Secret Tips to Healthy Living

Healthy living is something most of seek. Many of us already exercise and try to eat right, and that is a great start to healthier living. Here are two great tips that will take you to a new level of healthy.
#1 Take Your Vitamins
Every day you should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Eating health is essential but we don't always get everything we need from our foods, and so taking a daily multivitamin makes sense. Research has shown that when you use good quality nutritional supplements it can help you in achieving optimal health.
A recent study by Wyeth Consumer Health found that older adults taking a daily multivitamin was an inexpensive but powerful way to stay healthy. The group also studied the how taking a multivitamins affected five diseases: diabetes, coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, and colorectal cancer.

The researchers estimated that giving a daily multivitamin to the elderly potentially save in health care cost of approximately $1.6 billion in a five year period, as well as avoidable hospitalization for heart attacks of approximately $2.4 billion.
#2 Take the Time to Connect With Others

We are social beings by our very nature. We create families, nurture our young, and identify ourselves with social groups we are part of. Connection with others and forming important bonds of communication, spiritual health, intimacy, and emotional well being are as important as eating a healthy diet, when it comes to nourishing our bodies.
The world we live in connects us in so many different ways at a technical level. However, the closeness we find with people in our day-to-day lives is actually diminishing. Many spend their days surrounded by people but little communication occurs, and there are many feel isolated.

Physical touch is very important, and you cannot get that from your cyber friends. Studies dating back to the 1930s showed infants who are touched grow faster than those who just left lying in the cribs. Being touched affects our brains and our nervous system.
That's just two great tips that many people are not aware of that can a major role in improving your life and longevity. When it comes to your health, always think outside the box. While nutrition and exercise are two very important components to healthier living, there are many other things that can ensure you remain healthy now and for years to come.

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Turmeric: Nature's Wonder Drug - Or Not?

Unless you've been living underground, you have likely heard an overwhelming amount of information related to turmeric this past year. Somewhere along the way it was awarded super-spice status and now can be found almost anywhere you look, from supplements, to grocery store products, to even toothpaste!

The benefits of this wonder-spice are mainly anti-inflammatory in nature and for that it has been reported helpful in many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and possibly even cancer. In Indian culture they even use it topically to speed wound healing. What can't this spice do?

Recently, however, a report came out saying that we were duped. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has little bioactive activity in the body. The report pointed out few studies showing curcumin itself to have any health benefits, and that in fact the compound often breaks down before it can elicit any sort of positive health impact.1

Oh no! How could we have gone so far astray, especially regarding an ancient spice that has been used for centuries therapeutically in other countries? Is it simply placebo effect.

Let's hold up for just one second. For starters, before we go dumping all our turmeric capsules down the toilet, let's read the article fully. What exactly are they saying?

Pay careful attention to the wording. The author in this article is mainly discussing the inability to successfully create a drug utilizing curcumin. Essentially they are saying we have been unable to isolate this active compound in such a way that has a positive and reproducible effect in the human body. Instead of acting on a target protein as they had hoped, the compound broke down and apparently produced no anti-inflammatory result. The article then goes on to say that we have very few published studies to show any benefits from turmeric, and specifically, curcumin usage, so in their conclusion, the time and money spent on turmeric is worthless.

That is all very interesting, however it is also misleading. First of all, just because they cannot isolate curcumin in a stable form suitable as a drug does not mean that curcumin does not work. The body, as we discover daily, works in mysterious ways. Simply because curcumin does not work on one specific target protein does not mean that it is not producing health benefits by other means.

Secondly, we do in fact have some studies to show beneficial effects. Do a quick search on PubMed and you will see what I mean. Some of these studies use the isolated curcumin, and others use the turmeric whole. Both do have research to show some effectiveness. One study, in fact, showed that turmeric was just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain from osteoarthritis.2 That is exciting news if you ask me! In fact there are many studies showing positive outcomes with arthritis patients.

Additionally, there are also many in-vitro and rat studies demonstrating the anti-inflammatory benefits this spice can have. While obviously these results are not always directly relatable or applicable to humans, the take-away is that this compound is very active and holds promise for a wide variety of disease states.

