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Archive for July, 2010

There are some exciting results from recent clinical trials and research that shows that
you may be able to reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease by following a heart healthy diet
regimen.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but recent studies indicate that prevention of
Alzheimer’s disease may be possible by including nutrient rich foods in the
diet.

The research results from several neurological studies and white papers presented to
prestigious medical journals report that diet may play a major role in the prevention of
Alzheimer’s disease.

The research funded by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Center at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine offers T a ray of hope in an otherwise
grim area of medical research.

The reality of advanced Alzheimer’s is “once the gooey amyloid material accumulates
and the nerve endings are poisoned and the cells have died, it is very hard to think
seriously about repairing damage that severe” states Dr. Gandy, who conducts research
on Alzheimer’s disease.

The simple solution for this complex diseases may be “eating healthy”. Heart healthy foods
seem to reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s.

“When patients reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease they also reduce their risk
factors for Alzheimer’s”. reports Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, an assistant professor of neurology
at Columbia University Medical Center in New York , “People who eat a diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, olive oil, legumes, cereals and fish have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s
disease”.

Dr. Scarmeas continued – “These nutrient rich foods could be helping avoid Alzheimer’s
disease by providing protection from oxidative stress or by reducing inflammation in the brain”.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Slow Decline

Another nutrient dense ingredient found in Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown in
associative studies to slow the cognitive decline in some patients with very mild Alzheimer’s
disease. However, these supplements do not appear to affect people with more advanced cases
of the disease, according to a team of Swedish researchers.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods like salmon, tuna and flaxseed. These fatty acids contain
heart healthy fats. In still another study from the University of Wisconsin, Omega -3 fatty acids
were shown to be “flammable” inside our bodies and burned off cholesterol raising types of fat thus
reducing the risk for high cholesterol and heart related problems.

How Does Omega-3 Prevent Alzheimer?

“The ways by which omega-3 fatty acids interferes in Alzheimer’s disease
pathophysiologic features are not clear, but since anti-inflammatory effects are an
important part of the profile of fish oils, they are conceivable also for Alzheimer’s
disease,” writes Dr. Gandy.

Researchers write. “It is possible that when the disease is clinically apparent,
the neuropathologic involvement is too advanced to be substantially attenuated by anti-inflammatory
treatment.” Dr. H. Gandy

In laymen’s terms, starting a preventative healthy eating regimen including omega-3 supplements can be
beneficial in the prevention and the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. As a preventative measure, omega-3′s should be part of a healthy diet. However, in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, there is little that can be done
to repair damaged brain tissue.

Abnormal changes takes place in the brain of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease .
As these changes occur, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will advance through the stages of
the Alzheimer’s.

Over the course of the disease nerve cells, responsible for learning and memory functions
start to break down and eventually die. As a result, certain aspects of brain functioning
that control memory, behavior, personality, and other bodily functions, can be lost.

These recent papers reveal a consensus that focus on the concept that diet is a critical
component in controlling and perhaps preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Several clinical
trials and the resulting reports point clearly to the idea that early intervention will
have the greatest effect on controlling symptoms.

Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of the ways to support your vision. As early as in our 30′s, our eyes and vision can begin to deteriorate. Wind, dust, chlorine fumes, automobile fumes, smoking, freezing temperatures and physical injury are examples of threats to healthy eyes and good vision. Long hours spent at a computer screen and the vibration from driving have a cumulative negative impact on eye health over time.

Healthy vision is related to the health of the individual parts of the eye – the cornea, iris, macula, lens, optic nerve, pupil, retina and the vitreous humor. And making good ocular nutrition and eye health food choices are one of the ways that good vision can be supported. Information provided by the U.S. National Eye Institute and the results of other ocular nutrition and eye health studies have shown that using nutrition to improve and support eye health definitely happens.

Here are foods that are known to support and improve eye health:

Collard greens, kale and spinach – studies on ocular nutrition and eye health show that eating foods rich in carotenoids is associated with reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Foods rich in carotenoids are leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale. Macular eye nutrition becomes increasingly important as we get older.

Green vegetables and corn – another study on ocular nutrition and eye health has shown a reduced risk of developing cataracts for persons having diets higher in lutein and zeaxanthin. Foods high in these two carotenoids include broccoli, collard greens, corn, green peas, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens and zucchini. Lutein is also found in egg yolks. Persons with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin were also less likely to need cataract surgery. In another study done on persons ages 40-59, those with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin experienced a reduced risk of developing adult macular degeneration.

Apricots, bilberries and blueberries – apricots are rich in beta carotene and lycopene that help promote good vision. Beta carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A as needed, an important antioxidant that resists oxidative stress damage to cells and tissues including the eye lenses. Continued oxidative stress may result in the development of cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and lead to macular degeneration. Eating blueberries has been associated with the reduction of eye fatigue.

Blueberries are related to cranberries, and both also help the body resist urinary tract infections. Bilberries are a form of wild blueberry that grow on small bushes. Bilberries were used by British pilots to improve their night vision during World War 2. Fresh bilberries and bilberry jams would be sources of this ocular nutrition and eye health food. Bilberry seems to improve eye health by increasing the blood supply to the eyes.

Our eyes are considered to be the most important of the senses. By knowing which ocular nutrition and eye health food choices support the eyes, you can include more of these foods in daily meal planning.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing.

Current research analytics indicate that the protein requirement is 0.8g to 0.9g/kg of body weight for healthy people who are less active. But visits to the gym would sure boost the requirement for additional nutrition proportionate to the level and intensity of the work out. Moreover, studies have shown that the inclusion of protein in sports recovery drinks can improve recovery periods and largely reduce post exercise stress and fatigue after strenuous training. Muscle glycogen has the capability to provide energy for some high intensity work outs but once these reserves are used up and depleted, the muscles have a tendency to become fatigued and might result in cramps, that is why we see people religiously sipping their energy shakes and health drinks after strenuous workouts.

Unless Muscle glycogen is replaced immediately after exercise you won’t feel fit and be ready for other activities during the day and to recover in time for the next day workout. It has been found that the post exercise muscle glycogen synthesis is 40 – 50% faser with a carbohydrate/protein mixtures compared with carbohydrate only drinks. The presence of protein appears to enhance insulin secretion primarily influenced by the carbohydrates, producing an increased rate of muscle glycogen synthesis.

Looking at the many hundred option available in the sports nutrition scene, Nutrisport products have a following that is hard to beat, and the reason being drinks like Nutrisport Protein and Complex Carbs, which now comes added with Creatine ethyl ester, Creatine monohydrate, l-glutamine, arginine alpha ketoglutarate, lysine and a lot more to create an ‘all in one power packed protein drink’. Nutrisport claims that there are enough muscle building ingredients in its drink to rival any off the better know ‘all in ones’ and that too at a faction off their price. A maximum of 2-3 shakes off the new Nutrisport ‘all in one’ a day and you wont ever have to think about the countless other supplements on the market today.

The Nutrisport Protein+Complex Carbohydrates fuels muscle growth and accelerate fat loss with the ideal blended ratio of complex carbohydrates and whey protein thus positioning itself as an ideal, dynamic, supplement that can be adapted for muscle growth and fat burning whatever your sport.

Nutrisport is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of sports nutrition and unlike many competitors, Nutrisport designs and manufactures their own products at the Nutrisport factory which enables them to deliver a wide range of products, all manufactured with great care and to the highest of standards. That is the reason that the brand name Nutrisport commands such respect in the sports circles, among high performance athletes and body builders, in particular. Some health drinks, shakes and supplements are made famous by marketing, chile some grow on their own from word of mouth or testimonials from users of the particular brand. Nutrisport is one such brand that made it big due to its result oriented sports nutrition products like 90+Protein, ATP Muscle Fuel, All Whey and Amino Bomb to mention a few. The sales figures of these Nutrisport shakes, drinks and supplements are the true indicators as to the positive effects of what high impact sports nutrition does to anybody who is into weights and workouts and that is why Nutrisport is No.1 in all of Europe.

I wish I had body like that college dude? Wish to have that fantastic figure but it’s not easy for you? Need to show that next door neighbor what it is to deal with this excessive weight? These are the questions which sometimes haunt us even in our sleep are you facing the same problem then not to worry cause all you need to do is change your lifestyle a little.

Keep a check on what you eat and in what quantity do you eat. Everyone in today’s world is trying to make it big where we pay very little or no importance to our body. However here is the issue to which we need to pay attention at the moment. As said “health is wealth” it’s true a healthy body and mind are the way to success. To ensure on this all we need to do is measure our intake of calories on daily basis.

What are calories?

Calorie is basically a unit of measuring the amount of intake a person needs to get required energy and maintain a fit body. Whatever we eat adds unto our energy levels which we use to do our daily work.

Where are calories found?

Whatever we eat contains calories. Calories are found in four components of foods. These are: carbohydrates, fat, protein and sugar

Why do we need to keep a check on our calories intake?

We need to check our calories intake in order to keep fit or else our body will take up excess calories and turn it into extra weight. Eating without weighing our calorie intake would be harmful in many ways because then we tend to gain excess weight , take up excess of one particular food component which can cause fatal diseases(e.g. eating excess of sugar can make you diabetic) also it tends to make us lethargic.

How many calories do we need in a day?

It differs as per the lifestyle and workload of the person. People with active lifestyle have different calories requirement as per the people who have sedentary lifestyle. Also your sex, age, height and weight make an important contribution towards the calorie intake check.

o Adult males – 1800 cal/day approx.
o Adult females – 1320 cal/day approx.

How do we keep a check on the calories intake?

We can keep a check on our calories intake by reading the nutrition values given on the food products. Ever food item has a nutrition value chart made on it which explains in details the exact amount of calories supplied by the product.

Also you can maintain a food dairy or food log in which you can write how much you have had in that particular day and how many servings have you taken. Then you can calculate the calorie intake by simply adding up the amount of food and converting it into calories intake during the day.

Also start controlling the amount of portion you take in:

So now all you have to do to stay fit is measure and eat. Instead of eating that junk food items switch to healthy and nutritive food. Also cut on beverages and juices and rather have wholesome fruits. Calories are important for a healthy body but one should know where to put a line. This will help you to figure out which is the food which is good for health also gives the exact amount of calories require not in excess or in deficit.

For people over 40, and especially over 50, fitness becomes an important consideration if they wish to remain healthy and independent. Four types of exercises are recommended for complete fitness. As with anything regarding your health, you should consult with your doctor before taking on any strenuous activity.

The four recommended types of exercises are: strength, balance, stretching and endurance, and each serves a specific purpose in maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle for seniors over fifty. Strength exercises build up muscles, increases metabolism, and this as you know will keep both your weight and your blood sugar in check. A double bonus.

Balance exercises take care of your leg muscles, building them up. This is important for seniors because it prevents falls. No more need to cry out, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Wouldn’t that be nice? Stretching exercises helps you be more active during your later years. Let’s face it. Being a senior doesn’t have to mean planting your bottom on the porch rocking chair, fading away in your twilight years.

Finally, endurance exercises are what most people can and probably are doing on a family regular basis. Things like walking, jogging, swimming, and biking. Really anything that acts your heart racing and your breathing deeper for a while. But here, it’s important to understand that you shouldn’t jump right in to endurance exercises. Gradual is the key word here. Work your way up to a desired level of activity. I recommend starting with 5 minutes of endurance activity when you first start, then move up from there. Again, especially here, it is good to talk with your doctor first.

