Juicing for a Healthier You

Orange_juiceThere’s no contesting that eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables daily is one of the best ways of keeping ourselves healthy. While this could be easy for some, the rest of us may not have the same zeal or time needed for preparing healthy dishes. Perhaps the easiest way is to simply use a juicer. It does not require too much time to prepare and we would still be getting all the nutrition we need. But is drinking fruit and vegetable juices a healthy alternative?

So what is there not to like about being healthy? You could see it in the print ads, TV commercials and almost anywhere there is space to advertise. Health has become big business that everybody has their own take on how to get that healthy body you’ve always wanted. Juicing is so simple that it does not require any culinary training and you could make your own concoction perfect for your taste. So what are the benefits of drinking fruit and vegetable juices and what makes them so popular?

Quick and easy, no need for preparing. All you need to do is shop for fresh fruits and vegetables drop it in the juicer and you’re good to go. This is perfect for busy people who just don’t have the time to prepare simple dishes. Place it in a bottle and you can have your daily fix of fruits and vegetables anywhere you go.

With hundreds if not thousands of fruit and vegetable combinations to choose from, you could create your own special health concoction. Surprise yourself by combining fruits and juices. Finding the right mix of nutrients and taste, eating healthy has never been this fun.

Searching for a quick way to cool down or replenish your energy after a tired and grueling workout? A tall glass of fruit or vegetable juice is enough to soothe down your tired muscles while replenishing your energy stores.

Heat could destroy precious nutrients and keeping fruits and vegetables as fresh as possible gives you all the health they bring. All the minerals and nutrients that each piece of fruit and vegetable is preserved, giving you the healthiest drink possible.

Green and natural, eliminate the need for plastic bottles by drinking them in your own glass. Juicing is not only healthy for your body but also keeps mother earth healthy.

The benefits might be obvious but some people still shun away from this healthy habit at home. Below are some of their reasons:

Some people consider the prospect of juicing too expensive. Of course there are also concerns about the pile of wasted produce after the process. They would rather buy juices at the grocery because it is cheaper compared to preparing one. But isn’t cooking a dish equally tedious? It may take hours to prepare a simple dish and of course there are dishes and cookware to clean after the meal.

Others say that investing in a juicer that would only be used a few times a week could be expensive. It might even end up as a dust magnet once they have already gone tired of drinking juices.

Preparing juices could be expensive especially if you have to buy dozens of fruits for your weekly consumption. This could quickly add up and you might find yourself spending a couple of dollars more at the grocery store.

This clearly shows that juicing benefits far outnumber its disadvantages. This might prove to be an investment in terms of a longer grocery list but certainly much cheaper compared to health bills. We should never gamble with our health and spending a few more dollars on fruits and vegetables is better compared to its alternative. With the rising costs of health care, juicing might just be a cheaper and healthier solution.

Tai Chi – Low Impact Exercises

Tai Chi is a popular mind and body exercise that traces its roots to Ancient China. It is a low impact activity that is aimed at promoting a person’s well being regardless of age and general health condition.

Tai Chi includes a variety of slow, gentle movements. It improves breathing, promotes better circulation and is a great way of relieving stress. Practitioners believe that Tai Chi improves the flow of energy in the body, restoring the body’s natural equilibrium and providing relief to many ailments.

Opening Position

  • Stand erect, maintaining proper posture and spine alignment
  • Spread your feet apart, and point both feet at 12 o’clock
  • Relax, drop your shoulders and let your fingers hang loose
  • Curve your hands and palms facing the sides of your body
  • Bent your knees slightly

Awaken the Chi: Warm-up Exercise

Benefits: breathing exercise, stress reduction

  • Opening position
  • Bring your hands in front of your body, with your hands slightly touching and palms facing outward, about two inches below your belly
  • Breathe in, and raise your hands upward to your breast level with the palms of your hands still facing skyward all in one continuous motion
  • Breathe out; lower your hands in a pushing movement. Synchronize releasing the air and lowering your hands with the palm of your hands facing downward.
  • Repeat the cycle 6 to 8 times and return to opening position

Balancing the Chi

Benefits: relieves anxiety, strengthens back muscles

  • Opening position
  • Bring hands in front with palms facing skyward, with the tips of your hands around two inches apart. Position your arms at the hip levels.
  • Breathe in, raise your heels and bring arms to chest level
  • Breathe out, lower hands in a gentle pushing movement. Turn your palms facing to the ground and plant heels on the ground
  • Repeat movements 6 to 8 times and return to opening position

Beautiful Woman Turns the Waist

Benefits: Loosens tight muscles, strengthens back, improves kidney function

  • Opening position
  • Clockwise
  • Position your hands at the back, with the palm of your hands pressing at your kidney area
  • Straighten knees
  • Push left hip out to left bend upper torso slightly right
  • Push hips forward and allow upper body to bend backwards slightly
  • Push right hip out to right and bend body slightly left
  • Push bottom backwards and allow body to bend forward slightly
  • Repeat movements 6 to 8 times and return to opening position
  • Counterclockwise
  • Push right hip out to right and bend body slightly left
  • Push hips forward and allow upper body to bend backwards slightly
  • Push left hip out to left bend upper torso slightly right
  • Push bottom backwards and allow body to bend forward slightly
  • Repeat cycle 6 to 8 times and return to opening position

Cloud Hands

Benefits: Improves coordination, strengthens back muscles, relieves neck tension, stress relief and enhances mind functioning

  • Breathe in, turn your left arm towards the center chest area at shoulder level with the palm of your hands facing your body
  • Drop right arm in line with your body and palm facing the side of your body
  • Transfer your weight to your left leg
  • Lock legs and turn body from your waist
  • Turn left
  • Let your arm follow the body’s side movement
  • Drop left arm in line with your body and palm facing the side of your body
  • Position your right arm over the center chest area at shoulder level with right  palm facing your chest
  • Return to center from left
  • Breathe out
  • Transfer weight to center
  • Transfer your weight to your right leg
  • Lock legs and turn body from your waist
  • Turn right
  • Let your arm follow the body’s side movement
  • Drop right arm in line with your body and palm facing the side of your body
  • Position your left arm over the center chest area at shoulder level with right  palm facing your chest
  • Return to center from right
  • Breathe out
  • Transfer weight to center
  • Repeat exercise 6 to 8 times and return to opening position

Three Steps to Detoxification

Our bodies come fully equipped with natural processes that eliminate harmful toxins in the body. But in today’s modern world, keeping our bodies free from toxins is becoming more difficult. We can’t control the world around us but there are things we could change to minimize our exposure to toxins. Instead of reaching out for medications we could help our body become more efficient by living a healthier lifestyle.

Assess your lifestyle

    Poor lifestyle habits are major factors which increase our risk of certain diseases. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards achieving a healthier body. Smoking, drinking and eating unhealthy diets should be avoided to give your body its best chance of recovering from illness. Drinking or eating foods which contain chemicals defeats the purpose of detoxification which is to completely eliminate and flush all harmful chemicals and agents from a patient’s body.

    Eating Healthy

      There are many types of detoxification diets available. However, all of these promote diets which contain general food types. People planning to take a detoxification diet should always remember to keep everything natural. Great care should be taken to avoid foods containing chemicals such as those artificially prepared or preserved.

      Eating natural foods is not the only thing important to remember. But eating the right type of food is equally important. Fruits and vegetables are foods rich in antioxidants, they also contain large amounts of fiber which not only prevent some types of cancer but also aids in proper digestion. People should also drink lots natural juices which contain large amounts of natural antioxidants.

      Drink lots of water, water is the main medium for transporting toxins out of the body. They increase urine output and hasten the release of toxins in the body. Water therapy also helps to manage constipation, gastric acidity, and diabetes. Studies have also shown their benefits in decreasing the levels of blood chemicals after treatment.

      Maintaining Optimum Function of Detoxification Organs

        The liver and kidneys act as the two major organs responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. Medications all pass through the liver; this is where they are broken down before finally being released for elimination. Medications are important for treatment but they also take a toll on the liver. Taking in too much medication may cause liver damage and cause side effects.

        Blood passes thru the kidneys where they are filtered and impurities are passed out thru the urine. It is important that we keep this organs working properly. Putting great stress on these organs can impair their normal functioning. Giving these organs some rest by providing other exits for toxins. This is possible by encouraging the patient to go to a sauna or letting them do simple exercises in order for the toxins to be passed out by the skin thru perspiration.

        Free Radicals

        Simply put, free radicals are atoms which have an odd number of electrons in its outer ring. Free radicals are atoms which have unstable outer rings. These atoms react by giving off some of its electrons or gain electrons from other atoms to complete their outer shells. It is believed that thru these chemical reactions, normal cells mutate and give rise to cancer cells.

        The body normally produces these free radicals thru normal body functions such as metabolism. The danger is when the body’s antioxidants become insufficient to eliminate these free radicals. Abnormally high concentrations of free radicals in the body may also be due to exposure to some external factors. Excessive drinking, smoking and pollution are major factors in the formation of free radicals in the body. Another factor which causes high levels of free radicals in the body is age, decreasing production of antioxidants and accumulation exposes this age group to the negative effects of free radicals.

        Chinese Herbs and Treatments

        Traditional Chinese medicine has long used herbs and other types of natural treatments for maintaining the body’s optimum health. Most of these treatments have even reached mainstream medicine with alternative treatments such as acupuncture being accepted by medical practitioners. Chinese herbs play a large role in traditional Chinese medicine. Below are some of the commonly used Chinese herbs and their benefits.

        Ginseng (renshen)

        One of the most popular Asian herbs in use today, ginseng has long been used as n integral part of different herbal treatments in traditional Chinese medicine. It has also been regarded as an effective way of treating and preventing many diseases. Benefits of ginseng include stress reduction, improved memory, and it could also be used as an aphrodisiac.

        Some of the benefits of using ginseng includes improved stamina, strengthens the immune system and promotes better respiration in patients.  People who are susceptible to infections such as respiratory diseases may use this to compensate for diminished immune functions and weaker bodies. Ginseng addresses this need by boosting immune functions and promoting oxygen absorption in the lungs.

        Ginseng can be prepared in a variety of ways, but is best taken raw. Rinse and thoroughly cleanse the ginseng, slice a piece of a fresh or dried ginseng and ingest it orally just like fresh fruits or vegetables. Cooking or boiling may damage some of the compounds contained in ginseng so careful preparation should be done not to overcook the ginseng.

        Ginseng is normally served as tea; it may be taken alone or in combination with other herbs. Today, the herb comes in different form such as tablets, capsules and powder. Dosage may depend on the type of treatment it is designed for and taking in large amounts may lead to certain side effects. Known side effects of ginseng intake are nervousness and hormonal imbalances in women. Recommended dosage for ginseng intake is 0.5 to 3 grams daily.

        Rhubarb (dahuang)

        The root was one of the first Chinese herbs adopted in the West. It has been widely used as a laxative and other benefits include treatment of jaundice, diarrhea, ulcers, menstrual disorders and burns. Largely regarded as a Dietetic, the herb is mainly used for relieving symptoms of digestive conditions.

        Uses of rhubarb includes pain relief, reduced autoimmune functions, improved blood circulation and decreased chance of acquiring digestive infections. Cooking time plays a great role in the herbs preparation. Cooking the herb for more than the prescribed time decreases its laxative properties but other medical benefits are maintained. Normal intake consists of taking 0.5 to 3 grams daily. Although the herb is widely used as a way of treating symptoms of digestive disorders, rhubarb should not be taken by patients suffering from irritable bowel conditions as they lead to uncontrolled diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

        Salvia (danshen)

        Derived from the red roots of the Chinese sage plant, salvia has been used for centuries as a treatment for tissue injuries. Salvia is currently being studied as a treatment for traumatic injury, chronic inflammation, post-stroke syndrome and infections caused by some degenerative diseases.

        This herb has played an important role as a domestic herbal remedy treatment, providing relief for common symptoms in digestive disorders. It is also used as an antiseptic gargle and can heal sore throats and mouth sores. Salvia is also effective in relieving tooth pain when gargled.

        Medical properties of the herb which make them useful in relieving symptoms are its antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, stimulant, and vasodilator properties. Popular medical applications of the herb include management of excessive lactation, excessive salivation, and menopausal problems.

        The use of salvia in the treatment of TB symptoms is also well documented. Salvia has been used in the management of common TB symptoms such as night sweats and profuse perspiration. Other medical applications include treatment of some female sterility problems.

        Patients suffering from Cardio Vascular diseases may also benefit from the use of salvia. The herb is known for improving blood circulation. Other benefits resulting from the use of this herb are lower blood pressures, reduce cholesterol levels and improved liver functioning.

        However, the use of salvia in pregnant women is discouraged. Use of sage in pregnant women may result to miscarriage or abnormalities. It may be used alone or in combination with other herbs to produce desired effects. Recommended consumption is tagged at 1 to 20 grams per day, with special consideration as overdose may result to adverse side effects to the patient.

        Rei Shi (Ganooderma lucidum)

        The use of mushrooms in Chinese medicine has been practiced for centuries. These are often used in combination with other herbs to provide symptoms and even cures for simple diseases. Rei Shi mushrooms are the most widely used medicinal mushrooms in Chinese medicine.

        Rei Shi mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides. They help improve immune functions and facilitate the elimination of cancer causing free radicals. Herbs are often used in relieving fatigue and improving general health conditions.

        Yoga – For a Healthier You

        Yoga is fast becoming one of the most popular relaxation exercises. Yoga techniques include physical postures, body and mind discipline, breathing control and meditation. Allowing cancer patients to do simple yoga meditation exercises can help reduce stress and condition their minds for cancer treatments. Below are some of the benefits of practicing Yoga:

        • Promotes sleep
        • Reduces stress
        • Lowers blood pressure
        • Improves breathing
        • Gives patient a sense of well-being
        • Reduces muscle tension
        • Enhances blood circulation
        • Strengthens muscles

        Basic Yoga Techniques

        Pranayamas are yoga breathing exercises designed to eliminate impurities in the body and improve the mind. All exercises must be performed while sitting with eyes closed. All breathing must be done with the tongue’s tip touching the mouth’s roof.

        Deerga Swasam: Complete Breath

        This is a type of breathing exercise which promotes proper breathing technique. Breathe slowly and deep thru the nose with the tongue’s tip touching the mouth’s roof. Direct the air to your diaphragm and slowly fill your stomach with air. Inhale until chest area is completely filled with air. Gently lift your shoulders as you slowly feel the air filling your lungs. Exhaling, pull your stomach in as deeply as possible while releasing the air. Relax all chest, shoulder and chest muscles as you expel air thru your nose. Total duration for each exercise should take 1 minute, 30 seconds to inhale and 30 seconds for exhaling.

        Brahmari: Humming Bee

        This breathing exercise teaches how to properly control exhaling and reduce stress. Students are instructed to enter a meditative state before each exercise and instructed to reduce their pace of breathing.  Perform complete breath exercise and produce a humming sound as you exhale slowly. Listen carefully to the pitch and tone of the hum produced and continue to perform the exercise until a pleasant sound is produced.

        Kapalabhati: Skull Shining
        Kapalabhati is a relatively simple breathing exercise. It is based on the lungs natural property to fill itself with air when open. This breathing exercise doesn’t focus on breathing but on moving your diaphragm. Abdominal muscles are used to move the diaphragm while you concentrate on keeping your lungs open. The diaphragm controls the movement of air in the lungs. Pushing the diaphragm up forces the air in the lungs to be expelled (exhalation), relaxing the diaphragm increases lung volume forcing air to be pushed in back to the lungs (inhalation). This breathing exercise is required prior to performing Bastrika.

        Bastrika: Bellows

        Practice rapid breathing movements similar to those in Kapalahati. Perform these movements as fast as possible with emphasis on more forceful exhalation. Perform inhalation slowly and hold breath for a few seconds. While holding your breath, lean forward to press your chin to your chest as far as possible. Gently raise your head as you exhale thru the nose.

        Anuloma Viloma: Opposite Nostril Breathing
        Anuloma Viloma is a breathing exercise that aims to improve air movement thru nasal passages. It also promotes a smoother and slower movement of air while both nasal passages are equally trained. The breathing exercise also increases the amount of air that could pass thru to the lungs. Anuloma Viloma decreases and eliminates snoring and prevents sinus clogging.

        First perform Kapalabhati or Bastrika to prepare body for a lesser oxygen supplies. Mild oxygen levels maybe experienced as covering one nostril constricts the flow of oxygen to the body. Perform the Vishnu mudra. Fold the first and middle fingers into the palm, taking note to keep the pinky, thumb, ring fingers straight. Perform complete breath technique thru both nostrils. Cover one nostril by using the pinky and ring fingers and exhale using the other nostril.

        Still covering the other nostril, inhale thru the nostril which you just exhaled thru. Cover this nostril and exhale thru the nostril which was previously covered. Alternate nostrils and perform the exercise for about 10 minutes.

        How to Encourage Good Eating Habits for Children

        Having troubles with your child’s eating habit? Well, you’re not alone. Most of the parents today are having the same problem like you have. Toddlers nowadays are picky when it comes to food. They always have their favorites, which usually doesn’t supply the proper nutrition that their body needs.

