Whether you are seeking health insurance through your employer or on your own you will be offered a variety of plans. In order to make the proper decision about which plan is right for you it is important to know the basic characteristics of the most popular types of health insurance. After this it is wise to get many quotes on health insurance and compare them. This is a free way to compare plans and prices.
Fee for service
For many years the fee for service plan was very popular and widely used type of health insurance. The insured pays a monthly fee. A deductible is applied to the cost of the services. Some services related to healthy living or emergency services may be exempted from the deductible. Once the deductible has been met the insured and the insurance company share the cost of services. For most companies the split may be 80/20 or 70/30. The company pays eighty or seventy percent, the insured pays twenty or thirty percent. There will be a cap on the total amount of money the insurance company will pay in a lifetime.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
HMOs have become increasingly more common in the last decade. Again, the insured pays a premium which makes him/her a member of the HMO. As a member of the group the member is entitled to visit any of the doctors who are part of the group. These doctors may all work together in an HMO facility or may work in individual clinics as part of a group of doctors under contract to the HMO. Members may have to pay what is called co-pay when they visit the doctor. No paperwork is necessary to validate the claims of an HMO member; however, members may wait longer for non-emergency appointments than they would with a fee for service insurance program. An HMO generally requires its members to have a primary care physician who then refers the member to a specialist if needed.
Preferred Provide Organizations (PPO)
The PPO, a blend of the fee for service model and the HMO model, is a fast growing sector of health insurance. As with an HMO there is a network of doctors from which the insured chooses his/her physician. This physician is responsible for designating the need for specialized care. A co-payment will be required when an office or hospital visit is made. There will also be a deductible and medical expenses will be divided at an agreed upon scale between the insured and the insurance company operating the PPO. A person may choose to use a doctor who is outside of the network. Expenses incurred for medical care outside the network will make the patient’s share higher.
Please collect as many quotes as possible in order to compare services and rates. This is a free way to learn a lot about all of your options.
About the author
Our recommended Insurance Sites http://www.ezquoteguide.com/care, http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health, http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/ Article Source: http://www.articleManiac.com Search Submit And Find Free Articles
Saturday, March 17, 2007
For A Healthy Living: Just Enjoy A Variety Of Vegetables
Eating healthy is important for everyone - and I bet: you know that already...
Plus: one of the most important keys to eating a better diet is eating more fruits and vegetables. I bet again: you knew that too. But:
Many people are unsure how to use vegetables more effectively as part of their diet, but it may be easier than you think to provide yourself and your family with healthy, nutritious meals at a great prices!
One way to create wonderful meals that are healthier than ever is to take a stroll through the produce section of your local grocery store.
Most major grocery store chains have huge produce sections, containing a wonderful variety of fruits and vegetables from all corners of the world.
Trying a variety of different fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep your meals interesting and exciting in addition to nutritious. It is all too easy to become bored when trying to follow a healthy diet, and boredom can lead people to abandon their healthy habits.
Avoiding diet burnout is important to the long term survival of even the most sensible eating plan.
So if you’ve never had vegetables like collard greens, asparagus or kale before, why not give them a try. Not only can trying new things allow you to make great new discoveries, but it can increase your level of fitness as well. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale are rich sources of many important vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients.
Another great way to increase the variety of vegetables you enjoy is to combine fresh, frozen and canned vegetables. While fresh vegetables are generally better and healthier, frozen and canned vegetables can be great alternatives for when the fresh varieties are out of season.
One of the best things about fresh fruits and vegetables is the great variety of flavors, colors and textures available. Eating a variety of different colored vegetables and fruits does much more than provide much needed variety. It also provides a great variety of nutrients.
For instance, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables tend to be very high in beta carotene, while green leafy vegetables are often great sources of calcium and other important nutrients. So why not spice up your plain old green salad with a splash of color in the form of yellow peppers or orange carrot slices?
Many people wrongly think that they can make up for a crappy diet by using vitamin and mineral supplements. This mistaken belief is apparently very widespread, since sales of these supplements continue to break records.
When considering vitamin and mineral supplements, however, it is important to remember that foods contain many different minerals, trace elements and other micronutrients.
That means that for every nutrient that has been discovered and synthesized, there may be ten, twenty or more of these micronutrients that have yet to be fully understood. That is why no vitamin supplement, no matter how complete, can truly replace a healthy, balanced diet.
In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements are quite a bit more expensive than a good selection of vegetables and fruits, and not nearly as tasty.
When changing your diet and eating for a healthier lifestyle, it is important to educate yourself about eating right, and go choose the right fruits and vegetables for your tastes. After all, the best diet is the one you can follow for the rest of your life.
One of the best ways to start eating a healthy diet is to choose the freshest fruits and vegetables. Not only do fresh fruits and vegetables taste better, but they are less expensive and more nutritious as well. Choosing a variety of in season fruits and vegetables every week is a great way to enjoy healthy and varied meals.
Of course your favorite fruits and vegetables will not always be in season, so it will sometimes be necessary to supplement those fresh fruits and vegetables with canned and frozen varieties. When choosing canned fruits, try to avoid those packed in syrup; choose canned fruits packed in fruit juice or water instead. They will be healthier and contain less sugar.
Adding fresh fruit, such as apple slices, mandarin oranges, nectarines and the like is a great way to make plain salads more interesting and more delicious. Combining fruits and vegetables is a great way to enhance your nutrition as well.
About the author
When it comes to vigorous energetic youthful health your very first challenge is to separate the hype, theories, and outright 'BS' from proven strategies and tested programs - just visit Rene Graeber´s website at http://www.gesund-heilfasten.de Article Source: http://www.articleManiac.com Search Submit And Find Free Articles
Plus: one of the most important keys to eating a better diet is eating more fruits and vegetables. I bet again: you knew that too. But:
Many people are unsure how to use vegetables more effectively as part of their diet, but it may be easier than you think to provide yourself and your family with healthy, nutritious meals at a great prices!
One way to create wonderful meals that are healthier than ever is to take a stroll through the produce section of your local grocery store.
Most major grocery store chains have huge produce sections, containing a wonderful variety of fruits and vegetables from all corners of the world.
Trying a variety of different fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep your meals interesting and exciting in addition to nutritious. It is all too easy to become bored when trying to follow a healthy diet, and boredom can lead people to abandon their healthy habits.
Avoiding diet burnout is important to the long term survival of even the most sensible eating plan.
So if you’ve never had vegetables like collard greens, asparagus or kale before, why not give them a try. Not only can trying new things allow you to make great new discoveries, but it can increase your level of fitness as well. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale are rich sources of many important vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients.
Another great way to increase the variety of vegetables you enjoy is to combine fresh, frozen and canned vegetables. While fresh vegetables are generally better and healthier, frozen and canned vegetables can be great alternatives for when the fresh varieties are out of season.
One of the best things about fresh fruits and vegetables is the great variety of flavors, colors and textures available. Eating a variety of different colored vegetables and fruits does much more than provide much needed variety. It also provides a great variety of nutrients.
For instance, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables tend to be very high in beta carotene, while green leafy vegetables are often great sources of calcium and other important nutrients. So why not spice up your plain old green salad with a splash of color in the form of yellow peppers or orange carrot slices?
Many people wrongly think that they can make up for a crappy diet by using vitamin and mineral supplements. This mistaken belief is apparently very widespread, since sales of these supplements continue to break records.
When considering vitamin and mineral supplements, however, it is important to remember that foods contain many different minerals, trace elements and other micronutrients.
That means that for every nutrient that has been discovered and synthesized, there may be ten, twenty or more of these micronutrients that have yet to be fully understood. That is why no vitamin supplement, no matter how complete, can truly replace a healthy, balanced diet.
In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements are quite a bit more expensive than a good selection of vegetables and fruits, and not nearly as tasty.
When changing your diet and eating for a healthier lifestyle, it is important to educate yourself about eating right, and go choose the right fruits and vegetables for your tastes. After all, the best diet is the one you can follow for the rest of your life.
One of the best ways to start eating a healthy diet is to choose the freshest fruits and vegetables. Not only do fresh fruits and vegetables taste better, but they are less expensive and more nutritious as well. Choosing a variety of in season fruits and vegetables every week is a great way to enjoy healthy and varied meals.
Of course your favorite fruits and vegetables will not always be in season, so it will sometimes be necessary to supplement those fresh fruits and vegetables with canned and frozen varieties. When choosing canned fruits, try to avoid those packed in syrup; choose canned fruits packed in fruit juice or water instead. They will be healthier and contain less sugar.
Adding fresh fruit, such as apple slices, mandarin oranges, nectarines and the like is a great way to make plain salads more interesting and more delicious. Combining fruits and vegetables is a great way to enhance your nutrition as well.
About the author
When it comes to vigorous energetic youthful health your very first challenge is to separate the hype, theories, and outright 'BS' from proven strategies and tested programs - just visit Rene Graeber´s website at http://www.gesund-heilfasten.de Article Source: http://www.articleManiac.com Search Submit And Find Free Articles
4 Steps To Better Health
It's possible to learn HOW to better your health in only 4 steps and this article will show you how. Each step is a bite-sized nugget of healthy living information you can actually use.
Let's get started...
Step 1: Nutritional Supplements
In my opinion, they are very necessary and very beneficial- especially when combined with healthy eating habits. It's very difficult to get all the nutrients your body needs through food alone, but combining proper nutrition with nutritional supplements is very powerful.
That being said, the one supplement everyone should be taking is a good multi vitamin/mineral. Look at it as added insurance- eating well is crucial, but now that you're also taking a multi, you can rest assured you're getting the nutrients your body needs.
Step 2: Nutrition
Good nutrition is SO important. You are what you eat...remember that. Make a conscious effort to gradually improve your eating habits, eating more of the good foods (nuts, berries, peanut butter, olive oil, greens, chicken, whole grains, etc.) and less of the bad foods (fried food, saturated fat, fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, etc.). Reading the label of what you're eating will tell you a lot.
You may think you lack the needed will power, but you'll be amazed at what happens when you start to gradually improve your eating habits.
Step 3: Exercise
Exercise is the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to better health. There are so many benefits of exercising, including stronger bones and improved libido- it's a no brainer to start doing it. Your goal should be to exercise 3-5 times a week with a combination of cardio exercises and strength training (but no more than 1 hour per workout session).
It's been measured that if you add 3 pounds of muscle to your body, this added muscle will burn as many calories as if you ran 1 mile. Muscle burns calories!
Step 4: Stress Management and Sleep
Stress management and getting good sleep each night round out your path to better health. Until you find a way to manage your stress, it will continue to do damage to your body. Two tips you might want to implement include prioritizing your day each morning and practicing deep breathing exercises (yes, you probably already knew this, but have you tried it?).
Getting enough sleep each night is equally important when you consider your body uses this time to repair itself. You should aim for 7-9 hours each night. Two tips you might want to implement include exercising and avoiding late night eating.
Now that you have the basics, expand on this information. Step 1 research more about Nutritional Supplements, Step 2 research more about Nutrition and so on. I guarantee after the 4 steps you'll feel more confident about reaching your health & fitness goals.
About the author
Ryan Cote is the owner of http://www.SimpleHealth123.com, a health and wellness website supplying aging healthy products and free resources. Come visit and download his free health and wellness e-mail course, 4 Days to Better Health. Article Source: http://www.articleManiac.com Search Submit And Find Free Articles
Let's get started...
Step 1: Nutritional Supplements
In my opinion, they are very necessary and very beneficial- especially when combined with healthy eating habits. It's very difficult to get all the nutrients your body needs through food alone, but combining proper nutrition with nutritional supplements is very powerful.
That being said, the one supplement everyone should be taking is a good multi vitamin/mineral. Look at it as added insurance- eating well is crucial, but now that you're also taking a multi, you can rest assured you're getting the nutrients your body needs.
Step 2: Nutrition
Good nutrition is SO important. You are what you eat...remember that. Make a conscious effort to gradually improve your eating habits, eating more of the good foods (nuts, berries, peanut butter, olive oil, greens, chicken, whole grains, etc.) and less of the bad foods (fried food, saturated fat, fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, etc.). Reading the label of what you're eating will tell you a lot.
You may think you lack the needed will power, but you'll be amazed at what happens when you start to gradually improve your eating habits.
Step 3: Exercise
Exercise is the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to better health. There are so many benefits of exercising, including stronger bones and improved libido- it's a no brainer to start doing it. Your goal should be to exercise 3-5 times a week with a combination of cardio exercises and strength training (but no more than 1 hour per workout session).
It's been measured that if you add 3 pounds of muscle to your body, this added muscle will burn as many calories as if you ran 1 mile. Muscle burns calories!
Step 4: Stress Management and Sleep
Stress management and getting good sleep each night round out your path to better health. Until you find a way to manage your stress, it will continue to do damage to your body. Two tips you might want to implement include prioritizing your day each morning and practicing deep breathing exercises (yes, you probably already knew this, but have you tried it?).
Getting enough sleep each night is equally important when you consider your body uses this time to repair itself. You should aim for 7-9 hours each night. Two tips you might want to implement include exercising and avoiding late night eating.
Now that you have the basics, expand on this information. Step 1 research more about Nutritional Supplements, Step 2 research more about Nutrition and so on. I guarantee after the 4 steps you'll feel more confident about reaching your health & fitness goals.
About the author
Ryan Cote is the owner of http://www.SimpleHealth123.com, a health and wellness website supplying aging healthy products and free resources. Come visit and download his free health and wellness e-mail course, 4 Days to Better Health. Article Source: http://www.articleManiac.com Search Submit And Find Free Articles
Friday, March 16, 2007
Controlling Type II Diabetes Through Diet And Exercise
If you have been diagnosed with adult onset type II Diabetes, you may be able to control your condition through diet and exercise. Many people have genetic predispositions for adult onset diabetes, but the disease is usually brought on by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be hard to reverse the damage caused by years of unhealthy living, but by changing the way you eat and exercise, you can help control your disease and can lead a fairly normal life without the need for insulin-regulating medicine.
Before embarking on a workout plan or adhering to a new diet, you should first consult your doctor. He or she will probably make dietary suggestions and will usually refer you to a dietician who can help you plan your meals. The dietician will tell you what you can and cannot eat, and what you can eat in moderation. You will have to cut out all of the sugar from your diet. This means drinking diet sodas, if you must drink sodas at all, and eating sugar free candy on those special occasions.
It is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take the place of all of those empty calories and to keep you feeling full and energetic. You should make sure to take in enough protein to help your muscles get your through your new workout schedule, and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. You will want to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than just eating two or three times with a lot of time in between. By eating more small meals, you will keep your blood sugar at a more steady level, rather than having the ups and downs associated with large meals followed by gaps in eating.
Once your diet is under control. The next step is to begin an exercise program. You don’t have to aim for running a marathon or even a mile. Walking is the most prescribed form of exercise for diabetes patients. Whether you walk in the mall, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, the most important thing is to get moving and to keep moving for an extended period of time every single day. Though you may not feel motivated at first, you will soon start to look and feel better and better. Seeing these changes will hopefully provide you with enough motivation to stick to your workout plan.
