Energy Drink

It seems as though added sugar is in everything these days, from ketchup to salsa to soup. It is everywhere, I suppose, because we have come to expect it to be.

And it is not just the white stuff we need to worry about. “Refined carbohydrates,” such as white bread and white flour products, produce the same reaction in our bodies.

Researchers have linked sugar consumption to everything from cavities to wrinkly skin, as well as wide range of much more serious health problems.

Some research has been cited that says sugar has not been proven to be a direct cause to these health problems and may not even be directly linked to them, but when you consider that added sugar is basically non nutritional calories, the lack of nutrition and obesity can cause health problems in themselves.

Sugar, some researchers say, can lead to the damage of healthy cells, and can lessen the effectiveness of white blood cells, leading to a weakening of the immune system. Too much sugar means lots of empty calories, too, which can lead to obesity. As any parent knows, when you fill up on sugar, you simply are not hungry for nutritious meals. And sugar can make you hyperactive and irritable, too, as it knocks your body out of whack.

When you eat sugar, your blood sugar spikes. So your body secretes insulin, which sends your blood sugar crashing. The result? Irritability and fatigue. Plus, you are hungry again and probably craving another hit of sugar, and so the cycle repeats itself anew.

One of the nicest things you can do for your body (and your mood) is to reduce your intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates.

What is the Daily Recommended Sugar Intake?

The World Health Organization recommends reducing your intake of added sugars to less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake. That means, if you eat 2,000 calories, you should eat less than 12 teaspoons of sugar each day. The US Department of Agriculture also recommends limiting your consumption of added sugar to between 6 and 12 teaspoons of sugar each day, depending on your daily average caloric intake. (Six teaspoons a day for people who eat 1,600 calories; 12 teaspoons if you eat 2,200 calories each day.) Keep in mind that a single 12 ounce soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.

To find out how much sugar is in some of the items in your cupboards, look for Sugars (measured in grams) on the Nutrition Label. Then divide the number of grams by 4 to get the number of teaspoons. So, 12 grams of sugar is 3 teaspoons of sugar. Sixteen grams of sugar is 4 teaspoons.

How to Break Your Sugar Addiction

So how do you start to reduce your sugar intake? Here are some tips.

Try decreasing your intake of added sugar gradually. It can be difficult to suddenly cut all added sugar and refined carbohydrates. Try taking a week by week approach. One week, add less sugar to your morning coffee. Next week, replace your afternoon soda with bottled water. The following week, replace white bread with a whole grain alternative. Before long, you will find that the foods (and drinks) you used to love now taste sickeningly sweet. And you will likely find it easier to keep your moods on an even keel, too.

Keep notes on your sugar intake in your journal or Daytimer. How does decreasing your sugar levels impact your energy levels? Your mood during the day? Your ability to fall asleep at night? When do sugar cravings hit? It might be helpful to start with a Sugar Fast for a day or two. See how one day without added sugars affects you.

Make easy substitutions. Buy brown rice instead of white rice, for example. Brown rice has a nice, nutty flavor, and takes just a bit longer to cook. The next time you go to the store, experiment with all kinds of whole grain alternatives. You might find some new family favorites.

Keep healthy snacks readily available, and rely on a bit of protein in your snacks to keep your energy levels high. Keep a small bowl of nuts on the table, along with fresh fruits. When you are hungry for a mid afternoon snack, opt for lean protein and complex carbs.

Indulge in moderation. If you are a chocoholic, treat yourself to a square of fine chocolate at the end of a long day. When the chocolate is quality, you will not feel the need to have more and you will be more apt to take your time and savor it. When you do indulge in a sugary snack, keep it small, eat it slowly, and eat a bit of protein, too, to help moderate those blood sugar spikes and dips.

Dilute the fruit juice. If you or kids love fruit juice, try diluting it gradually to the point where you are just adding a splash to the top of water.

Become a sugar detective. You can start by knowing the alternate names for added sugars, often found in ingredients lists. These include any ingredient that ends in the suffix “ose,” including sucrose, dextrose, fructose, lactose, polydextrose, maltose, and galactose. Also, look for the following: corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, molasses, carob syrup, turbinado sugar, fruit juice concentrate, brown sugar, cane juice, cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, beet sugar, and sorbitol.

Avoid replacing added sugar with artificial sweeteners. Your best bet is to gradually reduce your taste for sweet foods, not to replace them with chemical alternatives. On ingredients lists, look for sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, and neotame.

Avoid the center of the supermarket as much as possible. That is where most of the processed foods are shelved. Instead, shop the perimeter for healthy, raw foods.

If you have young kids, go to the grocery store by yourself. You may be less apt to come home with sugary treats. Plus, you can take more time to examine the labels for hidden sugar. If your kids are grade school age or older, take them along and enlist their help as Sugar Detectives. Give them each a list of hidden sugars and artificial sweeteners and turn it into a game.

Carefully measure how much honey you put in your tea and how much sugar you put in your coffee. Aim to put in a bit less each day or each week until you are drinking it either unsweetened or with just a bit of sugar.

Buy items that are not sweetened, and add sugar only if you find that you need to. This will help you wean off the sugar gradually.

