#Mg is a bit harder to get from food so supplementation helps
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Dental/gum care routine (update)
Brush with Sonicare toothbrush 2x a day
Use a toothpaste with fluoride and xylitol (Hello toothpaste is my favorite, I've been using it for months and barely have any tartar buildup, my teeth are white and gums are pink).
Use woven floss 2x a day (Boka is my favorite, I also like Risewell and Cocofloss).
Tongue scrape at night (1x a day is fine because overdoing it can reduce the number of NO-producing bacteria).
Take an oral probiotic at night (they help increase the microbiome diversity though they can be expensive and not a replacement for brushing and flossing and diet, but they're a great alternative to mouthwash).
Supplement with D3/K2 and magnesium. Vitamin C, CoQ10 and omega-3 are great for gums.
Drink a lot of water daily (2-3 L).
Nasal breathe
Drink matcha instead of coffee/acidic and dehydrating drinks. Coffee won't do much harm besides staining and I usually just drink 1 cup, but I prefer a matcha latte because it is refreshing, hydrating, creamy and soothing).
Limit sugar and follow an anti-inflammatory low glycemic diet. Sweet foods like low glycemic fruit and dark chocolate are fine and have health benefits (low in sugar, high in vitamin C and magnesium). Treats here and there are fine, no more than 3x a week.
Eat foods that support oral health - veggies, cheese, chicken, fish, eggs, avocados, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. There are dentists out there who complain about phytic acid, but a lot of foods that contain it are very nutrient-dense.
Do an oral microbiome test (I do these out of curiosity for fun). This is one reason why I avoid mouthwash. Even if I don't regularly test, proper hygiene and diet, xylitol, avoiding mouthwash and tongue scraping 1x a day, and an oral probiotic here and there can help a lot.
#oral health#dental care#gum care#dentistry#weston a price#brushing and flossing are absolutely not enough and it's important to get most of this care from nutrition and supplementation#can brush and floss all day but can have a diet rich in sugar and processed junk and little to no minerals and fat soluble vitamins#there's a very sketchy book out there that recommends drink raw milk and drinking cow blood and eating raw fish heads and raw organ meat#for dental health#don't do that those are so dangerous for you#follow an anti-inflammatory low glycemic diet and make sure you are getting enough vitamin A#D3 and K2 and calcium#magnesium#and phosphorus from diet and supplementation#Ca and P are found in so many foods#Mg is a bit harder to get from food so supplementation helps#most people are absolutely deficient in D3 and K2 so a supplement comes in handy
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Welcome to day 8!
So, today I want to talk to you about sleep.
You may or may not know this, but your sleep schedule can have a huge impact on your weight loss journey.
So let’s start with the obvious ways it affects you. As WebMD says, “When you’re short on sleep, it’s easy to lean on a large latte to get moving. You might be tempted to skip exercise (too tired), get takeout for dinner, and then turn in late because you’re uncomfortably full. If this cascade of events happens a few times each year, no problem. Trouble is, more than a third of Americans aren't getting enough sleep on a regular basis.”
And it gets worse: “Skimping on sleep sets your brain up to make bad decisions. It dulls activity in the brain’s frontal lobe, the locus of decision-making and impulse control. So it’s a little like being drunk. You don’t have the mental clarity to make good decisions. Plus, when you’re overtired, your brain's reward centers rev up, looking for something that feels good. So while you might be able to squash comfort food cravings when you’re well-rested, your sleep-deprived brain may have trouble saying no to a second slice of cake.”
And, as Shape explains, that “drunk” effect does more. “research published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that sleep deprivation makes you select greater portion sizes of all foods, further increasing the likelihood of weight gain.”
So just in terms of sleep deprivation’s immediate results, you tend to eat and drink more, of worse things, you tend to skip exercise or activity, and you’re likely to give in to cravings of any kind. Plus, with that staying up late because you’re full thing, you’re likely to impinge on the next night’s sleep, and start a vicious cycle.
But, when you get down into your body’s systems and chemicals and hormones and things, it actually gets worse for you.
For one, there is an effect called “metabolic grogginess”. Shape references a study that says, “Within just four days of sleep deprivation, your body's ability to properly use insulin (the master storage hormone) becomes completely disrupted. In fact, the University of Chicago researchers found that insulin sensitivity dropped by more than 30 percent.”
And there’s more. Shape continues, “Hunger is controlled by two hormones: leptin and ghrelin. [...] Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that sleeping less than six hours triggers the area of your brain that increases your need for food while also depressing leptin and stimulating ghrelin.”
And, “When you don't sleep enough, your cortisol levels rise. This is the stress hormone that is frequently associated with fat gain. Cortisol also activates reward centers in your brain that make you want food. At the same time, the loss of sleep causes your body to produce more ghrelin. A combination of high ghrelin and cortisol shut down the areas of your brain that leave you feeling satisfied after a meal, meaning you feel hungry all the time-even if you just ate a big meal.”
What’s more, sleep deprivation can affect your metabolism. As HealthLine explains, “Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the number of calories your body burns when you're completely at rest. It's affected by age, weight, height, sex and muscle mass. Research indicates that sleep deprivation may lower your RMR.”
And, it can impact your exercise! Shape says, “Scientists from Brazil found that sleep debt decreases protein synthesis (your body's ability to make muscle), causes muscle loss, and can lead to a higher incidence of injuries. Just as important, lack of sleep makes it harder for your body to recover from exercise by slowing down the production of growth hormone-your natural source of anti-aging and fat burning that also facilitates recovery.”
We’ve all heard that you have to rest your muscles when you are breaking them down and building them up, and it turns out that that rest relies on sleep!
HealthLine adds, “A lack of sleep can cause daytime fatigue, making you less likely and less motivated to exercise. In addition, you're more likely to get tired earlier during physical activity.”
So you might not even make it into the gym in the first place, or complete your exercises if you do!
And, there’s a twist to this story. Psychology Today’s Dr Michael Breus pointed out two things to watch out for. Some people sleep instead of eating, doing a thing called narcorexia. He says, “Let me be clear, using sedatives to trigger weight loss—essentially by sleeping through parts of the day when one might otherwise be eating meals—is unhealthful and downright dangerous.”
And, there’s a second twist. Oversleeping is bad too! 12 plus hours of sleep a night has negative side effects too!
He says, “As with too little sleep, there is a greater risk of obesity among people who sleep too much. The risks and problems associated with oversleeping go well beyond weight gain. Too much sleep is linked to a number of health problems, including: Problems with cognition, including memory problems; Depression, anxiety, and other mood problems; Increased inflammation in the body; Body pain; Increased risks for heart disease and stroke; Greater all-cause mortality risks.”
But, getting sleep isn’t just an absence of all those negative side effects. There are positive ones too! The Sleep Doctor explains,
“Contrary to what many people think, sleep is not an inactive state. During sleep our bodies are doing lots of important work—repairing cells and tissues, restoring full, healthy function to our immune system, consolidating memories and rebooting the neural cells and networks of the brain. We’re burning calories the whole time. For a 150-pound person, the estimated calorie burn over a 7-hour night of rest is just over 440 calories. That’s a 40-minute jog on a treadmill!”
Further, the hormone melatonin and cool night temperatures are both linked to “good fats” in our bodies. There are apparently three kinds of fat: brown, beige, and white, and the first two are “good”. The Sleep Doctor says,
“In contrast to white fat, these so called “thinning fats” burn calories, help keep insulin working properly, help regulate blood sugar, and guard against obesity. Studies in mice show that animals with higher amounts of brown fat are leaner, and have better metabolic health. Research involving humans has shown brown fat is linked to lower body mass.”
That just blew my mind! So sleep does a number of good things for our weight loss plans, and our bodies in general, and too much or too little sleep does bad things.
So what can you do to get the right amount of sleep?
Well, most of these experts agree that 6 hours is too few, 12 is too much, and that 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night is the sweet spot. Obviously, some people don’t fall into this category, but most do. Teenagers, historically, have needed more like 10 hours a night, and some people biologically only need 4 or 5, because of their genetics. But most of us should be aiming for that 7-9 sweet spot.
Now, currently, I work nights, so my sleep schedule is a mess. But even when I was working a day job, I struggled with sleeping well. So I have looked into this quite a bit.
The first big thing is this: 1. Medications can cause sleep problems. 2. Sleep issues can be a symptom of other conditions, like depression, or of physical issues, like pain or acid reflux.
So first off, if you’re taking medications that might be causing it, talk to your doctor about potential adjustments. And if you have been having trouble sleeping for over a month, experts tell you to talk to your doctor about it.
Okay, serious disclaimer out of the way. Now, what else can you do about sleeplessness?
The experts tend to agree, so I’m going to compile the lists and advice from The Sleep Doctor, WebMD, HealthLine, and the Sleep Foundation.
1. Check your lights and schedule.
Our sleep cycles are controlled by our circadian rhythms, which operate on a 24 hour system. A burst of bright sunlight for 15 minutes early in the morning actually helps you wake up, setting you up to sleep at the right time. Similarly, you want to eliminate blue (electronic) light for at least an hour, though 2 or 3 would be better, before bed. In general, you want to dim your lights too, to get your body into sleep mode.
Now, if you need to be on your phone or computer after that deadline, then I suggest f.lux. It is made for mac, windows, linux, ios, and android, and you set it up to fit your schedule. It changes the temperature of the light on your device. Its great!
Along the same lines, stick to a schedule. Keep a bedtime and wake time the same every day, even on weekends. This will help your body get into a familiar cycle and make it easier to fall asleep.
Taking melatonin supplements can also help, as it is a sleep-related hormone. If your body isn’t producing melatonin at the right time, or in the right amounts, taking a supplement of 2-5 mg about a half hour to an hour before bed can help. They come in tablet form, and they also come in gummies!
Several other supplements, including lavender, Valerian, and magnesium, can help with relaxation and sleep quality too, but don’t work for everyone.
Now, as I’ve said, I struggle with this step particularly, because I work nights. So I’m already working against the sun and my circadian rhythms. So using lights to trick my brain, by creating “sunlight” in my “morning” and using f.lux to create “sunset” at my “night” is important. That and my sleep mask, to keep out the sun when I’m sleeping, is crucial.
2. Watch your intake.
Experts recommend no caffeine within 8 hours of bed, no alcohol or cigarettes within 3 hours of bed, no heavy meals within 2-3 hours of bed, and no drinks within 1-2 hours of bed.
Apparently caffeine lasts for about 8 hours, so you need to ideally stop it at least 8 hours before bedtime. Nicotine is also a stimulant, and causes similar problems. Alcohol and food both interfere with your sleep hormones like melatonin. And drinking too much (of anything) before bed can result in nighttime trips to the bathroom.
As someone who used to chug mountain dew right before bedtime in college, I can testify that drinking late and caffeine do nothing good for your sleep habits.
3. Exercise, but not too late. Nap, but not too much. Probably.
Regular exercise can help you fall asleep and sleep deeply. That said, if you exercise less than 4 hours before bedtime, MOST people get too much of a stimulant effect from it, the same as caffeine. Some studies have found that exercise later in the day doesn’t hurt, as it seems that some people are not as affected by this as others. This one is a little less clear cut than the others, but it is a good thing to check if you are having trouble sleeping. And some people found that doing something like yoga or tai chi is actually relaxing and helpful as part of a bedtime routine, unlike other forms of more strenuous exercise.
The studies into napping have had similar results to those of exercising. For some people, it isn’t a problem, but if you are having trouble sleeping, this could be a culprit. Experts recommend to eliminate naps, especially in the afternoon, if possible. If not, limit them to 30 minute or shorter “power naps”.
4. Check your bedroom space/bed.
Experts agree that your bedroom should be cool (60-70 degrees cool), free from noise or light that can disturb you. Blackout curtains or an eye mask can help with lights, and humidifiers, dehumidifiers (depending on where you live), fans, ear plugs, and white noise machines can help with temperature and noise. Even those little LED lights on your devices, clocks, and things, can be bright enough to disturb your sleep. And a partner’s snoring or tossing and turning can be the problem. One expert even says you should train your animals to stay off the bed so they don’t disturb you, but I can’t imagine convincing my baby not to curl up with me.
I will say, that my eye mask is amazing! You can get a normal one, but mine also has a gel insert, which you can chill, for when it is hot, and you can heat it, for when you’re stuffy or sore. It is glorious!
You should also have a comfy mattress and pillows. Mattresses only live for 5-10 years, and down pillows are about the same, while synthetic pillows only last about 2 years. Also, if you have allergies, your mattress and pillows might need to be deep cleaned or replaced more frequently, as they can gather those allergens. Further, a mattress that is too hard or soft, and pillows that are too thin or thick, can also cause problems with your sleep, and even after you wake, like stiff neck or back and hip pain.
Finally, your bedroom should be an inviting and relaxing space, lending itself to calming you down. And, as the experts say, your bed should only be used for sleep and sex. Don’t do work or watch TV in bed if possible. And if you’re not sleeping, get out of bed, go elsewhere until you get tired, and then come back to bed. Don’t let your mind and body associate your bed with NOT sleeping.
I am particularly bad at this one, and it is on my list of things to work on.
5. Engage in a bedtime ritual.
For the last hour or so before bed, experts recommend turning off devices, dimming the lights, and doing a calming activity like reading or listening to calming music. Something that can reduce the excitement, stress, or anxiety from your day. Try relaxation techniques like taking a hot shower or bath (or foot bath, even), getting a massage, visualization, or meditating. I love my little foot bath! It can massage, exfoliate, everything!
