#treatment for weight loss

[vitaminshield]

Enhancing your weight loss journey: Alpine Provides Support and Supplements

It can be difficult and frequently overwhelming to start a weight loss programme. It's essential to keep in mind that every person is unique, even while food and exercise are essential elements of any effective weight loss regimen. Numerous variables, including metabolism, heredity, and way of life, have a significant impact on how we each experience weight loss. Supplementation and assistance can go a long way towards ensuring a more efficient and successful travel. To get the most reliable Alpine weight loss supplement, don’t forget to contact Vitamin Shields. Visit us: https://vitaminshields.blogspot.com/2023/11/enhancing-your-weight-loss-journey.html

[nightbunnysong]

Strategies for enhancing collagen synthesis

A biochemical perspective

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of skin, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. Its production naturally declines with age, leading to wrinkles, joint pain, and other signs of aging. This article explores specific, scientifically-backed methods to boost collagen production, with a particular focus on the biochemical processes involved.

1. Bone broth

A DIRECT SOURCE OF COLLAGEN PRECURSORS

Bone broth is a direct dietary source of collagen. This nutrient-dense liquid, derived from simmering animal bones and connective tissues, is rich in collagen, gelatin, amino acids (such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), and minerals. When ingested, collagen from bone broth is broken down into its constituent amino acids, which serve as building blocks for collagen synthesis in the body.

Biochemical mechanism

The collagen in bone broth is primarily composed of type I, II, and III collagen. Upon ingestion, it undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis in the stomach and intestines, producing peptides that are absorbed into the bloodstream. These peptides, especially glycine and proline, are crucial for collagen synthesis. Glycine provides the basic structural unit, while proline and hydroxyproline confer stability to the collagen triple helix by facilitating hydrogen bonding.

Scientific support

Research suggests that consuming bone broth can increase the levels of collagen-derived peptides in the bloodstream, which may be utilized by fibroblasts in the skin and other tissues to enhance collagen synthesis. A study published in Nutrients found that participants who consumed collagen peptides from bone broth showed improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, indicative of enhanced collagen production.

2. Vitamin C

THE COFACTOR FOR COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays a critical role in collagen synthesis as a cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase. These enzymes are responsible for stabilizing the collagen molecule by hydroxylating proline and lysine residues, which are essential for the formation of stable collagen fibrils.

Biochemical mechanism

Vitamin C donates electrons to the iron-containing active sites of prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes, converting Fe3+ back to Fe2+ and thereby maintaining enzyme activity. This hydroxylation process enhances the thermal stability of the collagen triple helix and is essential for the secretion of mature collagen from fibroblasts.

Scientific support

Studies have demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation can significantly increase collagen production. For example, a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that daily supplementation with vitamin C led to higher levels of procollagen mRNA in the skin, indicative of upregulated collagen synthesis.

3. Jumping rope

STIMULATING COLLAGEN VIA MECHANICAL STRESS

Exercise, particularly high-impact activities like jumping rope, has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis in connective tissues. The mechanical loading experienced during jumping rope promotes the production of type I collagen in tendons and type II collagen in cartilage.

Biochemical mechanism

The mechanical stress from jumping rope induces microtrauma in collagen fibers, which stimulates fibroblasts and chondrocytes to upregulate collagen synthesis. This process is mediated by the mechanotransduction pathway, where mechanical forces are converted into biochemical signals, leading to the activation of signaling molecules such as integrins and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). These signals enhance the transcription of collagen genes (COL1A1, COL2A1) and increase the production of growth factors like TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta), which further stimulates collagen synthesis.

Scientific support

Research in sports medicine indicates that regular mechanical loading, such as through jumping rope, leads to adaptive remodeling of collagenous tissues. A study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who engaged in high-impact exercise had significantly higher collagen content in their tendons compared to those who did not.

4. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

AN HERB RICH IN ESSENTIAL COLLAGEN-BUILDING MINERALS

Nettle is an herb rich in silicon, sulfur, and other minerals essential for collagen synthesis. This plant is traditionally used in infusions and teas to improve the health of skin, nails, and hair, indirectly contributing to collagen production.

