The Secret To Get Rid Of GROSS Cellulite

Is stubborn cellulite stopping you from wearing your favorite bikini? Learn how to get rid of cellulite while losing weight. Excess fat is the main cause of cellulite and this in depth guide will help you on your way to reducing cellulite today.

Have you ever wondered why it’s so difficult to get rid of cellulite? You’ve probably tried everything but still find yourself suffering from the unattractive, lumpy and dimpled skin cellulite leaves us with. It appears on your legs, butt, arms, tummy and a number of other parts of your body, gross!

If you’ve spent time researching ways to rid yourself from the so-called “orange peel” don’t worry, you’re definitely not the only one!

Many women, if not all, are just like you. In fact, 80 to 90 percent of all women are affected by cellulite. They’ve spent a lot of time, hard earned money and energy hoping to discover a miracle to cure this frustrating skin problem. Sadly more often than not they’re left with short term results or none at all.
There are a wide number of products and procedures on the market that promise a cellulite-free body. Magical thermo-activated creams that promise to rid you of the lumps and dimples for a hefty fee. Invasive laser therapy or dangerous fat removal surgeries that offer short term results and come with a number of serious risks. No thanks!

None of these have lasting results because they don’t address the main cause of cellulite – excess fat. Before you take another step further though, I suggest that you to read through this article and discover the real facts about why people have cellulite. If you follow the advice in this article I guarantee you’ll reduce your cellulite and possibly even rid yourself of it all together.

Almost Everybody Has It

If you think you are the only one with the dimples and bulges, think again. An article published in Medical News Today showed that around 80 to 90 percent of women suffer from cellulite. Men also suffer from cellulite but to a lesser degree due to lower body fat levels.
Most commonly, these lumps and dimples are found protruding on the arms, the belly, the buttocks and the thighs. However for some people cellulite gathers around less visible areas like the neck and the chest.

So now you know you’re not the only one suffering from cellulite. Even men get it, sometimes just as bad as women but due to today’s image standards it’s not as big a deal to them.

Where Does Cellulite Come From?

Cellulite occurs due to a disproportion in the connective tissues of the body due to excess body fat. When fat deposits push through the tissue underneath your skin, cellulite is formed. This creates the “orange peel” look on the surface of the skin where it is present. So, a higher body fat means more cellulite, which is why people diagnosed with obesity contain more severe amounts of cellulite on their bodies.

However, being overweight or obese is not the only reason for cellulite. Everyone, to a certain degree, will have cellulite on their bodies. Regardless of weight, body size and shape, nobody is exempt! It’s just more visible and severe when we have a higher percentage of fat in our bodies.

Genetics – A Factor But Not An Excuse

So your mom has a slow metabolism. Your dad can’t seem to trim down regardless of how much exercise he does. Your grandfather suffers from hypertension, and your grandma has hormonal imbalances.

All these health problems and disorders are known to cause cellulite. It may just be bad luck that your genes make you more prone to being affected by cellulite.
So some of us get pretty looks from our ancestors, and some of us get cellulite, awesome! But don’t worry, even if you drew the short straw and are more prone to cellulite there is still a lot you can do to reduce its appearance, so keep reading.

Medical Conditions Can Trigger Cellulite

Think about your state of health right now and be honest. If you aren’t in the best of shape, you are more prone to having cellulite. Although cellulite is not a form of disease, it is far more common if you’re overweight.
However, there are a number of illnesses that causes you to gain weight, which in turn give you cellulite. Hypothyroidism, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Diabetes and Depression can all cause weight gain. Before you try other methods to remove the lumpy, dimpled skin be sure to check with your doctor that you aren’t suffering from one of these conditions.

Hormonal Imbalances Play A Role

Estrogen plays a big role in the changes and the shape of a woman’s body. It encourages the body to build up fat and store fat. Changes in the estrogen levels of the body can aggravate the growth of cellulite.
Cellulite is often worse during pregnancy and menopause, again because of weight gain. It’s also known that high levels of the insulin hormone can play a role in developing cellulite. Weight gain is the most common side effect of those who take insulin.

