4 Tips for Anti-Inflammatory Diet Newbies

Angeli Vanlaanen, a professional half-pipe skier hoping to compete in the sport at the upcoming Olympic games, went on an anti-inflammatory diet for one simple reason: her doctor told her she had to because she was suffering from Lyme disease and the antibiotics she was on had taken a toll on her digestive system (Vanlaanen is now in remission). Of course, plenty of people who don’t have a debilitating disease are now following anti-inflammatory diets to improve their health and energy levels.

There are lots of different types of anti-inflammatory diets, but the one Vanlaanen follows is the Whole 30, as explained in It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways. Here’s the basic idea: For 30 days, you eliminate all added sugars (real or artificial), alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy, and white potatoes from your diet. In addition, you can’t eat foods with carrageenan, MSG or sulfites. While these ingredients don’t necessary cause inflammation for everyone, they’re the most common culprits—so after avoiding them altogether for a month, you can add items back into your diet one by one to see how different foods affect you. And of course, part of the allure is that you’ll train yourself to get into the habit of eating whole, healthy foods—rather than relying on processed foods or other dishes that aren’t doing your body any favors.

Thinking about trying an anti-inflammatory diet yourself? It’s obviously pretty restrictive—so sticking to it (even for a limited period of time, like 30 days) is no easy feat. Luckily, these tips from Vanlaanen can help you succeed—and get the most out of the experience:

Establish a Support System Before You Start
For Vanlaanen, that meant getting her mom to follow an anti-inflammatory diet with her so they could commiserate with each other and help each other through those times when they were craving something on the do-not-eat list. “I would definitely encourage you to find a support network and to give yourself reminders of why you’re committed to this,” says Vanlaanen, who would also write why she was following the diet on Post-It notes and stick them in random places as constant reminders. Even if you can’t convince anyone to follow an anti-inflammatory diet with you, you’ll want to explain to friends and families members what you’re doing and why—so they can help remind you of it when you’re running low on willpower. for more information about health  http://saraadrianaa.blogrr.net/post/to-maintain-the-health-professionals-at-the-appropriate-level

Look for Fun New Recipes
Finding new dishes that are just as delicious—but anti-inflammatory—was what really helped Vanlaanen get excited about sticking to the restrictive diet. Acorn squash lasagna was one of her favorite anti-inflammatory recipes: To make it, you take a peeled acorn squash and slice it into thin noodle-like strips. You then layer those strips with one pound of ground beef or turkey (seasoned to taste), the vegetables of your choice, pasta sauce, and chopped fresh basil, adding a little sauce to the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Cover the whole thing with tin foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes to an hour. These types of tasty meals ensure that eating anti-inflammatory foods doesn’t feel like such a huge sacrifice.
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Don’t Give Up Your Social Life
While it may be almost impossible to eat out while following an anti-inflammatory diet, that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on dinner with friends. Vanlaanen would eat most of her dinner before meeting up with friends, then just order a small simple salad at the restaurant. “Of course, everyone had questions,” she says. “I figured out a quick, concise way to explain that, ‘I’m on an anti-inflammatory diet to help my immune system so I just ate at home, but I’ll eat a salad now so I can hang out and enjoy your company.’ I think if you can share your motivation in doing the anti-inflammatory diet, people are interested and want to hear more.”

Keep a Food Journal
Not only does this help you monitor your cravings and ensure you’re getting enough food while you’re in the middle of the 30 days, but keeping a food journal can also help you see what triggers inflammation in your body after the 30-day period. This kind of system is what helped Vanlaanen realize that, while quinoa didn’t bother her, corn made her feel sluggish. “It’s a good tool to help you create an anti-inflammatory eating plan to implement long-term,” she says.

