Category: NUTRITION

Childhood Obesity

Most often, parents ignore the early signs of obesity in their children by interpreting the signs as indicators of good health and good eating habits. But fat children are not necessarily healthy, just the way lean ones are not devoid of health problems. More often than not, an overweight kid may lag behind his leaner peers in the normal development of numerous faculties. In fact, obesity during childhood is a more serious concern than obesity during adulthood, because an obese child often grows up to be an obese adult; thereby ensuring a lifelong association with obesity related diseases. Moreover, if the causes of obesity are not checked in childhood, the cure of obesity becomes almost impossible when the child grows into an adult. The longer the period of obesity, the more difficult it becomes for the body to shed off the weight it has become so accustomed to carry.

It is extremely easy to identify the causes of obesity in children and adults. Lack of physical activity that is required to burn off is the most common cause. These days, children are more interested in watching television and playing computer games than to indulge in outdoor activities. A large population of children may be prone to obesity because of genetic factors. Children of obese or overweight parents often grow up to be obese.

It is a very easy calculation that is used to determine obesity in both children and adults. All you have to do is calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) of your child. A BMI of 30, according to The American Obesity Association, indicates that your child may become obese, and is at risk for many obesity-related diseases. It indicates a need for a medical examination and the initiation of a weight loss program. Other than the calculation of BMI as a reliable source of the indication of obesity, one may also rely on growth charts (the most reliable source is the CDC). The latest growth charts have included BMI as a parameter for the assessment of the normal growth of a child.

Cheap Yoga Mats

Yoga is an ancient Indian exercise form that involves the use of certain body postures and breathing exercises for body, mind and spiritual health. Yoga is done by sitting, standing or lying down on a mat. Yoga mats should be very comfortable, as the postures should be done in a very relaxed manner. Good yoga mats even enhance the postures.

The main features of a good yoga mat are: durability, strength, softness, and ability to stay firm without crumpling. It should also grip the floor effectively and not allow the user to slide across the floor on the mat. Yoga mats are very easy to maintain. They just need once-in-a-while washing with a mild detergent, either in a machine or by hand.

A yoga mat is the only investment required for yoga. A good-quality mat can range from $20 to $45 or $50. However, there are cheaper mats available for as low as $10. These are made of regular cotton, without too many frills.

Cheap yoga mats are available in various styles, patterns and colors. Traditional mats were made of cotton or jute, but these days, many other materials are being used for yoga mats. Yoga mats are generally 4-5mm thick, since these mats can be stiff enough not to crease on the floor while being flexible enough to be rolled up, carried and washed. Cheap yoga mats should also handle repeated washing. Some yoga mats these days are also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Other different kinds of cheap yoga mats are: sticky mats, travel mats, foldable mats, lightweight mats and others. These mats are available in plain colors as well as interesting colors and patterns.

Cheap yoga mats can be found at exclusive yoga stores. The best source for finding a good, cheap yoga mat is the internet. There are websites that host the best deals on Yoga Mats, which can be compared as well as ordered online. Some suppliers also give discounts on yoga mats, like 50% off or 30% off. Such deals can be seen on the internet.

Cheap Treadmills

Newcomers to treadmill exercise would normally opt for a cheap treadmill to get the touch and the feel of it before splurging for the real thing. There is nothing wrong with buying cheap treadmills if they are well-made and function as desired. But therein lies the problem – cheap treadmills are actually poor performers and, even worse, they might overwork the muscles and cause harm to them.

Treadmills are generally priced in three levels. The first level is the cheapest, which is less than $500. Then there is the range of $500 to $3,000. This level has moderate treadmills which have more or less the same features, with differences in their qualities and function. The most expensive treadmills could be higher than $3,000 and may go even up to $6,000.

Before buying a treadmill, one should consider why some treadmills are priced low and some priced exorbitantly. Some treadmills are priced low for the simple reason that they do not use quality parts. Their belts may be wobbly and their deck not strong enough. Manufacturers of such inexpensive treadmills do not even bother to lubricate the area between the belt and the deck – this makes the treadmill noisy and takes away the joy of treading. Since the deck is not sturdy enough, over time the treadmill loses its levelness with the ground and the belt may sag or shift to one side. This means frequent alignment of the belt and also frequent maintenance.

Most significantly, cheap treadmills are manual. Their belts are worked by the user. As the user paces on the belt, it is pushed backward, which causes the whole conveyor effect. Hence, the belt will move with the person, not the other way round. Of course, this greatly diminishes the impact of the whole exercise. It may also permanently affect the gait of the person. And then there is the question of the extra effort that the person has to make in order to keep the belt running. Exercising on such a manual treadmill may cause shin aches or calf muscle aches to last throughout the week.

There is also a significant psychological factor involved. If a person works out on a cheap treadmill that is wobbly, shaky and noisy, it may wreak havoc with the motivation factor. Working out on a bad treadmill may make the person give up exercise completely. Treadmills that are priced low do not have other motivating features like odometers, calorie burnout meters, heartbeat recorders, etc. The lack of these can make the whole exercise rather dull.

Having said all that, it is necessary to also mention that there are some companies who manufacture and sell treadmills at prices markedly lower than others. These companies, however, make it clear to the buyers what they are getting and more importantly, what they are not getting. It lies totally on the discretion of the buyer whether to buy a brand-new, cheap treadmill or go for a better quality used treadmill, both of which would cost approximately the same.

Creatine

Creatine is a naturally formed amino acid that is found in the human body, especially around the skeletal muscle. The human body generates Creatine naturally, partly from the diet we take and partly on its own. A healthy person has about 120g of Creatine, most of it being in the form of a compound called PCr. The body can store a maximum Creatine quantity of 0.3 g per one kilogram of body weight. The body produces about 2g of Creatine per day. The chief food sources of Creatine are fish and red meat. Half a pound of raw meat provides about 1g of Creatine for the body. Creatine that does not come from food is produced endogenously by the body from amino acids.

There are several benefits of Creatine. Creatine boosts anaerobic energy in the body. It provides instant energy to the body. It improves muscle strength and makes the muscle suitable for high-intensity, short duration exertion like weightlifting or sprinting. It is also found to speed up the recovery of energy. It delays fatigue significantly. It promotes lean-muscle mass and reduces muscle wasting in post-surgical patients. It is also believed to help heart patients by increasing their exercise capacity, reducing heart spasms and thus increasing heart function. Creatine is generally taken as a supplement by athletes who need heavy bursts of energy. Creatine acts as a catalyst to a special chemical reaction that occurs in the body when a person does high-intensity, short duration work. The body generates enough Creatine to accommodate such kind of a reaction. For additional exertion, Creatine has to be taken additionally through food or through other forms.

Creatine has become very popular among athletes because of its many benefits and very few side effects. The only side effect documented till now is weight gain. However, overdose of Creatine or use of Creatine over a long period of time may have some other side effects also, and tests are still being conducted to determine the effect of using Creatine in the long run. Creatine is available as a supplement like vitamin pills in the form of over-the-counter drugs. Creatine is categorized as a “dietary supplement” and can be purchased even without a prescription as per the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Then again, Creatine is not tested by the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and certain side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and deep vein thromboses have been listed under a 1998 FDA report.

There are several Creatine supplement products in the market today. Creatine is available in capsule, chewable and powdered forms. One teaspoon of the powdered form contains 5g of Creatine monohydrate. The recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons with 8 ounces of water per day. Nevertheless, the dosage can vary depending on the body exertion. Athletes usually follow a dosage cycle comprising of loading and maintenance phases.

Cheap Yoga Mats

Yoga is an ancient Indian exercise form that involves the use of certain body postures and breathing exercises for body, mind and spiritual health. Yoga is done by sitting, standing or lying down on a mat. Yoga mats should be very comfortable, as the postures should be done in a very relaxed manner. Good yoga mats even enhance the postures.

The main features of a good yoga mat are: durability, strength, softness, and ability to stay firm without crumpling. It should also grip the floor effectively and not allow the user to slide across the floor on the mat. Yoga mats are very easy to maintain. They just need once-in-a-while washing with a mild detergent, either in a machine or by hand.