How Bad Is My Cellulite?

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of different levels of cellulite. So, ask yourself, “How severe is my cellulite?”
Like all of us, I’m sure you’ve spent a lot of time looking at the areas of your body affected by cellulite. There’s actually a severity scale that can be used to determine just how bad your cellulite is.
Level 1 –  To your eyes, you cannot see any visible signs of lumpy, dimpled skin at this level.
Level 2 – Cellulite is easily detected once the area is pinched. Your skin feels thick and tender around the area where you have it. Once you pinch your skin, you see lumps and dimples.
Level 3 – If you can see some lumps, bulges and dimples around your thighs, your buttocks and other parts of your body as you stand, then your cellulite level is already in level 3.
Level 4 – If you can see lumps, bulges and dimples in whatever position you are in, then you’ve reached the height of the cellulite levels.
Don’t worry, there’s work to be done!

Reduce Your Cellulite Today

Remember, they best and most effective way to reduce cellulite is to lose weight and overall body fat levels. By exercising and replacing the fat with added muscle you’ll only increase the amount of weight you lose and therefore reduce your cellulite even more.

Eat Well. Eat Healthy

Your choice of food is very beneficial to maintaining a healthy you. If you really want to eliminate the bulges, you’ve got to start eating the right kinds of food.
Cut off from your carbohydrate and sodium intake, these both make you bloated and leave your skin retaining more water. Carbohydrates, especially sugars are cellulite’s worst enemy.
Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important because it is necessary in the production of collagen and has a vital role in repairing red blood cells. Both of these will help to reduce cellulite.
Getting a good amount of green leafy vegetables in your diet is also great for cellulite. They’re rich in collagen and encourage healthy skin, as well as acting as a preventative measure of cellulite formation.

Exercise And Build Muscle

Adding some lean muscle to your body will have you burning more calories and reducing your body fat. Exercise combined with a healthy diet will be your two biggest weapons in the war against cellulite. Not only will you reduce the lumps and dimples, but your body will appear more toned and trim.
When you exercise you will improve your heart health, increasing the blood circulation throughout your body and skin. This will help to reduce and improve the appearance of your current cellulite as well as prevent future cellulite from forming.
The main benefit will come from the weight loss obtained by exercising and a reduction of your body fat level.

Remember To Massage

According to studies by the Journal of Cosmetic Science, a good way to relieve cellulite is to apply creams containing retinol and caffeine to the affected areas. Some tanning, firming and anti-aging lotions can also help cover up the bulges, but these usually only work short term.
While incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your lifestyle you can massage areas affected by cellulite in a circular motion to aid in smoothing the skin.

Remember to set goals and reward yourself when you get the chance! Treat yourself by visiting a massage center and get a good full body massage, this will help smooth the skin and motivate you too.

Read More

7 Best Healthy Snacks Packed With Protein

Trying to cut back on calories but finding yourself craving not-so-healthy foods? Try these 7 best healthy snacks that are packed with protein that’ll keep you on your diet and losing weight.

So cut back the calories, get slim and stay satisfied by choosing from these healthy and high protein snacks!

Satisfy With A High Protein Hit

Snacks high in protein can help you lose weight and stick to a diet. Protein
releases energy slowly and will leave you feeling fuller for longer. As a super slow energy releaser, protein will help you stay satisfied, can fight off food cravings and keeps your blood sugar levels stable. Protein is also essential for healthy muscles and hair.

So with all the positives that protein provides, which snacks will you pack to keep satisfied? See our handy list of high protein foods to keep off the calories and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy snacks, such as crisps or chocolate.

1Go Nuts

Nuts are a great way to get some protein on the go. Whether it’s a peanut butter snack pack containing around 190 calories and 8 grams of protein (per 1.15 ounces), or a handful of your favorite nuts, which can be combined with dried fruit for extra flavor and fiber, nuts definitely pack in protein. Almonds are an awesome way to get extra protein into your diet and with 4 grams of protein for 14 almonds, at only 100 calories per serving, why not go nuts?