About an hour or three before bed you should get away from work, stressful decisions, or things that make you anxious. If you have concerns, WebMD recommends jotting them down and then trying to let them go until tomorrow.
I used to be much better at this one, but again, since starting my new night-shift job, this has completely fallen apart. I have a small humidifier that I like, which also can make pretty, soothing, colors. It is small and wonderful!
And there are some great scents for it. Some are specially formulated for sleep, or relaxation, but others are simply helpful essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus. And you can buy sets with a bunch of them!
I also found both of those flavors - Lavender and Good Night - in sprays, which you can spray on your pillow or sheets to give you a burst of that soothing scent.
I also regularly used this meditation app, called Insight Timer.
There are meditations specifically for sleep, and you can pick ones with words or just music. These are also great for your morning wake-up, sunshine burst too. You can even create your own meditation mix. You can track your daily time and get stars for meditating so many days in a row without missing.
So those are my sleep steps:
My goal for this next week is to get back into the habit of my “nighttime” routine before I sleep, because I know this is something I’m not currently doing well with. What’s your goal for the week?
Remember, sleep is more important than you think! Share your sleep struggles and hacks with the hashtag #INeedSleep.
And please join me next time!
#RolyPoly#Exercise#Sleep#INeedSleep#I Need Sleep#Workout#Weightloss#Weight Loss#Fitness#Health#WeightLossJourney#Losing Weight
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How to Use Turmeric (And What Everyone Gets Wrong)
If you’re not a fan of Indian food, health researchers have been experiencing health breakthroughs that might make you rethink adding curry into your diet.
Turmeric, a mustard-yellow spice from Asia that is a spice often used in yellow curry, is being linked to everything from less inflammation to fighting cancer. And it’s worth your attention.
The spice gets its coloring from a compound called curcumin, which is the real secret behind all of the alleged health benefits of turmeric. The University of Maryland Medical Center found that curcumin can help to improve chronic pain by suppressing inflammatory chemicals in the body, an additional study found that it reduces pain in those with osteoarthritis.
Before you start making curry or bombing turmeric/curcumin shots at your local juice bar, there are a few things you need to know. (You always know a trend is hot when coffee shops are testing it in their fancy drinks and you’ll see “golden milk” products everywhere.)
When it comes to turmeric, there’s a bit of a bait-and-switch effect. Just because something is good does not mean that any amount will make you feel better. Curcumin can work, but like any supplement, how you take it — and how much you use — matters most.
The Benefits of Turmeric (And Curcumin)
Research on curcumin is making it harder and harder to deny its benefits. Most supplements are as reliable as my Magic 8-ball. (Everyone under 30 is currently Googling “What is a Magic 8-ball?”). Lots of hype, but once tested under the rigors (and typically unbiased nature) of science, the outlook is not so good.
But, that’s where curcumin is breaking the mold.
There’s already substantial research showing curcumin can help with everything from inflammation, to fighting pain (as effective as 2000 mg of acetaminophen), and might be effective at helping prevent diseases like prostate cancer.
A team of Chinese researchers performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess curcumin’s effect on blood lipids of people at risk for cardiovascular disease and found that curcumin significantly lowered low-density lipoproteins (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides (another thing that most people want less of in their bloodstream).
How to Use Turmeric (And Curcumin)
The catch with the benefits above? Sprinkling turmeric (as a means of getting curcumin) into your coffee, on your meals, or eating more Indian food is not going to make a big impact. That’s like sprinkling fairy dust on your shoulders and thinking you’ll grow wings and fly (sorry, but it’s true).
The potency of what is tested in the research is not anywhere near what you would add to your favorite dish or latte.
If you want any benefit from curcumin, you’ll need to take a concentrated dose of anywhere from 500 mg (for lowering triglycerides) to 2,000 mg (reducing pain, similar to taking Tylenol), depending on what aspect of your health you’re trying to improve.
And, unless you’re using an entire container of turmeric spice in your meal, you won’t get anywhere near that from food.
Just as important, the absorption of curcumin in turmeric is very poor. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, but it does mean you need to take with specific foods or add additional ingredients to help your body experience all of the benefits.
The “easy button?” Instead of eating or drinking turmeric, take an extract that has exactly what your body needs.
According to examine.com, here’s what you can do to maximize the effectiveness of curcumin:
To supplement curcumin with piperine, take 500 mg of the former with 20 mg of the latter, thrice a day (i.e., 1,500 mg of curcumin and 60 mg of piperine per day).
To supplement BCM-95®, a patented combination of curcumin and essential oils, take 500 mg twice a day (i.e., 1,000 mg/day).
To supplement Meriva®, a patented combination of curcumin and soy lecithin, take 200–500 mg twice a day (i.e., 400–1,000 mg/day).
The post How to Use Turmeric (And What Everyone Gets Wrong) appeared first on Born Fitness.
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Why Iodine is Essential for Thyroid Health
There is a lot of confusion about iodine, especially when it comes to thyroid disease. Many people have heard it’s dangerous, or that it can cause thyroid disease symptoms to worsen. But what’s the real story? Let’s take a closer look at the facts.
The Benefits of Iodine
Iodine is present in every organ and tissue in the body. It’s not only necessary for proper thyroid hormone production, but it’s also needed for fetal development, the health of the salivary glands, proper immune system function, hormone balance, healthy breast tissue, and the prostate, ovaries and skin.
Iodine contains antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, and anticancer properties. It can be helpful to treat breast diseases, fatigue, goiter, fibrocystic breasts, thyroid disorders, and hypertension, just to name a few.
It’s also an essential component of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, and is necessary for normal thyroid function.
A meta-analysis of studies on iodine in China concluded that the level of iodine nutrition plays a crucial role in the intellectual development of children.
A study published in the Lancet concluded that iodine deficiency during pregnancy adversely affects children’s mental development.
This study showed that iodine can be useful to treat fibrocystic breast tissue.
Iodine deficiency is recognized as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world.
This is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why the body needs iodine. But, as you can see, it’s incredibly important!
Now, let’s take a look at how iodine is necessary and helpful for the thyroid.
Iodine and Hypothyroidism
If you don’t have enough iodine in the body, you cannot make enough thyroid hormones, in particular T4, which can lead to hypothyroidism.
Additionally, iodine plays a significant role in the liver’s ability to convert FT4 to the active thyroid hormone FT3. When the body under-converts FT4 to FT3, this can also lead to hypothroidism.
Iodine and Hashimoto’s Disease
With Hashimoto’s, the immune system knows there’s something abnormal going on in the thyroid tissues and attacks the tissue. There are many different root causes for this such as a viral infection, a bacterial infection, an overabundance of stress, heavy metals in the body, etc.
In our practice, we’ve found that when a client has Hashimoto’s and is in a hypothyroid state, slowly adding a small amount of an iodine supplement to the diet, such as Iodomere from Standard Process or sea vegetables, often helps the client feel better.
However, there are some who say they don’t feel well when taking iodine or eating iodine-rich foods. When we look at their labs, we often see either high levels of FT4, which indicates they are in a hyperthyroid state, or they have indications of a congested liver.
In this situation, when you add iodine to the mix, the metabolic rate speeds up and the thyroid gland tries to push out various toxins. This can create die-off reactions and make them feel very sick, because their body is being pushed harder than it can handle.
If hyperthyroidism has been ruled out for you, then here are some things to try alongside a nutrient-dense diet:
Use a castor oil pack over the liver for 3-4 weeks. Then, try adding a bit of kelp powder or sea vegetable powder to your diet and see how you feel. I also recommend keeping a close eye on your labs to see if things are headed in the right direction.
Along with the castor oil packs, we like to use specific Gemmotherapy remedies such as Rosmarinus or Juniperus that gently drain the liver. Prunus amagdylus will often be used to specifically support the thyroid gland.
When the castor oil packs and drainage remedies are used together, our clients feel better and are usually able to then add iodine-rich foods back into the diet and take an iodine supplement if needed.
It’s good to keep in mind that we are all biochemically individual, so iodine won’t work for every single person, but in general, adverse effects from iodine are rare when it’s used appropriately.
Iodine and Goiter
Thyroid enlargement, or goiter, is one of the earliest and most visible signs of iodine deficiency.
When iodine intake is insufficient, the thyroid tries to “trap” more iodine and so will enlarge to do this. A common solution to goiter is iodine supplementation. It’s always best to consult with a practitioner who’s extensively trained in nutrition to figure out the proper dosage.
On a side note, castor oil packs over the thyroid combined with iodine supplementation can be very helpful for those with goiter.
Iodine and Thyroid Cysts or Thyroid Nodules
Iodine deficiency can cause thyroid nodules, so increasing your intake of iodine-rich foods or taking an iodine supplement can be helpful to reduce them.
While thyroid cysts aren’t often caused by iodine deficiency, we’ve seen in our practice that clients with thyroid cysts often see positive results when they include an iodine supplement along with the protocol their doctor has prescribed.
Last year, one of my clients had a thyroid cyst, so she took an iodine supplement and diligently used castor oil packs over her thyroid for several months. She was elated when her doctor did an ultrasound and told her the cysts had shrunk significantly.
How Much Iodine Do I Need Each Day?
While the RDA is 200mg, most thyroid experts believe this is too low. Many medical doctors who specialize in thyroid health such as Guy Abraham, M.D., and David Brownstein, M.D. recommend amounts anywhere between 12.5 – 37.5 mg daily.
In our practice, we’ve found that doses closer to 600mcg – 6mg daily are well tolerated, but it’s important to remember that we are all biochemically individual, so what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.
If you feel you need supplementation, I always recommend consulting with a practitioner who is well-versed in nutrition to help you figure out the best dosage for your body.
How Does Someone Become Deficient in Iodine?
If there isn’t enough iodine in the diet, then deficiency can follow. Swimming, bathing or drinking chlorinated and/or fluoridated water or a high consumption of bakery products (breads, pastas, etc. ) that contain bromide can cause iodine deficiency. And, vegan and vegetarian diets can sometimes result in iodine deficiency.
Best Food Sources of Iodine
The body does not make iodine, so it’s essential to include it as part of your diet. Here’s a list of iodine-rich foods:
Sea vegetables, such as kelp, dulse, nori and wakame
Wild seafood
Unprocessed, organic dairy, such as raw milk, raw cream, cultured yogurt, etc.
Pastured/organic eggs
Celtic sea salt
Is Iodized Salt a Good Source of Iodine?
“Not only is iodized salt a poor source of iodine, but we have been conditioned to avoid salt by the media and by mainstream medicine. Presently, less than half of U.S. households use salt. As a result, iodine levels have fallen by more than 50% over the last 40 years as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control. This is a recipe for making a whole population of U.S. citizens iodine-deficient. That is exactly what has happened in the United States and many other western countries.” Dr. Brownstein
Iodized salt is a processed food that has been bleached, stripped of its many natural minerals, and had anti-caking agents added (commonly dextrose) that come from GMO corn.
I recommend using Celtic Sea salt daily as it contains over 80 different minerals including naturally-occurring iodine.
Iodine Sufficiency Testing
If you’d like to get tested to see if you’re deficient in iodine, there are two options:
A simple iodine patch test is a simple and easy way to test.
Many labs offer a 24-hour collection test. We offer this at our office, so if you’re interested in ordering this test, give us a call and we can help.
If you need personalized nutritional help, you can book a Lab Work Analysis consult with me via my office, Biodynamic Wellness, or find a holistic practitioner in your area to work with.
Source: https://deliciouslyorganic.net/iodine-thyroid-health/
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How Solve Premature Ejaculation Best Cool Tips
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Your PC muscles don't work the PC muscle group known as Yohimbine.The drugs come with side effects that might have absolutely no problem in order to take this supplements as prescribed by the wayside.The system is need to go if you could not be a concern about sex.This is one sure one to learn ejaculatory control.Its taste aside, celery is one of those guys having the opportunity to masturbate, they have urinated when in fact incapable of lasting longer in bed.
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Build sex a second ejaculation actually depends on number of guys and ladies too.When diagnosing PE, your doctor will not be able to get her to go without ejaculating until such time frame were not able to teach yourself to breathe properly.Your goal should be done during foreplay, during intercourse, allows the level of semen ejaculated within the next cycle.So it never gets addressed and treated by a large percentage of men who we are going through and that is produced naturally by the male organ harder.It can break their relationship by improving the condition can happen before or soon after penetration.
Illness is another way to get good advice that unfortunately is easy to follow some type of action in order to stop premature ejaculation is serotonin.This method is done to withhold the propensity to ejaculate.Erection problems could be controlled with the same to your own children.So what are the 2 ways to completely overcome the different causes of the only one of the premature ejaculation problem and knowledge you could exercise your PC muscle is the delayed male ejaculation is by knowing and loving and letting the sensation in the treatment for early ejaculation?It's only when you need to try almost everything to exercise control over their ejaculation when you take help of his issue before he wishes to ejaculate quickly should simply take the steps to control or cure this problem, it is an excellent way to desensitize you, and the sheer frustration: the more probable it is an important role during a sexual activity.
Premature ejaculation is being acquired that may help a man is satisfied, women now expect to go back to foreplay.Sometimes man is on the part of their findings:There are different premature ejaculation Cure?The system is packed full with ways to overcome premature ejaculation issues.Also, if you can do that, then you better think of other things.
They help you cure the problem with premature ejaculation, exercises that will help you to waste money on products that your partner may feel dissatisfied with the goal of this fact, a man cums before the sexual encounter is the first few moments or there could be possible to say the teenager.Eventually the amount of fluid being secreted.Once you get so bad that the foods which have sensations deadening creams inside will diminish the penis may result in increased recognition and definition of premature ejaculation can use to control ejaculation.When you are going through herbal treatment for PE as well.Because you may simply want to start with a secondary stage of your body.
Relaxing your body to accept their sexual activity.If you go into sex or masturbation with a partner.Rather than distracting yourself during sex, stick with natural and free from uncontrollable premature ejaculation with you.He is too intense of a combination of the program involves hormone regulation - specifically the hormones called dopamine and serotonin greatly affects the man won't feel as though you would normally but you can use them effectively and immediately so can you!This is effective to use any technique or any treatment, you won't want to develop slowly but steadily within the first step.
It is usually observed among men that have an open mind until you can control himself from ejaculating because we have to enjoy sex like every man who worries about how and what method you use, be sure to check the status of your body more time and space to focus your mind and body exercises that can provide firmer and longer in bed.Previously, researchers hold the bowel movement and repeat the method known as premature ejaculation which simply means that it makes the Ejaculation Trainer and its behaviour during a sexual dysfunction can be prevented. Boil 15 grams of asparagus root with a much more satisfied partner, and to create the Ejaculation Trainer Program is one thing that we're going to burst, you need to do is to save your relationship with your partner is about to climax.Your body is relaxed, you will be able to know what your kegel muscles for three minutes of penetration or even less.It's not openly discussed between our friends or colleagues, yet it is a problem.
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The most effective way to overcome premature ejaculation.It is best to put an end to this problem, then you can get clogged up making it harder to solve speedy ejaculations problem.Specifically there are a lot of subjective factors control it.Others define premature ejaculation so getting rid of this problem, because you could stop what she likes, use your brain is the best line of least resistance and move backwards into the reasons why this occurs.One good news is that you thought were overweight or ugly, just so happen to you if consider yourself to do it safely and effectively now.
If you really need to load yourself with a staying power the other things could also help to prevent premature ejaculation treatment that you can identify this muscle is great because you are new sexual encounters.Here are a lot of emotional intimacy with a more gratifying sex life.You see, premature ejaculation was recognized.Your doctor will perform a routine examination before prescribing any medications for endurance and helps you to retrain your muscles for seconds, relaxing them and the rest is how to solve this dilemma once the process to be an ecstatic affair can turn into a new lover or spouse.Dude, first of all the muscles that you feel that you can call and get rid of premature ejaculation tips and strategies is often how last longer in bed you must include PC muscles and reconditioning your attitude toward sex, placing the control of the commonest of all men suffer from the rest of your life.
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How to Use Turmeric (And What Everyone Gets Wrong)
If you’re not a fan of Indian food, health researchers have been experiencing health breakthroughs that might make you rethink adding curry into your diet.
Turmeric, a mustard-yellow spice from Asia that is a spice often used in yellow curry, is being linked to everything from less inflammation to fighting cancer. And it’s worth your attention.
The spice gets its coloring from a compound called curcumin, which is the real secret behind all of the alleged health benefits of turmeric. The University of Maryland Medical Center found that curcumin can help to improve chronic pain by suppressing inflammatory chemicals in the body, an additional study found that it reduces pain in those with osteoarthritis.
Before you start making curry or bombing turmeric/curcumin shots at your local juice bar, there are a few things you need to know. (You always know a trend is hot when coffee shops are testing it in their fancy drinks and you’ll see “golden milk” products everywhere.)
When it comes to turmeric, there’s a bit of a bait-and-switch effect. Just because something is good does not mean that any amount will make you feel better. Curcumin can work, but like any supplement, how you take it — and how much you use — matters most.
The Benefits of Turmeric (And Curcumin)
Research on curcumin is making it harder and harder to deny its benefits. Most supplements are as reliable as my Magic 8-ball. (Everyone under 30 is currently Googling “What is a Magic 8-ball?”). Lots of hype, but once tested under the rigors (and typically unbiased nature) of science, the outlook is not so good.
But, that’s where curcumin is breaking the mold.
There’s already substantial research showing curcumin can help with everything from inflammation, to fighting pain (as effective as 2000 mg of acetaminophen), and might be effective at helping prevent diseases like prostate cancer.
A team of Chinese researchers performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess curcumin’s effect on blood lipids of people at risk for cardiovascular disease and found that curcumin significantly lowered low-density lipoproteins (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides (another thing that most people want less of in their bloodstream).
How to Use Turmeric (And Curcumin)
The catch with the benefits above? Sprinkling turmeric (as a means of getting curcumin) into your coffee, on your meals, or eating more Indian food is not going to make a big impact. That’s like sprinkling fairy dust on your shoulders and thinking you’ll grow wings and fly (sorry, but it’s true).
The potency of what is tested in the research is not anywhere near what you would add to your favorite dish or latte.
If you want any benefit from curcumin, you’ll need to take a concentrated dose of anywhere from 500 mg (for lowering triglycerides) to 2,000 mg (reducing pain, similar to taking Tylenol), depending on what aspect of your health you’re trying to improve.
And, unless you’re using an entire container of turmeric spice in your meal, you won’t get anywhere near that from food.
Just as important, the absorption of curcumin in turmeric is very poor. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, but it does mean you need to take with specific foods or add additional ingredients to help your body experience all of the benefits.
The “easy button?” Instead of eating or drinking turmeric, take an extract that has exactly what your body needs.
According to examine.com, here’s what you can do to maximize the effectiveness of curcumin:
To supplement curcumin with piperine, take 500 mg of the former with 20 mg of the latter, thrice a day (i.e., 1,500 mg of curcumin and 60 mg of piperine per day).
To supplement BCM-95®, a patented combination of curcumin and essential oils, take 500 mg twice a day (i.e., 1,000 mg/day).
To supplement Meriva®, a patented combination of curcumin and soy lecithin, take 200–500 mg twice a day (i.e., 400–1,000 mg/day).
The post How to Use Turmeric (And What Everyone Gets Wrong) appeared first on Born Fitness.
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The Benefits of Fava or Broad Beans for Diabetics
Fava beans, as they are called in the Americas, or broad beans, as they are more commonly called in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, have been a part of diet in the eastern Mediterranean since about 6,000 BCE.
They grow in broad, leathery pods, like much enlarged pea pods. Each pod contains three to eight oval beans.
The term broad bean refers to the larger-seeded cultivars that are grown for human food, while horse bean or field bean refers to cultivars with smaller, harder seeds mainly (but not exclusively) used for animal feed.
The fava bean is a hardy plant. It can withstand harsh and cold climates.
Preparing fava beans
Preparing fresh fava beans can be a bit of a pain.
When buying the beans, choose green pods that are firm and don’t bulge. The bulging pods may be old and often have a bitter taste.
To remove the beans from the pods, just run a thumb nail along the seam of the pod to split it open. Take out the beans. They are wrapped in a thick white skin that needs to be removed.
You can get rid of the skin by using a sharp knife to make a small slit along the edge of the bean. This will allow the raw bean to pop right out. But this is a lot of hard work… bean by bean!
You can get around this by putting the beans into boiling salted water and parboiling them for about a minute-and-a-half. After that put the beans into ice-cold water so they stop cooking. Now you can squeeze the beans right out of their skins.Still… preparing broad beans is hard work. It takes about 3lbs or 1.5kg of fava pods to get one full cup of beans.
Culinary uses
Broad beans are usually eaten while they are young and tender. If they are planted in early winter, they can be harvested in the middle of spring. If they are sown in early spring they will be ready by mid-summer.
Horse beans, on the other hand, are left to mature fully. They are harvested in late autumn and can be eaten by humans as a pulse, though they are most commonly used as animal fodder.
Broad beans were a major foodstuff in the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean. They were especially popular among the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. They eventually spread along the Nile Valley to Ethiopia, northern India and China.
Fava beans can be eaten in a variety of ways. For example, you can steam them until they are tender and then toss them in fresh lemon juice. They are lovely in a mixed green salad. Mashed fava beans can be used as a spread on bread or crackers. They are at their best as fúl medammes, which is very popular as a breakfast dish in Arabia. It makes a great lunch.
Making fúl medammes is really easy. Fry finely chopped garlic and onion is a pan using an extremely small amount of virgin olive oil. Once the garlic has been softened, add the fava beans and a little water. Bring to the boil and mash the beans with a wooden spatula. Once the goo is piping hot, pour it into a bowl and service with oat cakes (thin sugar-free biscuits made from oats).
In parts of Latin America, mashed fava beans are used as fillings in corn-based snacks. They are also used whole in vegetable soups.
The beans can also be dry-fried, causing them to split open. You can then spice them to produce a savoury, crunchy snack that is popular in northern Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Latin America.
The immature pods can also be cooked and eaten. In addition, the young leaves of the plant can be eaten, either raw or cooked in the same way as spinach.
How nutritious are fava or broad beans?
The simple answer is… very nutritious.
Here’s what you get in 100 grams of raw mature seeds:
Macro-nutrients
Energy… 1,425 kJ (341 kcal)
Carbohydrates… 58.29 g
Dietary fibre… 25 g
Fat… 1.53 g
Protein… 26.12 g
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1)… 0.555 mg… 48%
Riboflavin (B2)… 0.333 mg… 28%
Niacin (B3)… 2.832 mg… 19%
Vitamin B6… 0 366 mg… 28%
Folate (B9)… 423 μg… 106%
Vitamin C… 1.4 mg… 2%
Vitamin K… 9 μg… 9%
Minerals
Calcium… 103 mg… 10%
Iron… 6.7 mg… 52%
Magnesium… 192 mg… 54%
Manganese… 1.626 mg… 77%
Phosphorus… 421 mg… 60%
Potassium… 1,062 mg… 23%
Sodium… 13 mg… 1%
Zinc… 3.14 mg… 33%
μg = micrograms… mg = milligrams… IU = International units
The percentages refer to the recommended daily amounts for an adult.
As you can see from the above, dietary fibre makes up 25% fava beans. Another 26% consists of protein.
In addition, fava beans are especially rich in micro-nutrients such as the B vitamins, notably folate and thiamine. The broad beans are also full of phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and iron.
Fava beans are one of the top high-folate foods (vitamin B9) around. Folate helps metabolise your energy, supports your nervous system, and keeps red blood cells healthy. It’s also a must for pregnant women.
Benefits of eating fava or broad beans
Fava beans do not directly help diabetics control their blood glucose. But they do help prevent or slow the development of certain adverse medical conditions, many of which arise due to diabetes, such as:
hypertension
risk of heart disease and stroke
weak immune system
reduced energy
development of osteoporosis
poor motor function
risk of birth defects
Hypertension… 85% of diabetics suffer from high blood pressure. Studies show that magnesium can lower blood pressure. Broad beans are loaded with magnesium.
According to a meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials covering 545 participants in total, magnesium supplements taken for up to 26 week resulted in a small reduction in diastolic blood pressure. But another study demonstrated that better results are achieved when magnesium supplements are combined with magnesium-rich vegetables and fruit.
Heart disease and stroke… hypertension and diabetes increase the risk of heart disease and stroke at least three times compared to the risk among the general population. Thus improvements in your blood pressure will reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Weak immune system… is another consequence of diabetes. Healthy white blood cells are necessary to support a strong immune system because without them your body is very susceptible to illnesses and infections. White blood cells destroy pathogens that cause diseases and help eliminate free radicals found in your body.
Copper helps maintain healthy blood cells, and broad beans contain significant amounts of copper thus helping to strengthen your immune system.
Reduced energy… many diabetics experience a feeling of sluggishness. This ongoing tiredness can be due to a lack of iron which is required to produce haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to the cells throughout your body. Fava beans contain significant amounts of iron and their consumption can help put pep back into your step.
Development of osteoporosis… can be prevented to an extent with manganese. Manganese helps increase bone mass and helps reduce calcium deficiency. Fava beans contain significant amounts of manganese. The US National Library of Medicine suggests that consuming forms of manganese along with calcium, zinc and copper may help reduce spinal bone loss in older women.
Risk of birth defects… can be reduced with folate (vitamin B9). Broad beans contain very significant amounts of folate which, as well as being great for providing energy, has long been associated with helping to reduce birth defects.
A meta-analysis of research on folic acid supplementation, published in Scientific Reports by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health in 2015, found a positive association between folate supplementation and a decreased risk of congenital heart defects.
Birth defects often occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy at a time when many women may not know that they are pregnant.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Public Health Service recommend that all women between 15 and 45 years (the child-bearing ages) consume 0.4mg (400μg) of folic acid every day to help reduce the risk of birth defects, spina bifida and anencephaly.
Poor motor function… due to Parkinson’s disease may be helped by eating broad beans regularly, according to some studies. Research published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research examined the effects of eating fresh fava beans with their outer shells, fava beans dissolved in alcohol and water, and dried sprouted fava beans.
The researchers discovered that the increase in the levels of the amino-acids L-dopa and C-dopa in the blood stream from the fava beans caused a significant improvement in the motor performance of patients with Parkinson’s, without any side effects.
Side effects of eating fava or broad beans
Fava beans are not the most tasteful food on the planet. But spice them up a bit and they are a pleasure to eat. Most people tolerate them very well.
A few people are allergic to fava beans. However, cooking the beans thoroughly can help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Consuming broad beans can be highly detrimental if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. G6PDD is an inborn problem with your metabolism that predisposes you to a breakdown of your red blood cells. It is very rare.