On the whole, based on this one critique, I would not be so fast to discount the powerful effects turmeric can have for our health. Ancient tradition and wisdom aside, there are actually studies showing benefit which should lead us to conclude that turmeric is actually doing something, but maybe not in the precise way we are looking at it currently.

Don't forget that like with most things in nature, compounds work synergistically. Another reason why food, not supplements and fortification, is paramount for health. For example, we know that the phytochemicals in fruit are more powerful when eaten together in the whole food. When we try to isolate specific phytochemicals to make a pill, we find that the compound is unstable and frankly doesn't work. But these compounds DO work when ingested in the right form and combination that nature intended.

All that to say, keep up with your turmeric if you find it to be working for you. Consider eating it in the whole form in cooking rather than isolated pill forms. If you do choose a pill, purchase from a reputable company and even consider purchasing the same forms used in the studies. When using the whole spice for the root, combine it with other foods known to enhance the bioavailability such as fats and black pepper.

The use of spices, and especially turmeric, is a great addition to an overall healthy diet. While important to take into consideration, don't let one detracting article like this completely change your viewpoint just yet.

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7 Liver Cleansing Foods - Part of the Detox Diet

Is it possible to eat a diet that consists of liver cleansing food without starving yourself or changing your entire lifestyle? We believe that with the proper detox diet that you can have a proper liver cleanse and have increased stamina, decrease colds and infections by reinforcing your immune system, and get restful sleep and wake up refreshed. These are some of the benefits derived from eating a diet of liver cleansing food.

So what are these foods, and how difficult will it be to incorporate them into your weekly diet? You will find these foods to be rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and detox diet foods that have a high presence of antioxidants. Plus, they will be no trouble at all fitting them into your weekly diet.

1. Leafy green vegetables. Because of their high quantities of plant chlorophylls, they are able to remove toxins from the bloodstream in vast amounts. As an effective liver cleansing food, they can be eaten raw or cooked. They also have the ability to neutralize chemicals and pesticides, helping the liver in one of its functions as a filter of these toxins.

2. Garlic. It doesn't take much, thankfully, to activate liver enzymes to assist in flushing out body toxins. Additionally, in detox for the liver garlic have two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing, allicin and selenium.

3. Carrots, beets, and red and yellow fruits and vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene, important for its antioxidant qualities, which inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. These antioxidants help to prevent many of the diseases caused by oxidative stress.

4. Whole grains. These liver cleansing foods should be brown rice and whole wheat grain, not the white flour foods. These liver cleansing foods aid in liver function and decongestion, along with improving overall fat metabolization. White bread, because of its processing, offers little in the way of nutritional value as well as adding toxins in processing. If you want to go totally healthy, sprouted grain breads top them all.

5. Olive oil. When used in moderation, their lipid base literally sucks up harmful toxins, relieving the liver of toxic overload.

6. Green tea. Fast becoming known for its overall health benefits, it also helps the liver in its overall functions, as it is heavy in plant antioxidants.

7. Turmeric. Called the liver's favorite spice, it helps in liver detox by helping enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.

These are a few foods that assist in liver cleansing, and should be part of any detox diet. Obviously, there are a few that should not be included as liver cleansing food, and they would be processed foods, artificial food additives, preservatives and synthetic sweeteners, to name a few. Also, try to steer clear of those foods which are not grown organically and have been treated with pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Finally, of course, the overuse of alcohol can cause havoc with a liver detox program.

These liver cleansing foods should be in our everyday diet. If you imagine the liver as a filter, in time that filter is going to get congested with contaminants. The Master Cleanse diet, as well as other liver detox diets, can periodically give the liver a boost and clean things out. A product found on our website we are sure will provide immense benefits for a total liver cleanse.

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Low Carb Pasta - A Guide To Cooking Low Carb Pasta

Do You Want A Long, Healthy and Happy Lifestyle?
An individual's calorie consumption can directly have an effect on the gain and loss in weight within the human body. People these days are keen to living a life that is health, long, and happy. But to live this long, healthy and happy lifestyle, most of delicious yet unhealthy meals will have to be put away.
Nonetheless, there is an alternative. This other option is to make comparisons and finally select lower calorie foods. I will show you exactly how you can prepare yourself a low carb pasta.

The Solution For Pasta Lovers

For a lot of pasta lovers, this food group is a major part of the weight-reduction plan and one that cannot be easily neglected. One way to continue consuming pasta is to eat low carb pasta - watch the calorie consumption and eat it plain.
Pasta Sauce Tips
The calorie levels which you are to look out for comes from the sauces placed on top of the pasta itself. These sauces are the culprit to massive calorie intake. However, for somebody who requires a topping, this won't suffice.
If you insist to have the pasta sauces on top the pasta, get to the market and compare the calorie levels of pasta sauces. There are now different brands of pasta sauces, each with different calorie levels.
Cut, cut, cut The Carbs!
Low carbohydrate Asian noodles are at the moment being produced by firms, like Shiritaki. These noodles are produced with the objective to cut the levels of carbs and energy for each serving of pasta.
Combinations Of Low Calorie Pasta With Healthy Side Dishes
Cooking a variety of vegetable to place into stuff shelled pasta is a superb substitute for other fatty and harmful choices. Pasta with chicken is also one other healthy selection for eating that offers premium taste while watching calorie intake.

Eat Low Carb Pasta - Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy
Low calorie pasta has been created as a result of the many individuals' needs and want from all over the world to eat smarter and healthier.
By eating pasta without sauce, low calorie pastas, and healthy side dishes, a person trying to manage their calorie consumption can maintain eating meals they enjoy.
People can now take pleasure in pasta and relaxation. Rest assured that by maintaining this health eating habit, you will not damage your body.

 

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What Your Mother doesn't tell you about... LOSING WEIGHT!

Fun and Quick Exercise!

Here's THE Best Way to Exercise...PERIOD! And, also my favorite ;)
"Impulse Exercise"

It Can:
-Be done anywhere!
-Be done any time!
-Be done by anyone!
-Be FUN!
-Get your Heart Rate WAY up!
-Work A Lot Of Muscles!
SO What Exactly IS This Revolutionary Exercise?
Well, it's really Not hard or complicated...at All!
What the heck is Impulse Exercise? I know you guys (and girls!) are thinking, "I have my gym routine! I pack up the bag, make the shake, and I'm Gone!"
The thing is.. you always prepare and you always get ready, but by the time you are out the door, or by the time you get there, you don't even want to go anymore! Or, you get there and you're like, "I don't even 'feel' like it now..." which is exactly what your body does not want (in the long run).

Do you think 10,000 years ago you could just prepare for anything physical?
No.
You would eat or be eaten, run or be run over (no, not by car...this is 10,000 years ago!! It just means that you have to be quick and decisive). I highly recommend you adopt this "caveman" or "paleo" way of thinking.
Anyways, back to Impulse Exercise, Here's how to do it:
Anytime, Anywhere, I instantly Bust Out, Whip Out, or Crank Out:
-Pushups
-Squats
-Jumping jacks
-Butt Kickers (Self-explanatory)
-Crab Walks (walk on your hands and feet with your butt facing the ground)
-Sprints
And a host of other random, unorthodox exercises.
That's it!
I also call this muscle confusion on steroids.
Your body doesn't even see it coming, so it gets your primal heartrate WAY up, because you are literally tricking your body into thinking it's going to be eaten!
It's a GREAT Cardio (Heart Rate Increase for Heart Health and Fat Loss) and Strength Training Workout (Actually WORKS functional muscles - unlike regular weight lifting) ALL in One!
Most of you probably already know what cardio is... but what do I mean by functional muscles and muscle confusion?

I mean that it's literally the opposite of boring, mundane, running on a cushioned, boring (did I say that yet?!) treadmill or sidewalk (obviously a sidewalk's not very cushioned, and it's hard on your knees/ankle/feet) which usually results in quitting.
SUMMARY:
So, I told you about what you can do...so the question is...WHY AREN'T YOU DOING IT!
Haha, just kidding. But seriously, this can save you A LOT of time and A LOT of money on that gym membership and the time you waste on the internet looking for that new, simple way to exercise, because honestly, I strongly believe this is IT. Hope that helped and Stay Tuned!

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How to Become a Vegetarian - Simple Guide to a Healthy Vegetarian Lifestyle

Becoming a vegetarian is indeed a challenging choice and if you want to learn how to become a vegetarian, you may need to learn some tips and strategies to help you in making the big shift towards cutting down and totally avoiding animal meat. Whatever reason you have in going for the vegetarian lifestyle, here are a few things that you may find useful.

-Make sure that you are in good shape to be a vegetarian. Some health issues also need to be considered if you want to go for a vegetarian diet. This includes anemia. If you have anemia, it may not be advisable to go for a vegetarian diet. Indeed, you need to consult your doctor if you can go for a vegetarian diet.
- Learn everything you can about being a vegetarian. Being a vegetarian is not just about avoiding animal meat but it is also about respecting animals and standing for the environment as well. Some who want to become vegetarians also do so for the environment. Whatever it is your reason for going vegetarian, it is important that you know what you are doing. Of course, it does not make sense if you invest your time and effort in something that you just know a little about.

Learn how you can get the same nutrition even without animal meat and animal products in your diet. If you think there are limited choices, there are actually a lot of things you can do with plant food. You can even get a good resource or recipe book for vegetarian diet. One thing that you may find useful on how to become a vegetarian is to learn some substitutes that will give you the same nutrients that you need for your body.
Learn the benefits of tofu, which can be a good source of protein. Also explore alternatives for milk, cheese and meat. You can also explore protein powders, veggie burgers as well as nutritional yeasts and other alternatives especially for cheese or other sources of protein and nutrients.

It also helps to find someone or a group that also lives by the same principle of respecting animal lives and protecting the environment as well by being a vegetarian. It helps a lot to have a buddy and someone who also shares your principles as well to make your efforts easy and attainable. It can also help you to be motivated as well. You can actually find a lot of groups who are into a vegetarian diet and this can be helpful in your quest on how to become a vegetarian.

Take everything slow. This is important in your quest on how to become a vegetarian as this will put your health at risk if you do it abruptly. Of course, abrupt change to your food or diet is not good for your health.
Find some resources that will help you learn some recipes and menu on plant foods. This will help you plan your meals and will help you in never running out of vegetarian recipes or menus.
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Top 10 Protein Sources, Healthy Vegetarian & Meat Foods, Weight Loss Nut...

How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits

FIVE EASY & HEALTHY VEGAN DINNER RECIPES!

Do You Need to Be Taking Vitamins?

When it comes to staying healthy, Americans, and people all around the world, try extreme measures. From starving themselves to damaging their bodies with hours each day of exercise. However, there are some healthier ways to stay healthy and to maintain the balance of your system and that is by taking vitamins. Vitamins allow you to keep your insides healthy and they are a safe and effective way of giving your body what it needs.

Everyone needs to have specific levels of nutrients in their bodies. However, not every body naturally produces the nutrients that a body needs. This can happen to people of any age; however, as you get older your body produces less nutrients on its own. That is when you can turn to vitamins to get the nutrients that your body needs. You can find any type of vitamin that you are looking for at your local discount store, health store or online. If you are having trouble finding a specific type of vitamin, then the Internet is going to be a good choice for you.

If you are wondering what nutrients that you are deficient in, then a trip to your doctor will be in order. Your doctor can run blood tests to determine what Vitamins that you might need in order to be healthy. In some cases a urine analysis will be all he or she needs to find what you should be taking, but for a thorough workup, a blood test will be needed.
Your own body might also be telling you that you need to take some Vitamins. For example if you need more iron, you may be feeling tired all of the time. If you need more calcium, then you may find that you get a lot of muscle cramps. If you need more Vitamin A, you may find that your skin gets so dry that it cracks and bleeds and that when you get a wound it takes longer to clot and heal. Because these can also be signs of diabetes, if you experience these symptoms you should visit your doctor.

Choosing the right Vitamins is not rocket science. A simple one a day vitamin might be the answer to your vitamin needs. However, if you are younger and you experience symptoms that you believe are caused by a vitamin deficiency, then take a quick trip to your doctor for confirmation and start taking the vitamins that you need.

by John Black
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