Fitness Beauties

When you think fitness beauty your first thought would probably be one of a stunning blond with rock hard abs and buttocks to match.

In reality to the first “fitness beauty’ was in fact a man. He is still known today as the “godfather of fitness” and he opened the nation’s first fitness center on the third floor of an old office building in California in the city of Oakland way back in 1936. He was only twenty-one at the time. Jack Lalanne went on to invent the first leg extension machine and pioneered the pulley and cable system that have developed into the exercise machine we see in today’s spas and gyms across the nation. He is also credited with the nation’s first televised fitness show in the early fifties. He is also well know for his juicer and was well ahead of his time when it came to healthy eating and fitness. He was also the first to publicize the benefits of weight lifting for woman and with out him we may not have your more typical Fitness beauties at all.

Today he and his wife Elaine of more than 50 years still exercise daily for over two hours. He will be celebrating his 94th birthday in September 2008.

He opened the door to the likes of Jane Fonda famous for, among other things, her home workout videos. They caused a near craze back in the 1980’s. She released her first work out tape in 1982 and simultaneously raised the VCR sales across the country as millions of American women went out and purchased one just to be able watch and work out with Jane Fonda. Those old enough may remember running out to get those leg warmers. It went on to sell over 17 million copies and followed by nearly two dozen others along with many books on the subject of fitness. She is still an avid exercise enthusiast today.

We can’t forget Suzanne Somers who five years after Jane became the spokesperson for thigh master and was touted as the exerciser you could use will watching TV or even reading a book. Her promotion sold millions as everyone wanted to have Suzanne Somers physique. All these many years later she is still the spokesperson and still looking good in her sixties.

The peak of the fitness phenomenon even spawned a movie staring Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta and in 1985 the movie Perfect was released centering around the nations obsession with fitness and aerobics classes around the country quickly filled.

Today there are many impressive beauties out there but as you admire the toned ripples of well developed physique remember there was a once bullied, underweight kid who at 15 decided he was going to change his life and help others along the way to thank.

click here for more about fitness

Scope and Impact of Diabetes

Almost everyone knows someone who has diabetes. An estimated 20.8 million people in the United States—7.0 percent of the population—have diabetes, a serious, lifelong condition. Of those, 14.6 million have been diagnosed, and 6.2 million have not yet been diagnosed. In 2005, about 1.5 million people aged 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism—the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach.

When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into our cells. In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body in the urine. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.

What are the types of diabetes?

The three main types of diabetes are

• type 1 diabetes
• type 2 diabetes
• gestational diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease results when the body’s system for fighting infection (the immune system) turns against a part of the body. In diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. A person who has type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live.

At present, scientists do not know exactly what causes the body’s immune system to attack the beta cells, but they believe that autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors, possibly viruses, are involved. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes in the United States. It develops most often in children and young adults but can appear at any age.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop over a short period, although beta cell destruction can begin years earlier. Symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue. If not diagnosed and treated with insulin, a person with type 1 diabetes can lapse into a life-threatening diabetic coma, also known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This form of diabetes is most often associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, and certain ethnicities. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. However, nationally representative data on prevalence of type 2 diabetes in youth are not available.

When type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for unknown reasons the body cannot use the insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. After several years, insulin production decreases. The result is the same as for type 1 diabetes—glucose builds up in the blood and the body cannot make efficient use of its main source of fuel.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Their onset is not as sudden as in type 1 diabetes. Symptoms may include fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds or sores. Some people have no symptoms.

Gestational Diabetes

Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20 to 50 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. Maintaining a reasonable body weight and being physically active may help prevent development of type 2 diabetes.

About 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. As with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes occurs more often in some ethnic groups and among women with a family history of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Women with gestational diabetes may not experience any symptoms.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

The fasting blood glucose test is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes in children and nonpregnant adults. It is most reliable when done in the morning. However, a diagnosis of diabetes can be made based on any of the following test results, confirmed by retesting on a different day:

• A blood glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more after an 8-hour fast. This test is called the fasting blood glucose test.
• A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more 2 hours after drinking a beverage containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. This test is called the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
• A random (taken at any time of day) blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, along with the presence of diabetes symptoms.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on blood glucose levels measured during the OGTT. Glucose levels are normally lower during pregnancy, so the cutoff levels for diagnosis of diabetes in pregnancy are lower. Blood glucose levels are measured before a woman drinks a beverage containing glucose. Then levels are checked 1, 2, and 3 hours afterward. If a woman has two blood glucose levels meeting or exceeding any of the following numbers, she has gestational diabetes: a fasting blood glucose level of 95 mg/dL, a 1-hour level of 180 mg/dL, a 2-hour level of 155 mg/dL, or a 3-hour level of 140 mg/dL.

What is pre-diabetes?

People with pre-diabetes have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. This condition raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Pre-diabetes is also called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), depending on the test used to diagnose it. Some people have both IFG and IGT.

• IFG is a condition in which the blood glucose level is high (100 to 125 mg/dL) after an overnight fast, but is not high enough to be classified as diabetes. (The former definition of IFG was 110 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL.)
• IGT is a condition in which the blood glucose level is high (140 to 199 mg/dL) after a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, but is not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is becoming more common in the United States, according to new estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. About 40 percent of U.S. adults ages 40 to 74—or 41 million people—had pre-diabetes in 2000. New data suggest that at least 54 million U.S. adults had pre-diabetes in 2002. Many people with pre-diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

The good news is that if you have pre-diabetes, you can do a lot to prevent or delay diabetes. Studies have clearly shown that you can lower your risk of developing diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight through diet and increased physical activity. A major study of more than 3,000 people with IGT, a form of pre-diabetes, found that diet and exercise resulting in a 5 to 7 percent weight loss—about 10 to 14 pounds in a person who weighs 200 pounds—lowered the incidence of type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent. Study participants lost weight by cutting fat and calories in their diet and by exercising (most chose walking) at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

What are the scope and impact of diabetes?

Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. In 2002, it was the sixth leading cause of death. However, diabetes is likely to be underreported as the underlying cause of death on death certificates. About 65 percent of deaths among those with diabetes are attributed to heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The disease often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy, and birth defects are more common in babies born to women with diabetes.

In 2002, diabetes cost the United States $132 billion. Indirect costs, including disability payments, time lost from work, and premature death, totaled $40 billion; direct medical costs for diabetes care, including hospitalizations, medical care, and treatment supplies, totaled $92 billion.

Who gets diabetes?

Diabetes is not contagious. People cannot “catch” it from each other. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes occurs equally among males and females but is more common in whites than in non-whites. Data from the World Health Organization’s Multinational Project for Childhood Diabetes indicate that type 1 diabetes is rare in most African, American Indian, and Asian populations. However, some northern European countries, including Finland and Sweden, have high rates of type 1 diabetes. The reasons for these differences are unknown. Type 1 diabetes develops most often in children but can occur at any age.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially in people who are overweight, and occurs more often in African Americans, American Indians, some Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos. On average, non-Hispanic African Americans are 1.8 times as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of the same age. Mexican Americans are 1.7 times as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of similar age. (Data are not available for estimation of diabetes rates in other Hispanic/Latino groups.) American Indians have one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. On average, American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.2 times as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of similar age. Although prevalence data for diabetes among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are limited, some groups, such as Native Hawaiians, Asians, and other Pacific Islanders residing in Hawaii (aged 20 or older) are more than twice as likely to have diabetes as white residents of Hawaii of similar age.

Diabetes prevalence in the United States is likely to increase for several reasons. First, a large segment of the population is aging. Also, Hispanics/Latinos and other minority groups at increased risk make up the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. Finally, Americans are increasingly overweight and sedentary. According to recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes will affect one in three people born in 2000 in the United States. The CDC also projects the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the United States will increase 165 percent by 2050.

If you are suffering from Diabetes you should take Optimum Diabetics Health supplement which provides essential nutrients that may be lacking due to the strain diabetes can often put on the body’s health. Each serving provides a complete, full potency formulation of vitamins, minerals and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Formulated Nutritional Supplement For People With Diabetes

Gain Some Peace of Mind with Meditation

What exactly is meditation? The term meditation is often used to describe an individual's state of intense focus on an object or thought. The individual tries to turn his or her attention inward.

It's believed that meditation tehniques come from Vedic Hinduism origins, and it's a common component of many eastern religions. However, western society has embraced this practice enthusiastically.

Most people have a specific objective when they decide to start practicing meditation. Some use it to help focus their mind on God; others use it for personal development. A number of individuals discover improved health and peace of mind through this practice. There are also those who seek to gain enlightenment from the practice of meditation.

