Healthcare, Health Insurance, Vitamins, Nutrition

March 4, 2010

The best Foods For Hypothyroidism

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , — James Wight @ 10:51 am
by James Wight

If you have put on weight and are feeling low and sluggish because of your hypothyroidism you need to know which foods will get your body back to feeling great and get you back in control of your mind.

In this article I intend to tell you which foods will increase your energy levels and will foods will hinder your energy levels and even cause energy crashes. By taking on this information you will start to feel better in no time.

Here are the hypothyroidism foods that I recommend: Chicken Breast, Fish, Turkey, Low fat milk, Yoghurt, Avocados, Lentils, Bananas, Pumpkin & Sesame seeds, Almonds.

I would also recommend that your diet includes foods rich in iodine. Check out these foods which are a great source of this: Sea kelp, Seaweed, Most Fresh fish, Fish oils, Iodized salt, Condensed milk.

After you’ve eaten a meal try this: sit in a quiet room and try to really notice the effect the food has had on your body. You will notice your energy levels and whether your mind is active or cloudy. Doing this will give you valuable insights on how certain foods effect you personally.

You will start to find that some foods make you feel noticeably better than others. This is very important! Keep track of this and you will be on your way to better hypothyroidism management.

One thing I always recommend is to keep a log of your foods and how they make you feel. You can do this with a simple note book or even an online blog or even video diary. Charting your journey in this way can be very helpful to you and if you make this journey accessible to others they will surly also benefit.

Please do not attempt any fad diets as you need to always stay on a healthy eating plan. Fad diets are always unsustainable in the long term. You need a diet that will be perfectly tailored to your needs, especially when you have hypothyroidism.

I really hope this article has given you some good insights and ideas as to how you can get your health back on track. Why not start today and you will feel much better tomorrow.

About the Author:
If you want to increase those energy levels nowwhy not try a diet with these hypothyroidism foods. There’s lots more information you can access by clicking here: foods for hypothyroidism.

March 3, 2010

Prune Juice: A Contributor To Physical Health

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Anson Chang @ 1:20 am
by Heidi Whittaker

Most of us who have investigated treatments for constipation will have come across the prune. These dried fruits are regarded as generally beneficial for relieving constipation, largely due to the large amount of fiber. But what many don’t know about is that the juice from prunes is also an excellent type of treatment.

The prune is simply a dried plum known by the scientific name of Prunus domestica. Archaeological evidence suggests that man has been cultivating plums and drying them for hundreds if not thousands of years. The method of processing is quite simple: 18 hours of hot air dehydration, typically at 90 degrees Celsius. After dehydration, the material can be further processed into other products like prune juice.

The usual understanding for most people is that prunes are good natural laxatives because of their dietary fiber content. How then does prune juice, which has no fiber at all because of filtration, help those who suffer from constipation? The answer is that sorbitol, a polysaccharide sugar substitute, has some wondrous laxative properties.

The content of sorbitol in prune juice is amazingly high. The sugar is a complex polysaccharide, meaning that it’s an extended chain of sugar-like molecules. When ingested, it tends to absorb a lot of water and stays in gut. In fact, because it’s not absorbed in the same way as glucose, sorbitol is often used as a sweetener that is calorie free.

The pear is another food that is high in sorbitol. If you’ve chewed sugar free gum in the past, you might have noticed that a key ingredient is sorbitol. Unlike glucose, sorbitol isn’t processed and taken in as energy. Couple that with its slightly sweet taste means that it’s the perfect sugar substitute.

Why does sorbitol act like a natural laxative? There are two properties already mentioned which are responsible: first, it passes through the body without being absorbed, much as dietary fiber; second, it retains a large amount of water as it goes through the gut. Either water that is taken in at the same time is retained in the gastrointestinal tract, or water is drawn from the surrounding tissues into the gastrointestinal tract.

The extra water and fluids means that the food mass becomes soft, dense, and thus moves more quickly through the gastrointestinal pathway. There are a number of other laxative agents that behave this way, and they are known as either osmotic or bulk laxatives. Prune juice, fortunately, is one of those things that one may drink anyway for other health benefits. That it’s a useful laxative is an added bonus for those interested in this class of treatments.

About the Author:
The site discusses the topic of constipation treatments. Additional resources supplied for constipation natural remedies can be found here.

February 24, 2010

Catuaba Bark Extract: Lower Stress

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Kelvin Hall @ 12:42 am
by Marvin Graham

A large amount of confusion exists today regarding the actual species of tree that is harvested in Brazilian forests and sold around the world as “catuaba.” Experienced Brazilian harvesters will refer to two species: a “big catuaba” and a “small catuaba.” The confusion thickens when relating these trees to approved botanical species names. “Small catuaba” is Erythroxylum catuaba (A. J. Silva ex. Raym.-Hamet – the name was accepted in 1936), which grows 2-4 m tall and sports yellow-to-orange flowers and, in Brazil, is referred to as catuaba. “Big catuaba,” in the mahogany family, is Trichilia catigua (A. Juss.), which grows 6-10 m tall, has cream-colored flowers and – in Brazil – is referred to as catigu and angelim-rosa.

Moreover, three other (unapproved) botanical names for catuaba are used incorrectly in herbal commerce today: Juniperus brasiliensis (which is thought to refer to “small catuaba”), and Anemopaegma mirandum and Eriotheca candolleana, which are completely different species altogether. Anemopaegma is a huge tree in the Bignonia family, growing to 40 m tall and called catuaba-verdadeira in Brazil. This species of tree is now harvested and exported out of Brazil by inexperienced or unethical harvestors (resulting in the incorporation in herbal products sold in the U.S. today) as just “catuaba.”

The catuaba tree is a small tree with orange and yellow flowers. It produces an oval-shape fruit that is not edible. The catuaba tree belongs to the genus erythroxylum, which contains several species from which cocaine is derived.

Clinical studies on catuaba also have shown results related to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. A 1992 study indicated that an extract of catuaba (Erythoxlyum catuaba) was effective in protecting mice from lethal infections of Escherichia coli and Staphlococcus aureus, in addition to inhibiting HIV significantly.

The study found that the pathway of catuaba’s anti-HIV activity stemmed (at least partially) from the inhibition of HIV absorption into cells, and suggested that catuaba had potential against opportunistic infections in HIV patients. A U.S. patent was granted (in 2002) to a group of Brazilian researchers for a catuaba bark extract (Trichilia catigua).

According to Dr. Meira Penna, catuaba “functions as a stimulant of the nervous system, above all when one deals with functional impotence of the male genital organs . . . it is an innocent aphrodisiac, used without any ill effects at all.” In Brazil it is regarded as an aphrodisiac with “proven efficacy” and, in addition to treating impotence, it is employed for many types of nervous conditions including insomnia, hypochondria, and pain related to the central nervous system (such as sciatica and neuralgia).

For generations, indigenous people have used catuaba bark not only as an aphrodisiac but also for many health benefits. It has been used to lessen pain, improve memory, calm anxiety and alleviate fatigue, among other benefits.

In the last several years, its popularity has grown in the North American herbal market, with various products (especially libido formulas) now available in health food stores. Catuaba is also showing up in other formulas for depression, stress and nervous disorders. (The jury’s still out as to which species is being sold, however!) Interested consumers should seek a reputable manufacturer and product – with a verified plant source and botanical species for the herbal ingredient being sold.

About the Author:
The last thing you ever want to get is bad or outdated information about natural medication. You’ll never have to worry about that again after you vistit this site catuaba bark extract

February 5, 2010

Suppressing Appetite Naturally With Fibre

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Sara Perry @ 11:58 pm
by Melanie Holmes

Often, actually almost always health and weight loss specialists recommend including in your diet fibre rich products. Why? Fibre is a natural appetite suppressant aiding in body weight reduction as well as bringing other health benefits such as reduced risk of suffering from bowel related illnesses and even reduced cholesterol levels.

Everyone of us should have seen adverts on television where slim lady is telling how great her high-fibre cereals are, helping her feel full and avoid snacking almost for a half a day after she had her breakfast. Despite the selling fact it’s true because fibre is natural appetite suppressant and this shows how simple is to follow healthy eating principles just by changing so little.

Yes, making changes, especially when it comes to our diets seems a very tough task but changing little things (like in example above) can increase our daily fibre intake which can lead to benefits of natural appetite suppression that can be seen very fast.

Fibre can be either soluble or insoluble and is made up of several complex carbohydrates. The fact that fibre contains no vitamins, calories or minerals and isn’t digested makes it great aid for people who suffer from constipation. Lack of all these substances makes fibre different from other foods we consume. Also fibre is a good bowel cleaner what brings few more health benefits which will be listed bellow.

Only plants can provide you with fibre and don’t be mistaken by thinking that fibre can be gained by eating lots of meat. Cell walls of plants present fibre and most commonly used and recommended fibre rich products are vegetables, fruits and grain products (whole grain).

Apart from weight loss benefits brought by appetite suppression, fibre also delivers other health benefits. Here are few of additional health benefits of fibre rich diet: stabilised blood sugar levels, reduced blood cholesterol levels, reduced risks of bowel problems such as cancer of bowel and colon and haemorrhoids.