2Eat Some Meat

Meat contains high levels of protein, and by cutting up small cubes of chicken or steak you can create a handy protein snack. However, if you don’t want the fuss of cooking, jerky can provide an alternative option with 7 to 11 grams of protein per one ounce serving and only 70 to 90 calories.

3Take Some Tuna Or Turkey

Pouches of tuna contain 16 grams of protein and are an excellent way to get omega 3 into your diet, which is essential for your body to function. Turkey rolls can provide around 18 grams of protein and can be filled them with flavor and turned into a wrap by adding tomato and mustard. Alternatively, make your own version by adding your favorite veg. Cover your turkey wraps in film or take them in a tub so that they are ready to eat on the go, and at 75 calories per wrap, you can’t complain.

4Get Some Wholegrain

Whole grain bars are the latest trend and whether you take a bar with you or eat it for breakfast, they contain between 10 to 15 grams of protein. However, be careful to read the label first because some can come with a high sugar and fat content. Oatmeal can provide a healthier alternative and has around 4 grams of protein per packet. For those on the go, you can grab a pot of oatmeal from your local supermarket and take it for breakfast or lunch. Mix your oatmeal with milk, sprinkle on some almonds and you have a simple and tasty snack packed full of proteins.

5Squeeze In Some Cheese

Cottage cheese is low in fat and high in protein, with 20 grams and 110 calories per 5 ounce serving. This tasty cheese is great paired with tuna and spring onions or put on a celery stick for a snack with extra crunch. Mini cheeses are also a handy way to get some protein; they can easily be added into your bag, are available in different varieties and contain around 6 to 8 grams of protein.

6Do It With Dairy

Greek yogurt, kefir (a drinkable creamy yogurt) and low-fat chocolate milk are all packed full of proteins and will provide calcium to keep your teeth and bones healthy. Yes you heard correctly, low fat chocolate milk, which will not only provide you with enough protein to help you lose weight, but will also satisfy your taste buds, should you get a craving for chocolate. Low fat chocolate milk provides 9 grams of satisfying protein, whilst Greek yogurt can give you 12 to 30 grams a container. Kefir, which provides a great lactose free alternative, has 11 grams of protein per cup with three times as many probiotics than yogurt, so is also good for your gut.

7How About Hummus?

Chickpeas come with 7 grams of protein per a quarter cup serving and can be made into hummus by blending with oil and tahini. Other beans, lentils and peas will provide protein and can be mixed with vegetables and spices for a super tasty snack. However, if hummus isn’t for you why not cook some rice? As rice also contains protein, providing approximately 6 grams per 4.4 ounce cup.

Read More

Eat Avocados: Do not miss any chance to eat Avocados

Everyone loves avocado and its taste, but still, some people avoid this fruit because it is filled with fat.

Yes, this fruit is fatty, but it is also delicious and can make you much healthier. Actually, people who consume avocados on a regular basis have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to people who do not eat this fruit.

Why You Should Eat Avocados Every Chance You Get .. 

There are much more reasons for you to include this fruit to your everyday diet:

1.Extremely Nutritious: There are about 20 vitamins and minerals in one serving of avocado only. Here are the nutrients that you can typically get from avocado, based on the recommended daily values (RDV):

• Vitamin B6 – 26%
• Folate – 41%
• Vitamin K – 53 %
• Pantothenic acid – 28%
• Copper – 19%
• Potassium – 28%

Also, you can find 33% of RDV of vitamin C and 21% of RDV of vitamin E in avocados.

2.Loaded With Healthy Fats: Avocados are indeed full of fats, but this is no reason to panic or avoid avocados, as these fats are very good and beneficial for us and our health. This type of fat present in avocados, monounsaturated fat, can in fact lower the risk of heart attacks strokes by lowering the levels of blood cholesterol.

3.Weight Management: As surprising as this might sound to you, avocados can help in the regulation of fat, despite the fact that they are fatty. According to studies, consumption of half an avocado for lunch can aid you satisfy your food cravings and can help you feel fuller for longer time. This is especially beneficial for overweight people. If you were seeking for something to suppress the snacking cravings, your quest might end here.