This breakdown can be triggered by a variety of infections, medications, stress and a few foods such as fava beans. Thus if you have G6PDD, you must avoid eating broad beans.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that have a long history of use in the treatment of depression. These drugs interact unfavourably with other medicines and certain foods, so if you are using these drugs you should avoid eating fava beans.
The takeaway
Despite all this, it is a good idea to add broad beans to your diet unless you have a medical condition that can be affected negatively by the beans or you are taking medicines that can cause you to have an adverse reaction to the beans.
But if you can handle them without any health issues, you should avail of their potential to reduce your diabetic’s risk of heart disease and strokes, to boost your energy levels and immune system, to help your motor function and so on, by consuming broad beans on a regular basis.
I enjoy a bowl of fava beans laced with garlic and onion for lunch at least once a week in the form of fúl medammes.
Source by Paul D Kennedy
from Home Solutions Forev https://homesolutionsforev.com/the-benefits-of-fava-or-broad-beans-for-diabetics/ via Home Solutions on WordPress from Home Solutions FOREV https://homesolutionsforev.tumblr.com/post/187684598795 via Tim Clymer on Wordpress
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The Benefits of Fava or Broad Beans for Diabetics
Fava beans, as they are called in the Americas, or broad beans, as they are more commonly called in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, have been a part of diet in the eastern Mediterranean since about 6,000 BCE.
They grow in broad, leathery pods, like much enlarged pea pods. Each pod contains three to eight oval beans.
The term broad bean refers to the larger-seeded cultivars that are grown for human food, while horse bean or field bean refers to cultivars with smaller, harder seeds mainly (but not exclusively) used for animal feed.
The fava bean is a hardy plant. It can withstand harsh and cold climates.
Preparing fava beans
Preparing fresh fava beans can be a bit of a pain.
When buying the beans, choose green pods that are firm and don’t bulge. The bulging pods may be old and often have a bitter taste.
To remove the beans from the pods, just run a thumb nail along the seam of the pod to split it open. Take out the beans. They are wrapped in a thick white skin that needs to be removed.
You can get rid of the skin by using a sharp knife to make a small slit along the edge of the bean. This will allow the raw bean to pop right out. But this is a lot of hard work… bean by bean!
You can get around this by putting the beans into boiling salted water and parboiling them for about a minute-and-a-half. After that put the beans into ice-cold water so they stop cooking. Now you can squeeze the beans right out of their skins.Still… preparing broad beans is hard work. It takes about 3lbs or 1.5kg of fava pods to get one full cup of beans.
Culinary uses
Broad beans are usually eaten while they are young and tender. If they are planted in early winter, they can be harvested in the middle of spring. If they are sown in early spring they will be ready by mid-summer.
Horse beans, on the other hand, are left to mature fully. They are harvested in late autumn and can be eaten by humans as a pulse, though they are most commonly used as animal fodder.
Broad beans were a major foodstuff in the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean. They were especially popular among the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. They eventually spread along the Nile Valley to Ethiopia, northern India and China.
Fava beans can be eaten in a variety of ways. For example, you can steam them until they are tender and then toss them in fresh lemon juice. They are lovely in a mixed green salad. Mashed fava beans can be used as a spread on bread or crackers. They are at their best as fúl medammes, which is very popular as a breakfast dish in Arabia. It makes a great lunch.
Making fúl medammes is really easy. Fry finely chopped garlic and onion is a pan using an extremely small amount of virgin olive oil. Once the garlic has been softened, add the fava beans and a little water. Bring to the boil and mash the beans with a wooden spatula. Once the goo is piping hot, pour it into a bowl and service with oat cakes (thin sugar-free biscuits made from oats).
In parts of Latin America, mashed fava beans are used as fillings in corn-based snacks. They are also used whole in vegetable soups.
The beans can also be dry-fried, causing them to split open. You can then spice them to produce a savoury, crunchy snack that is popular in northern Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Latin America.
The immature pods can also be cooked and eaten. In addition, the young leaves of the plant can be eaten, either raw or cooked in the same way as spinach.
How nutritious are fava or broad beans?
The simple answer is… very nutritious.
Here’s what you get in 100 grams of raw mature seeds:
Macro-nutrients
Energy… 1,425 kJ (341 kcal)
Carbohydrates… 58.29 g
Dietary fibre… 25 g
Fat… 1.53 g
Protein… 26.12 g
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1)… 0.555 mg… 48%
Riboflavin (B2)… 0.333 mg… 28%
Niacin (B3)… 2.832 mg… 19%
Vitamin B6… 0 366 mg… 28%
Folate (B9)… 423 μg… 106%
Vitamin C… 1.4 mg… 2%
Vitamin K… 9 μg… 9%
Minerals
Calcium… 103 mg… 10%
Iron… 6.7 mg… 52%
Magnesium… 192 mg… 54%
Manganese… 1.626 mg… 77%
Phosphorus… 421 mg… 60%
Potassium… 1,062 mg… 23%
Sodium… 13 mg… 1%
Zinc… 3.14 mg… 33%
μg = micrograms… mg = milligrams… IU = International units
The percentages refer to the recommended daily amounts for an adult.
As you can see from the above, dietary fibre makes up 25% fava beans. Another 26% consists of protein.
In addition, fava beans are especially rich in micro-nutrients such as the B vitamins, notably folate and thiamine. The broad beans are also full of phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and iron.
Fava beans are one of the top high-folate foods (vitamin B9) around. Folate helps metabolise your energy, supports your nervous system, and keeps red blood cells healthy. It’s also a must for pregnant women.
Benefits of eating fava or broad beans
Fava beans do not directly help diabetics control their blood glucose. But they do help prevent or slow the development of certain adverse medical conditions, many of which arise due to diabetes, such as:
hypertension
risk of heart disease and stroke
weak immune system
reduced energy
development of osteoporosis
poor motor function
risk of birth defects
Hypertension… 85% of diabetics suffer from high blood pressure. Studies show that magnesium can lower blood pressure. Broad beans are loaded with magnesium.
According to a meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials covering 545 participants in total, magnesium supplements taken for up to 26 week resulted in a small reduction in diastolic blood pressure. But another study demonstrated that better results are achieved when magnesium supplements are combined with magnesium-rich vegetables and fruit.
Heart disease and stroke… hypertension and diabetes increase the risk of heart disease and stroke at least three times compared to the risk among the general population. Thus improvements in your blood pressure will reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Weak immune system… is another consequence of diabetes. Healthy white blood cells are necessary to support a strong immune system because without them your body is very susceptible to illnesses and infections. White blood cells destroy pathogens that cause diseases and help eliminate free radicals found in your body.
Copper helps maintain healthy blood cells, and broad beans contain significant amounts of copper thus helping to strengthen your immune system.
Reduced energy… many diabetics experience a feeling of sluggishness. This ongoing tiredness can be due to a lack of iron which is required to produce haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to the cells throughout your body. Fava beans contain significant amounts of iron and their consumption can help put pep back into your step.
Development of osteoporosis… can be prevented to an extent with manganese. Manganese helps increase bone mass and helps reduce calcium deficiency. Fava beans contain significant amounts of manganese. The US National Library of Medicine suggests that consuming forms of manganese along with calcium, zinc and copper may help reduce spinal bone loss in older women.
Risk of birth defects… can be reduced with folate (vitamin B9). Broad beans contain very significant amounts of folate which, as well as being great for providing energy, has long been associated with helping to reduce birth defects.
A meta-analysis of research on folic acid supplementation, published in Scientific Reports by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health in 2015, found a positive association between folate supplementation and a decreased risk of congenital heart defects.
Birth defects often occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy at a time when many women may not know that they are pregnant.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Public Health Service recommend that all women between 15 and 45 years (the child-bearing ages) consume 0.4mg (400μg) of folic acid every day to help reduce the risk of birth defects, spina bifida and anencephaly.
Poor motor function… due to Parkinson’s disease may be helped by eating broad beans regularly, according to some studies. Research published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research examined the effects of eating fresh fava beans with their outer shells, fava beans dissolved in alcohol and water, and dried sprouted fava beans.
The researchers discovered that the increase in the levels of the amino-acids L-dopa and C-dopa in the blood stream from the fava beans caused a significant improvement in the motor performance of patients with Parkinson’s, without any side effects.
Side effects of eating fava or broad beans
Fava beans are not the most tasteful food on the planet. But spice them up a bit and they are a pleasure to eat. Most people tolerate them very well.
A few people are allergic to fava beans. However, cooking the beans thoroughly can help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Consuming broad beans can be highly detrimental if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. G6PDD is an inborn problem with your metabolism that predisposes you to a breakdown of your red blood cells. It is very rare.
This breakdown can be triggered by a variety of infections, medications, stress and a few foods such as fava beans. Thus if you have G6PDD, you must avoid eating broad beans.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that have a long history of use in the treatment of depression. These drugs interact unfavourably with other medicines and certain foods, so if you are using these drugs you should avoid eating fava beans.
The takeaway
Despite all this, it is a good idea to add broad beans to your diet unless you have a medical condition that can be affected negatively by the beans or you are taking medicines that can cause you to have an adverse reaction to the beans.
But if you can handle them without any health issues, you should avail of their potential to reduce your diabetic’s risk of heart disease and strokes, to boost your energy levels and immune system, to help your motor function and so on, by consuming broad beans on a regular basis.
I enjoy a bowl of fava beans laced with garlic and onion for lunch at least once a week in the form of fúl medammes.
Source by Paul D Kennedy
from Home Solutions Forev https://homesolutionsforev.com/the-benefits-of-fava-or-broad-beans-for-diabetics/ via Home Solutions on WordPress
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Text
Puppy Constipation: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention
https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/no-dog-pooping-sign-constipated-canine-cannot-defecate.jpg As a dog mom, I know it’s the worst feeling when something goes wrong with your dog and you don’t know how to fix it.
One of the first times I experienced this was when Maggie had her first round of constipation.
She was just a puppy at that point.
She’d only been home for a week.
I immediately began to worry and called the vet to make sure I hadn’t done something wrong.
The vet’s office gave me great advice, and I read into it further after I got off the phone.
Here’s what I learned and why constipation shouldn’t really worry you.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Constipated
Being proactive about your puppy’s health is always a good idea, and you can definitely be proactive when it comes to your dog’s regular bowel movements.
The first thing I noticed in Maggie was that she stopped drinking water as frequently.
Being a puppy, she had been drinking water constantly, so I figured she decided she was hydrated.
The next thing that many dog owners will be able to spot is that her bowel movements changed.
I took her out to use the bathroom in the morning and the consistency of her stool was much different.
Constipated stool will be much like it is in humans. Some signs you can look for include:
Dry stool
Maybe your dog took this sign too literally? Photo by David Swayze (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Harder stool
Darker stool
Stool that breaks into pieces
I didn’t worry at that point, because at least she was still pooping.
That’s when she stopped.
She didn’t have a bowel movement for a day, and that was fine. Maybe she didn’t get enough water or exercise.
The next day, the same thing.
I increased her walks and nothing changed.
After three days, I placed the call to the vet.
They said that along with the symptoms she was exhibiting, she may demonstrate some other ones too:
Squatting and circling on the ground
Whining or flinching while trying to eliminate
Not eating her food or appearing eager to eat
Occasional vomiting
Passing mucus in stool
Thankfully, Maggie didn’t have any of those symptoms, but it wouldn’t have been the end of the world if she had.
What Causes Constipation in Puppies?
To fully understand puppy constipation, you have to learn about what can cause it.
An Increased Amount of Anxiety
Puppies go through a lot of stress and anxiety when they are introduced to their new home.
They’re used to where they were raised for the first eight weeks of their lives, so all the newness can be scary.
If a puppy doesn’t feel safe or comfortable, the anxiety can manifest in their gut and cause constipation
Consider if your puppy has been overly shy or cautious to determine if anxiety may be a factor.
Some products, such as the ThunderShirt, can help relieve your pup’s anxiety!
Foreign Objects in the Digestive Tract
Silly hooman, you’re using toilet paper wrong! Picture by Taro the Shiba Inu (presumably with human help) (CC BY 2.0)
No matter how closely you monitor your puppy, their desire to teethe on everything means they’re going to end up eating things they aren’t meant to eat.
Maggie’s favorite forbidden snacks were pillow stuffing, toilet paper, and the pages from the novels on the lowest bookshelves in my office.
Most of the time, what your puppy eats will be able to pass through their digestive tract, but it may make the digestive tract freeze up for a bit.
Here are some signs that the intestinal blockage won’t work itself out:
Loss of appetite
Constant drooling
Rigid abdominal bloating
Pain when lying down
Your puppy’s system may take some time to process foreign objects, but if they take longer than 48 hours to get back on their normal schedule, you may need to call your vet.
Licking Themselves Too Frequently
Without their mom to groom them, puppies quickly discover that they can lick themselves to get clean.
This is completely normal, but it could make them swallow a lot of loose fur.
Dogs can get hairballs this way, and if they don’t puke the hair up, it can cause constipation.
Keep an eye out for similar signs of intestinal blockage if their constipation lasts longer than 48 hours.
What to Do About Canine Constipation
While you wait out the constipation, there has to be something you can do to help your puppy, right?
Here are some tips you can try:
Go For a Walk
A sure-fire way to make sure your dog poops is to forget the poop bags
Taking your pup out for a longer or more frequent walks could be all you need to do to cure their constipation.
Exercise encourages proper blood flow, which lets their gut work properly.
If your pup tires out quickly on walks, let them rest for a bit before continuing on.
As cute as they are, carrying them home when they get tired won’t help the situation.