If find walking boring, try to find a partner who will keep you motivated. There are also many diabetes support groups that have walking clubs that meet daily. You can join a club and meet other diabetes sufferers who will help keep you on the right track. They can provide inspiration and encouragement by sharing success stories and by keeping you aware of the complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. Once you get into fairly good shape, you might try playing a sport that you enjoy, like golf or tennis. You could also join a gym and participate in some yoga or aerobics classes to add some variety to your workout plan.
Keep in mind that the best way to avoid diabetes complications is to change your lifestyle. Many of the common problems of people diabetes can be avoided by staying away from sugar and other harmful foods. By exercising and staying healthy, you can avoid vision loss and circulation problems associated with the disease without having to use expensive and debilitating drugs to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Remember that your body is your most important asset, and keeping it working properly should be your highest priority.
Before embarking on a workout plan or adhering to a new diet, you should first consult your doctor. He or she will probably make dietary suggestions and will usually refer you to a dietician who can help you plan your meals. The dietician will tell you what you can and cannot eat, and what you can eat in moderation. You will have to cut out all of the sugar from your diet. This means drinking diet sodas, if you must drink sodas at all, and eating sugar free candy on those special occasions.
It is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to take the place of all of those empty calories and to keep you feeling full and energetic. You should make sure to take in enough protein to help your muscles get your through your new workout schedule, and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. You will want to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than just eating two or three times with a lot of time in between. By eating more small meals, you will keep your blood sugar at a more steady level, rather than having the ups and downs associated with large meals followed by gaps in eating.
Once your diet is under control. The next step is to begin an exercise program. You don’t have to aim for running a marathon or even a mile. Walking is the most prescribed form of exercise for diabetes patients. Whether you walk in the mall, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, the most important thing is to get moving and to keep moving for an extended period of time every single day. Though you may not feel motivated at first, you will soon start to look and feel better and better. Seeing these changes will hopefully provide you with enough motivation to stick to your workout plan.
If find walking boring, try to find a partner who will keep you motivated. There are also many diabetes support groups that have walking clubs that meet daily. You can join a club and meet other diabetes sufferers who will help keep you on the right track. They can provide inspiration and encouragement by sharing success stories and by keeping you aware of the complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. Once you get into fairly good shape, you might try playing a sport that you enjoy, like golf or tennis. You could also join a gym and participate in some yoga or aerobics classes to add some variety to your workout plan.
Keep in mind that the best way to avoid diabetes complications is to change your lifestyle. Many of the common problems of people diabetes can be avoided by staying away from sugar and other harmful foods. By exercising and staying healthy, you can avoid vision loss and circulation problems associated with the disease without having to use expensive and debilitating drugs to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Remember that your body is your most important asset, and keeping it working properly should be your highest priority.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Click on to www.fenadiabetes.com to learn about common symptoms, risk factors and treatments of diabetes with your host, Sintilia Miecevole who has put together a vast source of knowledge on the subject. Check out everything from prevention, research and recipes to medicine. Be sure to visit www.fenadiabetes.com for more information.
Health - Vitamins and YOU!
Its true many illnesses are unavoidable, yet it is clear that each person has the power to improve his or her own health and well being. By eating well, exercising, resting, sleeping and relaxing, each can have a positive effect on ones health. Another key factor in a persons health and well being is the choice to not abuse alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
Doctors believe that it is the people who have a positive attitude towards life, who believe that their lives have purpose, are manageable and have meaning, have the best chance of living a healthy and long-lived life.
Before the 20the century there was very little public support for health care. The government rarely got involved and when they did it was only to deal with epidemics or to clean up slums. Much has changed since then.
Staying healthy is both becoming easier and harder these days. We have a constantly advancing health care system along with the advances in technology. On the other hand we are constantly introducing hazers into out lives in the form of pollution and toxic waste. New and more deadly virus's and diseases are always developing, yet our life expectancy in north America has almost doubled in the last century. Spite all the health hazards the choice to remain healthy is still in your own hands. Avoiding unhealthy situations, foods, and life-styles along with staying positive are the best way to have a healthy mind and body.
Today in our modern age we have just about every supplement possible. Every vitamin from a-z can be found in supplement form. Along with vitamins, herbal capsules and high concentrated of other things such as bee pollen and folic acid are common. Todays fast paced and unhealthy diets have lead to a dependency on a multi or daily vitamin. Although our bodies produce most of the necessary nutrients required for living. We sometimes end up not getting enough of one vitamin. Vitamin deficiency of certain vitamins can lead to health problems. Over dosing on vitamin supplements is usually pretty hard, although there are certain vitamins you want to avoid taking high amounts of. Taking large amounts of some supplements can seriously harm you or even cause death. Always consult your doctor for advice before taking vitamin supplements.
Nutrition is becoming a more important issue in todays culture. Vitamin supplements are making it easier than ever to aquire the healthy amount of all vitamins and an asortment of other healthy herbs. Vitamins of course are one type of supplement but others include; antioxidants, diertics, amino acids, bee pollen and many more. High concentrations of some herbs are very beneficial to your health too. Some herbal supplements include; ginsing, echinacea, soy, fish oil, folic acid and more. Supplements generally never expire, but light and heat can often reduce the quality of the vitamin. Proper usage and storage are important things to keep in mind when on a supplement diet.
Doctors believe that it is the people who have a positive attitude towards life, who believe that their lives have purpose, are manageable and have meaning, have the best chance of living a healthy and long-lived life.
Before the 20the century there was very little public support for health care. The government rarely got involved and when they did it was only to deal with epidemics or to clean up slums. Much has changed since then.
Staying healthy is both becoming easier and harder these days. We have a constantly advancing health care system along with the advances in technology. On the other hand we are constantly introducing hazers into out lives in the form of pollution and toxic waste. New and more deadly virus's and diseases are always developing, yet our life expectancy in north America has almost doubled in the last century. Spite all the health hazards the choice to remain healthy is still in your own hands. Avoiding unhealthy situations, foods, and life-styles along with staying positive are the best way to have a healthy mind and body.
Today in our modern age we have just about every supplement possible. Every vitamin from a-z can be found in supplement form. Along with vitamins, herbal capsules and high concentrated of other things such as bee pollen and folic acid are common. Todays fast paced and unhealthy diets have lead to a dependency on a multi or daily vitamin. Although our bodies produce most of the necessary nutrients required for living. We sometimes end up not getting enough of one vitamin. Vitamin deficiency of certain vitamins can lead to health problems. Over dosing on vitamin supplements is usually pretty hard, although there are certain vitamins you want to avoid taking high amounts of. Taking large amounts of some supplements can seriously harm you or even cause death. Always consult your doctor for advice before taking vitamin supplements.
Nutrition is becoming a more important issue in todays culture. Vitamin supplements are making it easier than ever to aquire the healthy amount of all vitamins and an asortment of other healthy herbs. Vitamins of course are one type of supplement but others include; antioxidants, diertics, amino acids, bee pollen and many more. High concentrations of some herbs are very beneficial to your health too. Some herbal supplements include; ginsing, echinacea, soy, fish oil, folic acid and more. Supplements generally never expire, but light and heat can often reduce the quality of the vitamin. Proper usage and storage are important things to keep in mind when on a supplement diet.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Bart Samuri writes about various vitamin, health living and nutrition topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you - Check out the latest health articles here at Health Blog
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Do I Need To Supplement My Diet?
Do I need to supplement my diet with extra vitamins?
Are you a post menopausal woman? Are you an elderly person who perhaps is not getting enough exposure to the sun? Or are you are lactose intolerant? If the answer to any of the above is yes than perhaps you are a candidate for nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements, as the name suggests are taken to supplement the diet. It can be one or a combination of vitamins, minerals, a herb or any botanical substance, an amino acid, substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, a concentrate, metabolite, constituent or extract.
Why do people take vitamins and supplements?
In a study conducted in 2002, it was found that most Americans take vitamins and minerals supplements because they believe that it is good for their general health and a large majority take it as a dietary supplement. In some cases they are consumed for specific reasons like to prevent osteoporosis or colds and influenza. A small percentage even take it as an immune booster and because they have been recommended by their physician, family or friends. Herbal supplements on the other hand are more or less consumed to address a specific ailment or condition like arthritis, as a memory enhancer, for joint pains, to aid sleep, for prostate problems and as a general immune booster.
Do YOU need vitamins and mineral supplements?
If you belong to any of these categories then perhaps you should consider taking a supplement to your regular diet.
8 People whose calorie intake is less than 1200
9 Aged people who may not be eating as much as they should be, have limited exposure to he sun, are lactose intolerant, or are not able to sufficiently absorb and utilize Vitamin B-12 because of gastric problems
10 Staunch vegetarians and vegans, whose consumption of eggs and dairy products is low or nil, and thus are not getting enough of vitamin B-12
11 People who do not drink milk or consume dairy products, due to lactose intolerance or just a general aversion
12 Women who are pregnant or in the child bearing stage of their lives may need folic acid and iron
13 People recuperating from an illness or those who fall frequently or are chronically ill
14 Alcoholics and smokers usually have a problem absorbing vitamin B-complex and vitamin C respectively
15 People who skip meals often as a result of which are not getting sufficient vitamins and minerals from their diet.
Are you a post menopausal woman? Are you an elderly person who perhaps is not getting enough exposure to the sun? Or are you are lactose intolerant? If the answer to any of the above is yes than perhaps you are a candidate for nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements, as the name suggests are taken to supplement the diet. It can be one or a combination of vitamins, minerals, a herb or any botanical substance, an amino acid, substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, a concentrate, metabolite, constituent or extract.
Why do people take vitamins and supplements?
In a study conducted in 2002, it was found that most Americans take vitamins and minerals supplements because they believe that it is good for their general health and a large majority take it as a dietary supplement. In some cases they are consumed for specific reasons like to prevent osteoporosis or colds and influenza. A small percentage even take it as an immune booster and because they have been recommended by their physician, family or friends. Herbal supplements on the other hand are more or less consumed to address a specific ailment or condition like arthritis, as a memory enhancer, for joint pains, to aid sleep, for prostate problems and as a general immune booster.
Do YOU need vitamins and mineral supplements?
If you belong to any of these categories then perhaps you should consider taking a supplement to your regular diet.
8 People whose calorie intake is less than 1200
9 Aged people who may not be eating as much as they should be, have limited exposure to he sun, are lactose intolerant, or are not able to sufficiently absorb and utilize Vitamin B-12 because of gastric problems
10 Staunch vegetarians and vegans, whose consumption of eggs and dairy products is low or nil, and thus are not getting enough of vitamin B-12
11 People who do not drink milk or consume dairy products, due to lactose intolerance or just a general aversion
12 Women who are pregnant or in the child bearing stage of their lives may need folic acid and iron
13 People recuperating from an illness or those who fall frequently or are chronically ill
14 Alcoholics and smokers usually have a problem absorbing vitamin B-complex and vitamin C respectively
15 People who skip meals often as a result of which are not getting sufficient vitamins and minerals from their diet.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, mineral, nutritional supplement, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Vitamins Online for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Folic Acid- The Basics
Folic Acid: A must for Women
Folic Acid, a much neglected vitamin in most women’s diet, is a naturally occurring vitamin B (also called vitamin B9) that helps a baby’s neural tube, the part of a developing baby that becomes the brain and spinal cord, develop properly. Neural tube defects are defects of the spinal cord and brain. If normal development does not occur, spina bifida and other anomalies can occur. Several studies suggest that women who do not consume enough of the B vitamin folic acid before and during the early weeks of pregnancy are also at increased risk of having a baby with a heart defect.
Your body also needs this nutrient for the production, repair and functioning of the DNA, our genetic map and a basic building block of cells. So getting enough folate is particularly important for the rapid cell growth that occurs during pregnancy. Folate is also required for a complex metabolic process that involves the conversion of one amino acid in your blood (homocysteine) into another amino acid (methionine). If you don’t get enough folate, you can end up with excessive amounts of homocysteine in your blood, which is though to contribute to some birth defects. Finally, folate helps make normal red blood cells, prevents anemia, and produces nervous system chemicals.
The signs of folic acid deficiency are very subtle. You may experience diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss as well as weakness, a sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations and irritability. If you are only mildly deficient, you may not experience these symptoms, but you still won’t be getting the requisite amount needed for your baby’s development. Thus the importance of folic acid for a childbearing woman can’t be stressed enough.
Natural sources of folic acid are broccoli, legumes, asparagus, spinach, peanuts, orange juice, papayas, and romaine lettuce, among others. Folic acid is also found in most multivitamin supplements and as well as a folic acid only supplement. If you, like most people, don’t get the amount of folic acid you need from your diet, you definitely should consider taking a supplement. Research shows that the body actually absorbs the synthetic version of this vitamin (found in supplements and enriched foods) much better that the version that occurs naturally in certain foods.
Folic Acid, a much neglected vitamin in most women’s diet, is a naturally occurring vitamin B (also called vitamin B9) that helps a baby’s neural tube, the part of a developing baby that becomes the brain and spinal cord, develop properly. Neural tube defects are defects of the spinal cord and brain. If normal development does not occur, spina bifida and other anomalies can occur. Several studies suggest that women who do not consume enough of the B vitamin folic acid before and during the early weeks of pregnancy are also at increased risk of having a baby with a heart defect.
Your body also needs this nutrient for the production, repair and functioning of the DNA, our genetic map and a basic building block of cells. So getting enough folate is particularly important for the rapid cell growth that occurs during pregnancy. Folate is also required for a complex metabolic process that involves the conversion of one amino acid in your blood (homocysteine) into another amino acid (methionine). If you don’t get enough folate, you can end up with excessive amounts of homocysteine in your blood, which is though to contribute to some birth defects. Finally, folate helps make normal red blood cells, prevents anemia, and produces nervous system chemicals.
The signs of folic acid deficiency are very subtle. You may experience diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss as well as weakness, a sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations and irritability. If you are only mildly deficient, you may not experience these symptoms, but you still won’t be getting the requisite amount needed for your baby’s development. Thus the importance of folic acid for a childbearing woman can’t be stressed enough.
Natural sources of folic acid are broccoli, legumes, asparagus, spinach, peanuts, orange juice, papayas, and romaine lettuce, among others. Folic acid is also found in most multivitamin supplements and as well as a folic acid only supplement. If you, like most people, don’t get the amount of folic acid you need from your diet, you definitely should consider taking a supplement. Research shows that the body actually absorbs the synthetic version of this vitamin (found in supplements and enriched foods) much better that the version that occurs naturally in certain foods.
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Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, nutritional supplement, mineral, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Directory of Vitamins for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Got Calcium?
Osteoporosis, especially in women is a growing concern. Did you know that osteoporosis takes decades to develop? So you may have got off to a good start drinking milk as a child, but what about in your teens and as an adult? Calcium is your ally in arresting osteoporosis and stopping osteoporosis in its tracks is in your hands. With growing awareness about calcium deficiency related health problems, today most adults know that calcium is not only necessary for growing children but also an essential nutrient for adults. We all need to take care of our bones to ensure their good health in our old age. It’s never too late to include calcium in your diet or increase its intake as the case may be.