Or perhaps you think that meditation is just something you should do for your health, like an exercise program or diet. Almost everyone who starts something new will have a vague sense of what this activity will do for them. But unless you know exactly what it is you hope to achieve, you're not likely to stick with a meditation routine for any length of time.

Not having clear objectives can make it difficult to know where to start. It can also lead to discouragement when your expectations aren't being met. The best thing to do is to start by identifying what you hope to achieve from practicing meditation. Learn as much as you can about the most effective techniques for reaching that goal. Then, just jump in.

Theoretically, the practice of meditating is quite easy. I'ts really only sitting comfortably and concentrating on just one thought. But in actuality, this is a lot harder than it appears. However, your mind is always jumping from thought to thought, even though you might not be aware of it. This makes it hard to concentrate on just one thing at a time.

It's best, therefore, to start off slowly. Start by practicing your breathing. This is the key to meditation. Seat yourself in a comfortable position, then inhale and exhale deeply and regularly for a few minutes. By taking regular breaths, you will improve your ability to focus, which is critical when meditating.

If you catch yourself thinking about other things while meditating, focus again on your breathing. Meditation is all about concentrating. If you become aware of drifting off track, just return your thoughts to your previous state of mind. Don't give up; it takes time to get good at meditation, so continue practicing.

The practice of meditation can lead the way to a calm and peaceful mind. With all the problems we face daily at work, at home, and the world in general, it's important that you regularly experience a few minutes of peace.

How To Burn Body Fat While Eating More And Do Less Cardio

In the olden days, if you were to ask a trainer on how to lose fat, he or she would just say do tons of cardiovascular workouts and eat like a bird. Well, perhaps that is just exaggerating but that the mindset in the olden days. One would cut out calories like crazy and just stay on the cardiovascular machine and make the gym their home.

Fortunately, through research and experience that people have reported, this does not have to be the case. Now you can lose fat while eating more a do less cardiovascular workouts. Yes, you can still lose fat by following the traditional way but how many people have that time and luxury to do so?

This article will show you how to lose fat while consuming more calories so your body will stay energetic and change into a fat burning furnace. You now also will have more motivation to stay on your weight loss program because you do not have to give up your life just to make it to the gym. You need now only to do what is necessary to lose fat and look good.

So, let us dive into the methods for you to lose body fat.

How To Lose Fat 1

One of the key factors in losing fat is strength training. A lot of people miss out in this part thinking that it is unnecessary but unfortunately they are wrong, dead wrong.

Try this method for a change. Before you head on to the gym, make sure you know what muscle group you are going to work on and also the exercises. Then, arrange your exercise in a manner so that you can do three exercises back to back with little rest. Focus on large muscle groups only like legs, back, chest and shoulders. Do 3 sets of this circuit and each set do 15 repetitions; this will make your heart rate stay high throughout the workout, which is important for fat loss.

In your workout program, try to workout with free weights, cables and stability balls. This equipment will recruit many muscle fibers and deliver better results compared to machines. While you are in the gym, you need to get down to business. No chit chatting and wasting time in front of the mirror looking at yourself.

Strength training is very important to your weight loss program because it is the only tissue in the body that burns fat. The more muscle you have in your body, the more body fat you can burn. The amount of muscle you have in your body also determines your metabolism, The more muscle you have in your body the higher your metabolism.

One pound of muscle burns an extra 50 calories per day. This is the amount of calories needed to support the muscle because it is a living tissue. Hence if you compare two person that weighs 160 pounds, but person A has 100 pounds of muscle and person B has 120 pounds of muscles, you can be sure the person B can eat more and lose body fat much easier because the extra muscle in his body burns extra calories but notice that both of them weighs the same.

How To Lose Fat 2

The next issue is how to lose fat faster, burn more calories and spend less time on the treadmill. The answer to this question is simple and straightforward. You need high intensity interval training. This type of training is superb for breaking fat loss plateaus and also for boosting metabolism. This type of workout is such a shocker that you can literally feel you body burning even after you shower.

To do this workout, you would basically do 20 minutes of 10 intervals. One interval consists of 2 minutes, 1 minute slow and 1-minute sprint. So, you would run at level 9 out 10 for 1 minute and then jog at the speed of 5 out 10. Do this for 10 rounds and you are done. This workout deliver results and also saves you time!

How To Lose fat 3

The third step here is definitely my favorite and yours too. You need to eat more food. Yes, but not junk food, instead, eat lots of high quality food that will keep your body running efficiently. Try to include healthy protein, carbohydrates and good fat in every meal. Consume foods like egg whites, poultry, fruits, whole grains, vegetables and olive oil. You need to feed your engine well to burn fat. Stay away from simple sugar, sweets, corn syrup and high glycemic fruits.

Break up your meals so that you are eating 6 to 7 small meals a day. Every time you eat, your metabolism gets fired up to digest the food. So, it makes sense eating more but just make sure it is in small portions and contains only the good stuff.

So you see, you still can get a wonderful body even though you are busy. Getting washboard abs, sexy legs and toned back is not out of reach. Do not let other people discourage you or other factors in your life pull you away from the body that you deserve. You just need to know the right stuff to get things going your way. Learn from people that have done it before and learn from experts that know how to help you reach your fitness goals. People have done it so can you!

Tony Leong reveals his 5 secrets to losing weight in his Weight Loss system. He is giving it away for free for a limited time only. Go to http://www.tonyleongweightloss.com/topweightlosssecrets to download it now. Click here to get your free stuff Normal 0

Quick smoking success with Hypnotherapy

Today, the stop smoking hypnotherapy has become a very convenient way for most smokers to leave their old habits behind. Although it has been quite a difficult task for most of the smokers, a quit smoking hypnotherapy has helped a lot in conditioning one's mind to stop the harmful habit. Hypnotherapy works best if the person is eager enough to help himself stop the bad habits which he has so been used to doing everyday in his life.  Below is a list of ways that would make you understand how the hypnosis process works for smokers. It would also provide you of the risks and the medical implication of the therapy.

Quit Smoking Hypnotherapy – A Major Behavior Change

The quit smoking hypnotherapy allows to unfold ideas which are related to smoking. Hypnosis has always been believed to be a state of mind where suggestion can penetrate at its best. If the person is relaxed and is ultra alert, he becomes more eager to accept that he has problems which lead him to several changes such as quitting smoking. If all these factors are in a therapy, it would be a lot easier to help a person give up his old habits. Although hypnosis isn't really a tested and proven cure to smoking, it has proven itself to be of tremendous help to those who suffer from smoking addiction problems.

Many people have already claimed that the quit smoking hypnotherapy has worked for them. It could probably work out the same way for you as it has worked for them. Trying this kind of behavior modification to quit smoking puts you at a lesser risk because the therapy involved is actually very safe and convenient to do. Unlike the other ways to help quit you smoking, hypnotherapy has proven to be not only the safest but the most cost effective way to help rid a smoker from his addiction state.

Quit Smoking Hypnotherapy – The Sessions

The quit smoking hypnotherapy is supposed to help smokers quit by utilizing the state of the mind. Suggestions under the state of hypnosis would tell a person that smoking cigarettes is an extremely bad habit for your health. Additionally, the therapist should instill in the smoker's mind that the smoke emitted in lighting cigarettes has a very offensive smell so he or she can recognize that smoking is not an ideal habit to include in one's lifestyle. This type of behavior modification is done for a very long time until the person himself is able to tell that smoking is not good for his own body. Until he admits that smoking is not a good choice, the quit smoking hypnotherapy would not successfully work.

 

Stretch Mark Removers

Get Rid of Stretch Marks Now

Is there a perfect stretch mark remover method that will work for everyone?  Not really.  However, there are a number of stretch mark removal methods that are used with varying degrees of success.  Some of these tend to lean toward the natural approach while others involve a more radical approach, such as surgery.Removing stretch marks may be a complex process and require considerable time, depending on the treatment selected, with the costs ranging from about $30 for an effective stretch mark cream to $1,000's for plastic surgery or laser treatments.  

Which treatment works best for you will be determined by the age of your stretch marks, your type of skin, and budgetary constraints.Here is a summary of the more popular ways to get rid of stretch marks:


Hydrate Yourself

Drink just as much or more water as you drink coffee, tea, or soda. Stretchmarks may also be caused by some nutritional dificiencies. Drink lots of water (at least 2 litres every day) - not soda or juices - because it helps your skin stay elastic. If you drink a lot of coffee or black/green tea, drink 3l of water a day.

Take Skin Supportive Supplements

Vitamin E is a very important vitamin to take during pregnancy to minimize stretch marks. Also, a lotion containing Vitamin D will help in the prevention of stretch marks. However, because Vitamin E alone will not work due to the large size of their molecule; the addition of lanolin, which has very small molecules, can be used to deliver the ingredients past the top layer of skin and help with skin elasticity.  If you have existing stretch marks, Vitamin E is believed to improve them by fading their appearance.  