4.Diabetes Prevention: If you eat avocados regularly, you can regulate the levels of blood sugar and thus reduce your risk of diabetes. A research has confirmed that consumption of half an avocado during lunchtime will not lead to changes in the blood sugar.

5.Inflammation Fighter: We all know that the cause of many chronic diseases is inflammation. If you consume avocados on daily basis you can help prevent allergies, asthma, and even degenerative diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart diseases. This effect is due to the presence of oleic acid in the avocado.

6.Eye Health Protector: Consumption of avocados is also beneficial for the eyes. Problems with the eyes, including cataract and vision loss are common in people, especially the ones that grow old. However, these problems can be easily combated by including avocados to your everyday diet. This fruit is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, substances known to support the health of the eyes for the long term.

7.Improved Nutrient Absorption: Avocados are beneficial as they promote the absorption of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, especially the ones soluble in fat. This group includes vitamins A, E, K, and D, and some antioxidants, like lutein and beta-carotene.

Not only are avocados good because of the above-mentioned benefits, but they are also beneficial for your skin and hair care, as they improve their looks. Keeping all these benefits in mind, don’t you think that you should definitely start consuming avocados on a daily basis?

Don’t Forget To Share With Your Friends And Family On Facebook, As You Might Help Someone In Need!

Read More

Healthy-Fat Foods That Are Good For Our Bodies

Avocado

Eat it on your sandwich, or serve it up in guacamole. Tasty avocado is good for your heart and may help with osteoarthritis symptoms, thanks to healthy fats.

An extra benefit? When you eat avocado with other foods, it helps your body better absorb their nutrients. Half a medium avocado is one serving and about 115-160 calories.

Seeds

Little pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds pack a big punch. They have “good” fats that can lower cholesterol. In general, fats that come from plants are healthier than those from animal products. “Bad” fats are in foods like fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and some packaged foods. Check food labels to see how much fat, and what type, you’re getting. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats.

Nuts

From hazelnuts to pecans, all nuts are good for your heart. Walnuts, especially, deliver heart-healthy fats. But don’t overdo it. Just because the fats are healthy doesn’t mean you can eat as much as you want. A serving is 1 ounce. That’s about 14 walnut halves, 24 almonds, 35 peanuts, 18 cashews, or 15 pecan halves.

Olive Oil

Whether you’re cooking or dressing your salad, try olive oil. It’s high in good fat. Remember, though: It’s always smart to watch how much fat — even good fat — you eat. So cook with less oil than a recipe calls for. Or use an olive oil spray. In baking, you can use applesauce for half the oil to cut back on some fat and shave calories.

Vegetables

Dark green veggies like spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts offer some omega 3s. Because our bodies can’t make these good fats, you have to get them from food. Aim for 2-3 cups of vegetables every day. Include fish in your diet, too, since fish have a different kind of omega-3 fat that you need. Plants only offer a fraction of the omega-3s that fish do.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of inexpensive protein, and a large egg has less than 5 grams of fat, most from healthy fats. Some eggs are also enriched with extra omega-3s. It will say so on the carton.

Ground Flaxseed

As part of a healthy diet, good-for-you fats can help make your skin look great — plumper and younger. Plus, they add fiber and can help ease inflammation. Get good fats by sprinkling a teaspoon of ground flaxseed on your salad or your cereal, or use it when you’re baking.

Beans

Whether they’re kidney, Great Northern, navy, or soybeans, adding beans to your diet can be good for you mentally and physically. Beans have omega 3s, which may help with mood.

Fish

Naturally fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are “good” fats that help keep your heart healthy. They may also help keep your brain sharp, especially as you get older. The American Heart Association suggests eating two servings of fatty fish a week. A serving is 3 ounces — about the size of a deck of cards. Try it baked, grilled, or poached.

Omega-3-Fortified Foods

There are also many foods that have added omega-3s to make them healthier. You can find enriched milk and eggs, bread, and breakfast bars, for example. Check product labels to make sure. Plus, you may get more health benefits by getting omega-3s through fortified products than from a supplement.

Read More

Listeria in Your Freezer: How Long the Bacteria Survive

Listeria in Your Freezer: How Long the Bacteria Survive 

The latest Listeria-related food recall includes more than 350 frozen fruit and vegetable products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The recall covers frozen foods produced as far back as May 2014, with "use by" dates through as far as April 2018, the CDC reported. Listeria bacteria represent one of the top causes of food-borne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The seemingly long shelf life for the Listeria in these products results, in part, from how the foods are stored: in the freezer. 

Listeria can live for a really long time in the freezer, said Benjamin Chapman, a food-safety specialist and an associate professor at North Carolina State University.

In fact, freezing is how scientists preserve bacteria when they want to study the organisms in the lab, Chapman told Live Science.

Although freezing temperatures will prevent Listeria bacteria from growing, they don't kill the bacteria, Chapman said. The microbes survive in the freezer, he said.

In addition, Listeria are among the few bacteria that can actually multiply at refrigerator temperatures, according to the CDC. For most other bacteria, these temperatures halt the bacteria's growth, sending them into a state of suspended animation.

Who's at risk?

Healthy people are unlikely to get sick from eating foods contaminated with Listeria. Rather, adults older than 65, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are at higher risk for illness, according to the CDC.

People who have been getting sick in this outbreak have ranged in age from 56 to 86, the CDC reported.

While Listeria is not ubiquitous, it is very common in raw foods, Chapman said. Most people ingest some Listeria daily, but not in high amounts, and those individuals are fine, he said. It takes, on average, thousands of Listeria cells to make a person sick, he said.

But when Listeria does make someone sick, "it's one of the most fatal pathogens we have," Chapman said.

Several CDC reports of Listeria outbreaks found that the infection's mortality rate was between 15 and 20 percent among people who became sick enough that they had to be hospitalized.

Staying safe

To protect yourself against Listeria, frozen vegetables should be cooked before they are eaten, Chapman said. Heating the foods kills Listeria, he said. 

In fact, frozen vegetables are not considered "ready to eat" products, meaning that the foods should not be eaten raw, Chapman said. Though eating raw, frozen vegetables may sound unusual, frozen kale, for example, is increasingly being used in smoothies, he said. And it's not uncommon for pediatricians to recommend letting young children chew and suck on frozen veggies while teething, he added.

Chapman noted that microwaving these foods is not the best way to prepare them. That's because microwaves provide very uneven heat distribution, Chapman said. The food will get very hot in some places and not hot in other places, he said. In other words, the bacteria might not be killed throughout the food. 

He also recommended avoiding thawing frozen vegetables in the refrigerator. This can be risky, especially if a person leaves the food in the refrigerator for multiple days, he said. 

Read More

When healthy eating takes over your life

Macros; points; percentages; 80/20; 90/10; the list goes on. In recent times, we have assigned food a value other than sustenance. The "clean eating" movement has taken over the way we view food and eating. The diet industry has flooded the market with hundreds of ways to eliminate food groups and with tips on how to adopt a lifestyle of restrictive eating that has nothing to do with calories and losing weight.

No sugar, no gluten, no bread, no processed foods, no meat other than organic; there are entire books being written around the word "no" as it relates to food. We are proud of our dietary sacrifices and critical of those whose plates represent something other than pure health. Entire conversations are taking place about what we put into our body and value is being attached to people who choose to live a life other than "clean."

There's now a name for people dangerously addicted to all things healthy -- a sufferer of orthorexia nervosa; a term coined in 1997 by Dr Steven Bratman that describes a fixation with healthy eating, to the point where it becomes a crippling compulsion, described as "a disease disguised as a virtue".

Orthorexia differs from other eating disorders in that it is not necessarily about the individual controlling the food; rather, the food controls the individual. It is considered an "unhealthy obsession" with otherwise healthy eating. A person struggling with orthorexia obsesses about purity, not weight.

All you have to do it spend ten minutes on social media, and you are bombarded with clean eating and countless articles and posts on this latest movement. While a diet focused on natural foods can be a great thing, it is when this becomes so obsessive that it can be damaging to your health and well being that it becomes a problem.