7 Ways to Sneak a Bit More Health and Fitness Into Your Weekly Routine

Need a little extra motivation this week? We’ve got you covered. Try these seven tips and tricks to be healthier and fitter. http://journals.fotki.com/saraadrianaa/the-administration-of-roy/entry/wbrwkftfgqkww/

Check your weight
The weight you’re lifting, that is. A simple test to determine if you’re getting all the calorie-burning and muscle-boosting benefits from your strength routine: Can you easily do the reps recommended in your workout? If so, it’s time to grab heavier weights . When you do, watch your form carefully in the mirror. Aim to get through the prescribed number of reps, but if your posture suffers, do 80 percent of that number until you get used to the new load.  https://www.smore.com/nc2p-the-benefits-of-oats

MORE: The Beauty of Lifting Heavy Weights

Step it up
Find a set of bleachers for an awesomely butt-lifting stadium workout. Hit the stairs by sprinting up and jogging or walking down. As you go up, pitch your body forward slightly, pump your arms, and shift your weight to the balls of your feet. Slow your speed—and watch your step—on the way back down for an active recovery. Do it 8 to 12 times, or see how many you can fit into 30 minutes.

Beat the January gym rush
December is a notoriously slow month in the health-club world. Take advantage of the downtime to negotiate a deal on that gym you’ve been considering joining. If they won’t go for a waived initiation fee or a reduced monthly fee (try for a “friends and family” rate), ask for other perks such as a free initial week or bonus month in your contract, a no-contract agreement at the contract rate, a complimentary personal-training session or two, a credit for getting a buddy to join with you, or even a permanent locker.

Boost energy and burn calories
We know: It sucks to get up before the sun does. Resist the urge to hit snooze and instead energize your day with these yoga moves for a pick-me-up . The poses require lots of deep breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth), which will oxygenate and perk up still-sleepy muscles AND help you feel more alert. You may not even need that extra cup of coffee. Afraid of doing yoga on your own? Here are 5 pointers for how to have a fabulously zen yoga practice without the gentle and soothing guidance of an instructor to lead the way.

MORE: Seriously, DON’T Skip Workouts This Holiday Season

Don’t take it sitting down!
Logging several weekly workouts doesn’t give you permission to sit on your butt the rest of the time. Sitting for hours at a time can mess with your metabolism, circulation, sleep, and more. If you suspect you sit too much (and most of us do), set a calendar alert on your phone for every hour to remind you to get up, even if it’s just to visit the water fountain.

Take the fun indoors
For active entertainment without the need to bundle up, channel your inner kid and spend an afternoon or evening at the local rock-climbing gym, roller-skating rink, batting cage, bowling alley, or even the skeeball lanes at the arcade. From a health perspective, it beats heading to the movies for the 5th time this winter.

Be carry-smart
No matter how strong or fit you are, lugging around a heavy handbag can be a real pain in the neck (and back, and even cause headaches). Switch sides regularly so one arm isn’t getting all the work, and hold the bag as close to your body as possible to minimize swing and torque on your spine. If your bag is so heavy that you find yourself leaning over, it’s time to downsize (if possible), or split your stuff into two bags and carry one on each side.

The Wrong Way to Train for a Marathon

Judging by Pamela Anderson’s post-New York City Marathon tweet, we have a feeling she’ll hire a coach next time. Congrats, Pamela, on your marathon finish! Now we need to have a word with you about your, um, training regimen. More than 50,000 runners hit the starting line at yesterday’s New York City Marathon—and among them was blond, buff, pixie-cut Pamela Anderson. The former Baywatch babe crossed the finish line in five hours and 41 minutes. She later tweeted a photo of herself stretched out on a bed with an ice bag on her knee and another on her groin. The caption summed it all up: “Ouch!” for more information about health  http://saraadrianaa.page.tl/Afraid-Of-Diseases.html

We’re super proud of you Pamela; marathons require physical and mental toughness (case in point: 8 tips for running a marathon). But we can’t let it go: your pain and agony post-race might just be the result of your lack of proper training beforehand. Pamela copped to skimping on training back in September, in an interview with the New York Daily News. “I really haven’t attacked the running thing,” she said, six weeks before race day, adding that her training consisted of Stairmaster and elliptical sessions, which she then stepped up to 5- to 10-mile runs. “My legs feel strong ... I feel like a lean machine,” she said. “I know people have training diaries and intense trainers. I’m just moving my body as much as I can.”
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But that’s not enough conditioning to ward off major bodily harm. “A novice runner entering her first marathon should start going on long training runs six months beforehand, to build her aerobic capacity and muscles, and then increase her mileage 10 to 20 percent each week until she’s able to tackle at least 20 miles at a time,” says Susan Paul, exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation. “Otherwise, you risk all kinds of serious injuries, from kidney damage to tears in your Achilles tendon or hamstring severe enough to prevent you from ever being active again.” Good advice to follow, Pam, if you feel like tackling the Ironman next.