Stretch Mark Creams

The fact is that stretch mark creams and lotions will not remove your stretch marks totally, but can generally fade your stretch marks appearance to where the damaged skin blends with the surrounding normal skin.  There are many stetch mark lotions and oils that have been specifically designed to keep your skin taut and firm during pregnancy and actually help prevent stretch marks from developing.  The creams and lotions that penetrate the skin deeply will provide longer-lasting moisture that is essential to healthy skin. These creams are best used as night creams.

Surgical Options

Surgical treatment is generally the most expensive of the stretch mark elimination methods, though repeated laser treatments can result in similar costs.  The truth is that surgical treatment is considered to be the most effective and conventional method in eliminating stretch marks. This procedure generally involves the removal of areas of skin where the stretch marks have developed.  The second type of surgical treatment that can help remove stretch marks is laser scar removal. This type of procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve scarring or incisions.

Laser treatment of stretch marks and scars are claimed to stimulate collagen production below the skin as the dermal skin layer absorbs the laser light, filling out the skin and helping to return pigment to the scarred area. However, there is still disagreement within the health care industry regarding using lasers to treat scars and stretch marks and many physicians and plastic surgeons believe that lasers cannot treat stretch marks.

In summary, the stretch mark remover methods listed above are all proven to work to varying degrees, depending on the individual's skin type, age of the stretch marks, and available budget.  The least expensive of the stretch mark removers are the creams and lotions, which fade existing stretch marks and allow them to blend in with the surrounding skin.  This method is one of the easiest treatments and should be considered first -- you may just be very pleased with the results while saving your hard-earned dollars!

What you need to know about breast Implants

Breast implants are in fact neither dull nor silly. They are a lot more important than what sort of art the National Endowment for the Arts funds or whether it even exists. Breast implants are medical devices that typically consist of a silicone elastomer shell filled with saline or silicone gel. They are intended for women who are seeking breast augmentation (cosmetic) or breast reconstruction. Breast implants have become a worldwide multi-billion dollar industry based on cultivating women's insecurities about their bodies, while failing to prove that implants are safe over the long-term. In 2006, after a 14 year ban, the Food and Drug Administration approved marketing silicone-gel breast implants to women aged 22 and older, and by late 2006, the first Authorize silicon gel center was opened in California, it was the well know and already famouse Beverly Hills Breast Augmentation clinic.

Augmentation mammoplasty is an elective cosmetic surgery and as such, these procedures are not covered by insurance plans. For most, the cost of breast enhancement surgery is an important consideration. Augmentation may also be used as part of breast reconstruction after masectomy. Augmentation is achieved via the insertion of breast implants — saline filled plastic bags — behind the breasts.

Silicone-gel implants are not approved for marketing and are available to women only through FDA-approved clinical studies. Silicone gel implant ruptures are difficult to detect with a mammogram alone, and it's likely you won't have any signs that the implant has ruptured. This is called a "silent rupture.".While some women experience subtle changes in the size, shape or contour of their breasts, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually necessary to identify the rupture and to help determine if it's intracapsular or extracapsular. Silicones are used in lipstick, hair spray, food processing, skin creams, and cosmetics and are known to be absorbed through both the bowel and the lungs.

Women may choose to under go breast enlargement surgery for various reasons. These personal reasons may center around breasts that are perceived to be under developed, or because of differences in the sizes of the breasts or from changes after pregnancy or breast feeding. Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self image.

Body Building: Understanding Muscle Supplement?

If you walk through any health or nutrition store you will notice that there is a enormous number of body building muscle supplement products on store shelves. The sheer volume of products is overwhelming and their popularity is quite strong. While many people are familiar with the fact that these products exist, they may not be aware of how these body building muscle supplement products work. Unfortunately, because these products are in such fierce competition with one another they have a tendency to employ a ton of over the top advertisement campaigns so as to stand out in the marketplace. Unfortunately, a number of these ad campaigns leave the false impression that there is a miracle out there that will maximize ones ability to grow muscle.

The Truth About  Muscle Supplement

First, what must clearly be understood about these supplements is that no body building muscle supplement is a miracle product. There is no product that will magically burn fat and enhance muscle growth while eliminating that pesky need for working out. Sure, there are a number of products with wild over the top ad campaigns that make these grandiose promises, but these products are less than honest and even less successful in terms of actually delivering what they promise.

The products out there that fall into the body building muscle supplement category are essentially one of two things known as mass gainers and whey protein supplements. A mass gainer is a drink that provides a massive amount of calories in liquid shake form so as to help someone who is having difficulty gaining weight the ability to gain weight without packing on fat. What whey protein does is that it provides the body with quality protein so as to aid in the repair and growth of muscle after a solid exercise program. While this description of these products may make them sound mundane, it is also an accurate assessment. Again, there is no body building muscle supplement that can provide any miracles so avoid looking for them. Instead, keep your feet grounded to the earth and look for those products that provide an honest and sensible result.

These products are not necessarily expensive and are generally quite effective. Of course, some brands are a little better than others and then there will also be issues of personal taste involved in the selection that you make. But ultimately if you stick with legitimate products you will achieve the results that you desire.

Get up off that couch and join the fitness revolution. Make exercise and a healthy diet part of your daily  routine, you will be surprised at the difference it will have on your life.
http://leanmeanbodybuilding.com

Exercise: Two Worlds Of Body Building

When it comes to body building, many people erroneously assume that all one needs to do is haphazardly do any type of exercises without any rhyme, reason or logic. This is not a wise move because there are very specific purposes for body building exercises designed to provide two goals of either increased mass or increased definition. By understanding that there are differences between mass building exercises and those exercises that are designed for more definition the ability to arrive at one’s goals will be greater facilitated. After all, if you are exercising then you have a certain set of goals in mind and you will want the proper exercises that will be required to reach those goals.

Building Mass

The most common body building exercises people perform are compound exercises. When you are performing compound body building exercises you are primarily working on mass. That is, compound exercises mean that more than one body part is used to lift the weight. Bench presses, while generally considered chest exercises, also provide secondary stress to the biceps, triceps and shoulders. So, these other muscles grow as well as the chest although not to the same degree. Other common body building exercises that perform compound exercises include squats and military presses. Now, these exercises are not necessarily designed to make the person’s muscle mass huge (although they certainly can be used for this purpose) these exercises can be used in a lesser capacity so as not to massively pack on muscle.

Sculpting Definition

The second type of body building exercises that are employed are those exercises that are isolation exercises. These exercises do not involve more than one muscle group and are designed to specially develop the muscles of a particular area. These exercises can be employed with high repetitions to burn fat and usually follow a cycle of mass building so as to create the definition that mass requires for aesthetic looks. Please note, contrary to popular belief these exercises cannot spot reduce fat in a particular area. Yes, fat will be burned, but it will be burned evenly throughout the body as opposed to any specific or particular area.

Of course, there are other areas that need to be taken into consideration as well such as diet, cardio etc, but the areas of mass building and definition generally cover the basics that one would need in order to achieve a baseline level of success and to reach his or her goals.

Get up off that couch and join the fitness revolution. Make exercise and a healthy diet part of your daily  routine, you will be surprised at the difference it will have on your life.
http://leanmeanbodybuilding.com

Benefits of Yoga - Both Emotional and Physical

The art of yoga has been mainly designed to focus on the total wellness of an individual. When a person gets involved with yoga they will certainly learn new types of lifestyle ideas as well as new ways of approaching life within the world. Yoga has the ability to improve your health in numerous different ways.

In addition, you will also increase your level of strength as well as become more flexible, improve your balance as well as educating yourself to release your stress and add to your vitality. Yoga can also be a pleasant way to lose weight.

Through the practice of the numerous yoga positions, better known as asanas, heightens your flexibility through working on your joints as well as your muscles, ligaments and tendons. You will begin to notice a substantial improvement in how flexible your body will become as you persist in your practice of yoga. You will be pleasantly surprised with the benefits of yoga for instance the increased muscle tone and the lowering of body fat.

Yoga is great for completely messaging your internal organs as well as the glands of your upper body which includes those that infrequently get stimulation needed. Through the use of messaging your organs as well as your glands yoga assists your bodies defenses to resist diseases from harming your health.

A substantial benefit of doing yoga is the added blood flow that happens throughout your physical body which adds to the strength of your health. The added flow of blood substantially helps your body's natural ability to lower toxin substances as well as delivers added nourishments through your body.

Yoga for the Mind

One of the most profound benefits of yoga that happens is the capability of putting your internal mind as well as your body into a state of harmony, mainly through the use of meditation. Meditation gives you the ability to clear your inner mind and provides much needed inner peace. The meditation aspect of yoga can assist in taking away stress that is unhealthy from both your body and your mind. There are negative aspects of stress that effects your endocrinal, emotional as well as physical systems.

Yoga has been utilized to treat many different ailments. Some of these are; depression, headaches, backaches, assorted addictions, constipation, high blood pressure, indigestion problems, obesity as well as other types of health problems.

Various studies have demonstrated that the advantages of practicing yoga include providing people with the means to have a degree of control over an assortment of body functions such as the temperature of their body, the level of their blood pressure, their internal heart rate, brain waves, their metabolism rate as well as their respiratory function.

Lowering The Level Of Pain

An added advantage of doing the practice of yoga is yoga's capability of assisting in the reduction of pain and by helping a persons brain to regulate a significant mechanism that is located in their spinal cord and by augmenting the production and release of pain reducing substances that are made within your body. The routines that yoga uses for breathing also can furnishes much welcomed pain relief.

If you have back pain which clearly nobody wants then first check with your physician to learn if yoga may be appropriate for your personal situation. Yoga has been demonstrated to help relieve back pain through improving your flexibility as well as your strength. By practicing yoga on a consistent basis you will end up in good physical shape and you will also end up appreciating the physical as well as the emotional advantages of yoga.

To learn more go to Benefits Of Yoga advice  and at History Of Kriya Yoga tips.

Can a Walk Help you Lose Weight?

Walk to Lose Weight

Lots of obese persons understand that they need to modify their way of living.  They must observe healthy diet togther with daily workouts.

The trouble is, dieting entails a very strong resolve, and exercises need discipline.  Worse, exercise demand that the individual to devote a considerable amount of time each day to undergo the steps essential to trim down his weight.

Not everyone manifests such resolve.  Not all can brag of such discipline.  And not all can devote such time for health and weight loss workouts.

Luckilly, there is a more sensible option.

Walk to Lose Weight

Any doctor, and gym trainer, and any medical professional will be prompt to tell you that strolling- yes, plain and simple walking- is the better exercise you can do to lose weight and to maintain a fit and healthy body.

Mull over this truth: 30 minutes of continuous walking every day will aid you lose an average of 20 pounds per year.

Professionals keenly prescribe that an individual should be able to walk at least 10,000 steps every day.  10,000 steps is approximately equivalent to 2 kilometers.  This may appear like a demoralizing task especially if we bear in mind that it is a day by day obligation.

On the other hand, you don't have to go out of your place to stroll 2 kilometers to the following city.  You can achieve those 10,000 steps without even departing your room.  Just march around your room, without pausing, for an hour or so, and you will obtain the equivalent of 2 kilometers without having to get a bus ride home.

Taking a walk to lose weight is a sensible and convenient form of exercise that will not only aid us shed weight, but will also offer our heart a good exercise.  Walking will aid strengthen our cardiovascular system, making us more resistant to diversity of heart sickness.

Walking likewise teaches our metabolism to maintain an effective pace.  Metabolism is the asnwer to weight loss. Metabolism converts calories into usable energy.  A healthy metabolism will signify fewer calories to form as fat.  A gradual metabolism will denote more calories that will result in extra weight for our bodies.

Walking will ensure that our body's metabolism will always remain fast and effective.

Problems Sleeping? Read on...

Insomnia is also caused by a variety of factors. The body is controlled by a circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and waking hours. Insomnia is such a common condition, affecting millions of Americans, yet many people are not aware of the serious consequences of Insomnia. Commonly referred to as sleeplessness, or lack of sleep, insomnia can lead to severe fatigue, anxiety, depression and lack of concentration. Insomnia is the inability to fall or stay asleep. It can be a long-term or short-term problem that is caused by many conditions, diseases or circumstances. Many people can find relief with products like  Sealy Posturepedic Mattresses, and they have been well know to provide a solution for people suffering with Insomnia.

More people than you could imagine suffer from insomnia. Many people have transient sleep disturbances and treat them with over-the-counter medications, while others turn to their healthcare provider for prescription medications - and there are plenty of choices for medications. Insomnia can have many causes, but the biggest cause is due to stress. Stress related to work, school, health or family concerns. Insomnia can be described as either transient, short-term or long-term. Transient insomnia lasts for only a few nights.

Insomnia is not a disease but a symptom. It can be caused by an underlying sleep disorder , or might be brought on by something as simple as a change in schedule, a stressful event at work, or an afternoon cup of coffee. Insomnia often results in daytime sleepiness, reduced cognitive performance, and potentially dangerous inattentiveness. One recent study, conducted in Brazil, found that an alarming 22 percent of long-haul truckers had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Insomnia is very common in psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety. A sudden unexpected stressor such as a job loss or death in the family may also cause sleepless nights. Insomnia also varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. It can be short-term (acute insomnia) or can last a long time (chronic insomnia). Insomnia is a symptom rather than an illness in itself: in the majority of cases, sleeplessness has an underlying cause. When no underlying cause can be found, a person is said to be suffering from primary insomnia.

Simple And Effective Treatments For Halitosis

Eliminate Bad Breath

All people from time to time experience bad breath, including the embarrassment that goes along with it. What causes bad breath? There are many factors, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, gum problems, and tooth decay.

More than 60 percent of Americans have halitosis and over 35 million are afflicted with chronic halitosis. However, not all of bad breath is systemic in origin; some of it is caused by how fastidious a person can be when it comes to oral hygiene. Do not make the mistake of believing in the claims that over-the-counter products can cure bad breath; more often than not, these products just mask the unpleasant odor and fail to treat the root of the problem.

The bacteria often found in the mouth congregate towards the back of the tongue and are one of the culprits for halitosis. Anaerobic bacteria eat food debris and excrete Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC). VSC smell like hydrogen sulfide, which resemble rotten eggs in odor. Bad breath odor may also be caused by some foods after they have been digested and the bad odor comes from the lungs.

Here are some of the simple treatments for bad breath:

Daily brushing is required. How you brush your teeth is also vital and many people do not know that there is a correct brushing method that will eliminate food particles wedged between the teeth. Brushing every day can eliminate much of bad breath. Undergoing regular dental cleanings also reduce the number of bacteria residing in your mouth. The white substance often found on the back of the tongue can be removed with a tongue cleaner. Proper diet is also essential in preventing halitosis.

Saliva is endowed with antibiotic elements that combat bacteria in the mouth. When the mouth becomes dry, saliva production is reduced and bad breath increases. If you chew gum to stimulate production of saliva, this would help in reducing the bad odor emanating from  your mouth. Another way to increase saliva production is to drink at least eight fluid ounces of water everyday. Aside from fighting bad breath, water is also good for the health.

If you're in a meeting or in a public place and unable to brush your teeth after eating, a remedy would be to drink water and then swish it around the mouth to loosen the particles and then spit it out.

Again chewing to stimulate saliva product is crucial and snacking on fresh vegetables instead of chips, candy, and cookies can help to prevent plaque formation.

Vitamin C is food for health and deficiency in Vitamin C may be a causal factor of halitosis. Smoking destroys Vitamin C and contributes to bad breath.

You can also employ baking soda for brushing your teeth. The characteristics of baking soda are helpful in destroying odors. Hence, baking soda is placed in refrigerators and is sprinkled on carpets before they are vacuumed. There are many brands of toothpaste available that have baking soda and are not as bad as having to plunge your toothbrush in the baking soda box.

Then there is the water pik.  A water pik helps to dislodge the food particles wedged between the teeth and is therefore beneficial in combating bad breath. You can buy a water pick that has batteries so that it is portable.

When buying mouthwash, try to look for one that has zinc chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride. A mouthwash that does not have these ingredients will only hide the odor for a limited time. It will not provide long-lasting results; bad breath will just come back. You can also consider using hydrogen peroxide. It works great as a mouthwash since it releases oxygen, which the anaerobic bacteria in our mouths cannot tolerate.

Hopefully, through this article, you have found that getting rid of bad breath is not difficult. If you want more proven tips, download your Free Bad Breath Report at http://www.BadBreathKiller.com and learn how you can enjoy a lease of fresh breath today!

What Is The Human Papilloma Virus?

the HPV vaccination

Protecting yourself in today's world should be very important, especially in the way of sexual activity. Keeping yourself safe from any sexually transmitted diseases should be one of the many ways that you choose to keep your body healthy. Individual's today should make the choice to learn about what they can do to protect themselves from diseases, such as the Human Papilloma Virus. This virus, also know as the HPV virus is the most commonly transmitted sexually disease in existence, at the moment, and is also known as genital warts.

To start off with, you should know that the HPV virus is also known as genital warts. Millions upon millions of people throughout the United States are infected with this virus, thus making it easier to understand why there are millions of people who become infected with it each year. Since those numbers are so staggering, it is quite simple to realize the urgency of educating anyone who is sexually active about this virus and how it may be prevented.