More than 30% of Americans over the age of 55 have indicated that walking is the primary activity of choice. This is followed , in order of importance, by – swimming, fishing, bike riding, camping, golf, bowling, using exercise equipment, hiking, hunting, aerobics exercises, calisthenics, jogging, and finally tennis. It is interesting to note that women choose more fitness-related activities like swimming and aerobics, while the men, in keeping with the tradition of the race, bind themselves gravitating toward the outdoor exercising, like hunting, camping and fishing.

Regular physical activity. Why is it so important? – not just throughout one lives, but as we get older, why does it become more important than ever? There are several reasons for its importance in our senior lives. It helps the body maintain, repair and improve itself. Think of physical fitness in the same sense as you would fine-tuning car engines. With physical fitness, your “engine” (your body) can perform at its optimum levels.

The best thing about physical fitness is that anyone can do it, at any age, even those people with illnesses and disabilities. Of course, these latter people would need to check with their doctors first, and would probably only be able to handle physical fitness activities in moderation, but it’s a start. Regularly active people are also known to suffer less from bone fractures and other accidents which often plagues seniors.

To be effective, physical exercise needs to become a matured part of your daily life, like waking up in the morning and taking a shower. Once you commit to it, stick with it and your golden years will be filled with memorable activities.

It is every mother’s desire to have a healthy baby. To achieve their desire, moms-to-be need to follow and also ensure that the diet they are having is rich in nutrients, prior and during pregnancy. This is where pregnancy nutrition acts as an indispensable means for mother’s and child’s health.

Although pregnant women get all the necessary nutrients for herself and her child from the pregnancy diet, there are times when the diet may not be very rich in nutrients.

To overcome such cases, mothers have to supplement their diet with a rich content of mineral and vitamin as a safety measure.

Not all supplements act as a means of fulfilling the pregnancy nutrition deficiency, some turn out to be harmful, that too if taken during pregnancy. Thus, to be on the safer side, it is always better to consult your physician before opting for any particular pregnancy supplement.

Following are the lists of supplements which act as growth boosters:-

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

These vitamin supplements have slightly higher levels of vitamin and minerals which takes care of the extra needs of pregnant woman.Otherwise they are as good as any other vitamin, with the difference being that they have higher levels of folic acid and iron in them.During this stage, ensure that you take prenatal vitamin supplements that are recommended for pregnant women, if in doubt consult your physician before using them and of course never exceed the limit of your dosage.
Purchase your vitamin supplements from reputed and branded manufacturers so that you are assured of their quality.

Pregnancy And Folic Acid

Folic acid, necessary for the formation of red blood cells, belongs to the category of vitamin B complex. Folic Acid prevents your child from serious disorders of the brain and spine. Lack of it leads to inadequate growth of the fetus, incomplete closure of spinal cord, pre-term delivery, underdeveloped brain and low birth weight.
It is for this reason that doctors recommend that you begin to take folic acid the moment you decide on getting pregnant and continue its dosage for the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Pregnancy And Omega Three

Omega3fatty acids play a crucial role in building the brain and developing a healthy body for your unborn child. People are somehow under the misconception that fish oil is the best and only source of omega3 fatty acid, which is not so. Omega 3 fatty acids can be also derived from vegetarian sources like Tofu, flaxseeds, canola, wax seeds and walnuts. It is also preferable to have extra dosage of omega3fatty acid during this period, but of course under the strict prescription of your doctor.

It is recommended to use vegetable sources of omega3-fatty acids than fish oil as fish oil affects blood clot.

Herbal Supplements

People sometimes prefer to settle for herbal supplements in case of pregnancy, as they believe it is natural. But the fact is that these herbal supplements can turn out to be toxic, with the possibility of harming your baby.
Avoid taking herbal supplements as pills. In fact consult your doctor before opting for any such supplements.

Just take a well balanced and nourished food as recommended by your doctor and take the supplements as per instruction. This will bridge the gap of any nutrition deficiency.

Wishing you and your child a healthy life!