What is calcium?
Calcium is basically a mineral. It gives the strength and stiffness to our skeletal system to carry us around and protect our internal organs. Without sufficient calcium our body would be unable to maintain its continuous cycle of rebuilding and growing bones and also provide the strength needed to hold up the body. It is found in plentiful quantities in different types of food and is also the most abundant mineral in our body, found in our teeth and bones. The body’s need for calcium changes rapidly as it goes through different stages of childhood and adolescence. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults over the age of 31 consume 1000 mg of calcium everyday and this goes up to 1200 mg for adults over the age of 51.
Calcium Supplements
However, in spite of a diet that is plentiful in calcium, you may find it insufficient to meet your body’s needs. This may be the case if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, a woman who is at risk for osteoporosis, a postmenopausal woman, on steroid (glucocorticoid) medication for asthma or rheumatoid arthritis; or if you are a growing child or adolescent.
When purchasing a calcium supplement you need to look out for the ‘elemental’ calcium or the pure calcium that is present in the supplement. It is this elemental calcium that is essential for strengthening of the bones. Usually you will find that supplements comprise of different types of calcium compounds. These can be calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium citrate etc. Some compounds, like calcium carbonate, contain more of this elemental calcium than others. So do read the label of the calcium supplement you are purchasing. Calcium supplements come in a variety of forms like tablets, capsules, liquids, powders and even chewable tablets. However, chewable and liquid forms have been found to be more easily absorbed by the body as they have already been somewhat broken down. You may experience some digestion related side effects like bloating, gas, constipation or an upset stomach, so begin with a low dose or switch to another form of calcium.
What is calcium?
Calcium is basically a mineral. It gives the strength and stiffness to our skeletal system to carry us around and protect our internal organs. Without sufficient calcium our body would be unable to maintain its continuous cycle of rebuilding and growing bones and also provide the strength needed to hold up the body. It is found in plentiful quantities in different types of food and is also the most abundant mineral in our body, found in our teeth and bones. The body’s need for calcium changes rapidly as it goes through different stages of childhood and adolescence. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults over the age of 31 consume 1000 mg of calcium everyday and this goes up to 1200 mg for adults over the age of 51.
Calcium Supplements
However, in spite of a diet that is plentiful in calcium, you may find it insufficient to meet your body’s needs. This may be the case if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, a woman who is at risk for osteoporosis, a postmenopausal woman, on steroid (glucocorticoid) medication for asthma or rheumatoid arthritis; or if you are a growing child or adolescent.
When purchasing a calcium supplement you need to look out for the ‘elemental’ calcium or the pure calcium that is present in the supplement. It is this elemental calcium that is essential for strengthening of the bones. Usually you will find that supplements comprise of different types of calcium compounds. These can be calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium citrate etc. Some compounds, like calcium carbonate, contain more of this elemental calcium than others. So do read the label of the calcium supplement you are purchasing. Calcium supplements come in a variety of forms like tablets, capsules, liquids, powders and even chewable tablets. However, chewable and liquid forms have been found to be more easily absorbed by the body as they have already been somewhat broken down. You may experience some digestion related side effects like bloating, gas, constipation or an upset stomach, so begin with a low dose or switch to another form of calcium.
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Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, mineral, vitamin supplement, and nutrition topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Shop For Vitamins for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Vitamins – An Overview
Protectors of Good Health
We know that vitamins do not provide us with energy. Yet they are considered essential to our general well being as they assist in metabolism, protect our health and are necessary for the proper growth and development, especially in children. Vitamins were discovered by Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkmann, who won the 1929 Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine. Vitamins are considered necessary for the regulation of cell function, as they work together with various enzymes and cofactors (substances that assist enzymes) to regulate our metabolism, assist in converting fat and carbohydrates into energy and also help in bone and tissue formation. They are utilized in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous system chemicals and DNA. Thus a vitamin is any organics compound required in small amounts to protect our health and for proper growth.
How do they function in our body?
Although the exact manner of functioning of vitamins in still not understood, what we do know is that vitamins basically act as catalysts. They combine with proteins to create metabolically active enzymes which in turn kick off a chain reaction of chemical responses in the body. In the absence of vitamins many of these reactions may slow down or stop altogether causing the body harm in many ways. Thus vitamin deficiency can have very damaging consequences.
Sources of Vitamins
Our body is capable of manufacturing only Vitamin D. All other vitamins must be provided for through outside sources. This can be through a healthy and balanced diet or through dietary supplements. An individual, who consumes a variety of foods which are healthy and nutritional, will probably not be deficient in vitamins. However, people who are on a special diet, or those who suffer from an intestinal disorder and whose digestive system is unable to absorb nutrients, or pregnant and lactating mothers may need additional supplements to augment their regular dietary intake. Lack of vitamins is known to cause a variety of health problems and disturbances in the function of an organ or body part.
Classification of Vitamins
There are 13 well identified vitamins which are classified according to their ability to be absorbed in water or fat.
The fat Soluble Vitamins are A, D, E and K. As these are generally consumed with foods that contain fat, and are stored in the fat in the body. They do not need to be consumed on a daily basis.
The eight B vitamins and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, are all water soluble vitamins. Since these cannot be stored in the body, they have to be consumed on a regular basis, or rather, if possible, everyday.
We know that vitamins do not provide us with energy. Yet they are considered essential to our general well being as they assist in metabolism, protect our health and are necessary for the proper growth and development, especially in children. Vitamins were discovered by Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkmann, who won the 1929 Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine. Vitamins are considered necessary for the regulation of cell function, as they work together with various enzymes and cofactors (substances that assist enzymes) to regulate our metabolism, assist in converting fat and carbohydrates into energy and also help in bone and tissue formation. They are utilized in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous system chemicals and DNA. Thus a vitamin is any organics compound required in small amounts to protect our health and for proper growth.
How do they function in our body?
Although the exact manner of functioning of vitamins in still not understood, what we do know is that vitamins basically act as catalysts. They combine with proteins to create metabolically active enzymes which in turn kick off a chain reaction of chemical responses in the body. In the absence of vitamins many of these reactions may slow down or stop altogether causing the body harm in many ways. Thus vitamin deficiency can have very damaging consequences.
Sources of Vitamins
Our body is capable of manufacturing only Vitamin D. All other vitamins must be provided for through outside sources. This can be through a healthy and balanced diet or through dietary supplements. An individual, who consumes a variety of foods which are healthy and nutritional, will probably not be deficient in vitamins. However, people who are on a special diet, or those who suffer from an intestinal disorder and whose digestive system is unable to absorb nutrients, or pregnant and lactating mothers may need additional supplements to augment their regular dietary intake. Lack of vitamins is known to cause a variety of health problems and disturbances in the function of an organ or body part.
Classification of Vitamins
There are 13 well identified vitamins which are classified according to their ability to be absorbed in water or fat.
The fat Soluble Vitamins are A, D, E and K. As these are generally consumed with foods that contain fat, and are stored in the fat in the body. They do not need to be consumed on a daily basis.
The eight B vitamins and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, are all water soluble vitamins. Since these cannot be stored in the body, they have to be consumed on a regular basis, or rather, if possible, everyday.
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Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, mineral, health supplement, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Vitamins and Health for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
The Newbie’s guide to Minerals
What are minerals?
Without minerals, vitamins are literally worthless. Our body is unable to process vitamins without the help of minerals. Minerals are inorganic compounds which are essential for the structural composition of hard and soft tissue, like our teeth, bones, muscles and even blood and nerve cells. Minerals, which are essential for the overall physical and mental welfare of the body, are basically catalysts which help in several important body reactions like muscle contractions, message transmission in the nervous system, production of hormones, to name a few.
Can our body produce minerals?
No. Like some vitamins, out body cannot make minerals. Minerals have to be provided through the diet or dietary supplements. Minerals can be classified into two types: The major elements or the macro minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, and potassium; and trace minerals or micro minerals like copper, cobalt, manganese, fluorine, and zinc. Minerals are required in minute quantities and usually a well balanced and healthy diet will meet the necessary requirement. However, some people may need to take a supplement to meet their bodies’ requirement.
Important minerals and their sources
Calcium is required for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. Over 90% of calcium is contained in the bones and teeth, from where it is reabsorbed by the blood and issues. The primary source of calcium is milk and milk products.
Phosphorous is important to release energy from carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. It combines with calcium in our bones and teeth. It can also be found in milk.
Magnesium aids bone growth and also aids the function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm. It also maintains the electrical circuitry in the nerves and muscle cell and is extremely important for metabolism. It is found abundantly in a variety of foods.
Sodium is found in many natural foods and also found in cooked foods in the form of added dietary salt. Excessive sodium in the body can cause edema, or water retention
Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the pigment in our red blood cells which transports oxygen. Women are usually deficient in iron and have to resort to iron supplements. It is found abundant in leafy green vegetables.
Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, which is a swelling of this gland located in the lower neck. Salt is usually fortified with iodine.
Without minerals, vitamins are literally worthless. Our body is unable to process vitamins without the help of minerals. Minerals are inorganic compounds which are essential for the structural composition of hard and soft tissue, like our teeth, bones, muscles and even blood and nerve cells. Minerals, which are essential for the overall physical and mental welfare of the body, are basically catalysts which help in several important body reactions like muscle contractions, message transmission in the nervous system, production of hormones, to name a few.
Can our body produce minerals?
No. Like some vitamins, out body cannot make minerals. Minerals have to be provided through the diet or dietary supplements. Minerals can be classified into two types: The major elements or the macro minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, and potassium; and trace minerals or micro minerals like copper, cobalt, manganese, fluorine, and zinc. Minerals are required in minute quantities and usually a well balanced and healthy diet will meet the necessary requirement. However, some people may need to take a supplement to meet their bodies’ requirement.
Important minerals and their sources
Calcium is required for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. Over 90% of calcium is contained in the bones and teeth, from where it is reabsorbed by the blood and issues. The primary source of calcium is milk and milk products.
Phosphorous is important to release energy from carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. It combines with calcium in our bones and teeth. It can also be found in milk.
Magnesium aids bone growth and also aids the function of nerves and muscles, including regulation of normal heart rhythm. It also maintains the electrical circuitry in the nerves and muscle cell and is extremely important for metabolism. It is found abundantly in a variety of foods.
Sodium is found in many natural foods and also found in cooked foods in the form of added dietary salt. Excessive sodium in the body can cause edema, or water retention
Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the pigment in our red blood cells which transports oxygen. Women are usually deficient in iron and have to resort to iron supplements. It is found abundant in leafy green vegetables.
Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, which is a swelling of this gland located in the lower neck. Salt is usually fortified with iodine.
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Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, nutrition, mineral supplement, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Vitamin Information for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Vitamin B: It Types and Sources
Commonly referred to as vitamin B complex, these are water soluble vitamins, several of which are deemed extremely important for carbohydrate metabolism. The most important types, their functions and sources are:-
B1 or Thiamine helps in the conversion of carbohydrate into energy. Thiamine also regulates the functioning of the heart and formation of healthy nerve cells. Lack of this vitamin can cause beri beri. Although many foods have thiamine, few provide it in the concentrated amounts required by the body. Rich sources of Thiamine are pork, liver, heart and kidney meat, brewer’s yeast, eggs, green leafy vegetables nuts, berries and legumes. The consumption of enriched wheat germ and cereal can eliminate Thiamine deficiency.
B2 or Riboflavin, like Thiamine, helps in the release of energy and in conjunction with the other B vitamins assists in the growth of the body and production of red cells. Its deficiency can cause skin lesions and sensitivity to light. It is commonly found in liver, milk, meat, dark green vegetables, whole grain and enriched cereals, pasta, bread and mushrooms.
B3 or Niacin helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also helps in the release of energy from foods like carbohydrates. A deficiency of Niacin causes pellagra. The best sources of niacin are liver, poultry, meat, canned tuna and salmon, whole grain and enriched cereals, dried beans and peas, and nuts. Niacin is also made by our body from the amino acid tryptophan.
B6 or Pyridoxine helps in the absorption of proteins. It also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the brain functions. Lack of Pyridoxine can cause skin problems, dizziness, nausea and even kidney stones. Foods like whole grains, cereals, bread, liver, avocadoes, spinach, green beans, and bananas are rich in this vitamin.
B12 or Cobalamin is essential in minute amounts for proper metabolism and formation of red blood cells. Since it is primarily found in meat products, vegetarians are advised to take vitamin B12 supplements.
Other B Vitamins
Folate works in conjunction with Vitamins B12 and is required by our body for the formation of body proteins and hemoglobin. It is also necessary for the synthesis of DNA which manages heredity as well as tissue growth and cell function. Pregnant women are advised to have supplements of folic acid to avoid birth defects like spina bifida. Dietary sources are organ meats like liver, kidney and heart, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and brewer's yeast.
Pantothenic acid, is another B vitamin. It plays an important role in the metabolism of food, synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. It is found in abundance in a variety of foods and also manufactured by intestinal bacteria
Biotin, another B vitamin is essential for the formation of fatty acids and the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is commonly found in all food types and is produced by intestinal bacteria.
B1 or Thiamine helps in the conversion of carbohydrate into energy. Thiamine also regulates the functioning of the heart and formation of healthy nerve cells. Lack of this vitamin can cause beri beri. Although many foods have thiamine, few provide it in the concentrated amounts required by the body. Rich sources of Thiamine are pork, liver, heart and kidney meat, brewer’s yeast, eggs, green leafy vegetables nuts, berries and legumes. The consumption of enriched wheat germ and cereal can eliminate Thiamine deficiency.
B2 or Riboflavin, like Thiamine, helps in the release of energy and in conjunction with the other B vitamins assists in the growth of the body and production of red cells. Its deficiency can cause skin lesions and sensitivity to light. It is commonly found in liver, milk, meat, dark green vegetables, whole grain and enriched cereals, pasta, bread and mushrooms.
B3 or Niacin helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It also helps in the release of energy from foods like carbohydrates. A deficiency of Niacin causes pellagra. The best sources of niacin are liver, poultry, meat, canned tuna and salmon, whole grain and enriched cereals, dried beans and peas, and nuts. Niacin is also made by our body from the amino acid tryptophan.
B6 or Pyridoxine helps in the absorption of proteins. It also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the brain functions. Lack of Pyridoxine can cause skin problems, dizziness, nausea and even kidney stones. Foods like whole grains, cereals, bread, liver, avocadoes, spinach, green beans, and bananas are rich in this vitamin.
B12 or Cobalamin is essential in minute amounts for proper metabolism and formation of red blood cells. Since it is primarily found in meat products, vegetarians are advised to take vitamin B12 supplements.
Other B Vitamins
Folate works in conjunction with Vitamins B12 and is required by our body for the formation of body proteins and hemoglobin. It is also necessary for the synthesis of DNA which manages heredity as well as tissue growth and cell function. Pregnant women are advised to have supplements of folic acid to avoid birth defects like spina bifida. Dietary sources are organ meats like liver, kidney and heart, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and brewer's yeast.
Pantothenic acid, is another B vitamin. It plays an important role in the metabolism of food, synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. It is found in abundance in a variety of foods and also manufactured by intestinal bacteria
Biotin, another B vitamin is essential for the formation of fatty acids and the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is commonly found in all food types and is produced by intestinal bacteria.
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Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, mineral, essential nutrients, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Vitamins and Supplements for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Common Misconceptions about Vitamins: Some FAQ’S
Often taken to treat ailments like colds, arthritis and osteoporosis, and sometimes taken to offset issues like stress, nervous tension and even memory loss, vitamins are commonly misused and their benefits misunderstood. Vitamins are not wonder drugs and should not be taken with that belief or hope. Vitamins are organics compounds that assist in various metabolic functions of the body and most of us get our recommended doses of essential vitamins from our dietary intake. However some of us need to supplement our diet with vitamin supplements. Here are some commonly asked questions which will dispel the confusion that surrounds vitamins.
Is there a recommended amount of vitamins that I should consume?
Many people assume that vitamins can be taken in any quantities, blindly going along with the logic that if small amounts of vitamins are good for you then larger amounts must be even better. The Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) of vitamins is not the recommended amount to take daily, but rather the minimum amount required per day by the body to prevent a deficiency. The general rule of thumb to follow is less is usually more. Our bodies are capable of storing fat soluble vitamins like vitamins D, E and K. High does of these vitamins can result in toxic levels in the body. Even high doses of water soluble vitamins can cause toxicity in the body and is linked to health damaging side effects.
How soon should I address a vitamin deficiency?
Vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat soluble, are stored in the fat content in our body for a long period of time. Even water soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B- complex are stored albeit for a shorter period of time. So a deficiency can take weeks and sometimes months to manifest itself, and affect your health. So you won’t just contract rickets or beri beri suddenly; it will take months of no vitamins for you to reach that stage. The conclusion is that a random lapse in good eating habits will not damage your health as long as you aren’t consistently erratic.
Will vitamin C cure my cold?
No. This is a myth. There has been extensive research done on this subject and there is still no evidence to suggest that vitamin C prevents common cold. Studies do show that taking vitamin C in large may ease the symptoms, and may even curtail the duration of the cold, but it does not prevent the onset of the cold. Our body requires only 40 mg of vitamin C in a day. The rest of it is excreted. Excessive doses can cause a wide range of health disorders.
Will taking vitamins alleviate my stress and anxiety?
Again, the answer is no. Deficiency of some vitamins can lead to emotional disturbances but the answer to most peoples’ angst lies in overcoming personal and emotional problems and changing lifestyles. Taking vitamins will not help the cause.
Is there a recommended amount of vitamins that I should consume?
Many people assume that vitamins can be taken in any quantities, blindly going along with the logic that if small amounts of vitamins are good for you then larger amounts must be even better. The Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) of vitamins is not the recommended amount to take daily, but rather the minimum amount required per day by the body to prevent a deficiency. The general rule of thumb to follow is less is usually more. Our bodies are capable of storing fat soluble vitamins like vitamins D, E and K. High does of these vitamins can result in toxic levels in the body. Even high doses of water soluble vitamins can cause toxicity in the body and is linked to health damaging side effects.
How soon should I address a vitamin deficiency?
Vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat soluble, are stored in the fat content in our body for a long period of time. Even water soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B- complex are stored albeit for a shorter period of time. So a deficiency can take weeks and sometimes months to manifest itself, and affect your health. So you won’t just contract rickets or beri beri suddenly; it will take months of no vitamins for you to reach that stage. The conclusion is that a random lapse in good eating habits will not damage your health as long as you aren’t consistently erratic.
Will vitamin C cure my cold?
No. This is a myth. There has been extensive research done on this subject and there is still no evidence to suggest that vitamin C prevents common cold. Studies do show that taking vitamin C in large may ease the symptoms, and may even curtail the duration of the cold, but it does not prevent the onset of the cold. Our body requires only 40 mg of vitamin C in a day. The rest of it is excreted. Excessive doses can cause a wide range of health disorders.
Will taking vitamins alleviate my stress and anxiety?
Again, the answer is no. Deficiency of some vitamins can lead to emotional disturbances but the answer to most peoples’ angst lies in overcoming personal and emotional problems and changing lifestyles. Taking vitamins will not help the cause.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, mineral, essential nutrients, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Vitamins and Supplements for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Modern Age Vitamins - The Basics
Today in our modern age we have just about every supplement possible. Every vitamin from a-z can be found in supplement form. Along with vitamins, herbal capsules and high concentrated of other things such as bee pollen and folic acid are common. Todays fast paced and unhealthy diets have lead to a dependency on a multi or daily vitamin. Although our bodies produce most of the necessary nutrients required for living. We sometimes end up not getting enough of one vitamin. Vitamin deficiency of certain vitamins can lead to health problems. Over dosing on vitamin supplements is usually pretty hard, although there are certain vitamins you want to avoid taking high amounts of. Taking large amounts of some supplements can seriously harm you or even cause death. Always consult your doctor for advice before taking vitamin supplements.
Nutrition is becoming a more important issue in todays culture. Vitamin supplements are making it easier than ever to aquire the healthy amount of all vitamins and an asortment of other healthy herbs. Vitamins of course are one type of supplement but others include; antioxidants, diertics, amino acids, bee pollen and many more. High concentrations of some herbs are very beneficial to your health too. Some herbal supplements include; ginsing, echinacea, soy, fish oil, folic acid and more. Supplements generally never expire, but light and heat can often reduce the quality of the vitamin. Proper usage and storage are important things to keep in mind when on a supplement diet.
Vitamins are linked to so many health problem and soultions. For instance, research suggest that vitamin d can slow the rate of prostate cancer growth in men. And hair loss occurs when the diet is inadequate in the b vitamins. some of the b vitamins include; b6, b3,and b5. Lack of minerals such as magnesium sulfur and zinc can also be linked to hair loss. As you can see vitamins are essential.
Nutrition is becoming a more important issue in todays culture. Vitamin supplements are making it easier than ever to aquire the healthy amount of all vitamins and an asortment of other healthy herbs. Vitamins of course are one type of supplement but others include; antioxidants, diertics, amino acids, bee pollen and many more. High concentrations of some herbs are very beneficial to your health too. Some herbal supplements include; ginsing, echinacea, soy, fish oil, folic acid and more. Supplements generally never expire, but light and heat can often reduce the quality of the vitamin. Proper usage and storage are important things to keep in mind when on a supplement diet.
Vitamins are linked to so many health problem and soultions. For instance, research suggest that vitamin d can slow the rate of prostate cancer growth in men. And hair loss occurs when the diet is inadequate in the b vitamins. some of the b vitamins include; b6, b3,and b5. Lack of minerals such as magnesium sulfur and zinc can also be linked to hair loss. As you can see vitamins are essential.
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Jack Smith writes about various minerals, vitamin and health supplement topics. Please feel free to re-print this article. If you do re-print, please keep all links, bio information and article content unchanged. Thank You! - Please visit supplement information
Body Building and Vitamins
Body building requires alot of work dedication and of course a good idea of health and nutrition. One major aspect of body building includes diet and nutrition. Making sure the body has all the required amno acids, enzymes, proteins, carbs, minerals, vitamins and nutrients can be stressful and sometimes impossible in todays busy life style.
Finding time to work out is hard enough for most people. Eating right sometimes gets neglected by some people which leads to more harm then good when working out. Our body requires alot of nutrients to build big muscles. On average a person who wants to gain muscle mass has to eat his wieght in grams of protein a day. along with some 4000 carbs to keep the body fueled for maximum body efficiency. Take into consideration that the average male is 165 pounds and a serving of chicken the size of your palm is about 20 grams of protein, a person would have to eat around 6 chicken breast a day atleast to ensure good results. A bowl of pasta can contain a few hundred carbs. Eating 10 bowls of pasta a day can be difficult for some people. These facts are all in retrospect to the fact that every body is different. But as you can see finding time for a proper diet can be hard.
Working muscles require carbs for fuel, and teared muscles require protein to re-build. While other nutrients help circulate blood increase oxygen concentration in muscles and increase the overall efficiency of the muscles. Body builders have very strict diets that regulate almost every meal they have so that they have maximum results. Vitamins are a very important for healthy living and are often over-looked. Some vitamins are hard to acquire in a daily diet and a supplement is the only logical solution. Although supplements do not have all the other nutrients that healthy food might, they wcan compensate for some slack in your modern diet.
Finding time to work out is hard enough for most people. Eating right sometimes gets neglected by some people which leads to more harm then good when working out. Our body requires alot of nutrients to build big muscles. On average a person who wants to gain muscle mass has to eat his wieght in grams of protein a day. along with some 4000 carbs to keep the body fueled for maximum body efficiency. Take into consideration that the average male is 165 pounds and a serving of chicken the size of your palm is about 20 grams of protein, a person would have to eat around 6 chicken breast a day atleast to ensure good results. A bowl of pasta can contain a few hundred carbs. Eating 10 bowls of pasta a day can be difficult for some people. These facts are all in retrospect to the fact that every body is different. But as you can see finding time for a proper diet can be hard.
Working muscles require carbs for fuel, and teared muscles require protein to re-build. While other nutrients help circulate blood increase oxygen concentration in muscles and increase the overall efficiency of the muscles. Body builders have very strict diets that regulate almost every meal they have so that they have maximum results. Vitamins are a very important for healthy living and are often over-looked. Some vitamins are hard to acquire in a daily diet and a supplement is the only logical solution. Although supplements do not have all the other nutrients that healthy food might, they wcan compensate for some slack in your modern diet.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Jack Smith writes about various vitamin, mineral, nutritional supplement, and diet topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intact, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you Please Visit Vitamins Online for more vitamin and mineral supplement resources.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Invest In Your Health
What if a trusted friend were to tell you about an investment where you could not possibly go wrong...what would be your reaction? And what if there was a virtual mountain of credible information that supported the investment claims...wouldn't you be inclined to take advantage of the opportunity and not miss out on the rewards? Although the answer to these questions seems apparent, when it comes to investing in our health and quality of life we often choose to ignore what obviously works. Take for example, exercise...
Physical fitness may be the ultimate investment opportunity. Think of it this way. If you are willing to make the commitment(investment), you will feel and look healthier, have an abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and discover a more joyous and fulfilling life. These are rewards that money cannot buy and the substance of high quality living. And, the investment of exercise becomes even more attractive when you consider that there is absolutely no down-side risk. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. How much better can it get? How many times can you remember ever having a better offer?The honest answer is probably never, and yet many of us fail to act on this extraordinary opportunity. We simply choose to procrastinate or ignore the proven benefits of exercise!
Here are a few reasons that sometimes inhibit our willingness to"step out" and make a change or take a chance:
- Sometimes our vision gets clouded. We lose tract of what is really important. Forget about the less important activities that tend to clutter our daily routine and focus on exactly what needs to be accomplished to reach your goal.
- Looking at the "big" picture can seem overwhelming. And the bigger the task, the more overwhelming it can seem. Break the task apart into smaller pieces. If you want to lose 50 pounds try losing 10 pounds and repeat the process five times! Need to start an exercise program? Begin with short, simple exercises and then slowly expand your routine. Don't exercise too hard when first starting-out or you will become stiff, tired, disillusioned and soon quit.
- Have you ever not wanted to start something for fear of failure? Take the first step, acknowledge the fear and the next step will come easier. Once fears are acknowledged, they usually quiet down.
- Sometimes we start to think that a task is unpleasant or boring. Just like any other activity, this can also be true for exercise. There are days when we just plain lack the enthusiasm and motivation to continue. It's part of human nature. On days like these focus on 'why' you are doing it. Think about all the people you care about and who may need and rely on you. What would happen if you became ill or disabled and was unable to work for a period of time, or worse, if you were out of the picture completely. How would things change? If something happened tomorrow, how would your family or business manage without you?What do you want your life to be like in the future? There are many tasks or chores we do, that we may not like, but are necessary to live a happen and productive life. Focus on the bigger picture.
- Indecision can be defeating, but doing "anything" is better than doing nothing. There are no wrong choices and very few choices that can't be undone or done again. Can't decide on aparticular exercise program or routine? Pick a few exercises and start with something simple. If you don't like it, go on to the next exercise.
- When you lack the confidence to start something new, take adeep breath and try to figure out why. Are you hesitating because you really lack the skill or is it just imagined? If it's real,try to find out where to gain the skills you need or find someone with the right skills who can help. In the case of exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can sometimes do the trick, but be wary...some PFT's are over zealous and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.
- Life just seems too busy to find time for some activities. Large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by. And if we're honest, when they do come, we'd rather do something totally pleasurable! Exercise has to become part of your routine. It can't be an option. Make it a high priority just the same as your career, and other areas of interest. You will be surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!
- Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited distractions so that you have a "good" reason not to get something done? Sometimes it's the simple things like answering the phone or sitting down to watch that "one" TV program, that distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control ofthe situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are avoiding.
To reap the benefits of exercise, or any other health related endeavor, you must agree to become a willing participant. This will require due diligence on your part. And remember, as you embark on your mission you are investing in something near and dear to your own heart...your life and a future of healthy living
Physical fitness may be the ultimate investment opportunity. Think of it this way. If you are willing to make the commitment(investment), you will feel and look healthier, have an abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and discover a more joyous and fulfilling life. These are rewards that money cannot buy and the substance of high quality living. And, the investment of exercise becomes even more attractive when you consider that there is absolutely no down-side risk. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. How much better can it get? How many times can you remember ever having a better offer?The honest answer is probably never, and yet many of us fail to act on this extraordinary opportunity. We simply choose to procrastinate or ignore the proven benefits of exercise!
Here are a few reasons that sometimes inhibit our willingness to"step out" and make a change or take a chance:
- Sometimes our vision gets clouded. We lose tract of what is really important. Forget about the less important activities that tend to clutter our daily routine and focus on exactly what needs to be accomplished to reach your goal.
- Looking at the "big" picture can seem overwhelming. And the bigger the task, the more overwhelming it can seem. Break the task apart into smaller pieces. If you want to lose 50 pounds try losing 10 pounds and repeat the process five times! Need to start an exercise program? Begin with short, simple exercises and then slowly expand your routine. Don't exercise too hard when first starting-out or you will become stiff, tired, disillusioned and soon quit.
- Have you ever not wanted to start something for fear of failure? Take the first step, acknowledge the fear and the next step will come easier. Once fears are acknowledged, they usually quiet down.
- Sometimes we start to think that a task is unpleasant or boring. Just like any other activity, this can also be true for exercise. There are days when we just plain lack the enthusiasm and motivation to continue. It's part of human nature. On days like these focus on 'why' you are doing it. Think about all the people you care about and who may need and rely on you. What would happen if you became ill or disabled and was unable to work for a period of time, or worse, if you were out of the picture completely. How would things change? If something happened tomorrow, how would your family or business manage without you?What do you want your life to be like in the future? There are many tasks or chores we do, that we may not like, but are necessary to live a happen and productive life. Focus on the bigger picture.