There are many different strains of this virus; over a hundred HPV types are actually circulating worldwide. A couple of strains of the HPV infection are commonly known to lead to cases of cervical cancer in those patents who have been exposed to it. The majority of cases of cervical cancer that are reported are due to exposure and infection of genital warts.

This is why it is so important that you use precautions and always practice safe sex with any partner that you may have. Additionally, women should have a regular screening during their annual pap smear to make sure that they are not carrying the virus.

It is a must to speak to your physician if you find out that you are afflicted with genital warts. There are a few things that they can do to take care of the problem, including removing the warts. The warts can be frozen; once done, they will eventually just fall off. There are other treatments that are used to remove the warts from the Human Papilloma virus. These treatments may include applying acid to the warts, using different topical creams or even burning off the warts with a laser.

For prevention, there is now a vaccine that has been shown to protect against the Human Papilloma Virus. If this is a concern of yours, then speak to your physician about an HPV test and the HPV vaccination. While the vaccine will not cure a person who is already infected, it can help protect those who have not transmitted it.

Blocking Your Head Ache with Acupuncture

There are a great deal of matters that we have to consider regularly which impacts our health. One very standard matter that is felt by people in standard are Headaches. As a matter of fact, some people have Cephalalgia, or headaches so frequently that they simply learn to live with them and deal with the pain as best they can. Still others have Head Aches, such as migraines, which are almost out of the question to ignore and become a life altering because of their intensity. As a result of these Cephalalgia, or headaches, several people opt for acupuncture in order to find some succour from their distress.

There are really two different types of individuals who come to an acupuncturist in order to experience relief from their Headaches. There are those who are currently experiencing a Cephalalgia, or headache and those that are trying to get some kind of remedial care in order to arrest the next Head Ache from coming or to decrease its severity. These are two very distinct circumstances and are treated differently from the acupuncturist's standpoint. Depending on your situation when you enter their clinic will make a difference in how you are treated.

The reason why this is the case is because acupuncture is a way of moving energy throughout your body and it also can increase blood flow to certain areas. The way of treating an existing Headache differs somewhat from the treatment that will assist in blocking future Cephalalgia, or headaches. Your doctor will be able to make that determination and to adjust the treatment accordingly.

several people try acupuncture treatments to stop their Cephalalgia, or headaches but they are nervous whenever they enter into the office. Perhaps they have never known about acupuncture before and are curious about how it is going to feel or if it is dangerous. The fact is, acupuncture is one of the least hazardous medical treatments that is in existence. Although it is possible for problems to come about, it is very unusual and if the doctor is renowned and employs sterile means when inserting the needles there is little need for worry. The needles themselves rarely hurt whenever they enter into the skin and often make the individual feel either relaxed or even energised.

So, if you are living with Cephalalgia, or headaches, the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture may be able to assist you in dealing with them. By bringing your body back into balance, you may be able to overcome your Headaches once and for all.

How To Control Acne Outbreaks

Acne has, over the years, been the cause of an incredible amount of heartache, especially amongst teenagers. However acne is not a disease restricted to just this age group as the problem can persist well into adulthood and even appear in adults who had note previously suffered from the affliction.

The vast majority of women are dismayed to discover that they can suddenly develop acne during pregnancy. My husband was greatly alarmed when zits started to appear on my face as I had not even had spots during my teenage years. To be honest I think that my skin never really recovered as I continued to have acne outbreaks for many years until I learnt how to bring them under control and reduce the frequency of them dramatically. Although there are periods when I get the odd pimple or two I can usually stop it progressing to a full outbreak with just a little care and attention to the way I treat it.

Although many people say that not washing your face is not the cause of acne I would say that having a good skin care regime is paramount to success in the fight against pimples. I have, through trial and error, discovered that if I keep my skin clean and healthy I have fewer spots appearing. Therefore, if you suffer from acne prone skin, I strongly advise you cleanse your skin deeply every day followed by the use of an astringent or toner (which closes the pores after cleansing).

When choosing which skin cleansers and toners to use you need to ensure that you match the skin care product with your skin type. This is extremely important as some skin care products, especially if they have been formulated for greasy skin, are simply far to harsh for sensitive dry skin.

Another way in which you can dramatically minimize the risks of an acne breakout is by having regular skin care treatments such as microdermabrasion or a mild chemical peel. These treatments were developed as anti-aging skin care treatments but it has been scientifically proven that they can have a dramatic effect upon acne prone skin vastly reducing the risk of outbreaks and bringing acne quickly under control. However you should never have such a treatment on areas where there is active acne.

If, after all your preventative measures have failed, you still find spots and pimples appearing on your skin then it is time to seek medical help. If you are only suffering from it a little then it is perfectly reasonable to try some of the over the counter remedies. Sometimes these products can nip the problem in the bud. Benzoyl peroxide, in a 2.5 - 20% solution, is usually the main ingredient in the over the counter topical acne treatments.5 and 10%. Other active ingredients include sulfur and salicylic acid (sulfur has been successfully used in the treatment of skin problems for over 50 years.

If, sadly, your acne persists you should really seek further medical advice by visiting your family doctor who will be able to prescribe acne treatments which are far more powerful than those available over the counter. Sometimes a short course of antibiotics will bring an outbreak under control within a few days. Alarmingly it is far too common to find that doctors prescribe antibiotics for acne even before attempting to halt it using other proven methods and treatments first. While this will make the patient happy it is now often accepted that the overuse of such drugs can only lead to problems. I therefore feel that it is important that you at least try using the simple methods first.

If you want to learn more about acne and acne treatments visit http://www.skincareinfo4u.com/Acne/acne.php

Exercise Balls: Simple & Useful Exercising Equipment

Exercise balls can serve as excellent exercise equipment. These balls, constructed of elastic rubber having a diameter of around 22 inches to 34 inches, are also referred to as “Swiss balls.” These balls come in a number of forms including pilates balls that are most suitable for pilates exercises, and medicine balls that are used as a training aid for several different exercises. Besides these, there are also the timing balls that help in developing accuracy and timing of strikes and kicks of martial arts.

 

Low back pains can be treated with the help of exercise balls. The usage of exercise balls also act as a preventive for relapsing of back pain. Core body muscles are developed with the regular usage of exercise balls. This helps in stabilizing the spine or vertebral column.

 

The balls come of use for athletes of several kinds as also for older people and pregnant women. Particular exercises have been developed making use of the ball in different ways to provide special benefit for specific groups whose interests the exercise ball serves.

 

The size of the exercise ball to be used is important. This depends on the height of the person concerned. An easy way of determining this is to sit on the ball to make sure that the hips come level or just slightly higher then the knees. Even overweight people can use suitable exercise balls. There are burst resistant exercise balls that can hold over 600 pounds.

 

Exercise balls work by putting the body in an unstable environment. Thus, on lying on the ball the body reacts and the legs and abdominal muscles contract immediately to prevent falling off. Coupled with some simple exercises like chest press or crunch this helps increase intensity of the movement. Thus by engaging more muscles to work the ball helps make them stronger over time for keeping balance.

 

They can be used for just about anything i.e. any exercising. They are versatile enough for weight training, abdominal training, flexibility, Yoga and pilates exercises and even for playing around or sitting around. Exercise ball workouts are best achieved by following the exercise ball videos or books.

 

Exercise balls help achieve a host of benefits; apart from developing the overall control and strength of the core body muscles, they also increase lower back mobility. They enhance the balancing and stabilizing capacities of the body, too.

 

There may be some harm associated with the exercise balls, also. It has been observed that people often tend to overuse the balls which can lead to injury. It has also been opined that a significant proportion of exercises undertaken using the Exercise balls are quite useless. They cannot satisfactorily achieve the projected claims.

Weight Loss Loss Idiots: Quick Weight Loss or Quick Scam

Weight Loss for Idiots is so easy, you won't have to count how many calories you have taken in.It is so healthy, you get to eat 4 meals a day.It is also convenient since you can check the whole program online.Then the program generates and 11 day meal plan based on your food preferences.After eleven days of following the program menu, you get three rest days off the program.You can have whatever food you want (as long as it is in moderation of course) before you start another 11 days with Weight Loss for Idiots.

Weight Loss 4 Idiots follows an ingenious diet program.You can basically forget that you are in a diet since in this program you can have four healthy, delicious meals.You can have eggs for breakfast, chicken breast for lunch, fish fillet for dinner, and fruit salad for midnight snack.The best part is you don't have to starve yourself.You don't have to punish yourself by avoiding food or even the thought of it.

If you would like to check out some fat loss for idiots reviews, there is certainly not a shortage online.The best you can do, however, is check on their site where hundreds of reviews are available for your reading pleasure.You can go onto the website where there are literally hundreds of testimonials from people have tried this diet program and have succeeded.