It is almost like a badge of honour to be part of the #cleaneating brigade; to live your life by the book of health and clean eating and sacrifice happiness for the sake of a pure diet. The line between being careful about what you eat and being obsessive is difficult to distinguish. One of the problems with orthorexia is that in some ways it is more socially acceptable than other disorders.

Orthorexia takes over a person's life; in many cases, they have lost the pleasure of eating and instead it has been replaced with rigidity and the idea that only "clean" and "healthy" foods should pass their lips. People with this mindset are preoccupied with the make-up of these pure foods and will avoid at all costs those foods that they have identified as unhealthy.

While a healthy lifestyle consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates is ideal, those struggling with orthorexia will cross over into the category of obsession and may find that their life begins revolving around the nutritional make-up and constant scrutiny of each of these food groups.

Read More

Life, death and the beauty of unknowing

Caffeine is a bitter substance derived from the leaves, fruit and seeds of various plants and acts as a natural pesticide against threatening insects.

Caffeine is of course found in high amounts in the seeds of the coffee plant and the leaves of the tea bush but it's also commonly found in:

• Kola nuts - used to flavour cola drinks

• Cacao pods - used to make chocolate products, and guarana berries - which contain about twice the amount of caffeine as coffee beans.

The effects of caffeine on the body

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant which can increase your alertness and give you an energy boost. In the short term it can reduce physical tiredness, make you think faster and more clearly, increase your focus and improve your physical coordination.

However, this same stimulant effect can cause sleep problems, especially if you take caffeine too close to bedtime. If you are having problems sleeping, try cutting out caffeine (decaff alternatives are fine) after about 5 pm. If the problem persists, try cutting it out altogether for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.

At moderate levels (up to 400 mg a day - that's 4-5 cups of coffee or 8 cups of tea a day) it does not increase your risk of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, type 2 diabetes or cancer.

However, if you're pregnant, you should limit your caffeine intake from all sources to 200 mg a day. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bladder, menopausal hot flushes or migraines, caffeine may make your symptoms worse.

Give yourself a trial of two weeks caffeine-free to see if your symptoms improve. Not everyone with these conditions is caffeine-sensitive, and there's no need to deprive yourself if it doesn't make a difference.

The main sources of dietary caffeine

Here is a rough indication of how much caffeine there is in common sources:

• Coffee - depending on type, generally between 60-150 mg

• Tea - standard black tea contains between 40-80 mg

• Cola drinks - 330 ml contains around 30-40 mg

• Energy drinks - a 250 ml can contains around 70-100 mg

• Chocolate - a 50 g bar of chocolate contains around 30-50 mg

Other sources of caffeine

Caffeine is also found in a number of different types of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including some weight control products, cold and flu treatments and painkillers.

Some tips for reducing your caffeine intake

Although caffeine can be addictive to some degree, cutting back to within healthy limits doesn't need to be difficult, especially if you do it gradually over a week or two - here are some effective tips:

• Switch to decaffeinated coffee or tea

• Try alternative hot drinks such as fruit and herbal teas, green tea, chai and roasted grain drinks

• Replace energy drinks with caffeine-free soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, fruit smoothies and squashes (diet versions preferably).

Read More

Blood pressure and your kidneys: key facts to know

Our kidneys play a critical role in our health and have many important functions including controlling the volume of blood in our circulatory system - which in turn means that there is a very close relationship between the health of our kidneys and our blood pressure control.

If your blood pressure is raised, it can stop your kidneys functioning at optimum level, and can even shut them down altogether. Indeed, high blood pressure is the second most common cause of kidney failure, after diabetes. If you were to develop kidney disease first, you are also then likely to develop high blood pressure later on. It is fair to say then that there can be something of a vicious circle between the two conditions.

How does high blood pressure damage the kidneys?

The kidneys contain a particularly fine network of tiny blood vessels and over a period of time high blood pressure can cause these to harden, narrow and become weaker. This can eventually affect kidney function including the regulations of salt, fluids and hormones in your body - which can in turn increase your blood pressure further.

