The Secrets Of Protein And Weight Loss

Protein is essential to our bodies and can be a tremendous aid on your quest to lose weight. Eating plenty of protein while dieting (or any time) will help keep your body from burning muscle tissue instead of fat. Also, it helps build and preserve lean muscle tissue. If eaten properly, protein can be your best ally when dieting.

Studies have shown that people eating a diet high in protein typically burn more fat than those eating a low-protein diet. One reason this occurs is because of the thermic effect. The thermic effect is the energy our body uses to consume and process food. Calories are burned during the process. Since protein requires more energy to digest, more calories are burned in the process and less fat is stored in the body. On the other hand, carbohydrates and dietary fat are much easier to digest, but they are quickly turned to body fat and few calories are burned.

A Day’s Work for Protein and Weight Loss

One day may consist of many meals or only a few. Consider this – the thermic effect is at its peak about an hour after you eat. Therefore, it’s important how you take in your calories throughout the day. If you eat three large meals and a snack or two in one day, your body works extra hard about an hour after each meal to process the food. The problem is your body will become extremely fatigued while trying to process large meals. This causes you to be less active and to burn fewer calories.

One way to get your body moving in the digestion process is to eat five to six small meals per day. Eating small meals will enable your body to digest and burn calories without burning you out. The meals will be easier to digest, and by adding more protein, you’ll be burning calories more often throughout the day! This is why protein and weight loss go hand in hand.

Sources of Protein

There are many sources of protein, from food to vitamin supplements. You shouldn’t eat only protein because your body needs many other sources of good nutrition as well. You can, however, add more protein to your diet and eat a healthy balance of all necessary foods. Adding more protein increases your metabolism so your body can more easily burn all calories.

Some of the richest sources of protein include meat, chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, and cheese. There are also plant proteins, which are found in beans (soy beans included), nuts and seeds, pumpkin and squash seed kernels, and lentils.

There are also other sources of protein such as vitamin supplements. These nutritional supplements and others offer an easy source of protein without having to eat so many meals throughout the day.

As you can see, protein can contribute tremendously to your dieting efforts. Use the guide above about protein and weight loss to start living healthier today!

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Tea Tree Oil And Treatment Of Boils

A boil is an inflamed area, usually based in a hair follicle, and can be caused by a physical condition such as diabetes, acne, or severe dermatitis and can also result from low immunity, irritations, an illness, stress, food allergy, poor diet, shaving, plucking hairs or poor hygiene. A boil usually starts as a tender area, becoming hard and swelling, and eventually softening and forming a head. The head is filled with bacteria and the white blood cells fighting the infection (pus). Staphylococcus is the bacteria that is usually found in the pus of a boil.

The bacteria involved are those usually present on healthy skin, so the boil is an indication of low resistance to infection.

It is advised not to lance the boil, because bacteria can spread to nearby skin and create new boils. Apply hot packs for up to 20 minutes at a time, throughout the day, as the heat draws more white blood cells, thereby helping to fight the infection. Do not cover with a bandaid. Wash with tea tree oil soap and apply antiseptic cream containing tea tree oil. A drop or two of tea tree oil may also be applied directly to the boil. Dab it on with a piece of clean cotton, do not rub or otherwise irritate the boil.

Procedure to be followed periodically throughout the day:

Dab some tea tree oil onto the boil with a piece of cotton to help bring it to a head, then cover with a piece of gauze. Cover the gauze with a damp washcloth, followed by a dry towel and then apply a heating pad. Leave on a low temperature for about 15 minutes. Change your dressing and reapply the tea tree oil. The oil helps bring the boil to a head while the warm compress helps pull the infection out of the skin; the tea tree oil then acts as an antiseptic and antibiotic on the bacteria in the pus. Be sure to throw away the gauze each time, and wash your hands with tea tree oil soap each time you handle the gauze or touch the boil.

Sometimes a boil’s bacteria can spread to a lymph node that is nearby. If there is a boil on the neck, check the lymph glands for swelling and tenderness. You should visit a doctor if this occurs, also if there is fever or lethargy. It’s important to learn to listen to your body and recognize when tea tree oil treatment will be enough, and when you need the help of a doctor.

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Celiac Disease And Loosing Weight

Many celiacs lose weight before they are diagnosed; indeed it is often one of the reasons people go to their doctors in the first place.

Once on a gluten-free diet the symptoms disappear, and as a result of better absorption or simply eating more, some people gain too much weight.

Losing weight should be based on eating sensibly rather than lurching from one diet to another. Be wary of low carbohydrate diets, as high protein diets can cause acidosis, which in turn can lead to calcium being lost from the bones.

You should always check the ingredients of any low calorie / low fat / low carbohydrate products as they may use ingredients containing gluten to thicken or stabilize the product. These are often wheat based.

Moderation is the key. Don’t deprive yourself but be honest with yourself. Snacking and raiding the fridge can add huge amounts of empty calories.

Consider the relationship you have with food – if you are using it to compensate for feeling unhappy it is better to deal with the underlying problem rather than use food. You end up with both the unhappiness and a weight problem.

It is quite useful to keep a food diary for a week before attempting to change your diet. (This refers to weight loss only, you must stick to your gluten-free diet at all times.) Look for empty calories, hidden fats and sugar. Stop alcohol drinking. Cut down on convenience foods as they are usually high in fat, sugar and salt.

The best way to lose weight is to:

Eat regular meals, particularly breakfast.

Consider your portion control, and use a smaller plate.

Don’t feel you have to eat everything on your plate. Always stop eating when you are full!

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables – at least 5 portions a day,

Fill up on vegetables – if it is green and leafy or red you can eat as much as you like

Eat potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and parsnips in moderation

The way you cook food is important –

Remember frying, roasting or putting loads of butter on vegetables adds lots of fat and calories – beware

Cut out the snacks – they are often very high in fat and or sugar. If you must eat between meals eat fruit, carrot or celery sticks

Be sensible with carbohydrates -chose wholemeal rather than white bread, rice and pasta as it takes more calories for the body to digest, you feel full for longer and they have a higher level of vitamins and minerals. Eat them in moderation

Trim fat off meat and don’t eat the skin of fish or poultry – there is a high concentration of fat just under the skin

Beware hidden calories in drinks / snacks – a single tin of non- diet fizzy drink contains the equivalent of 7 teaspoonful of sugar

Crisps / biscuits / cakes / chocolate / sweets should be a treat they are laden with fat, salt and sugar

Alcohol is high in calories; approximately 80 calories for a small glass of wine. (1 unit). Stop drinking alcohol.

Cut your intake of salt – sodium can increase blood pressure.

Eating and weight are like the seesaw at the park. One end represents the calories you take in – what you eat. The other end is the calories you use in your daily activities including exercise.

If you eat more calories than you use you will put on weight. The seesaw will go up – as will your weight.

If you eat fewer calories than you use you will lose weight. The seesaw will go down – as will your weight.

Drink plenty of water – it will purify the system and help to make you feel full.

Drinking ice-cold water will burn off more calories than drinking water at room temperature.

It is vital that you follow a sensible balanced diet when you are trying to lose weight, ensuring you get enough vitamins and minerals if you want to remain healthy.

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Fight Prostate Cancer In Its Early Stages With A Prostate Self Test

Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest diseases among men, and yet many men are unaware that they have the disease until it’s too late. Next to heart attacks, prostate cancer is the leading cause of death for men. Though frequent prostate testing can be less than pleasant (as are many exams such as colon testing or heart stress tests), it’s pertinent in the fight of cancer through early detection and treatment.

Early detection through a prostate examination can help you and your doctor determine a course of action to help your prostate potentially heal itself or to surgically remove the prostate gland in time before the disease becomes fatal. Prostate testing reveals if the prostate gland is swollen. Even minimal swelling of the prostate can be a sign that it is getting sick though some prostate gland enlargement often occurs as men age. In some cases, men have been completely healed because early detection of a swollen prostate.

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder, and is normally about the size of a walnut. It surrounds the urethra, and its main function is to carry urine (out of the bladder) and semen through the penis. A man with prostate cancer may experience symptoms such as becoming incontinent or increased urinating frequency, painful ejaculation during sexual intercourse, or pain or a burning sensation while urinating. But with proper testing through a doctor or prostate self test, swelling can be detected before any of these symptoms appear.

Benefits of Prostate Self Tests

Thankfully, there are now prostate self tests that can be performed at home to help in the early detection of this disease. A man who is uncomfortable visiting the doctor may find a prostate self test to be a great solution. The prostate self test works similar to testing in the doctor’s office, and should be completed at least once every six months.

A prostate self test involves drinking a certain given amount of water and then using a special medical tool, which can be obtained at any local pharmacy without a prescription, or it can even be obtained online. It is an easy process that any man can do, and the test results can be read using simple instructions. The prostate self test reveals if the prostate gland is swollen. Though the prostate self test is not meant to replace regular doctor visits, it can be used as an in-between testing method to keep check on the state of your prostate gland. If you detect swelling through a prostate self test, do see a doctor right away for further examination and to determine if treatment is needed.

Prostate self tests can be obtained online, and detailed explanations are provided to help you use the test properly. These tests also make excellent gifts for any man over the age of 25. Give the gift of life to yourself or a friend or loved one.

With a prostate self test, you can avoid having so many unpleasant doctor visits while staying on top of your male health. Frequent testing is one of the primary preventive measures to help you live a longer, healthier life. Take care of your prostate health with a prostate self test today!

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Consider Mattress Reviews Before Buying A Mattress To Avoid Back Pain

There is nothing more welcome than a comfortable mattress after a tough day at office. A good mattress provides support and comfort, which are prerequisites of sound sleep. The right kind of mattress also helps to be away from back pain. If you intend buying a mattress, you may visit a store and ask for Mattress Reviews from the salesperson. Mattress Reviews are handy tools to help you decide on the type of mattress you should buy.

You would find a wide variety of mattresses at the mattress store. Look into some Mattress Reviews to ascertain their benefits. If you are seeking a mattress that gives maximum support and firmness, you should opt for innerspring mattresses. The growing number of young people with back pain can find a good ally in an air mattress. Air mattresses are known to provide relief from back pain. You will be amazed to note that you can actually purchase a mattress to help your allergy. Memory foam mattresses eliminate allergens to ensure a good night’s sleep night after night.

While going through mattress reviews, take a good look at mattress sizes. A single mattress is 75″ in length and 39″ in width. This smallest sized mattress is also known as twin sized mattress. A variation of the twin sized mattress, the twin extra long mattress, comes with 5 inches of extra length. Its dimension is 39″ x 80″. Full sized mattresses are also known as double sized mattresses, which measure 54″ x 75″. These mattresses can accommodate two people, with each person having a space of 27″. This space is even lesser than that of a twin mattress. Queen sized mattresses are sized 60″ x 80″, while king sized mattresses measure 76″ x 80″.

Firmness of a mattress defines comfort levels. Apart from the type and size, your Mattress Reviews should include the firmness factor as well. The resistance a mattress provides to body weight can be termed as firmness. It also includes proper distribution of body weight, support and comfort level. The proper balance of body weight and support is essential to keep away the back pain. Make sure that you consider the aspects mentioned here before buying a mattress.

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Excessive Snoring: What It Could Mean To You

It may be difficult to know whether you suffer from typical or excessive snoring. A large part of the problem comes from the fact that it can be difficult to diagnose your own snoring habits while you are asleep. Perhaps the most useful information would come from a spouse, who may be awoken through the night as a result of the snoring. He/she will be more familiar with your snoring and may be able to offer an opinion as to whether they notice excessive snoring.

So, just what is excessive snoring? Perhaps it could best be defined as repetitive, loud, disruptive and continual. Regular snoring is often the result of the airway passages becoming restricted through the night. This is generally caused by the fatty tissues relaxing in the back of the throat and causing a vibration, which is snoring. Excessive snoring, however, may be a sign of something much more serious. In fact, excessive snoring is a direct symptom of sleep apnea. Sufferers of this disorder actually stop breathing on more than one occasion during the night. This results from the airways becoming completely blocked and, if left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to heart disease, a stroke or other serious medical problem.

If you suffer from excessive snoring, it may be time to consider visiting the doctor for a proper diagnosis. If it is determined that you have sleep apnea, you may need treatment to prevent the disorder from causing further problems. If you simply suffer from excessive snoring, there may be various snoring remedies that can curb your nighttime nuisance. Among them, sleeping on your side instead of your back, ridding your home of allergens, losing weight if previously diagnosed with obesity, quitting cigarettes and alcohol, etc. In addition, some anti-snoring devices may be able to stop snoring immediately. One such device, known as the Sleep Genie, is doctor approved and comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during sleep. It is virtually impossible to snore with your mouth closed, which is why the Sleep Genie is popular among snoring sufferers. It is important to remember that the Sleep Genie is not intended to cure sleep apnea, but rather help to eliminate snoring and add better quality sleep.

One of the most effective ways to cure sleep apnea is through weight loss. Obesity is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea and, therefore, is a large part of it’s cure. By beginning a well-balanced program consisting of diet and exercise, you will not only be helping to cure sleep apnea, but also taking a big step toward warding off future illnesses associated with obesity.