The way to a healthy diet is a click away in the Internet.Try typing in weight loss 4 idiots into Google and you will see that there are about 82,000 pages all with reviews on fat loss for idiots!Would you believe that there were about 82,000 fat loss for idiots reviews online.The reviews I read were overwhelmingly positive, at least 8 out of 10 had outstanding things to say about this idiot proof diet.

My Fat Loss 4 Idiots Review is basically about what I most appreciate about the program and that is how it makes you lose weight while it takes care of your health at the same time.Weight Loss for Idiots does not strangle you or stop you from having a little bit of pizza or cake.But what it does mean is that you will learn to choose from healthy foods such as vegetables, lean proteins, whole carbohydrates and healthy fats.If you are totally committed to learning the correct and healthy way to eat, you will be successful with this weight loss 4 idiots.

The question on most peoples mind is Is fat loss 4 idiots a scam?I daresay no.A scam is the act of swindling people for profit.If that is how we define scam, then this program has nothing to do with that word.The one time fee of $39 is all you ever pay for it.It does not give you any headache since it really is so simple to follow, although admittedly, it is a bit hard to apply since I got so used to eating the way I wanted to.With weight loss 4 idiots, forget about calculating your food intake.You just plug your food choices into the computer and it generates an easy to follow diet plan.

Fat Loss 4 Idiots will help you stop your weight loss frustration. Lose Weight Now with Instant Downloads from Today’s Top Fat Loss Diet, Weight Loss For Idiots and find out why 1000s of overweight chose Fat Loss 4 Idiots Get more information at http://www.squidoo.com/-Fat-Loss-For-Idiots

Essential Oils: Essential for Mind and Body

Doctors and beauty experts say that some amount of oil is essential to keep our skin healthy and glowing. Going further, oils can even influence our mental condition. No wonder then that essential oils are a rage today.

 

Essential oils are obtained from the seeds, peel, bark, flowers, roots, and leaves of various plants. Although this term is comparatively new, people have been using essential oils for physical and mental health since time immemorial. Ancient Ayurvedic texts from India report the use of such oils to treat various aches and pains and induce relaxation of mind and body. Today, apart from Ayurveda, essential oils are used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumery, and incense. They are also used to impart flavor to certain dishes and to add fragrance to domestic cleaning products.  

 

Essential oils are concentrated liquids, and they have the essence of the plant from which they are derived. Its not that all parts of a plant yield essential oil, for example, orange peel, cedar wood, almond seed, and clove flower are the respective parts of the plants that are used to obtain oil.      

 

As essential oils are marketed in concentrated forms, they should not be applied undiluted on the skin. They are diluted with the help of carrier oils like olive or hazelnut by qualified and experienced aroma-therapists, so avoid mixing and matching oils on your own at home! Use of undiluted essential oil or the wrong mix can trigger severe allergic reactions. For the same reason, never allow kids to handle essential oils without adult supervision. As essential oils smell really nice, kids may have the tendency to consume them. So, if you keep these oils at home, store them in a locked cabinet and out of children’s reach.    

 

Before your aromatherapy session, request a patch test with the recommended essential oil. This is especially important if you are prone to allergies in general. Some oils are not known to cause any allergy, but even then, never bypass this step. Essential oils are inflammable so it’s essential to store them properly. In addition, use very small amounts of oil and never consume essential oils.

 

Citrus, lavender, sandalwood, jojoba, chamomile, tea tree oils are some oils that are used as massage, bath, or skin care oils. These help to nourish skin, reduce inflammation, and tackle infection and keep skin soft and fresh. A skin care expert or an aroma-therapist will tell you exactly which oil will be suitable for your skin type. Apart from widespread use in skin care, essential oils are used to relax the body and the mind.

 

Jasmine, basil, frankincense, sandalwood, peppermint are some oils used in aromatherapy to treat fatigue. Frankincense, orange, lemon, and rose oils reportedly induce a sense of well-being and happiness. Confidence boosters include grapefruit, cypress, and jasmine oils; grapefruit and jasmine oils are also excellent stress busters. If you suffer from low confidence levels or are constantly depressed, aromatherapy sessions can help. While jasmine, orange, grapefruit and rosemary oils can enhance your confidence, rose sandalwood, and lavender can lift your spirits.  

 

If you don’t have the time or the money for expensive aromatherapy sessions you can simply light incense sticks containing essential oils at home. They will not only add fragrance to your home, but will have a soothing effect on you. You could also buy perfumes that contain essential oils like lavender or jasmine. The options are many for the seeker!

 

Get Rid Of Cellulite For Good

Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of the skin covering the fat that collects around the thighs and buttocks. Opinions vary as to what causes it, yet nobody really knows for sure. However, companies are making huge profits marketing cellulite reducing products. Some of the products help, others don't. The only way to completely eliminate cellulite is through surgery, but a healthy diet and exercise program can help reduce cellulite. Losing weight is the key to cellulite reduction.

One major factor in cellulite control is what you eat. Cutting back on fatty foods and sugar will help lower body fat. Choosing one of the top 10 diets that helps flush toxins out of your body and can also help reduce cellulite. Drinking eight glasses of water a day will help with this too. Cutting back on caffeine and sodas, as well as sweets can also help. Eat your fruits and veggies. Green leafy vegetables and lots of fresh fruits will help your body flush toxins away, as will leeks, onions and garlic. Sweet red or green peppers, kale and broccoli are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids and can make the connective tissues suppler.

An exercise program is vital if you want to reduce cellulite. Fat burning aerobic exercises can help with cellulite reduction. Stair-climbing exercises can build, strengthen and tone the muscles around the affected area. This will tighten the overlying skin to reduce that dimpled look. You can also try massaging your hips and thighs. This won't get rid of cellulite, but it will make the connective tissues suppler. It also flushes out retained fluids and increases blood flow to the skin, which will fill in those pockmarks. It's a temporary cellulite solution, but will reduce that "orange peel" look.

The best way to reduce cellulite is to lose weight. A healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in fat will both help reduce body fat and eliminate toxins. Aerobic exercise can help reduce body fat, which will help control cellulite. Strengthening and toning exercises will reduce pockmarks. Massage can also help with cellulite reduction. While there is no way to completely get rid of cellulite without surgery, eating right and working out will help get rid of fat. Decreasing body fat is the best way to reduce any form of cellulite that you have.

Staying physically fit is a necessary component to staying healthy. But getting that toned body is not always easy. Sometimes factors out of our hands comes into play and can drive us crazy. One particular problem that many people face is cellulite. This condition is one in which the connective tissues are not limber and force the fat cells to the surface. The "cottage cheese" like appearance can cause major body image problems. But there is help in exercising those problem areas. You just have to know where to look for the information: Click Here Now

Alternative Menopause Treatment Options

If you are looking at your options for menopause treatment, then you are probably lucky that you are going through menopause today. No longer will you be told that the symptoms are all “in your head” and that you should just “deal with it”. Menopause is talked about and acknowledged and specialists are studying a variety of treatment options to treat menopause and its associated symptoms.

There is a lot of conflicting evidence out there and it can be tough to work out what is factual and what is not when looking at treatment options. Many women are also looking for natural remedy options as they are concerned about the effects associated with hormone replacement therapy. Below you will find some information on menopause treatments.

One popular natural treatment is through the use of phytoestrogens. These are naturally occurring compounds in plants and the reason that they are often used for the treatment of menopause is that they have a very similar make up to the female sex hormone estrogen.

Herbal treatments for menopause are also extremely popular. Herbal treatments are commonly prescribed by naturopaths and herbal specialists as a treatment for the symptoms associated with menopause, whilst not necessarily attacking the causes of menopause itself.

Another popular treatment of menopause is the use of progesterone creams. Progesterone is another naturally occurring hormone in the female body and many studies have suggested that correcting progesterone imbalances can help alleviate menopause. Progesterone cream is often used in conjunction with a variety of other treatments such as estrogen treatments

If you are looking at your options in regards to menopause treatments, then researching the variety of treatments available is important. You may try one of these treatment options or a combination. If you have concerns, I would recommend you go and see a specialist.

Prevent Neural Tube Disease With Folic Acid

Folic acid is an important vitamin to the developing fetus in that it aids cell development, particularly those cells involved in the development of the baby's spine.  A deficiency can result in neural tube defects, in which the neural tube, down through which the central nervous system passes, fails to close properly.

However, let's first discuss the substance itself so that its function in that process can be more easily understood.  Neither should we ignore the other benefits that folic acid gives us, or the problems we can have in the event of a deficiency.

Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9, sometimes referred to as Vitamin M.  Its anionic form is known as folate, which is the form in which it is frequently offered in supplements. Incidentally, it gets its name from the Latin for leaf, so is from the same root as foliage. It is water soluble, and like Vitamin C can be leached through the body if not immediately used.

It is available naturally from leafy and green vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, spinach and peas, but is also available in fortified breakfast cereals, sunflower seeds and some fruits. You would not normally suffer a deficiency, but if you are taking anticonvulsants, have liver problems or undergoing kidney dialysis, then you might need a supplement. Pregnancy, of course, is the important case in which a supplement should be taken, although, surprisingly, many mothers-to-be are unaware of this.

New body cells need folate for their production, particularly when they are dividing and growing rapidly such as during pregnancy and in infancy.  The formation of DNA depends on many chemical entities, among them four nitrogenous bases, of which three, thymine and the two purine bases, adenine and guanine, depend on folate for their synthesis. If the growing fetus is lacking folate then DNA synthesis will be hindered. This retards cell division and growth.

Among the conditions this can cause are a form of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia, and neural tube deficiencies, where the sheath that surrounds the main nerve canal up the spine fails to close properly. The best known of such neural tube defects is spina bifida, though any condition caused by a lack of cell division can also occur. Anemia can be contracted by both adults and children, since production of red blood cells takes place constantly throughout your lifetime.  These are the reasons why folic acid or folate is used in breakfast cereals.

The biochemistry is fairly simple to understand, and is important because it explains the importance of two other B vitamins, B3 and B12, in DNA synthesis. The initial stages are a six step reaction that forms methyl tetrahydrofolate from folate, starting with the reduction of folate to dihydrofolate, and then a further reduction to the tetrahydrofolate (THF).  Vitamin B3 (in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) is an essential cofactor for these reductions. Vitamin B12 is necessary as an acceptor for the methyl-THF so that it can continue along the biochemical pathway - now that is too complex to discuss here!

However, the inference you can rightly draw from this is that a deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause what is known as a 'methyl trap', whereby the methy-THF cannot be used, and so a deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to the same symptoms as a mega folinic folate deficiency.

The implications of that are that vitamin B12 is also an essential component of a pregnant woman's diet.  The problem here is that this vitamin is available only from animal sources, including dairy products.  Its presence in vegetable organisms such as certain algae and fungi has been proposed, but it is believed that the cobalamin (chemical term for the vitamin) from these sources is not bioavailable to humans.

Vegans, therefore, who do not eat dairy products, will need a Vitamin B12 supplement in addition to folic acid or folate, particularly when they are pregnant and with young growing children. In this respect, a vegan diet is unsuitable for young children until their rapid growth period has stabilized.

For those of you wondering why the biochemistry above was discussed:  that is your answer.  Such discussions can frequently explain why certain supplements are necessary, or certain diets should be reconsidered under particular circumstances. Such things are easier to understand and accept when the logic behind them are explained.  A folic acid supplement taken from the onset of pregnancy up to 12 weeks at least, and also a Vitamin B12 supplement in the case of those with a low meat intake, should prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

A daily supplement of 0.4 mg should be sufficient, along with a diet rich in green vegetables, fortified cereals and breads and oranges.  Your greens are best steamed since prolonged boiling destroys folic acid - as it destroys Vitamin C.  One source of folic acid that you might read about is liver, and its additional iron content might lead you to believe this to be a good component of your diet when pregnant.   However, although normally a very nutritious food, liver should be avoided during pregnancy due to its high Vitamin A content. This can be harmful to your baby.

Finally, there are some circumstances under which the dose during pregnancy should be greater.  If you have previously had a child with a neural tube defect, or have an NTD yourself (or your partner), if you are diabetic, if you have celiac disease (a gluten allergy) or are taking anti-epileptic medication, you should increase your dose to 5 mg (milligrams) for which you will likely need a prescription from your physician.

NTD is rare, so don't over-worry much about it, but take the above precautions to put your mind at rest since pregnancy is not a time during which you should be nervous but to enjoy. That will pass on to your growing baby, which will then itself be happy.

Top Heart risk factors

6 Top Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Heart disease is a killer that does not discriminate between men and women or even the various cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, it has been called a universal killer because more people die from heart disease each year than other illnesses – several million a year worldwide! With some people, heart disease is not even a blip on their radar because they don't even know they have it! Others have a variety of health problems and know they are at greater risk than the average person for heart disease because of those problems.

Knowing what the risk factors are can greatly help in reducing your chances of developing heart disease. While there are likely dozens of contributing causes, there are six top risk factors for heart disease – with several that you can do something about. Here they are:

1.  Hypertension – Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is one of the leading contributors to heart disease. Why? Blood pressure basically is a measure of the force of the blood flow. The greater that force is, the more likely it is to cause problems, especially when other factors exist. The longer hypertension goes unchecked the more likely you are to develop hardening of the arteries, thickening of the heart muscle and much more. Exercise and diet can lower hypertension but sometimes medications are necessary to help.

2.Smoking – A nicotine habit can be life controlling. Smoking can promote the collection of fatty deposits in the blood which can lead to arterial blockage and heart disease. It also promotes narrowing of the arteries which requires the heart to pump harder to push oxygen through the body and results in hypertension.

3.  Diabetes – This metabolic disease affects how insulin is produced and absorbed in the body. People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing several conditions that lead to heart disease such as narrowing of the arteries, arterial damage and hardening of the arteries. This can also affect the muscles, of which the heart is one of the most important ones.

4.  High cholesterol – Cholesterol is important to the body as it is a necessary component for the healthy lining of body cells and blood vessels. You get cholesterol from foods as well as normal liver function. Even if you eat virtually no cholesterol, your body should be able to produce enough to adequately sustain healthy cells and blood vessels. Therefore, adding more cholesterol via the diet can boost cholesterol beyond normal limits in the blood. When this happens, plaque can build up along the arterial walls causing not only hardening of the arteries but also narrowing as well. This can contribute to heart disease by placing more burdens on the heart to pump harder to get oxygen and nutrients to the body.

5. Obesity – Being hugely overweight contributes to a variety of other factors which in turn can develop into heart disease. Obesity means that you are likely to have higher cholesterol levels, problems with insulin production and absorption (diabetes issues) and more. When you lose the weight, less poundage removes some of the burden on your body and reduces heart disease risk.

6.  Family genetics – Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about family history and propensity towards heart disease. What you can change is how you live your life. A good diet low in fats and cholesterol and high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other heart healthy substances can go a long way towards preventing the development of heart disease in you. Add clean living (no smoking or alcohol) and exercise and you have a winning trifecta against heart disease.

Teenage Diet Plan - A Great Daily Diet Plan For Teenage Boys And Girls

Any teenage diet plan can pose a potential health risk, especially in people who have certain medical conditions. It is really crucial, because of this fact, that you consult with your family doctor before you begin with such a plan. The chances are high that the doctor will be against such a plan, because there is no necessity for it.

Teenagers are usually very vulnerable due to the changes that happen to them and peer pressure affects them seriously. They constantly worry that their appearance isn't adequate, which in turn leads to drastic steps from teenagers who don't even have a weight problem. Stopping to eat will not solve the problem.

If you really want to follow the best teenage diet plan, then you need to look out for the one that includes the right nutrients that your body needs to build healthy bones and will maintain a good health inside and out. Your family doctor usually knows the most suitable plan for your individual requirements.

If you eat junk foods constantly you will not receive the benefits of a good teenage diet plan. You will rather be at risk to develop health problems that are related to you weight like heart disease or diabetes.

Keep in mind that being a little heavy is common in people your age. Nearly everyone loses those extra pounds typically during growth. Also, no one is the same as any other person. The ideal weight for somebody might very well not be the right weight for you. What's the normal weight for your family? What's your bone size and your height? These are the factors you have to consider.

Just by eating nutritious meals and staying away from junk food, which has nearly zero nutrients, your weight will improve. Here's a good teenage diet plan you can follow to reduce your weight if you are overweight.

A good teenage diet plan always includes the significant element of exercise. This is sometimes all you need to do. It assists the body in digesting the food you are eating. Exercise is building up muscle tissue, which in turn is a natural calorie burner. Exercising is using energy and prevents it from turning into fat.

I have already mentioned that you should avoid fast food as well as sugar-based foods and of course any foods with high carbohydrate, like pop, chocolates and crackers. They are supplying your body with limited to no nutrients. When you eat these foods your body can easily digest them and turn them into unhealthy fat, that can clog up your blood vessels and arteries.

Please ask for your parent's or doctor's help, when you are creating your teenager diet plan, expressly if you want to lose a lot of weight. Refer to healthy eating books and magazines for advice and ideas. Preparing a diet plan that gets results is not that difficult.

Vegetables and fruits: Fresh Fruits and vegetable are needed to make sure you will get natural vitamins and minerals. Some vegetables, like green beans, will actually help you with losing weight. Instead of candy bars, take some fruits and vegetables with you, they make a great and healthy snack.

Lean meats: Try to eat small portions of lean meat, it can actually aid you in losing weight, because the body needs more energy for digesting Don't eat much red meat though, it has more fat then the other meats and your body needs a lot of time to break it down. Choose white meats or seafood instead. Only eat a small amount of meat daily.

Milk and cheese: These two foods provide much needed calcium. Skim milk contains less fat then 100% milk, but still has all the goodness in it.

Water: Drink lots of water, it is essential for your body - especially when you are exercising. Water is guaranteed non-fattening.

Rather than eating three large meals a day, switch to four to six smaller meals a day. This will keep your body's metabolism working and prevent the food from turning to fat.

The best teenage diet plan always requires a lot of exercising and eating less more often.

Food nutrition value

Reading and Understanding Food Nutrition Value

When you go to the supermarket to shop for food, odds are you noticed that there was a listing of nutrients and ingredients on the back of the food package and wondered exactly what the point of that was. It turns out that some time ago the United States government realized that people were eating improperly because they likely didn’t understand what exactly was in the food they were eating. Not knowing calories, fat contents and other nutrient values in food can lead to eating too much of a certain nutrient or other compound. This can lead to health problems down the road, which is why you have to understand food nutrition value.

What Food Nutrition Value Measures

Food nutrition value measures raw food nutrition, which is the amount of nutrients given to the body from a given serving of food. Nutritional value is measured in terms of a percentage, meaning how much of a mparticluar nutrient your body getws from eating one serving of a given food. For example a slie of meat might give 40% of a peson’s daily value for protein. The food nutrition value is based on a person’s daily calorie intake. Every nutrient except for water has a certain amount of calores per gram, and all these add up to a full day’s worth of calorie consumption. There are generally two listings on a food nutrition value – one for 2000 calories and one for 2500.

2000 calories per day is the average adult human intake, meaning that It takes into account base metabolic rate and a reasonable amount of extra activity. The more you exercise, the more calories will be necessary to keep the body running, because more muscle tissues use more calories. Generally, people who are more active require at least 2500 calories per day. Men require more than women on average as well.

The best way to make use of knowing food nutrition value on the packaging is to mentally calculate how much of that food you could eat to get your recommended daily allowance of the most abundant nutrient. For most people, they look at the fat content first, and this may or may not be the wisest. After all, there are other nutrients than fat. You should look at vitamin A and C content in fruit or vegetable products especially. As a rule, you should be able to eat three servings of a given food at least and still be wihin your allotment of nutrients and calories, and make sure there’s a balance between calories and nutrients.

Take Action to Relieve Your Back Pain

Every bone in your body plays a vital role in your health. If your muscles, tendons or bones suffer some damage, you could be looking at some serious back troubles. This can include slipped herniated disks, a broken back, or fractures. Your back pain can result from any number of actions, activities, improper movements, overexertion, or even disease.

Back pain is complex, since there are so many contributing factors. For instance, your central nervous system adjacent to your spine has a big part to play in the formation of back pain.

Statistics indicate that over one million individuals experience some type of back pain, either severe or minor. Half of these cases could have been prevented in the first place, without the need for medical intervention. The rest might have to suffer the pain for years to come unless they take a more proactive approach to managing the condition.

In some instances, the problem is addressed through the use of surgery. But surgery frequently has complications, which can even go so far as to make your back pain worse than it was already. Even if you damage a shoulder ligament or tendon, you can take measures to relieve your pain without resorting to surgery.

Did you know that losing weight can reduce back pain? All over the world, obesity is becoming a serious problem. This extra weight increases pressure on the muscles and usually results in back pain. "My feet are killing me," is a common complaint. You might not stop to think that the problem lies in poorly fitting shoes, excessive body weight and too much pressure on the joints and muscles that support you.

How do you relieve pain from a slipped herniated disk? Learn how to lean and bend correctly, lose weight if necessary, wear properly fitting shoes and curl up to relieve pain.

Are you aware that by curling up in a fetal position you can reduce the pain caused by a herniated slipped disk? Just lay down on your side and curl up your knees to your chest, and you'll feel the effect. While you're curled, don't fold up too tightly, and tuck a pillow or cushion between your knees. Don't raise your hips.

Once you're aware of the causes of back pain, you can start to take action and relieve your symptoms.

You Don't Need to Spend a Lot of Money on Yoga Equipment

A feature of yoga that many people find appealing is that it doesn't require a whole lot of special equipment. In fact, you don't need any equipment to perform most of the basic yoga exercises. This makes it very easy for yoga to be practiced almost anywhere.

And it also allows individuals of every age to take part in yoga exercises. And the benefits that it will present to them are well worth the little bit of effort it takes.

It's not just that it's one of the more beneficial fitness programs you can take up. It's also that it needs virtually no financial outlay, and you can't say that for many fitness activities. The only thing you must have is some loose fitting clothes to make sure you're comfortable during the various poses. Traditionally, yoga is done in bare feet. So footwear isn't even an issue, and this can certainly be a money saver.

As you become more skilled at the yoga positions, you might want to start getting some accessories to help you progress even further. This might be as easy as getting a yoga mat. This handy item will reduce the chance of slipping when doing your standing poses and will provide some cushioning for your seated poses.

Yoga straps are another useful item that can give a boost to your stretching abilities. These straps will help you become more flexible because they permit you to take on poses that you normally wouldn't be able to do. But they really don't need to be anything more than a piece of rope or a belt that you've probably got lying around the house. You still won't pay a lot of money even if you get the real thing.

Any of these basic items certainly won't cost you a fortune. And equipment like bolsters, straps and mats will help you achieve the proper position and provide alignment for your legs and spine. They're certainly worth the price, however they're not essential.

And the only other item that you could possibly need would be a blanket. Almost everybody has one of these.

Yoga is practiced extensively in countries where the people can't afford to spend money on exercise equipment. So there's no reason to break the bank in order to get the benefits of yoga exercises.

Improve Ileocecal Valve Function With Fiber And Dietary Changes

The ileocecal valve, which is made up of sphincter muscles that close the ileum, prevents toxins and other materials that are released by the appendix from entering into the small intestine.  Additionally, the ileocecal valve helps to keep digested material in the small intestine until all of the nutrients have been absorbed.  When the food residue is ready for elimination, the small intestine mixes bile, mucus, and other excretions with the food residue and releases it systematically through the ileocecal valve into the large intestine.  This process prevents an overload of material in the intestine for the body to eliminate. 

When the toxic material of the colon is able to enter back into the intestine, where it becomes rapidly reabsorbed, ileocecal valve syndrome occurs, which can lead to infection and disease.  Symptoms of ileocecal valve syndrome include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irregular bowel movements, lower right bowel tenderness, acne, immune weakness, migraines, and duodenal ulcers. 

To avoid ileocecal valve syndrome one should eat a diet that is high in fiber and includes whole grains.  These whole grains should be soaked and cooked in order to avoid irritating the valve.  Foods that cause constipation such as diary products, meat, and bananas should be avoided.  Raisins, figs, and stewed prunes should be eaten for breakfast.  More fresh fruits and vegetables should be added to the diet.  Softer raw vegetables such as leaf lettuce, spinach, avocados, sprouts, and tomatoes should be used first. 

Additionally, one should reduce the amount of meat that they eat and take a fiber supplement in order to avoid constipation.  Fasting on juices two or three days a week will help to speed the healing process of the digestive tracts.  Grains that are thermos-cooked are healing on the digestive tract and rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and protein.  The slow cooking process protects the body from destruction of vital enzymes.   Milet, buckwheat, and basmati brown rice can also be eaten for breakfast, as they are easy for the body to digest and extremely nourishing.  Raw vegetables and fruits, steamed vegetables, yams, and avocados are all also extremely helpful in healing the digestive tract, so they are recommended. 

Nutritional supplements that can assist with ileocecal valve syndrome include antioxidants, vitamin A, B-complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, blue-green algae, acidophilus, and stomach enzymes.  Also, aloe vera juice, cat’s claw, grape seed extract, pau d’arco, licorice, goldenseal, slippery elm, and comfrey are great herbal aids for helping for ileocecal valve syndrome. 

Colon health is a lot more important than most people realize, as the digestive process is directly related to the health of the body, immune system function, and overall longevity.  When any disease occurs, the colon should be the first thing looked to for treatment.  By understanding what it means to have a healthy colon, adding natural fiber, nutritional supplements, herbal aids, and a change in diet, one can promote overall colon health.  Eating habits should be changed slowly and unhealthy, nutrition robbing foods should be eliminated from the diet and replaced with whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables.