Colon Cleanser Review

It’s incredible that individuals do not bother to take care of basic things in life and make the same harder than it ought to be. These people suffer silently rather than figure more about colon cleansing facts which they ought to know about. This article tries to provide readers with information about their colon. Additionally , it attempts to show them how cleansing it can help them lead a much better life. Your small intestine digests the food that you eat. After that it removes the nutrients and absorbs them to pass on to your system in the form of energy.

The watery waste substance then travels down into the large intestine where water is removed from it. The remainder waste then passes out via the rectum. Our colon links the large intestine with the rectum. When fecal material pass through the colon, some it is trapped to its surfaces. Over a period the thickness of the accrued fecal material becomes so much that it narrows down the opening of our colon. As soon as this occurs, the waste, filled with poisons, are not able to pass out properly from our body. This may lead to accumulation of the toxic waste within the large intestine and hinders its efficiency.

Consequence this hampers the functioning of the small intestine and we suffer from a number of types of intestine related problems, including acid reflux and heartburn. Apart from this, we also face issues with our bowel movements. In the event that our excreta becomes hard, we need to struggle to eliminate them from our body and this also can rip the membranes of the anus leading to bleeding piles. The best alternative when faced with such a issue is to go for colon cleansing. It’s not as difficult as you may think it to be. A number of kinds of herbal preparations can be obtained on online stores that can help an individual with colon cleansing.

Aside from that, some simple formulations and courses can help you to cleanse your colon as well as you can gain more information about them from internet shops. It is high time that you simply discovered more about colon cleansing. This knowledge will help you to live a healthier life. Bear in mind, just taking medications on it’s own won’t help. You also have to change your drinking and eating habits too. You can gain more information regarding the same from websites. Just in case you did not know, you will also experience a rise in your energy amounts, once your little intestine begins functioning appropriately once again, post colon cleansing.

Cleansing your colon is a phenomenal way to eliminate that extra waste you have built up in your system and start living your life in a safer, healthier way. Try it today!

Learn more about Pure Cleanse. Stop by Mike Clement’s site where you can read a Pure Cleanse Review and what it can do for you.

Avoid Protein Deficiencies with Healthy Sources of Protein

Your body is an incredible feat of science. You probably know that it is made up mostly of water (about 60%), but did you know that the second most abundant component of your body is protein? Yes, protein counts for approximately 20% of your body’s mass. Protein is an extremely important macronutrient that is found in everything from organs and bones, to your hair and bodily fluids. It is a vital substance that affects how your body functions and whether or not you will grow and develop at a normal rate. When your body is deprived of protein, it can wreak havoc on your system. The good thing that you should know is that protein deficiency is not extremely common within the United States. Sources of protein for us to eat are readily available and, for the most part, are relatively inexpensive. However, that does not mean that all sources of protein are equal. Some sources are better for us as a whole than others are. In this article you will be informed on the benefits of protein, sources of protein

and the signs and symptoms of protein deficiency.

Benefits of Protein

We already know that protein is vital for human survival, but other than that, it is a key player in muscle and body development. The amino acids that are found in it are important for repairing your damaged and torn muscles. As an athlete, if you lift weights or stretch, you are forming small tears in the fibers of your muscles. When you consume protein after your workout, it goes to work rebuilding your muscle to fill in the tears that you have created.

Athletes need to consume protein at the upper levels of the spectrum. Protein is beneficial for the average person, too. If you want to have healthy hair, sufficient energy throughout the day and have supple muscles (not overdeveloped ones, just healthy muscles), then you need to make sure that you get protein each and every day. Protein isn’t like the other macronutrients. It must be consumed each day, as our body cannot store any excess that we consume. Extra protein is eliminated through your body’s waste filtration system (the kidneys and urinary tract).

Sources of Protein

You do not have to look too far to find sources of protein in this country. All you have to do is run over to your nearest grocery store, convenience store or fast food joint and you can get enough protein to last you months. In the past, it might have been harder to come by protein. America is a surplus nation and we are rolling in a surplus of protein. That being said, all sources of protein are not created equal. Many of the sources of protein that you will find at your favorite fast food joint are packed with more than just protein. Without a doubt, you will find cholesterol, saturated fats and triglycerides all mixed into that greasy goodness that you have been dying to consume all day.

The sources that you want to look for when trying to live a healthy lifestyle include lean meats and other non-meat sources that are still plentiful in protein. Meat protein should be your top choice as it contains essential amino acids. The non-meat sources such as beans, soy, lentils and liquid protein contain important amino acids but your body must use them in conjunction with each other in order to produce the essential ones. The following is a protein hierarchy that outlines protein sources, their benefits and where you can find them.

Animal Products – These are a good source of quality protein that is readily available and in most cases must be prepared or cooked before consumption. Protein is found in lean beef, veal, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and other animal products.

Liquid Protein – This is an excellent source of protein which is readily available, portable and does not need to be prepared prior to consumption. It contains 25 grams of protein per serving and is derived from whey protein. Popular sources of this protein are Profect and Proasis, which is manufactured by Protica.

Beans and Soy – These very healthy sources of protein which are readily available, in most cases must be prepared prior to consumption and are good for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Signs and Symptoms of Protein Deficiency

While protein deficiency is not a prevalent problem in our society, it does occur. So it is important to know what the symptoms of protein deficiency are and how to tell if someone you know may or may not be suffering from it.

These symptoms of protein deficiency come from the Net Nutritionist. If you think that you may be suffering from protein deficiency, it is important not to self-diagnose, but instead to schedule an appointment with your physician. He or she will be able to run a serum albumin test to be able to tell you whether or not you are actually suffering from this problem.

- Physical symptoms of protein deficiency – Kwashiorkor (a disease found mostly in malnourished children causing them not to grow properly), moon-shaped face, brittle hair, alopecia (hair loss), edema (swelling), delayed wound healing and muscle wasting and weakness (Source: Gay Riley)

As stated earlier, protein deficiency is not rampant through our country since we have plenty of sources. Protein deficiency will most likely be tied in with some other factor. One such factor could be a genetic problem where the person has issues digesting a protein diet. Another underlying cause of protein deficiency (and one that you would not have to look far to find) would be an eating disorder. An eating disorder, where someone is starving themselves or purging their body, will severely disrupt the body’s processes. If you are starving yourself, you are not getting the protein in your diet that you need. People purging their bodies after eating are not giving the system enough time to digest the protein, thus resulting in the deficiency.

If you think that you or someone that you know might be suffering from a protein deficiency, here are some things to look for. Check yourself for muscle wasting, listlessness and fatigue. Next look at your fingernails. Should you notice white lines across them, it may be a sign that you are lacking in protein (Source: Live Strong).

Protein deficiency is not something that pops up overnight. It takes time for it to develop within your body. If you consume quality sources of protein from lean meats, liquid protein or beans, you should not have to worry about falling victim to this ailment.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

What Kind of Breast Cancer You Have Details

I’ve run into women with breast cancer who have no idea what type of cancer they have. This concerned me because after a while, I started noticing a pattern amongst the women who knew what they had, and those who didn’t.

Now, before I go any further, please understand that I’m not saying you HAVE to deal with cancer in a certain way. But, what I noticed was that the women who took a proactive, “I’m going to beat this” approach knew what kind of cancer they had. Those who were terrified (and rightly so) didn’t know the type. (I also saw an age difference. Older breast cancer patients usually didn’ know, but that’s a generational issue usually.) I’m talking about younger women with breast cancer.

When young women couldn’t tell me what type of cancer they had, there was usually an accompanying sense of defeat – a sense of palpable fear that it was just a matter of time. (Again, fear is totally understandable – a lack of fear would be worrisome.)

Fear and cancer is not a combination that helps with healing.

However, knowledge is power, and understanding can allay fears. Otherwise, our imaginations have a tendency to run wild with all kinds of dire possibilities.

When you can name something, you can know it better. When you name something, you have power over it. (This may sound odd to add here – but when Jesus cast out demons, he always asked their name first. Why? There’s power in knowing a name.)

That’s why I’d encourage all women with breast cancer (or anyone with any cancer) to know the name for what you have. Then you can know what it’s like and how it works – and most importantly, you can know how to defeat it. (And maybe even MORE importantly, you can be on the lookout for remedies and solutions that your doctor may not suggest – like meditation or reflexology or essential oils, and it goes without saying that you should ALWAYS run alternative therapies by your healthcare team.)

Knowing exactly what you have puts YOU in the driver’s seat, and gives you more power to make informed decisions.

If for no other reason, knowing the name of the cancer will allow you to get a specific image of it in your mind. This alone will get rid of a lot of confusion, and since confusion leads directly to fear, this will help you beat the disease.

Read more breast cancer awareness logo and breast cancer awareness on my blog thanks.