- Indecision can be defeating, but doing "anything" is better than doing nothing. There are no wrong choices and very few choices that can't be undone or done again. Can't decide on aparticular exercise program or routine? Pick a few exercises and start with something simple. If you don't like it, go on to the next exercise.
- When you lack the confidence to start something new, take adeep breath and try to figure out why. Are you hesitating because you really lack the skill or is it just imagined? If it's real,try to find out where to gain the skills you need or find someone with the right skills who can help. In the case of exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can sometimes do the trick, but be wary...some PFT's are over zealous and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.
- Life just seems too busy to find time for some activities. Large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by. And if we're honest, when they do come, we'd rather do something totally pleasurable! Exercise has to become part of your routine. It can't be an option. Make it a high priority just the same as your career, and other areas of interest. You will be surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!
- Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited distractions so that you have a "good" reason not to get something done? Sometimes it's the simple things like answering the phone or sitting down to watch that "one" TV program, that distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control ofthe situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are avoiding.
To reap the benefits of exercise, or any other health related endeavor, you must agree to become a willing participant. This will require due diligence on your part. And remember, as you embark on your mission you are investing in something near and dear to your own heart...your life and a future of healthy living
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Annmarie Whitmire www.affordablebenefits.blogspot.com
Body Massage Oils for Healthy Living
The holistic application of physical touch to affect the systems of the circulatory, body-the muscular, skeletal, elimination, endocrine, respiratory, lymphatic, emotional, mental digestive, and nervous systems is called Body massage.
An expert’s massage with aromatic massage oil does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin. The massage oil penetrates into the skin working on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. The massage oils reach beneath the deep layers of the skin and possibly stimulate the affected organs for instant relief. Massage oils thus stimulate blood circulation and assist the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system) thereby improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.
Massage oils like Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil and Sweet Almond oil are very light on the skin as they soak quickly leaving the skin soft, nourished and moisturized with out any greasy feeling. Massage oils can be categorized as the following to serve four different purposes:
ENERGIZING
Energizing Massage Oils boost your spirits and energy as well as relax your muscles. Most Energizing Massage Oil contains peppermint, lemon, rosemary, spearmint and tangerine as essential oils.
RELAXING
Relaxation Massage Oils is beneficial at the time of stress, muscle cramps and tension. They make your body muscles relaxed and releases tension. The Relaxing Massage Oil blend generally contains ylang, clary sage, bergamot essential oils, and lavender.
SPORTS
Sports massage oils relieve you from spasms, muscle cramps, tension and reactivate your muscles to face the challenge once again. Sports Massage Oil mostly contains lavender, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger essential oils.
SENUSOUS
The Sensuous Massage Oils are for those intimate moments; to make your partner go wild for you. These types of massage oils contain sandalwood, patchouli and rose essential oils.
Massage oils thus in general help us to:
1. Relaxing.
2. Soothing.
3. Healing.
4. Releasing tension, stiffness, cramps and pain.
6. Improving breathing.
7. Improving circulation.
8. Enhancing well-being.
Tip: It is important that you do not go out in the sun for at least 8 hours after using any of the massage oils as you may get skin irritation if exposed to sun. Body massage is not prescribed for pregnant women or children under the age of 3. It is always advisable that you undergo allergy test prior to using body massage oil for safety purposes.
An expert’s massage with aromatic massage oil does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin. The massage oil penetrates into the skin working on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. The massage oils reach beneath the deep layers of the skin and possibly stimulate the affected organs for instant relief. Massage oils thus stimulate blood circulation and assist the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system) thereby improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.
Massage oils like Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil and Sweet Almond oil are very light on the skin as they soak quickly leaving the skin soft, nourished and moisturized with out any greasy feeling. Massage oils can be categorized as the following to serve four different purposes:
ENERGIZING
Energizing Massage Oils boost your spirits and energy as well as relax your muscles. Most Energizing Massage Oil contains peppermint, lemon, rosemary, spearmint and tangerine as essential oils.
RELAXING
Relaxation Massage Oils is beneficial at the time of stress, muscle cramps and tension. They make your body muscles relaxed and releases tension. The Relaxing Massage Oil blend generally contains ylang, clary sage, bergamot essential oils, and lavender.
SPORTS
Sports massage oils relieve you from spasms, muscle cramps, tension and reactivate your muscles to face the challenge once again. Sports Massage Oil mostly contains lavender, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger essential oils.
SENUSOUS
The Sensuous Massage Oils are for those intimate moments; to make your partner go wild for you. These types of massage oils contain sandalwood, patchouli and rose essential oils.
Massage oils thus in general help us to:
1. Relaxing.
2. Soothing.
3. Healing.
4. Releasing tension, stiffness, cramps and pain.
6. Improving breathing.
7. Improving circulation.
8. Enhancing well-being.
Tip: It is important that you do not go out in the sun for at least 8 hours after using any of the massage oils as you may get skin irritation if exposed to sun. Body massage is not prescribed for pregnant women or children under the age of 3. It is always advisable that you undergo allergy test prior to using body massage oil for safety purposes.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Rory H. Hawkins writes about massage oils and other interesting topics. For more information on body massage oils visit us today.
Health And Fitness Essentials – The Cardio-Vascular Workout.
To accomplish a good cardio-vascular workout all you really need is a good pair of running shoes. Most cardio-vascular exercise needs little or no third party apparatus to help you accomplish your routine. Running, dancing, walking can all be done with no equipment (well, if dancing, then maybe some music would help). Other forms of cardio are step, circuit training, bike riding, swimming, aerobics and more...
With most exercise you should always remember to warm up first and cool down afterwards. This means gently stretching and moving your muscles to start off with. Suddenly moving into full exercise without building up first will cause problems such as stiffness and cramps. Ease yourself into it. Then after exercise, the cool down is basically gently moving the muscles and joints to stretch and relax, as your body returns to its normal pace.
Running:
Make sure you have a good pair of running shoes. The technology put into these shoes nowadays is highly researched and designed to reduce shock to the feet, ankles, legs and back. So don't skimp on these - you get what you pay for.
Before you start your run, be sure to warm up first. Start with a brisk walk ensuring you move your arms vigorously gradually breaking into a slow jog. It is better to run at a speed to which you can still converse. If you find yourself losing breath, slow your pace down until you've recovered. If you are a novice runner try running and walking, until you can hold your run for 15 minutes.
Now increase the length and time of your run by a couple of minutes every other time you hit the road or treadmill, until you can run for 30 minutes without stopping. Try to increase your run time by 10% each week, remember not to over do it and don’t forget to warm down at the end of each by slowing down gradually. When your run is complete stretch your legs for 30 seconds per muscle, hamstring, calf and thigh.
Cycling:
Cycling is one of the best ways to get a good cardio-vascular workout.
First of all, if you are riding on the roads safety is paramount, always use the appropriate safety equipment when road riding. You can stay fit by riding a bike to work, most people work within a five mile radius of there place of work, which is a perfect distance for a bike ride.
Exercise bikes can be used in a variety of ways, general riding for specified length of time, this is like going for a bike ride with out the dangers of road riding and the weather. Warm up riding you can use an exercise bike for warming up the legs before a leg workout. Also exercise bike classes, these classes are taken by an instructor, who will put you through various levels of pace, quite like a circuit training exercise with a bike.
You may find it surprising to find that riding a bike five miles 3 times per week will improve your heart rate, your posture, skin and weight control. Some even say that riding and running are great ways of relieving stress.
Swimming:
One of the best ways to firm up and trim your body down. Due to the resistance the water has on the body swimming involves all the major muscle groups this allows the body to burn up to 20% more calories than swimming through air. Swimming a few lengths per day will keep you fit and give you an excellent workout. Swimming also has less impact on the joints than say, running.
If you wish to take your swim a little further try picking up the pace of your swim, you can work up to a great aerobic exercise and give your body an excellent workout.
Start off by swimming 1-2 lengths at a time resting between sets if necessary, after you have swam ten lengths call it a day. The next day repeat the process until you can swim five lengths without a break. Progress to ten lengths in by adding an extra length each time you return.
You can put together your own cardio raining routing in the gym, if you have a problem with this then the staff on hand will write one for you and show you how to achieve your goal. Try to make your cardio last between an hour and an hour and a half. A good start point for cardio is always a run.
This cardio workout will work for a person of medium fitness, however adjust the times and pace according to your fitness levels.
1. Run at a light pace for 20 minutes, start off at a walking pace and gradually move to a run, this helps you get warmed up and the blood pumping.
2. Rowing machine- set the rowing machine for a countdown time of 15 minutes or keep a check on your watch or the clock. Start off with a slow rowing motion to get the pace up, maintain this steady pace throughout the full 13 minutes and use the 2 minutes to slow the pace down.
3. Move immediately on to exercise bike take a stead paced ride for 12 minutes with a sprint finish for the remaining 3 minutes.
4. After the exercise bike move directly on to the step climber for a period of 15 minutes climbing on a light level to get the legs going. Try to move at a swift pace for the full 15 minutes as this is the last of the leg work you will be doing.
5. When you have completed the step climber, move onto the abs bench for some crunches. 4 sets of crunches to failure is your target for this exercise. Try twisting your body and touching your left knee with your right elbow and vice versa.
6. The last exercise in this quick cardio workout is the leg raise apparatus. Bring your knees up to your chest for 3-4 sets for as many reps as possible (failure)
After the completion of this cardio workout, remember to do a full warm down by stretching the muscles. The full workout should take you around 1 hour 20 minutes.
With most exercise you should always remember to warm up first and cool down afterwards. This means gently stretching and moving your muscles to start off with. Suddenly moving into full exercise without building up first will cause problems such as stiffness and cramps. Ease yourself into it. Then after exercise, the cool down is basically gently moving the muscles and joints to stretch and relax, as your body returns to its normal pace.
Running:
Make sure you have a good pair of running shoes. The technology put into these shoes nowadays is highly researched and designed to reduce shock to the feet, ankles, legs and back. So don't skimp on these - you get what you pay for.
Before you start your run, be sure to warm up first. Start with a brisk walk ensuring you move your arms vigorously gradually breaking into a slow jog. It is better to run at a speed to which you can still converse. If you find yourself losing breath, slow your pace down until you've recovered. If you are a novice runner try running and walking, until you can hold your run for 15 minutes.
Now increase the length and time of your run by a couple of minutes every other time you hit the road or treadmill, until you can run for 30 minutes without stopping. Try to increase your run time by 10% each week, remember not to over do it and don’t forget to warm down at the end of each by slowing down gradually. When your run is complete stretch your legs for 30 seconds per muscle, hamstring, calf and thigh.
Cycling:
Cycling is one of the best ways to get a good cardio-vascular workout.
First of all, if you are riding on the roads safety is paramount, always use the appropriate safety equipment when road riding. You can stay fit by riding a bike to work, most people work within a five mile radius of there place of work, which is a perfect distance for a bike ride.
Exercise bikes can be used in a variety of ways, general riding for specified length of time, this is like going for a bike ride with out the dangers of road riding and the weather. Warm up riding you can use an exercise bike for warming up the legs before a leg workout. Also exercise bike classes, these classes are taken by an instructor, who will put you through various levels of pace, quite like a circuit training exercise with a bike.
You may find it surprising to find that riding a bike five miles 3 times per week will improve your heart rate, your posture, skin and weight control. Some even say that riding and running are great ways of relieving stress.
Swimming:
One of the best ways to firm up and trim your body down. Due to the resistance the water has on the body swimming involves all the major muscle groups this allows the body to burn up to 20% more calories than swimming through air. Swimming a few lengths per day will keep you fit and give you an excellent workout. Swimming also has less impact on the joints than say, running.
If you wish to take your swim a little further try picking up the pace of your swim, you can work up to a great aerobic exercise and give your body an excellent workout.
Start off by swimming 1-2 lengths at a time resting between sets if necessary, after you have swam ten lengths call it a day. The next day repeat the process until you can swim five lengths without a break. Progress to ten lengths in by adding an extra length each time you return.
You can put together your own cardio raining routing in the gym, if you have a problem with this then the staff on hand will write one for you and show you how to achieve your goal. Try to make your cardio last between an hour and an hour and a half. A good start point for cardio is always a run.
This cardio workout will work for a person of medium fitness, however adjust the times and pace according to your fitness levels.
1. Run at a light pace for 20 minutes, start off at a walking pace and gradually move to a run, this helps you get warmed up and the blood pumping.
2. Rowing machine- set the rowing machine for a countdown time of 15 minutes or keep a check on your watch or the clock. Start off with a slow rowing motion to get the pace up, maintain this steady pace throughout the full 13 minutes and use the 2 minutes to slow the pace down.
3. Move immediately on to exercise bike take a stead paced ride for 12 minutes with a sprint finish for the remaining 3 minutes.
4. After the exercise bike move directly on to the step climber for a period of 15 minutes climbing on a light level to get the legs going. Try to move at a swift pace for the full 15 minutes as this is the last of the leg work you will be doing.
5. When you have completed the step climber, move onto the abs bench for some crunches. 4 sets of crunches to failure is your target for this exercise. Try twisting your body and touching your left knee with your right elbow and vice versa.
6. The last exercise in this quick cardio workout is the leg raise apparatus. Bring your knees up to your chest for 3-4 sets for as many reps as possible (failure)
After the completion of this cardio workout, remember to do a full warm down by stretching the muscles. The full workout should take you around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Article supplied by Michael Aldridge. For health and fitness - simple steps to a healthy lifestyle, please visit our web site at www.healthfitness.informatee.com
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The Amazing Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Adding fats to your diet is essential if you want to live a healthy lifestyle that results in feeling and looking great, but it has to be the right kind of fats. Essential fatty acids fall within this category and are a crucially important addition to anyone's diet.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are made up of two components: DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The best source of DHA and EPA are fish, especially salmon, seaweed, shellfish and algae. Furthermore, you can also get omega-3's from unrefined whole grains, dark & leafy greens and certain nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This second group contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid) which your body then converts to EPA and DHA.
Your best bet, however, is to get your omega-3's from seafood because your body converts only about 15 percent of dietary ALA to EPA and much less to DHA.
What do you do if you don't like, and absolutely refuse to eat, seafood? Well, fortunately you can get omega-3's in capsule form. Not everyone's stomach can handle these capsules, but try them out for one month. It's an extremely convenient way to add omega-3's to your diet.
When purchasing omega-3's in pill form, you'll notice some products also contain the other two components of essential fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-9. Stick with the products that contain only high amounts of omega-3's. Most people already get high amounts of these two fatty acids from their diet, and it's this lack of omega-3's that is potentially the culprit behind many health problems today.
When adding omega-3's to your diet through pills, look for 1,000 mg pills and take 3-9 per day with food depending on your current health status and healthy living goals. Your physician should be able to consult with you about this.