7 Major Pilates Moves for All-Over Toning

Brooke Siler, renowned instructor and author of The Women's Health Big Book of Pilates, created this genius Pilates-at-home routine using workout bands to mimic machines found in top studios. The strong, long, lean body of your dreams is about to become a reality! http://wallinside.com/post-9680350-the-enemies-of-enlightened-humanity.html

If you've ever taken a studio Pilates class, you may have climbed onto a bulky, butt-kicking contraption called a reformer, an apparatus that uses pulleys and springs to create resistance. But while taking a few of these classes a week can certainly help you score a long, lean look, their often steep price tag can also drain your wallet. Luckily, there's a budget-friendly, at-home fix: You can use resistance bands to create the total-body toning benefits of a reformer. Did we mention that resistance bands are inexpensive, versatile, and portable?  http://saraadrianaa.wix.com/saraadrianaa#!The-enemies-of-enlightened-humanity/cpr0/EB48223D-AE87-4B4C-9990-7A8616EF9B32

All you need to complete this Pilates workout is a set with handles. Pick bands with medium-to-heavy resistance. (A note for beginners: You can always adjust and amp up the difficulty of any exercise by simply stretching the band farther, which increases the amount of tension.) For the biggest payoff, think of the bands as an extension of your body and maintain tension on them throughout the movements. Translation: Each exercise should be performed in one smooth, controlled movement. Perform these moves as a sequence, three or four times a week. And for more amazing workouts, check out

Which is Better: Biking or Running?

The question: Which is better—biking or running?

The expert: Doug Barsanti, M.A., strength and conditioning specialist and owner of ReInvention Fitness in Santa Cruz, CA

The answer: It depends on what kind of workout you want, because they're actually very different kinds of exercises. http://saraadrianaa.skyrock.com/3199125365-How-Long-Can-You-Drink-OK-Without-A-Break.html

Running is more of a full-body workout. "There's more required from your whole body when you run than when you bike—especially core support," says Barsanti. 

Biking, on the other hand, is more of a targeted lower-body workout. "It’s more localized to your quads and your legs specifically. Sure, your arms get a little tired, but nowhere near as tired as when you run," he explains. http://saraadrianaa.blogcu.com/how-long-can-you-drink-ok-without-a-break/17398573

So which burns more calories? It’s hard to say. You may end up biking for longer because it’s not taking as big of a toll on your full body, and therefore you end up burning more calories as a result. That said, you can burn tons of calories if you run doing intervals—moreso than you would in a long afternoon bike ride.

Ultimately, it all comes down to doing what you want. "The important thing is that you’re out there in the first place, so do whatever feels right in the moment," Barsanti concludes.

For the best guide to running, Runner’s World created the Complete Book of Women’s Running to show that women should be Running the World! And, for the best guide to biking, Bicycling created the Big Book of Bicyling. See which one works best for you!

Does CrossFit Cause Injuries?

As CrossFit continues to explode—there are now more than 7,000 CrossFit gyms worldwide—another industry is booming, too. Over the past two years, chiropractors have seen a significant leap in the number of patients with CrossFit-related overuse injuries, Examiner.com reports.
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In a new Ohio State University study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 16 percent of CrossFit participants dropped out due to "overuse or injury"—an amount the researchers consider notable. This could be further evidence that high-intensity training programs like CrossFit are associated with higher rates of musculoskeletal injury, the scientists say.

They even suggest that CrossFit isn't worth the injury risk—and potential lost training time—for people who are in "above average" or "well above average" shape, since the aerobic and body composition benefits of CrossFit drop off after a certain level of fitness. http://saraadrianaa.centerblog.net/5-from-what-preparation-you-need-to-start

As exercise physiologist Fabio Comana, M.S., concluded in an American Council on Exercise article, "You can achieve great results. You may quit because the programming is too difficult. You can get hurt." This was based on his own experience—but also interviews with 24 CrossFit trainers and participants.

He notes that the high intensity of CrossFit—which was recently linked to a scary medical condition—could push people to sacrifice their form during the workout, ultimately leading to injury.

We get it, we get it, a LOT of you are obsessed with CrossFit and swear by it. And look, if you're being safe about it and paying attention to your body's signals, then we're happy you've found a workout that you love. But if you're not sure you can tell the difference between normal soreness and serious pain (and even if you think you can), you should definitely check

When Is the Best Time of Day to Practice Pilates?

When Is the Best Time of Day to Practice Pilates? It's up to you! If you work out in the morning, when your body temperature is lower, allow yourself a little extra warm-up time. If you work out late at night, beware:  http://saraadrianaa.jigsy.com/entries/general/when-balancing-on-the-ball

Since exercising raises your heart rate and temperature, you may have trouble getting to Try to leave enough time between your workout and bedtime to downregulate your system.
For more must-know insight about Pilates, check out Brooke Siler's book, 
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Will Pilates Help You Lose Weight?

Will pilates help me lose weight? Yes, it can! This type of exercise moves the body in a way that optimizes circulation, betters digestion, and helps the lymphatic system work more efficiently—all critical factors in weight loss. for more information about health  http://saraadrianaa.beeplog.com/506184_3032826.html

What's more, an advanced 30-minute nonstop mat workout can burn up to 300 calories, rivaling the calorie expenditure of a gym workout. For answers to more of your biggest questions, check out Brooke Siler's book, go to for about health  http://saraadrianaa.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-5.html

Should You Eat Before or After a Pilates Workout?

Should You Eat Before or After a Pilates Workout? Since Pilates involves moves that are concentrated around your center and also sends your legs overhead, big meals are not recommended beforehand—but don't run on empty either. article resource by http://familysocialhealth.mixxt.de/networks/blog/post.Admin:11

 Power up with a combination of fruits and nut butter before an intense workout (my faves: bananas and walnuts or a slice of brown-rice bread with almond butter). Refuel with a combination of carbs and protein within 30 minutes of exercising—that's when your body needs to replenish glycogen (a type of carb stored in the muscles) lost during the workout.  article research by  http://saraadrianaa.blognet.me/2013/12/11/liposuction-complications-are-rare/

 This protein-packed shake will do the trick. Shake It Up Life's all about balance…and so is this nutrient-dense shake. A mix of carbs, fat, and protein, it will keep you fueled the right way post-Pilates. Mix the following ingredients in a blender or food processor. Makes 1 serving.

Turns Out Mud Runs Can Be Seriously Dangerous

Scrambling up and down ropes and monkey bars, crawling through trenches of mud, leaping through fire—what's not to love about super extreme mud runs, especially if you're in shape and can't resist a physical and mental challenge? for more information about health http://socialwellnessfacts.mixxt.ch/networks/blog/post.Admin:11

Plenty, according to a new online report from the Annals of Emergency Medicine. The report looked at the most well known mud run, the 10- to 12-mile, military-inspired Tough Mudder, which bills itself as “probably the toughest event on the planet” and attracts a quarter-million participants to its races around the country.
Report authors compiled case studies of some of the injuries participants suffered during a two-day Tough Mudder event in Pennsylvania earlier this year where 22,000 people competed. And we're not talking about your typical pulled hamstring or sore knee here (though muscle injuries were also common): 38 participants were sent to the emergency room. Injuries included electrical shocks to the head while running through water, burn marks and heart muscle inflammation from electrical injuries, partial paralysis, seizures, fainting, dehydration, and a dangerous condition linked to muscle breakdown called And some of the bodily harm, like paralysis, was expected to be permanent.  go to for about health  http://whatissocialhealth.mixxt.com/networks/blog/post.Admin:11

Tough Mudder made news earlier this year after a 28-year-old man during a West Virginia event in April. Now, you won't get a big lecture from us on why you should never do a mud run. We just want you to know the risks—and understand that unlike a 10-K or triathlon, it's almost impossible to train for one of these down and dirty events because the obstacles aren't things you can simulate on your own, plus they're risky in general. The authors noted that endurance training could help prevent problems like dehydration and rhabdomyolysis, but even if you trained to run through a field of electrical wires, you could still get hurt doing it.

What Should I Wear to Pilates Class?"

Comfortable clothes that are form fitting but not restrictive—you don't want your pants falling down your legs when they're in the air or your shirt to slip over your head in inverted poses during Pilates class. for more information about health  http://saraadrianaa.bravesites.com/entries/general/what-to-do-to-start-to-admit-that-it-is-not-just-the-blues-

 Avoid clothes with zippers, snaps, and pockets; many moves are done lying on your back or your stomach, so anything that sticks out from your clothing is likely to rub you the wrong way. For more great Pilates intel, check out Brooke Siler's fabulous book, The Women's Health Big Book of Pilates.
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7 Simple Steps to Improve the Health of Your Heart

This is a common refrain you would hear from doctors: protecting your heart and health starts with lifestyle changes. Heart diseases claim the lives of more than 600,000 Americans every year, but it is quite easy to escape from being a part of this statistic. Eating healthy and exercising are the main lifestyle changes that will immediately improve your heart health. However, new research has revealed surprising facts on how to prevent heart disease in seven simple steps. 
http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/gwyneth-paltrow-announces-fitness-web-series-with-celeb-trainer-tracy-anderson#post-2984

Editor's Note: These 4 Things Happen Right Before a Heart Attack
Step 1: Get active. Almost 70 percent of Americans lead a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the stress on their heart and body. However, working out for 30 minutes every day is more than enough to gain a cardio workout and total physical toning. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/ask-well-endurance-exercise-and-life-span#post-2985

 Step 2: Eat healthy food. Fresh food cooked with simple, low-fat ingredients is the best way to ensure a healthy heart. If possible, switch to organic, vegan, or fish diets to improve your heart health.

Step 3: Get in shape. Lose that body fat by adding a simple workout routine once a week. Simple aerobics, 30-minute walks or swim routines can reduce body fat levels by less than 30 percent.

Step 4: Stop smoking. Smoking can cause and aggravate high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. At the same time, it also damages the lungs and the circulatory system.
Step 5: Control active diseases like diabetes. If you already suffer from diabetes, you should consult a physician and start a medication routine immediately. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney failure, high blood pressure, and a range of unpleasant health conditions. If you do not have diabetes, assess your risk for diabetes by consulting with a diabetologist and check your blood sugar levels every six months to ensure optimum health.

Step 6: Control high blood pressure as uncontrolled high blood pressure can push blood through the arteries with too much pressure and be dangerous. It eventually damages the heart and blood vessels and causes heart attacks and strokes. Ensure that your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 130/80 mmHg.

ALERT: New Type 2 Diabetes Reversal Tips Produce Shocking Results
Step 7: Check your heart health regularly. Even with the right lifestyle changes, it is necessary to have a complete medical evaluation done every year. This is particularly important if you are over the age of 35, have a family history of high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

Smoking Marijuana May Cause Men to Grow Breasts

Smoking marijuana may cause gynecomastia, also known as man boobs, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn.

Gynecomastia can occur when a man has more estrogen in his body than testosterone, which can result in the development of more breast tissue than what is typical in most men, Youn explains The active ingredient cannabis has been shown to decrease the testosterone levels in animals, creating an imbalance in the ratio of testosterone to estrogen. This also causes testicles to shrink and abnormalities to develop as well as affects how sperm functions.  http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/fitness-training-elements-of-a-well-rounded-routine#post-2980

This may not necessarily be the case in humans. However, some studies have shown that chronic marijuana users do have lower testosterone levels than nonusers.

A study done in 1972 did show a link between pot smoking and gynecomastia, while a 1977 study did not. However, the Michigan plastic surgeon notes that the 1977 study suffered from a small sample size and may not be very accurate. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/app-promotes-fitness-step-by-step#post-2981

"The legalization of marijuana is some state[s] could make it easier for researchers to determine the exact effects of cannabis use on hormone levels, gynecomastia and other bodily functions," Youn explains. "If a true link between smoking pot and gynecomastia does exist, then we should expect to see a spike in gynecomastia treatments in those states which have legalized marijuana."

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there was a 30 percent increase in the number of men undergoing plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia from 2011 to 2012.

Youn concludes smoking pot "probably" can give someone man boobs even though more studies are still needed to prove the connection.

He added that it has become routine for himself and the majority of other plastic surgeons he has talked to to ask gynecomastia patients if they smoke pot, and if so, "it's probably best to put out that joint."

5 Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Heart diseases can be avoided and a healthy heart ensured!
 

A healthy heart indicates robust health, but heart attacks and heart diseases are leading causes of premature death across the world. Is it possible to ensure a healthy heart? Is there a way to avoid heart diseases?
 

The answer is yes. Besides hereditary and congenital reasons, all other factors leading to heart diseases can be barred by adapting a healthy lifestyle.
http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/army-balances-physical-mental-fitness-training#post-2978

 

Warning signs are important. One should know the warning signs of a heart attack. This is necessary not only for heart patients or their caregivers, but for everyone. Warning signs can help you recognize the onset of a heart attack and avoid heart diseases by ensuring proper and timely aid. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/work-out-in-a-high-energy-environment#post-2979
 

The five most important warning signs of heart attack and heart diseases include:
 

• Chest pain is an important warning sign of a heart disease. It might range from mild discomfort to severe pain. The pain can be a heaviness in the chest or a strong pressure on the chest. However, some patients do not experience this warning sign.
 

• A pressure or feeling of tightness in the jaw, shoulder, arm, or neck; or suffocation due to excessive pain in the chest or shoulders can be important warning signs of a heart disease.

• Indigestion, nausea, and vomiting in people with strong digestion without a noticeable reason are warning signs of a heart disease or heart attack. This is true especially if there is no reason for the symptoms, they are unexpected, and if you do not find relief from general home remedies.
 

• Sweating may result from a stressed heart, which needs significantly more effort to accomplish pumping blood. Profuse sweating is a warning sign of heart diseases, especially when there is not much physical activity.
 

• Shortness of breath or physical exhaustion is a sign of excessive physical exertion. Nevertheless, when shortness of breath or exhaustion occurs without much physical exercise, it can be among the early warning signs of heart diseases. The body might be indicating a hindrance in the heart’s functioning through this warning sign. When noticed, consult a doctor and seek medical aid.
 

Remember, warning signs of a heart attack can vary.
 

• There may be a reason for the blockage of the heart’s pumping action.

• Another medical condition may be affecting the heart of the patient.

• Warning signs of heart diseases can be mild or persistent or sudden and severe.

• Some patients experience a combination of warning signs but others might experience just one or two.

Even if you have a healthy heart regular checkups are necessary. This helps avoid heart diseases and ensures you have a healthy heart. In case you have a family or personal history of heart disease or have experienced a heart attack, remain alert about the warning signs and ensure medical aid is available in time to avoid a heart attack.

Leaky Gut: Is Your Intestinal Lining Wrecking Your life? Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Health-Wire/leaky-gut-syndrome-symptomatic-treatment-lifestyle-intestinal-lining/2013/12/06/id/540358#ixzz2mmTvOrpd Alert: What Is Your Risk for a Heart Attack? Find Out Now

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition of hyperpermeability of the intestinal lining of the small intestine. Its symptoms include: bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, stomach pain, aching joints, headaches, allergy-like symptoms, fatigue, and sensitivity to certain foods. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/master-fitness-trainer-courses-still-on-track#post-2977

Other digestive system-related diseases share these symptoms and can complicate the identification of leaky gut syndrome. Moreover, there are no specific diagnostic tests to mark leaky gut syndrome. This complicates the timely diagnosis of leaky gut syndrome. Physicians generally resort to symptomatic treatment and advise lifestyle changes.  

What is leaky gut syndrome?