        If your kid does not eat sufficient calories for their body in a day, well don’t panic. Instead, consult your doctor to start developing a healthy eating habit for your child.

        Here are some tips to help you encourage your child’s good eating habits:

        1. You can start by giving your child three regular meals and three snacks in a day. Being consistent with meal and snack times makes a child less likely to try to tell you when they will or won’t eat.

        2. In choosing the right foods in each meal or snack, try giving them a variety of foods. Offer foods that your child likes, but also some that they haven’t tried or liked yet. Usually, your child may not show interest eating those foods, but there’s no harm in trying. You can always try several times, maybe even ten times, offering the same foods they initially rejected because high familiarity with the food may increase your child’s interest on the food.

        3. Play with food, in a good way. Sometimes, playing with foods will make your child more interested in it. Some children form faces with their meals, some form animals. Children can be creative with their meals, so let them enjoy it–as long as they’re eating it eventually.

        4. Adding some salt, sugar or cheese works most of the time. Cheese could be added to vegetables. Some likes to have it melted as toppings. Of course, you’d want to use these ingredients in moderation.

        5. Watch the liquids. We all know soda pops are not healthy. But too much of milk and juice may not be good, either. Limit those fluids to a few cups a day. It’s best to get fruit juice from whole fruits, anyway. Encourage the drinking of water, since it is so good for the body, and is a great habit to develop. And remember, drinking liquids before a meal will make one feel satiated, and likely to eat less food.

        6. Forcing your child to eat their whole meal was once the norm, but it’s been a long held belief in modern times that this practice is not healthy. Children always know if they’re hungry or not. If they insist upon not eating dinner but prefer to eat snacks, then cut down on the size of snack portions so they’ll be hungry at meal times. You can also offer them a deal or bargain. For example, if they eat a set amount of their meal, they get to eat a snack afterward. But forcing children to always clean their plate discourages them from learning to stop eating when they’re full.

        7. If you have a malnourished or underweight child, adding dry nonfat milk into their milk, soup or even on pudding could help them get some extra calories. Some of these other tasty, calorie-rich foods may help: margarine, cream cheese, peanut butter and syrup. Just make sure they’re not allergic to any of those ingredients, of course.

        8. Eat together. Eating is a social event. Studies have shown that eating alone is bad for the digestion. So if you’re so busy that you plop your kid down at the dinner table to eat by themselves while you do dishes or get your office work together, you may want to rethink that lifestyle. Much quality time and conversation with family and friends occurs during meal times. Use this rule of eating together as an opportunity to force yourself to stop being busy for a few moments so you can enjoy the company of others. Eating together not only will make meals more pleasant for your child, but for yourself, as well.

        If all else fails, never hesitate to consult your doctor. If your child is excessively overweight or underweight, trying to determine the best way to get your child to eat nutritiously is like taking medicines: never self-medicate. Always consult the experts.

        Managing Chronic Pain Naturally

        It is estimated that around 100 million Americans are chronic pain sufferers. And a quick stroll into your local pharmacy’s extensive pain management section will confirm this. In today’s hustle and bustle world, finding relied from pain can be as easy as popping a pill. But even the “safest” pain medication is bound to have its own share of dangers and risks if not taken properly.

        The danger with long term use of pain medications is that the body may become immune to its effects or worse damage vital organs such as the kidney. Some of us even go as far as self-medicate which could be dangerous even with the use of over the counter drugs.

        There are definitely safer and more natural ways to manage pain. These methods do not only help in controlling pain but also restores the natural balance in our body. And one little known way is by simply switching to a healthier diet. This could be done by eating a plant-based, nutrient rich diet that reduces inflammation naturally.

        A huge contributor to nagging chronic weight problems we see today could be traced to the Standard American Diet which has been described as one of the more inflammatory diets. Our fast food culture and salty snacks have lead to overweight, chronic pain and fatigue problems. Most of us seem to be unaware or generally unconcerned with how a typical western diet affects our health.

        We are what we eat and most of the health problems we see today are diet or lifestyle related. Finding relief from chronic pain can be done by switching to a healthy diet. So the next time you’re planning a short trip to the pharmacy for some pain medications why not take a look into these simple tips before popping in that pill.

        Eat green-leafy vegetables. If there is one great reason to start going the veggie route, it’s because it helps reduce chronic pain by increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut. This area of the body is constantly exposed to toxins from food and the environment. A healthy digestive system keeps our body in tip-top shape. Nutrients from food are processed better therefore strengthening our immune system. This is also the area where 96 percent of our serotonin is produced. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that lessens the stress of chronic pain.

        Cane sugar can be a good way of providing temporary relief from pain by stimulating reward centers in the brain but also increases pain levels in the long run. Sugars could set people suffering from chronic pain by 3-4 weeks. Avoid artificial sweeteners. Just because these are alternatives it does not mean that they are not likely to produce the same effects as other sugars.

        Margarine and other hydrogenated contain fatty acids that coat cell membranes which interfere with cellular communication. It could also lead to toxin buildup and disrupt waste removal. A body full of toxins and lactic acid increases our risk for chronic pain.

        Other foods that chronic pain sufferers should avoid include wheat and all its products. People should also avoid common allergens such as corn, eggs, peanuts and other dairy products.

        Healthy sources of essential fatty acids include avocados, walnuts, fish and flax seed oil. Anti-inflammatory fatty acids reduce symptoms of asthma and chronic pain. Build your immune and inflammatory system by strengthening it with healthy fatty acids.

        Stress is a major trigger for pain. This might only be psychological but it places so much pressure on our body that constant high levels of stress could lead to chronic pain. Low impact exercises such as swimming, brisk walking or yoga helps release pent-up stress. Getting enough sleep also helps the body recuperate more quickly.

        Get that natural high by helping your body release more endorphins, the body’s answer for pain medications. Pain is our body’s signal that something is wrong physically. Pain is a personal experience and the intensity varies from one person to another. A positive attitude helps reduce the stress of pain and lessens our need for pain relievers. When we are able to handle pain naturally, we are able to live fuller and happier lives.

        There’s An App for That

        there's an app for thatWith the popularity of smart phones growing by the day, the health world has joined in on the hype by creating numerous apps that bring the keys to better health right to your phone.

        Here are some of the best health apps available today.

        Heart Disease Risk Calculator

        If you are in need of a reality check and you are in possession of an iPhone, simply download the free Heart Disease Risk Calculator app to find out what your odds are of having a heart attack, stroke or heart failure within the next decade.  While the advice given within the app is not to be taken over the advice of a medical doctor, it will still help you to encourage healthy eating and living.

        My Last Cigarette

        If you made a New Year’s Resolution to quit smoking and nearly four months later you still haven’t quit, then perhaps you should download the My Last Cigarette app.  Only $1 for the iPhone, this app tells you how much money you are saving by not smoking and how much you have altered your life expectancy by quitting.  The app also provides motivational messages to keep you smoke-free, which most researchers believe help people to stay their course after quitting.

        Instant Heart Rate

        Using just your smart phone camera and the Instant Heart Rate free app for both iPhone and Android, doctors agree that this is one of the most accurate heart rate monitor apps.

        Allergy Caddy

        For those with food allergies, Allergy Caddy available for the iPhone for just $2 helps you to avoid certain foods at more than 30 different restaurant chains by consulting the public accessible data available through the app.

        MelApp

        Utilizing the extensive database at Johns Hopkins University coupled with pattern-recognition technology, MelApp, available for $2 on the iPhone, can access your melanoma risk by simply scanning your photos of lesions that are questionable.

        ZocDoc

        Available at no cost for the Android, Blackberry and iPhone, ZocDoc allows you to search for dentists and physicians in many major U.S. markets.  After reading the review and choosing a doctor, you can make an appointment without making any phone calls.

        Medscape

        This free app for all three major smart phones tracks any drug interactions and safety data for more than 8,000 drugs. Medscape also provides medical news and information on more than 4,000 diseases and conditions.

        Healthy Weight Gain – Naturally and Safely

        Most of us are concerned with shaving off unwanted pounds in our body but there are also a good number of people who are actively seeking ways to put on weight. But before you start gorging on fatty foods or salty snacks, you should also consider what you put in your body. Everybody should know their ideal weight. While being overweight is unhealthy, dieting to the point of depriving our body of badly needed nutrients is far from being healthy.

        Each person might have different needs in terms of maintaining their ideal body weight. It is totally normal for a taller person to weigh more than those who are shorter but they can still be considered healthy.

