The Annual Cost of the Obesity Epidemic

Obesity is no longer something that hides in the fog, waiting to be discussed over quiet dinners in shadowy corners. More than 26 percent of Americans are obese, with an additional 40 percent considered overweight, and the numbers have yet to level off. The latest research, published in the journal Health Affairs and presented at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Weight of the Nation conference in Washington, reveal that the numbers are rising, and the costs are starting to take their toll in more ways than simply upon an individual's longevity and health.

In 1998, obesity-related conditions accounted for roughly 6.5 percent of all medical spending. In 2008 those numbers exceeded nine percent, demonstrating close to a three percent gain. Not only is obesity dangerous for health, but research is demonstrating its great expense. The research published in Health Affairs showed that obese individuals spend roughly $1,400 more each year on medical expenses than individuals who are of normal weight. The overall nationwide numbers are $147 billion, nearly double the rate 1998.

And here is the really disturbing part: of that $147 billion, the costs reflect only the costs necessary to care for diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments which plague individuals who are overweight and obese. The $147 billion figure does not factor in such procedures as tummy tucks, stomach stapling, liposuction, weight-loss pills and supplements and the hundreds of other ways individuals spend their money endeavoring to find ways to lose weight. The bottom line is that obesity is costing the nation more than just their health: it is costing them their life savings.

The Study

A recent study was performed by the non-profit research group called RTI International. Their lead economist Eric Finklestein had a very blunt statement to give lawmakers in regards to the health care system: “Unless you address obesity, you're never going to address rising health care costs.”

Economists have been warning for years that obesity was a driving force behind rising health spending, but it has taken close to a decade for individuals to realize that the theories and warnings were true. And while diabetes, for example, costs $190 billion a year to treat, excess weight is the single greatest risk factor for developing diabetes. Not to mention that obese individuals suffering from diabetes are also the most difficult to treat, due to their higher risk of complications, such as foot ulcers and amputations.

30 percent – one third of the entire nation are obese. And this study did not even take into account individuals who are simply overweight, but not yet obese-this is adds another 40 percent to the already bleak picture.

The Cause

There are a wide variety of factors that contribute to the rising numbers in obesity across the nation. America has largely become a sedentary nation. Almost everyone has a car that they drive to work and/or sit at a desk for at least eight hours a day. With little time to prepare healthy meals, they subsist on a diet of quick snacks packed with preservatives and additives, such as meal bars and fast food. It is estimated that over 60% of Americans are regularly active at a gym, but the problem is that they are compensating for the workout by treating themselves to a latte or a muffin.

Obesity is considered to be a preventable cause of death. It is estimated that only 6% of all obesity cases are a result of genetics. The other 94% of individuals suffering from obesity are obese simply because they have chosen to pursue a sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy food choices.

Interestingly enough, the widespread availability of nutritional guidelines has done little to stem the tide of overheating and poor dietary choice. For example, from 1971 to 2000 the rates of obesity in the United States alone increased from 14.5 percent to 30.9 percent.

It is not completely a food issue, however. Sedentary lifestyles also play a significant role in the obesity epidemic, with a worldwide shift towards work that is less physically demanding than it was even half a century ago. Where children used to spend hours in physical activity, they are now sitting inside playing on their computers, their PlayStations, and their Wiis. Recreational sports requiring physical activity have dropped dramatically around the world as television and computer games have come to replace the physical activities of old.

Still, if you truly desire to be in good shape and not part of the problem that is contributing to the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on wasted healthcare, then taking the steps to become healthy is quite simple. Eat the right type of food, exercise regularly, and stop living your life focused upon the television and computer screen. Take control of your life, or you may find yourself winding up as a statistic.

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When Eating Vegetables is not Enough

Vitamins and vitamin supplements supply specific nutrients to the human body and are vital for excellent health. Vitamin supplements are intended to offer nutritional or dietary value to those individuals who consume them, either filling in nutritional gaps or providing extra nutrients to produce a particular effect or cure a certain ailment. Therefore, supplements are usually taken to complement the daily intake of food to provide additional vitamins that the body will be able to use. Taking vitamin supplements provides an opportunity for individuals to optimize their health, especially if their diet is lacking in one or more substances.

What Are Vitamins?

Vitamins can be defined as nutrients or organic substances that the body needs to maintain normal metabolic functioning. These substances are required for appropriate functionality and ongoing health. With only a few exceptions, vitamins are not produced actively by the body; but must be ingested either through an extremely well-balanced natural diet or through supplementation. In some cases, alternative means exist for obtaining certain quantities of vitamins that can be absorbed by the body. For example, the body absorbs vitamin D from sunlight. Another example of obtaining vitamins from a source other than food is the ingestion of vitamin supplements.

What Types of Vitamins Are There?

Two different types of vitamins exist – water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Typically, water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins are found in different types of foods. This is the main reason why it is important to eat a varied diet.

Fat-soluble vitamins can be obtained by eating fatty foods. They are found in liver, butter, dairy products, and certain types of fish. The body stores these fat-soluble substances within the liver until such time as it needs them. The four fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Water-soluble vitamins can be obtained by ingesting a variety of vegetables and fruits. Since they are not stored in the body but are used immediately, it is necessary to ingest these vitamins on a regular basis. Typically, any excess water-soluble vitamins are eliminated by the body after it absorbs what it requires. The list of water-soluble vitamins includes vitamin B_6, vitamin B_12, vitamin C, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin or vitamin B₂, and Thiamin or vitamin B₁. Since water-soluble vitamins are easy to eliminate through bodily waste, individuals are less likely to overdose on them.

Vitamin Supplements

Avoiding a nutritional deficiency is almost impossible. The sad reality is that the majority of individuals do not consume sufficient varieties of unprocessed foods to ensure adequate nutrition. Vitamin supplements may be used to complement the daily diet in an effort to provide the body with essential nutrients. From healthy skin to strong teeth and bones, vitamins offer the body an opportunity to maintain health and well being. High premium quality vitamin supplements are readily absorbed by the body and provide an added advantage as well. They can be purchased in particular quantities designed to treat a particular condition and restore specific areas of a person’s health; and are often used to counter medical imbalances and disorders.

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A Nutritional Supplement a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Nutritionists present guidelines on dietary values in foods for the general public, and the experts hope that the general public will follow such guidelines to maintain a healthy diet. Those who meticulously follow the guidelines are likely to have flawless skin, a healthy heart, impeccable health and significant energy. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons, the majority of the public cannot or do not follow the recommendations of the experts. Some are too busy to prepare the suggested menus and would rather flock to fast food outlets on their way to and from the daily commitments of work and family. Others may have dietary restrictions, allergies or preferences that prevent them from maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Consult an Expert

Knowledgeable experts on health and fitness will explain the benefits of quality nutritional supplementation to assist individuals in search of optimum health. The information is available from a variety of sources, but some of the best consultants are pharmacists, nutritionists, naturopaths and qualified fitness experts. They will explain the products available (usually on specialized websites dedicated to health and fitness). Optimum fitness requires an excellent and highly nutritious diet, plus a well-planned exercise routine.

Nutritionists and other medical experts often recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements as insurance against nutrients missing from an individual’s diet. Although most individuals endeavor to eat nutritiously, they do not always achieve this goal. Some individuals do not even come close to meeting basic nutritional guidelines in their existing diet. Adding the missing nutrients in the form of supplements is an advisable practice for most individuals and a necessary step for those individuals who have poor nutritional habits. Overuse of these products is possible, but if used correctly the supplements should not produce a health risk.

Wise individuals will select special products that meet their specific medical and nutritional needs. For many, taking a daily multivitamin may be insufficient or result in a nutrient overdose, as it encourage the over-consumption of some nutrients and the under-consumption of others. Many vitamins and minerals are present in unprocessed foods; however, including appropriate amounts of these substances in the diet through natural foods is often difficult. Quality supplements provide the nutrients in a balanced, synergistic, optimized fashion. Quality of components is far superior to large quantities of poorly absorbed or inferior quality ingredients.

Choosing the correct nutritional supplement is an important decision. Overdose and over-consumption of vitamins and minerals is linked to a wide variety of illnesses, so one premium multivitamin/mineral complex is far superior to a dozen bottles of less expensive but poor quality individual components that are poorly manufactured and lacking in many nutrients that aid in the absorptions and utilization of the nutrients by the body. I recommend Bionx Multivitamin/Mineral Complex

Following specialized nutritional therapies may also be beneficial in producing very positive results, as many vitamins and minerals are specifically linked to the treatment of different illnesses.

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Weight Loss via Natural Cleansing

Interest in weight loss has never been higher, and it is easy to understand why as America’s obesity epidemic has become front-page news. But as story after story illustrates, individuals who “diet” rarely lose the weight permanently. Too often their weight ends up on the so-called ‘yo-yo’ path, rising and falling as the new miracle diet or pill of the month is used than abandoned, in the search for the perfect simple solution. To make matters worse, doctors have discovered another hidden danger to this type of dieting: nutritional deprivation.

An Alternative to Traditional Dieting

Nutritional cleansing is one way to jump-start a healthy eating plan, while flooding the body with the crucial vitamins and nutrients to avoid a drop in metabolic rates. A quality nutritional cleanse will provide fluids, vitamins and minerals to naturally enhance energy levels and eliminate toxins from the body. Individuals often report feeling brighter and more “alive” because the body is not taxed by the digestive process and it receives the necessary nutrients for maintenance and purification.

Nutritional cleansing which mandates significant quantities of water to be consumed, which aids both in maintaining metabolic rates and eliminating toxins and the layer of fat cells encapsulating same. The more fluid consumed, the more efficiently the metabolic process operates, and hence the greater number of calories used.

Bodies work optimally, as would be expected, when they are not battling a host of impurities. From chlorine and fluoride in our water, carbon monoxide and particulate matter in our air, chemicals and preservatives in the foods we consume, the burden of our modern environment places tremendous strains on our bodies, depleting our resources. A nutritional cleanse is one way to eliminate those toxins, allowing the body to function as a well-tuned engine, provided that the individual embarks upon a largely unprocessed source of nutrition, a premium multivitamin/mineral complex, antioxidants and a consistent fitness regimen. If these steps are taken, and periodic purification through nutritional cleansing is undertaken, the risks of obesity, invading toxins and associated diseases may be significantly curtailed. While of course genetic factors may come into play, reducing the levels of toxins in the body is one very simple way to reduce the risks associated with disease and illness.

Rest as Important as Exercise

Nutritional cleansing requires rest to enable the body to maximize the benefits of the cleansing ritual. Rest has several important benefits for in any weight loss plan. It allows the body to devote the necessary resources to eliminating toxins and impurities. If one considers the unprecedented number of pollutants in today’s world, it is apparent that significant work is required of the body to eliminate such toxic build-up. Since it is impossible to avoid all forms of toxicity present in the modern environment, steps not required in the past are now a necessity in today’s world of pesticides, automobile emissions, contaminated water supplies, generically-enhanced foods, and hormone-injected meats.

Two natural hormones, leptin and ghrelin, have been shown to be a critical factor in one’s perception of hunger and these hormones are directly affected by the amount and quality of sleep. Give yourself the gift of sleep – for many reasons – but particularly during a deep nutritional cleanse. The results may well amaze you in their efficacy and speed.

When considering your weight loss goals and strategies, consider nutritional cleansing as a way to start yourself on the path to a leaner, stronger you. We strongly recommend ISAGENIX Cleansing Programs, click for more details.

THE DANGERS OF OBESITY

Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States and is a serious issue in most developed countries. Starting with the Industrial Revolution, labor-saving inventions were welcomed into our homes and workplaces, making us far more productive, but also far more sedentary. We no longer beat the rugs; we vacuum carpeting. We do not chop wood; we turn up the thermostat. Rather than walk to town or ride a horse, we drive a car. And we rarely cook foods from scratch, rather we are far more likely to buy packaged foods for convenience, or have a meal in a restaurant.

The Silent Killer

But hidden in the midst of such convenience exist some recently-discovered dangers. Eating more and moving less has created millions of Americans who are overweight, and tens of thousands who have reached the level of obesity. Obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. For someone 5’10” tall, that would equate to weighing over 209 pounds. “Overweight” according to the BMI index, would be between 174 and 208 pounds, or a body mass index of 25 to 29.9.

The most dangerous aspect to obesity is that, in essence, it is a nearly silent killer. Weight is usually gained slowly enough so that the body adjusts, and the effects are not felt for some time. Additionally, many of the most dangerous effects of obesity are hidden inside the body: the strain on the heart, narrowed arteries, and increased blood flow are not easily recognizable symptoms, and hence are easily ignored. But sooner or later, if left unchecked, these tiny cracks in the foundation of one’s health will result in devastating consequences.

Obese individuals have a 50% to 100% greater chance of dying from a given cause than those of normal weight. To make matters worse, extra poundage stresses the body, compromising the immune system, causing such individuals to more easily fatigue, and depressing the immune system. Thus, when an obese individual catches a cold, the flu, or other illness, he or she has far fewer resources for fighting the disease.

Obesity stresses the lungs as well as the heart, resulting in more labored breathing. Reduced lung function may lead to an increase in colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Being overweight and obese has also been shown by several studies to be linked to an increased risk of cancer. Often the specific tie between the cause and effect has yet to be identified, but research indicates that factors such as decreased immune system functionality or increase in the amount of adipose tissue, (where cancer cells are often found) may well play a significant role. Lack of exercise is also a proven risk factor, especially for breast cancer. A study by the Women’s Health Initiative showed that even 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 18%.

The Good News

The good news is that weight is a situation individuals can control. Changes in diet, increases in exercise, talks with a doctor, and evaluation of the many products available to assist in the quest for lower weight can all have a positive impact. Taking control of your weight is the first step in reducing the dangers of obesity to your overall health. Nutritional cleansing has been shown by abundant anecdotal evidence to drastically reduce the level of obesogens present in the body. With the absence of these toxins, the body no longer needs to hold on to the associated fat needed to protect its vital organs. This results in a measurable drop in body fat levels which in turn leads to weight loss. Isagenix Cleansing Programs will give you the head start you need. Order now

Antioxidants

Antioxidants – you hear the word bandied about in the press and on television, but what are they? Supposedly they are good for you, but good in what way? Here are answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about antioxidants.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are naturally-occurring substances found in many foods; they are generally referred to as a member of the vitamin family, and they help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Technically, an antioxidant is any product that slows or prevents the oxidation of other molecules. When oxidation occurs, free radicals are released; it is these free radicals that damage cells in the body. Antioxidants form a ‘buffer’ between the body and such free radicals.

Oxidation within the human body is now being widely studied. It is believed to potentially play a part in, or even be a main cause of, various diseases from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to cancer and strokes. If the body can be protected from the progression of these diseases, or even their onset, individuals would live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.

Different Types of Antioxidants

We are all familiar by now with the most well-known of the antioxidants, vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Although found in both plants and animals, it is abundant in citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, but also in often-overlooked products such as papayas and strawberries.

Melatonin is another antioxidant that significantly impacts overall health. Melatonin has been shown to have an effect on the sleep cycle, and individuals with low melatonin levels often experience poor sleep length and quality. Melatonin easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing its beneficial aspects to enter the cerebrospinal fluid and thereafter the brain. Supplementation with melatonin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of cluster headaches as well as migraines. There is early evidence of interaction with the human immune system, though studies are still being conducted to discover the full extent of this interaction.

Benefits of Antioxidants

Even if all the effects of antioxidants are not yet known, what we do know is that antioxidants form an important part of the human body and thus are of crucial importance to overall health. At therapeutic levels, the beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation may lessen the effects of aging and disease. Even at maintenance levels, antioxidants may help maintain the body at peak condition and vigor.

In addition to the damage wrought by free radicals within the body, external contact with chemicals, heavy metals, tobacco and poisons – just to name a few – expose an individual to a barrage of aging compounds. Antioxidants are the first level of defense. They protect the body from free radicals, and at therapeutic levels may even help repair existing damage.

To ensure that one is consuming adequate amounts of antioxidants, it is wise to consider the use of antioxidant supplements such as The Ultimate Antioxidant from Baseline Nutritionals which provide rich benefits from various plants and herbs. While supplements should not be used as a substitute for unprocessed fruits and vegetables, they are essential for a less than optimal diet.

Meal Replacement Powders

As the incidence of obesity in the American public has reached epidemic proportions, more and more individuals have begun searching for a way to lose weight that fits within their hectic lifestyles. With time for exercise often difficult to find, reducing our food intake is the next best option.

Meal Replacement Powders

The most significant barrier to weight loss is food consumption. Reducing portion size, eliminating comfort foods, and relinquishing long-held habits are difficult for most. Endeavoring to conduct one’s daily affairs while famished is not the answer. And this is precisely why meal replacement powders can assist dieters. Meal replacement powders are high-protein; nutrient-dense, low-fat powders intended to be mixed with milk, fruit juice, or water to create a complete and filling balanced meal. Rather than take the time to prepare a meal or, worse yet, consume highly processed foods, one can quickly and easily prepare a healthy meal replacement shake that will satisfy cravings and satiates appetites in a healthy manner which support the nutritional requirements of the body at a very low caloric expense.

Furthermore, quality meal replacement powders have a low to moderate amount of carbohydrates, which may aid individuals with risk factors for diabetes to moderate their blood sugar levels. Of course, one of the greatest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity, and many who lose sufficient weight have seen their diabetes disappear as well. Additionally, meal replacements are low in sugar and cholesterol, two components that nearly everyone, not simply diabetics, should endeavor to minimize in their diets. Premium meal replacement powders have vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, with no artificial additives and only high-quality ingredients. Thus while losing weight; one is nourishing the body with healthy nutrients to enable optimal cognitive and physiological functionality.

The Numbers

How many calories does the average meal replacement powder consist of? Most meal replacement powders contain 250-350 calories per serving. Compared with the average fast-food meal consisting of 800-1000 calories, the majority of which are composed of sugar and fat and the benefits of meal replacement powders are easily discerned.

While fruits, nut butters and other ingredients can be added to the meal replacement drink for variety, it is advisable to monitor the calorie count. With this caveat, it is clear that meal replacement powders/shakes like IsaLean are one of the easiest ways to continue to move towards enhanced health.

PROTEIN POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION

The resurgence of interest in healthy weight-loss has spurred an interest in overall health, and many individuals have begun asking questions about nutritional supplements. Are they necessary? Can they help? Are they right for me? And the answer is quite simply, yes.

What Are Protein Powers?

A high quality protein powder is made from highly absorbable forms of protein, no fillers and an absence or reduced level of traditional allergens. Many nutritional experts and personal trainers include whey products when constructing personalized nutritional plans for their clients. Whey protein, in particular, contains some compounds that appear to boost immune systems, to enable benefits in addition to weight loss.

Depending upon how the protein is processed, it may be much more easily absorbed by the body than the standard proteins found in eggs, meat, or dairy products. And for those who are lactose-intolerant, protein powders may be much easier on their digestive tract than the proteins in milk or cheese. There can also be a cost benefit. Pound for pound, protein powder provides more protein for less money, as compared to meats, fish or other traditional forms of protein. That said, such powders should be used solely as a supplement as opposed to simply a replacement for natural foods.

Health Benefits

Meats and cheeses have some of the highest percentages of fat of any foods on the market today. Even lower-fat cheese and lean meat contain fair amounts of animal fats, which can be difficult for the digestive system to metabolize. Additionally, they may raise cholesterol levels and elevate risk for heart disease and stroke. Protein powders do not carry the same risks.

Some, of course, are more expensive than others, in part due to the cost of the raw product from which they are made, and in part due to the process of extracting the protein from the base element. Looking to replenish your body quickly after an intense workout? Try a protein powder made from whey protein, as it is easily absorbable and releases its benefits rapidly. Protein powders with casein as their base provide a much slower release. Protein powders are excellent supplements, but it is important to remember that they are not meal replacements. However such protein powders may become an important supplement to one’s overall nutritional plan. I recommend Nutribody Protein, click to order now.

Detoxification

The detoxification movement, traditionally a little-known branch of naturopathy, has been quietly gaining momentum over the past few years and is now poised to enter mainstream health management. During detoxification, one strives to eliminate or purge impurities from the body while minimizing exposure to new poisons. One follows a cleansing diet consists of nutrient rich drinks and foods, and allow extra time for sleep and rest, thus allowing the body to utilize pure foods and drinks to eliminate toxins.

What is Detoxification?

Fasting, the simplest form of detoxification has been used as part of health and religious practices since the commencement of recorded history. There are many records of individuals fasting and praying, and the benefits of periodic fasting are well-documented. Rest is usually one aspect to a proper cleanse. Resting during the day or sleeping longer periods at night allows the body to use its energy for improved well-being. When we are up and about, fighting off the environmental toxins that surround us is virtually a full-time job; resting during the detoxification process is necessary and allows the body to cleanse itself more efficiently.

Many of today’s detoxification plans encourage the consumption of pure foods and beverages that support the body’s ability to heal itself. Fruits, vegetables, herbs and filtered water are some of the more common components. Detoxification is centered in the concept of enabling the body’s natural immune system to function naturally. When we eat packaged, salted, preserved or unnatural foods, we tax our bodies in ways we are only now becoming cognizant of. Detoxification allows our bodies to enjoy a proverbial “breather”. During detoxification, only “whole” foods, such as whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and clean, healthy water are consumed, precluding chemicals and preservatives so prevalent in modern-day meals.

Easier than Ever Before

For those who do not want to research the various combinations that support detoxification, there are a few quality products that perform the nutritional cleansing or detoxification process quickly and easily like Isagenix Cleansing Programs. Typically, homeopathic doctors are much more likely to be well-versed in detoxification and cleansing. Although it has been used for centuries, the mainstream medical profession in the United States often does not recognize its benefits.

The liver and colon have long been recognized as essential to optimal health. They regulate not only the benefits reaped from the food and drink consumed, but also how quickly waste products are eliminated. Detoxification can be used to periodically cleanse the body of nutrients. Modern weight-loss programs suggest starting with a detoxification period in order to prepare the body for a new, healthier regimen. It is a new idea that has been in existence for centuries.

Purifying Yourself through Nutritional Cleansing

In this modern environment, we are battered by chemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and yes, even poisons on a daily basis. Our bodies are fully capable of eliminating certain issues fairly easily; liver, intestines and colon are designed simply for that purpose. But Mother Nature never imagined the pollution that humans would unleash on the planet, and our bodies have not adapted sufficiently to eliminate the toxins wrought by the industrial age. Over time, these pollutants escalate within the body, impacting the physiological and cognitive functioning. This is where nutritional cleansing may be able to assist.

What Nutritional Cleansing Does

Nutritional cleansing provides the body with pure, healthy, nutritionally dense liquids, replenishing energy levels and providing the strength to eliminate toxins and pollutants. The pure foods included in a nutritional cleanse are blended in ratios to provide the body with its requirements for optimum health. When the body’s requirements are met, the excess toxins and pollutants may be eliminated naturally.

No area on our planet is safe from environmental and man-made pollutants. They have even been found in Antarctic ice! If toxins travel to the four corners of the globe, it is inevitable that our bodies contain such poisonous materials. One need look no further than the recent evidence of BPA (Bisphenol A) contamination; the chemical found in plastics included in products ranging from baby bottles to Nalgene water containers. Indeed, the FDA has found that the plastic may leach these chemicals into whatever liquid or food is included inside the container. This plastic typically is labeled with the number 7 for easy identification.

A more common plastic is one labeled with the number 1 on the container, and concerns have been raised that this type of plastic may leach polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE, into its contents. This plastic is used for most disposable water and soda bottles, and thus the cumulative effect of PETE exposure over years can create a tremendous stress on an individual’s body.

Reestablishing the Body’s Balance

Nutritional cleansing helps to bring one back into balance. Infusing the body with healthy substances rather than chemicals and toxins is the first step to optimal health. Many individuals who start nutritional cleansing report feelings of purity after only one day of detoxification. Of course, depending upon the level of toxins in each body, it may actually take up to a week to feel the effects. Nutritional cleansing is new, but is gaining momentum rapidly for a very good reason – the benefits are numerous based upon anecdotal and testimonial evidence.

Provide your body with what it needs via nutritional cleansing. Treat your body to healthy support, rather than living with unwholesome toxins. You will notice the difference! I personally recommend Isagenix Cleansing Programs.

Just One Cigarette Makes the Heart Work Harder

While social smokers, who claim to enjoy a cigarette on occasion, may believe themselves to be free from the dangers that face the true nicotine addict, it now appears that just one cigarette is all that is necessary to adversely affect the circulatory system.

Smoking Stiffens Arteries

A recent study conducted by the McGill University Health Center in Canada examined the effect of smoking on arterial stiffness, which is an important factor in determining how hard a heart must work to perform its basic functionality.

Researchers led by Dr. Stella Daskalopoulou studied the effects of smoking on people between the ages of 18 and 30 and discovered some shocking results, likely to be of concern to even the least active social smoker. The survey examined the arterial stiffness of both smokers and non-smokers while at rest and after exercise. While non-smokers’ arteries responded well to physical exertion – demonstrating a noticeable drop in arterial stiffness after even a small amount of exercise – the smokers’ vessels became 2.2 percent stiffer with exercise, 12.6 percent stiffer after chewing a piece of nicotine gum and 24 percent stiffer after smoking only one cigarette.

The results are alarming because stiffened arteries force the heart to work harder and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hearts Working Harder

Dr. Daskalopoulou noted that her team’s research indicated that arterial damage, compromising the body’s ability to respond to physical exertion, was likely the first damage inflicted when an individual begins his or her smoking habit. She added that the oxygen circulation of the smoker was not only compromised while indulging in this addiction, but that lingering effects continued to impact their system.

Young Smokers’ Systems Compromised

Dr. Daskalopoulou stated, “In effect, this means that even light smoking in otherwise healthy young people can damage the arteries, compromising the ability of their bodies to cope with physical stress, such as climbing a set of stairs or running to catch a bus. It seems that this compromised ability to respond to physical stress occurs first, before the damage of the arteries becomes evident at rest.”

Anti-smoking campaigners will not be surprised by the revelation. Pursuant to Heart and Stroke Federation spokeswoman, Dr. Beth Abramson, the study served only to reiterate the importance of the long-standing efforts to alert individuals to the very real dangers of smoking.

Protection Against Smoke Damage

While time and money will continue to be poured into efforts to prevent new smokers from starting down the path to compromised circulation, established smokers may be asking what they can do to reverse the damage.

Most important is of course to case smoking completely, and while the preparation and process may take some time, holistic practitioners recommend augmenting the diet with supplements such as vitamin C, and the antioxidant grape seed oil which can help equip the body to fight against the ravages wrought by smoking.

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Is it Possible to Counteract the Risks of Smoking?

Smoking is hazardous to one’s health. Smoking causes cancer. Smoking harms unborn babies. Second-hand smoke poses an increasing number of health-related risks. These are the warnings printed on the packaging of tobacco products in some countries across the world today. And yet, despite these dire warnings, some of which are accompanied by graphic pictures of diseased lungs and cancerous tongues, many individuals continue their smoking habit, or worse, begin to smoke, despite the research, in the 21^st century.

The highly addictive nature of nicotine is widely recognized, and eliminating this addiction is an arduous task requiring a strong will and great determination, albeit there are alternative techniques, such as acupuncture, NLP, and hypnotherapy that have proven successful for some individuals. Irrespective of the alternatives for cessation of smoking, the fact is that smoking is once again rising as a habit across a wide spectrum of individuals, of varying ages and socioeconomic status.

Smoking on the Rise

Estimates approximate that 1,000 individuals begin the nicotine habit each day in America. This figure accounts for a one percent rise in the number of smokers in the country in 2008, when health officials were celebrating an all time low in the smoking rate for the US. The figures make for depressing reading, particularly for health professionals and anti-smoking campaigners, who have worked tirelessly over the past 50 years to reduce the number of smoking related illnesses and deaths in countries throughout the world.

Fighting Smoking Related Illness

While the first generations to die of cigarette related cancers could not have known what fate their habit might bring, the same cannot be said for the smokers of today, which makes the decision to start or continue smoking even more incomprehensible. And while work to address the numbers of smokers will continue, some have begun to question what can be done by way of damage mitigation for those who insist upon continuing this unhealthy habit.

Supplements for Smokers

Some holistic practitioners have begun to suggest that perhaps health levels amongst smokers might be improved by education on counteracting the damaging effects of the chemicals contained in cigarette smoke, which toxins have been shown to correlate with diseases such as lung, bladder and bowel cancer, as well as an array of cardiovascular diseases.

One school of thought is that supplements should be introduced to the diet to balance the chemical intake caused by smoking. While nearly every individual would benefit from a premium multivitamin supplement, smokers may wish to consider additional supplements tailored to meet the specific needs of their weakened immune systems.

A vitamin C supplement is an excellent addition to the smoker’s regime as this nutrient is quickly depleted by nicotine in the blood stream. Other recommended dietary supplements for smokers include CoQ10 – an enzyme with antioxidant properties currently undergoing scientific testing as a possible weapon in the fight against cancers – and grape seed extract, which contains antioxidants useful in the prevention of heart disease.

Smokers Should Protect Themselves

While the best defense against smoking related illness is cease the habit entirely, smokers who find this difficult should explore alternative techniques while paying enhanced attention to their nutritional needs, supplementing their diet with vitamins and antioxidants where possible to provide the best possibility of resisting cigarette related damage.

We strongly recommend Bionx Multivitamin/Mineral Complex, to mitigate smoking related damage.

Do We Need an Appendix?

The debate has raged on for years as to what, if any, purpose the appendix serves. The current theory is that the appendix at one point in time helped to digest the roughage that our ancestors consumed when their diet was largely comprised of raw foods. Many researchers theorize that our appendix is quite simply a useless organ that might have been important at one point in our evolutionary process, but now serves virtually no function. Indeed, it is true that the appendix can sometimes become blocked and inflamed, creating a condition known as appendicitis, in which the appendix can potentially rupture and, if untreated, may prove fatal. Hence, most medical professionals consider the appendix to be nothing more than a potential liability. Many doctors are willing to remove healthy appendixes during other, routine operations. But are modern doctors missing something?

The answers vary widely. A study by the University of Miami published in the 2003 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology went so far as to suggest that the removal of an appendix during “benign gynecologic procedures does not increase post-operative complication rates or length of hospital stay.” Most doctors subscribe to this belief, advocating that the removal of a healthy appendix results in neither longer hospital stays nor any form of post-surgical complications, and many actually recommend performing appendectomies during common procedures to avoid potential problems with appendicitis later in a patient's life.
However, the other school of thought relies upon the belief that if humans do evolve, then why do our bodies still retain an appendix if it is not used for any known purpose? Could the appendix be helping with the overall health of an individual's body? Is it in fact nothing more than a useless piece of tissue? Recent research appears to demonstrate that the appendix may actually play an important role in helping to maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract, thus contributing to a stronger immune system.

A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology by a group of researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine at the Arizona State University, concluded that the appendix is in essence a safe-house for symbiotic gut microbes that help preserve internal flora during times of gastrointestinal infection, stating that “this function is potentially a selective force for the evolution and maintenance of the appendix, and provides an impetus for reassessment of the evolution of the appendix.” According to the researchers, the appendix is a specialized organ that has helped maintain humanity's grasp on health for more than 80 million years, and without the appendix the symbiotic relationship between bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract might well be severely diminished, if not destroyed, leading to the eventual inability to properly digest foods and absorb nutrients. While this research is by no means conclusive, and further studies into the area need to be undertaken before a final conclusion can be made, it is certainly worthy of note for those who might otherwise blindly follow traditional teachings.

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Is Food Better Consumed in a Raw Versus Cooked State for Ultra Nutrition?

Raw foodism started out as a trend amongst vegetarians and health buffs, but over the years it has transformed into its own lifestyle that promotes the consumption of raw foods, or rather foods that are consumed in an un-cooked and un-processed form. The belief is that raw food contains a variety of enzymes that are destroyed during the cooking or processing of the food; enzymes that would contribute to a healthy lifestyle. There are quite a few varieties of raw food groups, ranging from raw veganism, where only raw plant foods are consumed, to those who consume raw animal products and raw meat. There are typically three types of raw foodists: raw vegans, raw omnivores, and raw carnivores.

This lifestyle or philosophy towards food goes beyond simply the beneficial enzymatic properties in the food itself. Studies have shown that carrots contain a chemical known as falcarinol, which has been linked to significant decreases in the risk of tumor development in laboratory rats, and when a carrot is peeled and chopped prior to consumption, this chemical is released from the carrot and is reduced by 25% or more.

Some of the earliest research into raw foodism was conducted by E.B. Forbes and Dr. Edward Howell, both of whom argue that cooked food not only weakens the strength of an individual's teeth, but also more importantly destroys some of the natural enzymes, which are critical aspect of proper health, especially in the digestive process. However, there are also downsides that should also be reviewed. For instance, some types of plants or even animals contain poisonous aspects, which, if consumed in raw format could potentially be dangerous. Furthermore, studies have shown that cooked tomatoes contain a greater percentage of lycopenes (the component that provides tomatoes with their red color) as opposed their raw counterparts. Studies by Dr. Rui Hai Lui and colleagues at Cornell University demonstrated that trans-lycopene rose by 54%, 171% and 164% during cooking times of 2 minutes, 15 minutes or 30 minutes, respectively. Similarly, cis-lycopene levels rose by 6%, 17% and 35% and antioxidants increased by 28%, 34% and 62%.

Furthermore, raw vegans who refuse to consume any type of animal by-products are generally found to present with lowered bone density and corresponding ailments, such as tooth decay and osteoarthritis as a result of a severe lack of calcium in their bodies. Other raw omnivorous diets have resulted in severe underweight issues, and still others have shown severe vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B-12, when certain types of food groups are eliminated.

If you are interested in pursuing a raw food lifestyle, it is vital to discuss it with your licensed medical practitioner in advance. While it is true that there are certain benefits from consuming raw food, it is also important that you understand the potential side effects of certain types of food or animal by-products which need to be cooked in some manner prior to consumption. Before embarking on a certain diet, ensure that you are informed as to potential risks, and determine whether your individual constitution would benefit or do poorly from such a regime.

The Relationship between Fish and Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a medical condition that generally only affects older adults as a result of the wear and tear on the eyes. The results are generally a loss of vision in the center of the visual field due to damage to the retina. It can cause a variety of complications, such as difficulty in reading and recognizing faces, much less driving and other vision-oriented tasks. Ironically, peripheral vision is generally not affected which allows individuals to maintain their daily routines, albeit at a reduced pace.

Over the years the consumption of fish, and fish by-products, has been shown to have a wide variety of beneficial side effects. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish have been clinically proven to help with depression levels during pregnancy, and oily fish has been long known to provide increased cognitive abilities to those individuals consuming it on a regular basis. One of the most recent concepts suggests that eating several servings of oily fish per week could halt the progression of macular degeneration, according to a study performed by researchers at Tufts University, as published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Previous research has shown that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can actually decrease an individual’s risk of developing macular degeneration by roughly 30%. This current study examined those numbers to determine whether or not a diet rich in omega-3s could also benefit individuals already suffering from the disease. What they found was that individuals who were in the early stages of the disease who consumed a diet high in omega-3s had a 25% reduced probability of their disease progressing to the more advanced stage. In addition, individuals suffering from advanced forms of macular degeneration that began consuming a diet high in omega-3s in conjunction with supplemental antioxidant vitamins and minerals, showed a decreased risk of 50% of acceleration of the disease.

While the research itself is not conclusive evidence it does suggest that there is yet another reason to consume high levels of omega-3 as part of a balanced nutritional regimen. Based upon the findings of the study, the researchers involved recommend consumption of between two and three servings of fatty fish every week, suggesting that a meal high in omega-3s might actually alter the blood fat levels, making them less harmful to the eye itself.

Interestingly enough, the research showed that the risk reductions were the same in both wet and dry forms of the disease, suggesting that macular degeneration could potentially be substantially reduced provided that a proper diet is maintained throughout the course of an individual's life. Even so, it should be noted that the reduced risks are not necessarily indicative of complete protection from the disease, simply a reduced chance of developing it over time.

Are There Benefits to Eating Fermented Food?

Fermentation has long been known to be an excellent way to preserve food, often being used to ensure that vitamin-rich foods can be served fresh, regardless of when the food was first harvested. According to traditional Chinese medicine there are actually five different flavors of fermented food: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent. Each flavor corresponds with a specific type of effect and all five need to be consumed in a balanced setting for optimal health. Not only are fermented foods high in vitamins and minerals, but they also provide the body with beneficial microflora that are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

The philosophy believes that each type of flavor points to a specific aspect in the food. For example, fermented vegetables have a distinctive sour flavor that corresponds to a specific element in the vegetable that is believed to benefit the liver and gallbladder. Author Sandor Ellix Katz, the author of the book Wild Fermentation, specifically credits fermented foods as being the sole reason for his superior health and energy, despite having lived with AIDS for many years.

The scientific explanation behind fermented foods is fairly simple. Cultured vegetables contain many healthy bacterial cultures, such as lactobacillus. Pursuant to numerous clinical studies, the more healthy types of microflora an individual has within their body the stronger their immune system, and the better the receptors in the body will function when exposed to dangerous bacteria and viruses. Not only are fermented vegetables high in healthy bacteria, but they are also high in antioxidants. They assist the body in breaking down and preserving nutrients, as well as stimulating the creation of new cultures within the body, which form numerous types of vitamin B, such as folic acid, niacin, and thiamin. Additionally, fermented grains help to remove toxins from food, such as phytic acid, which can block the absorption of calcium and iron. Fermented grains function as a neutralizer of this acid.

One of the most common types of fermented foods is sauerkraut, which is essentially nothing more than fermented cabbage. Pickles are another form of fermented food, as well as carrots, scallions, onions, broccoli and cauliflower. All that is necessary is to chop or slice a chosen vegetable into tiny pieces, mix them in a large bowl, apply salt and stir. As you stir, the salt helps to release the liquid residing inside the vegetables. Pour the mixture into a jar - vegetables generally require a minimum of four to seven days to ferment. Open the jar daily to release pressure and check the flavor, then store in the refrigerator once it has achieved the desired taste.

Correlation Between Eating Too Quickly and Overeating

Obesity Epidemics and ‘Loss of Control’ Eating
It is becoming common knowledge that wealthy Western countries such as the USA are facing what is increasingly referred to as an ‘obesity epidemic’. A report published in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2007 made reference to a tripling in the prevalence of pediatric overweight issues in recent years – a development which may well have serious health implications for a new generation of Americans. As a major public health issue, making sense of why and how individuals become overweight is of pressing concern.

The researchers who wrote this report investigated the eating behaviors of 445 children and adolescents, and concluded that youths who experienced ‘Loss of Control’ (‘LOC’) eating episodes were significantly more at risk of obesity than others. Loss of Control eating was described to the youngsters as ‘like a ball running downhill’ in order to convey the sense that it is often experienced as an unstoppable phenomenon. As with adults who experienced it, the regular occurrence of LOC eating was associated with obesity and psychological distress (subjects felt ashamed and unhappy both about their behavior and their overweight appearance, negative emotions which in themselves contributed to further LOC eating episodes).

Clearly, finding ways of interrupting and preventing loss of control eating may be an important key to promoting healthy weight amongst both young and old alike. But just how is LOC eating associated with unhealthy weight gain? What physiological and hormonal responses might be involved?

Rapid Eating and Appetite Regulation
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM) has indeed identified a possible physiological mechanism for LOC eating. Loss of control eating is associated with eating very quickly, and the rapidity of food ingestion is a key factor in weight gain. Eating too quickly leads to over-consumption rather than satiation, and there is a physical cause for the result: rapid food ingestion inhibits the secretion of hormones which are normally released when food enters the stomach – hormones which inform the brain that food satiation has been reached. In other words, these hormones effectively signal the brain to stop any further eating behavior. Two hormones in particular (Peptide YY and Glucagon-like Peptide-1) have been shown in previous studies to be associated with appetite regulation; they are released after eating and act on the brain to generate feelings of fullness and satisfaction. Eating behavior stops once the hormones have been activated.

The new study specifically considered the effect of different rates of eating on the release of appetite-regulating hormones. Subjects were all asked to eat the same meal (300ml of ice cream) but at different rates. Blood samples measuring the levels of plasma lipids, glucose, insulin and appetite-regulating hormones were taken before the meal and at intervals of 30 minutes after eating had commenced, ending at 210 minutes. Subjects who took a full 30 minutes to eat their ice cream showed significantly higher concentrations of both Peptide YY and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 as compared with those who ate much more quickly. Subjectively, the slower eaters also reported higher levels of food satiety.

Time to Slow Down
The researchers suggest that the high-technology, high-speed modern world we live in may be contributing to rapid eating: far more people are tempted to ‘snatch a quick bite’ while essentially on the move, rather than sitting down to a proper leisurely meal time. In a nutshell, it could well be that high pressure working conditions, which permit insufficient time to eat properly, are encouraging individuals to fall into a rapid eating pattern. The result is over-consumption and dissatisfaction, a lamentable combination that fosters further rapid over-consumption.

The implications of the research are actually rather pragmatic, provided there are no entrenched psychopathological factors contributing to over-consumption. Where eating is associated with desperate, ‘quick-fix’ counter-depressive measures, for example, the emotional issues may have to be addressed before (or alongside) the implementation of a practical eating strategy. But some simple practical measures can be identified.

Most importantly, the key message is: ‘Slow Down!’ Slowing down the pace of eating makes it considerably harder to overeat. Eating a meal little by little, pausing every now and then, allows the brain more time to receive the hormonal messages, enabling it to generate conscious feelings of fullness much more effectively (it is estimated that the stomach takes approximately 20 minutes from the commencement of eating to produce the appetite-regulating hormones).

Unlike rapid eating, slow eating has no adverse effects on health and will produce only positive health benefits, chiefly by significantly reducing the risk of obesity through over- consumption. Moreover, it fosters a different form of food enjoyment as compared to that of instantaneous re-fuelling: people begin to taste food more fully when they eat slowly, savoring and appreciating it, pleasures which not only encourage further slower eating but a desire to eat better quality food. Indirectly, a more leisurely pace of eating may restore a kind of social pleasure to eating – sitting down to a meal with friends or work colleagues is intrinsically more pleasurable than swallowing fast food between phone calls or while walking back to the office.

Finally, as everyone who has eaten too rapidly knows all too well, eating quickly predisposes individuals to unpleasant side-effects such as gastro esophageal reflux (or heartburn). In this instance, it truly is healthier to be slow.

Practical and straightforward though the ‘slow down’ message may sound, it does appear to fly in the face of powerful cultural trends. The speed of life appears to be increasing, not decreasing, and finding the brake pedal – even simply for a modestly leisurely lunch – may be much more difficult to institute in practice. It is likely to be more successfully if engaged in as a collective exercise, rather than an individual one. Recruiting just one friend or work colleague for lunch – even once or twice a week at the outset – is at least a beginning. And a small group might well establish a new culture.

Its all about eating the right stuff at the right pace. UltraFitnessDynamics