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Body Detoxification and Why Is It Important!

In today's world, in which is organically grown food, active lifestyle, outdoor activity and clean environment - water, air, soil - rather an exception than rule, where we have in almost every store,
enormous amounts of industrially produced and industrially processed food, where food is packed in packing materials which are anything but natural, biodegradable and men friendly, enters into the body a lot of substances that simply shouldn't enter.
 Even if a man is eating properly and exercises in accordance with his nutrogenomical profile and regularly applies all the methods that are successful in stress management, it is impossible to completely avoid all the pollution factors that are out there and are influencing on our body and therefore health.
With ageing our body is becoming more and more polluted and therefore its performance starts to decline.

So the presence of toxins in our body is automatically and completely needles, leading to so-called "old-age diseases".
So in order to keep your organism to function properly and that you will stay younger for longer, it is advisable to detoxicate your body from time to time.
In any case, it is recommended to do the body detoxification at least twice a year: in autumn, when the sun passes through the sign of Scorpio (the last week of October and the first three weeks in November), and in spring, in the last six weeks before Easter.

In the case of certain diseases or health problems caused by long-term toxification of the organism, or before a person is considering to undertake an intensive weight loss diet, it is advisable to detoxicate your body once outside this period. This of course should be consulted with a doctor or other qualified professional in the field of health care.
To maximize the efficiency of detoxification, we should begin our diet during the full moon and new moon.








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Celery Juice - Nutritious and Versatile

Among the many vegetable juices from which you can choose, one of the best is celery juice. Not only is it a good choice to mix with other juices, but it is a highly nutritious drink in its own right. Celery juice contains vitamins B and C, and a number of minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, sodium, sulphur, iron and calcium.

Celery juice has a calming effect, and this is thought to be due to the action of the essential oils which have a regulatory effect upon the nervous system. It is used for those suffering from insomnia. If the seeds of the plant are available, they could be added to the juice, for the essential oils which are so beneficial are also present in the seeds. The root, stem and leaves of the celery plant all contain the active ingredients of the plant, and are rich in nutrients.

Celery juice is a natural diuretic, and is an effective treatment for arthritis, gout and rheumatism. Large quantities of the juice can be consumed by patients with these conditions. It is also considered to be useful in cases of kidney stones and gallstones, and is a good treatment for those with bladder problems or those with constipation. It is also considered to be helpful for those who need to lose weight, inasmuch as it is said to reduce the craving for sweet foods, and when mixed with honey and consumed before a meal it is said to reduce the appetite.

Celery juice is used to balance the PH levels in the blood, and is extremely effective in the treatment of stomach acidity and reflux. High acidity in the body can result in degeneration of bones and joints which may be caused by consuming too much meat, too many grains or too many refined starches and sugars. Celery juice will aid in the elimination of calcium deposits before they can cause damage.

Celery juice can be used in hot climates for its cooling qualities and is an excellent drink to take if you need to replace minerals and fluid due to excessive perspiration. Celery juice is a good mixer, and is delicious when mixed with carrot juice or apple juice, and the injection of the combination of nutrients is so beneficial not just because of its inherent nutritional value, but also because of the fact that those nutrients are so readily assimilated when consumed in the form of juice. Celery juice is said to be good for the brain, and is also said to be useful in the treatment of hangovers.

The juice from the celery plant is useful as part of any detoxification programme, and is used also for the regulation of blood pressure. In ancient Greece, the juice from celery was consumed as a treatment for headaches. Don't forget to juice the leaves as well as the stems and roots, and when choosing your celery for juicing, try to choose a plant which has a nice green colour.




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How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

For someone just starting a workout program there are many challenges that may present themselves. How often should I workout? Why is it important to do resistance training as well as cardio? How much protein do I really need? For this article I am only going to focus on how much protein you need. Most people have no idea how much protein their bodies need. Instead they are told ridiculous numbers and are made to think that they need to buy expensive protein powders and shakes to increase their protein intake. Many of these powders have added sugars, fats and chemicals. Also the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies protein powder as a dietary supplement, which indicates it is not subject to the same health regulations as real foods that are commercially sold. That means powders may make health or marketing claims that haven't been scientifically proven, according to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. So just how much protein does one need? There is a very simple formula that will determine exactly how much protein you should be consuming.

Proteins are large molecules that are composed of individual amino acids and they are held together by a peptide bond. This is similar to the pearls found on a pearl necklace. Proteins are responsible for many different functions. These include building and repairing tissue, an energy source for the body when there are low carbohydrate levels, and by synthesizing hormones and other enzymes. Good sources of protein are meats, eggs, legumes, nuts and dairy products.