Keeping your blood pressure healthy

Although there are medications available to help control blood pressure, it can normally be controlled very effectively by making some positive lifestyle changes.

If you have high blood pressure, you may want to consider some of the following lifestyle strategies to bring it back under control:

Take steps to ensure you keep a healthy body weight

A high BMI and a high waist girth can both significantly increase your blood pressure. Stay trim by keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy diet.

Keep active

Regular exercise develops the efficiency of the heart and circulation which helps to control your blood pressure both at rest and during physical activity. Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a day is all it should take but if you are not used to exercise make sure you take things steady until you are more comfortable.

If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 then you should check in first with your doctor for further advice and if your blood pressure is above 160/100 then you should certainly keep the intensity of any physical activities at a comfortable level until you've seen your doctor for further assessment and advice.

If you smoke - stop

Nicotine is a central nervous stimulant so blood pressure levels climb immediately as soon as you take your first puff. The tobacco chemicals in cigarette smoke also damage your artery walls, making you more prone to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in the future.

Limit the amount of salt you eat

Sodium (contained in salt) can encourage your blood circulation to retain fluid, which can in turn increase your blood pressure. There is plenty of sodium in much of the food we buy so try to resist the temptation to add extra salt at the dinner table - your 'salt taste' will soon adapt.

Increase the amount of potassium in your diet

This can help to offset the negative effects of excess sodium. A banana a day will provide a great potassium boost as well as a steady delivery of energy, fibre, vitamins and other minerals.

Keep alcohol in check

Excessive drinking can really push your blood pressure up so make sure you stay within healthy limits and avoid binge-drinking.

Positively manage your stresses

Blood pressure can race up when you're feeling under pressure so make sure you do what you can to manage your stresses by keeping physically active, getting sufficient sleep and relaxation, enjoying supportive relationships and managing your commitments to suit you, your availability and your capabilities.

Read More

Don't give up to your DESK JOB, learn to stay fit

Don’t let your desk job make you unhealthy and fat. Here are a few exercises and diet tips to stay fit in spite of a sit-down job. Many people complain about this. Increasing stress and inactivity at work leads to weight gain. Here’s what to do…

Exercise at your desk

1. For a toned stomach: Sit tall and straighten the spine. Clench the abdominal muscles tightly pulling the naval into the spine. Hold for one to five seconds and repeat 20 times. Try doing this at least three times in a day.
2. For great thighs: Be seated with knees together. Keep them together in a way that no one can pull them apart even if they try their best. Squeeze your inner thigh muscles in one-second pulses. Do this at least three times daily.
3. For a shapely butt: Start to stand up and tighten your butt and thigh muscles; then pause for a beat. Sit back down and stand up as you normally would. Do this every time you get out of your chair.

Nutrition chart

1. Eat more of nuts and seeds: The vital nutrients that your body requires – protein, magnesium, vitamin B and healthy monounsaturated fats are found in favorites like almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. They help keep blood sugar under control. Have them in the earliest part of the day – they will pack you with lot of energy.
2. Raw vegetables and cold cuts: Consume foods that are high in fibre. Vegetables like broccoli and celery are rich in plant compounds that regulate blood sugar. Also, go for cold cuts like turkey and cheese slices that are high in protein.
3. Have eggs daily: Egg is the highest quality protein you can have. They increase nitrogen stores in muscles and make them firmer so they burn more calories even when your body is at rest. Moreover they are loaded with vitamin D and prevent fat from trapping.
4. Sip oolong tea: Oolong tea balances blood sugar and cortisol levels – this reverses the fat-storing mechanisms caused by office inactivity. Consume one to three cups while you’re at work.

Read More

HOW TO HEAL DAMAGED LIVER NATURALLY WITHIN A MONTH

The function of the liver has always been to filter out toxins and eliminate them from the body. Nevertheless, its job has changed over time, and now, it has a much bigger task now than it was even just a century ago.

