10 Fun, Easy and Cheap Summer Activities for Autistic Kids

Summer’s here. Now what?

It’s only the middle of the summer, and already your kids are climbing the walls looking for something to do.  If you are a parent of a child with autism, then you understand that your child finds comfort in structure.  If your son (or daughter) has spent the school year learning in a special education class geared towards children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), then he’s used to living by a rigid timetable with scheduled activities, naps, and mealtimes.  Your task is to provide a similar environment at home, while keeping up with your regular weekday routine, such as work, housekeeping, laundry, and local errands.  Support for Parents of Autistic Children

A little bit of structure can go a long way.

With a bit of planning, you can put together a day schedule of summer activities that meets both you and your autistic child’s needs.  Instead of planning long, overwhelming field trips that nobody will enjoy, take mini-field trips on assigned “family trip days.” Fill up the rest of your time slots with simple, inexpensive activities that are spaced far apart.  Allow for quiet spells, including your own “me” time.  Remind your child periodically what the agenda of the day is, in order to spare him of any surprises.  Have all your things ready the night before, including sunscreen, lunches and snacks, clothes, and craft materials, like paper, glue, markers, and child-safe scissors.

Here are 10 summertime activities that the whole family will enjoy:

See a sensory-friendly movie at AMC. Going to the movies can be stressful with small children, especially if you have children with special needs.  Why pay all that money on movie tickets and popcorn, when you know the dark room, the scary trailers, and the loud noises frighten your child?  AMC Entertainment offers special movie showings for families with autistic children.  The lights stay on, the volume is child-friendly, and your children can get up, move around, and talk without being shushed by angry moviegoers.  It’s like home, only with a bigger TV screen.Visit your local science museum. Science and natural history museums offer many fun activities for children of all ages.  Yearly memberships are often inexpensive, and allow you the freedom to visit whenever you like.  In addition, you’ll receive notification of special events.  Ask your curator what the quietest hours are for the museum, and plan your visit accordingly.Get a pool membership. All kids love the pool, and autistic kids are no exception.  Visit your local city council for a list of recreational pools in your area, including swim lessons.  Take advantage of pool time to practice some aquatic therapies for children with autism.Explore nature. Go on a nature walk with your family.  Some parks feature special trails for the handicapped or stroller-bound.  Have a picnic lunch in a shady grove.  Collect pinecones, acorns, branches, and other natural artifacts, keeping away from poison ivy or state-protected wildflowers.  When you get home, prepare a nature craft for your kids to do while you wind down.  Give them some glue, strong cardboard, and glitter, and show them how to make a leafy collage of their park souvenirs.  Or, supply googly eyes and pipe cleaners, and see who can make the scariest pinecone creature.  6 Great Diets for Autistic ChildrenMake a memory album. Bring disposable or digital cameras on all your ventures, and end each week by assembling photo album pages to go into your summer memory book.  Autistic children in particular will benefit from the visual reminder of all the fun things they accomplished.Visit your local library. Reading to your child is an essential tool for broadening their vocabulary.  Kids with ASD benefit greatly from story time, as it teaches them the words they need in order to better communicate.  Have an early dinner, and visit your library during the quiet evening hours.Play musical games. Music therapy is an essential part of special education classrooms.  All children, whether autistic or not, enjoy moving to background music.  Encourage your children to express themselves through dance by leading them in musical games, such as Freeze Dance or Musical Chairs.Make homemade play-dough. Autistic children require sensory experiences for brain development.  Commercial modeling clay can be expensive, so why not make it yourself?  The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions has dozens of simple science crafts you can do with your kids, including several formulas for play dough, including a scented clay made with applesauce, cinnamon, and white glue.Wash your car. Sometimes, what adults consider as chores can be fun activities for kids, and running a “car wash” is at the top of the list.  You supply the buckets, suds, and cloths, and your kids can go to town while you supervise in the shade.  Alert your friends and neighbors, and invite them to participate.Run in the sprinklers. If you water your lawn in the early morning or evening hours, send your kids outside to play tag under the watery sprays.  If you’re feeling adventurous, fill up a few water balloons and show them how to play Hot Potato.

Related reading:

8 Great Tracking Devices for Autistic Kids, GPS+

10 Great iPad Apps for Autistic Children

Special Needs for Special Pets: Animal Therapy Success Stories

Sources:

Autism: Summer Activities for the Autism Spectrum Crowd : Laura Shumaker : City Brights

5 Great Summer Activities To Do Outdoors With Your Kids | Autism Learning Felt

Leisure Activities For Kids With Autism | LIVESTRONG.COM

Activities For Kids With Autism | LIVESTRONG.COM

The Medford Sun – 10 inexpensive summertime activities for children with autism

Tags: amc entertainment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), child with autism, children with autism, explore nature, family trip days, field trip, Livestrong, summer, summer activities kids autism

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at 5:03 am and is filed under Autism. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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12 Ways to Flavor your Drinking Water without Refined Sugar

Do you have a love-hate relationship with drinking water?

Many people do.  You need to drink more water during the summer season in order to avoid dehydration, that much is certain, but let’s face it- water is, well, plain.  Sometimes you want to quench your thirst with something that has some flavor- a little kick, a touch of sweetness, or just a cooling aftertaste.  Short of guzzling down sugary sodas, “energy drinks,” or highly concentrated fruit-ades, what other options are there?

Alternatives to soda

There’s no reason to feel guilty about craving flavored water, as long as you don’t substitute drinking water with sweet sodas, diet sodas, coffee, or caffeinated iced tea.  Stay hydrated while satisfying your sweet tooth by brewing up your own homemade flavored water, made with natural food ingredients.

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Below are 12 tips for increasing your water intake without sacrificing flavor:

1- Make it fruity. Fill up a pitcher of drinking water, and toss in some fresh fruit for added sweetness without the cavities.

Try it now: experiment with mixed berries, citrus fruits, or the spa special, sliced cucumbers.

2- Juice it. Instead of adding sweetened punch mixes, add some 100 percent natural concentrated fruit juice.  Apple juice concentrate makes an excellent sugar substitute for recipes that call for corn syrup or honey.

Try it now: Dilute one part pure mango juice with three parts water for an all-natural fruit-ade.

3- Pour in some bubbly. Sometimes you just gotta have something fizzy.  Resist the urge to grab a can of diet soda mindlessly from the cooler.  Plain club soda, seltzer water, or sparkling mineral water on ice is so much healthier, not to mention more refreshing.

Try it now: Make your own flavored seltzer.  Add grape juice or pineapple juice to a glass of sparkling water.

4- Ice, ice, baby. Ice-cold water tastes better than flat tepid water, hands down.  Keep bottled water in your refrigerator at all times.  Store a half-full bottle of water in the freezer for field trips; fill-‘er-up and you’ve got instant ice water.

Try it now: For parties, try something different.  Instead of regular, square ice cubes, invest in a few designer ice cube molds, and substitute fruit juice for water.

5- Drink herb tea. Commercially bottled iced teas are full of refined sugar, and many contain caffeine, which causes dehydration.  Make a jug of home-brewed decaffeinated iced tea, only leave out the sweet stuff.

Try it now: Boil a few cups of water.  Add several bags of herbal tea.  Allow to seep and cool.  Add ice and water, adjusting to taste.  Some flavor suggestions:  chai decaf, mixed berries, or lemon-chamomile.

6- Add a little electrolyte. Your body loses salty fluids when you perspire.  For that reason, many sports drinks contain small amounts of sugar, potassium, and salt.  Unfortunately, most electrolyte drinks contain too much sugar, in addition to food colorings and other additives.

Try it now: Make your own healthy sports drink by adding a small amount of salt and orange juice (a natural source of potassium) to your drinking water.

7- Great with grated ginger: Ginger extract is a healthy tonic that also adds a warm, spicy flavor to foods and beverages.  Beware, though, because ginger root is more powerful than it looks.

Try it now: Peel and grate a piece of ginger root.  Press fresh shavings through a garlic press.  Catch the extracted juice in a small bowl.  Add to warm or cool water, adjusting to taste.

8- Make a fragrant watery bouquet. Fresh cuttings of herbs add a festive, pleasing touch to iced drinking water without the need for sweeteners.

Try it now: Chop up a handful of pungent peppermint leaves, and toss them into a glass decanter of water for a stimulating, hydrating drink.  Other refreshing options are lavender-mint, lemongrass, and parsley.

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9- Vinegar water. Many health experts extol the benefits of drinking diluted vinegar.  Some believe that drinking apple cider vinegar is helpful for promoting weight loss and supplying vitamin C, vitamin A, and many B vitamins.

Try it now: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or raspberry vinegar to a tall glass of fresh drinking water.

10- Red, red, wine. While drinking glassfuls of wine, or any other alcohol, for that matter, is not a great way to stay hydrated, there’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of wine to a glass of sparkling water for flavor.

Try it now: One part of sweet dessert wine mixed with two parts sparkling mineral water makes a delightfully light, low-calorie, low-alcohol wine spritzer.

11- Have a cuppa. A cup of broth, that is.  Sipping soup is another great way to increase your water intake in a way that’s flavorful and nutritious.  Thick, creamy chowders don’t count as a hydrating soup, though many are healthful.  To avoid dehydration while suffering from a cold or flu, drink plenty of soupy broths.

Try it now: Add a low-sodium bouillon cube to a mug of boiled water, for a quick cup-a-soup.  Better yet, stir up a fresh pot of chicken or vegetable soup with basil, oregano, and dill.

12- Take this one to-go. Have you ever gone to a party where the only drinks offered were sodas, beer, and tap water?  Times like these, it helps to have a packet of sugarless drink mix on hand.  While it’s not as healthy as the above-listed options, considering the artificial sweeteners and the food colorings, it’s still a vast improvement over syrupy colas with caffeine.

Try it now: Check your supermarket aisle for a selection of powdered drink mixes that contain aspartame, saccharine, or sucralose.  Many come in single-serving envelopes for convenience while traveling.

Also read:

7 Days of Refreshing, High Energy Smoothies without Caffeine

10 Most Tempting Vegan Ice Cream Recipes

Sources:

How to Make Homemade Flavored Water – Alternatives to Soda

Eight Natural Ways to Make Water More Flavorful | Wise Bread

7 Ways to Make Water Taste Better – Healthy Living – Everyday Health

Tags: coffee, dehydration, drink more water, drinking water, energy drinks, flavored water, Food, health, homemade flavored water, hydrated, soda alternatives, tea, water, water intake

This entry was posted on Monday, July 18th, 2011 at 5:33 am and is filed under Diet and Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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11 Easy Strategies for Eating Healthy on a Tight Food Budget

Learn how to save money on while grocery shopping for food that promotes good health

Eating healthy, low-fat foods can be expensive.  Whole-wheat pastas and breads cost much more than their white-flour alternatives.  And because there’s a lower demand for specialty health food items, such as those targeted for gluten-free dieters, storeowners have to charge more in order to make any kind of profit.

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That doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthy foods without sacrificing your budget.  By following a few simple money-saving strategies, you can serve up wholesome, crowd-pleasing meals at a fraction of the price you would pay on restaurant food.

Here are 11 useful tips for healthy food shopping on a budget:

#1 Stay in the now

Whenever you buy out-of-season imported produce, keep in mind that you’re paying the bill for the gas and refrigeration, not to mention the damaging effect on the environment.  Buy fresh, locally grown organic fruits and vegetables that are in season, instead.  Shop your nearby Farmers’ Market for some great year-round savings on winter squash, spring berries, or summer watermelon.

#2 Go for frozen

Frozen veggies are just as healthy as fresh, and in many cases, they’re even cheaper.  Why buy fresh kiwi or strawberries for your morning smoothies, when you can find them in the frozen aisle for less money?  Buying frozen saves money on wasted produce, too.  Giant bags of frozen peas, carrots, and corn are delicious, healthy fillers for many soups, casseroles, and salads, too.

#3 Can it

Sure, if you could afford to have fresh salmon steaks every evening for dinner, you would.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a delicious and nutritious meal using canned salmon, tuna, or chicken as your base ingredient.  Think outside of the recipe box.  Make salmon burgers, tuna pasta salad with capers, or instant chicken soup with rice.

Related: Nine Healthiest Canned Foods: Many Contain Vitamin B12

#4 Shop around

You’re not likely to find everything you want in one store, at least, not if you want to save money.  An important savings strategy is to keep track of which store offers the best deals on your favorite health food items.  Instead of wasting money (and energy) on gas bouncing from one grocery store to the next, assign a day of the week to each particular market.

#5 That’s my list and I’m stickin’ to it

There’s no room for spontaneity on a tight food budget.  Before you go out the door, make yourself a list of need-to-buy cheap food items, and stick to it.  Shop around the perimeter of the store to avoid pricey, and often unhealthy, temptations.  If you see a healthy food staple on sale, buy in large amounts.

#6 Think big

Generally, the large economically sized items are most cost-effective.  Buy food in bulk whenever you can.  Ounce for ounce, a scoop of organic grains, spices, or legumes from the bin costs less that its pre-packaged alternative.  In the produce section, scan the aisles for giant sacks of potatoes, onions, apples, and oranges.

#7 Get back to the basics

Instead of buying flavored yogurts, minute rice, or instant oatmeal, stock up on large containers of plain yogurt, brown basmati rice, and 100% natural oats.  Besides being easier on your wallet, these plain simple food staples are much healthier than the processed versions.

#8 Work the system

Be on the alert for weekly store specials by subscribing to various email lists and circulars.  Comb the Sunday paper for coupons, but only pick out the ones for food items that you were going to buy, anyways.  Don’t be tempted by “buy one, get one” deals on expensive convenience foods that you wouldn’t ordinarily purchase.  Sign up for a store Rewards card; occasionally, you’ll receive extra savings on already marked down foods.

#9 Copycat that

Don’t be lured by the convenience of packaged snack foods like Larabars or baked Lay’s potato chips.  Instead, try making your own copycat versions at home.  The internet is chock full of copycat recipes for whatever your stomach craves.  Not only will you pinch pennies by making it yourself, but you can modify the ingredients to serve your special dietary needs.

#10 Go fridge pickin’

If you’re low on stock, scour your refrigerator for potential dinner ingredients.  With some leftover stew, a half-empty can of carrots ‘n peas, and mashed potatoes you can make shepherd’s pie.  Be inventive- pretend you’re on a reality cooking show, and see what you can concoct with a handful of basic healthy food ingredients.  You can name your culinary creations titles like “Everything Enchiladas,” or “Cream of Corn Casserole Soup.”

#11 Grow your own Victory Garden

Celebrate your victory over inflated organic food prices by cultivating your own green thumb.  You don’t have to be much of a farmer to plant your own tomatoes or squash, and your family will eat healthier as a result.  As you become more experienced, try expanding your home crops to include a short row of corn, sweet peas, and a few patches of lettuce.  The sky (and ground space) really is the limit!

Remember that the cheapest foods might cost less in the supermarket, but they ultimately cost more in the way of doctor’s bills, diet plans, larger clothing, and orthotics- not to mention your own mortality.

Check out some related subjects:

Boost Weight Loss- Snack on These 6 Yummy Treats

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15 Gluten-Free Glitterati, from Aniston to Zooey

Sources:

11 ways to save money on healthy food – Healthy Living on Shine

10 Easy Ways To Save Money On Organic Food – My Money (usnews.com)

Eating well on the cheap: saving money on healthy food

10 Ways to Save Money on Food Shopping

Tags: budget, cheap eating, cheap food, cost of food, Eating Well, food cost, grocery, healthy eating, investing, money, personal finance, price of food, prices, save money food shopping, saving, saving money, strategies

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 at 5:48 am and is filed under Diet and Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Best Clothes for Fibromyalgia Pain- 6 Helpful Dressing Tips

Dressing for success in spite of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is an “invisible disease” that causes much suffering to its victims; fibro patients experience intense pain at the slightest touch, even in the absence of any discernable skin or muscular injuries.  Many sufferers also experience “fibro fog,” which is a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome, a comorbidity of fibromyalgia.  Allodynia is a specific condition in which fibromyalgia patients feel that their “clothes hurt.”

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What are the symptoms of allodynia?

Allodynia is an overreaction to sensations that are not painful to non-fibro patients, particularly in relation to clothing.  People in the fibromyalgia circle refer to it as “Princess and the Pea Syndrome.” Common complaints are:

Shooting pains in arms caused by wristwatches, rings, or braceletsItchiness and skin irritation produced by wearing hot, manmade materials or tight, constricting clothingPainful pressure on ribcage or abdomenSensitivity to sewn-on clothing labels and tags, or anything rubbing against the skin

100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Information

What kinds of clothing are worst for fibromyalgia pain?

What works for some doesn’t always work for others; you might be more comfortable in loose, flowing caftan, while other fibromyalgia patients prefer skintight stretchy leggings and a sports top.  When it comes to socks, tight diabetic hosiery might give you long-lasting relief from foot pain.  Some people can’t stand the feel of tight or padded socks, and walk comfier in thin, no-show athletic socks.

Below is our list of 6 most helpful tips for dressing without fibromyalgia pain:

1- Don’t get strapped down. Tight bra straps and underwire shaping are the biggest causes for complaint among fibromyalgia sufferers.  Unfortunately, most of us cannot afford to go without.  For office clothing, consider wearing thick vests over comfortable cotton shirts, in lieu of form-fitting tops that require a shaping bra.  Check out JoAnn Fabrics- they sell a bra strap extender for just $1.99.  Some great alternatives to pokey wired bras are cotton sports bras, or Spanx Bra-llelujah! Wireless Front-Closure Bra.2- Loosen up. Tight button-down collars, stuffy ties, and tight jeans are not for you.  Around the house, it’s fine to lounge around in super comfy drawstring pants and oversized tank tops, but your boss will probably frown on flannel pajama pants as your new office attire.  Choose clothes that are comfortable, but not sloppy.  Long, breezy cotton dresses are acceptable in or out of the office, as well as rayon wide-legged trousers.3- Waist not, want not. If elastic waistbands are driving you nuts, then consider wearing low-riding bikini underwear instead of high-waist briefs.  For outerwear, opt for low-rise cotton pants paired with a longer-length top for tummy coverage.  Be on the lookout for clothing items that feature covered elastic waists.  Don’t be shy about investigating the maternity clothing stores; Maternity pants and skirts have a low elastic waist that tucks under the tummy, and are really comfortable!  In fact, many moms are reluctant to switch back to their old waist-hugging jeans.  Alternatively, you can get the same results from a pair of wide, drawstring pants.4- Forgo fashion labels. Clothing tags and labels are murder on the tactile-sensitive.  Many clothing manufacturers such as Old Navy and Hanes make nonirritating tag-free shirts, pants, and socks.  If ripping the tag out is not an option, hop on over to your neighborhood tailor, and she’ll be glad to carefully remove the tag without causing any damage to the fabric. In a pinch, you can also wear underwear, socks, or pajama tops inside out, and nobody need ever know.5- Be kind to your feet. Fibromyalgia pain is similar to diabetic neuropathy.  For that reason, many fibro sufferers find relief by wearing form-fitting diabetic socks.  Other key features to look for are seamless toes and non-ribbed socks.  Comfortable shoes should be made of leather or cotton.  Some favorites include handcrafted loafers and sandals from San Antonio Shoes (SAS).6- Drape yourself in comfortable fabrics. Omit polyester, or any manmade clothing material, from your fashion wardrobe.  Instead, buy comfortable, breathable apparel made from natural fibers.  Check the clothing label (before ripping it out) for 100% cotton, silk, Tencel, rayon, or modal, in addition to 5% spandex.  WinterSilks is famous for their silky long underwear, but they also manufacture a full range of comfortable clothing for men and women.

Also read:

Staying Fit with Fibromyalgia: 13 Pain-Free Workouts

Why More Fibromyalgia Patients are Taking Tai Chi

15 Handy Household Tools for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Sources:

Poll: What Clothes are Worst for Fibromyalgia Pain?

Allodynia: Weird Pain Related to Fibromyalgia

How to Dress for Less Fibromyalgia Pain

A Checklist for the Symptoms of Allodynia

Tags: allodynia, bras, clothes, clothing, diabetic socks, dressing for fibromyalgia, elastic bands, fibromyalgia clothes, fibromyalgia pain, fibromyalgia pain clothing, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), getting dressed, my clothes hurt, numbness, pants, pressure, sports bras, tender points, tingling, waistbands

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 at 4:42 am and is filed under Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

View the original article here

The Best- and Worst- Cooking Oils for Heart Health

Following a low-saturated fat diet cuts your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening illnesses.  Use a variety of wholesome nut and seed oils for everyday healthy cooking.

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Start a collection

When it comes to cooking with healthy oils, variety is indeed the spice of life.  It’s important to stock your kitchen with a selection of flavorful, low-in-saturated-fat oils.  Many are rich in vitamins, monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids.  For all-purpose cooking, olive oil and canola oil are versatile staples that work in most recipes, save deep-frying or searing.  Other oils are ideal for cold salad dressings- a few drops of dark toasted sesame oil add a rich smoky flavor to Oriental chicken salad and pasta.

Low smoking point oils:  (Use raw in salads, dips, and sandwich spreads)

Flax seed oil adds flavor to pasta salads or yogurt dips, and provides alpha-linolenic acid, a heart-healthy form of omega-3. Health experts link flax seed oil with reduced risk for cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Wheat germ oil is another exceptional disease-fighting agent. Rich in vitamin E, wheat germ has antioxidant properties for combating free radicals, thus lowering your risk of suffering from a heart attack or cancer. Use wheat germ oil sparingly in marinades and spreads, as it contains 17% saturated fats. Wheat germ oil also boosts your immune system and promotes healthy brain functioning.

Medium smoking point oils:  (Use for stir-frying, baking, and sautéing)

Canola oil, with only 7% saturated fats, is one of the healthiest cooking oils across the board. Canola oil imparts a mild, clean flavor to “oven fried” chicken nuggets and potato sticks.
Walnut oil is a surprisingly healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to being low in saturated fats. Walnut oil has a medium smoking point, so only use it for quick sautéing over a medium flame.
Hemp oil is omega-rich cooking oil that is gaining popularity in alternative medicine circles; to prevent rancidity, store hemp oil in the refrigerator.

High smoking point oils: (Use for searing or browning)

Almond oil and hazelnut oil are the choicest oils to use for high-heat cooking, with only 7% saturated fats. Nut oils have a distinct flavor that enhance dishes like seared salmon cutlets, or “blackened” Cajun chicken.
Olive oil is a flavorful runner-up that is slightly higher in saturated fats (14%). “Light” colored olive oil has the highest smoking point, while less refined extra virgin olive oil is more suited to medium-high cooking temperatures.
High-oleic sunflower oil is also low in saturated fats and holds up well under high heat.

Oils that should stay shelved

Whichever oil your prefer, stay away from coconut oil, which packs a whopping dose of 92% saturated fats and has absolutely no health benefits.  Palm oil is another contender for our “worst oil ever” award, packed with 52% artery-clogging saturated fats.

Related Reading:

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Sources:

Heart-Healthy Cooking: Oils 101- Cleveland Clinic Health

Choosing Healthier Oils

What is Wheat Germ?

Flaxseed Health Benefits, Food Sources, Recipes, and Tips for Using It

Tags: diet nutrition, fats, Food, grocery shopping, health, healthy eating, heart healthy, low fat, natural diet, nutrition, nutrition nutritious foods, pantry storage, special diets

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 at 5:34 am and is filed under Diet and Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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12 Fermented Foods that are Good for your Gut- Probiotics

Include these anti-inflammatory fermented foods in your diet.

Whether you suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you know that the best way to treat your tummy right is by following a diet rich in probiotic foods.  Probiotics are live microorganisms that occur naturally in aged foods,  such as pickles and yogurt.  Consider them your allies in fighting your body’s war between good and evil, bacteria-wise.  When it comes to preventing gastrointestinal inflammation, the health benefits of probiotics are unrivaled.

Gut Bugs:Winning the Bacteria Battle

Twelve great foods that contain probiotics are:

1- Yogurt: Yogurt is an old standby for people who understand the health benefits of probiotic foods, and for good reason.  Many brands of yogurt contain live cultures that aid in preventing inflammation caused by antibiotics and irritable bowel syndrome.  Keep in mind that not all yogurts are alike- only the ones that are marked “active cultures” or “live cultures” on the label have potent probiotics.2- Kefir: Kefir is a popular European drink that contains a mixture of goat milk and fermented kefir grains.  In addition to antioxidants, kefir is also rich in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria.3- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a nourishing drink that adds creaminess and rich flavor to Ranch salad dressings, pancakes, and cornbread.  It is also an excellent source of probiotic cultures.4- Sour cream: Sour cream is a fermented condiment that contains healthy bacteria.  Use it sparingly, as it is high in fat.5- Miso: Miso is a traditional Japanese condiment that consists of a fermented paste produced by soybeans, barley, or rice.  It adds a salty, smoky flavor to soups and sauces.  Natural Treatments for the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease6- Tempeh: Tempeh is an excellent vegetarian source of vitamin B12.  Produced from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a meatier alternative to tofu and makes a satisfying centerpiece in vegan main meals.7- Natto: Natto is another soy product featured in Japanese cuisine, containing bacillus subtilis.  It has a pungent quality that true lovers of vegetarian cookery enjoy.8- Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage began its gastronomical career as a popular German condiment; today, hot dog enthusiasts all over the USA delight in topping their frankfurters with tangy sauerkraut.  The 20 Do’s and Don’ts of the GERD Diet9- Kimchi: Kimchi is a traditional Korean condiment made of assorted pickled vegetables.  Like sauerkraut, kimchi contains fermented cabbage, in addition to onions, carrots, and garlic.  Unlike sauerkraut, kimchi has a hot ‘n spicy kick to it.10- Kombucha tea: Kombucha tea, a health food staple that contains live cultures, is an ancient tonic that promotes healthy gut bacteria.11- Pickles: Dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or half-sours: any way you slice them, pickled cucumbers are a tasty, crunchy source of gut-friendly probiotics.12- Unpasteurized olives: Naturally fermented, unpasteurized olives have a unique, full-bodied flavor that is lacking in traditionally bottled pasteurized olives.  Like all olives, they are equally beneficial for preventing heart disease.

Related Reading:

15 Steps to Better Digestion

Crohn’s Disease Suggested Dinner Menu, plus Recipes

Ten Foods to avoid if you have Inflammatory Bowel Disorder

101 Helpful Sites for Kids ‘n Teens with Crohn’s (and their Parents)

On the Run with Crohn’s? 6 Ways to Ease Public Restroom Anxiety

Sources:

Top 10 Probiotic Foods to Add to Your Diet

Top Probiotic Foods You Are Not Eating | The Conscious Life

The Best Probiotic Foods | LIVESTRONG.COM

13 Natural Probiotic Food Sources

Tags: anti-inflammatory fermented foods, Crohn's, Crohn’s Disease, foods that contain probiotics, gastrointestinal disease, IBD inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, irritable bowel syndrome IBS, Livestrong, probiotics, probiotics health benefits, ulcerative colitis

This entry was posted on Friday, July 22nd, 2011 at 5:25 am and is filed under Crohn's Disease. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

View the original article here

Is it Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia? Four Ways to Tell

How to tell if you have fibro fog, chronic fatigue, or both

Most people who have fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) also suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), as the two conditions share comorbidity with each other. Not only are 80 to 90 percent of all chronic fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue sufferers female, they share many of the same symptoms, such as severe chronic pain and mental exhaustion.  If that’s the case, then how does one tell the two conditions apart?

7 Reasons You Have Brain Fog…And What to do About It

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

In order for you physician to diagnose CFS or FMS, you must exhibit some of the following symptoms:

Extreme mental fatigueMuscle or joint painDifficulty sleepingUnusual headachesIrritable bowel syndromeForgetfulnessLightheadedness

Suffering from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue? B12 to the Rescue!

We know what features CFS and FMS have in common; what criteria do physicians use to tell them apart?  The basic difference is; fibromyalgia is more about the pain, while chronic fatigue is mostly about being tired all the time.  However, that’s only a rough description.

Here are four distinguishing traits of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue:

1) Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 5 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome, compared with 1 million who suffer from chronic fatigue.  If you suspect one of the two, seek a fibromyalgia diagnosis first.   A rheumatologist often determines fibromyalgia, while an infectious disease specialist is more likely to diagnose CFS.

2) The substance P factor

Fibromyalgia patients have 300% more substance P, a chemical that your brain uses to spread pain signals throughout your body.  The more substance P your body emits following an injury, the stronger your body’s reaction to pain.  If you have fibromyalgia, then you suffer three times the amount of muscular pain or joint aches than people who don’t have chronic illness.

3) It’s in the zone

There are approximately 18 distinct pain points throughout body that signal fibromyalgia syndrome.  To receive a diagnosis, fibromyalgia sufferers must exhibit soreness in at least 11 of these specified zones.  Conversely, chronic fatigue patients have no connection with the 18 pain points.

How to Tell if Chronic Pain is Fibromyalgia: 18 Pressure Points

4) Chronic fatigue is viral

Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have higher levels of an antiviral enzyme, RNase L, leading experts to believe that CFS is the result of an autoimmune disorder following exposure to a virus.  While fibromyalgia patients usually begin to exhibit pain symptoms following an emotional trauma or physical injury, CFS generally appears because of a viral infection, like mono or the flu.  Chronic fatigue sufferers often complain of residual flu-like symptoms and sore throat, in addition to exhaustion following physical exercise.  CFS patients feel tired all day, even after sleeping a full eight hours.

Related reading:

100 Best Sites for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Information

Staying Fit with Fibromyalgia: 13 Pain-Free Workouts

Why More Fibromyalgia Patients are Taking Tai Chi

15 Handy Household Tools for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Best Clothes for Fibromyalgia Pain- 6 Helpful Dressing Tips

Sources:

The Common Threads of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Fibromyalgia Center – Everyday Health

Difference Between Fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue syndrome | Difference Between |  Fibromyalgia vs Chronic fatigue syndrome

What is the difference between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue?

Tags: CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic fibromyalgia, diseases, fibromyalgia fatigue, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), fms, mental fatigue, physical fatigue, symptoms of cfs, symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, symptoms of fibromyalgia, treatment for cfs, treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome

This entry was posted on Monday, July 25th, 2011 at 5:38 am and is filed under Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Boost Weight Loss- Snack on These 6 Yummy Treats

Diet experts advise eating these foods for maximum weight loss

If you’re trying to lose weight (and who isn’t?), then you don’t want to waste time eating foods that slow you down.  Including the the right foods in your eating plan is your recipe for ultimate weight loss.  Choose healthy foods that contain dietary fiber, antioxidants, and natural spices, such as cinnamon and chili peppers.

Here are 6 super snack foods that will help you stay on the diet wagon:

Fiery bean tostada with salsa: Eating a spicy meal with hot chili peppers just gives you a warm feeling inside.  According to researchers, capsaicin, the ingredient that puts the pep into the pepper, actually helps you burn up to 100 calories per day.  Pair that with beans, which contain a natural appetite suppressant, cholecystokinin, and dig in.  Word to the wise- corn tortillas have more dietary fiber and less refined ingredients than flour tortillas, so load up a corn tortilla with all the fixins.Almond trail mix: Eat twelve almonds per day, and you’ll have an easier time sticking to your diet.  That’s because raw almonds have alpha-linolenic acid, a healthy ingredient that helps you burn fat.  Almonds also contain plenty of tummy-filling dietary fiber, so you won’t go hungry.  If you’re diabetic, then you’ll appreciate the insulin-controlling benefits of foods like almond butter.Egg omelet: It’s a proven fact that eggs satisfy you- protein gives you a feeling of fullness that keeps you from binging later in the day.  Women who eat two eggs with whole-grain toast each day lose weight quicker than those who eat just one bagel with cream cheese for breakfast.Cinnamon toast: The USDA did some research that concluded that cinnamon reduces the risk of post-meal insulin spikes- great news for diabetics.  Sprinkle some sweet and spicy cinnamon on whole-grain buttered toast for a gratifying and healthy snack guaranteed to help you lose weight.Apples and cheese: An apple a day keeps the doctor- and obesity- away.  Apples are loaded with natural sweetness, high fiber, and antioxidants, making them one of the best diet foods around.  According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, full-fat cheese promotes weight loss more efficiently than its lower fat and nonfat alternatives.  Try this- a dollop of full-fat ricotta cheese with baked apple.  Don’t forget the cinnamon!Green tea smoothie: Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that speed up your metabolism and help you drop pounds more efficiently.  Researchers from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville found that dieters who consumed yogurt lost 61% more fat than dieters who didn’t.  Make a healthy, low-cal metabolism-boosting smoothie with frozen yogurt, powdered matcha green tea, and frozen green grapes.  Yum!

Also read:

7 Days of Refreshing, High Energy Smoothies without Caffeine

10 Most Tempting Vegan Ice Cream Recipes

Crack the Iceberg Habit: 10 Green Leafy Veggies you’ll Love

Sources:

15 Foods To Help You Lose

7 Foods that Speed Weight Loss

20 best foods for weight loss: Food & Diet: Self.com

Tags: best foods for weight loss, diet, diet advice, eating plan, foods To Help You Lose, nutrition, snack food, Weight loss

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 21st, 2011 at 4:25 am and is filed under Diet and Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Eight Great Juices that Heal and Protect your Body

Simple Healing Juices that prevent cancer, cleanse the digestive system, and boost energy

Since the beginning of time, people have been fantasizing about a magic cure-all that could heal them of all physical ailments, a fountain of youth to restore energy, increase mental clarity, aid weight loss, and delay the effects of aging.  Well, there’s nothing magical about a shot of spinach juice, but ask any “juicer” and he’ll tell you that the alternative healing powers of therapeutic juices are anything but ordinary.

Juice therapy has been around a long time.  Many baby boomers probably remember gulping down wheatgrass juice in the 70s while dipping wedges of whole-wheat toast into cheesy fondue pots.  Today, nutritionists prescribe healing juices to rid the body of toxins, improve digestion, prevent cancer, and stimulate cell regeneration.  (See: 7 Days of Refreshing, High Energy Smoothies without Caffeine.)

Here are eight natural fruit and vegetable juice recipes that will rejuvenate, protect, and heal your body:

1) Celery juice fights fatigue (nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, and amino acids)

Wow- Who knew that a mild-mannered stick of celery had so many vital vitamins and minerals?  Celery juice is a natural diuretic; it is effective in:

combating brain fatigue caused by stresslowering high blood pressurerestoring the nervous systempreventing urinary stonespreventing diseases like lung cancer, rheumatism, and gout

Is it Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia? Four Ways to Tell

Dose: one or two teaspoons before meals, or ½ cup every day, for 15-20 days.

2) Spinach juice for better digestive health (nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, chlorophyll, amino acids, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, iodine, and copper)

I guess the real question is, which disease spinach WON’T cure.  In addition to curing constipation, spinach juice is helpful for treating:

anemiadiabeteslow immunityskin rashescognitive problemsinsomniaweak eyesightcolon cancertoxicitycolitisastheniadepressionfatigue

Also read: Crack the Iceberg Habit: 10 Green Leafy Veggies you’ll Love

Dose: Sixteen fluid ounces of spinach juice per day.

3) Beetroot juice for hypertension (nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin PP, manganese, potassium, iron, betalain)

This dark purple root vegetable is phenomenal for lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease.  Scientists attribute the many health benefits of beet juice to nitrates.  Beets are powerful antioxidants, and aid in:

lowering blood pressuredelaying onset of dementiaincreasing blood flow to the brainpreventing cancer

Dose: One sixteen-ounce serving per day.

4) Carrot juice for clear skin (nutrients: vitamin A [beta carotene], vitamin C, vitamin B complex, calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, and chlorine)

We know carrots are good for the eyes (how else could Bugs Bunny evade Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd for as long as he did?), but carrot juice isn’t just about protecting your peepers.  Some other amazing healing properties of carrots include:

reducing skin blemishes, such as acne, eczema, and drynesspreventing dehydrationprotecting cardiovascular healthaiding the kidneys

Vitamin B12 for Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails

Dose: Two eight-ounce glasses of fresh, organic carrot juice per day.

5) Potato juice for heartburn (nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, niacin, folate, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium)

Potato juice has an alkaline property that is helpful for neutralizing the digestive system gently and naturally.  Potatoes are beneficial for treating:

heartburnulcersgastritiscolitisconstipationdiabetes

Read more about avoiding heartburn: The 20 Do’s and Don’ts of the GERD Diet

Dose: Eight ounces before every meal, for one month, or as needed.

6)  Pomegranate juice for fighting free radicals (nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin B5, beta-carotene,  vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, folic acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, polyphenol, and selenium)

Did you know that pomegranates are giant berries?  Unlike other berries, pomegranate seeds hide beneath a thick, hard pithy skin.  Pomegranate juice has powerful, disease-fighting antioxidants, which are valuable allies in preventing many diseases.  Overall, pomegranates’ healing qualities include:

fighting coldsimproving skin healthstrengthening eye musclespreventing infection and inflammationboosting the immune systemlowering cholesteroldelaying the aging process

Dose: One or two eight-ounce glasses per day.

7)  Cabbage juice for gastritis (nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, calcium, and potassium)

Fermented cabbage is a known tonic for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  Cabbage juice is helpful for healing stomach ulcers, curing fungal infections, and alleviating gastritis, asthma, bronchitis, and headaches.

Dose: For best results, drink ½ cup of cultured cabbage juice each day.

8) Cherry juice for preventing cancer (nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and anthocyanins)

Black cherry juice is an excellent source of antioxidants; drinking tart cherry juice each day is effective for preventing many types of cancer, as well as other ailments:

high blood pressureheart diseaseAlzheimer’s diseaseDiabetesgout paininflamed jointsdental problems

Dose: Two twelve-ounce servings of cherry juice per day, for one week.

Related reading:

12 Ways to Flavor your Drinking Water without Refined Sugar

Ten Foods to avoid if you have Inflammatory Bowel Disorder

The Best- and Worst- Cooking Oils for Heart Health

Sources:

Healing With Carrot Juice

7 Natural Healing Juices

The Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice- LIVESTRONG.COM

Daily Dose of Beet Juice Promotes Brain Health in Older Adults

Drinking beetroot juice dramatically lowers risk of heart disease and strokes

Spinach | Health Benefits of Spinach | Information on spinach

Tags: alternative healing, beetroot juice, cabbage juice, carrot juice, celery juice, diet and weight loss, fruit juice, healing, healing food, healing juices, juice recipes, juice therapy, natural juice, nutrition research, nutritional value, potato juice, spinach juice, therapeutic juices, vegetables

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2011 at 11:16 am and is filed under Diet and Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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8 Great Gluten-Free Copycat Recipes, Larabars and Babycakes +

Trying to run a gluten-free household for patients of celiac disease can be daunting- not to mention, costly.  Many food manufacturers make outstanding snacks, mixes, and breads for people who are either allergic to gluten or suffer from gluten intolerance.  However good these packaged products are, they are still hard on your food budget.  Cooking your own meals at home is not only cost-effective, but it also puts the restrictive diet control back where it belongs- in your capable hands.

Gluten is a common ingredient in all products containing wheat, barley, corn, rye, spelt, Kamut and triticale. By stocking up on whole, gluten-free certified flours, like bean flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and brown rice flour, you can make any of these tasty gluten-free  copycat versions of your favorite meals and snacks.

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Eight gluten-free favorites you can make at home:

Not-Kraft Gluten-Free “Boxed” Mac and Cheese

Prepackaged gluten-free mixes are convenient, but let’s face it- they’re expensive.  Why pay extra for the paper packaging, when you can make your own version at home?   Save money and a tree at the same time.  In Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom, blogger Heidi shares her instructions for “boxed” gluten free mac and cheese that even your kids can make, using powdered cheddar cheese and your favorite gluten-free pasta.

“Allergy Free Foods” Gluten-Free Chicken Nugget Recipe

Instead of heading for the supermarket freezer aisle, make these crunchy, juicy copycat gluten-free chicken nuggets at home.  You’ll love the fresh taste, the healthy allergy-free ingredients, and the convenience of being able to adapt the recipe to your own liking or dietary needs.  Use the money you saved to splurge on dessert, like gluten-free ice cream.

Almost Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour

All-purpose gluten-free baking mix should be a staple in your gluten-free kitchen. Use it to make breads, cakes, cookies, and other recipes that typically contain white flour.  Bob’s Red Mill makes an excellent mix containing a blend of bean flours, tapioca, and potato starch.  In a pinch, you can make your own version at home, using these copycat instructions from the Gluten Free Cooking School.

Gluten Free Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix Copy Cat Recipe

The Jiffy brand cornbread mix contains white flour- not an option if you’re on a gluten-free diet.  This allergy-free, non-glutinous fluffy cornbread muffin recipe incorporates brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour.  See blogger Lisa Whitaker’s page, Extraordinary Life, for many more gluten-free copycat recipes that you’ll love.

“Odi’s” Gluten-Free and Vegan Bagels

These healthy gluten-free bagels are a delicious knock-off of a popular gluten-free bakery line of breads and treats.  These bagels take some time to make, but you’ll agree that it was worth the effort when you try them.  Set aside enough time to make a large batch of flavorful sorghum-buckwheat bagels, and toss a bunch in the freezer for later- if they even last that long.

Authentic Babycakes Bakery recipes

See Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog, Goop, for an interview with Babycakes owner, Erin McKenna.  In it, Erin gives away a few of her celeb-faved Babycakes recipes, including instructions for gluten-free Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemon Poppy Teacake, Chocolate Cupcakes, and Vanilla Frosting.  Try these at home!

15 Gluten-Free Glitterati, from Aniston to Zooey

Gluten Free Samoa Girl Scout Cookies

In the Learning How to Cook…Gluten Free! Site, celiac disease-patient blogger gives shows you how she took a copycat recipe for the famous chewy Girl Scout cookie treat and made it her own by substituting gluten-free flour for all-purpose white flour.  Enjoy the all-American favorite cookie, topped with coconut, caramel, and a chocolate ribbon, without the gluten!

Cookie Dough Larabar Knockoff Recipe

Larabars are deliciously sweet, all-natural energy bars that will satisfy your celiac-sweet tooth.  Flavors range from Pecan Pie, Key Lime, and Carrot Cake to Chocolate Peanut Butter and Ginger Snap.  This Livestrong article tells you how to make your own Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Larabars, using fresh almonds, dates, and organic chocolate chips.

Related Reading:

Celiac Summer, Part 1:Plan a Fun and Gluten-Free Disney Vacation

Celiac Summer, Part 2: Gluten-Free Road Trippin’

Celiac Disease and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Tags: Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom, allergy-free recipes, Babycakes, Babycakes Bakery recipes, Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour, brown rice flour, Celiac Disease, celiac disease recipes, Cookie Dough Larabar Knockoff Recipe, cornbread mix, Extraordinary Life, Food, Gluten Free Cooking School, Gluten Free Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, Gluten Free Samoa Girl Scout Cookies, gluten-free bagels, Gluten-Free Chicken Nugget Recipe, Gluten-Free Copycat Recipes, gluten-free ice cream, Gluten-Free “Boxed” Mac and Cheese, Gwyneth Paltrow Goop, healthy, Larabar copycat recipe, Larabars, potato starch, tapioca flour

This entry was posted on Friday, July 15th, 2011 at 2:12 am and is filed under Diet and Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Safe Fruits for People Diabetes

Diabetics must keep their food, including sweet fruits. But that does not mean that diabetics should not eat fruit. Here are some pieces that are suitable for diabetics.

Diabetics cannot eat food carelessly let alone related to glucose, hence the strict controls required to minimize the adverse impacts that may arise.

People with diabetes should eat foods with low glycemic index, which is below 55. This is to help prevent blood sugar spikes that make diabetes worse.