Consuming too much protein as part of a high calorie diet will lead to the protein being stored as fat or it will be eliminated through urine. Also high protein diets can cause kidney stones, stress the kidneys and even lead to kidney failure. It can also lead to calcium loss from bones which are extremely dangerous for older female adults because it increases the risk of osteoporosis. While it is true athletes and those that exercise more frequently do need slightly more protein in their diet, it is very important to remember to eat a well balanced diet. Remember that too much of anything is not good.
Here is a very simple formula that can be used to calculate you protein needs:
Step 1- Calculate your body weight in kilograms (body weight lbs X.45= Weight in Kilograms)
Step 2 - Multiply your body weight in kilograms by 0.8 (Body Weight in Kilograms X 0.8)
Step 3- The number from step 2 is the amount of grams of protein you should be consuming per day

Example: A man weighs 150 pounds
Step 1- 150 X.45 =67.5 Kilograms
Step 2- 67.5 X 0.8=54
Step 3- A man weighing 150 pounds needs to consume 54 grams of protein per day
If you are an athlete you will need more protein than a sedentary person. Athlete meaning you train almost daily at a very high intensity. This is not someone that just goes to the gym 3 times a week.

Endurance Athletes should consume 1.4-1.6 grams of protein per day for the number Kilograms of their body weight
Strength Athletes should consume 1.6-1.7 grams of protein per day for the number of Kilograms of their body weight
By eating a well balanced diet it should not be too difficult for people to get their recommended amount of protein per day even without drinking an expensive protein shake.

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Top Ten Autumn Foods

The surroundings is getting colder, and you are able to see pale, dry leaves covering up the gardens and roads - autumn has come and with it the whole atmosphere has turned a little depressing. On the other hand, autumn also offers a treat for your taste buds as a huge selection of seasonal vegetables and fruits fill up the stores. What's more, a little bit of food indulgence is just what you need to beat the autumn doldrums and pep up your spirits.

Treat yourself to the deep, dark colored juicy fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and phytochemicals that will not just delight your senses but will also build your health and prepare you for winter.
Here's a list of some of the best Autumn Comfort Foods -
* Apples - Apples contain flavonoids, which are probably the most powerful antioxidants available in food form. From reducing the risk of health diseases to preventing cancer, apples have many health benefits. There are two reasons why they're great choice, specially in the autumn season - first they have powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties that will fight off the common allergies and infections that crop up in the autumn season; and secondly, they are excellent for your skin and can help your feel and look younger. Have them with your breakfast, or as a mid-day snack, and you can actually keep the doctor away!
* Cranberries - Cranberries are delicious, juicy and absolutely healthy fruit widely available in the autumn season. They're low in calories and are packed with Anthocyanins, heart-healthy antioxidants. Cranberries also play an essential role in treating gum diseases, mouth ad stomach ulcers, urinary tract infections and many forms of cancer. You can find fresh cranberries from September to December, but most of it's used for cranberry juices and sauce.

* Pumpkin - Pumpkins are surely another important autumn comfort food, for they're loaded with beta-carotene, antioxidants, Folate and Vitamin C. Even the seeds are loaded with nutrition and are a rich source of Zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids. The air gets quite dry in autumn, which can affect your skin and make it look chapped and dull. Making pumpkin a part of your diet, can keep your skin supple, moisturized and infection free.
* Garlic - Garlic definitely is nature's own medicine. It contains Allicin, a chemical that is highly effective against fungi, viruses and bacteria. Internal consumption of garlic can reduce the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent cancer. As for the autumn blues, consuming garlic can drastically improve your mood too.
* Ginger - Ginger has a lot of inherent heat, which is what helps it be a perfect autumn comfort food. Whether you prefer ginger tea, or ginger pickle or just plain julienned ginger with honey, the advantages of this root are many. It can heal cough, cold and throat congestion, provide relief from digestive problems and soothe your stomach, fight nausea and even work miracles in driving away the allergies. As per recent researches, ginger works as an organic anti-inflammatory agent and is quite great for musculoskeletal ailments.
* Parsnips - Parsnip is a root vegetable that belongs to the family of carrots. They are a rich source of Vitamin C, Fibre, Calcium and Iron. These are abundant in colder areas, and are primarily a winter vegetable. You can either eat them raw, for their sweet and delicate flavor or you can steam and cook them with different vegetables.
* Kale - Kale is a deep, green leafy vegetable often available in the autumn season. Kale functions as an immunity enhancer (a must in autumn), clears lung congestion, wards off the infections and allergies. It is particularly beneficial for liver and stomach infections. Kale is full of iron, beta carotene, calcium, Vitamin C and potassium, and is a must include in your list of autumn comfort foods.
* Sweet potato - Apart from the fact that sweet potatoes are commonly available in autumn and taste great, they are also a storehouse of health benefits. These mouth watering delights have high amounts of Vitamin C and beta-carotene (vitamin A), so you can very easily ward off cold and other infections. Sweet potatoes are an excellent food choice for diabetics, as they are low glycemic food. The high amount of dietary fiber present in sweet potato relieves constipation and promotes a healthy digestive tract. For better flavor, eat these hot.

