How The Health Are You?

Do You Have Healthy Blood Sugar Levels?

2008-04-13T21:08:00.000-04:00

The glycemic index or GI measures how fast the body breaks down most foods, such as carbohydrates. Once the food has been broken down, the sugars then turn into glucose. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body’s cells. There are two stages: High and Low

High glycemic carbohydrates are best consumed during or within an hour after exercising. Generally, these types of foods enter the bloodstream immediately and are readily available to help fuel or refuel the muscles. These foods can also provide an adverse affect. When consuming high glycemic foods, one may feel tired due to the spike in insulin levels. It is best not to eat them alone. If you were to look at the food’s glycemic index, any number over 56 are considered high glycemic. These types of foods consist of: White breads, white potatoes, white flour, cereals, puffed wheat, watermelon, jelly beans, honey, sodas, pinto beans, ice cream, candy bars, oranges, pineapples and cantaloupe.

Low glycemic carbohydrates are best consumed for breakfast or throughout the day. These enter the bloodstream slowly best eaten early in the morning or pre-workout (exercise). These types of foods provide long-term energy and help maintain glucose (blood sugars) levels during the day or extended workout sessions. If you were to look at the food’s glycemic index, any number lower than 55 are considered low glycemic. These types of foods consist of: nuts, cherries, grapefruit, milk, yogurt, apples, bananas, baked beans, oatmeal, all bran, peaches, carrots, green grapes, orange juice, sweet potatoes, yams and sweet corn.

Complex Carbohydrates

2008-03-30T20:51:00.001-04:00

Complex carbohydrates are slowly broken down into the body, where it is used for fueling energy.

There are two types of complex carbohydrates, high and low fiber. High fiber, complex carbohydrates are not digestible for humans, due to the lack of an enzyme the body can not produce. High fiber foods, such as spinach, collard greens, lettuce and broccoli are known to be the healthiest choices for human nutrition. Low fiber complex carbohydrates are bananas, tomatoes, squash, grains, potatoes and rice. Examples of complex carbohydrates: sweet potatoes, grains (oatmeal, brown rice, long grain rice, etc.), whole wheat flour and yams.

Generally, one should consume complex carbohydrates during breakfast to help provide energy for the rest of the day. One can also consume complex carbs after a weight training session or exercising to help restore the loss of energy and muscle tissue.

Simple Carbohydrates

2008-03-30T20:27:00.003-04:00

Simple carbohydrates are easily identified by their sweetness taste and come in various forms of sugar, such as lactose, sucrose, fructose, dextrose and artificial sweeteners. In the body, simple carbs are easily broken down and are readily available for quick or fast energy. After consuming simple carbs, one may feel perked up, also known as a sugar high. One may also feel hungry soon after consuming a simple carb, due to fast digestion.

Simple carbs are basically carbohydrates that have been processed, and ones you generally want to avoid. They are digested quickly and many have refined sugars. Example of simple carbs: sugar (not refined), white flour, white rice, syrup, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and honey. Just remember many crackers, granola candy bars, chips, Gatorade, sport drinks and cereals are full of simple carbohydrates.

Generally, runners or cyclists consume simple carbohydrates to prolong endurance.

Slow vs. Fast Metabolisms, Which are you?

2008-03-18T13:11:00.001-04:00

Many people are classified according to their personalities and body types. For example, high stressed individuals are classified as type A personalities, and are known to be vulnerable to stress related diseases. On the other hand, type B personalities, are not as likely to produce the conditions that affect type A’s.
Body types are also another attribute used to categorize individuals. Individuals who have a body structure that resembles an apple-shaped are found to susceptible to certain types of cancers, diabetes and heart diseases. Individuals who have an increasing amount of fat deposition in the abdominal region are known as apple-shaped. Alternatively, individuals who are pear shaped are not as high risk for cancers, diabetes and heart diseases. Pear-shaped individuals tend to build up fat below the hips, in the buttocks and thighs areas.
One might ask him or herself, how do I know if I’m a “slow” or “fast” metabolism? The metabolism is known to convert the fuel in food one eats into energy needed to power everything one may do, from moving to thinking to growing.