Glycemic index (GI) is the scale or number given to certain foods based on how big these foods increase blood sugar levels, the scale used is 0-100. Called low-glycemic index when they’re on a scale of less than 50, medium glycemic index if its value is 50-70 and high glycemic index if the number is above 70.

Here are some fruits that can and is suitable for diabetics that is:

1. Apple

Glycemic Edge reported that pectin, are compounds that are found on the skin and flesh of apples, is effective to help treat diabetes. These compounds help detoxify the body and reduce the insulin the body needs about 35 percent. Eating an apple that has a glycemic index of 40 can also help improve the regulation of blood sugar levels.

George Mateljan Foundation for the World’s Healthiest Foods, citing a research study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food September 2010 edition, shows the enzyme in apple affects carbohydrate digestion, which reduces the absorption of glucose in the digestive tract and stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin. This condition will help you balance blood sugar levels.

2. Strawberries

Strawberries play a role in the diet of people suffering from diabetes. American Diabetes Association, call berries including strawberries as a ‘super food’ because it has a low glycemic index, which is 40 to 120 grams strawberries.

Strawberries also contain lots of fiber, nutrients and antioxidants. Eating strawberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease, a serious risk for diabetics.

3. Jeruk Bali (Grapefruit)

Jeruk Bali has a glycemic index of 25 per 120 grams, it can help improve insulin sensitivity, an important feature because insulin helps release sugar into the bloodstream and directly impact on blood sugar levels.

Jeruk Bali increased alkali reserve in the blood, which can resist the acidity of diabetes in people with diabetes.

4. Avocado

Avocado effective in reducing cholesterol in people with diabetes to maintain the level of triglycerides in the blood, according to William Castelli in Cholesterol Cures book.

Avocados are low in carbohydrates and contain healthy fats can reduce the risk of type two diabetes in women and men who already have a high risk. High levels of vitamin E in avocados also improve insulin action by inhibiting the binding of glucose to low density lipoprotein.

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Cinnamon for Diabetes Sufferers

The benefits of cinnamon was not just a fragrance for a variety of foods or beverages. Spices Latin name Cinnamomum burmannii this was already for a long time believed to cure diabetes mellitus.

Health and food experts from the UK says, cinnamon is often used by people with diabetes mellitus. Spices with sweet aroma works on the pancreas.

The pancreas is one organ that produces insulin. In people with diabetes, the body susceptible to interference so it cannot produce the insulin needed to control blood sugar levels.

The hormone insulin is used to detect blood sugar levels. If the sugar content is high in blood because they have not needed to be processed, then the insulin will lower and turn it into muscle and fat. With insulin, the sugar contained in the blood is processed into energy so it does not settle in the blood cells.

Cinnamon widely grown in Asia, such as in Indonesia. However, the use of cinnamon as a medicine is patented in the United States under the trademark Cinulin. Cinulin used to keep the sugar levels of people with diabetes mellitus, those who cannot meet the needs of insulin.

View the original article here

Bald Men at Age 20 Years More Dangerous

Paris, Besides the issue of ability to ejaculate, baldness become the most serious problem for men. The issue could be added at risk if bald men experienced in the age of 20 years. When a man has begun to experience hair loss and baldness at the age of 20 years, he has a higher risk of prostate cancer later in life.

This is based on the results of a study conducted by researchers of France, which showed that men with prostate cancer are twice as likely already showing signs of baldness at the age of 20 years.

Researchers noted that in the male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is associated with the conversion of testosterone to the hormone androgen. Androgen hormones have also been known to be involved in the growth of prostate cancer.

In addition, the drug finasteride is used to treat baldness by blocking the conversion of testosterone into the androgen thought to cause hair loss, has also been shown to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.

In that study, researchers compared 388 men treated for prostate cancer with 281 healthy men. The result, researchers found that men with prostate cancer two times more likely to go bald at the age of 20 years.

However, the risk of prostate cancer does not develop in men who go bald in their 30s or 40s.

“Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that screening can be useful for prostate cancer. We need a way to identify people at high risk for developing disease,” explained study author Dr. Philippe Giraud, from the European Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, as reported by HealthDay, Wednesday (16/02/2011).

According to Dr. Giraud, baldness at the age of 20 years may be one risk factor that is easily recognizable. “More work needs to be done now to confirm this,” he added.

Dr. Giraud is also a professor of radiation oncology at the Paris Descartes University, has reported his findings in the online edition of Annals of Oncology edition of February 15.

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Vitamins and Supplements Consumed Before and After Meals

Some vitamins and supplements recommended to be drunk before meals, but there is also the recommended consumed after a meal. This is because vitamins and supplements can interact with one another with drugs and even certain foods. But most of the vitamins may not matter consumed before or after meals.

As reported by the Nutrition.about.com and Truestarhealth, Tuesday (25/05/2010), some vitamins and supplements was found to trigger a toxicity when taken with certain foods, and also vice versa can be dangerous to the stomach when taken on an empty stomach.

Vitamins and supplements should be consumed after the meal is:

1. Hydrochloric acid supplements

Hydrochloric acid supplements work best when consumed at the beginning of a meal. Hydrochloric acid supplements are often used by people who have difficulty producing enough hydrochloric acid in the stomach when eating. When hydrochloric acid supplements taken on an empty stomach without adding food to be digested, then this can cause a burning sensation in the stomach.

2. Vitamin B complex

Vitamin B complex often causes mild nauseous. This can be avoided by taking vitamin B complex with snacks. But do not eat greasy food when you are taking vitamin B complex, as it will interfere with absorption.

3. Vitamin A, D, and K

Vitamin A, D, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins require fat, either animal or vegetable to be able to optimize absorption in the body. This vitamin is best eaten with meals and after meals.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C does not need the fat to dissolve in the body. But most of the vitamin C is acidic, it should be consumed after meals to avoid irritation of the stomach, especially in ulcer patients.

5. Zinc Supplements

Consuming too much zinc at once can cause stomach cramps and nauseous. To reduce this effect, zinc supplements should be consumed after the meal.

While vitamins and supplements that can be consumed on an empty stomach or before meals are as follows:

1. Iron

Iron supplements should be taken empty stomach before meals alias, so that can be absorbed by the body better. For a small dose is not a problem taking them after meals, but when iron supplements are for people with anemia, it must be consumed before meals and separately with other supplements, especially calcium and vitamin E.

2. Vitamin B12 and folic acid

Exclusion of the vitamin B complex are consumed together or after meals, vitamin B12 and folic acid must be consumed on an empty stomach.

3. Proteolytic enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes like bromelain may work best on an empty stomach. Enzymes that digest proteins are often used in large quantities to help reduce inflammation.

If taken after meals, then a few substances of this enzyme might just end up being a digestive enzyme.

4. Bioflavonoids and phytochemicals

Many bioflavonoids and phytochemicals are well absorbed on an empty stomach. Bioflavonoids and phytochemicals have several therapeutic advantages, and consume on an empty stomach will give maximum benefit. Two examples are quercetin and vinpocetine.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus best consumed on an empty stomach, when you wake up or before bed. These supplements are essential for a healthy digestive system, and useful to treat candida, and treatment of intestinal flora after taking antibiotics.

6. Green Food

Green foods are usually best consumed on an empty stomach to take advantage of importance, namely the effect of antioxidants and nutrients.

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Benefit of Having Sex

Sex has many health benefits for the body. The experts even suggested doing such intimate activity every day for maximum health benefits gained.

As quoted from the Times of India, there are eihgt on the health benefits of sex, the following list:

1. Improving Cardiovascular Health

A recent study says that men who have sex more than twice a week, a lower risk of heart attack, compared to men who have sex less than once a month.

2. Improve Immune System

Making love regularly increase the antibody levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA). Immune is what makes your body stronger against illnesses such as colds and fevers.

3. Reduce Stress

Stress due to job or family? Do not let it affect your performance in bed. According to one study, people who have time to make love that routine can handle stress better than not. Also, they are much happier.

4. Increase Blood Circulation

Because heart rate increases during sexual intercourse, become more fresh blood is supplied to the organs and cells. While blood has been used up will be eliminated, other than that the body was also expel toxins that cause you to feel tired.

5. Eliminate Pain

If you are using the excuse of headache to avoid sex, you should not do it anymore. While we were having sex and orgasm, the hormone oxytocin levels increased almost five-fold. This is what makes the pain disappear.

6. Reduce Fat

If normally you go to the gym or doing housework to reduce fat, now there are ways more fun. Making love regularly for half an hour can burn up to 80 calories.

7. Prostate Protection.

Researchers say prostate trouble may arise or be worsened by fluid buildup within the gland. Regular ejaculation will help wash out those fluids. Be careful if there is an abrupt change in frequency, may also cause problems with the speed of discharge of the prostate gland.

8. Strong Bones and Muscles.

“All kinds of physical exercise will help increase testosterone,” the statement Dr. Karen Donahey, director of Sex and Marital Therapy Program at the University of Chicago. Testosterone is believed to help maintain bone and muscle men remain strong.

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Benefits of Garlic to Prevent and Treat Disease

If you hear garlic, probably what comes to mind is the bad breath is disturbing, in fact garlic is one of the many benefits of medicinal plants, so-called “tubers thousand properties”. What the real substance is contained therein? Is it true that the sharper the flavor means the higher the usefulness?

Plant with the Latin name “Allium Sativum” These include herbs that are very popular in Asia. He gave a distinctive fragrant flavor to cuisine, as well as lowering cholesterol contained in foods that contain fat. So do not be surprised if in the cuisines of China, Korea and Japan are using onions as the main seasoning.

Garlic has been used as medicine for thousands of years. Even 3000 years BC. Ancient Greek scholar Aristotle also been testing the garlic in the year 335 BC for use as a treatment. Hieroglyphics noted that garlic is given to the workers who built the pyramids to keep them strong and healthy. The Russians made garlic as “replace antibiotic” and is known as “Russian penicillin” because it believed to contain 1 / 10 the good of penicillin.

Garlic can be used for alternative medicine as follows:

a. Garlic Flu and Cough.

The content of sulfur contained in garlic make it a distinctive smell and flavor that can enhance and accelerate activities in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which helps relieve compaction and remove the mucus. Raw garlic contains phytochemicals that may help kill bacteria and viruses that cause disease. In 1992, researchers from Brigham Young University in Utah reported that crushed garlic in oil to kill not only kill rhinivirus type 2 (causes umun flu), but also kill the two kinds of herpes (an infectious skin disease) and some other common viruses.

b. Garlic and Cholesterol

There are now over 12 studies published worldwide that ensure that the garlic in various forms can reduce cholesterol. Therefore, it can be concluded that garlic can cure high blood pressure, heart disease. One study, published in “The Journal of The Royal College of Physicians” by CS Silagy and Neil in 1994 mentioned that garlic is an agent for reducing fat. Authors state that garlic supplements is an important part in healing high cholesterol. According to him, overall, a decrease of 12% of the total cholesterol. This decrease occurred after four weeks of treatment.

c. Garlic and Cancer

Onions also have content for fighting cancer, particularly stomach and colon cancer. Organosulfida contained in garlic help the liver process the toxic chemical compounds, including chemical compounds that cause cancer of some epidemiological studies show that people who consume lots of garlic lower risk of developing cancer of the stomach and intestines.

d. Garlic and Pregnancy

Recent research shows that consuming garlic during pregnancy reduces the risk of pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia (blood pressure increases the protein content in the urine). Many studies also revealed that garlic also help boost weight than babies who are too small. Research conducted by Dr. D. Sooranna, Ms. J. Hirani and Dr. I Das in the Academic Department of Obsterrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. They concluded that although pre-eclampsia and growth retardation is a complex condition, taking standardized garlic tablets during pregnancy can reduce the possibilities of complications at birth. They focused on growth retardation in infants and pre-eclampsia, a condition that is very dangerous for mother and child that occurs in approximately one in ten pregnancies.

Experiments showed that adding extracts of garlic to cells plaasenta are likely to suffer from these conditions proved to be stimulating growth. Furthermore, the activities of important enzymes are reduced in abnormal pregnancies is also greatly increased given the garlic.

e. Increase Stamina

Garlic can be a source of stamina and physical strength are high. Although they are rarely sick before, suddenly they are susceptible to colds, especially people like these that require stamina builder power contained in garlic. People who are easily tired should increase their stamina by eating a little garlic each day in a long time. How, can we mix in the preparation of our cuisine.

f. Controlling the Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an inherited disease characterized by insulin was insufficient in the body, as a result of excess sugar in the blood and urine, as well as a great hunger and thirst. Sufferers always want to eat sweet things, and although he likes to eat sweets and other food, body weight tended to decrease. The main symptoms, decreased resistance to germs and bacterial skin disorders and decreased sexual desire, bowel and blood vessel disease. Prudent use of garlic in the diet is one way to get the greatest benefit from the food eaten thus contributing to good body condition.

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Equality Between Sex and Sports

Sex and sport have much in common. In addition to burning calories, there is another equation of sex and sports are amazing.

No matter whether the sports are played including team or individual in the group, someone still could take many lessons from the sport as a necessary strategy and communication with each other during exercise.

Mark Christian, PhD, a focus on Human Sexuality and Statistics at Indiana University says there are a few things about sex that can be learned from the exercise, that is:

1. Always remember to breathe

Almost all sports advise players to keep breathing well, not least with the sex. This is probably quite easy to remember, but sometimes people like to shrugged it off. Breathing plays an important role during lovemaking because breathing is good and in can lead to better sex.

2. Work together as a team

Sexual intercourse involves other people and not just yourself. This means that the sex takes a good cooperation as a team, like teams in sports.

3. Take turns

When exercising every person will have their turn to play, this is the same as during sex because if couples do not take turns with each other (so there is a dominant) will quickly lead to boredom with one another which affect the declining quality of sexual relations.

4. Thank strengths and weaknesses rather than complain

In every game there are always rules, and sometimes in a sexual relationship also there are some things to be mutually agreed because it is for sex may work well, there’s nothing wrong to accept the shortcomings and strengths of each partner.

5. Set goals and commitments

In a sport usually has a purpose and a shared commitment, it is also the same as sex. If a couple is not ready on a matter, then make a plan. There is nothing wrong in making the commitments and objectives regarding the frequency, position or anything related to sex so that they can enjoy sex with both.

6. Exercise

In the sport needed a good workout in order to produce a perfect game, this is also true of sex. With frequent exercise, the person can increase the expertise and its ability to produce the perfect sex.

7. Try more flexible

Everything could change that sometimes occurs in the middle of the game, but as players they are usually more flexible and can accept everything. This also applies in a sexual relationship. For that try to be more flexible and less rigid if there is something that changes in sexual relations.

8. Learning to communicate

One of the important things in a game is good communication between players, as well as in sex. Each couple can share their wants and needs without fear of negative reactions. This condition will create a healthy relationship and affect the sexual relationship better.

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