* Cinnamon - It is one of the most ancient known spices, and a perfect choice for autumn. Cinnamon is usually used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for treating cold, cough, flatulence, nausea, diabetes, diarrhea and numerous other physical illnesses. It can soothe your senses and keep your body warm and comfortable in the autumn. Cinnamon is also believed to improve energy and vitality, and is especially useful for people who have warm upper bodies but cold feet. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder over side-dishes and salads, drink it with tea or mix it with juices.

* Pepper - One more group of herbs, which are good for your taste buds as well as your health, are various forms of pepper. Including pepper to your food can help you in many ways - it reduces flatulence, improves digestion, deals with gastrointestinal disorders, kills viruses and bacteria, clears chest congestion, treats cough and cold, and so on. It's also a rich source of antioxidants. Whichever form of pepper you prefer - cayenne, black or white, they're all a great and healthy addition to your recipes specially during autumn.
Autumn signifies the beginning of the cold season, which is why a lot of people suffer from bouts of cough and cold and various types of allergies. Your skin will also feel extremely dry and lifeless, and will be more prone to fungal infections and bacterial.
Different autumn foods stated earlier are warming in nature, and work toward warding off the allergies and common infections associated with this season. These fruits, spices and vegetables will enhance your immune system and keep you comfortable and warm, so you are prepared for the cold days.

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What Exactly Is the Paleo Diet Program?

The paleo diet program has become popular recently thanks to the amount of beneficial results folks have had, where no other diet would work. The paleo diet is a form of a low-carb diet that is actually implemented as more of a way of living than a diet.

Paleo Diet

It calls for dedication. It demands change. It yields results. You have to find paleo diet recipes. You need to eat a paleo breakfast, a paleo lunch, and a paleo dinner. I don't always snack, but when I do, its paleo. The key rule of the paleo diet is to eat like our ancestors, the cavemen. Cavemen didn't have farming and constantly had to hunt and gather for their meals. They survived on a diet of meat, fish, berries, fruit, roots, nuts, and vegetables. They were furthermore active and had to be physically in good shape to safeguard themselves and their families. There were no guns (the great equalizer) or even crossbows. The paleo diet seeks to imitate the cavemen by foregoing carbs, eating a couple large meals every day, consuming a lot of animal fat, and ideally eating lots of organic produce. While typically animal fat is demonized as a cause of being overweight, a month or two eating as a caveman will teach you that carbohydrates are the real primary cause. The main difference between this diet and previous low-carb diets, such as the Atkins, is that this is a way of living in addition to a diet. You can still eat fruits with this diet, even the ones with lots of natural sugar. It is all right if you slip-up every now and then. The key is to follow an 80%/20% principle; stay rigid to the program 80% of the time and don't worry if you slip up in the other 20%. The diet works by schooling your body to begin digesting your body fat for your energy instead of using carbohydrates as in a normal American diet.

Carbohydrates are not evil, it is just in our present state of civilization where many of us work in careers that call for little or no physical exercise, we don't need them. Eating more than half of your daily calorie consumption in carbohydrates when you are not an endurance athlete and asking yourself why you are obese is like wearing a winter coat to Miami and asking yourself why you are sweaty. By getting rid of carbohydrates from the diet and instead consuming your calories from animal fat and produce, your body is taught to break down fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. So where to get started? For some people this diet is a substantial change to the status quo, and if you've been eating a particular way for most of your adult life it is not easy to switch at the flip of a coin. Here are a couple steps to help get you on the right path:

1. Discard all of your processed foods This is an absolute must. It doesn't matter if you are getting with the paleo plan or if you are on a standard calorie-counting diet, processed foods are the most detrimental thing you can put into your system food-wise. They have chemical substances used to make manufacturing easier and faster, usually too much salt, low quality ingredients, virtually no nutritional value, and are often strictly simple carbohydrates. You ever ask yourself why most coupons are marketed only for this junk? Because it's trash and everyone knows it. 2. Get rid of fast food. This may be challenging for people who live on a tight schedule, but you got to take care of yourself. Have you read recently that McDonalds just now eliminated a pink slime chemical (some form of ammonium) from their burgers because someone ratted them out to the press? Think about that for a moment. Pink slime. Makes me gag. They use the lowest quality meat at these places to make it cheap and quick to cook.

Paleo Diet Recipes

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