Our bodies are exposed to a lot of toxins on a daily basis, so the liver has to work in overdrive to keep up. Modern living includes fried foods, food treated with pesticides, toxins in the air you breathe, and all this should be almost everything has to be filtered through your liver. Over time, this can lead to liver damage.

Liver Damage: Causes and Symptoms

There are many common causes for liver damage. Initially, liver disease can be genetic, so you may want to watch for its symptoms if anyone in your family has ever had liver problems.

Also, excessive alcohol consumption may be the most common cause of liver damage, as alcohol has many toxins that must be filtered through the liver.

Moreover, liver damage can also result from an unhealthy diet. An excess of fatty, fried, or processed foods puts a huge toll on your liver. You may be at high risk if your diet is devoid of fruits and vegetables.

Liver damage is often accompanied by certain symptoms. If case you have any of the ones below, you may be dealing with an off-kilter liver:

• Whites of eyes are yellow or bloodshot
• Stomach upset or digestive issues
• Stool or urine consistently abnormal (color, size, timing)
• Skin has yellowed over time and does not seem to improve with changes in diet or habits
• Development of mononucleosis

In order to determine whether or not your liver enzymes are normal, you can do a simple liver enzyme test administered by your health care provider.

Natural Treatments Over Conventional Treatments

Your body can be seriously damaged by conventional treatments, since a liver transplant can take years to get, the costs are too expensive, and leave you reliant on immunosuppressant medications. In addition, you must heal from major surgery after getting a transplant.

On the other hand, natural treatments can get you the same benefits as conventional treatments, but without the side effects. Though this protocol can be time-consuming, it can be worth it if you want to strengthen your liver naturally.

That is why it is highly advisable that you try these natural ways to cure liver damage:

Clean Water

For the process of liver cleansing, flushing your body is a huge part and has huge importance, so aim for at least four liters of water each day.

Herbal Supplements

Liver health can be strengthened to a high extent by the consumption of herbal supplements that are specifically designed for liver damage issues.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is excellent for your organs, and it can help detox your liver, but take care not to consume one with added sugar in its content.

Fresh Squeezed Juice

Investing in a juicer as well as organic fruits and vegetables can save your health. Try different juicing recipes and drink plenty of fresh juice every day, in order to help your body flush out all toxins.

Oregano Oil

This oil can provide great benefits to you, and some aroma therapists recommend its use internally, while others recommend its topical use. However, what is really important is that oregano oil can help you get rid of infections that have taken root in your body as a result of liver failure.

Read More

The Oldest and The Most Effective Diet in The World

Olive oil: Even the smell helps you to attenuateOlive oil contains more robust fiber than any other type of oil. Studies has show that the olive oil consummation instead of saturated fat or any other regulra oil, increases the body’s energy, and thus burn more calories even while sitting or sleeping.

Yoghurt: The best “bacteria” for burning fatYoghurt easily can satisfy the need for food, increases the feeling of satiety, stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents overeating due to the fact it contains far more protein than any other food we consume. It is important to note that the body consumes more calories in the digestion of proteins.
Also, yoghurt is the best way to get your daily dose of probiotics. Studies have shown that if you have an appropriate amount of bacteria in the stomach, no matter how little you eat, without yoghurt consumption is won’t get weak.

Vegetables instead of junk/fast foodIf your body lacks vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, you certainly will not get rid of excess weight. Studies has show that nutrients from vegetables, raise the energy in the body and boost the metabolism. About 90 percent of vegetables comprises water, which will prevent your body dehydrates.

Bean: The two types of fiber needed for burning fat in the bodyThe organism needs two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. No other kind of food containing both types except beans. Soluble fiber create a feeling of satiety while insoluble absorb water.

Seafood : increase the burning of fat and boost metabolismMost people do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for metabolism, to regulate blood sugar levels and other factors that are important for the body and to be able to burn all the unwanted fat. Fatty fish have more omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, but the sea fruit containing more EPA / DHA omega-3 acid type, which is on the healthier fat. If your menu introduce fish and shellfish at least twice a week it will speed up you metabolism and prevent the accumulation of fatty deposits on the stomach.

Read More