When the intestinal lining of the small intestine becomes weak or is damaged, its permeability increases and hampers its function as a barrier between the intestinal space and the blood stream. As a result, toxins, undigested food particles, and other substances pass into the blood stream. Here, they act as foreign particles for the immune system. The elicited immune response results in the aforementioned symptoms. Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome overlap with those of other diseases and may be misdiagnosed while the cause, i.e. weak intestinal lining, remains untreated. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/army-balances-physical-mental-fitness-training#post-2978

Many theories exist about the causes and treatment for leaky gut syndrome.

Celiac and Crohn’s diseases damage the intestinal lining and cause leaky gut syndrome. Other reasons for this disease include an improper diet, lifestyle-induced stress and an unhealthy lifestyle or daily habits. Prolonged exposure to these weakens the intestinal lining.

Minor symptomatic treatments provide temporary relief. However, if the symptoms continue for long, the physician should examine the patient’s lifestyle, habits, and medical history. This can identify leaky gut syndrome. In the absence of specific diagnostic tests to identify leaky gut syndrome, patient-physician interaction can lead to symptomatic treatment.

Once leaky gut syndrome is identified, medication to counteract the hyperpermeability of the intestinal lining and strengthen it can start. Alongside this, a course of medication to relieve the symptoms is useful. In tandem, lifestyle changes improve the condition.

Choose a healthy lifestyle over symptomatic treatment.

Avoid stress. On the identification of leaky gut syndrome, and even otherwise, meditation, exercise, sports, music, and time spent with family and friends are lifestyle changes that can help one destress. If required, prescription medication can also be used.

Diet plays an important lifestyle role in keeping your intestinal lining healthy. Specific foods containing high glutamine are taken to strengthen the intestinal lining.

Smoking is a poor lifestyle choice that affects the intestinal lining along with other organs. Improve your lifestyle by trying to quit.

Lifestyle changes like the ones mentioned above have shown positive results for patients of the leaky gut syndrome. Besides symptomatic treatment, correlating symptoms with lifestyle issues and timely treatment and prevention can avoid leaky gut syndrome and its unnecessary complications.

5 Health Benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate has sometimes been demonized as being sinful, additive and indulgent. However, the health benefits offered by chocolate are gradually coming to the fore following some studies. Nonetheless, the health benefits of chocolate generally reference benefits caused by eating dark chocolate instead of the sugar or dairy-rich children’s versions. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/fitness-through-the-ages#post-2973

Chocolate has been found to decrease blood pressure, control cough, improve the functioning of the brain and the heart, the condition of the skin, and the performance of mathematical calculations, and has even been found to increase longevity.

The top five health benefits offered by dark chocolate include:

Decreasing the Risk of a Stroke

The heart actively reaps the health benefits of dark chocolate. A small amount of dark chocolate, eaten two to three times per week, can improve blood circulation, prevent the formation of clots, and prevent the hardening of arteries. Dark chocolate contains copper and potassium, which aid cardiovascular health.

Protecting Against Blood Inflammation

Eating a bar of dark chocolate per week benefits your heart and blood vessels by decreasing the amount of blood inflammation-inducing proteins. http://www.fitnesstrader.ca/forum/topic/five-ways-youre-sabotaging-your-workout#post-2975

Reducing the Risk of Diabetes

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which help reduce insulin resistance, thereby promoting the body’s ability to efficiently use insulin. Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, which means that it does not cause a huge surge or fall in the body’s blood sugar levels.

Strengthening Your Brain

Eating dark chocolate causes an increase in blood flow to the brain, which enhances cognitive functions. The resultant increased circulation also prevents strokes. The chemical composition of chocolate creates reactions similar to those caused by the chemicals that cause humans to fall in love, and therefore, chocolate encourages the brain to release endorphins, which make people feel happier.

Prevention of Cancer

Among lesser known health benefits of dark chocolate is that it is full of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants combat free radicals in the body, which are the cause of aging and cancer. The benefits of dark chocolate in preventing cancer come from a compound called pentamer in dark chocolate, which suppresses the division and growth of cancer cells.

Despite these wonderful health benefits of chocolate, caution is advised as one must avoid overconsumption of chocolate. Chocolate, as an energy-rich food, can cause obesity as it commercially contains fats, sugar, and powdered milk, which greatly increase its caloric content.