Biochemical mechanism

The silicon present in nettle plays a key role in cross-linking collagen, enhancing the strength and stability of collagen fibers. Sulfur is involved in protein synthesis, including key enzymes in collagen production. Nettle is also rich in antioxidants that protect collagen from oxidative damage.

Scientific support

Studies suggest that supplementation with nettle can improve collagen quality. A study published in The Journal of Herbal Medicine found that using nettle-based supplements led to increased collagen synthesis and improved skin elasticity.

5. Green tea

A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT FOR COLLAGEN PROTECTION

Green tea is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has potent antioxidant properties. These compounds not only protect existing collagen from oxidative damage but may also stimulate the production of new collagen.

Biochemical mechanism

EGCG in green tea inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen in the skin. Additionally, EGCG has been shown to upregulate the expression of collagen genes and enhance the proliferation of fibroblasts.

Scientific support

A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry demonstrated that green tea catechins can prevent collagen degradation and stimulate new collagen production in the skin, particularly in response to UV exposure. This makes green tea an excellent natural choice for promoting collagen health.

[your-lovelybunny]

Girlhood

[hussyknee]

Two weeks ago, female wrestler Vinesh Phogat became the first woman from India to make the Olympic finals—and was promptly disqualified for being 100 grams overweight.

On August 9, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport of wrestling in a post on X. After the previous day’s incidents, it was a message that many had been expecting.

Vinesh experienced the highest of highs at the Paris Olympics. She defeated an unbeaten Olympic champion wrestler who was considered not just the favourite in her weight division but across every weight division at the quadrennial event. She became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, Vinesh also faced the lowest of lows at the Olympics. No one had ever reached an Olympic final only to be denied the chance to compete because they had failed to make weight on the day of the competition.

Vinesh had taken her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking at least to be awarded a silver medal by virtue of reaching the final. If she had succeeded, she would have set a precedent, but, much to the disappointment of the nation, her appeal was turned down by the sole arbitrator, Annabelle Bennett.

...

Vinesh has always been a fighter. Tragedy has followed her, yet somehow, against the odds, she has emerged victorious.

When she was nine, her father was shot dead by someone in her village, believed to be a mentally disturbed relative, just outside their front door. Her mother, a young widow, refused the custom of marrying her husband’s brother. She battled cancer single-handedly. Through it all, she raised a firebrand daughter, who refused to back down.

Her cousins, who grew up near her home, were the more famous girls of the family. Geeta and Babita were among the first to win gold at the Commonwealth Games. They had a movie made about them — Dangal — which made the ‘Phogat sisters’ iconic in Indian sports.

Vinesh didn’t feature in that movie. The events described in it took place too early in her career. But she wouldn’t be satisfied with being one of the Phogat sisters — she would become ‘The Phogat’ sister.

Talk to any of her peers .— and even some of her rivals in Indian wrestling – and there is, in some cases, grudging, genuine respect. She is considered the most instinctive and natural wrestler India has ever produced in women’s freestyle wrestling.

Her career is as much a highlight reel as anything out of a movie. No one in women’s wrestling compares. No Indian woman wrestler has won three Commonwealth gold medals as she did in 2014, 2018, and 2022. No one has won an Asian Games gold medal as she did in 2018. No one has won two World Championships medals as she did in 2019 and 2022.

The one medal missing from her collection is the Olympic medal — which she fought bitterly for.

...

Vinesh has had terrible luck at the Olympics — the only competition that seems to matter to Indians. In 2016, she was one of the favourites in the Indian team before her knee was bent out of shape in the quarterfinals. In 2020, she was one of the world’s favourites to medal in the women’s 53kg weight class. Then, suddenly, a freak weight cut left her physically and psychologically broken, unable to coordinate her movements on the mat. She lost to a wrestler she had beaten comfortably just a month before. Now, in Paris, another poor weight cut left her at the lowest point of her wrestling career.

Her battles, though, haven’t been restricted to the mat. Perhaps the most significant one Vinesh has fought has been for the safety of young girls in the sport. In pursuing this fight, she took on one of the most powerful men in Indian sports — Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

When her rivals were preparing for the Olympics, Vinesh was fighting on the streets of New Delhi, where she, and few other fellow wrestlers, accused Brij Bhushan, a five-time member of parliament and the long-time president of the Wrestling Federation, of sexual harassment.

The longer she stayed on the streets, the slimmer her chances on the mat became. Yet, she continued to prioritise what she felt was right. In doing so, Vinesh showed the kind of courage almost uniformly lacking in most sportspersons in India. Most of them, as the saying goes, “crawl when asked to bend.” Vinesh’s spine has been ramrod straight. She had the courage to take on the system without caring about the consequences. She displayed it even though it cost her what she loved the most — the chance to wrestle.

Only when her protest was forced off the streets and entered the court did Vinesh finally get a chance to compete.

This article delves into her struggle to rein in her weight as the Olympic timeline unfolded. It's horrifying to read.

TW for fatphobia and people with eating disorders and body dysmorphia: fatphobia:

Even as she had been winning, Vinesh’s nutritionist had been nervously monitoring her food and fluid intake.

She had a celebratory glass of juice in the morning right after she had first made weight – 300 grams. She had another couple of litres of fluid to rehydrate herself before her bout - another 2000 grams of body weight gained. A couple of light snacks throughout the day to keep her energy up meant 700 grams more.

By the time Vinesh was done with her day’s competition, she weighed 52.7 kg.

August 7:

As the hours rolled into the night, it was clear that something had gone very wrong. After weeks of dehydration, the human body, once it gets rehydrated, simply refuses to give up water. Even urination becomes impossible.

Vinesh didn’t sleep all through the night of August 6. She was on the treadmill for six hours and in the sauna for another three. She didn’t consume a bite of food or drink a drop of water. Every few hours, she stood on a weighing scale. The numbers were getting smaller but not fast enough. In desperation, her coaches trimmed the elastic in the bottom of her costume. They thought of chopping her hair and then did it.

But the scale didn���t budge.

The function of weight classes is to prevent outsized mismatches in strength due to body mass and minimize injury. Pathologizing what is clearly water weight to this extent and subjecting athletes to this kind of psychological torture due to minute variables is simply making what is essentially a safety measure into a punitive arbitrary criteria that has huge implications for racialized fatphobia for female athletes and the reinforcement of toxic diet culture across the board. It's misogynistic, unscientific and fucked. This article goes into more detail about Phogat's career-long battle with her weight— a yo-yo of losing too much, and then too little. Indistinguishable from an eating disorder, only one imposed by the standards of international sports.

You will never convince me that a white athlete would have been disqualified in the lightest weight category for a weight less than a bar of soap. The disqualification retroactively places her dead last, which is added cruelty. The refusal to revise this and even award her a joint silver is just adding racist insult to racist injury.

Phogat spoke two days ago about her devastation at being disqualified by racism and fatphobia with a three page post on twitter.

And on top of all of this, because the Indian National Congress political party welcomed her with a road show that outshone the alt-right BJP's own planned welcome, the Hindutvas in her own country have launched a hate campaign against her.

This copy-paste has "disqualified in Rio 2016" trending on twitter. It's doubly cruel and fatphobic because she wasn't disqualified for being overweight, she sustained a knee injury.

After the witch hunt against Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, I'm just so fucking done with the Olympics. The outsize importance of this competition is nothing but an anvil to break entire careers on and offers female athletes of colour on a platter for all the world's vultures.

[superbattrash]

Sigh

Nearly had a panic attack trying to eat lunch at my parents’ house because I’ve become so accustomed to weighing my food so I can track it properly and I put food on my plate as I usually would but I couldn’t fucking eat it because I didn’t know how much any of it was???

I know how insane and unhealthy it sounds but right now I crave the control of knowing how much I’m eating. I’m not restricting anything or not eating (not really part of my ED lol) but I know tracking calories can be bad too, don’t get me wrong. But this is what I need to do to not feel like utter shit and start binging at any minor inconvenience and I nearly fucking panicked?? Because of lunch???

I had to go get my mom’s kitchen weight because my sister saw me freeze and start panicking and told me to “just go get it, it’s fine, nobody will judge you” and they didn’t but (they did mock me though which.. great) GOOD LORD…

I need to lose weight (I know, I know, but I’m ranting here) to be able to get top surgery (and also I am in pain from the extra weight I’ve gained) so this is important to me but I’ve never actually frozen like that before. I’ve felt guilty and all that other shit but I couldn’t physically make myself start eating, it felt so wrong

Is this gonna be an issue forever? No, because I’ll be going out this weekend and I won’t track as religiously but I just… needed to tell someone that it fucking sucks. BED is a real ass eating disorder, okay, and it SUCKS…

GAH… it’s clearly the fucking stress triggering me but Cnnskcjajd ARGH. Can’t wait to have ice cream for dinner, alone in my own home

[mik-mania]

cat news:

riri is fat and has allergies. 👍

[pcosdiva123]

How to Lose Weight with PCOS: 8 Helpful Tips

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, and one of its most challenging symptoms is weight gain. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can make losing weight particularly difficult. However, with the right approach, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is possible. Here are eight helpful tips for losing weight with PCOS.

Focus on a Low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet

Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain. A low GI diet can help manage insulin levels and reduce cravings:

Choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables

Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks

Include protein and healthy fats with each meal to slow down sugar absorption

Example meal: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted vegetables.

2. Increase Protein Intake

Protein is crucial for weight loss, especially for women with PCOS:

Helps you feel fuller for longer

Supports muscle mass, which boosts metabolism

Aids in balancing blood sugar levels

Aim for lean protein sources like fish, poultry, tofu, or legumes at each meal.

3. Incorporate Regular Exercise

Physical activity is essential for managing PCOS symptoms and promoting weight loss:

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week

Include both cardio and strength training in your routine

Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling

Consider HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) for efficient fat burning

Remember, consistency is key. Find activities you enjoy to make exercise a sustainable habit.

4. Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms and make weight loss more challenging:

Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga

Prioritize self-care and relaxation time

Consider talking to a therapist or counselor for additional support

Reducing stress can help balance hormones and reduce stress-related eating.

5. Prioritize Sleep

Adequate sleep is crucial for weight management and hormone balance:

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night

Establish a consistent sleep schedule

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

Avoid screens before bed

Good sleep hygiene can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cravings.

6. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is often overlooked but is essential for weight loss:

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily

Replace sugary drinks with water or herbal teas

Consume water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon

Staying hydrated can help reduce false hunger cues and support overall health.

7. Consider Supplements

Some supplements may aid in PCOS management and weight loss:

Inositol: May improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation

Omega-3 fatty acids: Can reduce inflammation and support hormone balance

Vitamin D: Often deficient in women with PCOS and important for overall health

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

8. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating can help you develop a healthier relationship with food:

Eat slowly and without distractions

Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues

Choose nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body

Avoid restrictive diets that may lead to binge eating

Mindful eating can help prevent overeating and promote a balanced approach to nutrition.

Conclusion:

Losing weight with PCOS can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By focusing on a low GI diet, increasing protein intake, exercising regularly, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, considering appropriate supplements, and practicing mindful eating, you can create a sustainable approach to weight loss.

Remember that everyone's journey is different, and it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself. Small, consistent changes often lead to the most sustainable results. If you're struggling with weight loss or PCOS management, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who specializes in PCOS for personalized advice and support.

With dedication and the right strategies, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health while managing PCOS. Stay positive, stay consistent, and celebrate every small victory along the way!

[clingylilhoneybee]

Good work. Just keep in mind that you can do it and you will

I mean honestly at this point my work has very little to do with what’s going on

[ysapawithfeelings]

Teleporting back to 2018

Dear 2018 self,

I can’t deny I miss you sometimes and the kind of life you were leaning to back then, but I also can’t deny how thankful I am for how far you’ve come. Is it possible to feel proud and humbled at the same time? I think there are very rare intersection points in one’s life when that can happen.

I look back and I can still feel the pain and anguish of dealing with polycystic ovaries: the obesity, the hairy arms, the falling hair, the persistent acne, the severe bleeding that lasted weeks-on-end, the anemia and fluctuating blood sugar, the constant struggle of enduring dysmenorrhea, the medicines (oh God, the medicines); the self-worth questioning, the self-loathing, the horrible days you just didn’t want to be around people, but you really had no choice. Hey, the list can go on all day.

I feel like hugging you and assuring you everything will turn out okay. That you will go through hell and back and back again, but you will make it. That the quest of rediscovering yourself and the lengths of what you can do to fulfill THAT is amazing; and that starting over from scratch at 30+ years of age is not only possible—it’s doable. Gasgas na itong linyang ‘to, but it only gets even truer with time: what a journey it has been.

To everyone suffering from PCOS and obesity, I see you. You’re not alone. The fight against it will, unfortunately, last forever—because it can come back. Every now and then, I feel paralyzing fear that it will come back, especially when I know I’ve gained weight. Still, there are days I refuse to move at all because exercise is not only exhausting; it can get pretty boring. Aminin na natin. :p

But that’s why it’s so important to look back. I think that’s the secret weapon. The secret ingredient. The secret that’s not really a secret because everyone has known it all along. Lumingon para maalalang malayo pa, pero malayo na.

Mahigpit na yakap sa lahat ng mga may problema sa matres, sa timbang, sa mga kamag-anak o kakilala nating mahilig pumuna ng mali o kulang sa’yo (kahit wala namang silang kahit anong ambag sa buhay mo), at higit sa lahat: sa pagiging babae. Womanhood is A LOT of things; being easy will never be one of them.

I write this letter with love and forgiveness for my 2018 self. I may weigh some kilos less now, but I will keep on looking back and loving you more each time that I do. And I write this letter with love for all the women battling against this f*cking ugly disease. We can fight it together. Let’s root for each other.

Love,

2024 me

[x-rds]

It’s too hot on this motherfuckingggg earth how’s a gay little freak who wishes it were doing pixel art to sleep and go to work tomorrow like this

[blempere]

Are you struggling with losing belly fat, drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea in a day. You will start seeing the results very soon. Green tea has a promising role in burning fat.

[nightbunnysong]

How to fix your sleep schedule

Utilize the circadian rhythm

Your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, regulates sleep-wake cycles. To reset it, aim for consistent sleep and wake times. Research suggests that irregular sleep patterns can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep quality.

Morning sunlight exposure

Helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Studies have shown that natural light in the morning helps advance your sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to wake up earlier and fall asleep at the desired time.

Implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is a structured program that helps address the thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep. It has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving sleep patterns and addressing insomnia.

Apply sleep restriction therapy

This involves limiting the time you spend in bed to the actual amount of time you sleep, which can help consolidate sleep and reduce insomnia. Over time, you gradually increase your time in bed as sleep improves.

Control sleep environment

Studies suggest that a sleep-conducive environment—dark, cool, and quiet—improves sleep quality. The optimal temperature for sleep is typically around 65°F (18°C).

Avoid stimulants and disruptors

Caffeine can remain in your system for several hours and interfere with sleep. Limit intake, especially in the afternoon and evening. Similarly, alcohol can disrupt sleep cycles and reduce sleep quality.

Practice sleep hygiene

This includes regular physical exercise (preferably in the morning or early afternoon), avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime, and establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Monitor and adjust sleep duration

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you sleep more or less than this, it can affect your sleep-wake cycle. Consistent sleep duration helps stabilize your internal clock.

[photos from Pinterest]

[your-lovelybunny]

I need someone to buy me this bookkkk

[petersmith07]

Balancing Weight Loss and Diabetes: A Holistic Approach

With an extensive approach, it is possible to manage weight loss and diabetes at once, despite the challenges that may arise. Research the connections between treatment of diabetes and physical activity, eating habits, and mental health. The looks into practical advice, approaches supported by science, and customized programs to help you lose weight safely and healthily while maintaining stable blood sugar levels.