“Fast” Metabolizers: This type of metabolism increases exposures to cardio-vascular disease, ulcers, allergies, arthritis and diabetes. This metabolic pattern also causes individuals to gain weight in the abdominal region, also known as an apple-shaped body type.

• May call themselves a night owl
• May perspire very easily.
• Often are people who are intellectually oriented and jump from subject to subject
• Many are regularly hyper and have a difficult time calming down or relaxing.
• These people are known as stress-aholics, who tend to gravitate towards stressful situations.
• Commonly known as the center of attention or think they have big egos.
• Many are work driven, and demand perfection from those around them.
• Frequently develop addictive personality traits, and often become obsessive and compulsive.

Individuals with fast metabolisms should avoid or steer away from such foods because it may cause the metabolism to fall into a sedative mode.
• Spinach, beet greens, rhubarb and chard
• Should not consume large amounts of protein
• Phytic acid, which is found in cereal and grains

“Slow” Metabolizers: Slow metabolizer’s have a tendency to gain weight in the hips and thighs, known as the pear-shaped structure. According to Dr. Watts, 80% of American’s have a slow metabolism.

• Low blood pressure
• May tire easily, fall asleep easily, but awaken frequently throughout the night.
• Suffer from low body temperature
• Individuals perform like perfectionists
• They have the ability to follow completed tasks until completion
• May suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of inferiority
• Most vegetarians have slow metabolic rates

Individuals with slow metabolisms should avoid or steer away from such foods, because it causes the metabolism to fall into a sedative mode.
• Bamboo shoots, cauliflower, broccoli, say, cabbage, apricots, prunes, cherries and dairy.

Have you checked your oil lately?

2008-03-04T10:31:00.005-05:00

Fish oil or Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly absent in the American diet. Many people today believe that eating fish is sufficient. Americans also think taking a cod liver supplement is a good source of Omega 3’s. However, cod liver supplements are inadequate and you are wasting your money and health. Cod Liver comes from the dumping ground of the fish. Yes, when you swallow a cod liver pill, you are ingesting the dirty parts of the fish.
Not all species of fish have high levels of DHA (dososahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapen taenoic acid). Both EPA and DHA are responsible for many impressive health benefits. Many of these health benefits include:

Adults:
Lowering the risk of heart disease
Reduce the risk of strokes
Improve brain and heart health
Support against the natural signs of aging
Healthy mood support
Natural immune defense
Support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels
Healthy joints and skin
Skin and blood vessel elasticity / inflammation
Relieves depression
Increases survival time for cancer patients
Improves arthritis

Children:
Improve asthma in children
Helps concentration and focusing (ADD/ADHD)
Relieves depression

How Clean Are You?

2008-02-12T15:06:00.007-05:00

Do you have toxins building up in your colon? Everything we eat ends up in our bowels as toxins which can end up causing various diseases. This is the reason why so many people suffer from being overweight, constipation and digestion issues. An essential to good health is a healthy colon by incorporating a colon cleanse twice a year.

Toxins come from many sources:
· Food that may have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. By eating non-organic apples, grapes and bananas you are consuming a high number of pesticides and herbicides. This means your body is loaded with TOXINS

· Hormones used in raising livestock or dairy products are also loaded with TOXINS. In order to avoid this problem, one must eat organically grown meats and dairy.

· The burning of fossil fuel in automobiles and utility power plants which can affect air quality

· Treated wastewater that flows into rivers, lakes and streams which can contain unwanted pollutions

Two most important herbs to help detoxification:
· Super Milk Thistle supports healthy liver and gall bladder function
· Fiber eliminates and safely absorbs toxins and improves colon function.

Do You Want Your Body To Burn Fat On Its Own?

2008-02-11T20:22:00.003-05:00

Now that the holiday season is over, many people are looking for a quick fix in losing weight. In order for the body to burn optimal fat, one must exercise and eat a sensible diet. For best results, interval training will burn fat faster than any other forms of exercise. One must also partake in weight training or add more weight to their current training regime. Actually, lifting weights burns more calories than performing cardio. Even though someone may be spending a lot of time at the gym, diet is everything in losing weight. As we all know, abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym. Here is a list of foods that can help burn fat, as well as assist in gaining muscle.

SLOW BURNING/COMPLEX CARBS
Oatmeal (Old Fashioned or Quick Oats)
Sweet Potatoes (Yams)
Beans (Pinto, Black, Kidney, Lentils, Chick peas, Quinoa)
Oat Bran Cereal
Brown Rice Whole wheat or Spinach Pasta Ezekiel 4:9 Bread

FIBROUS CARBS
Green Leafy Lettuce (Green Leaf, Red, Leaf, Romaine)
Broccoli
Asparagus
Spinach
Bell Peppers
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Eggplant
Green or Red Pepper
Onions
Tomatoes
Zucchini

HEALTHY FATS
Natural Peanut Butter
Olive Oil or Safflower Oil
Nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
Flaxseed or Macadamia Oil

PROTEINS
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Tuna (water packed)
Fish (salmon, seabass, halibut)
Shrimp
Extra Lean Ground Beef or Ground Round (92-96%)
Protein Powder Egg Whites or Whole Eggs
Ribeye Steaks or Roast Top Round Steaks or Roast (aka Stew Meat),(London Broil, Stir Fry)
Top Sirloin (aka Sirloin Top Butt)
Beef Tenderloin (aka Filet, Filet Mignon)
Top Loin (NY Strip Steak)
Ground Turkey
Low-fat cottage cheese

The Most Important Vitamins For Daily Consumption

2008-02-11T20:01:00.003-05:00

Are you tired of being sick all the time? Try taking these supplements daily in order to boost your immune system. You're now on the road to becoming healthy.

1. Multi-Vitamin
2. Probiotic
3. Fish Oil
4. Digestive Enzymes
5. Magnesium

Magnesium To The Healthy Rescue

2008-02-11T19:11:00.003-05:00

In the last century, American’s intake of magnesium has decreased by 50%. As a result, the consequences have become alarming. A lack of magnesium underlies our epidemic of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis, says Lawrence Resnick, M.D. a professor of medicine at Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Resnick also states many people worsen the problem by loading up on calcium, which flushes magnesium out of cells. The recommended daily allowance for women is 320 mg, while men can have 400mg of calcium.

Top 5 Ways Magnesium Can Benefit You:
1. Heart Arrhythmias
· In a British study, taking magnesium daily for six weeks reduced arrhythmias between 25% and 50%. If you have an irregular heart beat, you may want to think about taking this supplement.
2. Strong Bones
· Tufts researchers found high magnesium intake predicted higher bone mass and less bone loss in older people. People who lift weights or contribute to exercise daily could seriously benefit from magnesium.
3. Migraines
· Over half the people who suffer from migraines are either low or completely deficient in magnesium.
4. Sound Sleep
· Magnesium is natural muscle relaxer, allowing your brain to turn “off.”
5. Pain Relief
· If you are having leg cramps or any other types of cramps, magnesium is the answer. Rather than taking a Tylenol for a small ache or pain, try magnesium. Plus, magnesium doesn’t eat up the liver, like other pain medicines.

How Much Sugar Are You Consuming?

2008-02-11T16:56:00.003-05:00

If you haven’t noticed, nearly every processed food on the grocery shelves contains added sugars. These processed foods are most likely everyday condiments, breads, breakfast cereal or even a favorite beverage!

Facts about the average American and how much they consume in SUGAR:
· 30 – 40 teaspoons of sugar is consumed daily
· The average American consumer 24 ounces of soda daily
· Teen boys average the most consumed soft drinks by gulping down 32 ounces a day.
· 50% of American’s consumer a soft drink is consumed nearly everyday.
o This accounts for nearly 6% of their daily caloric intake
o 36% of soft drinks contribute to their sugar daily intake

Through research, American’s consume about 125 grams of sucrose daily and about 70% of fructose or fruit sugars daily. This unnecessary amount of sugar is being connected with the rise in obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. Just remember, every time you gulp down that icy cold soft drink, processed foods or a protein bar containing high fructose corn syrup (hfcs), you are losing bone mass!

