Diet articles online

By: Deng Gang

Overweight people are more likely to have heart disease, as they are more likely to have a higher blood pressure and cholesterol. Both hike the risk of heart disease. Statistics shows obesity can cause heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.

So if your weight is above normal level, you need to shed a few pounds for the sake of your health.

How do you know for sure if you are overweight or not? You can tell that by your Body Mass Index, BMI for short. Generally speaking, a person whose BMI index is above 25 is considered overweight.

BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Normal
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese

You can calculate your BMI by the following formula:

English Formula
BMI= weight in pounds/(height in inches x height in inches) x 703

Metric Formula
BMI= weight in kilograms/(height in meters x height in meters)

Even if you don’t quite mind being overweight, it’s better to keep your weight at normal level for your health.

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By: chester

Testosterone Support Supplements (or Testosterone Aids) are meant to enhance your performance, increase muscle gains and make you bigger. Testosterone is the master male hormone. Testosterone supplementation can increase male sex drive, strengthen bones, muscles, decrease body fat, improve thinking ability, boost energy levels and guard against the onset of depression and heart disease.

Testosterone
Testosteroneis a powerful anabolic hormone that stimulates and controls the development of muscle, bone, skin, sex organs, and most other masculine, physical features. Recently, scientists have discovered that testosterone also aids mental function, enhancing both visual and perceptual skills. Male testosterone is produced in the testes by a group of cells known as the Leydig cells. These cells begin secreting high doses of testosterone during puberty to trigger increased lean muscle mass, sex organ development, bone formation and higher energy levels. Testosterone levels peak during a man’s early to mid twenties.

Testosterone in Elderly Men
As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced by the cells decreases. By the age of sixty, the average man will have lost nearly 50% of his testosterone supply. In addition, other factors (such as stress, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, the use of prescription medication and drinking) can cause testosterone levels to drastically decline. Although there is a growing awareness of the vital role testosterone plays in a man’s overall health, the vast majority of men still don’t recognize the key symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone Deficiency & Symptoms Of
Testosterone deficiency symptoms include depression, fatigue, low sex drive, irritability, loss of facial/body hair, thinning and/or wrinkling of skin, weight gain, and the weakening of both bone and muscle tissue. Eventually, imbalances of testosterone can set the stage for the development of more serious disease. Low testosterone levels can also disrupt the body’s blood sugar metabolism, leading to obesity and diabetes. Chronic deficiencies may also promote the early onset of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Benefits of Testosterone Support Supplementation
• testosterone supplements can increase your sex drive
• testosterone supplements increase muscle while decreasing fat
• testosterone supplements improve energy levels

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By: chester

Nitric Oxide, a key molecule manufacturered by the body, causes vasodilation (an expansion of the internal diameter of blood vessels), which in turn leads to increased blood flow, oxygen transport, delivery of nutrients to skeletal muscle and a reduction in blood pressure. An amino acid compound called arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (A-AKG) and arginine-ketoisocaproate (A-KIC) can boost short term Nitric Oxide levels. Increased strength and markedly improved stamina can also be expected. In fact, the results may be classified into three categories: 1) the promotion of an extended pump; 2) signaling muscle growth and speeding recovery; 3) increasing strength and stamina.

NO2 contains A-AKG and A-KIC, natural myodilators that may help boost nitric oxide levels in your body, thereby increasing blood flow, oxygen transport, and delivery of nutrients to skeletal muscle.

• NO2 contains A-AKG and A-KIC which may help your muscles experience an extended pump.
• NO2 contains A-AKG and A-KIC which may help your body signal muscle growth and speed recovery.
• NO2 contains A-AKG and A-KIC which may help improve your strength and stamina.
• NO2 utilizes the A-DS Advanced Delivery System which enhances absorption of the active compounds to insure uptake and help sustain powerful effects around the clock.

Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Everyone needs nitric oxide to carry out key physiological processes within the body. From a bodybuilder’s perspective, nitric oxide supplementation may prove useful in increasing growth due to increases in blood flow to certain areas of the body. Further, men suffering from erectile dysfunction may also find supplementing with nitric oxide helpful.

Signs of deficiency include the inability to achieve and sustain erections, physical weakness and extreme fatigue. Most “nitric oxide” supplements contain the amino acid Arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate.

What are the side effects?
With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping”. Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose.

Benefits
• improves strength and stamina
• increased muscle growth and recovery
• increases muscle pump

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By: chester

The body needs cholesterol for digesting dietary fats, making hormones, building cell walls, and other important processes. The bloodstream carries cholesterol in particles called lipoproteins that are like blood-borne cargo trucks delivering cholesterol to various body tissues to be used, stored or excreted. But too much of this circulating cholesterol can injure arteries, especially the coronary ones that supply the heart. This leads to accumulation of cholesterol-laden “plaque” in vessel linings, a condition called atherosclerosis.

When blood flow to the heart is impeded, the heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). If a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery affected by atherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death can occur.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. More than 90 million American adults, or about 50 percent, have elevated blood cholesterol levels, one of the key risk factors for heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s National Cholesterol Education Program.

Cholesterol lowering supplements containing Policosanol or Red Yeast Rice are known to assist in lowering cholesterol levels.

Policosanol
Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. It is a mixture of eight higher primary aliphatic alcohols isolated and purified from sugar cane wax. One of the newest and more successful substances that benefits those suffering from high cholesterol is Policosanol, which is a safe and natural extract from sugar cane wax. It works by helping the liver control production and breakdown of cholesterol. Policosanol promotes healthy platelet function and helps to maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Red Yeast Rice
Red Yeast Rice is the product of yeast ( Monascus purpureus ) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Red Yeast Rice is proposed to be a mild aid for gastric problems (indigestion, diarrhea), blood circulation and spleen and stomach health.

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By: chester

5 HTP, GABA and St. Johns Wort Mood Enhancers
What is 5 HTP Mood Enhancer? The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP), which comes from an African vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5–HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.

5-HTP mood enhancer is the precursor to serotonin. It improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in weight loss. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. Read more about 5 HTP Mood Enhancer supplements, click here.
What is GABA? A non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the “brain’s natural calming agent”. By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.

GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, discovered in 1950, is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and even seizures. GABA is able to induce relaxation, analgesia, and sleep. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are known to stimulate GABA receptors, and hence induce relaxation. Several neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and Parkinson’s disease are affected by this neurotransmitter.
What is St Johns Wort Mood Enhancer? Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John’s wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John’s wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have studied St John’s Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is “hypericin”, react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine), natural extracts from St. John’s Wort have shown to relax and soothe the psyche with minimal side effects.

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By: Dalvin Rumsey

Fat has become a real problem this days. Now, when looks are almost everything, everyone wants to have an enviable body. There are a lot of methods and myths that can help in loosing some extra pounds, so choosing the best could be very hard. One of the best weight loss methods is controlling your appetite. But this appetite control method is not so easy for everyone. And that’s where the weight loss pills and fad diets come to ease up the weight loss process.

First of all when you try to control your appetite you will surely feel hungry almost all the time. There are numerous methods to reduce hunger like trying to avoid carbohydrates, exposing yourself to natural sun light or drinking large quantities of water.

But i can tell you from my experience that you can do anything and you won’t loose the hunger feeling. But you can try other weight loss alternatives like diet pills. Don’t consider this diet pills like a substitute for a normal weight loss diet.

Weight loss pills are some kind of appetite suppressant that works well with a good weight loss diet and weight loss exercises. If you follow exactly the prescription and the indications this weight loss products can do miracles to your body.

Another good alternative for weight loss are fad diets. Fad diets are some weight loss plans that are supposed to bring you really amazing results. There are many good fad diets like the Atkins Diet, the three phases programmed South Beach Diet, the Sugar Busters. The Atkins Diet it’s based on avoiding any kind of carbohydrates. It is recommended in this weight loss diet to eat less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.

The South Beach Diet it’s based on choosing the right carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

The Sugar Busters weight loss diet is some kind of nutritional lifestyle that will teach you what to eat and when to eat. Exercises are also recommended in this fad diet. It’s based on avoiding sugar and grain products.

In conclusion, if you have a powerful will and you choose one of this great weight loss alternatives you will have the perfect body that you’ve always wanted.

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By: kael

Hard to believe that a diet that has been around since 1972 is still such a hot topic. Of course, a diet that advocates eating high protein, high fat food while cutting out most of the carbohydrates is a popular diet of choice today. Although it has come under some scrutiny over the last couple of years, one thing is for certain - this diet can lead to serious weight loss!

Jumping forward from 1972, Dr. Atkins published three books on his diet plans between 1992 and 2002. He has also published several companion books, like cookbooks, journals and various specialized dieting books. Using these books and his diet plan, a great amount of weight loss success has been achieved by numerous dieters.

Over the last few years, Dr. Atkins’ diet has not only been popular in homes, but in restaurants and grocery stores, as well. Many restaurants are now featuring an “Atkins” option, or low-carb selections based on his or other similar diet plans. Atkins Advantage is a company that is creating and distributing nutritional bars, shakes and other goods based on the Atkins diet in grocery stores, pharmacies and discount outlets nationwide.

One of the main draws of the Atkins diet is the fact that when you follow it, counting calories is not something that is required. No funny charts are used and no journal has to be kept (unless you choose to). You also don’t have to watch “portions” when you are on the Atkins diet. You can eat as much of certain types of food as you want, when you want, without worry. This leads to another of the pros of the diet - serious weight loss!

Another thing that attracts people to the Atkins diet is the fact that you can eat as much meat, cheese and eggs as you like. High fat, high cholesterol foods are not a “no-no” with the Atkins diet. As anyone who has been on a diet knows, you have to give up something when you choose to follow any kind of plan. This plan allows you to keep eating as much protein rich foods as you want.

One of the main complaints about the Atkins diet is its strict limitation of carbohydrates, which includes basic foods like bread, pasta, rice and even fruits. You can up your intake of eggs, cheese and any type of meat, but you have to practically eliminate any processed flours and sugars from your daily food intake. Some say even this is not that big of a problem in an age where artificial sweeteners can allow you those guilty pleasures, like ice cream. Also, if you stick with the diet long enough, those craving for carbs will not be as strong and easily managed. However, if you cheat and eat carbs occasionally to stop those cravings, they will come back stronger and stronger.

This diet has been criticized by others in the medical community, which might be seen as another drawback to the diet. It does not conform to the American Heart Association’s guidelines for a healthy heart due to its high levels of cholesterol and fatty foods. Other medical professionals also state that due to this diet’s low levels of dietary fiber, it can lead to constipation and bowel problems. It can also lead to high levels of uric acid and ketones in the body, since it is burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. These high levels can lead to problems with the kidneys and headaches.

Truthfully, if you are finding success with this diet, it could be the correct diet for you. However, if you are experiencing health problems or are not satisfied on this diet, it probably is not. As with other diets, the dropout rate of those who start the Atkins diet is high…so it obviously isn’t the best thing since “sliced bread”!

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By: S.A. Smith

An eating disorder is a life threatening condition that often requires professional assistance and support to overcome. If you think you have an eating disorder it is critical that you seek out the help and support you need to overcome your condition.

Beating an eating disorder can prove very rewarding and open new avenues of opportunity you never dreamed of. You will no longer be tied down by food and your emotional as well as physical health and well being will improve substantially.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE AN EATING DISORDER?
There are many signs and symptoms that are indicative of an eating disorder.
Consider asking yourself the following questions:

- Do you obsess about food and eating?
- Do you deny yourself food at times even when you feel hungry?
- Do you often withdraw from social activities involving eating?
- Do you often feel fat even if you are not fat or overweight?
- Do you exercise excessively after meals or to the point of pain or injury?
- Do you purge (vomit) after eating?
- Do you regularly use laxatives or diuretics to control your weight?
- Do you often eat large volumes of food uncontrollably?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have an eating disorder.

ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA
Anorexia is a type of eating disorder that is often characterized by starving oneself thin. People who are anorexic often do not allow themselves to eat more than 500 or less calories per day.
Bulimics tend to eat large quantities of food and then purge them, through vomiting or laxative use. Both anorexics and bulimics may exercise excessively. There are other types of eating disorders as well including binge eating disorder where you consume large quantities of food over and over again but don’t necessarily purge.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
If you feel you may have an eating disorder it is vital that you seek help. Recognizing that you may have a problem is actually the first step toward recovery. The good news is you can eat a healthy and well balanced diet that doesn’t require that you follow a strict or rigid routine. A flexible diet will help you remain fit and a normal weight. A nutritionist or dietician can help you develop a healthy and well balanced meal plan that is easy to follow and will help boost your spirits.

Eating disorders often result from distorted thinking about yourself, your body image and the way others perceive you. Part of recovering from an eating disorder requires that you recognize that your body isn’t related to your identity and that the two are actually separate. You may need professional help distinguishing between the two and identifying the triggers that are causing you to engage in distorted eating patterns.

Many eating disorders are simply a way to mask your emotional pain. If you have an eating disorder, don’t keep it a secret. Talk to friends or family members or seek assistance from your healthcare provider or an online support community. There are numerous groups online that can help you work through your emotional pain and start your journey toward healing.

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By: james ellison

It ought to be no eye opener that consuming whole foods is the most beneficial way to go if you are looking for nourishment and vitality when indulging the low carb way of life. Do you recognize that consuming low carb snacks every couple of hours during the day is excellent for your health and wellness? You have to indulge about every three hours in order to sustain a regular blood sugar level and maintain your vitality in balance. Many foods in the supermarket stores that are packed, enwrapped, or boxed just are not as wholesome. These lines of merchandise are boxed with components and spices that low carb dieters had better shy away from.

Low Carb Meals

A major advantage of consuming whole foods is that you can devour all of the unprocessed whole foods that you wish and still loose weight and look outstanding. Many vegetables, fruits, and protein from meats should be the heart and the soul of the low carb meals.

Definitely do not skimp on the fruits and vegetables!

To enjoy eating the fruits and vegetables try these plans of action:

a. When there are fruits that do not require to be preserved by chilling then save them in simple sight as much as feasible. Try to get into the habit of grabbing them as you go from and into the house.

b. While you do your grocery buying try some of the foods fixed at the salad bars. Those dishes have vegetables and fruits already cut and fixed for you to eat.

c. Search for vegetables and fruits that don’t require much peeling or fixing, ready to eat. Make it easy on yourself.

Don’t lose sight about the protein. Protein is a really crucial component of a healthy diet that is essential in establishing and fixing tissue. Comprehensive proteins from sources like eggs, meat, dairy or fish that has all of the required amino acids that the body needs.

Here are some samples of whole food and low carb protein sources that can be savored: sirloin, steak, buffalo, veal, bacon, tenderloin, chicken, turkey and eggs.

Low Carb Snacks

Many individuals have been trained to eat three big meals per day but this is in reality not the best way to set up your eating program if having a regular flow of energy is your objective. Furthermore to have more energy, eat lightly on low carb foods all the way through the day also helps you convert your food easier and helps in burning fat. Downing large meals during the day, particularly with a ton of starchy and sugary carbs, is in reality halting proper digestion and fat loss.

What types of low carb snacks can you eat? It is rather simple actually. What you do is snack on food that is low in carbohydrates and sugars.

Here are several suggestions to snack you into weight loss and steeper levels of energy by exercising the advantage of healthy and wholesome low carb snacks. Here are ten excellent ideas.

1. Pick your favorite sandwich meat and wrap some delicious cheese around it..
2. Place all natural peanut butter on celery sticks.
3. Good and creamy plain cottage cheese.
4. Chopped celery combined with tuna salad.
5. A low carb filling inside of bell peppers.
6. Already wrapped cheese sticks.
7. Eggs that are hardboiled.
8. A mixture of healthy nuts and seeds.
9. Stuffed tomatoes
10. Edible roast beef cubes.

All of these low carb snacking results are fast to prepare and easy to eat, particularly if you are constantly on the move. Of course there are many more prepared recipes that you can look into but when you are seeking something handy then these low carbs snacks should do the trick.
A great whole food that you can delight in while eating low carbs is cheese. Cheese is a wholesome food but you want to keep an eye for the higher fat calories. Look at cottage cheese, ricotta, cheddar, feta, and colby.

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By: chester

What is 5-HTP?
The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP), which comes from an African vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5–HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.

5-HTP and Serotonin
5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin. It improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in weight loss. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain.

5-HTP and Carb Cravings
Researchers believe that inadequate serotonin levels are in part responsible for the desire to overeat. Not surprisingly, obese individuals who crave carbohydrates usually show abnormally low levels of serotonin. Taking a 5-HTP supplement half an hour before a meal can ” turn off” cravings and hunger pangs by feeding the brains carbohydrate satiety center. In this way 5-HTP can be a great asset as part of a weight-loss regime.

5-HTP and Addiction
The use of many addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and certain narcotics, elevates serotonin levels. When these substances are eliminated, serotonin levels drop drastically, causing anxiety and cravings. Taking 5-HTP can stabilize serotonin levels and help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.

5-HTP and PMS
PMS sufferers report pain relief, as well as decreased irritability and mood swings from using 5-HTP. The supplement works by countering the hormone-induced decrease in serotonin levels that occur naturally during menstruation.

5-HTP and Sleep
Because of its calming effect, many rely on 5-HTP to alleviate stress-attacks, as well as to encourage restful sleep. Unlike sedative drugs, 5-HTP is not associated with unwanted side effects, such as disturbed sleep patterns or grogginess. It can be taken regularly one hour before retiring as a remedy for insomnia.

Side Effects
Very high intakes of 5-HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea pigs and both muscle jerks and diarrhea in mice. Injected 5-HTP has also caused kidney damage in rats. To date, these problems have not been reported in humans. “Serotonin syndrome,” a serious but uncommon condition caused by excessive amounts of serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation with 5-HTP; in theory it could be triggered by the supplement. However, the level of intake at which this toxic effect might potentially occur remains unknown.

Warnings
5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants, weight-control drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances known to cause liver damage, because in these cases 5-HTP may have excessive effects. People with liver disease may not be able to regulate 5-HTP adequately and those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive than others, to 5-HTP. These people should not take 5-HTP without consulting a knowledgeable healthcare professional. The safety of taking 5-HTP during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known at this time.
Conditions with low serotonin levels helped by 5-HTP:
• Depression
• Obesity
• Carbohydrate craving
• Bulimia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Chronic daily headaches
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

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