So now you have a good introduction into omega-3 fatty acids and the different ways to add them to your diet, but what are the health benefits associated with them?
Plenty! Here's a quick list and you can also easily do some research by searching for "benefits of omega-3" in your favorite search engine.
- stabilizes blood sugar levels and lowers insulin levels
- boosts your immune system
- encourages your body to burn fat and decreases appetite
- improves your mood and attention span
- reduce inflammation
- improve your skin tone and radiance
If the above doesn't get you excited about this proven, inexpensive and easy-to-get fatty acid supplement, then check your pulse!
It's an addition to your diet that will help improve your health by leaps and bounds.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are made up of two components: DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The best source of DHA and EPA are fish, especially salmon, seaweed, shellfish and algae. Furthermore, you can also get omega-3's from unrefined whole grains, dark & leafy greens and certain nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This second group contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid) which your body then converts to EPA and DHA.
Your best bet, however, is to get your omega-3's from seafood because your body converts only about 15 percent of dietary ALA to EPA and much less to DHA.
What do you do if you don't like, and absolutely refuse to eat, seafood? Well, fortunately you can get omega-3's in capsule form. Not everyone's stomach can handle these capsules, but try them out for one month. It's an extremely convenient way to add omega-3's to your diet.
When purchasing omega-3's in pill form, you'll notice some products also contain the other two components of essential fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-9. Stick with the products that contain only high amounts of omega-3's. Most people already get high amounts of these two fatty acids from their diet, and it's this lack of omega-3's that is potentially the culprit behind many health problems today.
When adding omega-3's to your diet through pills, look for 1,000 mg pills and take 3-9 per day with food depending on your current health status and healthy living goals. Your physician should be able to consult with you about this.
So now you have a good introduction into omega-3 fatty acids and the different ways to add them to your diet, but what are the health benefits associated with them?
Plenty! Here's a quick list and you can also easily do some research by searching for "benefits of omega-3" in your favorite search engine.
- stabilizes blood sugar levels and lowers insulin levels
- boosts your immune system
- encourages your body to burn fat and decreases appetite
- improves your mood and attention span
- reduce inflammation
- improve your skin tone and radiance
If the above doesn't get you excited about this proven, inexpensive and easy-to-get fatty acid supplement, then check your pulse!
It's an addition to your diet that will help improve your health by leaps and bounds.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Ryan Cote is the Owner of www.SimpleHealth123.com, a health & wellness informational website that recommends quality products to better your health and well-being. Stop by and subscribe to his free healthy living e-course. He is also Owner of www.GetHealthyReport.com, an anti-aging guide that will transform your life.
What Is Wellness Of The Body?
Wellness is the state of good physical and emotional health, and is further enhanced by a balanced diet, exercise, and healthy living habits. Nutrition refers to providing our bodies with the right foods and nutrients, in our ability to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Healthy living habits are those that do not cause us harm, such as avoiding smoking, drugs, and drinking excessive alcohol.
Wellness of the body occurs when all the body functions, both physical and mental are performing at optimal levels. Achieving total body wellness is more than just going to the gym, though.
Many factors contribute to our body’s wellness. The daily intake of the right food, vitamins, and water are necessary. It is also important to think about the physical conditioning our body to deal with life.
Physical exercise is key to the wellness of the body. Trying to achieve good nutrition without good physical health is pointless. They work together.
The body is comprised of all of our physical processes, as well as our mental processes. When we think about the wellness of the body, we usually think about weight and muscle tone.
But what about all of our other organs and functions? It is important to consider all of our body’s parts, inside and out. This can be achieved through daily physical activity that addresses the body as a whole, and by taking the time to rest and restore our bodies through sleep.
By using our resources intelligently and educating ourselves about total body wellness, it is not a hard goal to achieve. It can be a lengthy process, though. Years of abusing your body can take its toll, and getting it into good condition will take time and patience.
Taking care and consideration for every part of your body will result in total body wellness. Everything will work together efficiently, and life will be more enjoyable. The human body, when treated properly, is a well-oiled machine.
It is complex and powerful, and can withstand abuse and neglect, but for only so long. The human body is also home to our mind and soul, and when the body is in tune, our mind and soul can be strong as well.
Wellness of the body occurs when all the body functions, both physical and mental are performing at optimal levels. Achieving total body wellness is more than just going to the gym, though.
Many factors contribute to our body’s wellness. The daily intake of the right food, vitamins, and water are necessary. It is also important to think about the physical conditioning our body to deal with life.
Physical exercise is key to the wellness of the body. Trying to achieve good nutrition without good physical health is pointless. They work together.
The body is comprised of all of our physical processes, as well as our mental processes. When we think about the wellness of the body, we usually think about weight and muscle tone.
But what about all of our other organs and functions? It is important to consider all of our body’s parts, inside and out. This can be achieved through daily physical activity that addresses the body as a whole, and by taking the time to rest and restore our bodies through sleep.
By using our resources intelligently and educating ourselves about total body wellness, it is not a hard goal to achieve. It can be a lengthy process, though. Years of abusing your body can take its toll, and getting it into good condition will take time and patience.
Taking care and consideration for every part of your body will result in total body wellness. Everything will work together efficiently, and life will be more enjoyable. The human body, when treated properly, is a well-oiled machine.
It is complex and powerful, and can withstand abuse and neglect, but for only so long. The human body is also home to our mind and soul, and when the body is in tune, our mind and soul can be strong as well.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Discover more about wellness by visiting www.discoverwellnessandfitness.info
Fats in your Diet are Essential - But which one's to Choose?
Have you ever wondered if what you know about omega 3 is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on omega 3.
Adding fats to your diet is essential if you want to live a healthy lifestyle that results in feeling and looking great, but it has to be the right kind of fats. Essential fatty acids fall within this category and are a crucially important addition to anyone's diet.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are made up of two components: DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The best source of DHA and EPA are fish, especially salmon, seaweed, shellfish and algae. Furthermore, you can also get omega-3's from unrefined whole grains, dark; leafy greens and certain nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This second group contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid) which your body then converts to EPA and DHA.
Your best bet, however, is to get your omega-3's from seafood because your body converts only about 15 percent of dietary ALA to EPA and much less to DHA.
What do you do if you don't like, and absolutely refuse to eat, seafood? Well, fortunately you can get omega-3's in capsule form. Not everyone's stomach can handle these capsules, but try them out for one month. It's an extremely convenient way to add omega-3's to your diet.
When purchasing omega-3's in pill form, you'll notice some products also contain the other two components of essential fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-9. Stick with the products that contain only high amounts of omega-3's. Most people already get high amounts of these two fatty acids from their diet, and it's this lack of omega-3's that is potentially the culprit behind many health problems today.
Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about omega 3? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
When adding omega-3's to your diet through pills, look for 1,000 mg pills and take 3-9 per day with food depending on your current health status and healthy living goals. Your Doctor or physician should be able to consult with you about this.
Solgar Vitamins have some very good omega 3 products available at www.solgar.co.uk
So now you have a good introduction into omega-3 fatty acids and the different ways to add them to your diet, but what are the health benefits associated with them?
Plenty! Here's a quick list and you can also easily do some research by searching for "benefits of omega-3" in your favorite search engine.
- stabilizes blood sugar levels and lowers insulin levels
- boosts your immune system
- encourages your body to burn fat and decreases appetite
- improves your mood and attention span
- reduce inflammation
- improve your skin tone and radiance
If the above doesn't get you excited about this proven, inexpensive and easy-to-get fatty acid supplement, then check your pulse!
It's an addition to your diet that will help improve your health by leaps and bounds.
I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.
Adding fats to your diet is essential if you want to live a healthy lifestyle that results in feeling and looking great, but it has to be the right kind of fats. Essential fatty acids fall within this category and are a crucially important addition to anyone's diet.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are made up of two components: DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The best source of DHA and EPA are fish, especially salmon, seaweed, shellfish and algae. Furthermore, you can also get omega-3's from unrefined whole grains, dark; leafy greens and certain nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This second group contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid) which your body then converts to EPA and DHA.
Your best bet, however, is to get your omega-3's from seafood because your body converts only about 15 percent of dietary ALA to EPA and much less to DHA.
What do you do if you don't like, and absolutely refuse to eat, seafood? Well, fortunately you can get omega-3's in capsule form. Not everyone's stomach can handle these capsules, but try them out for one month. It's an extremely convenient way to add omega-3's to your diet.
When purchasing omega-3's in pill form, you'll notice some products also contain the other two components of essential fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-9. Stick with the products that contain only high amounts of omega-3's. Most people already get high amounts of these two fatty acids from their diet, and it's this lack of omega-3's that is potentially the culprit behind many health problems today.
Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about omega 3? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
When adding omega-3's to your diet through pills, look for 1,000 mg pills and take 3-9 per day with food depending on your current health status and healthy living goals. Your Doctor or physician should be able to consult with you about this.
Solgar Vitamins have some very good omega 3 products available at www.solgar.co.uk
So now you have a good introduction into omega-3 fatty acids and the different ways to add them to your diet, but what are the health benefits associated with them?
Plenty! Here's a quick list and you can also easily do some research by searching for "benefits of omega-3" in your favorite search engine.
- stabilizes blood sugar levels and lowers insulin levels
- boosts your immune system
- encourages your body to burn fat and decreases appetite
- improves your mood and attention span
- reduce inflammation
- improve your skin tone and radiance
If the above doesn't get you excited about this proven, inexpensive and easy-to-get fatty acid supplement, then check your pulse!
It's an addition to your diet that will help improve your health by leaps and bounds.
I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Keith Woolley is the Technical Director of Boots Herbal Stores Ltd. Boots Herbal Stores distribute Solgar Vitamins & Herbs online from www.solgar.co.uk
Monday, March 5, 2007
Why Use Air Purifiers In Your Home?
Living in the suburbs can be comfortable and classy for most people but it can never compare to country living where there is plenty of fresh air. Most people who are city bred are more exposed to airborne diseases compared to those who live in the country.
There are people who would rather breathe the clean country air, although their lifestyles and careers prevent them from doing so. There are however plenty of ways and means to remedy this and to create a semblance of country living,
One such common remedy to imitate clean air is to use home purifiers and air cleaners in the comfort of one’s home. Home air purifiers generally improve the quality of air you breathe as it removes substances like cigarette smoke, allergens, bacteria, chemical vapors and other irritants that can cause asthma and other chronic diseases.
People who can afford the cost of installing a central home purifier should do so because it can offer healthy living options for the family members wherever they are. Aside from protecting the entire household, a centralized air purifier is also less noisy compared to a room purifier. While it can be more expensive, centralized home purifiers are most cost effective as compared to installing one air purifier for each room.
Air purifier systems with more technologies to offer are better because it offers benefits to the user. Experts prefer the hepa air purifiers as they are proven to be 99.99 percent efficient in removing air contaminants. The hepa air filter removes pollen, bacteria and other allergens form the air and do not release them back into the air again. However, hepa air filters are not capable of removing smoke, or cigarette odors from the room as well as very small particles.
Most homeowners who use hepa air filters use other technologies like ionizers, activated carbon filter and ozone generators to maximize their air purifiers. Ionizers allow the smallest particles to attach, making them large enough to be captured by the air filter. Activated carbon filters help the hepa air purifier in capturing cigarette smokes and other fumes.
While it can cost more than a centralized home purifier, individual air purifiers are more effective in purifying a single room. You should not fall for claims that portable purifiers can purify the entire house because these purifiers are basically used for a single room only.
If you are concerned about costs, you should be wary on the wattage of the air purifiers you use because an air purifier with a wattage level of 100 or over can add as much as $100 to your annual electricity cost. Those with high wattages can also be noisier than air purifiers with small wattages.
There are people who would rather breathe the clean country air, although their lifestyles and careers prevent them from doing so. There are however plenty of ways and means to remedy this and to create a semblance of country living,
One such common remedy to imitate clean air is to use home purifiers and air cleaners in the comfort of one’s home. Home air purifiers generally improve the quality of air you breathe as it removes substances like cigarette smoke, allergens, bacteria, chemical vapors and other irritants that can cause asthma and other chronic diseases.
People who can afford the cost of installing a central home purifier should do so because it can offer healthy living options for the family members wherever they are. Aside from protecting the entire household, a centralized air purifier is also less noisy compared to a room purifier. While it can be more expensive, centralized home purifiers are most cost effective as compared to installing one air purifier for each room.
Air purifier systems with more technologies to offer are better because it offers benefits to the user. Experts prefer the hepa air purifiers as they are proven to be 99.99 percent efficient in removing air contaminants. The hepa air filter removes pollen, bacteria and other allergens form the air and do not release them back into the air again. However, hepa air filters are not capable of removing smoke, or cigarette odors from the room as well as very small particles.
Most homeowners who use hepa air filters use other technologies like ionizers, activated carbon filter and ozone generators to maximize their air purifiers. Ionizers allow the smallest particles to attach, making them large enough to be captured by the air filter. Activated carbon filters help the hepa air purifier in capturing cigarette smokes and other fumes.
While it can cost more than a centralized home purifier, individual air purifiers are more effective in purifying a single room. You should not fall for claims that portable purifiers can purify the entire house because these purifiers are basically used for a single room only.
If you are concerned about costs, you should be wary on the wattage of the air purifiers you use because an air purifier with a wattage level of 100 or over can add as much as $100 to your annual electricity cost. Those with high wattages can also be noisier than air purifiers with small wattages.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
The author is a regular contributor to For Cleaner Air where more information on air purifiers and air cleaners is freely available
The Perfect Meal To Boost Your Health
Good nutrition is vital to a strong and healthy mind and body. It's true what they say - you are what you eat.
This statement points out very effectively that if you feed your body with low nutritional and sugary garbage, your body has nothing to work with and you'll end up eventually feeling like garbage.
On the other hand, if you nourish your body with food that is packed with nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, healthy fats, whole grains and omega-3's, you'll notice a huge difference in how you look and feel...especially if you make this type of food a dietary habit.
Right now we're at a crossroad - we know we should be eating better, but there are so many restaurants available offering "bad" food and it's making the obesity rate skyrocket. Even restaurants that offer fish platters and other health-conscious meals end up not so good because of the amount of calories you ingest between the bread, large portions and dessert.
You have two options:
1. Stay away from fast rood restaurants - and when you eat out at restaurants, be strict about what you eat. Stay away from the bread and don't finish everything on your plate...bring the rest home for a meal you can eat the next day.
2. Make a meal at home yourself using ingredients you buy at the grocery store, not frozen entrees.
The focus of this article is on number two because by making your own meal, you can control exactly what goes into it. The end result is a meal that you know is nutritious and NOT packed with health-deteriorating ingredients.
Here's an example of the perfect meal you can make at home. It has everything you need for better health.
What you'll need is:
1 9-10 ounce bag of baby spinach
1 can of wild Alaskan pink salmon
1-2 teaspoons of olive oil
1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
1/2-3/4 cup of brown rice
Here's a breakdown of each food's health benefits:
Spinach - this green leaf is packed with phytonutrients, vitamins and fiber - and it's low in calories.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon - yes, canned! It tastes better than you think. The reason this is recommended is because the food is a powerhouse of good fats, protein and omega-3's and is low in calories and carbohydrates. The salmon you would normally buy is potentially high in mercury, which is bad. This Wild Alaskan form is free of mercury...and it's inexpensive.
In case you're wondering, Omega-3's are vital for healthy weight loss, brain health and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Olive Oil - full of good fat which your body does need. When you buy olive oil, make sure it's 100% authentic. Some brands are now mixing olive oil with refined oils...the end result is olive oil, but not really.
Balsamic Vinegar - vinegar reportedly controls your blood sugar level when eating which is important for overall health. Furthermore, it gives the meal more taste.
Brown Rice - whole grains are full of vitamins and fiber. Check out Uncle Ben's instant brown rice...it's pretty good and quick to make.
Making the meal is easy. You simply lay the spinach out on a platter- you can more or less use however much you want- and drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the spinach.
Let this sit for 10 minutes or so- this gives the spinach a chance to soak up the oil and vinegar. While this is sitting, cook the brown rice and open up the can of salmon.
When ready, simply spread the salmon over the spinach and put the brown rice either on the side or in a separate bowl.
And now the best part of all - ENJOY!
This meal will take you 15 minutes max to make and each bite will nourish your body from the inside out. And once you get used to eating healthy, you'll find yourself experimenting with all types of different meals.
This article shared with you one example of a perfect meal, but there are many many more!
This statement points out very effectively that if you feed your body with low nutritional and sugary garbage, your body has nothing to work with and you'll end up eventually feeling like garbage.
On the other hand, if you nourish your body with food that is packed with nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, healthy fats, whole grains and omega-3's, you'll notice a huge difference in how you look and feel...especially if you make this type of food a dietary habit.
Right now we're at a crossroad - we know we should be eating better, but there are so many restaurants available offering "bad" food and it's making the obesity rate skyrocket. Even restaurants that offer fish platters and other health-conscious meals end up not so good because of the amount of calories you ingest between the bread, large portions and dessert.
You have two options:
1. Stay away from fast rood restaurants - and when you eat out at restaurants, be strict about what you eat. Stay away from the bread and don't finish everything on your plate...bring the rest home for a meal you can eat the next day.
2. Make a meal at home yourself using ingredients you buy at the grocery store, not frozen entrees.
The focus of this article is on number two because by making your own meal, you can control exactly what goes into it. The end result is a meal that you know is nutritious and NOT packed with health-deteriorating ingredients.
Here's an example of the perfect meal you can make at home. It has everything you need for better health.
What you'll need is:
1 9-10 ounce bag of baby spinach
1 can of wild Alaskan pink salmon
1-2 teaspoons of olive oil
1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
1/2-3/4 cup of brown rice
Here's a breakdown of each food's health benefits:
Spinach - this green leaf is packed with phytonutrients, vitamins and fiber - and it's low in calories.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon - yes, canned! It tastes better than you think. The reason this is recommended is because the food is a powerhouse of good fats, protein and omega-3's and is low in calories and carbohydrates. The salmon you would normally buy is potentially high in mercury, which is bad. This Wild Alaskan form is free of mercury...and it's inexpensive.
In case you're wondering, Omega-3's are vital for healthy weight loss, brain health and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Olive Oil - full of good fat which your body does need. When you buy olive oil, make sure it's 100% authentic. Some brands are now mixing olive oil with refined oils...the end result is olive oil, but not really.
Balsamic Vinegar - vinegar reportedly controls your blood sugar level when eating which is important for overall health. Furthermore, it gives the meal more taste.
Brown Rice - whole grains are full of vitamins and fiber. Check out Uncle Ben's instant brown rice...it's pretty good and quick to make.
Making the meal is easy. You simply lay the spinach out on a platter- you can more or less use however much you want- and drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the spinach.
Let this sit for 10 minutes or so- this gives the spinach a chance to soak up the oil and vinegar. While this is sitting, cook the brown rice and open up the can of salmon.
When ready, simply spread the salmon over the spinach and put the brown rice either on the side or in a separate bowl.
And now the best part of all - ENJOY!
This meal will take you 15 minutes max to make and each bite will nourish your body from the inside out. And once you get used to eating healthy, you'll find yourself experimenting with all types of different meals.
This article shared with you one example of a perfect meal, but there are many many more!
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
For more free healthy living information, please visit www.SimpleHealth123.com and www.GetHealthyReport.com
Healthy Living With Peaches
Peaches are known to have originated from China and later on, found their way to other parts of the world. Peaches are a great source of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A. Having peach in your daily diet fights deadly diseases like cancer. It has good amount of boron which encourages the estrogen level in postmenopausal women, which is great boon for women. It also stimulates your brain and prevents the chances of osteoporosis. It is also known to lower your blood pressure.
Peaches are very useful for digestion due to its alkaline content so you can say goodbye to all our stomach problems. It is a good source of dietary fiber which works superbly for constipation problems. It helps to prevent hemorrhoids which can give lot of trouble. It helps to recharge your immune system which can prevent many diseases including shingles. If you have trouble with your heart, this fruit helps to put a stop to the heart strokes. You can also avoid any constipation problem by having this fruit. It is rich in potassium, sodium and calcium which can provide a good complexion. With 88 per cent water content it is known to be thirst-quencher.
It is a great way to clean your kidney and bladder due to its laxative properties. It can perk and energize you if you have good amount of peaches. Can you believe there more than 200 varieties of peaches and more than 175 varieties of nectarines. It also contains good amount of carbohydrates which has the ever essential phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients), anti-oxidants and carotenoids. The presence of carotenoids means, it would be very useful for your eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter present in peaches protects your eyes from scotching heat. It also protects your eyes from other disorders related to your age like macular degeneration and cataracts. The anti-oxidants and nectarines helps you fight diseases which are related to aging.
Home Remedies
Eating peach along with its skin before going to bed, would help you with your constipation problems.
Dried peaches are rich in iron and are very useful for anemia.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Peaches are very useful for digestion due to its alkaline content so you can say goodbye to all our stomach problems. It is a good source of dietary fiber which works superbly for constipation problems. It helps to prevent hemorrhoids which can give lot of trouble. It helps to recharge your immune system which can prevent many diseases including shingles. If you have trouble with your heart, this fruit helps to put a stop to the heart strokes. You can also avoid any constipation problem by having this fruit. It is rich in potassium, sodium and calcium which can provide a good complexion. With 88 per cent water content it is known to be thirst-quencher.
It is a great way to clean your kidney and bladder due to its laxative properties. It can perk and energize you if you have good amount of peaches. Can you believe there more than 200 varieties of peaches and more than 175 varieties of nectarines. It also contains good amount of carbohydrates which has the ever essential phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients), anti-oxidants and carotenoids. The presence of carotenoids means, it would be very useful for your eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter present in peaches protects your eyes from scotching heat. It also protects your eyes from other disorders related to your age like macular degeneration and cataracts. The anti-oxidants and nectarines helps you fight diseases which are related to aging.
Home Remedies
Eating peach along with its skin before going to bed, would help you with your constipation problems.
Dried peaches are rich in iron and are very useful for anemia.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Sharon Hopkins is the webmaster for many home based treatment sites helping you fight the battle with easy home based cures.www.home-remedies-for-you.com"> Natural Cure With Peaches. It was originated in China and has come a long way to provide health benefits.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Beer And Fitness - Can You Drink Beer And Stay Fit
This week I was asked an interesting question concerning drinking beer and exercising. It seems that a former Navy Radioman has developed quite a gut since retiring, and was curious about whether he should give up his beer to lose weight? Not only does the gentleman enjoy drinking about 2-4 beers daily, he also has quit exercising. Moderate beer consumption is actually healthy, so I set out to define "moderate" as well as educate on the basics of caloric intake and caloric expenditure. The radioman is not suffering from a beer belly but an INACTIVITY BELLY! Yes, you can still drink beer and be very fit.
Over 90 million Americans enjoy drinking beer! Drinking moderately has been proven by many doctors, as well as the New England Journal of Medicine, to be a healthy component of longevity. In fact, moderate consumption of alcohol, including beer, has been proven to reduce the effects of high cholesterol, heart disease, some forms of cancer and even impotence.
Anything done in excess is naturally unhealthy. "Moderation" is defined by most doctors as 1-2 beers a day. And NO, you cannot save up through the week and catch up on the weekend drinking 10-12 beers in an evening. That is NOT moderation. There is even a US Beer Drinking Team that links beer enthusiasts and promotes moderation, responsibility, and healthy living.
The average can of beer has over 100 calories. Drinking one beer is equivalent to eating a chocolate chip cookie. Drinking four is equal to eating a Big Mac Hamburger. In order to lose weight, you have to burn off these extra calories as well as the other calories that you ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even the lightest of beers has the empty calories of alcohol, which is the cause of poor health if done in excess and without a regular exercise routine. Unfortunately, too many Americans live under one of the worst stereotypes placed on a human being - the BEER BELLY, or as I call it, the inactivity belly.
The "inactivity" belly is caused by excess calories in your diet AND lack of activity to burn the extra calories. The solution to lose your beer belly is as simple as calories in must be less than calories out (or expended through exercise).
Calories IN < Calories Out (burned) = Weight Loss
If you can add exercise into your schedule for 20-30 minutes a day, your daily consumption of alcohol (1-2 beers) will not have any additional impact on your gut. To lose your beer belly, you REALLY have to watch your food and beverage intake, drink 2-4 quarts of water a day, AND fit fitness into your world. THERE IS NO OTHER HEALTHY ANSWER! The exercise and workout ideas below can get you started on your calorie burning plan:
Workout #1: This is a great full body calorie burner:
Repeat 3-5 times
Walk, run or bike 5:00
Squats - 20
Pushups - 10-20
Situps or Crunches - 20
Workout #2: Swimming and elliptical gliding (cross country skiing) burn the most calories per hour (This workout can burn up to 1000 calories in one hour!)
Swim 20-30 minutes non-stop
Elliptical Glide 20-30 minutes
There is no reason why you cannot have "six pack abs" and still drink a six pack a week. Once again, excessive beer drinking is not recommended by anyone in the health industry. If you simply enjoy drinking beer and are serious about your health, moderation in drinking alcohol and eating foods high in calories, combined with habitual daily exercise is your ticket to reaching your goals. I now have a series of Workout plans that cater to all levels of fitness and can help you with developing a healthy diet with proper food choices - the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced 45 Day plans sold on StewSmith.com Store. For those who are into strength training, I have recently developed a weight training plan called "Beer and Barbells" that allows you to use the additional calories of beer, or milk shakes if you are under 21, to gain mass and strength.
Adding exercise daily and observing the dietary recommendations in these eBooks will enable you to be the person you were yesterday without changing who you are today.
Over 90 million Americans enjoy drinking beer! Drinking moderately has been proven by many doctors, as well as the New England Journal of Medicine, to be a healthy component of longevity. In fact, moderate consumption of alcohol, including beer, has been proven to reduce the effects of high cholesterol, heart disease, some forms of cancer and even impotence.
Anything done in excess is naturally unhealthy. "Moderation" is defined by most doctors as 1-2 beers a day. And NO, you cannot save up through the week and catch up on the weekend drinking 10-12 beers in an evening. That is NOT moderation. There is even a US Beer Drinking Team that links beer enthusiasts and promotes moderation, responsibility, and healthy living.
The average can of beer has over 100 calories. Drinking one beer is equivalent to eating a chocolate chip cookie. Drinking four is equal to eating a Big Mac Hamburger. In order to lose weight, you have to burn off these extra calories as well as the other calories that you ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even the lightest of beers has the empty calories of alcohol, which is the cause of poor health if done in excess and without a regular exercise routine. Unfortunately, too many Americans live under one of the worst stereotypes placed on a human being - the BEER BELLY, or as I call it, the inactivity belly.
The "inactivity" belly is caused by excess calories in your diet AND lack of activity to burn the extra calories. The solution to lose your beer belly is as simple as calories in must be less than calories out (or expended through exercise).
Calories IN < Calories Out (burned) = Weight Loss
If you can add exercise into your schedule for 20-30 minutes a day, your daily consumption of alcohol (1-2 beers) will not have any additional impact on your gut. To lose your beer belly, you REALLY have to watch your food and beverage intake, drink 2-4 quarts of water a day, AND fit fitness into your world. THERE IS NO OTHER HEALTHY ANSWER! The exercise and workout ideas below can get you started on your calorie burning plan:
Workout #1: This is a great full body calorie burner:
Repeat 3-5 times
Walk, run or bike 5:00
Squats - 20
Pushups - 10-20
Situps or Crunches - 20
Workout #2: Swimming and elliptical gliding (cross country skiing) burn the most calories per hour (This workout can burn up to 1000 calories in one hour!)
Swim 20-30 minutes non-stop
Elliptical Glide 20-30 minutes
There is no reason why you cannot have "six pack abs" and still drink a six pack a week. Once again, excessive beer drinking is not recommended by anyone in the health industry. If you simply enjoy drinking beer and are serious about your health, moderation in drinking alcohol and eating foods high in calories, combined with habitual daily exercise is your ticket to reaching your goals. I now have a series of Workout plans that cater to all levels of fitness and can help you with developing a healthy diet with proper food choices - the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced 45 Day plans sold on StewSmith.com Store. For those who are into strength training, I have recently developed a weight training plan called "Beer and Barbells" that allows you to use the additional calories of beer, or milk shakes if you are under 21, to gain mass and strength.
Adding exercise daily and observing the dietary recommendations in these eBooks will enable you to be the person you were yesterday without changing who you are today.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Stew Smith is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a former Navy SEAL, and author of several fitness and self defense books such as The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness, and Maximum Fitness, Common Sense Self-Defense, The TV Watcher’s Workout and his new book The SWAT Workout Books are available at major bookstores and Amazon.com. Feel free to email me Stew Smith at Stew@stewsmith.com for answers to your questions or visit StewSmith.com for more ideas, fitness programs, and books.
Countdown To Summer Fitness Challenge! How To Get Fit And Lose Weight In 6 Weeks
How about those fabulous bike rides in the park! What about grilling barbeque on the deck? Are you down for a little surfing and tanning on the beach? Summer will be upon us in less than six weeks. Not only do we want to enjoy the warm months that are rapidly approaching, we want to look like we are enjoying them.
It doesn’t matter if it is ten, twenty, forty, or seventy pounds, just get started!
Weight loss should be slow and steady, while focusing on cutting calories and increasing exercise. It is important to refrain from overexerting yourself. Weight loss takes time.
I have never been one to acknowledge or accept the idea of dieting. The true meaning of dieting is counting and managing your calories for a specific amount of time in order to reach a target weight goal. This concerns me because it is temporary. What happens when you resume your normal eating habits? You gain weight!