What is wrong with our Country?

2008-02-11T16:51:00.003-05:00

The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans. The Japanese also drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer few heart attacks than the British and Americans.

The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausage and fats and suffer lower heart attacks than the British and Americans.

Conclusion: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

To be quite honest, in the United States people suffer from heart attacks by the types of food one chooses to consume. As American’s, we are the only country that is not able to export our goods. Why, because they do not meet the standards of other countries. Our country has ruined our food products by contaminating them with preservatives, such as Trans Fats, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Not only is our country is talking about cloning our meat products, but they are injecting them with growth hormones!

Tired of not being able to eat certain foods?

2008-01-21T22:08:00.006-05:00

When you're unable to eat your favorite foods because of bothersome issues like occasional gas, bloating, or cramps, it can be downright irritating. Digestive enzymes are needed to break down, process, then deliver the nutrients in food to help us maintain good health, plus provide us with energy. By eating foods such as pasta, pizza, fast-food or fatty meats taking digestive enzymes will alleviate discomfort. Another way to aid digestion is by eating pineapple, also known as bromelain and peppermint after meals.

There are three different types of digestive enzymes: Amylase, Protease, and Lipase

Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates, such as pasta and bread. Saliva contains amylase, which initiates the digestion of dietary starches. Pancreatic secretions also contain amylase.

Protease breaks down protein, such as steak, eggs, chicken and fish. Believe it or not, helping your body break down proteins can actually help your body's immune system. Protein digestion begins in the stomach with the action of the protease, pepsin. The stomach’s acidic environment activates this enzyme.

Lipase breaks down fats, such as cheese, fast-foods and butter. Fat digestion accelerates in the second part of the small intestine with the action of the pancreatic lipases. These enzymes break down fat into essential fatty acids. The lipase enzymes, along with bile salts, are responsible for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K.

How important are enzymes to digestion? Without enzymes, digestion could not take place and the food we eat could not be absorbed and utilized by our bodies. Enzymes are complex proteins produced by living cells and they start chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are present in the digestive juices. They act upon food, breaking it down into simpler components the body can use for energy.
What happens if digestive enzymes don’t work adequately? Inadequate digestion is thought to be a significant cause of food allergies. When not digested completely, food can initiate allergic reactions in the body, causing inflammation and immune sensitivity. This can lead to chronic inflammatory conditions and certain types of arthritis.

Are you full of trans fats?

2008-01-21T21:48:00.003-05:00

In a study released at the American Heart Association conference in Reston, Virginia, results showed that removing tans fatty acids from all margarines would prevent 6,300 heart attacks and 2,100 deaths year. Removing trans fats from 3% of breads and cakes and 15% of cookies and crackers would prevent an additional 17,000 heart attacks and 5,600 deaths each year. In November of 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed that all Nutritional Facts panels list the amount of trans fats in food products.

What exactly are Trans Fats? There are four kinds of fats: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, and trans fat. Monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat are the "good" fats. It is generally accepted that consumption of saturated fat should be kept low, especially for adults. Trans fat (which means trans fatty acids) is the worst kind of fat, far worse than saturated fat. Partial hydrogenation is an industrial process used to make a perfectly good oil, such as soybean oil, into a perfectly bad oil. The process is used to make an oil more solid; provide longer shelf-life in baked products; provide longer fry-life for cooking oils, and provide a certain kind of texture or "mouthfeel." The big problem is that partially hydrogenated oil is laden with lethal trans fat.

Where do I look for trans fats in food products: Partially hydrogenated oils are commonly found in processed foods like commercial baked products such as cookies, cakes and crackers, and even in bread. They are also used as cooking oils (called "liquid shortening") for frying in restaurants.

In the last six months, all food manufactures must list any trans fats in their products. There is only one problem, the FDA considers a product trans fat free, even though the product could still have .5 trans fats. Also, restaurants and fast-food places are now eliminating trans fats from their menus. Just to name a few who have recently elimated trans fats are Yum Brands, Wendy's and McDonald's.

Please feel free to check out http://www.bantransfats.com/