The Advantages of a Balanced Protein Diet

A balanced diet is crucial for good health. Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is important, not only for your self esteem, but also for the way that you feel. Your health can be directly impacted by how much you weigh. No one is saying that the last five pounds that you think you need to shave off is hurting anything besides your ego, but most people are more overweight than that. There are 34 million people who are classified as clinically obese. (Source: www.med.Stanford.edu) Ironically, the number of people who qualify as being on a diet at any given time is far lower, at a reported 20 million. (Source: www.thriveonline.com).

The type of diet that most people follow varies greatly. Some people will go to the doctor and ask for a sensible, healthy and, most of all, balanced diet plan that will carefully consider the need for all three of the macronutrients, which are fats, carbohydrates and proteins. They will include a variety of foods from all of the food groups so that all of the necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that the body needs will be present. The doctor will address current or potential health risks with the patient and the best diet can be constructed. Sadly though, many more people will be lured in by the billion dollar strong diet industry and will kick off yet another diet fad. Some of them are ridiculous, making you eat foods that you do not like at times that do not work for you. Other people will develop an obsessive devotion to exercise, trying to burn off a piece of chocolate cake with two hours on the treadmill.

Protein becomes energy simply because we have eaten it, but it is not an infallible. Protein can turn to fat in the body if a person eats too much of it. However, there have been so many high protein diets that the average person cannot let go of that long held myth. We do need protein, but we need the right amount of protein. We need fats in our diet too, and again, we need the right amount as well as the right type. Despite all of the diet plans that tried to suggest otherwise, we do need carbohydrates, in the right amount and in the right type.

Because it is so important and because of the long-standing myths that surround it, protein has been the centerpiece of a number of different diet types. There have been high protein diets, all liquid protein diets and the supplement only diets. None of these work, at least not for the long term, and extremely high amounts of protein can be dangerous, especially to those who have diabetes, kidney disease or those who are at risk for these or other conditions. While it is important to finally manage to get your weight to a healthy number, it is just as important to do so by balancing the diet, including the amount of protein that you eat. Figuring out the amount that you need can be as simple as the answer to a few simple questions: how much do you weigh and how much exercise do you get? From these answers, you will know how many calories you need to take in to maintain your weight, how many to drop to lose weight and what percentage of those calories should be protein.

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

Your body requires a certain number of calories to maintain its current weight. Even if you never move out of your bed, your body will use up some energy to breathe, to allow your heart to beat and to create hair, skin and nails. The more that you move around though, the more energy is being used up by the body, not only to do these reflexive activities that are vital to life, but also to do the other things that we want to do. We use energy to fold ourselves into pretzel shapes during yoga, to catch a ball, to take a slapshot at an opposing goalie or to lift weights. The more of these things that we do, the more energy we burn.

If we do not eat but we continue to push ourselves to do more and more exercise, especially endurance or high intensity exercise, our body will run out of its normal fuel that it typically burns and will turn instead to the muscles. During exercise, the body’s production of proteins will decrease, sometimes dramatically. Proteins that are already in the system will be converted to free amino acids and then used to provide the energy to these hard-working muscles. Even after exercise has ended, this breakdown will continue, for as much as 24 hours afterward. At this point, the body enters what is called the recovery period. The body’s goal at this time is to get more protein so that it can go to work repairing the muscles.

While you are exercising, you are causing small tears to appear in the muscle tissue, which is what may cause some of the achy, sore and fatigued feeling that you get after a hard workout. To repair these tears you need to first, take a day off (most serious body builders work one set of muscles at a time and work another the following day), and second, provide a supply of protein to work with. If there is not sufficient protein, the body will continue to break down its own protein supplies for energy, leading to a loss of lean muscle mass.

The amount of protein that you need depends on your weight and your activity level, but should never exceed a safe level. The American Heart Association suggests that a healthy diet should be no more than 35% protein. Men need more protein than women, simply because they tend to be bigger and weigh more. If you know the amount of daily calories that you need to eat, you can get a rough estimate of the best amounts of each nutrient that way.

To maintain weight, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the diet be devised to provide 15% of the daily calories from protein, 35% from fat and 50% from carbohydrates. To lose weight, though, the numbers should be 30% protein, 20% fats and 50% carbohydrates. (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) The higher level of protein helps to keep satiety levels high so that there is no sense of deprivation. The body needs the right amount of protein because not only is too much a problem, too little can be a problem as well. If we do not get enough protein, our body will continue to eat other foods to get it, leading to the consumption of more calories than we need. (Source: Science Alert, Massey University) It is far more simple and healthy to get the right amount of all of the macronutrients from healthy sources rather than making the body crave what it needs. Why do we succumb to the lure of the fast food restaurant yet again? Is it because we are starving to death, or is it simply because we are lacking something in our system? To keep our bodies running well and in good health without feeling deprived or wasting calories on foods that are not good for us, we should make sure that we are eating plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and getting the right amount of protein every day.

