love that?

The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc — a powerful antioxidant.

If oysters don’t make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don’t despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.

Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

For some healthy hair foods “to-go,” try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.

Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you’d be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.

The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair

When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.

“An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy,” Giancoli says.

If you’re tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair — along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.

“Crash diets can affect the hair cycle,” Mirmirani tells WebMD. “Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet.”

webmd.com

Picking up the pieces after mood swings can be hard. The people whom you need most — especially your friends and family — may be angry with you or reluctant to help.

The best way to avoid these mood swings is to get treatment for bipolar disorder. But unfortunately, periods of hypomania, mania, or depression aren’t completely preventable. Even people who always take their medication and are careful with their health can still have mood swings from time to time.

So that’s why it’s important to catch changes in your mood early before they develop into something serious.

Mood Swing Triggers in Bipolar Disorder

At first, mood swings may take you by surprise if you have bipolar disorder. But over time, you might start to see patterns or signs that you’re entering a period of mania or depression. Aside from a shift in your mood, look for changes in your:

* Sleep patterns
* Energy level
* Alcohol or drug use
* Sex drive
* Self-esteem
* Concentration

You may also discover particular “triggers” — situations or events that can provoke a period of mania or depression. Some people find they’re more likely to become depressed or manic during stressful times at work or during holidays. Many people see seasonal patterns to their mood changes. Of course, not everyone can identify triggers. Also, some triggers can’t be anticipated or avoided, like a serious illness or a traumatic event.

One good way to see patterns or triggers in your bipolar disorder is to keep a journal. Make note of big events, stresses, your medication dosage, and the amount of sleep you’re getting. Over time, you might see some patterns emerge.

If you know what your triggers are, you can prepare for times when you might be most vulnerable. Ask for more help from coworkers. Have your family and friends check in more often so you get extra support.

If you see the signs of potential trouble, get help. Don’t wait for the mood swing to pass on its own. With quick intervention, you might be able to stop a very minor mood swing from becoming a serious problem.

The Appeal of Mania in Bipolar Disorder

When people with bipolar disorder are depressed, they almost always know that something is wrong. Nobody likes feeling that way.

But it’s different for people who are hypomanic or manic. Often, they don’t think anything is wrong. Or if they notice a difference in their mood and personality, they think it’s an improvement.

Mania and hypomania can be seductive. You might feel more energized, creative, and interesting. You might be able to get extraordinary amounts of work done. So what’s the problem?

The fact is that manic phases often turn destructive. Some consequences of a manic episode can’t be undone. You can wipe out your savings account. You can have affairs that ruin your marriage. You can lose your job. Most dangerous of all, mania can make you do things that risk your life or the lives of others.

Although hypomania or mania can feel good at the moment, in the long run, you’ll be happier, healthier, more productive, and more successful if you can maintain a stable mood.
WebMD

Overall Health

The following foods are just so good for you that they should be a part of your diet to help you stay healthy.

1. Flax seed. This little seed is a great supplement for a woman’s diet. Flax seeds are high in omega-3 EFAs and lignans, an important type of fiber for women.

2. Kale. This much-overlooked green is full of the B vitamin, folate, as well as calcium, and vitamins A and C.
3. Pumpkin. Not just for pies, the beta-carotene in pumpkin reduces the risk of breast cancer and helps your body repair its skin.
4. Butternut squash. Cook this baked, stuffed, or mashed or throw in a soup for a delicious vegetable high in beta-carotene.
5. Sweet potatoes. Don’t just eat these jewels at Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins A and C as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and iron.
6. Dark meat. Lean red meat and dark meat from poultry are high in iron, which is a necessity for women of childbearing age.
7. Broccoli. Your mama always said to eat your broccoli. It’s high in calcium, potassium, and B vitamins.
8. Salmon. This super food is high in omega-3 EFAs and protein, low in cholesterol and contains quite a few B vitamins, calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium.
9. Mangos. Mangos are high in vitamin A and C and help guard against cervical cancer.
10. Figs. Discover the flavor and benefits of figs, which are high in fiber, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium.
11. Kiwi. These tasty little fruits pack a punch with more vitamin C than an orange.

Skin Health

From high concentrations of vitamins E and A to anti-inflammatory properties, these foods are all great for keeping your skin healthy and young-looking.

12. Avocados. Delicious and nutritious, avocados have lots of B-complex vitamins and are an anti-inflammatory, which is great for the skin.
13. Green tea. Technically a drink, green tea has polyphenols which are an anti-inflammatory.
14. Carrots. Carrots are full of vitamin A, which helps your skin repair itself.
15. Spinach. This vegetable is absolutely loaded with vitamins and minerals with especially high concentrations of vitamins K and A and manganese and folate. It also helps prevent against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and arthritis.
16. Cantaloupe. This great fruit has plenty of vitamins A and C–two vitamins your skin needs to keep healthy.
17. Citrus fruit. Oranges and grapefruit are full of vitamin C, which helps keep wrinkles at bay.
18. Bananas. Bananas have the B vitamin biotin, which builds healthy skin, hair and nails and helps prevent skin irritations such as dermatitis.
19. Tomatoes. Like bananas, tomatoes have biotin and also lycopene, which helps prevent cancer.
20. Sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds have lots of vitamin E, which is well-known for its healthy skin properties. Taken both topically and eaten, the benefits of vitamin E for your skin are enormous.
21. Hazelnuts. Another great source of vitamin E are hazelnuts, which also offer protection against cancer and heart disease.
22. Olives. Olives provide both vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties which help promote healthy skin. They are also very high in iron.
23. Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which can reduce the chance of sunburn on the skin, slow down the aging process, and aid in the treatment of skin cancer.
24. Cottage cheese. Eat cottage cheese to get lots of calcium and selenium for your skin. Use in place of ricotta in your recipes.
25. Walnuts. These nuts are packed with omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs which promote skin repair and elasticity.

Healthy Cardiovascular System

To prevent against heart disease and stroke, eat these foods to strengthen your cardiovascular system.

26. Canola oil. Replace the oil in your salad dressing with canola oil for a healthy alternative.
27. Skinless poultry. Leaving off the skin will greatly reduce the fat in poultry, making for a more heart-healthy diet.
28. Egg substitutes. Reducing the fat from eggs will help your heart. If you don’t like egg substitutes, just eliminate the yolk and eat the egg white.
29. Cabbage. This vegetable is a great food for a healthy cardiovascular system. Eaten raw is best.
30. Onions. Another good vegetable for your heart is onions.
31. Grapes. Easy to get and loved by most, this fruit is also a great choice for a healthy heart.
32. Raspberries. High in antioxidants, this fruit offers benefits to your cardiovascular system.

Reduce Cholesterol

Getting your cholesterol to a healthy level is a combination of reducing the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising the good (HDL) cholesterol. The following foods all play a part in either reducing the bad, raising the good, or both.