        For those who feel that they are tool lanky and would like to create more curves or guys who would like to develop their physique then gaining some much needed pounds is a must. Below is a simple guide to healthier weight gain:

        Determining your Ideal Body Weight

        Before starting your journey, you must first consider your ideal body weight. This is crucial in keeping weight gain within healthy limits. Gain too much and you risk suffering from medical conditions due to overweight problems. Make a diet program and calculate the amount of pounds you need to reach your ideal weight. Working with a dietitian could help you plan effectively. You should also consider the amount of time needed to achieve this. After all, your body needs time to adjust itself to these extra pounds.

        Count your calories

        After determining the amount of pounds you need to achieve your ideal weight. Make a conscious effort to record your calorie intake. This way you could increase your weight safely. This allows you to plan your meals accordingly. Gaining weight does not give you the license to go on an eating spree and grab all the food you could find.

        Keep off the junk

        Eating salty snacks could be the easiest way to gain some pounds. If you’ve managed to keep yourself slim by staying away from salty snacks then this would not be the right time to start another unhealthy habit. Gain weight by stocking up on healthy food and nutrients. Fast food, processed food, salty snacks and chocolate bars might give you an instant boost on your road to gaining weight but these could exact a huge toll on your health.

        Stick to healthier alternative rich in protein and nutrients. Tofu, fish, lean meat, beans and white meat in general are healthy choices. Switch to healthy snacks like fruits to gain healthy pounds and not stuff yourself with excess fats.

        Eat more frequently

        If eating large meals is not your thing then eat small frequent meals. Instead of targeting three large meals a day then why not insert healthy snacks between meals. This also improves your digestion. Improved digestion means food is processed more efficiently.

        People with a busy lifestyle could also benefit by bringing healthy snacks to work. The problem with today’s hectic world is that we often grab the first food available. Gain weight while building your discipline by sticking to healthy snacks. You can avoid this unhealthy habit by preparing snacks and meals at home. Fruits, juice drinks, fiber rich rice, whole wheat bread and vegetable salads are some of the healthy alternatives.

        Protein and health Shakes

        Health shakes are the quite popular now with those hoping to gain some pounds or those building muscles because they are easy to consume nutrient rich sources. This is especially useful for people who regularly visit the gym. It gives them an instant source of nutrients for muscle building.

        Osteoporosis Warning Signs: Ways you can tell if you are on your way to this dreaded disease

        Osteoporosis is one of the most common ailments of adults over the age of 50 and it is definitely a problem that people do not want to live with.  Weak bones lead to fractures and many other scary problems that could leave you disabled.

        Before turning into full-blown osteoporosis, osteopenia – the process of thinning bones – precedes the ailment.  There are some warning signs to look for to determine if your bones are in fact thinning.

        Here are some warning signs for osteoporosis:

        • Warning Sign #1 – You’ve had more than one fracture in the past two years or a fracture that seemed pretty severe considering the circumstances.
        • Warning Sign #2 – You are naturally a small or thin person.
        • Warning Sign #3 – You have an autoimmune condition that causes you to take prednisone or another corticosteroid.
        • Warning Sign #4 – You are a smoker and have been throughout your adult life.
        • Warning Sign #5 – You drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day.
        • Warning Sign #6 – You do not drink milk or you have a lactose intolerance that prevents you from drinking milk.
        • Warning Sign #7 – You have an eating disorder.
        • Warning Sign #8 – You are an Asian or Caucasian female over the age of 50.
        • Warning Sign #9 – You have a family member who had osteoporosis before the age of 50 or before menopause.

        So, what can you do to prevent your bones from thinning? Look over the warning signs and risks to determine how high of a risk you are to have osteoporosis.

        Keep these tips in mind:

        • If you smoke, quit!
        • Curb the number of alcoholic drinks that you consume and drink only socially.
        • Compile a family history and be aware of the medical conditions of your first and second degree relatives.
        • Be sure to take a supplement with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
        • Eat a diet high in dairy and other calcium-rich foods.
        • Have a bone density test done, also called a DXA scan or densitometry, which uses a special X-ray to measure the amount of calcium and bone-hardening materials in the bone segments.  Doctors rely on the bone density tests to tell a lot about a person’s bones.  The test can tell whether your bones are porous, which make them fragile, or if they are dense and solid.

        If you are concerned about your risk factors and how many warning signs that you said “yes” to, it is always best to consult your physician.  They can conduct the proper testing to determine your risk factor and also prescribe bone-strengthening hormones to help build up your bone strength, thereby lessening your risk of having osteoporosis.