Steer clear of sugars for breakfast. When you start your day with a sugar blast and crash, you may find yourself in a vicious cycle for the remainder of the day. Start your day with healthy lean protein and complex carbs. Try natural whole grain breads and cereals for breakfast, along with a lowfat protein, such as skim milk, cottage cheese, or yogurt.

If you need to lose weight, consider a diet plan that focuses on reducing sugar intake. The Sugar Busters Diet Plan is probably the most well known. The idea of this diet is to reduce your intake of sugar and high starch carbohydrates, focusing instead on lean protein, low starch veggies, and whole grain carbs, in order to lose weight. Many of the low GI diets out there use this method, as well.

Be careful not to make sugar taboo in your household. With children, especially, when you swear off something completely, you run the risk of creating a mystique around the forbidden food. Instead of running a completely sugar free household, make sure your children understand the effects that sugar can have on their bodies and their moods, and then help them understand the beauty of moderation. Encourage them to eat low fat protein and help them develop a taste for healthy whole grain carbs.

Focus on well balanced, nutritious diet, instead of simply swearing off all sugar. Your cravings will slowly and naturally fade once you gain a better understanding of why they are cropping up in the first place.

(This article is for informational purposes only. Please discuss any dietary changes with your doctor.)

Jamie Jefferson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/breaking-the-sugar-addiction-16-tips-88786.html

When I visit large cities, I like to do a lot of walking. To explore and visit little back streets off the tourist tracks, inaccessible to tourist buses.

Most large cities are made for walking. How could you visit London without walking through Hyde Park and the markets of Notting Hill? When in Paris, visit the gourmet delights of the market areas around Rue De Montague. The area where the Parisians shop and live. Walking across Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge provides views that are breathtaking. You can stop, take photos and enjoy the discoveries that only walking can provide.

To fully enjoy these walks, you need to be healthy and fit. This article focuses on the importance of boosting your immune system before you travel and nutritional supplements to keep up your energy and fitness levels while traveling.

BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Up to 80% of people suffer some form of travel sickness, says Dr Jonathon Cohen, medical director of Travel Clinics Australia. Poor hygiene in eateries and a change of bugs going into your stomach are to blame. If you’re in a country where you don’t trust the food or water, the secret is to eat or drink it only if it has been boiled, cooked, bottled or peeled.

“Using a daily dose of a high quality acidophilus supplement while on holiday is also a great preventative treatment”, says Sharon Baker of the Wholistic Medical Centre in Sydney.

Her views are shared by two doctors who are well informed in the art of traveling in good health : Dr Robert Rountree, a frequent traveler and director of Boulder Wellcare of Boulder, Colorado and Dr Mark Wise, author of “The Travel Doctor: Your Guide to Staying Healthy While You Travel”.

Dr Rountree says you should start buttressing your immune system during the countdown to your trip. His main focus is improving the gastrointestinal system. Having a healthy GI tract frees up your body’s resources to fight other potential problems, especially respiratory bugs. Furthermore, if you are traveling overseas, you’ll have to deal with bacteria that your body is not used to.

To keep your GI system healthy, Dr Rountree recommends starting on a probiotic, containing healthy bacteria, several weeks before you travel. He suggests you take one a day starting several weeks before you leave and continue with it for the duration of your travels. For this reason, you should look for one that doesn’t require refrigeration.

To keep you regular, a daily intake of oat bran, psillium husks or other high fiber carbohydrates is suggested. For minor stomach upsets, I always take with me some ginger tablets. Ginger is a great stomach soother and is excellent for problems ranging from indigestion to relief from nausea, fever and seasickness.
A brand I have found to be particularly effective is “Travel Calm Ginger”.

BOOSTING YOUR ENERGY.

Dr Rountree advises travelers to get lots of antioxidants, natural viral disease fighters that help protect your immune system from potentially damaging free radicals. There are many available, but the two I take with me on my travels are also great energy boosters.

COENZYME Q10 is a powerful antioxidant present in all body cells and helps with the production of energy. It is an important for fuelling organs such as your liver and heart and is sometimes called your body’s “spark plug”. Both organs will be kept busy during your travels, so it is important to protect them.

KOREAN {PANAX} GINSENG is noted for improving stamina and is popular with those involved with endurance sports because of its anti fatigue effect. It is called an adaptogenic herb, as it enables the body to create more energy and vitality during the day and promotes relaxation at night. It has a tonic effect on the body and is popular in Asia primarily because of its fame for extending lifespan. It also increases resistance to stress and disease.

Graeme Lanham
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/your-travel-health-nutrition-for-fitness-and-energy-98808.html

Dental health is important to all of us. We buy special toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss and rinsing agents to help ensure that our smile is white, our teeth are cavity free and our breath is fresh. But, did you know that drinking tea may be one of the best (and simplest) things you can do to protect your teeth?

Well, it’s true. Tea has been shown to offer protection to our teeth. Tea is a natural source of fluoride, which is known to protect against tooth decay. This is great news for children, who need significant amounts of fluoride in order for tooth enamel to harden properly. When teeth harden properly in our youth, it protects us from cavities throughout our lives.

However, even for adults, whose teeth are fully formed, tea’s fluoride is a great way to protect your teeth. The fluoride found in tea has been shown to inhibit the growth of glucosyltransferase. This substance helps the plaque that naturally forms to adhere to our teeth.

Dentists in the UK have also reported that black tea disables certain forms of bacteria that work with sugars to form clumpy aggregates that stick to teeth. These dentists believe that drinking black tea reduces the total mass of dental plaque.

In addition, one study has suggested that green tea may inhibit the enzyme that causes plaque to form in the first place. Plaque is formed when an enzyme in your mouth mixes with sugar in the food you eat.

This study, reported by the UK Tea Council, looked at a sweet drink offered by a gourmet coffee house. This drink included sugar and whipped cream, but also included green tea. When the teeth of those who consumed this beverage were evaluated and compared to those who consumed heavily sweetened drinks that did not include green tea, the results were significant.

Even when the participants consumed the same amount of sugar, those whose drinks contained green tea did not have the same amount of plaque formation as those whose drinks were made with something other than green tea, leading researchers to conclude that green tea has a cleansing effect on the teeth.

And, for those of us concerned about bad breath, green tea may have good news, as well. Green tea also inhibits the growth of many of the bacteria that cause bad breath. So, drinking green tea on a regular basis may help keep your breath naturally sweet.

Not getting your daily dose of tea? Here are some simple ways to increase the amount of tea you’re getting each day.

Â? Skip that second cup of coffee – Even the most serious coffee connoisseurs can usually forego the second cup if given a cup of tea as an alternative.

Â? Make iced tea – It doesn’t matter whether your tea is hot or iced. The protective effects are the same. So, brew up a big pitcher of tea and keep it in the refrigerator for serving at and between meals.

Â? Grab a bottle – Today, major tea manufacturers offer green tea bottled like soda. This is a delicious replacement for your daily soda, and is far healthier.

Â? Carry tea bags – Carry tea bags in your purse or suit case. This makes it easy to have your favorite tea anywhere that hot water is available.

Â? Wind down in the evening. Many people avoid tea in the evening, because they fear the caffeine will inhibit sleep. However, both black and green teas are lower in caffeine than coffee, with green tea having less caffeine than black. In addition, the caffeine in tea doesn’t seem to cause jitters the way coffee and soda can. So, tea is a great way to wind down in the evening, most likely without interrupting your sleep.

Green or Black?

If you’re wondering whether you should be drinking green tea or black tea, you’re asking a good question. Both are healthy, but there are significant differences between the two.

Black tea is fermented during processing, which changes the natural anti-oxidant compounds. While black tea does contain anti-oxidants, and does offer many healthful benefits, those natural, unfermented anti-oxidant compounds in green tea are healthier.

Research has shown over and over that green tea’s anti-oxidants have significant power to protect health. Green tea has been shown to prevent cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease and to help reduce premature aging.

So, while black tea is definitely good for you, and is protective to your teeth, for the maximum overall health benefits, get your daily dose of green tea. Many scientists today suggest that for the maximum benefit to your dental health, you combine the two. Both are delicious and refreshing, making a wonderful drink any time of day. It may be one of the simplest ways you can protect your health – and your smile.

Marcus Stout
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/protect-your-teeth-drink-green-tea-106081.html

Unlike earlier times, people have now more options to stay healthy and live longer. The immense improvements in health science has resulted in new stocks of healthy sports drinks being manufactured. Since sports are played with a lot of enthusiasm and the sportsmen have to expend a lot of energy, they need to be constantly fed with something that can keep their energy levels up. Healthy sports drinks contain the necessary ingredients that can energize their body cells and make them feel refreshed.

Sportsmen have to exert themselves physically, which takes a heavy toll on their bodies. Since physical exertion saps a lot of energy, sportsmen need something to supplement their energy needs. Healthy sports drinks can work like an elixir for them.

Sportsmen sweat out a lot and face the risk of getting dehydrated. Healthy sports drinks help maintain optimum water level in their bodies. Healthy sports drinks are also known to improve oxygen flow in their blood. Sportsmen need a lot of stamina to optimize their performance in various sports meets and competitions. Remaining physically fit has to be their prime goal.

Experts are of the view that healthy sports drinks contain ingredients in the right proportion. People in the US take a lot of sodium, which is injurious to their health. Healthy sports drinks can help them by giving them the much needed energy while maintaining optimum level of sodium in their bodies. They also do not contain unnecessary stimulants and artificial substances that are not good for their healthy.

Markets are flooded with a variety of Healthy sports drinks with different flavors, tastes and ingredients. Sportsmen face intense competition and have to constantly keep themselves energetic and fit. If they take healthy sports drinks, they will have healthy bodies. This will help them compete in all the competitions and also win various sports titles.

James Harding
http://www.articlesbase.com/drinks-articles/healthy-sports-drinks-keep-sportsmen-physically-fit-603536.html

These days, more and more Americans are feeling overworked and overtired, lacking the energy needed to meet the responsibilities required for everyday life. This constant feeling of fatigue has become a part of the American way of life. Research has proven that the same processes that cause lack of energy in Americans can also keep us from getting an adequate amount of sleep, cause weight gain, disrupt hormonal balance, and add a significant amount of stress to ourdaily lives. However, people do not have to accept the pain, insomnia, or fatigue associated with chronic fatigue syndrome andfibromyalgia thanks to the following three step process called “Vitality 101.”

The first of the three steps is nutrition. Good overall nutrition is important for everyone. To obtain this, a foundation product that supports energy levels, such as a powdered drink mix, can ensure that you are getting all of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that you need. This drink should include the following ingredients: vitamin A, C, D, and E; magnesium; malic acid; betaine; selenium; zinc; amino acids; and frutooligosaccharides. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, mucous membrane, immune system responses, bone growth, and reproductive processes. In the form of beta-carotene, vitamin A is an antioxidant and a free radical fighter. Vitamin C, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, is an antioxidant free radical fighter as well as an assistant in hormone synthesis and a supporter of healthy skin integrity and iron absorption. Vitamin D is essential for healthy calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It is also responsible for the absorption of vitamin A and supports bone mineralization. Vitamin E, which helps oxygen circulation, supports healthy nerve transmissions, leg nerves and muscles, and helps boost energy levels. Magnesium supports enzyme activity involved in energy productions and healthy nerve and muscle function, as well as supports the immune system functions, while malic acid acts as a catalyst to stimulate the complete burning of fuel for energy. It also supports healthy connective tissue and muscle functioning. Betaine, which works with B vitamins, may have an effect on overall mood elevation. Where as selenium works with vitamin E to maintain healthy cell membranes and support healthy thyroid functioning. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, enzyme processes, and immune response. Amino acids are essential for the production of energy in the body, which is essential for brain function. Finally, fructooligosacchardies provide nutrition for good bacteria in the intestinal tract which improves digestion and healthy microflora. In addition to the powdered energy drink mix, it is important to take a high potency vitamin B-complex supplement that includes riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, and choline, which are each important in restoring the energy production needed in your body. It is also very important to get enough water.

The second step of the process is to rest your body. Because having trouble sleeping is one of the most troubling symptoms of stress and can cause pain and hormonal and immune dysfunction, it is important to break the stress/insomnia cycle early. It may be helpful to use herbal products in order to get the good quality sleep that will repair and re-energize the body. Although there are many formulas that are marketed for sleep, it is very important that the right ingredients are in the sleep formula that you buy. This formula should include herbs that promote deep sleep including: valerian, L-theanine, hops, passionflower, Jamaica dogwood and wild lettuce. Wild lettuce has been found to have sedative effects and similarly hops acts as a mild sedative and has a sleep inducing effect. Similar to hops and wild lettuce, Jamaica dogwood has been found to be mildly sedative and it is often used for anxiousness. L-theanine causes a significant increase of neurotransmitter concentrations in the brain which promotes muscle relaxation and improves sleep. Valerian has been clinically proven to improve sleep quality. Lastly, passionflower eases nervousness and insomnia. Each of these herbs addresses a different aspect of sleeplessness, making the combination very important.

The third step in this process is to manage excess stress levels. In the world we live in today, it is important to manage the stressors in our lives. Adrenal extract, as well as other glandular extracts, can offer natural support to help our bodies deal with the effects of stress. In turn, they can also boost your energy levels. Exercise is also a good way to reduce stress and is important for good health. Not only can stress cause you sleepless nights, it can also lead to adrenal burnout or adrenal fatigue, which occurs when the adrenal glands are constantly producing cortisol in response to chronic stress. However, when stress is decreased, changes in our hormone levels can return to normal. The key is learning how to deal with daily stress so that the body is able to return to its normal state.

In addition to stress control, it is important to provide yourself with an adrenal supplement to improve the health of your adrenal glands and repair them when they are malfunctioning. If your adrenal glands are stressed-out, great results can be seen from taking a raw adrenal supplement. Be sure to buy a supplement that contains whole adrenal and cortex adrenal as well as vitamin C, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, and licorice. The adrenal glands use these nutrients to manufacture cortisone and other compounds. Liver extract also improves energy levels by providing an excellent source of nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and other minerals. It has been shown to support healthy function of the liver and increase the energy levels inside our body. A high-quality liver extract supplement should be cold-processed and encapsulated to enhance speed and absorption of nutrients from the liver because heat will destroy the key components in the liver. Along with the above listed nutrients, there are many other natural alternatives that promote relaxation and increase energy levels during the day. Rhodiola rosea relieves stress and increases energy as well as lifts our moods, improves sexual satisfaction, and helps in certain nervous system disorders. Remember to consult your health care practitioner before changing any medications. The above mentioned vitamin supplements are available at your friendly internet health food store.

Darrell Miller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/boost-energy-and-reduce-stress-naturally-126475.html

[Adapted from http://www.cityslim.com]

By now, weâ??ve all seen the â??Diets donâ??t work,â? campaign by Weight Watchers or have heard this mantra uttered at some point during this year. So what does work? Is Weight Watchers really the answer? Why do these types of programs work for some people, but not others? The answer is that they encourage active planning and strategizing! Want to know the secret? CitySlim will show you how to lose weight and keep it off!

Hereâ??s the good news: the science of weight loss is simple! â??To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended,â? states the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans in their 2005 Weight Management Recommendation. Basically, what goes in (in terms of food and calories) must come out (in terms of physical activity and energy expenditure). In order to lose weight and prevent gradual weight gain over time, â??make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.â? You can look at weight management as different equations.

To maintain weight: calories in = calories expended (or calories burned during physical activity)

To lose weight: calories burned > calories consumed

You will gain weight if: calories consumed > calories burned

The key component of â??dietary therapy for weight loss in overweight patients is a low calorie diet (LCD) with 800-1500 kilocalories/day.â?[i] LCDs can reduce body weight by 8% over six months accompanied by significant reductions in waist circumference.[ii] To achieve a weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week, the National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends a 500-1000 calorie deficit. Hereâ??s how to start planning your way to weight loss.

15% of your calories should be from protein (0.8-1.5 g/day of protein of high biological value, such as from animal foods, which also promote satiety).

30% of your calories may come from fat.

55% or more of your calories should be from carbohydrate.

Remember though: weight is only lost when either caloric intake is decreased, when energy output is increased, or both are simultaneously altered to produce a net energy deficit (Dwyer).[iii] â??If the energy deficit lasts long enough, body fat and weight are lost in a linear manner. The slope of the decline is determined by the size of the calorie deficit.â?[iv]

CitySlim also recommends: consuming lots of fiber from plant foods, as they are low in calories but will make you feel fuller. Also, avoid high sodium intake because you will retain fluid and temporarily increase body weight.

To achieve reasonable weight loss, it is helpful to modify the LCD to your own personal calorie needs using a calculation invented by Dwyer. First, calculate your resting metabolic rate (RMR) using the following equation (adapted from Dwyer, 1994).

Male RMR = 900 + [10 x Weight in kg]

Female RMR = 700 + [7 x Weight in kg]

Now, take your RMR (an approximation of fasting energy needs at rest) and then multiply by the appropriate activity factor to estimate your Total Energy Expenditure (TEE). Activity factors are: 1.2 for very sedentary, 1.4 for moderately active, and 1.8 for very active. Finally, subtract 500 calories a day from your TEE, aiming for 1 pound of weight loss per week. For larger individuals, the deficit could be greater than 500 calories, but do not rush into making yourself too uncomfortable because maintaining this calorie deficit is more important that rapid initial weight loss. Also, when weight loss is too large, your metabolism will slow down and so will rate of weight loss.

As an example: I am a female weighing 115 lbs. To convert pounds to kilograms, multiply pounds by 0.45 kilograms. 115 (0.45) = 51.75 kg. My RMR is 700 + [7 x 51.75 kg] = 700 + 362.25 = 1062.25 calories I need at rest. I am moderately active, so multiplying 1062.25 x 1.4, I get my TEE: approximately 1487. To lose weight, I subtract 500 calories from 1487, and my daily caloric intake should be: approximately 987 calories.

Once your desired weight loss is attained, it is important to balance your caloric intake with physical activity. Use the TEE equation to determine your approximate energy expenditure and design a balanced diet that does not exceed that number in calories.

When comparing the various popular diets of today, no single diet stands out with weight loss as the major consideration. The National Weight Control Registry finds low fat, calorie restricted diets to be the most common among successful weight loss maintainers. With healthy intake as the standard, Weight Watchers, the Ornish Diet, and the Glucose Revolution are all acceptable. Weight Watchers social support and group weigh-ins are powerful tools for weight loss and maintenance, but instead of calories, the â??pointsâ? system is used. Be careful though; Weight Watchers assigns 0 points to most vegetables so they may be consumed in unlimited quantities, but in reality, they DO have calories and, in excess consumption, can impair weight loss. The Ornish Diet and Glucose Revolution are helpful to follow because they provide sample menus that may be followed that incorporate balanced macronutrients, such as protein, carbohydrate, and fat.

Stick to a plan that works for you. Take sample meals from one or more diets and make sure you burn more calories than you consume!*

*Before altering your dietary habits or embarking on a specific weight loss regimen, it is always best to consult with your physician.

READ MORE ON http://www.cityslim.com!

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[i] Wolper C, â??Nutritional Aspects of Weight Loss;â? Lecture at Institute of Human Nutrition: January 29, 2008.

[ii] Wolper C, â??Nutritional Aspects of Weight Loss;â? Lecture at Institute of Human Nutrition: January 29, 2008.

[iii] Dwyer JT. Dietary and nutritional assessment of the individual. Shils M.E. Olson J.A. Shike M. eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease (8th Ed):842-860 Lea & Febiger Philadelphia, Penn, 1994.

[iv] Wolper C, â??Nutritional Aspects of Weight Loss;â? Lecture at Institute of Human Nutrition: January 29, 2008.

Cityslim.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/the-real-way-to-lose-weight-377783.html

The kidney

The purpose of the two kidneys is to filter the water in your blood as the blood passes through the kidneys. About 4 gallons of water are filtered every day but only around 3 pints are pulled out as urine.

Alcohol and sugar are the most damaging to the kidney since they kill kidney cells and weaken the kidney function.

Water is the major way the body keeps toxins from accumulating in the body and skin. You need to drink plenty of clean water daily so the kidneys can remove toxins and excess nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the blood.

When you drink plenty of water, the skin does not have to act as a filter to filter out excess waste from the blood since it is been filter and excreted, as urine, by your kidney.

Water also is needed to keep your skin moist. Water in the skin layers helps to protect the skin from bacteria and toxins that try to pass into your skin.

The more fresh juices you drink and the more fruit or vegetables you eat, the less water you need to drink. All juices contain plenty of distilled water, which contributes to your daily water requirement.

Drinking sodas and other drinks that have sugar cannot be counted as water.

The Lungs

You have two large sacs that are called your lungs. As you breathe in air, the lungs pull oxygen out of the air, which is captured by your blood, routed to your liver, moved into your heart and then moved into all parts of your body.

As you breathe out, waste and carbon dioxide are pushed out through your mouth.

Your cells use oxygen to create energy for you to live by. You need energy for every movement your body does. Oxygen is also used to neutralize toxins, waste and pathogen. The more toxins, acid waste and pathogens you have in your body, the more oxygen is used up to neutralize them. This means you will have less oxygen for cell, organ and other body functions.

If the other elimination channels are weak and overloaded, the lungs will also become overloaded trying to get rid of toxic waste the other channels cannot get rid of.

When your lungs become overloaded with toxins or become weak, more waste stays in the body, making your body more toxic, acidic and susceptible to disease and infections. If you have kidney weakness, liver weakness, lung weakness mostly likely you will have skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and many other types of skin disorders.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It consists of a series of tubes, large and small, that cover your entire body. Through these tubes flows whitish liquid called lymph. Since this system does not have a pump, the lymph is pushed through the tubes by your body’s movement or exercise.

Lymph liquid surrounds all of your body cells and is responsible for bringing nutrients to your cells from the blood and to move away toxins that come out of the cells.

Toxins and pathogens that are in your lymph liquid are moved into lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, this toxic matter is neutralized into harmless chemicals and then moved into the blood and are eliminated through the other channels of elimination.

The lymph liquid is composed of electrolyte minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium phosphorus, and chloride. So strong lymph liquid is built when you eat fruits and vegetables.

When the lymph nodes become overwhelmed with toxic waste from the cells and the blood, they become inflamed and cannot keep the body free of toxic matter.

Excess toxic waste accumulates in the lymph liquid when your body does not have enough electrolyte minerals to neutralize this toxic acid waste. Now, your body is a considered acid and will have a difficult time fighting infections wherever they occur, including your face.

When you lymph system becomes weaken, it is unable to detoxify toxins and routes them into the blood where the liver is expected to clean the blood.

Keeping you lymph system strong is important for keeping your skin free of blemishes, skin disorders, eczema and acne.

Rudy Silva
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-the-kidney-lungs-and-lymphatic-system-keep-you-acne-free-123848.html

They say that great artists are made, not born. The same could also be said for athletes. Of course, genetics plays a large part in differentiating a mere athlete from a sports champion, but to be able to attain that legendary status in the Hall of Fame, an aspiring sportsman must go through the strictest of diets that will help shape and strengthen the physique.

By drinking sufficient amounts of water and consuming a balanced diet, the body can generate a lot of energy which will greatly help in boosting for top athletic performance.

What are the factors to be considered in designing a complete and healthy natural sports nutrition program?

1. Hydration
Obviously, the most important thing in natural sports nutrition is water. The significance of water can never be discounted because the human body is composed of sixty percent of it, and every bodily function cannot work without water. The good old eight-cups-of-water-a-day recommendation is essential because the body must replace the water it eliminates, like sweat and urine.

Here are some helpful reminders to maintain proper hydration:
-Instead of slugging humongous amounts of water in infrequent sittings, drink small portions in frequent durations.
-Cold beverages aid the body in cooling down body temperature, therefore cutting down the amount of sweating.
-One should drink 2-3 cups of water for every pound that the body losses after exercising.

2. Sources of Fuel
A balanced diet is another must for natural sports nutrition. Athletes must acquire the perfect combination of calories that can be consumed from protein, carbohydrates and fats, which are great sources of energy.

Carbohydrates are the most important fuel source, which can be found in foods such as breads, pastas, rice, fruits, veggies and cereals. These foods can supply the body about seventy percent of the needed daily calories. Carbs provide the body the power and endurance it needs for short-duration activities that involve maximum level of intensity. This fuel comes from the energy given by sugar and starches that the body converts.

Here are strategies to maximize the potential of carbs:
-Start loading up on carbs at least several days before prior to the competition.
-Carbs should be consumed in greater amounts in the duration of activities that lasts more than one hour to fend off the onset of fatigue.

Another imperative factor in natural sports nutrition is proteins. Athletes should eat lots of dairy, eggs, meats, fish and chicken, along with nuts and beans. Protein supplies as much as fifteen percent of calories in the body. To determine the amount of protein needed by an athlete, the following factors should be considered: his fitness level, the type of exercise along with its duration and intensity, and his overall carb and calorie intake.

The last fuel source that is important for natural sports nutrition is fats. There are two kinds: saturated and unsaturated. Although it is a significant component in nutrition, the intake of fats should be strictly monitored. Too much consumption of fats may lead to major health problems such as cancer and heart disease.

The road to sports excellence is not easy. Along with fostering courage and determination, athletes have to follow the strict regimen brought on by natural sports nutrition. But all of these will be worth the trouble once victory is achieved.

Paul Hata
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/health-and-natural-sports-nutrition-for-the-champions-542960.html

Generating Power Introductions

The Seminar Coach.biz

In the world of sales there are three ways to build your business. The first is to gain new business from existing clients. This is like the old riddle: what came first the chicken or the egg? What I mean is that without a large base of clients, living from additions becomes difficult. The second is constantly cycling through leads generated through advertising or that have been purchased from a lead company. While a viable way to build a business, the response rate may be low and respondents unqualified. This can be frustrating and lead the less disciplined to failure. There is another way to generate prospects and these prospects are generally qualified. These prospects come to us via referrals or in our case INTRODUCTIONS.

I choose not to use the word referrals. This term has saturated the consciousness of our clients. Some may go as far as to say that the word referral has a negative connotation. Most people typically come into contact with the word â??referralâ? when they visit their doctor. When the medical issue becomes escalated they are â??referredâ? to a specialist. On the other hand, most people come into contact with the word â??introductionâ? at parties, during business, etc. My point is that introductions occur in every day life and most people are comfortable with this term. This article will cover what I feel are the 10 Golden Rules for Generating Power Introductions.

10 Golden Rules

Generating Power Introductions

Have the COURAGE to do and be something different.

The first step to adding a â??new wrinkleâ? to your business is to allow yourself to be fearful. However, do not let the fear paralyze you. Taking action in the face of fear is called courage. The scope of your business relationships is directly correlated to the amount of professional courage you possess.

Create memorable and valuable EXPERIENCES.

When clients are asked about their feelings regarding a product or service, they refer to the experience they have had with the people associated with the product or service. One of the most powerful ways to secure a client for life is to provide that person with a memorable experience. This is what separates one commodity or intangible from another.

VALUE is only received when VALUE is perceived.

Many sales people expect that their prospects can easily identify why they should purchase the product or service being offered. Why not? Did they not drink the same Kool Aid that the salesperson drank? We sometimes pummel our prospects with features, which sometimes can be abstract in their minds. This abstract feature is only a value in your eyes. One of the greatest obstacles for the presenter is taking abstract features and bringing them into real world benefits to the client. I call this taking an idea from NASA to the Kitchen Table. One of the most effective ways to do this, is to show the prospect or audience how the Feature will impact them at their level and become a â??Kitchen Table Valueâ?.

SEEK opportunities for INTRODUCTIONS.

Some salespeople get unsolicited introductions from clients. It is generally accepted that 20% of your book will provide unsolicited introductions. It is also generally accepted that 60% will provide them if given the right circumstances. Seek introductions from the 60% of your book not yet providing you with introductions. Of course you will run into the 20% that will never give referrals, but at least you will know who they are. Do you have the courage to face NO?

CREATE opportunities for INTRODUCTIONS.

Make it easy for the 60% willing to give you introductions. Create events and activities where they can bring friends and colleagues. If you build it, they will come. Sound familiar? Seminars are a great way to create your field of dreams.

People donâ??t CARE what you know, unless they know that you CARE.

If you are not participating in community and charitable events that benefit others, you are missing out in one of the most rewarding ways to build your business. I have seen producers double and triple there business by making the â??rightâ? contacts. Many of these contacts have come from people who deeply like the producers. So how can you generate â??likeâ? with a large group of people? Become a visible activist in a cause you genuinely care about. Those supporting that cause become your ally.

DEVELOP and PROTECT your PERSONAL BRAND.

Howard Schultz, the chairman of Starbucks once said, â??Customers must recognize that you stand for something.â? I suggest that you make that â??somethingâ? a trait that would lead them to doing business. Are you the responsive and responsible business person? Or, are you the flightly, unorganized Snake Oil salesperson? Your answer carries little weight, it is the answer provided by your clients and prospects that matter. If you arenâ??t confident in their responses, then you have a branding issue.

You will receive 1/3 of the INTRODUCTIONS YOU MAKE. The people who become clients are 2xâ??s more likely to INTRODUCE YOU to others.

It will become crystal clear as to why it is important to create an â??introduction basedâ? business. By providing introductions during networking events, you will create a flow of introductions back to you. The clients generated from introductions are more apt to provide continuing introductions to you.

REWARD â??INTRODUCERSâ? within COMPLIANCE guidelines.

Once you have received an introduction, reward the one who introduced you. The reward should be given whether or not the prospect becomes a client. The â??giftâ? should be tasteful and very visible. I am not against the â??thank youâ? dinner, however after the meal has been eaten and the wine drunk who else will know of what you did? I prefer the â??thank youâ? that keeps giving. A gift that the â??introducerâ??sâ? friends will see and ask about is my preference. A round of golf for four (client and three friends), four theatre tickets etc. makes for an effective thank you gift.

CREATE an INTRODUCTION KIT.

No one is better suited to sing your praises than you. Clients can give you an introduction, but it is not likely that they can sell you. Help your clients to sing your praises by providing them a kit that spells out why a prospect should do business with YOU and your company. The kit should include not only your services, but also professional introductions you can make to provide a â??one-stopâ? solution to the prospect.

Remember: 60% of your clients are willing to introduce you to their friends and colleagues. Make it as easy as possible for them to make the introduction that can change your professional life. We are all six degrees of Kevin Bacon.

John is the founder of The Seminar Coach.Biz. He lives in Tampa Florida with his wife and three boys. John has been helping financial professionals break through the barriers of mediocrity for over 15 years. He can be reached at jlomba@forcelife.com.

The Seminar Coach.biz
http://www.articlesbase.com/viral-marketing-articles/generating-power-introductions-96120.html

Do you want a natural energy solution to building better energy reserves? Do you drink more and more coffee and energy drinks each day and still feel drained? Americans consumed $3.5 Billion dollars in energy drinks in 2005 and it does not look like we are slowing down.

We used to get our energy with the food we consumed and an occasional cup of coffee or tea. Along with that, just forty to fifty years ago our soils were not depleted. Our farmland’s topsoil contained all the trace minerals needed by our cells to keep our body functioning properly. Now, with technology, companies are producing “instant energy gratification” in the form of quick acting energy drinks and high powered espresso drinks.

There seems to be a Starbucks on every corner and multitudes of energy drink options in every convenience store. Many Americans are getting through their day by guzzling several energy drinks or iced lattes.

Want to be able to increase your activity? Or, have enough energy after a day of work to go work out? Do you want improved energy, have more focus and boost your immune system?

Here are several natural ingredients that will rebuild your energy levels allowing you to cut back on those energy drinks and coffee.

Cayenne
Cayenne is a pepper well known for its benefits to the circulatory system. Cayenne also boosts metabolism. It aids the body to balance pressure levels and resist abnormal bleeding. Cayenne also nourishes the digestive system. This plant assists in the body’s utilization of other herbs, when used in an herbal combination.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a well-known herb to health-conscious consumers. It is high in nutrients, which are drawn into the plant from deep in the soil. The richest land source of trace minerals, the roots of Alfalfa plants have been known to reach as much as thirty feet deep! The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. They are also a source of protein, vitamin E and vitamin K. Alfalfa nourishes the digestive, skeletal, glandular, and urinary systems. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, which is renowned for its cleansing qualities.

Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a rich source of many nutrients, including amino acids. Bee pollen contains easily assimilated protein and lecithin, which nourish the brain and nervous system. Bee Pollen nutritionally supports the body in many ways, including assisting with vitality and a feeling of well-being. It has been used by athletes to maintain energy and stamina.

Kelp/Spirulina
Kelp contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands (especially the thyroid and pituitary). By enhancing the action of the glandular system, it helps balance the body’s metabolism and rate at which it burns calories. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels. Because of its high nutrient content, this herb is reputedly beneficial for a wide range of applications. It is known to nourish the sensory nerves, brain membranes, also spinal cord and brain tissue. Kelp contains alginic acid which can help protect the body against the effects of radiation. These energizing “super foods” are some of the most nutrient-rich substances produced by nature.

Ginseng, Schisandra and Licorice
Siberian Ginseng can be used in cases of stress, depression and low libido. Siberian Ginseng and Schisandra and Licorice, are herbs known as adaptogens. Adaptogens help us to cope with the changes in our environment both emotionally and physically; they support and ultimately promote overall health and by promoting our physical and mental strength; they help our body adjust to variances in diet and environmental factors. Licorice supports the adrenal glands and plays a crucial role in countless metabolic steps to convert fats, protein and carbohydrates into energy. It is included in every adrenal boosting product on the market and many times taken by itself to boost the adrenals.

Guarana
From seeds of an Amazon vine plant. Guarana is a tonic very similar to caffeine and boosts the adrenal glands and stimulates cerebral functions. It provides energy and alertness. It has a very similar chemical structure to that of caffeine, but releases its energy more slowly into our system making it a little better for your system than regular caffeine.

Maca
The South American country of Peru hosts a great variety of beneficial plants, including Maca, a legendary sex-enhancing root passed down from the Inca. It provides energy benefits to both men and women. It has been called “Peruvian ginseng,” even though it bears no relation to ginseng. But like ginseng, the plant is employed to increase strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function.

Yohimbe
Yohimbe. The benefits of yohimbe are a subject of much controversy. Yohimbe is used to help build muscle, improve sexual function, reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and prevent heart attacks. Because it stimulates the central nervous system, it has been used to treat narcolepsy and for weight loss. It is a great metabolism booster. Yohimbe increases fatty acid mobilization, decreasing fat synthesis, which means it not only aids in weight loss, but actual fat reduction. Yohimbe is popular with bodybuilders. By stimulating the production of testosterone, it can help build muscle mass. Be careful with Yohimbe, as this herb will naturally get your heart racing fast.

Marty Meshek
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/energy-drinks-vs-natural-energy-boosters-98551.html