A yoga mat is the only investment required for yoga. A good-quality mat can range from $20 to $45 or $50. However, there are cheaper mats available for as low as $10. These are made of regular cotton, without too many frills.

Cheap yoga mats are available in various styles, patterns and colors. Traditional mats were made of cotton or jute, but these days, many other materials are being used for yoga mats. Yoga mats are generally 4-5mm thick, since these mats can be stiff enough not to crease on the floor while being flexible enough to be rolled up, carried and washed. Cheap yoga mats should also handle repeated washing. Some yoga mats these days are also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Other different kinds of cheap yoga mats are: sticky mats, travel mats, foldable mats, lightweight mats and others. These mats are available in plain colors as well as interesting colors and patterns.

Cheap yoga mats can be found at exclusive yoga stores. The best source for finding a good, cheap yoga mat is the internet. There are websites that host the best deals on Yoga Mats, which can be compared as well as ordered online. Some suppliers also give discounts on yoga mats, like 50% off or 30% off. Such deals can be seen on the internet.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.

ALA Products

Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA, can be obtained from the therapeutic market either as a single supplement or in combination products with antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Pharmanex and LifePak are dietary supplements used as anti-aging therapeutic options. It contains ALA, vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, etc as dietary supplements.

Other brands include Puritan’s Pride (300mg ALA), Rexall Super (200 mg ALA), Solgar (60mg ALA), Spring Valley (100mg ALA), Sundown Alpha (50mg ALA), and Vitamin World (three options breathe with the user 100mg ALA, 200mg ALA, 300mg ALA).

For topical application, Reviva Alpha Lipoic Acid Lotion is available as an anti-aging product. Its other potential ingredients include vitamin C, vitamin E, and DMAE bitartrate. The topical product of Dr. Perricone, based on Alpha Lipoic Acid and vitamin C, include: N.V. Perricone ALA Nutritive Cleanser (to tone the skin), N.V. Perricone Vitamin C Ester Amine Complex Face Lift (lifts the skin and helps treat underlying causes of inelastic skin), N.V. Perricone ALA Eye Area Therapy (to nourish, restore, and protect eye), N.V. Perricone ALA Lip Plumper (enhances fullness, contour and color of lips), N.V. Perricone ALA Evening Facial Emollient (to smooth, renew, and refine the skin overnight), and N.V. Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer (to soothe, hydrate, and protect skin).

It is clear that, because ALA has so many positive health applications, it is probably one of the most natural ways to go about improving health and physical aesthetic. Always consult your doctor before embarking on a new anti-oxidant regimen.

What You Need To Know About Fruit

What do you reach for when you want a snack or something sweet? Is it fruit? If not, you should consider it. Fruit has a score of health benefits. It provides water, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Eating a good variety of fruits can help keep your body healthy and strong. Here is a list of some of the most common fruits including some of their benefits.

Apples

As far as fruit goes, apples are a classic favorite. Whether included in an apple pie, made into apple sauce, or eaten raw, it just wouldn’t be autumn without this fruit. Apple is rich in potassium, pectin (fruit fiber), and other vitamins and minerals. The potassium is beneficial to those who experience water loss such as athletes and those with a stomach virus.

Oranges

The aromatic nature of this fruit gives it a lot of appeal. Many start their day with a cup of orange juice. Its claim to fame is its sunny flavor and vitamin C content. It seems to be the fruit people reach for when they want to boost their immune system. Try including fresh oranges slices on your salads or in your smoothies.

Bananas

This fruit is rich in potassium and B vitamins, making it a great food for athletes. The high fiber content also promotes regularity. Bananas also make a wonderful addition to smoothies, especially when mixed with strawberries and mangoes. You can also slice them and put them on top of cereal or yogurt.

Strawberries

Strawberries are at their peak flavor in the spring and early summer. This fruit needs to be picked when it is ripe and no sooner. Though strawberries turn red if they are picked while not quite ripe, they don’t get any sweeter unless they are still on the vine. Strawberries are great raw, in smoothies, in jams, tarts, and can even be made into wine.

Give yourself variety

To get the most from the health benefits of fruit, include lots of variety. Eating both the standard fruits and other more exotic options can really enhance your health.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.