It is important to remember that only a physician can properly diagnose sleep apnea. This is confirmed through a series of questions and possibly a sleep study, which is when the patient spends the night at a sleep center where there breathing patterns are monitored. After every possible attempt to cure sleep apnea has proven unsuccessful, a physician may recommend surgery. Before electing for surgery, the patient should be aware of all risks associated with the procedure. At the same time, it is very important to cure sleep apnea or suffer the increased risks of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Many physicians will recommend use of a device called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which provides continual air pressure for the sufferer throughout the night. Some users of the CPAP machine find additional comfort with the Sleep Genie, which helps the mouth to remain closed and prevents the escape of the CPAP air treatments. While not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, the Sleep Genie often provides for better quality sleep to sufferers.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

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Healthy Ways To Boost Your Energy

Getting an energy boost that can keep you going all day often means sacrificing good nutrition. Few foods give you the kick that a cup of coffee or a sugary candy bar can.

If you’re watching your weight, the challenge is finding foods that can not only give you a boost, but are good for you as well.

The goal in planning your daily diet is to focus on meals that are low in fat, high in fiber, contain protein and have complex carbs. This ensures a slow breakdown of sugars and regular energy throughout the day.

Having a good breakfast is the first and most important step in building up your energy stores to get through a busy day. Even if you aren’t particularly hungry, you should eat within four hours of waking.

What you eat for breakfast should account for about 25 percent of the day’s calories, so go for low-fat, high-fiber cereal and mild or a complex carb. Avoid foods with a high level of simple sugars; the sudden energy boost will be quickly canceled out by a crash in energy later in the day.

Staying hydrated can also help. Drinking at least six glasses of water a day can keep you from feeling sluggish and tired.

In addition to water, another source of energy that’s good for you is snacks, it can also provide the body with the energy it needs. Just be sure to choose wholesome snacks rather than those loaded with sugar or fat. Go for fruit, a few baby carrots, some cheese or a handful of nuts, a glass of milk, a few whole grain crackers or even a low-fat granola bar. Snacks that fit in your purse or can be stored in a desk drawer for easy access will ensure you get the quick boost you need when your energy starts to flag.

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Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment And Symptoms

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition which is related to arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis affects approximately 1 in every 250 mainly young men so while many may have not heard about it, it is quite common.

The word Ankylosing means inflammation of the spine while Spondylitis means joint which is fixed solid and unable to bend. So, in simple terms, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition which involves the spine becoming inflamed and as a consequence becoming fixed and solid. What tends to happen, is that tendons or ligaments attached to the spine become swollen. When the swelling reduces, it is replaced by growths of bone. When this happens a number of times, there becomes more and more bone where there used to be tendons or ligaments until eventually the joint fuses together.

As with many conditions, different people are affected with varying degrees of this condition, with some barely noticing it while others lose their full independence. What is also interesting is that the Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms can come and go over time.

What are the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

The first time people tend to notice that they have Ankylosing Spondylitis, is when the experience lower back pain and some muscle spasms. This tends to be worse during the night. This pain often spreads to the upper back, neck and buttocks. Also, in the morning, neck pain may be experienced which is relieved during the day through exercise.

Without treatment, it is possible that the symptoms could develop into fever, fatigue and a loss of appetite. There may be some weight loss as well.

As the spine starts to fuse together, you may start to find it more and more difficult and painful to move around. Also, in a number of cases. as the joints start to become more and more affected, it becomes harder to breath as the ribs start to stop moving. This means that breathing is now being conducted using only the muscles of the diaphragm. On top of this, the lungs could be affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis in approximately 1 in 3 cases can cause inflammation in one or both eyes.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Nobody knows exactly what causes Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is generally thought that the antigen HLA-B27. This may explain why this condition appears to run in families. This is also linked to a condition called Reites Syndrome.

Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

There are no drugs in existence which can slow or stop the condition. However, there are drugs called Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) which can help to control the inflammation and reduce the pain.

Also, daily exercise consisting of gentle stretching exercises or swimming can help to improve the movement of the spine and help to create a more positive posture. On top of this, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can also help to relieve the symptoms.

Unfortunately, there are a small number of people suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis who will require hip replacements. Thankfully, those cases are few and far between.

Interestingly, the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be present for a period of time and then they reduce significantly.

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What Food Makes Rosacea Worse

Rosacea is a chronic, lifelong skin condition that affects (most often) the face. The disease is common: approximately 1 in every 20 americans has rosacea. Women are affected more often in the early stages (flushing and erythrosis), but more men progress to the advanced stages and rhinophyma is seen almost exclusively in men over 40 years of age.