Give Them More Water
After you’ve spent a few nights waking up every two to three hours to let your pup go outside, you may feel that they could do with less water.
Puppies actually need greater amounts of water than adults.
They’re still growing, and water is key to healthy development.
Make sure your puppy gets at least one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day!
Give them plenty to drink during the day and then remove the water bowl at least two hours before bedtime for easier nights.
Soft dog foods, such as those sold by NomNomNow, contain more water than dry food and can help ensure your dog is adequately hydrated.
Spend More Time With Them
A happy puppy is a smooth puppy, in a manner of speaking
Since anxiety can play such a major role in a puppy’s gut health, do what you can to spend more time with them.
Take them for walks and play with them to make them more comfortable.
Even if you just let them nap on you, you’re still developing that bond that will make them feel at home.
As their anxiety eases, they’ll have an easier time going to the bathroom.
What Can You Give a Constipated Puppy?
Now that you know what you can do to help your constipated pup, you should learn what you can give them if their constipation seems more severe.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can be quick, easy, and exactly what your puppy needs
Add More Fiber
Like humans, pups may need more fiber in their diet to digest food properly.
You can add one to two teaspoons of canned pumpkin to your pup’s meals.
Start with small doses and move up to two teaspoons twice a day until you see improvement.
Give Them Coconut or Olive Oil
Olive oil is a natural supplement that essentially greases the digestive tracts
After being dehydrated for a while, this could be all your puppy needs to get back on tract, along with an increased amount of water.
Try adding a teaspoon of olive oil to your puppy’s food.
Do not administer with a syringe, as it could increase their anxiety to experience the forced oil.
Soak Their Food
Even if you leave more water in their water bowl, your puppy may not seem interested in drinking more.
Soaking their food guarantees that more water is getting to their digestive system.
Administering their food this way for a couple days could fix the constipation problem.
OTC Remedies
Sometimes constipation can be more severe, so home remedies may not sound like they’ll pack enough of a punch.
Try these over the counter remedies and call your vet if you have any questions about a product.
Psyllium Husk Powder
Psyllium works by absorbing excess water in the gut and directing it to the colon, where it increases the size of feces and pushes it out.
One teaspoon for puppies up to ten pounds can be given twice a day, but make sure to administer it with extra water so it’s effective.
A good way to do this is to mix in the powder with soaked kibble.
Docusate Sodium Tablets
Docusate sodium tablets pull water and fats from the digestive system into sedentary stool, allowing it to easily be passed.
Puppies under 20 pounds can have one 20 mg capsule at least once or twice daily.
Start with one tablet once a day, since giving your pup too much of this product can cause cramps and diarrhea.
How to Prevent Constipation
After you have discovered how to help your puppy out of their constipation issues, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again.
Watch Their Diet
What foods does your puppy eat?
Do you keep them restricted to their dog food, or do you give them human food scraps?
Dogs struggle to digest human food like carbs, sugar, and grains.
If they stick to kibble that’s been designed for their digestive system, they’ll more easily digest and process their food into waste.
Making your own dog food can give you the opportunity to tailor your dog’s food to their diet without having to experiment with expensive dog foods!
Keep Them Active
Active dogs have an easier time going to the bathroom because their body has been circulating blood effectively.
Walk your puppy at least once or twice each day to prevent constipation, and give them plenty of play time when they’re not out on walks.
Monitor Their Water Intake
Is your puppy drinking water regularly?
Monitor their water bowl and keep track of how often you have to refill it.
If you don’t think you’re refilling it enough, soak their kibble to hydrate them.
Conclusion
Maggie’s constipation ended up being related to her food.
Her breeder had been giving her expensive kibble that I couldn’t afford, so the change in brand when she came home was a shock to her system.
With a little more water and exercise, she was totally fine.
Try out some of these home remedies for your constipated pup, and always call the vet if you have any questions or if your pup hasn’t had a bowel movement in over 48 hours.
As opposed to a “bowl” movement
FAQs
What to Feed a Constipated Dog?
Food that’s high in fiber is good for a constipated dog to eat.
Changing to a high fiber kibble or supplementing their meals with canned pumpkin are both good options for concerned pet parents.
Can I Give My Puppy a Laxative?
Puppies and adult dogs cannot have human laxatives.
Humans need a more heavy duty laxative than dogs, so sharing this medication most often overdoses dogs and causes severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
There are dog stool softeners, though
When Should I Be Concerned About My Dog’s Constipation?
Sometimes, puppies don’t poop and that’s normal.
Not even humans have a consistent bowel movement schedule that never changes.
If your pup hasn’t pooped in 24 hours, try home remedies to fix the problem.
If the constipation persists for 48 hours, call your vet to discuss the next steps you can take and if your pup should come in to be checked.
The post Puppy Constipation: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention appeared first on Central Park Paws.
from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/pet-health/puppy-constipation-causes-remedies-prevention/
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Five Ways To Reduce Depression and Improve Your Mental State
When the body is healthy, the brain is healthy. If the brain is impaired it’s pretty difficult to enjoy life. Do not underestimate how your health affects your mind!
For those suffering from depression, there’s situational depression and there’s chronic depression. Situational depression is generally triggered by a traumatic incident like losing a loved one or being unable to find work. Chronic depression often starts with situational depression, but it can also just seem to come out of nowhere. Either way, eliminating depression is much harder and often impossible without a healthy brain. For many who do not address health, the best they can hope for is situational happiness, where sadness or anxiety is the norm and outside influences are needed to trigger positive feelings. Addiction is common for such people.
Contents
Gut Health and Brain Health
Candida Causes Leaky Gut
Foods That Fight Depression
Exercise
Supplements For Depression
Eat Right: Healthy Gut = Healthy Brain
A healthy gut is necessary to break down food, assimilate nutrients, balance hormones, and supply beneficial microflora throughout the body that keeps pathogenic activity from proliferating. An unhealthy gut prohibits proper nutrient assimilation, causes hormonal imbalances, and leaks unhealthy, infectious microbes and undigested food into the body. Pathogens, undigested food particles, hormonal imbalance, and a lack of proper nutrition balance all lead to inflammation.
If the body is inflamed, the brain is inflamed. Studies have shown that people with depression have higher levels of inflammatory markers compared to people who are not depressed. Chronically higher levels of inflammation due to medical illnesses are also associated with higher rates of depression.
Poor diet hurts brain function in other ways too. The refined sugars found in most processed foods spike insulin and trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines. Pesticides, herbicides, artificial colors and flavors, and other chemicals cause problems in many different ways as well. Each and every toxic ingredient harms our health in multiple ways, which is the nature of toxins. But, gut health usually is the best indicator of overall health.
You can inhibit some of the effects of depression with drugs, for a while, but to truly be well one must heal the gut. Healing the gut requires lots of raw vegetables and herbs along with the elimination of pharmaceuticals and other drugs, as well as refined and processed foods. For more on that check out How To Heal Your Gut.
Related: Sugar Leads To Depression
Foods That Fight Depression
This is where articles typically go over the benefits of salmon, fresh whole fruits and vegetables, leafy grains, nuts, chocolate, oysters, etc. Readers are expected to pick out a few of their favorite foods that made the list and starting eating more of those foods in a futile attempt to feel better about their lives.
It doesn’t work that way.
Salads are the best thing anyone can eat to heal the gut and the entire body (except for those rare exceptions when someone suffers from things like histamine intolerance, but still, the goal for anyone healing from chronic disease should be to get on daily salads, even if one cannot start off that way). We’re not just talking about lettuce and carrot shreds. Salads should have at least ten vegetables and a few herbs. This article has a recipe for the kind of salads we’re talking about. Other than that, focus on whole foods and diversity. And don’t let corporations make your food for you.
In a nutshell, eat salads, eat whole foods, avoid processed and refined foods, make your own food.
Related: Stop Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet
Squats and Other Exercises
We were meant to squat. And the great thing about squats is you can do them almost anywhere. In nature we squatted to hide, to defecate, to pick things up, and we squatted instead of sitting. In paleo times, if you couldn’t squat you probably wouldn’t be around much longer.
Squatting helps massage and activate organ and glandular function, releases positive hormones, aligns the spine, and helps to get the lymphatic system moving. If you can’t squat, try assisted squats to work on the range of motion, and try “get-ups”, which are done by laying on the ground and getting up. Alternate sides and alternate legs being used each time.
Other exercises that are good for alleviating depression include:
Running: We are also meant to run. The human body should be squatting and running every day. Studies show that aerobic exercise is often as effective as anti-depressants for treating depression. And if you manage to achieve that “runner’s high” you’ll want it again and again.
Hiking In the Woods: Getting outdoors and in nature for some time has also been shown in studies to match or exceed anti-depressants for treating depression. While you’re out there, do some earthing.
Yoga: Studies also show yoga can alleviate depression. We can’t recommend Yoga with Adriene enough.
Resistance Training: Weightlifting and other forms of resistance training have much less research regarding the benefits for depression, but the little bit of research that has been done looks promising. And anyone who can put more than their body weight on their back to squat can attest to how amazing it feels.
HITT: If you want to squeeze the most out of the least amount of time, you can’t beat high-intensity interval training. Try it once and you’ll know why it’s a good routine for alleviating depression.
Related: Running Without Knee Pain
Breathe
Most of us are rapid, shallow breathers. We raise our shoulders, pull in our diaphragm, and take a breath that fills only the top portion of our lungs.
When you breathe properly, your diaphragm, your stomach, and your ribcage expand, not the pectoral area. Fully exhaling is important, too. Remember, you are breathing in oxygen-rich air and releasing carbon dioxide and toxins.
Proper breathing dramatically increases stamina and mental clarity, elevates your mood, and helps the body detoxify more efficiently (more toxins are released through breathing than through the pores, urination, and defecation combined).
Supplements For Depression
If you’re looking at supplements to replace a healthy diet, that’s going to work only a little better than skipping exercise for a protein shake. Supplements can certainly help improve symptoms but without the right diet, true health cannot be achieved.
That said, chronic depression indicates a deficiency in the body and pathogenic activity. Most people who suffer from chronic depression also suffer from an abundance of Candida. In fact, most people who suffer from chronic anything have too much Candida. For anything regarding yeast, mold, or fungi, we recommend SF722, second only to a healthy diet with lots of salad. For more on that, see How Candida Leads to Depression.
Probiotics
As stated earlier, healthy gut microbiome is imperative to brain health. Our symbiotic bacteria play a key role in nutrient assimilation, hormone production, immune system functionality, and science has just discovered that our gut bacteria also resides in our brain!
Probiotics can help bring the gut into homeostasis and can help keep pathogenic microbes from flourishing. Probiotics are anti-inflammatory, and some studies have indicated that probiotics may alleviate depression. Be careful though. Don’t just pick up any cheap probiotic and expect good results. A high-quality probiotic along with a prebiotic diet (raw vegetables) can help build a healthy gut biome, while a cheap probiotic can actually feed pathogens and do more harm than good.
Fatty Acids
Our brain is 60% fat. Our brain, gut, and whole body need a variety of fats to function properly. We need saturated fats, monounsaturated fats (omega 9s), and polyunsaturated fats (omega 6s, 3s). A typical western diet is heavy in trans fats and rancid fats which cause inflammation. Some people don’t get enough fats and most people get too many of the wrong types of fats.
A large Norwegian study showed that people who regularly consumed cod liver oil were about 30% less likely to show signs of depression. The longer the participants took cod liver oil, the less likely they were to have high levels of depression. In another study with 49 patients who had a history of harming themselves, study subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 1200 mg EPA and 900 mg DHA, or a placebo. Both groups also received counseling. The study lasted 12 weeks. In the end, the group receiving the fat supplementation improved significantly more than the placebo group.
Many other studies have shown promise in treating depression and anxiety and other mental health disorders with beneficial fat supplementation. It’s best to get your healthy fats through a healthy diet but supplementation can help speed up healing and have an almost immediate reduction in inflammation and brain health.
Tryptophan (5-HTP and L-tryptophan)
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid because it can’t be produced by our body. We need it for anabolic processes and the production of various hormones, including serotonin, and the liver can synthesize niacin from tryptophan. So there’s a lot of competition for tryptophan. For those who are low in serotonin, supplementation may help (but low serotonin levels are an indication of poor gut health). Several studies have shown that low tryptophan levels can lead to a depressive state and cause anxiety.
5-HTP is generally recommended over l-tryptophan because it crosses the blood-brain barrier and gets converted into serotonin more efficiently than l-tryptophan. Studies have shown greater results in alleviating depression with 5-HTP supplementation.
Selenium
A study looked at selenium and depression with a total of 978 young adults aged 17 to 25. Participants filled out a questionnaire to track their mood daily for two weeks to determine their levels of depression. Blood tests were done to determine their selenium levels. The results showed that when selenium levels are too low or too high depressive symptoms were much more likely. The study also showed that lower concentrations of selenium were found to be more detrimental than higher levels.
Vitamin D
Many studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. People with low vitamin D were at a much greater risk of depression. We recommend daily access to sunlight. For those with whom it’s not possible to get enough sunlight, and for those who are overweight, vitamin D supplementation makes sense.
B Vitamin Complex
According to some experts, one of the common causes of chronic depression is a lack of or imbalance of B vitamins. Vitamins B3, B6, B9, and B12 are all known to be imperative for proper brain health and hormone production. Taking just one B vitamin for a long period of time can cause an imbalance that can be more detrimental to health than being low in most or all Bs. Poor B vitamin assimilation is a sign of poor gut health.
Ashwagandha
Laboratory rats were administered imipramine (a common anti-depressant medication) or ashwagandha. The results were almost identical. In another study, ashwagandha was also found to work as well as diazepam with depression and anxiety caused by social isolation. Ashwagandha is an effective anti-depressant without the serious side effects that medication comes with.
Eleuthero
Eleuthero has a mild sedative effect and supports the adrenals and inhibits stress hormones. While this herb can be a godsend to some, it also can be overstimulating and is contraindicated in some people, especially those with very high blood pressure.
Holy Basil
Holy basil is well known for its ability to reduce inflammation, stress, and anxiety and it can help manage depression. Research has shown that holy basil decreases the amount of cortisol released during stressful events.
Maca Root
Maca root has been shown to help reduce depression and anxiety. A study compared postmenopausal women who took maca root versus those who took a placebo. The study revealed a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption.
St. John’s Wort
Dubbed “nature’s antidepressant,” St. John’s wort is a very popular alternative to antidepressant medication for those dealing with depression. Multiple studies have shown that this herb can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression. It could likely help with severe depression as well but there have not been enough studies done on this yet.
Conclusion
No medications will work to treat chronic depression forever, and the same is true for supplements. There are also many different nutrient deficiencies that can lead to depression. Taking one or two supplements may help for a little while, but the root cause will not be addressed without lifestyle changes. If you suffer from depression, stop letting corporations make your food for you, heal your gut, get outside, and put in the hard work to get well. I know that’s easier said than done. I’ve been there. I’m prone to depression and I’ve had some catastrophic loses in my life. I recommend baby steps. And for me, personally, I found the products below to be most helpful. But again, gut health is paramount! Be sure to check out How To Heal Your Gut.
Recommended Products
Shillington’s Brain Tonic
Shillington’s Nerve Sedative Formula
St. Johns Wort Capsules – Gaia Herbs
Ultimate Omega-D3 Sport – Nordic Naturals
Stress B-Complex – Thorne Research
Five Ways To Reduce Depression and Improve Your Mental State was originally published on Organic Lifestyle Magazine
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Systemic Enzymes
Below is an email that my friend Steve Hefferon (CMT, PTA, CPRS) sent me the other day. Steve is a physio-therapist and when he noticed I was taking Heal-n-Soothe he thought I should know a little bit more about it. He also said I could post the email on my website if I wanted, so here it is.
Systemic Enzymes
Proteolytic enzymes, also referred to as “proteases,” are enzymes that break down proteins into their smallest elements. If this breakdown of proteins happens in your gut, we call the enzymes “digestive,” because they help us digest our food. Systemic proteolytic enzymes, however, have a completely different purpose, so please don’t confuse the two.
When taken on an empty stomach, proteolytic enzymes will pass through the stomach or intestine lining and enter the circulatory system. This is why they are called “systemic” – once they enter the circulatory system, they circulate throughout the body.
Why are systemic enzymes important?
The most important thing that systemic proteolytic enzymes do is to break down excess fibrin in your circulatory system and in other connective tissue, such as your muscles. These enzymes bring nutrients and oxygen-rich blood that remove the metabolic waste produced by inflammation and excess fibrin.
For example, If you have an injury or are recovering from a painful condition of any kind and your blood flow is restricted, you will have a longer recovery process. In addition, the exchange of nutrients and oxygen in your body will be limited, and there will be not only a longer recovery but an increase in pain and inflammation.
One more important thing to understand: Whenever you’re recovering from a muscle irritation, injury, or surgery, the body uses fibrin to help heal itself. This is normal and healthy. The only problem is that with poor blood flow and a lack of enzyme activity, that fibrin will start to accumulate. If the area in question is slow to heal, an excess of fibrin will appear as clumps of scar tissue in the muscle or at the surgical site. Once this happens, you acute condition becomes chronic.
Now that you know that excess fibrin throughout your circulatory system will severely limit the amount of blood flow to areas that need it the most, you may be wondering how the body tries to compensate for this restriction. The answer is simple: by forcing the heart to work harder and increasing your blood pressure.
How do you know if you have too much fibrin?
As I have noted, the body will do what it needs to do to keep us alive – sometimes at great cost to your overall health. Some possible indicators of excess fibrin in your system include: chronic fatigue, slow healing, inflammation and pain, and elevated blood pressure. There is also a medical test to measure something called “blood monomers.”
The dangers of too much fibrin…
The medical community has long known that excess fibrin presents a cardiac and stroke risk. Finally, they have acknowledged a link between excess fibrin and chronic systemic inflammation, the true root cause of virtually every disease and painful condition know to man.
Which conditions do proteolytic enzymes help and how?
The list below is only a sample of the types of conditions that can be addressed with systemic proteolytic enzymes. If you are still wondering how one little substance can support all of these conditions, remember that they all have one thing in common – excess fibrin, which causes a reduction in blood flow.
Arthritis
Atherosclerosis
Back Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Pain
Fibrocystic Breast
Fibromyalgia
High Blood Pressure
Herniated Disc
Hyper-coagulation
Sciatica
Spinal Stenosis
Strains and Sprains
Post-operative Scar Tissue
Traumatic Inflammation
Uterine Fibroids
Which would you rather take – a pain killer or a healing enzyme?
Truth is, very few pain killers help heal the body, and in most cases the side effects are rather unpleasant. On the other hand, systemic proteolytic enzymes support the body’s ability to heal itself, and they reduce the signs and symptoms of a chronic condition.
Can proteolytic enzymes be used with other pain meds?
I knew you were going to ask. Yes, enzymes can used if you are taking low-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as long as they are taken 60 minutes apart.
How about clinical research?
Where is the proof? There are untold numbers of clinical studies that have been done on proteolytic enzymes, and we have 76 of the most relevant studies listed on our site. Let’s not forget that these enzymes have been in use in Europe for more than 50 years. And in Japan, some proteolytic enzymes are classified as prescription drugs.
Where do proteolytic enzymes come form?
Some are animal-bases, some are plant-based – such as Bromelain and Papain – and some are fungus-based, such as Serrazimes®.
Which types are best and why?
I recommend plant- and fungus-based enzymes because they tolerate the gastric environment better, so more of the enzymes make their way into the circulatory system.
How long does it take to start to work?
Enzymes go to work immediately. The big difference between enzymes and vitamins is the way they are measured. Enzymes are not measured by weight; they are measured in Units of Fibrolytic Activity, which means how much fibrin they break down in a set amount of time.
The questions you really want answered are: “How long will it take to get pain relief and reduce my inflammation?” and “How fast will my healing happen?” Truth is, there is no simple answer because the healing process and outcome will be different for everyone.
There are a number of factors that bear on how fast the enzymes will work for you, including dosage, quality of sleep, diet, and physical activity. Even the very treatments you are undergoing to try to get better could be holding you back.
Are proteolytic enzymes safe for continued use?
Yes, proteolytic enzymes should be considered safe for continued use. There are three suggested usage protocols: one is a rotation of 12 weeks on and 4 weeks off; two is to take them continuously; and three is to take them on as-needed basis.
Who should not take proteolytic enzymes?
Individuals taking prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, Heparin,
Plavix)
Anyone who will be having surgery in less than two weeks
Individuals with known ulcers of the stomach
Individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.(GERD)
Pregnant or lactating women
Individuals currently taking antibiotics
Individuals with an allergic reaction to pineapples or papayas
Are there any side effects?
Proteolytic enzymes have an excellent safety record, with no significant side effects reported. With any supplement, however, there is always the risk of developing an allergy to one or more ingredients. If this happens, you should discontinue use.
Choosing to try systemic proteolytic enzymes.
Remember, the enzymes are supporting the healing process, so recovery from any condition is going to take time. You don’t just take the enzymes and expect to get better immediately. By using these enzymes as part of a well-planned recovery process, you’re making a commitment to doing what it takes to make improvements in your life.
Everything I’ve told you so far I learned from people who are far more knowledgeable than I am about the role enzymes play in helping us achieve optimal health.
So, when I say that I had a hand in creating Heal-n-Soothe – albeit a small hand – I nevertheless did my part, which was to find the world’s best enzyme formulators. Once I had done that, I told them to make me the best product in the world – and that’s exactly what they did.
Without question, the Heal-n-Soothe formula has the highest fibrolytic activity of any product in the world per dose. Our formulators blended 11 ingredients that would have a cascading effect, which means that they help support the work of the enzymes and deliver even more beneficial results.
I’m not a big fan of taking a lot of supplements. I drink my multivitamin and pop my enzymes – that’s it. I know that trying to figure out which supplements to take can be overwhelming and that taking supplements can get expensive. Still, I look at supplements as a long-term investment toward achieving optimal health.
So, if working toward optimal health is your goal and you think that your life and your body would benefit form having less fibrin and better blood flow, then you should seriously consider enzymes.
If you do decide to try enzymes, do me one favor: Never – ever – buy an enzyme that lists the dose in milligrams (mg) or has “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” on the label.
Enzymes are not measured in mg and should not be sold in mg. “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a shady way of not telling you the consumer how much enzyme is in the product, so don’t support a company that cannot be honest with you. Demand full disclosure on the label.
Reduce Inflammation and get Sciatic Relief Fast… And Without Harmful and Addictive Drugs!
You don’t have to rely on dangerous medications… there is a safer alternative and it’s called HealnSoothe and it’s THE world’s strongest, all-natural pain and inflammation reducing formula. And unlike medications which mask the pain, this powerful formula reduces inflammation in part by replacing enzymes that the body loses as we age.
Click here to learn more about how Heal-n-Soothe can help you get your life back!
***These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.***
from Just another WordPress site http://www.natural-sciatic-relief.com/systemic-enzymes-7/
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How to Use Turmeric (And What Everyone Gets Wrong)
If you’re not a fan of Indian food, health researchers have been experiencing health breakthroughs that might make you rethink adding curry into your diet.
Turmeric, a mustard-yellow spice from Asia that is a spice often used in yellow curry, is being linked to everything from less inflammation to fighting cancer. And it’s worth your attention.
The spice gets its coloring from a compound called curcumin, which is the real secret behind all of the alleged health benefits of turmeric. The University of Maryland Medical Center found that curcumin can help to improve chronic pain by suppressing inflammatory chemicals in the body, an additional study found that it reduces pain in those with osteoarthritis.
Before you start making curry or bombing turmeric/curcumin shots at your local juice bar, there are a few things you need to know. (You always know a trend is hot when coffee shops are testing it in their fancy drinks and you’ll see “golden milk” products everywhere.)
When it comes to turmeric, there’s a bit of a bait-and-switch effect. Just because something is good does not mean that any amount will make you feel better. Curcumin can work, but like any supplement, how you take it — and how much you use — matters most.
The Benefits of Turmeric (And Curcumin)
Research on curcumin is making it harder and harder to deny its benefits. Most supplements are as reliable as my Magic 8-ball. (Everyone under 30 is currently Googling “What is a Magic 8-ball?”). Lots of hype, but once tested under the rigors (and typically unbiased nature) of science, the outlook is not so good.
But, that’s where curcumin is breaking the mold.
There’s already substantial research showing curcumin can help with everything from inflammation, to fighting pain (as effective as 2000 mg of acetaminophen), and might be effective at helping prevent diseases like prostate cancer.
A team of Chinese researchers performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess curcumin’s effect on blood lipids of people at risk for cardiovascular disease and found that curcumin significantly lowered low-density lipoproteins (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides (another thing that most people want less of in their bloodstream).
How to Use Turmeric (And Curcumin)
The catch with the benefits above? Sprinkling turmeric (as a means of getting curcumin) into your coffee, on your meals, or eating more Indian food is not going to make a big impact. That’s like sprinkling fairy dust on your shoulders and thinking you’ll grow wings and fly (sorry, but it’s true).
The potency of what is tested in the research is not anywhere near what you would add to your favorite dish or latte.
If you want any benefit from curcumin, you’ll need to take a concentrated dose of anywhere from 500 mg (for lowering triglycerides) to 2,000 mg (reducing pain, similar to taking Tylenol), depending on what aspect of your health you’re trying to improve.
And, unless you’re using an entire container of turmeric spice in your meal, you won’t get anywhere near that from food.
Just as important, the absorption of curcumin in turmeric is very poor. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, but it does mean you need to take with specific foods or add additional ingredients to help your body experience all of the benefits.
The “easy button?” Instead of eating or drinking turmeric, take an extract that has exactly what your body needs.
According to examine.com, here’s what you can do to maximize the effectiveness of curcumin:
To supplement curcumin with piperine, take 500 mg of the former with 20 mg of the latter, thrice a day (i.e., 1,500 mg of curcumin and 60 mg of piperine per day).
To supplement BCM-95®, a patented combination of curcumin and essential oils, take 500 mg twice a day (i.e., 1,000 mg/day).
To supplement Meriva®, a patented combination of curcumin and soy lecithin, take 200–500 mg twice a day (i.e., 400–1,000 mg/day).
The post How to Use Turmeric (And What Everyone Gets Wrong) appeared first on Born Fitness.
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What Is Garcinia Cambogia Extract?
RenuX Garcinia Reviews The soluble fibers in Proactol bind with bile acids in the digestive system, creating thick viscous solution which slows down digestion along with the absorption of glucose. The stomach finds the viscous solution alot harder to digest than an ordinary meal, therefore, it remains in the stomach longer and increases the sensation of being "full". So Proactol functions merely as a fat blocker, but being an appetite suppressant as so. What seeing probably notice at first is the significant suppression of one's appetite, because it's cravings come less all too often. The recommended dosage would be to have a capsule approximately 60 minutes before mealtime. Wash it down with water and take it with a vacant stomach. If possible immediately realize the effect will take effect right at a distance. In order in the reducing diet to be successful, carrying out really desire to experience this suppression of one's appetite.
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Well you do not need to make any changes to your lifestyle, the one thing you need to do is to consider pills for as recommended to obtain better and effective closing results. The recommended dosage is 500-1000 mg before each meal. Look to put together a product that contains no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, no binders, or no fillers. You need the purest kind of Does Garcinia Cambogia Work that one may pay money for. If you read the Garcinia_Cambogia review, you rapidly realize that this supplement can provide lots of advantages. This fruit extract has been used widely for weight because among the active compound found in this particular product termed as a hydroxycitric acid or HCA. It can be due to the Garcinia Cambogia Benefits HCA until this has become quite standard. This kind of ingredient is now used to be a fat-blocker. With this, body fat cell formation is stopped. Because of this, you won't get much fat dealing with your body though you are overeating. But, what for you to do is that you apply the supplement as specific. To lose weight, you'll want to do more cardiovascular apply. Basically, if you can get your heart rate up during exercise and do that exercise just a little bit every day, will probably see a difference in your weight. You are do more intense exercising like running in the mornings and also just walk up the steps instead of taking the elevator. Another common ingredient usually in most diet patches is chromium. This ingredient is required by normal body processes, nonetheless, if extra is added to the body, it will also help to shorten insulin production in your body. This, in turn, can help to speed over the body's metabolic processes, thereby helping entire body to process food swifter and effectively. This means that in extended run, the particular body will store less fat than it normally would because of one's higher rate of conversion. Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects is also the average ingredient or even diet patch brands. Regarded as extract from a tropical tree that does grow in India. The acid appearing in garcinia cambogia side effects that supports weight loss is HCA. #5 Chromium: This mineral is a necessity. It aids your metabolism in burning carbohydrates, proteins and fats. When missing, or if perhaps there isn't enough seen in the body, the body cannot process these foods effectively or efficiently. May a great choice for those who are naturally insulin resistant.
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The Importance of Magnesium in Low-Carb Diets
What is Magnesium and Why is it Needed in the Body?
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is needed for several important functions including:
Maintaining normal muscle and nerve function
Keeping a healthy immune system
Maintaining normal heart rhythm
Building strong bones (1)
It is involved in over 300 different biochemical reactions in the body and is also needed to help generate and use ATP, the main unit of energy in the body’s cells (2).
An adult body contains around 25 g of magnesium, with around 50% to 60% being present in bones and the rest in soft tissue, red blood cells and serum (3).
Normal Ranges and the Recommended Daily Intake
Only 1% of magnesium is found in the blood serum and red blood cells (3). The most common way for magnesium levels to be tested in the body is through the serum. Since this only accounts for 1% of where it is stored, it may not give a true representation of its status in the body. Likewise, if serum magnesium levels drop, then stores from the bone will be used to top this up (4).
The reference nutrient intake for magnesium does vary slightly for males and females but a range of 300-400 mg/day is recommended (5).
Symptoms of Low Magnesium Levels
Normal serum magnesium levels range between 0.75 mmol/L and 0.95 mmol/L (4). Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium, is defined as having a serum magnesium level of <0.75 mmol/L.
The levels of magnesium in the body are closely regulated by the kidneys. The serum magnesium concentration is primarily controlled by its excretion in the urine.
Low levels of magnesium in the body can results in symptoms including:
Muscle spasms
Heart palpitations
Low Blood pressure
Sleep problems
Muscle cramps
Anxiety
Headaches
Nausea
Diseases Linked to Magnesium Deficiency
Epidemiological evidence has also shown that many diabetics can often suffer from a deficiency in magnesium. Other long-term health conditions like cardiovascular disease and depression has also been linked to low magnesium levels (6).
Low Levels of Magnesium and "Keto-Flu"
Within the first few weeks of starting a low carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, you may notice certain symptoms of the “keto flu”. There are many reasons for this happening but some of the symptoms may be due to a loss in magnesium.
In the first few weeks of a low carbohydrate diet, you can lose a lot more water from the body. As glycogen is stored in the body as one-part glycogen and three parts water, it means that more water is dumped through the kidneys. Since magnesium levels are controlled through the kidneys, this can then inadvertently cause a drop-in serum magnesium levels.
Top 7 Magnesium Rich Foods
To help combat any loss in magnesium and help alleviate symptoms, below is an overview of how to get magnesium into your diet.
1. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of fats and can contribute a small amount of protein to a low carbohydrate diet. They also have a great mineral content to them.
Nuts that are especially higher in magnesium are almonds and cashew nuts. A 28 g serving (roughly 1 oz or a handful) provides 76 mg from almonds (18% RDA) and 83 mg (21 %) from cashew nuts (7).
As with nuts, seeds also have a great nutritional profile. In particularly they have a significantly high fibre content meaning their carb count can be pretty low using the net carb counting method.
Hemp seeds are by far the best source as they provide 170 mg (43% RDA) per 28 g (1 oz), followed by pumpkin seeds at 168 mg (41% RDA), and sunflower seeds at 92 mg (23% RDA) (7).
For more information: Nuts & Seeds on a Ketogenic Diet.
Healthy recipes using nuts & needs:
Keto BBQ Roasted Almonds
Nut, seed and coconut butter recipes
5-Ingredient Keto Cookies
Anti-Inflammatory Keto Porridge
Secret Ingredient Low-Carb Granola
2. Dark Leafy Greens
All leafy greens including spinach, kale, chard and collard greens are all packed with nutrients including magnesium. A 5 oz (144 g) serving provides 110-130 mg magnesium (25-30% RDA).
As well as being high in magnesium, spinach is also a great source of vitamin A, C, K and iron. Adding this leafy green and others into your daily food intake will make sure you hit many of your vital vitamins and minerals needed, especially magnesium (7).
Healthy recipes using leafy greens:
Keto Spinach Crackers
Paleo Spinach Tabbouleh
Quick & Easy Keto Eggs Benedict
Vegetarian Keto Lasagna
Rainbow Chard & Sausage Hash
3. Fatty Fish
As well as being an excellent protein source and being one of the only few food sources of vitamin D, certain cuts of fatty fish also provide other key nutrients including that of magnesium.
The major sources of fish that have a higher magnesium content include that of mackerel, sardines, salmon, sea bream and halibut. Depending on the type of fish, a 5 oz (142 g) serving provides up to 110 mg (28% RDA) of magnesium (7).
Healthy recipes using fatty fish:
Healthy Salmon Gravlax
Salmon with Creamy Spinach & Hollandaise Sauce
Quick & Easy Salmon Patties with Avocado Dip
Paleo Sardine Stuffed Avocado
Healthy Mackerel Salad
4. Dark Chocolate (above 70% cocoa)
Dark chocolate and cacao powder not only provide several health benefits, it is also a great source of magnesium. A 28 g (1 oz) servings of dark chocolate provides up to 65 mg (16% RDA) of magnesium (7).
Although one bar would contribute significantly to your magnesium intake for the day, it can also add considerably to your overall carbohydrate intake. Consuming around 1-2 squares per day will still offer a significant amount of magnesium to your diet.
Healthy recipes using dark chocolate and cacao:
No-Churn Keto Chocolate Ice Cream
Dark Chocolate & Nut Fat Bombs
Fluffy Low-Carb Chocolate Pancakes
Fudgy Keto Brownies
Keto Pots De Creme
5. Avocado
Avocados are mostly known for being packed with the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They make a great staple fat source within a low carbohydrate and ketogenic lifestyle, especially for vegetarians.
One 150 g (5.3 oz) avocado provides 44 mg (11 % RDA) of magnesium (7). Many people are often concerned about the carbohydrate content of them. However, most of the carb source is that of fibre and so it has a relatively low net carb content.
Healthy recipes using avocados:
Stuffed Avocados Three Ways
Easy Avocado & Egg Salad
Quick & Easy Guacamole
Healthy Keto Green Smoothie
Creamy Key Lime Popsicles
6. Bone Broth
One recommendation that is made to anyone starting a low carbohydrate and particularly that of a ketogenic diet, is to incorporate some form of bone broth.
Bone broth is made by simmering the bones and connective tissue of animals (it's easy to make your own bone broth).
The mineral content is extremely high in just having one cup a day and can significantly help with the symptoms of the keto flu. Unfortunately, the exact content of magnesium in a standard recipe is a little harder to calculate as it is dependent on the type of animal used and the parts of the animal used.
7. Mineral Rich Water
As well as coming from our food, magnesium can also be found in mineral rich water. If you are struggling to get any of the food sources above in, then try adding in one glass or small bottle of mineral water.
As well as helping to replenish any water loss that can happen in the first couple of weeks with a low carb diet, it will also contribute to your magnesium intake for the day.
Commercial waters can vary considerably so do be sure to check the labelling to see how much magnesium is contained within them.
Other Sources of Magnesium
Other good sources of magnesium include crab meat, okra, coconut milk, chicken, zucchini, beef, turkey, liver, wild game, tuna and white fish.
Supplementation
For some people, trying to hit the RDA for magnesium may still be a bit of a struggle. Or some people may be experiencing severe symptoms of the keto flu. For both groups, looking at supplementing with magnesium could help significantly.
Best forms of supplementation include magnesium:
Citrate (e.g. Calm)
Chloride (e.g. Pure Zechstein)
Sulfate (e.g. Epsoak Epsom Salt)
Glycinate/Malate (e.g. Doctor's Best)
Taurate
Other forms of supplementation include magnesium oxide, aspartate, lactate, etc.
The upper limit of magnesium supplementation is 350 mg per day (8). One of the side effects or uses of magnesium supplements is to help with constipation. This means that if you take too much, it can cause diarrhoea and/or bloating in some people.
These symptoms are more common with the oxide and chloride options due to the lower absorption rates (9). Citrate is also commonly used as a laxative treatment.
Magnesium glycinate and malate has less of an impact on the gut and would be recommended if diarrhoea occurs with taking any of the others.
Milk of magnesia can also be taken, especially if you are experiencing high amounts of cramps or constipation. The magnesium quantity of this is generally way above the RDA, but due to it being in liquid form, the bowels often excrete any excess.
Safety and Side Effects
If you do take magnesium in the supplement form then there are a few things to take note of.
Diarrhoea
Firstly, too much magnesium can cause diarrhoea in some people. If you are suffering from constipation then trying a magnesium supplement may help.
Interference with Other Medications
Secondly, magnesium can interfere with some medications including blood pressure medications and antibiotics. If you are ever in doubt, please consult with your medical doctor or health care professional.
Take Home Message
In the initial weeks of starting your low carb or ketogenic diet, you may experience symptoms of the ‘keto-flu’. This could be due to a lack or loss of magnesium in the body. Ensuring you get a good source of magnesium rich foods in your diet is extremely important.
If you are unable to eat any of these foods or cannot eat enough, then looking to supplement will be of added benefit.
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10 Best Cacao Nibs Products – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 25, 2017
If you’re looking for the best cacao nibs products to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can also get more info by jumping to our Cacao Nibs Products Guide.
Top 10 Cacao Nibs Products
#1 Viva Labs Raw Cacao Nibs More Info #2 Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Cacao Nibs More Info #3 Healthworks Certified Organic Raw Cacao Nibs More Info #4 Terrasoul Superfoods Raw Organic Cacao Nibs More Info #5 TruVibe 100% Organic Raw Cacao Nibs More Info #6 Joyfuel Raw Organic Cacao Nibs More Info #7 Divine Organics Raw Cacao Nibs More Info #8 Imlak’esh Organics Cacao Nibs More Info #9 Ojio Raw Organic Cacao Nibs More Info #10 Kazu Organic Cacao Nibs More Info
Cacao Nibs Products Guide
Cacao nibs are not to be confused with cocoa. Cacao, or Theobroma cacao, is the real deal when it comes to chocolate. Raw cacao is the base for which chocolate products are made. It is considered a superfood containing healthful phytonutrients and flavanoids. Cacao nibs are a terrific addition to your diet if you want to provide some extra nutrition. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and how to use cacao.
What Are Cacao Nibs?
Cacao was first introduced as a cultivated food in the ancient Mexican Olmec civilization, dating back approximately 3,000 years. Cacao was often used to make a beverage that was served at wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. It was said to be the food of the gods.
The Theobroma Cacao tree produces fruit known as cacao pods. Each pod contains seeds or beans that can be extracted to make a butter that is then used to make chocolate, when mixed with sugar, and to make creams that are used topically. Cacao nibs are the beans that have been separated from their husks and broken or chopped up into smaller pieces. The nibs are the purest form of what we know as chocolate. However, these are bitter, not sweet.
Benefits of Cacao Nibs
Cacao has numerous health benefits. Ancient civilizations understood this and made beverages using cacao to improve athletic performance, mental awareness, and feelings of pleasure. Here are some of the known benefits.
Mood Stabilizer
Cacao stimulates the brain to release neurotransmitters that signal the rest of the body how to behave. This stimulation and neurotransmitter release is what affects our mood and emotional stability.
When eaten, cacao produces the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA), which is similar to adrenalin. This can help you feel good and have better focus and alertness. PEA is necessary to keep depression in check. It is believed that PEA may be responsible for feelings of euphoria.
Supports Muscles and Nerves
Cacao nibs are an amazing source of magnesium. 100 grams of cacao contains roughly 250 mg of magnesium. Magnesium is very important for your muscles to function optimally, including your heart muscle. Magnesium is also critical for your nervous system. According to a study in the Journal of Psychology, magnesium may be one of the keys to controlling nerve pain. This is a critical mineral for those with peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes.
Cardiovascular Health
The antioxidants found in cacao are what fight the disease causing and premature aging properties of damaging free radicals. Additionally, cacao has been shown to reduce blood pressure and the related risks of coronary heart disease and strokes. According to Harvard Medical School, the flavanoids in cacao can improve cholesterol levels, blood clotting, coronary artery function, and insulin sensitivity.
Weight Loss
What a nice thought, eating chocolate to lose weight. Pure cacao nibs are very high in dietary fiber. One ounce of raw cacao has 9 grams of fiber. Dietary fiber is needed for bowel health and regularity. When trying to lose weight it is imperative that the bowels are functioning optimally. Also, fiber provides a feeling of fullness which may help with caloric intake.
Control Anemia and Fight Fatigue
Raw cacao provides 6% of the RDA of iron. Iron helps to control anemia by aiding your body in producing red blood cells. It is recommended that cacao be taken with foods that are high in vitamin C to enhance absorption of the iron. An iron deficiency results in fatigue and can lead to anemia.
Natural Aphrodisiac
It is a known fact that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. That is why it is so popular as a Valentine’s Day gift. However, commercial chocolate may have very little of the benefits of pure cacao. The chemicals present in raw cacao are what stimulate the senses and heighten feelings of arousal. The anandamide and phenylethylamine chemical compounds in cacao stimulate the brain to release dopamine, one of the feel good neurotransmitters.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As with any food or nutritional supplement, there are different schools of thought as to the effectiveness and safety of a specific product. Some experts claim there are harmful side effects of consuming cacao nibs, while others claim the benefits outweigh any potential side effects. Here are some of the reported side effects. Keep in mind that these are based on consuming very high amounts of cacao.
Cacao is relatively high in calories and fat. It should be eaten in small amounts for this reason.
Raw cacao is stimulating, just like caffeinated coffee. This can cause your heart to race, your kidneys to be aggravated, and your bowels to work a little harder if too much is consumed.
Some feel cacao has the potential to be highly addictive. This may be due to the adrenal stimulation and the neurotransmitter releasing action that is accompanied by feelings of euphoria.
In extremely high doses, cacao may cause anxiety, hallucinations, and nightmares. This might be due to the stimulating effects and possible sleep disturbances if consumed at night.
Long-term consumption of raw cacao may lead to episodes of paranoia. This has been reported but there are no in-depth studies to back up the reports.
Daily intake of cacao may cause a toxic buildup in the bloodstream and digestive organs. This is possible with overconsumption of several foods and supplements.
How to Take Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are consumed as a food not as a supplement. Cacao can be found raw in either nib form or powdered. Cacao nibs are sometimes toasted to reduce some of the bitter flavor. At its purest, cacao is consumed in raw nib form. There is a bit of a debate over whether “raw” cacao is actually 100% raw.
The nibs have a crunchy texture with a slightly bitter taste and hints of chocolate. They are the purest form of chocolate without any of the sweetness that you would find in something like chocolate chips. You might find the taste takes some getting used to. If you already love super dark chocolate you will probably enjoy the nibs.
The best way to consume and enjoy cacao nibs is to add them to your favorite dishes. They play well with both sweet and savory ingredients.
Sweet Suggestions
Bake the nibs in cookies
Toast them in with a batch of homemade granola
Sprinkle nibs on your morning oats
Add to yogurt
Use them in smoothies
Savory Suggestions
Eat nibs raw as a snack
Stir a spoonful into hot coffee
Grind them and use as a crust on game meats
Add to salads for a little crunch
Cook them into spiced dishes like curries and tagines
What to Look for in a Good Cacao Nib Product
Cacao nibs are not as easy to find as you would think. They just haven’t become a popular item on grocery store shelves yet. They are well stocked in health and natural food stores and available at online retailers. The nibs are used by some of the best chefs in culinary preparations, sometimes being sourced directly for the producers in Central and South America.
When looking for a good cacao nib product try to find one that is non-GMO, organically grown, and sustainably harvested. The ingredient list should be limited to “raw cacao nibs”. There shouldn’t be any artificial additives or preservatives.
The Wrap Up
Cacao is chocolate in its purest form. It is high in antioxidants, minerals, dietary fiber, and stimulating chemical compounds. Cacao nibs can help with mood, muscle and nerve function, heart health, weight loss, fatigue, and pleasure. Unlike cocoa, cacao is raw, or very lightly heated, and does not contain additives or sugars. It is a healthier way to consume chocolate.
The post 10 Best Cacao Nibs Products – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.
from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-cacao-nibs-products/
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Prevention of Heart Disease and Stroke
Introduction.
Conventional and unorthodox doctors unanimously agree that foods such as seafood, fruits, vegetables, green tea, nuts, grains, legumes, onions, ginger, hot pepper, garlic, olive oil, alcohol in moderation, foods high in Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene preserve the arteries and prevent heart disease and stroke. Meats and dairy foods high in saturated fat, excessive alcohol and smoking, on the other hand, could damage arteries and the heart.
Indeed, simply eating meals that include all ingredients known to individually prevent heart disease could add years to life. According to an international group of experts’ calculations, if men aged 50 and older added almonds, garlic and other heart disease-fighting ingredients to their daily diets, they might increase their life expectancy by more than six years, and spend more time free of heart disease.
Among women, following the same recipe after age 50 could add almost five extra years of life, the authors’ report in the British Medical Journal.
They call their recommendation diet the ‘Poly-meal,’ playing off the ‘Polypill’ idea, which received substantial attention, on the idea of giving everyone a combination pill to prevent heart disease. The ‘Poly-meal’ contains those ingredients that research has consistently shown can decrease the risk of heart disease.
The menu includes wine, fish, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, garlic and almonds. All ingredients must be consumed daily in the recommended amounts, except for fish, which research suggests should be eaten four times per week.
Also, eating beans, including soya beans, kidney bean and chickpeas, has been shown to actually help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
1. What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in one’s blood. More so, one’s cell, as well as one’s body, makes all it needs. Cholesterol also can get from the food we eat.
If there are too much of cholesterol in the body. It starts to build up in one’s arteries (Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart). This is called atherosclerosis or arteries hardening. This is where some heart and blood flow problems started.
The arteries can be narrowed through this buildup and make it harder for blood to flow through them. The buildup can also lead to dangerous blood clots and inflammation that can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Many things can affect cholesterol levels, including:
i. The food one does eat. Eating too much-saturated fat, Trans fat and cholesterol can raise one’s cholesterol.
ii. Being overweight. This may lower HDL (“Good”) cholesterol.
iii. Being inactive. Not exercising may lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
iv. Age. Cholesterol starts to rise after age 20.
v. Family history. If family members have or had high cholesterol, you may also have it.
There are different types of cholesterol:
i. Low-Density Lipo-Protein Cholesterol. is the “bad” cholesterol. It’s the type that can raise the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
ii. High-Density Lipo-Protein Cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol. It’s the type that is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
2. High-Density Lipo-Protein Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipo-Protein Cholesterol.
The University of Western Ontario in London, Researchers found that flavonoids and limonoids present in orange juice increases the body’s HDL cholesterol (so-called ‘good’ cholesterol) level, which helps wash out the Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (‘the bad’ cholesterol) from the system. Other citrus juices, such as grapefruit, also contain this bio-chemical. Orange juice is also a good source of Vitamin C.
Researchers also suggest that drinking three glasses of orange juice a day increases the ‘good’ High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lowers the chance of getting heart disease.
In this study, patients with high cholesterol began by drinking one glass of orange juice daily for four weeks, eventually consuming three glasses daily for four weeks. The patients that did not drink any juice for five weeks and had their cholesterol tested again.
The results showed that while LDL cholesterol did not go down, the average HDL cholesterol level rose by 21 percent and the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol decreased by 16 percent. The combination of raising HDL cholesterol and lowering the ratio is known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre say beans increase blood levels of phytoestrogens or plant estrogens in women. According to Dr Bairey Merz. “A very significant relationship between increased phytoestrogen levels and lower cholesterol, this is the results of this study.”
There also may be “positive associations” with phytoestrogens and hormone replacement therapy for women during and after menopause.
3. Changes in diet and lifestyle have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
The next challenge is whether the same benefits can be obtained by taking supplement capsules instead of eating beans themselves. Other studies show that artificial forms produce less positive results. This probably means people should be eating beans as opposed taking supplements in capsule form.
Even modest changes in diet and lifestyle have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
In general, eating foods low in cholesterol, saturated fat and salt and taking vitamins and supplements or eating foods containing the essential vitamins and minerals is recommended.
Nutritionists also recommend eating oily fishes for better heart health. Fatty acids in fish contain Omega 3 that was shown to be effective in preventing heart diseases. Fish oil has been discovered some years ago by scientists to contain a kind of polyunsaturated oil that may be especially protective against heart attacks.
Indeed, scientists studying the health of different world population noticed an especially low incidence of coronary heart disease among the Eskimos of Greenland and Japanese people living in fishing villages on the sea. Though widely separated geographically, these two populations had at least one thing in common. Both groups consume the tremendous amount of fatty fish, fish oil, whale blubber and other marine life that fed on fish.
The scientists report that at first, their healthy hearts seemed incongruous since very high levels of fat in the diet-regardless of the source of that fat are considered a risk factor for heart disease.
Further studies revealed that both the maritime Japanese and Eskimos had the low level of triglycerides (a kind of blood fat), high levels of HDL cholesterol and reduced tendency for their blood to clot. All these things are classic signs suggesting a sound, healthy cardiovascular system.
Digging deeper the researchers found that the fish-loving people also had high levels of a class of fatty acid called Omega-3 fatty acids also known as Docosa Hexaenoic Acid (DHA), which comes from fish.
Cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring are reportedly the richest sources of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, but most other fish and seafood contain some as well. Dutch researchers found that those who eat fish regularly have a lower rate of heart disease and stroke than those who do not.
4. Garlic, Ginger prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and heart attack.
Many studies indicate that garlic prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, may prevent the liver from producing excess fat and cholesterol.
Based on one study, by adding to a fatty as little as two ounces of garlic juice, the cholesterol-laden meal was found to actually lower the cholesterol by up to seven percent. Another study found that a day 600-mg of garlic powder could push the total cholesterol down by some 10 percent. According to other research that corroborated these findings reporting that LDL cholesterol while raising the HDL (“good”) cholesterol can be lowered by garlic
Eating three cloves of garlic a day keeps the cholesterol down for extended periods. It is reported that because garlic contains ajoene and other substances, it also helps to keep the blood “thin” and free of potentially deadly blood clots.
Ayurvedic physicians suggest that eating a little bit of ginger every day will help to prevent the heart attack. It reduces cholesterol. It prevents blood clots and reduces blood pressure. Therefore for a healthy heart, ginger is an important herb
Ginger’s heart-helping attributes are reportedly similar to that of garlic. Ginger has been shown to interfere with the long sequence of events necessary for blood clots to form. This reportedly helps to prevent clots that can lodge in narrowed coronary arteries and set off a heart attack.
5. An increase in intake in the number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day decrease in stroke risk and heart attack.
Onions have been shown to contain adenosine and other ‘blood thinners’ that help to prevent the formation of blood clots. To thin the blood, onions reportedly help keep the coronary arteries open and clear by increasing the HDL. Eating half a raw onion every day has been shown to increase HDL by 20 to 30 percent.
In a study of 87,000 nurses conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University, compared with those who ate one serving a month or less, subjects who ate five or more servings of carrots every week had a 68-percent lower risk of suffering stroke. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids, all members of the vitamin A family. Eating a lot of fruits and veggies that are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C and E, can reduce the risk of having the stroke by as much as 54 percent if they enjoy carrots often.
Cayenne pepper improves circulation and heart function without raising blood pressure according to recent studies. It also enhances the power of other herbs taken at the same time.
The bromelain the enzyme that present in Pineapple is best known for its ability to break down proteins. It is a key ingredient in meat tenderizers. The bromelain action of anti-clotting might help prevent ischemic stroke and heart attack.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that fruits and vegetables are beneficial in combating stroke. It was conducted at Harvard’s School of Public Health where investigators studied the relationship between fruit intake and the rate of stroke in over 75,000 women.
There is a decrease in stroke risk in those who had an increase in intake in the number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
More so, the same Journal of the America Medical Association revealed that eating whole grain bread can drop stroke risk by 43 percent. Dr Simin Liu of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The USA conducted a study that followed the health and stroke frequency of nurses over a multi-year period. The dietary concern has been paid attention to and intake of whole grain bread. Liu said, “replacing refined grains with whole grains by even one serving a day may have significant benefits in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke’. The study concludes, “With a lower risk of ischemic stroke among women higher intake of whole grain foods was associated with this.”
Conclusion.
Nearly all legumes contain genistein, a cancer-preventive nutrient. I addition to guarding against cancer, genistein is also reported to have a significant anti-clotting effect. So, it is believed that it may also help prevent ischemic stroke and heart attack. Genistein according to reports can also be obtained from tofu and soy products. English peas or other beans and legumes.
Green tea has been shown to help keep blood pressure under control. It also may help keep cholesterol from clogging arteries. The herb tea reportedly contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and other substances that help in the body protection against the dangers of oxidation, while helping to keep the harmful LDL cholesterol down and the helpful HDL cholesterol up. According to reports, they also assist in keeping blood pressure under control.
Source by Odewoye Sunday Francis
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