I believe in making a complete paradigm in the way we think about food. You can do this by establishing good eating habits. Why not establish a habit of consuming 500-600 calories for breakfast instead of 1,500? If you replace muffins, bagels, pancakes, sausage, grits and bacon with fruit, turkey bacon, cottage cheese, grain cereal, or yogurt, you will probably find yourself 10 pounds lighter on breakfast alone. Do the same for lunch and dinner and lose an additional 10-20 pounds. Wait until you add exercise into the equation.
Exercise for thirty minutes per day, four to five times a week and watch additional pounds drop.
Of course, this takes determination and discipline. Yet, habits are habits. Once you get used to a routine of eating certain foods, it becomes second nature. Weight management not only helps you look better, but helps you feel better. You will begin to notice an increase in energy and an improvement in health.
It is important to monitor the amount of cholesterol you consume. Diets high in cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Be sure to get a cholesterol screening on a regular basis. Eat fish at least twice a week, preferably those with darker flesh, such as, salmon, herring mackerel, and lake trout. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which lower blood cholesterol.
It is also important to eat foods that will not contribute to high blood pressure. Limit your alcohol intake to less than two drinks per day, limit your salt intake, and reduce the saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat can be found in animal products like milk, cheese, and meat. Let go of the cigarettes or tobacco products! Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Try nonfat yogurt, salsa, or nonfat sour cream instead of sour cream or butter on baked potatoes. Try substituting fresh vegetables and tomatoes sauce for creamy sauces, when eating pasta.
Substitute basic breads and cereal grains for bagels, muffins, and croissants.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables will help you ward off cancer and other diseases because of the cancer-fighting agents contained in them. They contain a lot of fiber and a diet high in fiber decreases your risk of developing colon cancer and other types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables also contain Vitamin A (beta carotene) and C, both of which contain cartenoids and antioxidants.
Cartenoids can also be found in dark leafy vegetables, carrots, cantaloupe, papaya, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Additional sources of Vitamin C are strawberries, oranges, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. It is always best to lightly steam your vegetables. The closer they are to being raw, the higher their nutritional value.
People have asked me how exercise can give you energy. It seems as though it takes your energy away because you utilize so much energy when you exercise. This is the farthest thing from the truth. The more you exercise and lose weight, the more energy you get and keep because you are carrying less weight, which takes less energy. The more you exercise, the more you are able to exercise.
After you get your weight to a manageable level, monitor or keep a close eye on it. Weigh yourself everyday. That way, you can take measures or do things to nip sudden weight gain. If you find yourself five or ten pounds heavier than your target weight, you should cut back immediately. It becomes a problem when we wait until we are 30, 60, or 100 pounds overweight. It can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle when your weight gain has become too extreme.
It is a good idea to make a list of different ways to incorporate walking into your daily life. If you live near a metro transit station, drive there, park your car and ride the train and walk to work. If you are a new mother, get a stroller that will enable you to burn calories while you are walking your baby. Why not take the stairs, instead of the elevator? You would be surprised at how many calories you can burn by gardening, swimming, skating, hiking, and dancing. Believe it or not, you can have fun while losing weight. Exercise, along with a positive attitude, and a healthy diet will help you to manage your weight and improve your health. Exercise does not have to be rigorous to be valuable. You will probably do yourself a disservice by exercising too hard. Take it easy. Just gradually build up your resistance to a manageable level. Always remember that if you can not talk and walk at the same time, then you are walking too fast.
If you have any of the following health problems, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
• Heart trouble
• Dizziness or faintness
• Chest pains
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
How to prepare food for a good diet and low calories:
• Eat Fish at least twice a week, preferable baked, broiled, or grilled. Reduce serving size to 2-3 ounces.
• To reduce fat, use lean poultry and fish, as well as, lean cuts of meat such as top and bottom round and tenderloin. Avoid second servings. Feel free to replace some meats with beans or grains.
• Eat at least three to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fruit like kiwi, figs, apples, raspberries, and blueberries are high in fiber and nutrition. Vegetables such as, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beets, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, chili peppers, red bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes have high nutritional value and are great anti-oxidants (contain cancer-fighting agents).
• Eat whole-grain, whole-wheat bread, pasta, tortillas, and cereals daily
• Eat cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils regularly
• Eat popcorn with no added oil, salt, or butter.
• Drink skim milk or 1% milk
• You should drink at least 24 ounces of water per day, especially since you will be exercising.
• Limit the oil you use for cooking
• Steam your vegetables or sauté using wine or a half teaspoon of oil
• Use herbs and spices for seasoning, instead of sauces and butter
• Salads should be eaten with fat-free dressing or a combination of red wine vinegar and oil
• Drink a glass of water in the morning when you wake
• Limit your consumption of lean, red meat to no more than four times per month
Copyright © 2006 by Pamela Jewell, M.Ed., Ed.S.
It doesn’t matter if it is ten, twenty, forty, or seventy pounds, just get started!
Weight loss should be slow and steady, while focusing on cutting calories and increasing exercise. It is important to refrain from overexerting yourself. Weight loss takes time.
I have never been one to acknowledge or accept the idea of dieting. The true meaning of dieting is counting and managing your calories for a specific amount of time in order to reach a target weight goal. This concerns me because it is temporary. What happens when you resume your normal eating habits? You gain weight!
I believe in making a complete paradigm in the way we think about food. You can do this by establishing good eating habits. Why not establish a habit of consuming 500-600 calories for breakfast instead of 1,500? If you replace muffins, bagels, pancakes, sausage, grits and bacon with fruit, turkey bacon, cottage cheese, grain cereal, or yogurt, you will probably find yourself 10 pounds lighter on breakfast alone. Do the same for lunch and dinner and lose an additional 10-20 pounds. Wait until you add exercise into the equation.
Exercise for thirty minutes per day, four to five times a week and watch additional pounds drop.
Of course, this takes determination and discipline. Yet, habits are habits. Once you get used to a routine of eating certain foods, it becomes second nature. Weight management not only helps you look better, but helps you feel better. You will begin to notice an increase in energy and an improvement in health.
It is important to monitor the amount of cholesterol you consume. Diets high in cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Be sure to get a cholesterol screening on a regular basis. Eat fish at least twice a week, preferably those with darker flesh, such as, salmon, herring mackerel, and lake trout. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which lower blood cholesterol.
It is also important to eat foods that will not contribute to high blood pressure. Limit your alcohol intake to less than two drinks per day, limit your salt intake, and reduce the saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat can be found in animal products like milk, cheese, and meat. Let go of the cigarettes or tobacco products! Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Try nonfat yogurt, salsa, or nonfat sour cream instead of sour cream or butter on baked potatoes. Try substituting fresh vegetables and tomatoes sauce for creamy sauces, when eating pasta.
Substitute basic breads and cereal grains for bagels, muffins, and croissants.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables will help you ward off cancer and other diseases because of the cancer-fighting agents contained in them. They contain a lot of fiber and a diet high in fiber decreases your risk of developing colon cancer and other types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables also contain Vitamin A (beta carotene) and C, both of which contain cartenoids and antioxidants.
Cartenoids can also be found in dark leafy vegetables, carrots, cantaloupe, papaya, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Additional sources of Vitamin C are strawberries, oranges, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. It is always best to lightly steam your vegetables. The closer they are to being raw, the higher their nutritional value.
People have asked me how exercise can give you energy. It seems as though it takes your energy away because you utilize so much energy when you exercise. This is the farthest thing from the truth. The more you exercise and lose weight, the more energy you get and keep because you are carrying less weight, which takes less energy. The more you exercise, the more you are able to exercise.
After you get your weight to a manageable level, monitor or keep a close eye on it. Weigh yourself everyday. That way, you can take measures or do things to nip sudden weight gain. If you find yourself five or ten pounds heavier than your target weight, you should cut back immediately. It becomes a problem when we wait until we are 30, 60, or 100 pounds overweight. It can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle when your weight gain has become too extreme.
It is a good idea to make a list of different ways to incorporate walking into your daily life. If you live near a metro transit station, drive there, park your car and ride the train and walk to work. If you are a new mother, get a stroller that will enable you to burn calories while you are walking your baby. Why not take the stairs, instead of the elevator? You would be surprised at how many calories you can burn by gardening, swimming, skating, hiking, and dancing. Believe it or not, you can have fun while losing weight. Exercise, along with a positive attitude, and a healthy diet will help you to manage your weight and improve your health. Exercise does not have to be rigorous to be valuable. You will probably do yourself a disservice by exercising too hard. Take it easy. Just gradually build up your resistance to a manageable level. Always remember that if you can not talk and walk at the same time, then you are walking too fast.
If you have any of the following health problems, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
• Heart trouble
• Dizziness or faintness
• Chest pains
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
How to prepare food for a good diet and low calories:
• Eat Fish at least twice a week, preferable baked, broiled, or grilled. Reduce serving size to 2-3 ounces.
• To reduce fat, use lean poultry and fish, as well as, lean cuts of meat such as top and bottom round and tenderloin. Avoid second servings. Feel free to replace some meats with beans or grains.
• Eat at least three to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fruit like kiwi, figs, apples, raspberries, and blueberries are high in fiber and nutrition. Vegetables such as, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beets, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, chili peppers, red bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes have high nutritional value and are great anti-oxidants (contain cancer-fighting agents).
• Eat whole-grain, whole-wheat bread, pasta, tortillas, and cereals daily
• Eat cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils regularly
• Eat popcorn with no added oil, salt, or butter.
• Drink skim milk or 1% milk
• You should drink at least 24 ounces of water per day, especially since you will be exercising.
• Limit the oil you use for cooking
• Steam your vegetables or sauté using wine or a half teaspoon of oil
• Use herbs and spices for seasoning, instead of sauces and butter
• Salads should be eaten with fat-free dressing or a combination of red wine vinegar and oil
• Drink a glass of water in the morning when you wake
• Limit your consumption of lean, red meat to no more than four times per month
Copyright © 2006 by Pamela Jewell, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
Pamela Jewell, M.Ed., Ed.S., is an educator and nutrition expert. She is the owner of Jewell Enterprise, LLC. Visit Books for Thought to receive a quarterly newsletter for free tips on healthy living. Click ‘Healthy Living’. We presently have a “buy one.
Getting rid of Pigeons is necessary for healthy living
Pigeons have lived together with human beings for thousands of years. Some pigeons carried posts to help our ancestors and most of them dropped diseases for us to suffer.
Human diseases and health risks associated with pigeon droppings are Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis.
Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by a fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, may cause high fever, blood abnormality, pneumonia and even death in some cases. The disease primarily affects the lungs. People with weakened immune systems are generally more at risk of developing this disease. The fungus grows in pigeon droppings and soils throughout the world. It enters human bodies through air while breathing and a high in-take may cause infection. The symptoms of histoplasmosis may be fatigue, fever, minor influenza, blood abnormalities, dry coughs and chest pains though in many cases it does not show any. Central Illinois have experienced outbreaks of histoplasmosis.
Accumulated pigeon droppings are the most important source of Cryptococcosis, another fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Immune compromised persons, especially those with HIV infection run at high risk from this disease. Initial pulmonary infection is usually asymptomatic and most patients surrender to disseminated infection. It begins with a lung infection and spreads to other areas of the body, particularly in the CNS or the central nervous system. Skin eruptions and ulcers with lumps just under the skin are also characteristics of this disease. A high in-take of that airborne yeast cells in human bodies through air while breathing causes this infection. A cost-effective Cryptococcosis prevention strategy is yet to be developed.
Psittacosis is an infection caused by intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci that affects parrots, pigeons and other birds. Dry and airborne droppings of affected birds infect human beings. Manifestations of this disease may range from asymptomatic infection to systemic illness with severe pneumonia. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough are some symptoms of this disease in human beings. Most Psittacosis in human beings results from exposure to pet infected birds. It spreads when a person inhales the organism, vaporized from respiratory secretions or dried feces of infected birds or bird bites, mouth-to-beak contact, and through handling of infected birds. Even brief exposures can lead to symptomatic infection. Man to man, transmission of this bacterium is rare, but not impossible.
In any case, the infected person should immediately consult a doctor.
As the age-old proverb goes ‘prevention is better than cure’, it is always advisable to get rid of pigeons. Killing is a common method, employed for pigeon control. However, scientific research has shown that in most cases the number increase beyond the pre-cull figure within weeks. If the food supply remains constant, pigeons will breed four-six times a year on an average. On the other hand, reduction in food supply may drop the number accordingly. It may work to some effect if the city council and general people work hand in hand as a pigeon deterrent by keeping the food sources far away from them. It is now high time to act for Pigeon Removal.
Human diseases and health risks associated with pigeon droppings are Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis.
Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by a fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, may cause high fever, blood abnormality, pneumonia and even death in some cases. The disease primarily affects the lungs. People with weakened immune systems are generally more at risk of developing this disease. The fungus grows in pigeon droppings and soils throughout the world. It enters human bodies through air while breathing and a high in-take may cause infection. The symptoms of histoplasmosis may be fatigue, fever, minor influenza, blood abnormalities, dry coughs and chest pains though in many cases it does not show any. Central Illinois have experienced outbreaks of histoplasmosis.
Accumulated pigeon droppings are the most important source of Cryptococcosis, another fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Immune compromised persons, especially those with HIV infection run at high risk from this disease. Initial pulmonary infection is usually asymptomatic and most patients surrender to disseminated infection. It begins with a lung infection and spreads to other areas of the body, particularly in the CNS or the central nervous system. Skin eruptions and ulcers with lumps just under the skin are also characteristics of this disease. A high in-take of that airborne yeast cells in human bodies through air while breathing causes this infection. A cost-effective Cryptococcosis prevention strategy is yet to be developed.
Psittacosis is an infection caused by intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci that affects parrots, pigeons and other birds. Dry and airborne droppings of affected birds infect human beings. Manifestations of this disease may range from asymptomatic infection to systemic illness with severe pneumonia. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough are some symptoms of this disease in human beings. Most Psittacosis in human beings results from exposure to pet infected birds. It spreads when a person inhales the organism, vaporized from respiratory secretions or dried feces of infected birds or bird bites, mouth-to-beak contact, and through handling of infected birds. Even brief exposures can lead to symptomatic infection. Man to man, transmission of this bacterium is rare, but not impossible.
In any case, the infected person should immediately consult a doctor.
As the age-old proverb goes ‘prevention is better than cure’, it is always advisable to get rid of pigeons. Killing is a common method, employed for pigeon control. However, scientific research has shown that in most cases the number increase beyond the pre-cull figure within weeks. If the food supply remains constant, pigeons will breed four-six times a year on an average. On the other hand, reduction in food supply may drop the number accordingly. It may work to some effect if the city council and general people work hand in hand as a pigeon deterrent by keeping the food sources far away from them. It is now high time to act for Pigeon Removal.
Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com
David Jones is an informal investigative writer who invented and patented the Defender 4 anti-roosting pigeon spikes. He is the owner of Deter A Pigeon - www.deterapigeon.com - Get rid of pigeon problems by using this effective pigeon control system. Proven industry-standard method of protecting buildings from pigeons and provide the ultimate pigeon deterrent.
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