Rosacea is characterized by various skin disorders and sufferers must contend with skin flushing, erythrosis (reddish or purplish discoloration of the skin), teleangiectasia (permanent enlargement of small blood vessels), papulopustular rosacea (papules are small, red, raised bumps; pustules are similar but they contain pus) or rhinophyma (enlarged, red, swollen nose) and for many people, some of these signs and symptoms are very common; approximately 94% of people with rosacea have flushing. These attacks last from a few minutes to several hours, and the flushing seen in rosacea is intermittent in nature. The disease, to a greater or lesser degree, is progressive, and the more pronounced skin lesions will usually follow sporadic episodes of flushing.

The exact cause of rosacea has not been determined, but here are many theories. Exposure to the sun may be one factor, and exposure to the sun can precipitate acute episodes of flushing. Another possible cause are skin mites, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. These tiny insects usually live at the base of hair follicles. They are often found on the faces of people with rosacea, and it has been suggested that they may initiate an inflammatory reaction (Inflammation dilates blood vessels and this contributes to the flush, and it may also damage the blood vessels, causing them to be permanently dilated). Infection with the common bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, has also been suggested as a cause. There may also be genetic defects in the vasculature of the skin that causes them to become easily – and permanently – dilated.

The signs and symptoms of rosacea are not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and disfiguring. (However, rosacea can affect the eyes. Approximately 3% to 58% of patients with skin changes will have eye problems and rosacea keratitis can lead to blindness). Yet although there is no cure for rosacea, the disease can be managed. Topical medication, oral medications and laser therapy can all be used to control flushing and to remove some of the skin blemishes, swollen blood vessels and discoloration. However, it would be far more preferable to prevent outbreaks of flushing and the development of erythrosis and papulopustular lesions. It is well known that there are certain factors – sunlight, stress, heat – that can trigger rosacea signs and symptoms, and food has been identified as a trigger.

What foods have been implicated as causes of rosacea signs and symptoms? The list is long, and there is obviously individual variations in susceptibility: Chocolate, tomatoes, hot beverages, hot sausage, red pepper, black pepper, vinegar, paprika, white pepper, garlic, wine, hard liquor, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, milk, citrus fruits, eggplants, avocadoes, spinach, raisins, figs, bananas, high doses of B6 and B12 and marinated meat.

Why do these foods exacerbate rosacea? No one knows for sure, and given the fact that the exact cause of rosacea hasn’t been clearly determined, that’s not surprising. However a look at the pathophysiology of rosacea may provide some clues.

The flush that is so common in people with roseacea is caused by dilation of the small blood vessels of the face. Why this occurs is not certain. The blood vessels may be genetically weak, or they may be damaged by years of exposure to the sun. There may also be an increase in the number of blood vessels, or there may be damage to the walls of the blood vessels. Whatever the cause, the blood vessels (which in the face are very close to the surface) dilate. Many of the foods that trigger flushing attacks most likely do so by increasing body temperature, and in order to lose body heat, blood vessels dilate. Others may cause flushing by stimulating the release of histamine. This is a naturally occurring substance that dilates blood vessels and some foods, e.g. citrus fruits may stimulate the release of histamine.

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Chronic Scleroderma

What is Scleroderma? – Scleroderma is a chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen. In order to better understand Scleroderma it helps if you have some understanding as to what collagen is.

What is Collagen? – Collagen is a fibrous protein that occurs bone, cartilage and connective tissue. It is a major structural protein that forms molecular cables to strengthen the tendons and vast, resilient sheets that support the skin and internal organs. There is no organ or tissue which does not have collagen. Collagen acts as the important support structure in tissues around which cells live and function. Elements of our body such as bones and teeth are made by adding mineral crystals to collagen.

Scleroderma directly affects the skin, and in sometimes in more severe cases, it can affect the blood vessels and internal organs of the body. The most visible scleroderma symptom is the hardening of skin and associated scarring that goes along with it. This hardened skin will normally appear reddish or scaly in appearance. Often times this will allow blood vessels to be more visible.

The most serious aspect of the disease to take into account are: The total area that is covered, and the the level of internal involvement that is taking place. These are important to consider because a patient that only has minor coverage is much less likely to have damage to internal organs and tissues as someone with larger coverage.

Almost certainly, in cases where an entire limb is affected, future use of that limb will be jeopardized. If the coverage is over the torso, the heart and lungs will be affected which is more severe, than lets say an arm. Often times, internal scarring will occur which is more complicated and cannot simply be seen by the naked eye.

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