It’s proven and told many times and by many experts that if you after natural appetite suppressant then fibre rich products is choice number one. Benefits from fibre are far more than just appetite suppression and weight loss.

About the Author:
Learn more about natural appetite suppressants. Stop by author’s site where you can find out all about appetite suppression and what it can do for you.

January 31, 2010

Sleep and How It’s Affected by the Food You Eat

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — James Cook @ 3:37 am
by Elaine Jackson

Your general health and body weight not just depend on what you eat but also on how much you sleep and how good your sleep is. Things that you eat can affect your sleep and its quality seriously. Some can improve it but some can make your sleep difficult.

Products that help you with you sleep include green leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals and whole grain breads, mushrooms. Also spices you add to your food can improve your sleep; dill, sage and basil for example.

Probably you remember the days when your parents put you to bed with a glass of warm milk. It was done with a reason. Milk can help you sleep better because it’s rich in tryptophan that helps in creating serotonin, a hormone that controls sleep.

Apart from milk tryptophan can be found in products such as honey, turkey, egg whites and tuna, which are considered to be the sleep improving snacks.

As you may know, caffeine should be avoided before your bedtime. Products containing this stimulant include coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and some medications.

Also you should avoid tyramine rich foods such as bacon, cheese, sugar, ham or tomatoes. Tyramine helps in release of a substance that helps you to stay awake.

Try to avoid spicy foods soon before you go to bed. They can cause indigestion and heartburn that can affect the quality of your sleep. You might think that alcohol help you to fall asleep but it also have negative effect by making you thirsty during the night and causing waking in the night to urinate.

Remember that the amount of food before you go to sleep also has an effect on your sleep. Keep your last meal light to avoid indigestion, heartburn and general discomfort which all can make your sleep disturbed.

To improve your sleep you could also consider taking some supplements or vitamins. Magnesium, calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, valerian all help with sleep.

As you can see that eating affect you sleep. Having a good sleep is important to be healthy and feel good so change your eating habits to have a better sleep.

About the Author:
You can lose weight quickly with the top rated diet pill and improve your health with a good sleep.

January 29, 2010

Know the Facts About Cobra Insurance Extension

Filed under: Health Insurance — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Tim F Dalton @ 12:03 am
by Tim F Dalton

With double digit unemployment rates and an economy that is not showing signs of recovery any time soon, many laid off American workers are dealing with not only the loss of income, but the loss of health insurance coverage. For anyone, but especially those with a family, this can be quite devastating. The good news is that the government requires that employers offer continuing coverage through the COBRA insurance plan.

It is always best to take advantage of this health insurance benefit if it is available. A lapse in coverage may result in difficulties being added to a new plan in the future. In addition, there is no way to predict the occurrence of accidents or illness that might debilitate you or a dependant.

Who Qualifies?

The COBRA insurance extension provides supplemental health insurance that fills the gap between coverage due to unemployment. Your last employer is required to provide this option. You will qualify if you have had hours reduced and become a part-time employee ineligible for the employer’s health insurance benefit, laid off, or terminated for any reason other than gross misconduct. Insurance coverage extends to all dependants who were previously on your policy.

If you have been without a job for some time, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides extended COBRA benefits to anyone who lost employment in the period between September 2008 and February 2009. If you are still without employment now, you could now be eligible to receive health insurance with your last employer’s plan.

The Cost of COBRA Insurance Extension

Be aware that after separation from your employer, you will have to pay the entire health insurance premium out of your own pocket. However, there is some good news. For one, the cost is often less expensive than acquiring an individual insurance plan. The second piece of good news is that the federal government offers a subsidy to those who cannot afford the premium, up to 65%.

What You Need to Know After Losing Your Job

The responsibility of reporting a layoff or termination is up to the employer. They have 14 days to do so. Eligibility for COBRA insurance extension is determined by a number of factors including the size of the employer, the circumstances of separation, and many other rules and regulations. It may be helpful to use the services of a consultation company to help you sort through the details.

You should also be aware that there are time limits in place. There is a 60-day period in which the separated employee can decide whether or not to receive continued health insurance coverage. After that, you will have 45 days to pay the initial premium.

There are also specific regulations from the health insurance provider as to how and when claims for extended coverage are filed. The insurance company may deny benefits. You are allowed to appeal the denial within 60 days. Because the health insurance provider often carries numerous plan stipulations, you may want to obtain assistance when dealing with the company.

There are many rules, regulations, and stipulations that apply to COBRA insurance extension benefits but there are also resources available to make the process easier. Look into the options today and don’t be left without health insurance.

About the Author:
Looking to find more information on the Cobra Extension? Then visit www.cobraextension.org to find the best advice on Cobra Insurance Plan to help you.
Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress