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Is Diet Coke Bad For Weight Loss? Find Out Here

Many people ask me if Diet Coke is bad for weight loss. The short answer is no. Let me explain why. While many may argue that you should avoid soft drinks to lose weight there can be some exceptions. The underlying reasoning behind this is that successful weight loss is a result of calories in vs. calories out.

Calories In vs. Calories Out

Losing weight is a result of a calorie deficit. That means you burn more calories than you put into your body. If at the end of the day you've burnt more calories than you've eaten, you've lost some weight. Coke itself is filled with sugar and therefore one can roughly contains 150 calories. So is Diet Coke bad for weight loss too? Well it only contains 1 calorie. Yes 1 tiny little calorie is all it's going to put in your system. Now this one calorie is not going to make a much difference at the end of day to your total caloric consumption.

So It's Completely Safe?

Even though the calories are low, I wouldn't say that. I also wouldn't say it's bad for you either. While putting those artificial sweeteners into your body won't give you any benefits, they won't make you gain weight. However it's up to you to decide if you're OK with drinking artificial chemicals. While Diet Coke isn't bad for weight loss, it's not exactly natural.

Drink In Moderation

My advice would be to drink Diet Coke in moderation. Given that it only has 1 calorie, it's not going to make you gain weight. However for simple health and well being reasons I wouldn't advice drinking it like water. A few times a week would be an acceptable amount of consumption.

So in short, is Diet Coke bad for weight loss? No but drink it in moderation.

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Adaptogens - Great Herbs For Better Wellness

One of the more interesting topics in the area of natural health is the subject of adaptogens. What are adaptogens? What benefits might adaptogens provide? What are some of the more common adaptogens?

The term adaptogen has been around since the late 1940's and is generally credited to Russian Dr. Nicholai Lazarev Selye. Lazarev was one of the first people to do research traditional herbs that had been used in ancient medical traditions. He generally defined adaptogens as a natural herb that allows the body to counter adverse physical, chemical or biological stressors by raising non-specific resistance towards the stressors, thus allowing the body to "adapt" to the stressful situation.

One of Lazarev's protégés from his early studies on adaptogens, Dr. Israel Brekhman, created what is the generally accepted definition of Adaptogen in the late 1960's. Brekhman defined adaptogens as:

Non-toxic to the recipient

Producing a non-specific response in the body which increases the power of resistance against multiple stressors including physical, chemical or biological agents.

Having a normalizing influence on physiology, irrespective of the direction of change from physiological norms caused by the stressor.

Make sense? In more general terms, Brekhman is saying that adaptogens are, in normal doses, non-toxic, able to produce a general defense against stress and that they help the body return to a more normal state.

These herbs are unique from other substances in their ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system. They are the only natural substances able to help the body maintain optimal homeostasis.

Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Chinese and Russian cultures. Chinese warriors would consume adaptogens before going off to battle to provide them with energy and mental clarity. Hunters in Siberia would take them before their long and arduous hunting trips.

More recently, adaptogens were used extensively as part of the training regime of the former Soviet Union's athletes. By studying the effects of training on the athlete's body and providing them with adaptogens to supplement their normal diet the athletes performed better and their bodies recovered more rapidly. Take a look at the medal counts from the Olympics during the 1970's and 1980's. The results speak for themselves!!! Today many top athletes continue to use adaptogens to help them obtain peak performance.

From my perspective, the thing I like most about adaptogens is that they help create optimal physiological functioning. Thus, we can create wellness versus treating disease. That to me is a better way to live.

So what are some of the more common adaptogens and what benefits might they provide to you? Read on.

Eleutherococcus Senticosus (aka Siberian Ginseng)

Eleutherococcus senticosus is a small, woody shrub that is native to East Asia, China, Japan and Russia. Scientific studies have shown this to be the strongest and most potent of the adaptogens.

This plant helps your body adapt to stress, enhances mental acuity and physical endurance, and improves the muscles' use of oxygen. It has also been shown to enhance and support immune system response. Some other suggested uses are anti-inflammatory, radiological protection and normalization of body function.

Schizandra Chinensis (aka Chinese Magnolia Vine)

Schizandra Chinensis is a hardy deciduous climber that is generally grown in gardens. The Chinese call schizandra, wu wei zi, which means "five flavor fruits", because the berries contain all of the 5 traditional Chinese flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, pungent (spicy) and salty.

The seed of this herb promotes antioxidant activities against free radicals. Some of its other traditional uses are to resist infection, increase skin health and combat insomnia.

Recent research indicates that schizandra is hepato (of or relating to the liver) protective and may help people with chronic viral hepatitis.

Aralia Mandchurica (aka Manchurian Thorn Tree)

Aralia Mandchurica is a short handsome tree that is found in the Far East.

Aralia is well known in Russia and used to increase stamina and cognitive abilities. It also helps stimulate the central nervous system, which helps improve immune system function. The extract of aralia was officially approved for therapeutic use is the USSR in 1957.

Viburnum Sargenti (aka Sargent Virburnum)

Viburnum Sargenti is a large shrub that grows 12-15 feet tall and bears white flowers in the spring that turn to bright red, berry-like fruit in late summer.

Recent studies show that Viburnum fruit possess high antioxidant, antiradical and antitoxic action. It also has an anti-aging effect and enhances immunity.

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (aka Licorice Root)

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis is one of the oldest-known medical plants which blooms from June through August in a wide area that covers Western Russia, Central Asia and the Mediterranean.

In traditional Chinese Medicine it has been a staple botanical for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. In present day, it is used to increase circulation, enhance skin tone, and protect against stress. It is also known for its soothing properties, which help digestive, urinary and intestinal systems.

Rhaponticum Carthamoides (aka Maral Root)

Rhaponticum Carthamoides is a herbaceous plant that occupies sub-alpine zones (4500-6000 ft above sea level). It is widely cultivated throughout Russia and eastern Europe.

This herb promotes improved muscular performance and the ability to convert fat proteins into muscle mass faster than working out alone. Rhaponticum, is high in 20-E, one of the most common molting hormones in insects and crabs. 20-E is a bioactive adaptogen in humans. Its adaptogenic properties have been traditionally used for fatigue, impotence and recovery from long illness.

Crataegus Oxyacantha (aka Hawthorn Berry)

Crataegus Oxyacantha is a member of the rose family. The shrub produces brilliantly colored red berries and primarily originates in Mediterranean areas, although bushes are found in other areas of the world.

The berry is high in antioxidants and has been employed as an herbal remedy since ancient times. In Europe it is widely used as a preventative "heart tonic". Its antioxidants help protect arteries from plaque buildup and help dilate the blood vessels, which results in more effective use of oxygen and nutrients as wells has regulate blood pressure. It aids in reducing water retention by expelling excess salt from the body.

Rhodiola Rosea. (aka Golden Root)

Rhodiola Rosea grows in the cold regions of the world such as the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, The Rocky Mountains and mountainous parts of Europe.

The flower of this plant has been used for centuries in traditional therapies. Such as in Russia, where it has been used to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. Rhodolia Rosea is very effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodolia Rosea group decreased proofreading errors by 88% while the control group increased proofreading errors by 84%!

Sorbus Aucuparia (aka Mountain Ash)

Sorbus Aucuparia is a small to medium sized deciduous tree that is native to most of Europe except for the far south. This tree produces a small fruits which ripen to a bright red color in the fall.

The berries of this tree have been found to have anti-scorbutic properties, which work to prevent Vitamin C deficiencies.

Inonotus Obliquus (aka Chaga Mushroom)

Inonotus Obliquus is a parasitic mushroom which grows on birch trees. It causes the trees death in 5-7 years and is known as "birch cancer" in Russia.

Since the 16th century, Chaga Mushroom has been used in the botanical medicine of the Eastern European countries as a remedy for cancer, gastritis, ulcers and TB of the bones. Scientific studies in Finland and Russia found this mushroom provided an epochal effect in breast cancer, liver cancer, uterine cancer and gastric cancer, as well as in hypertension and diabetes. Herbalist David Winston maintains that this is the strongest anti-cancer medicinal mushroom.

So as you can see, even though adaptogens have only been studied for the last 60 years or so, they have been used for centuries in various cultures to promote health and wellness. There are many supplements out there that use a number of these adaptogens. 

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What Is Sleep Apnea and Its Treatment? Understand the Basics

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder which is characterized by abnormal pauses in the breathing pattern, or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep. Each pause between successive breaths is called an "apnea" - a word derived from the Greek word "apnoia" which means "without breath". In case of normal breathing, the frequency of pauses is constant and regular. When the normal breathing pattern changes due to various reasons, and the intervals between successive pauses start becoming irregular, it leads to sleep apnea disorder. Each irregular pause of breath is referred to as "hypopnea." So, in case of normal breathing, each interval or pause is termed as an "apnea", while in case of abnormal breathing it is termed as "hypopnea."

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Individuals suffering from the disorder often do not know they have it. Certain symptoms can ascertain whether the individual is suffering from the disorder. The major symptoms include:

Insomnia
Restless sleeping patterns
Choking or gasping during sleep
Night sweats
Feeling excessively sleepy during the day
Snoring frequently and loudly
Trouble in breathing during sleep
Other symptoms indicating a possible disorder are:

Fatigue
Morning headaches
Loss of memory
Difficulty in learning new things
Irritability
Inability to concentrate for long
Depressions
Mood swings and/or personality changes
Dry throat when awaking
Frequent urination during the night
Causes of sleep apnea

The disorder generally occurs due to a fat buildup, or a loss of the muscle tone, especially during old age. In this particular disorder, the tracheal muscles ("trachea" is the windpipe), the soft palate muscles at the base of the tongue, and the uvula ("uvula" is the triangular shaped small fleshy tissue hanging from the center in the back of the throat) relax to a considerable extent and collapse during the breathing activity. In simple terms, the windpipe becomes taut, or the layers of the windpipe adhere which restricts the flow of air into the lungs. The disorder can also occur due to a malfunction of neurons controlling the breathing process during sleep. This sleep disorder can be diagnosed by an overnight polysomnogram test - a sleep test which is extensively used to detect sleeping disorders and related problems.

Effects of sleep apnea

Even though the sleep disorder might appear to be a common and not-so-serious, it can lead to some serious health problems. If left untreated, the disorder can result in:

Depression
Sexual dysfunction
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Irregular heart beats
Coronary Heart Disease
Chronic Heart Failure
Worsening of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Types of sleep apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Central sleep apnea (CSA)
Mixed sleep apnea (MSA)
Even though all the three types of sleeping disorders differ as far as their causes and treatment is concerned, one aspect remain common - some parts of the respiratory system narrow down and impair the percentage of oxygen reaching the subject's lungs.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

This is a highly common form of the disorder found in majority of the individuals suffering from sleeping disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is a physical disorder. This form of disorder is typically characterized by individuals who have:

More weight (overweight)
Small jaw line
A small air passage in the trachea (windpipe)
Large tongue
Tonsils
The main cause of OSA is the same as stated above for sleep apnea. The condition can further worsen if the subject consumes alcohol, ingests tranquilizers and sleeping pills.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)

This is a comparatively rare form of the sleeping disorder in which the tracheal muscles do not sag to much extent, and the air passage remains large enough so that enough air can pass through. However, in this particular disorder the diaphragm and the chest muscles temporarily fail to function effectively, which results in reduced oxygen levels in the blood. The decreased oxygen level affects normal metabolic working of the body, and the brain too receives less oxygen so the subject suffers from memory loss, slow learning, sluggish reflexes, and inability to concentrate for long.

Mixed sleep apnea (MSA)

In very rare cases, some individuals experience both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea simultaneously. In such cases, both the sleep disorders manifest themselves by interspersing with each other, and the individual may experience the effects of either of the disorders at one particular instance, or a combined effect of both. The pathological or psychological effects of this disorder cannot be predetermined or ascertained since many factors affect its manifestation.

Sleep apnea treatment

The treatment for the sleep disorder varies in accordance to the level to which the individual is suffering from it. Generally, the treatment can be administered in the form of therapies and surgeries depending upon how much the disorder is affecting the individual. The treatment consists of:

Therapies

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

This therapy is generally used if the individual has moderate to severe sleep disorder. The therapy consists of a machine which delivers air (oxygen) through a mask placed over the nose while asleep. The air pressure remains greater than that of the surrounding air, and is just strong enough to keep the air passages open.

Adjustable airway pressure devices

In this therapy, a special type of air pressure device automatically adjusts the air pressure and oxygen levels while asleep. The basic functioning of the device is similar to that used for CPAP therapy, however it is a more advanced model and supports bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP). The device provides more pressure while inhaling and reduces the pressure while exhaling.

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)

This airflow device learns and understands the normal breathing pattern, and subsequently stores the information in a built-in computer. While asleep, the machine regulates the air pressure to normalize the breathing pattern, and prevents any pauses in the breathing activity. ASV is more successful than CPAP while treating central sleep apnea in some individuals.

Oral appliances

This therapy involves wearing an oral appliance specially designed to keep the throat "open". Oral appliances are easier to use. Some appliances are specially designed to keep the throat open by bringing the jaw forward, which can at times even relieve snoring as well as prevent mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Surgery

The main objective of sleep apnea related surgery is to remove any excess tissues from the nose or the throat which may be causing the blockage of the air passage. The surgical options include:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

During this surgical procedure, excessive tissue is removed from the rear of your mouth, and from the top of the throat. At times, the tonsils and adenoids are also removed. This type of surgery can be successful in preventing snoring, however, from clinical findings it is observed to be less successful in treating sleep apnea, since the tissues farther down the trachea (windpipe) may still block the air passage. UPPP procedure is generally performed in a hospital, and requires administration of general anesthesia.

Maxillomandibularadvancement

In this procedure, the jaw is moved forward from the remaining facial bones. This enlarges the space behind the tongue and the soft palate, reducing the air obstruction. This procedure may require the services of an oral surgeon and/or an orthodontist, and may be combined with other surgical procedures to improve the likelihood of success.

Tracheostomy

This is a critical surgery, and it is only recommended when other treatments fail and the subject has severe or life-threatening sleep apnea disorder. In this procedure, an opening is made in the neck and a metal or plastic tube is inserted into the trachea through which we breathe. The opening is covered during the day, and at night, it is uncovered to allow air into the lungs. The tube helps to bypass the blocked air passage.

Mandar Majmudar is a professional content writer who has worked extensively in the BPO and KPO segments since last many years. He has undertaken many site projects involving the designing and content writing aspects. He has trained professional content and technical writers for MNCs, and small to medium business entrepreneurships. He specializes in creating concept based web contents - the client provides a concept, and he works out different types of content formats to promote the concept on the internet.




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