33. Whole wheat bread. Get rid of the white bread and switch to whole wheat, which lowers bad cholesterol.
34. Oatmeal. A great food for reducing cholesterol, oatmeal also has lots of vitamins E and C, potassium, and omega-3 EFAs.
35. Soy. Soy has been shown to not only significantly lower bad cholesterol, but to also raise good cholesterol. Use soy milk, tofu, or edamame for the best results.
36. Almonds. With lots of polyunsaturated fatty acids, almonds will help reduce the bad cholesterol in your body.
37. Fish. Find fish rich in omega-3 EFAs such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, and trout.
38. Extra-virgin olive oil. This variety of olive oil, which is less processed, will help lower your bad cholesterol and is high in antioxidants.
39. Unsaturated fats. Replace saturated fats in your diet with unsaturated fats to reduce your cholesterol. Try replacing cooking oils with canola, corn, safflower, or soybean oils.
40. Garlic. Raw garlic (and lots of it) will help reduce your cholesterol. You might want to make sure your partner is sharing the garlic with you, though.
41. Cranberry-grape juice. Cranberries raise the good cholesterol while grapes slow the bad cholesterol’s oxidation.
42. Pomegranate juice. According to a National Academy of Sciences study, this juice reduces cholesterol plaque build-up and reduces plaque in your arteries.

Bone Health

Women who work to create healthy bones experience fewer problems with osteoporosis in their later years. These foods are rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other nutrients essential for bone health.

43. Leafy greens. The calcium in leafy greens absorbs much better in the body than calcium in dairy products.
44. Sesame seeds. High in calcium to prevent bone loss and have copper, which can reduce the swelling and pain associated with arthritis, and zinc, which also helps keep bones healthy, these tiny seeds are a big source of nutrition for bone health.
45. Beans. Beans are low in fat, high in fiber, inexpensive, and have a high amount of non-animal protein that helps prevent calcium loss.
46. Lowfat yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium and is easier to digest than most other dairy products. It also contains lots of vitamin A and protein.
47. Tofu. Also high in protein and a great source of nutrition for your bone health, tofu is versatile and delicious.
48. Eggs. Not only are eggs loaded with protein, they are also full of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently.

Weight Loss

Losing weight seems to be a national pastime. Rather than jumping on a fad diet, change your menu to include these foods and see the difference it makes in your life.

49. Tortillas. Low in fat, tortillas make a good substitute for bread. Find whole wheat to really get the best for your body.
50. Water. This should be your drink of choice. It keeps you hydrated, suppresses your appetite, and helps metabolize fat.
51. Fruit smoothie. Add bananas, blueberries, apple juice, and wheat germ or protein powder for an excellent food to keep you healthy and encourage weight loss.
52. Whole wheat bagel. Filled with nutritious whole grains and low in sugar, bagels work for breakfast or as the bread for your sandwich at lunch.
53. Romaine lettuce. Give up iceberg lettuce, which has barely any nutritional value and use romaine for your salads and sandwiches.
54. Veggie burger. Filled with soy and other vegetables, this alternative to beef is significantly lower in calories and healthy too.
55. Dried papayas. Full of iron and vitamins C and A, dried papaya is good for you and the sweetness is a great substitute for a candy bar.
56. Spaghetti squash. Cook this healthy vegetable and replace the strands of it for the pasta in your spaghetti recipe for a delicious meal without the carbs.
57. Watermelon. Sweet and full of hydrating water, this fruit is a great food to fill you up without filling you out.

Nuts, Beans, and Grains

These foods provide lots of protein and are a great substitute for red meat. Find out how to add these healthy foods in to your diet.

58. Lentils. These little powerhouses are super high in iron, protein, and fiber. They also have lots of potassium, calcium, iron, B vitamins, phosphorus and copper. Also, lentils have absolutely no fat.
59. Quinoa. Quinoa is a fun substitute for rice and is a great source of iron, which women need in their diet.
60. Barley. Another grain not frequently used outside of beer, it is full of protein, fiber, potassium, phosphorus and iron.
61. Brown rice. Replace your white rice with brown rice to get tons of health benefits including a reduced risk for diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, and lower cholesterol.
62. Peanut butter. Not just for sandwiches, dip apples or celery in peanut butter for food high in protein and fiber–and a good replacement for red meat.
63. Bulgur. Similar to cracked wheat, but requiring less cooking time, bulgur is a whole grain full of fiber, calcium, and protein.
64. Chickpeas. Throw these in a salad or make some simple hummus with these legumes full of protein, fiber, and folate.

Antioxidants

Foods that are high in antioxidants help reverse the damaging effects of oxygen on the cells in your body. The benefits of antioxidants include anti-aging as well as prevention for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

65. Kidney beans. With these inexpensive beans you get protein, fiber, folate, magnesium, and iron. Try substituting kidney beans for meat in your next meal.
66. Blueberries. Full of vitamin C and potassium, these little berries are full of nutrition and reportedly are one of the foods highest in antioxidants.
67. Plums. Available almost year round, these fruits have plenty of vitamins A, B, C, fiber, and potassium.
68. Strawberries. For a fruit that can protect your heart, guard against cancer, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and help prevent age-related macular degeneration, strawberries are the way to go.
69. Artichokes. Get magnesium, folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A and C with artichokes, which can help with a whole host of medical problems.
70. Blackberries. These plumb little tasties are full of vitamins B, C, and K as well as fiber and manganese.
71. Pecans. Full of vitamin E and great for lowering cholesterol, these nuts are great on their own or baked in a pie, cookies, or brownies.
72. Cherries. Rich red cherries are not only delicious, but are high in fiber and vitamins C and A. They are reported to help with arthritis, heart health, and sleep problems.
73. Honey. Chock full of antioxidants, this sweet treat also has antibacterial properties and works well for sore throats and coughs.
74. Apples. Long associated with healthy nutrition, an apple a day can provide heart and brain health benefits.

Super Foods

Some foods are so incredibly packed with important nutrients that they have become known as super foods. Read about these super foods and you may discover a new favorite food that is great for your body.

75. Acai. Known as one of the most nutritious berries in the world, use this juice in a smoothie or drink on its own.
76. Goji berries. Give this latest super food a try. One of these little Himalayan berries has more vitamin C than an orange and more beta carotene than carrots.
77. Cacao nibs. The heart of the cocoa bean, this little bit of raw chocolate is full of antioxidants as well as flavonoids that help your heart and have been reported to significantly elevate your mood. Try some covered in chocolate for a combination of the raw and finished product.
78. Buckwheat. Full of protein and high in amino acid, buckwheat also helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce hypertension. Japanese soba noodles and buckwheat pancakes are two delicious ways to eat this food.
79. Chili peppers. Packed with vitamin C, these hot little numbers also contain antioxidants and help burn fat.
80. Sprouts. For protein and vitamin C, sprinkle some sprouts on your salad or use in your sandwich along with your leafy green lettuce.
81. Rhubarb. High in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, rhubarb also helps reduce hot flashes in menopausal women.
82. Pumpkin seeds. These seeds are loaded with phytosterols, which help lower cholesterol, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron.
83. Cinnamon. Containing polyphenols, the same agent in green tea, cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
84. Shallots. Replace or use in addition to garlic and onion to get the benefits of this vegetable that helps promote the good bacteria in your digestive tract and help eliminate toxins from your liver.
85. Turmeric. A popular spice used in Indian dishes, it has been used for hundreds of years to treat arthritis. Use it with chicken or in Indian curry to help reduce inflammation due to arthritis or any other cause.

Healthy Snacks

Making it between meals can sometimes be hard without a snack. Instead of reaching for a bag of potato chips or driving through to pick up fries, try these snacks instead.

86. Energy bar. Some energy bars are specifically designed for women such as Luna Bars, which are organic and have plenty of calcium, folate, iron and antioxidants.
87. Granola bar. Make your own or buy some with natural sweeteners for a healthy between-meal snack.
88. Pretzels. This crunchy snack is high in fiber and protein.
89. Multigrain crackers. Eat these by themselves or put some healthy treats on top for a delicious snack full of whole grains and fiber.
90. Rice cakes. Low in fat and calories and full of the nutritional benefits of rice, rice cakes enjoy a long history in Asia as a healthy snack.
91. Graham crackers. Not just for kids, these treats are sweet and healthy at the same time.
92. Soy crisps. These healthy snacks are full of protein, iron, and calcium.
93. Veggie chips. Toss out your potato chips and opt for some type of veggie chips instead. Made with real vegetables and made with non-hydrogenated oils, these are the chips to eat.
94. Pistachios. This delicious snack is full of potassium and healthy fats.
95. Popcorn. Skip the butter and try any number of healthy touches sprinkled on top such as chili powder, a light sprinkling of flavored sea salts, or Italian seasoning.

Healthy Desserts

Finishing off your healthy meal with a giant piece of pie covered in ice cream may be okay every now and then, but for healthier desserts, chose something from this list.

96. Frozen yogurt. Replace your ice cream with a healthy alternative that provides calcium as well as curbs that sweet tooth.
97. Frozen fruit bar. Look for a bar with no added sugar, just pure fruit goodness, for a nutritious dessert.
98. Fresh melon salad. Mix cantaloupe and honeydew with some fresh mint leaves and honey for a delicious dessert that is very healthy.
99. No-sugar hot chocolate. Mix unsweetened cocoa with stevia and sprinkle cinnamon on top for a healthy after-dinner drink.
100. Dark chocolate. Get dark chocolate with 60% cocoa or greater for a delicious snack that can reduce blood pressure and is full of antioxidants. Better yet, try an all natural version like Innocent Chocolate made with organic, raw, and unprocessed ingredients and sweetened with agave instead of sugar.

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2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we’ve seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or ‘tough guy’ stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can’t live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It’s a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: ‘Smoke gets in your eyes’…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it’s because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don’t? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body’s boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There’s a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can’t be unhappy when you’re smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn’t mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

Perhaps you have tried a few of the fad diets? Initially you lose some weight, but then you gain it back and find yourself heavier than before. This is the dreaded cycle of yo-yo dieting. Yes, in the short term you can lose the weight, but every time you do this you may be doing more damage than good because your body thinks it’s experiencing a “famine.” In response to that famine, your body goes into survival mode and conserves energy by slowing down your metabolism. You begin to get energy from the consumption of muscle. Your body does its best to hold on to the fat you have for as long as it can. So, with many diets the weight you initially lose is not from just fat, but muscle, too. And that loss of muscle slows down your metabolism even further because muscle burns calories.

Its simply science. Muscle = metabolism, and the less muscle the slower your metabolism.

The challenges with dieting are huge. Not only are you fighting the urge to eat all day, you must figure out a way to get active as well. No one likes to have that hungry feeling, without the results. Unfortunately, restrictive and monotonous dieting without changing your eating and exercise habits will almost always result in failure. The rebound is what hurts the most. When your body set its famine mode in place, muscle is the first to go, when you rebound what was once muscle is now fat. The cycle continues. Is there a solution?

How Leucine Eliminates the Diet Cycle for good. This one essential amino acid, Leucine will protect your muscles from disappearing during the dreaded diet cycle. Leucine cannot be manufactured in your body. For many years, supplements and protein powders that contain leucine have been used extensively by bodybuilders and other athletes to promote fast muscle and injury recovery. As a dietary supplement, leucine has been found to slow the degradation of muscle tissue by increasing the synthesis of muscle proteins. This fact is extremely important when considering any program leading to long term successful weight loss and the reason why many dieters who want to break with the Diet Cycle once and for all, have turned to Leucine.

A diet program that includes Leucine is a healthy alternative to yo-yo dieting. It addresses one of the primary reasons why other diets fail. A leucine supplemented diet provides you a plan to lose the right way. Instead of losing weight from fat and muscle, a Leucine Powered Plan helps preserve muscle while you lose weight from fat. Preserving muscle mass also maintains your metabolism and your health.

The real magic with a leucine powered diet is the fact that you lose inches fast, control your hunger, boosts your energy and helps keep you feeling satisfied.

Donald P Legere is a Corporate Sales Trainer and Distributor with Shaklee Corporation’s Weight Loss Plan. To find out how our Leucine Powered Inch Loss Plan will help you maintain muscle and melt the fat visit Cinch, Inch Loss Plan, and get your Free Profile Today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_P._Legere

If I were asked which is the area of greatest misunderstanding and confusion in the field of nutrition, I would immediately be forced to reply that it is the failure to properly understand and interpret the symptoms and changes which follow the beginning of a better nutritional program.

What is meant by a better nutritional program?

It is the introduction of foods of higher quality in place of lower quality ones. For example, if a person replaces a protein rich food such as pork with beef, the beef may be considered the superior of the two due to its easier digestibility, lower and less saturated fat content, etc.; chicken is superior to beef and fish is superior to chicken because of its more rapid digestibility and lower saturated fat content. Lima beans, lentils, or chick peas, which are eaten at the same meal with vegetables are superior in all the nutrients needed to rebuild health.

As we go higher on the scale of quality, we begin to include protein rich food which may be eaten in the unfired state, such as cheese which is made from raw milk and unsalted. Then we ascend to the nuts and seeds which are eaten in the natural state (raw and unsalted).

To summarize: the closer the food comes to the natural state in which it occurs, or the closer to its raw, unfired form, the higher its quality. In this condition, all the enzymes are found intact. The amino acids are in their finest form. The minerals, vitamins, trace elements, carbohydrates, and “life force” are present. The life force, in turn, is capable of reproducing healthy tissue.

This same classification of quality which we analyzed in relation to protein rich foods applies to the carbohydrates (the starch and sugar-rich foods), the fats, and the mineral-rich foods.

The quality of a nutritional program is also improved by omitting toxic substances such as coffee, tea, chocolate, tobacco, salt, pepper, etc. from your diet.

What is the relation of quality of foods to recovery from illness? It is this in a nutshell: The higher the quality of food we eat, the quicker we recover from disease, provided we are able to digest and assimilate properly.

To this must be added the knowledge of (a) proper food combining; (b) proper order of eating the different kinds of food at a meal, e.g., the most easily digested food should be eaten first, the more complex one second, and the most concentrated item last; (c) the correct quantity of food to be consumed (of each type) in the meal; and (d) the correct time for eating (when hungry and not by the clock).

Now, what happens when a person follows these rules and makes a decided improvement in the quality of food consumed?

Remarkable things begin to happen to the body as well as the mind. The amazing intelligence present in every cell of the body and the wisdom of the body in its operation immediately becomes manifest. The rule may be stated thusly: When the quality of the food coming into the body is of higher quality than the tissues which the body is made of, the body begins to discard the lower grade materials and tissues to make room for the superior materials which it uses to make new and healthier tissue.

This is the plan of Nature — the body is very selective and always tries to produce health and always will, unless our interference is too great. Only then do we fail to recover and degenerate further into disease. The self-curing nature of many conditions such as colds, fevers, cuts, swellings, injuries, etc., furnishes endless examples of how the body tends towards health–always–unless we do something to stop the process.

Symptoms and signs

What are the symptoms or signs which become evident when we first begin to omit the lower grade foods and instead introduce superior foods–those which are most alive, more natural than we are accustomed to? When the use of toxic stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate, or cocoa is suddenly stopped, headaches are common and a letdown occurs. This is due to the discard by the body of the toxins called caffeine and theobromine which are removed from the tissues and transported through the bloodstream during its many bodily rounds.

Before the noxious agents reach their final destination for elimination, these irritants register in our consciousness as pain–in other words, headache. The letdown is due to the slower action of the heart–the resting phase which follows the stimulation of more rapid heart beat forced upon the body by certain poisons called stimulants. The more rapid heart beat (or pulse) produces a feeling of exhilaration, and the slower action produces a depressed state of mind. Usually, within three days, the symptoms vanish and we feel stronger due to the recuperation which follows.

To a lesser extent, the same process occurs when we abandon lower quality foods and replace them with better foods. Lower quality foods have undergone more preparation. Spices, salt, and other ingredients have been added, as they tend to be more stimulating than less prepared and more natural foods. Animal foods such as meat, fowl, fish, etc. are more stimulating than cheese, nuts, and vegetable proteins.

Consequently, the withdrawal of stimulation which follows the abandonment of animal food produces a slower heart action–a resting phase–which registers in the mind as relaxation or a decrease of energy. This initial letdown lasts about ten days or slightly longer and is followed by an increase of strength, a feeling of diminishing stress and greater well-being.

Now let us return to the symptoms which occur in the process of regeneration. The person who starts a better diet, stays on it for three days to a week, and then quits will say, “Oh, I felt better on the old diet–the new one makes me feel weak.” He failed because he didn’t give his body a chance to adjust and complete its first phase of action–recuperation. If he had waited a while longer, he would have begun to feel better than before he started.
Initial stage

During the initial stage (lasting about ten days on the average to several weeks in others), the vital energies which are usually in the periphery or external part of the body such as the muscles and skin, begin to move to the vital internal organs and start reconstruction. This shunting of much of the power to the internal region produces a feeling of less energy in the muscles, which the mind interprets as some weakness.

Actually, the power is increased, but most of it is being used for rebuilding the more important organs and less of it is available for muscular work. Any weakness which is felt here is not true weakness, but merely a redeploying of forces to the more important internal parts. Here it is important for the person to stop wasting energy, and to rest and sleep more. This is a crucial phase, and if the person resorts to stimulants of any kind, he will abort and defeat the regenerative intent of the body.

It is important that he have patience and faith and just wait it out, and after a while he will get increasing strength which will exceed by far what he felt before he began the new program.

Success in recovery or improvement of health hinges upon the correct understanding of this point — realizing that the body is using its main energies in more important internal work and not wasting it in external work involving muscle movements. Be wise, take it easy here, and relax. Just coast in your work and social obligations until you’re out of the woods.

Improving diet

As one continues on the improved diet and gradually raises the food quality, interesting symptoms being to appear. The body begins a process called retracing. It says to itself, “Now we have a chance to get rid of this old garbage and build a beautiful new house. Let’s get started immediately. Let’s get this excess bile out of the liver and gall bladder and send it to the intestines for elimination. Let’s get the sludge moving out of the arteries, veins, and capillaries. These smelly, gassy, brain-stupefying masses have been here too long–out with them! These arthritic deposits in the joints need cleaning up. Let’s get these irritating food preservatives, aspirins, sleeping pills, and drugs out of the way, along with these other masses of fat which have made life so burdensome for us for so long. Let’s get going till the job is down–till we have a beautiful house–and from there on we’ll keep it a beautiful ideal model house.”
First phase

During the first phase (called catabolism), the accent is on elimination, or breaking down of tissue. The body begins to clean house–in short, to remove the garbage deposited in all the tissues–everywhere. During this period, the body removes the ashes from the furnace preparatory to getting a better fire. Here the accentuation is on removal of the gross and immediate body obstructions. Wastes are discarded more rapidly than new tissue is made from the new food. This becomes evident as weight loss. This persists for a while and is then followed by the second phase–called stabilization.

Here, the weight remains more or less stable. During this phase, the amount of waste material being discarded daily is equal to the amount of tissue which is being formed and replaced by the newer, more vital food. This occurs after the excess of obstructing material in the tissues has been removed.
Third phase

This state persists for a while and is then followed by a third phase — a build-up period called anabolism, wherein weight starts to go up, even though the diet is lower in calories than it was before. At this point, much or more of the interfering wastes have already been discarded — the tissues which have been formed since the diet was raised in quality are more durable and do not break down easily. Also, new tissues are now being formed faster. This is due to the improved assimilation made possible by the ceasing of wrong food combining. The body’s need for the usual amounts of food decreases, and we are able to maintain our weight and increased energies with less food.

Many are able to function very efficiently on two meals a day. As the body progressively increases in efficiency and decreases in tissue breakdown under exercise, so do we gradually need less and less food to maintain life. The higher the percentage of raw food one lives on, the slower the rate of tissue deterioration which one evolves into. A sick body requires a gradual, carefully worked-out entry into this stage, where one is able to live on a 100% unfired (raw) diet, if desired.
Symptoms

Returning to the symptoms which occur on a superior nutritional program, people who have had tendencies in the past to recurring skin rashes or eruptions will frequently tend to eliminate poisons and harmful drugs through the skin with new rashes or eruptions. If they go to a doctor now who is not familiar with this aspect of nutrition, he will diagnose it as an allergy.

They ask, “How come? I’m eating better now than I ever did before, and instead I’m getting worse.” They don’t understand that the body is retracing.

The skin is getting more alive and active. It’s throwing out more poisons more rapidly now that the body is building more power which is saved from those hard-to-ingest meals which have been discontinued. These toxins being discarded are saving you from more serious disease which will result if you keep them in your body too much longer–possibly hepatitis, kidney disorders, blood disease, heart disease, arthritis, nerve degenerations or even cancer–depending upon your hereditary or structural weaknesses. Be happy you’re paying your bills now in an easy-payment plan.

With some, colds which haven’t appeared for a long time may occur, or even fevers. This is nature’s way of housecleaning. Understand that these actions are constructive, even though unpleasant at the moment. Don’t, but don’t, try to stop these symptoms by the use of certain drugs, or even massive doses of vitamins which will act as drugs in huge concentrations. These symptoms are part of a curing process, and don’t try to cure a cure.

These are not deficiency conditions or allergic manifestations — not if you’re eating properly in quality, quantity, combination and sequence. Here is where experienced advice is a great value. Unfortunately, there are few good books present today which give full guidance to the average reader. Try to find guidance through a doctor or teacher who has the requisite experience in this most confusing of all subjects–nutrition in relation to health and disease.

You may be eating perfectly in regard to quantity, quality, and observing all the correct rules, and still symptoms will occur. Those who have lived better lives in the past–who have eaten better foods and who have abused their bodies less with over-eating will have reactions ranging from almost none at all or very mild symptoms which may be uncomfortable or acute. Those who have lived worse lives and poisoned themselves more will experience more severe symptoms if their liver, kidneys, or other important eliminating organs have been damaged. When they have been renovated to the point of fair working order, they will no longer produce symptoms.

Headaches may occur at the beginning; fever and/or colds may also appear; the skin may break out; there may be a short interval of bowel sluggishness, occasional diarrhea, feelings of tiredness and weakness, disinclination to exercise, nervousness, irritability, negativity or mental depression, frequent urination, etc. However, the great majority of people find their reactions tolerable and are encouraged to bear with them because of the many improvements which have already occurred and are becoming more evident with each day. This acts as an inspirational force to them.

The symptoms will vary according to the materials being discarded, the conditions of the organs involved in the elimination, and the amount of energy you have available. The more you rest and sleep when symptoms are present, the milder they are and the more quickly they are terminated.

Be happy you are having symptoms. Realize deeply that your body is becoming younger and healthier every day because you are throwing off more and more wastes which would eventually have brought pain, disease, and much suffering. Those who have the worst symptom-reactions and follow through to their successful termination are thus avoiding some of the worst diseases which would eventually have developed had they continued their careless eating habits.

Don’t expect to go on an ascending scale of quality, that improving your diet will make you feel better and better each day until you reach perfection. The body is cyclical in nature, and health returns in a series of gradually-diminishing cycles. For example, you start a better diet and for a while you feel much better. After some time, a symptom occurs–you feel nauseous for a day and have diarrhea with a foul-smelling stool. After a day, you feel even better than before and all goes fine for awhile. Then you suddenly develop a cold, feel chills and lose your appetite. After about two or three days (assuming you don’t take drugs or do anything else about it), you suddenly recover and feel better than you did for years.

Let us say this well-being continues for two months, when you suddenly develop an itch or rash. You don’t take anything special for it. This rash flares up, gets worse and continues for ten days, and suddenly subsides, immediately after this you find that your hepatitis is gone and your energy has increased more than ever before. The rash became an outlet for the poisons in the liver which produced the hepatitis.

This is how recovery occurs–like the cycles in the Dow-Jones Average at the beginning of a bull market recovery. You feel better, a reaction occurs and you don’t feel as well for a short while. You recover and go even higher. Then another reaction occurs, milder than the last. You recover and go even higher. And so it goes, each reaction milder than the last as the body becomes pure–each becoming shorter in duration and being followed by a longer period of feeling better than ever before, until you reach a level plateau of vibrant health. Here you become relatively disease-free.

We must learn to obey the laws of Nature. We must learn to eat simple, pure, and natural foods, properly prepared and combined, and our bodies in return will cast off all the poisons we have taken in during our lives. The mysteries of the body, the operations of nature, the vital forces working in nature are far beyond what our minds are prepared to understand at present. Every great physician or scientist who ever lived marveled in awe and humility at the wonders of nature. Yes–we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!”

by Dr. Stanley S. Bass
3119 Coney Island Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11235
(718) 648-1500

Introduction to detoxification

Detoxification comes in many forms and refers to many different programs that cleanse the body of toxins. Today, our environment is toxic and the foods we eat, even the air we breathe and the water we drink is laden with chemicals foreign to our system. Therefore, everyone is undergoing some type of detoxification to maintain life and health. Although basic detoxification begins with diet, detox programs may include nutritional fortification for the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels and blood.

We will soon see why these organs are so important in detoxification. Detoxification for the body may refer to the cleansing of the bowels, kidneys, lungs, the liver or the blood, since these are the organs involved in detoxification of chemicals and toxins from the body. The liver acts as an “in-line” filter for the removal of foreign substances and wastes from the blood. The kidneys filter wastes from the blood into the urine, while the lungs remove volatile gases as we breathe.

Our body is designed to utilize natural substances, which includes foods, herbs and phytochemicals. Any foreign substance will serve as a stimulus to our immune system, which has the function of removing these substances. Although the toxicity of a chemical may vary, it is the job of the liver to reduce toxins into compounds that the body can safely handle and eliminate through the kidneys (as urine), skin (as sweat), lungs (as expelled air) and bowels (as feces). Maintaining these eliminative organs in good working order is essential for one’s good health to continue.

While there are many detoxification programs available, they differ in their actions and their intent. Some detoxification programs (DP) work only with the bowels, others may cleanse the liver or the blood, and others may aid the kidneys or the skin in their functions. By combining these detox programs into a total health program, one can effectively restore their health to an optimal level and look younger in the process. When the body can eliminate toxins, then health is restored and energy and vigor are revitalized. Many different approaches to detoxification and wellness will work, even though they attack the problem at different levels. Any program that augments detoxification will improve health. Other factors must be considered in detoxification, like nutrition, water, and exercise, rest, sunshine, and fresh air.

Detoxification Diets

Detoxification diets help the body to eliminate toxins in many ways. First, natural vegetarian diets include the fiber needed for stimulating good bowel eliminate. They also contain the proper amounts of vitamins that feed and nourish the bowels and the liver, as well as other eliminative organs. They also include a valuable source of enzymes since most vegetarian diets are eaten raw. The elimination of meat from the diet for a short period enhances detoxification because meat is so difficult to digest and requires many enzymes for its digestion. Therefore, vegetarian diets are cleansing diets and aid the body in elimination of toxins.

Of course, changing diets and lifestyle is easier said than done for some people. Many people want health and will go to any length to improve their health, including dietary changes. But there are others who do not want to change their life style for anything. These people will be difficult to motivate and will not stick with the detox programs for one day. They may not want to give up their sodas, or their cigarettes, their beer or their coffee. They may make a few changes, like drinking more water, or they may give up completely in a very short notice. Our way of eating has been cultivated over many years and will not change over night. But to those who do want better health and do not want to rely on pills/drugs for their existence, nutritional changes will be welcomed, especially when they start feeling better and having more energy.

Diets are very important and are usually the basis for any detox program, whether it is herbs, cleansing or other detox programs.[i] Detox diets will generally eliminate trigger foods, which may cause many problems with digestion and elimination. Foods like wheat (glutens) and dairy (milk, cheese) are often the cause of allergies. Sugar is eliminated because of its “empty calories” and tendency to produce hypoglycemia. Meats are eliminated because they may contain hormones, antibiotics and are difficult to digest. Caffeine is wise to avoid, since it has many ill effects on the body’s digestion. Refined, processed and junk foods are also out for any detox program to work.

Herbal Detoxification

Generic diets for detoxification are good, but may not stimulate the liver, lungs or the kidneys as much as one would like. Therefore, herbal cleanses are indicated when we want to hone our cleanse to a “sharp edge” and be organ specific. Of course, herbs are foods too and provide one with vitamins, minerals and enzymes for excellent nutrition. Herbs are powerful, because they may be combined together to fortify those herbs that aid specific organs. For example, herbal combinations that aid the liver may be found in many organic food stores. The list below shows how herbal combinations help the various organs.

Herbal Combinations
Liver

LIV-A Dandelion, red beet, liverwort, parsley, horsetail, birch leaves, chamomile, blessed thistle, black cohosh, angelica, gentian, goldenrod
Kidneys

Uva ursi, parsley, dandelion, juniper berries JP-X Parsley, uva ursi, marshmallow, ginger, goldenseal, dong quai, cedar berries
Lungs

LH Comfrey, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, senega, Chinese ephedra

While herbs may be taken at any time, they are best for detoxification purposes when they are used with a good diet also. It does not make any sense to take herbs to cleanse the liver if the bowels are clogged with junk or refined foods, since the liver dumps its toxins into the bowels. And while detoxification diets are effective by themselves, they may be reinforced and speeded up with herbs, which stimulate the eliminative organs.

Herbs may be used as teas, powders or extracts. Powders are usually encapsulated for easier swallowing, but are best when taken with meals and digestive enzymes. Extracts may be used when specific herbs are needed, but may be extracted with alcohol, which we need to avoid. Herbal teas are easily made and easily taken all throughout the day. They are mild and gentle and sometimes refreshing and sometimes bitter. Experimentation may be in order until one develops the right tea to drink. Herbal teas is a topic in itself, since there are so many and different ways to make them.

Example Herbal Cleanse
Rising

Drink a glass of lemon water or drink a glass of water with added: one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
Morning

Drink a glass of water with psyllium husk powder (follow with another glass of water).
Meals

Take 2-3 multi-digestive enzymes
Take liver herbs
In Between Meals

Drink herbals teas which support the liver, including Dandelion/licorice/ginger/fennel

Note: Following a good diet is mandatory for herbs to work optimally.

Skin Cleansing

Detoxification should include some type of skin cleansing, because our skin it one of our best eliminative organs. Heavy metals are actually released through the skin’s pores when we sweat. Sauna baths and steam rooms are great for removing toxins from the skin and regenerating one’s health and energy. It has been documented that our skin’s sweat glands when combined can perform as much detoxification as one (or both) kidneys. Therefore, it is very important to support our skin for detoxification to be maximal. If our kidneys are damaged, then helping the skin will help the kidneys … indirectly, but effectively.

Good skin care is in order, if one’s health is to benefit, also. Using chemicalized skin care products is not wise, even though they are cheaper. These chemicals may be absorbed into our circulation and provide more “toxins” for our liver to deal with. We are not made out of cast iron, and even the chemicals in our soaps and shampoos will make a difference with our health. Most people do not “see” the ill effects of these subtle chemicals, because their liver is able to metabolize them. But, individuals who are environmentally toxic will see a great change in their health when using natural soaps and shampoos. We should take their advice and use only natural skin care products also.

Cleansing our skin is rather simple. First, we need to bathe daily using natural soaps. Then we need to care for the skin by using only natural oils and products of natural origin. Even the clothes we wear can make a big difference in our health. Synthetic fibers do not absorb sweat (toxins), while natural fibers, like cotton, will absorb toxins. Dry skin brushing helps in removing the outer dead skin layers and keeps the pores open. Another good method of skin brushing is with vigorous toweling off after bathing. Towel roughly until the skin is slightly red. Change towels often because they will contain toxins.

Good skin care also requires good nutrition.[ii] Since our skin is mainly fat, we need high quality fats and oil from natural sources to give our skin health. Butter and olive oil are two excellent natural oils, which keep the skin in good condition. As always, the fats/oils should be natural … only.

Detoxification Baths

Use 1/2 cup of baking soda or use 1/2 cup of Epsom salt or use 1/2 cup of sea salt. Soak for 15-20 minutes and then scrub the skin gently with soap on a natural fiber. Within a few minutes the water will turn murky and “dirty.” The darkness to the water is heavy metals coming out of the skin (aluminum and mercury). Do this once a week during detox and once a month for maintenance.

Juice Fasting

Fasting with vegetable juices can be another excellent way to develop good health and cleanse the body of toxins. Juices, minus their pulp (fiber), contain an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. When the pulp is not added, one is able to drink more juice than they are able to eat. For example, one can easily consume the juice of several heads of lettuce in one sitting, but may not be able to eat the lettuce whole. This allows the body to get an abundance of nutrients with minimal processing (digestion). Fasting on mono-juices also allows the body proper time to process these juices and helps to preserve our valuable digestive enzymes.

Juice fasting has helped many people over come serious diseases like cancer, because it gave them optimal nutrition and allowed the body to cleanse itself of toxins. [According to many nutritionists, cancer is merely a toxic condition.] With some juicers, the pulp is discarded, but it may be saved and added back for fiber (not too much). Juices contain good sources of antioxidants and enzymes, both of which are needed for cleansing and eliminating toxins. Juices are also easy to digest and help those with digestive problems.

Flora

Our bowel flora is also important for detoxification and normal health. Probiotics is the term given to the normal bowel flora, which are taken as supplements. It has been found that these normal flora actually defend our body from the pathogenic species of bacteria and perform many vital functions, such as detoxification of toxic chemicals and making valuable vitamins (mainly the B vitamins). When our normal flora are present they secrete mediators in which the pathogenic forms cannot grow. But the reverse is also true, that when the pathogenic forms take over, they will exclude the normal flora with their toxins.

Many scientists feel that it is the toxins secreted from the pathogens and not the pathogens themselves that create disease. The ability of all bacteria to change and grow under specific conditions of their immediate environment is called pleiomorphism. Cell wall deficient forms are “bacteria” which lack a defined cell wall, yet have all the specifications of being bacterial-like. Even viruses have been found to exhibit morphological forms, which resemble bacteria and fungus. While this is not widely accepted by modern medical scientists, it hass been proven beyond a shadow of doubt by eminent scientists, like Virginia Livingston Wheeler, Irene Diller, and Royal Rife. Their microscopic studies have revealed that bacteria and viruses and fungus may be all different forms of the same organism, differing only by the environment in which they are grown.

Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad and allow the bad to repopulate and develop antibiotic resistance. Natural forms of antibiotics are better, since they do not kill off the good bacteria with the bad and do not allow drug” resistance to take place. Garlic, for example, is perhaps, 200 times more effective against pathogens than most antibiotics today. And it does not produce antibiotic resistance forms, which is a danger to all our health. As antibiotics become more widely used, more antibiotic resistant forms will be encountered. Herbal antiseptics and anti-bacterial tonics are far better and less dangerous to our over-all health, because they do not kill of the good bacteria with the bad.

Replacing our natural flora is a good step for preventing disease and keeping our bowels healthy and populated with normal flora. Taking probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus can help us in our detox program and also in repopulating the gut after a cleanse. Our normal healthy flora should be a part of any detoxification program.

Antioxidants

The use of antioxidants, like vitamins A, E, and especially C, are very essential for detoxification since they are involved with the detoxification of toxins. Antioxidants are involved with helping cells to neutralize free radicals that can cause mutations and cellular damage. As these free radicals are neutralized, the antioxidant vitamins will be used and exhibit low levels. Vitamin A and E are fat soluble and will be found in our fat tissues/stores, but vitamin C is water soluble and will be found mainly in our skin (between the cells according to Reams). Vitamin C is also involved with many other important bodily functions, like collagen formation, wound healing, energy production and fighting off colds (viruses).

The function of antioxidants is so important that any deficiency of them will be seen as catastrophic to one’s health. When our antioxidants are low, energy is not available and detoxification cannot take place in a normal fashion. Therefore, toxins accumulate or are stored until they can be processed. The liver and many other organs are compromised in their functions when antioxidants are low. Just the lack of energy is enough to cause the body to have compromised or poor health, because it is energy that is required for the removal of toxins and wastes.

Vitamin C should be taken with bioflavinoids to ensure that all the components of the vitamin C complex are taken together, since they work together. Pure ascorbic acid is called vitamin C, but does little by itself. We tend to think that ascorbic acid as vitamin C, but it is only part of the vitamin C complex. Vitamin C is very essential to any detoxification program, because that is what the body uses for energy to process and eliminate these toxic wast Vitamin C can be taken in very high doses until the bowel tolerance level [BTL] is achieved. This BTL is different for different people. Some persons reach tolerance at 4-5 grams (4,000-5,000 mg), while others may not reach tolerance until 10-15 grams (10,000-15,000 mg). Cancer patients notorously can take 20-30 grams (20,000-30,000 mg) of vitamin C before tolerance is reached … meaning that they needed more vitamin C than most people.

By taking vitamin C to its tolerance level we find out 1) what our BTL is and 2) how saturated our body is with Vitamin C. Vitamin C was found by Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron to be very effective in helping many patients to over come that killer disease, called cancer. Perhaps, this was because vitamin C was needed for detoxification of toxins, which “caused” the cancer in the first place. Although Pauling and Cameron were greatly criticized for their work with vitamin C, they were able to help many people overcome cancer and without compromising their health.

Enzymes

The use of enzymes in detoxification is important, because the body needs an adequate supply of enzymes, not only for digestion, for also for detoxification.[iii] Enzymes are best obtained from fresh raw fruits and vegetables, but may be taken daily with meals as nutritional supplements of multi-digestive enzymes. Enzymes in our food helps us to digest that food, but many foods today are processed, refined, heated (cooked), radiated and stored, which destroys enzymes and leaves it non-vital.[iv] Foods with enzymes destroyed will have a longer shelf life, but will not give one health when it is eaten.

Fresh raw fruits and vegetables are the best source for enzymes and help to give one vibrant health. Enzymes are also used by the body in detoxification of toxic substances. The liver is the source of most detoxification enzymes, which it must make, or store. To aid the body in removing and eliminating wastes and toxins, enzymes are best taken in between meals. This way they do not get involved with digestion, but go to the liver and to the blood for detoxification.

Many therapies have utilized enzymes for improving health and enzymes have long been the key to many detoxification therapies which have helped many to over come that dreaded disease, cancer. Kelley, Gerson, Moerman, and Neiper used alternative nutritional therapies with enzymes for curing cancer. The famous Wobe Mugos enzymes from Europe were utilized with Laetrile therapies for cancer. Never was Laetrile give alone, but was used with vitamins, diet and enzymes. This made the Laetrile therapy very successful in the 1970s. If cancer is a toxic condition, which many feel that it is, then taking enzymes will help it. And it does.

The use of raw foods in many detoxification diets are using the enzymes found naturally in those foods. Additionally, these raw foods provide fiber and, with proper food combining, will not waste the body enzymes reserves. Preserving enzymes is the key to over coming disease and living to ripe old age and remaining healthy. Yes, vitamins and minerals are important, but vitamins are enzyme co-factors and many minerals are use to activate enzymes. Therefore, the vitamins and minerals themselves are only augmenting the role of the enzymes which are detoxifying toxins and supporting metabolism.

Enzymes also help the bowels in cleansing, because they liquefy the bowel content, which makes transit much easier. The role of enzymes in digestion is to break down foods for digestion and absorption. When foods are broken down they become more liquid and the bowels move much easier and faster. Transit time is decreased and our health is increased when toxins are removed and eliminated. Perhaps, this is a link to breaking the “constipation chain.” Enzymes are the key to health. Preserve our enzymes and we will be healthy for a long time.

Bowel Cleansing

Keeping the bowels clean and moving is a major step in regaining our health since the bowels are crucial in the elimination of toxins, especially those processed by the liver. [The liver dumps in to the bowel via the gall bladder.] This is why one hears a lot about the bowels, and bowel cleansing. In severe cases, enemas and colonics may be needed to breakup and washout long-standing bowel encrustations. Diet may do the same thing as an enema or colonic, it will just take longer. Also, one should be very diligent in repopulating after a total washout of the normal flora and probiotics will be necessary to restore that balance.

Constipation is a national pastime and slow bowels are more common today than years previous. For one thing, people not only ate better 100 years ago, they were more active and got out doors more. When the bowels slow down, toxins are not eliminated and are reabsorbed and carried back to the liver for recycling and elimination. Reabsorbed bile salts have been linked to increased cholesterol levels; therefore, cholesterol is a major indicator of constipation. Also, when the bowels get slow and toxin levels increase, the pathogenic microorganisms grow to out-number the normal flora causing dysbiosis. Although flora is needed to correct this, it is the clogged bowels that are the major problem. When the bowels move again, everything else will fall into order.

Our endocrine glands that control metabolism are also involved; since it is our thyroid that controls metabolism and metabolism affects how our bowels are functioning. In this way, constipation can be seen as a symptom of hypothyroidism. Low body temperatures (a symptom of hypothyroidism) are very common today …although they are not “normal” … as many authors have reported. One major factor in low body temperatures is the suppression of thyroid function by heavy metals, like mercury, which binds to our thyroid hormones and renders them inactive. Eliminate the mercury and the body temperature is likely to return to normal.

The easiest way to get the bowels moving is by using a high fiber diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, one may add extra fiber during the day by drinking a glass of water (juice) with psyllium husk powder. The extra fiber adds to the bulk of the stool and decreases the bowel transit time, which means better toxin elimination and better health. It makes sense that if one can eliminate toxins their health will improve.

One of the best ways to improve the bowel function is with herbal remedies that act as bowel stimulants or laxatives. These products range from the very mild – slippery elm – to the stimulant – cascara sagrada- to the very harsh – aloes and senna. Everyone may react differently to these products, so they should be taken cautiously at first. Some persons may take two aloes with no effect (meaning they are heavily blocked), while others may take a mild herbal and get a much greater effect than most. Herbal bowel combination formulas are excellent because they not only stimulate the bowels to move, but give the bowels the nourishment it needs to move on its own.

Herbal formulas should not preclude a wholesome natural diet, since diet comes first in matters of health. One should not become overly dependent on herbal laxatives, since they deplete potassium and may be “addicting” as some authors claim. Yet, herbal products play a key role in getting the body to eliminate toxins by stimulating the eliminative organs like nothing else can and, therefore, cannot be ignored.

Herxheimer Reaction

The Herxheimer Reaction occurs when the body is detoxifying too rapidly and toxins are being released faster than the body can eliminate them.[v] When this occurs, one will suffer from headaches, nausea, vomiting, and malaise. Even though this is but a short period of the health program, it can be severe and deter one from reaching their intended goals. Also, the person may not know what they are experiencing and think that they are regressing.

* To minimize the Herxheimer Reaction:
* Drinks lots of pure water
* Get minimal exercise daily
* Lots of sunshine
* Take detoxification slowly… one step at a time
* Don’t increase the dose of herbals
* Keep the organs of elimination (bowels, lungs, skin, kidneys) open
* Take detox baths
* Use aromatherapy oils for aches -like peppermint, birch, and wintergreen
* Sweat by using exercise, saunas, baths, and herbs
* Avoid foreign chemicals and refined processed foods

If the Herxheimer reaction occurs, cut back on your health detoxification program. Reduce the dose of herbs and follow the above outline to reduce the symptoms of toxin elimination. The more toxins there are to eliminate, the sicker one is when they come out. Generally, one will feel better when all is over and health is restored again. Just remember, don’t give up.

Conclusion

Detoxification may produce symptoms of headaches, nausea, malaise and vomiting due to the toxins being released [Herxheimer Reaction]. If this occurs, one should back off the program and proceed slowly. Proceeding to fast with detoxification can have disastrous results when toxins are released into the circulation. Our body should be primed and ready to eliminate toxins before they are released. We do this by getting the bowels working, keeping the skin clean and getting the kidneys and lungs operating. Only by having all organs of elimination in proper operating order can our body begin to dump toxins efficiently and maximally. Keeping the skin clean and healthy is of prime importance also.

Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body must eliminate toxins daily or we would die immediately. Since our environment is more toxic today, our livers are over stressed with environmental toxins to deal with daily. Processing other toxins, when the liver is stressed, may be delayed. Detoxification is also a lifestyle change. For it is by the way we live that determines our health and how our liver processes toxins.

But for those who want their cake and eat it too, detoxification may be compromised. A change your lifestyle may be needed and detoxification will be forthcoming. Nature has afforded us the chance to live in a toxic environment and not be affected by it. Of course, we have to live right to get that chance. Without detoxification we may not get a second chance.

Good health is within our reach, but first we must cleanse this “temple” and eat a wholesome natural diet that provides us with maximal nutrients and fiber. Herbs can help us stimulate the liver, lungs, kidneys and bowels when needed, but diet is the first priority in any detoxification program. Don’t become overly dependent on herbal laxatives. When toxins are released one may feel bad for a day or two, but when our good health is restored we will have renewed energy and will “soar on the wings of an eagle”. Many people living today have never known what good health “feels” like. They survive with an abundance of toxins and an existence less than healthy.

Good health is not hard to find, but does require diligence and life style changes which are compatible with toxin elimination. Sir Jason Winters Says, “Death begins in the colon.” With good toxin elimination through natural detoxification programs our health and energy are restored.

Comments from Chet Day about The Detox Bible Program …
What is a Detox Routine?

Simply put, a detox routine is an all-natural method of giving your body the time and conditions it can use to rebuild and heal. There are many different detox routines in the natural health arena:

* water fasting
* juice fasting
* minimal eating
* herbal detox
* detox baths
* colon cleansing
* and a host of others

By Ted H. Spence
DDS, ND, PhD/DSc, MPH

Researchers found that very low carbohydrate diets focused weight loss on the stomach and chest – and worked better for men than for women.

Fat loss in men was three-times greater from the trunk area when they were on an Atkins-style, as opposed to conventional, diet.

Nearly all the 28 men and women taking part in the study lost more from their upper bodies by cutting out the carbs.

Higher health risk

Pot bellies are not only unsightly but recognised as carrying more than a health risk than fat stored in other parts of the body.

Men are particularly prone to the problem in middle age, when stomachs start to bulge over belts.

The new study conducted at the University of Connecticut, USA compared the effects of very low carbohydrate ketogenic (VLCK) and low fat (LF) diets.

Fifteen overweight or obese men, and 13 women, were randomly assigned to one of the two regimes and later switched to the other diet.

Men consumed each diet for 50 days and women for 30 days, to account for menstrual effects.

Of the men, 11 did better on the low carbohydrate diet. Six men lost over 10 pounds more on the low carb diet, and one lost an extra 25 pounds.

Similar but less dramatic results were seen in women.
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Link to heart disease

The scientists, led by Dr Jeff Volek, wrote in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism: “A novel and potentially clinically significant finding was a preferential loss of fat in the trunk region with the VLCK diet, which was approximately three-fold greater during the VLCK than the LF diet.

“Upper body fat carries a greater health risk than fat stored in other regions of the body and thus an effective weight loss approach should consider the regional distribution of fat loss.”

Dr Volek’s team had previously found that low carbohydrate diets reduce heart disease risk factors.

Fat deposits around the middle of the body are especially associated with heart and artery disease.

However, although published in a peer reviewed journal, the work is controversial because it was partly funded by the Robert C. Atkins Foundation.

Low carbohydrate diets like those promoted by the Foundation have been criticised by many experts who say they are potentially harmful.

The Atkins diet follows four phases, each offering different levels of carbohydrate restriction. The first allows the dieter only 20 grams of carbs per day, which means eliminating bread, pasta and rice and increasing meat and cheese consumption.

Even in the final phase, the diet imposes a limit of about 40 grams of carbohydrates per day. In contrast, the average American eats 210 grams of carbs daily.

Critics argue that high fat, low fibre Atkins-style diets may pose risks for osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, kidney problems and liver disorders.

They also claim that long term weight loss is difficult to maintain with low carb diets.

News Flash:Fat on the abdomen is unsightly! There’s nothing worse than a spare, spare tire. However, almost everyone develops fats on that area. This is because fats are naturally stored in organs that lie close to the abdomen. The backs and the stomachs are two areas that are prone to fats, so the moment fats build up on your back or on your stomach, it will be difficult to keep them off.

Perhaps you have heard of miracle work out programs, weight-loss pills, and the like, all promising your belly fat to disappear almost instantaneously; perhaps, too, you may have already tried each one, but did any of them work? After a while, the realization hits you, but then you have had already spent a great amount of money on something that does not actually work.

Sometimes, the secret to rid your body of belly fat does not lie on these equipment and strategies; it lies on the food that you eat … and exercise.

Indeed, your diet plays a big role when it comes to losing belly fat. You do not have to starve in order to lose a couple of inches off your abdomen. Actually, you will even be advised against doing this because starving could have more negative effects on your body, as well as on your resolve to lose weight. The thing you need to do if you want to shed off some pounds is to eat smaller portions at a time, with each portion just about the size of your palm. Excessive eating can make you look bloated, so control your cravings and your eating habits.

Now, review the food that you eat on a daily basis. Analyse as to what food groups these foods belong, and see if you are eating well balanced meals everyday. Are fruits and vegetables included in your daily meal plan? They should be, along with water. They should also be taken in generous amounts, but not excessive. You should also avoid eating junk foods. A bag of potato chips has lots of saturated fats which can make you fat. So the next time you do your groceries, keep out of the potato chips lane; this way, you will not be tempted to munch on them during your free time.

One other thing that you need to do in order to trim down the unsightly abdominal fats is to engage in physical activity. This does not mean that you have to go to the gym or something. In fact, just walking around your backyard can make a difference in your weight.

Make it a daily habit to spend at least thirty minutes walking down the street or walking towards your office. In the late afternoon, after work, you can walk your dog to the park — that is considered a form of exercise already.

So, as you have noticed, losing those stubborn belly fats does not have to be expensive at all. By simply making some adjustments in your diet and in your activity, you can lose those abdominal fats in due time. Diet and exercise are two things that can beat abdominal fats.

About the Author
Will Gordon has been a life-long student of natural,organic, and alternative health
practices, remedies, supplements and exercise. Will Gordon believes that “Natural” is best and organic is superior; to learn how to undo the negative effects already suffered visit

http://www.naturaldietandhealth.com