Protein Supplements

Most of us lead busy lives. We may spend our entire day in front of a computer sceen or running around with nothing in front of us but tail lights and our steering wheel. We know that we should not stop at that drive-thru, but when there is no end to our errands and we can’t fully remember our last meal, it may seem like salvation.

Adding protein supplements to the healthy diet plan can help to keep the extreme hunger at bay, especially when they are used as a between-meal snack. Protein is slow to digest in the body, working to stave off hunger in two ways. First, while the body is working to digest that protein-rich meal, it is not sending up new hunger signals. Second, the more slowly that a food digests, the less of a sugar spike there will be. Be careful with your choices, though, because many of them have more calories than they need, especially when your goal is weight loss. Profect, made by Protica, is only 100 calories but delivers a full 25 grams of hunger-busting protein, with high quality ingredients and delicious flavors.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

Saving Money on Fitness – NYTimes.com

Expensive gym memberships and fancy equipment are not a requirement to stay fit. Those looking to cut back on their expenses may find big savings in changing where and how they exercise.

Continued here:
Saving Money on Fitness – NYTimes.com

Protein and Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is not a medical condition or a disease, but it can feel like it at times. Simply put, it is end of the menstrual cycle, marking the end of the child bearing years for a woman. The average age for most women in America is between 45 and 53; however there is a wide variation in the ages and the timing.

Menopause before the age of 40 is deemed premature and should be investigated for the reason. Most naturally occurring menopause is not a sudden thing but may take many years to start and end instead. It typically takes at least a year to be complete during which the woman may have occasional, light periods, or on the other side of the spectrum, heavy bleeding that can potentially cause anemia. Menopause is said to be complete after an entire twelve months have passed without any menstruation at all. After this year has passed, any bleeding or bloody discharge should be promptly investigated to rule out fibroids, polyps, lesions, or possible cancer (Source: Ammer, 2005).

There are no set patterns for menopause symptoms – some women get all of the classic symptoms, some women get a few for a day or so and then are not bothered any more. Some symptoms of menopause can be more problematic than others, while some can actually lead to more serious problems. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause:

- Hot flashes (the most common symptom)

- Vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls, loss of elasticity and dryness which can lead to painful sex and susceptibility to infections

- Increased risk of osteoporosis

For most women (60-80%) only minor symptoms are noted. Occasionally the symptoms, especially the hot flashes, become more serious and can even be incapacitating. It is important that the menopausal woman keep up with all of the required health exams including breast examination, pap smears and others. An annual eye exam is also suggested to screen for glaucoma which becomes more problematic after the age of forty.

Why Diet is Important after Menopause

After menopause, the hormones are changed and flipped around. Estrogen, the hormone responsible for ovulation and the menstrual cycle, declines with menopause, leaving the woman with more of the male hormones instead. Both men and women tend to put on some weight, typically around their middle sections after they reach the age of about forty or so, regardless of diet, even with no change in intake or activity level. This weight may start to creep up on the middle aged person, the so called middle aged drift. Keeping the weight under control can help the menopausal woman stay healthier and more active; giving her better benefits. Staying active can lessen the risk of osteoporosis.

Every day, four thousand women enter menopause and because women are living longer than ever before, will spend about a third of their life post-menopausal. There are medications that can be taken, including replacement hormone therapy but there are drawbacks to them. There are herbal products that can be used to combat some of the symptoms but these can be dangerous and may even interact with prescription medications. Using dietary changes can ease symptoms, and can also help to keep the extra weight from piling on.

Soy Protein and Menopause

Soy based proteins have phytoestrogens which act like human based estrogens without some of the risk factors that estrogen replacement therapy can have. Some of the benefits of soy proteins:

- Reduction of hot flashes (in up to 45% cases)

- Decrease the feeling of vaginal dryness and the subsequent risks

- Decrease the bone loss

- An improved cholesterol profile. (soy protein can reduce the cholesterol level by nine points)

- Decreased risk of cancer

- Decreased risk of developing diabetes and better control of existing diabetes

- Decreased risk for kidney and gallstones

- Better control of the blood pressure

(Source: the Creighton University School of Medicine, Alternative Medicine)

Miso and Breast Cancer

Miso is a fermented, soy bean paste which has been shown to decrease breast cancer in Japanese women. In addition, the women who consumed the most miso soup were typically free from menopausal symptoms in four to twelve weeks. According to research that was done by Japan’s National Cancer Center, those women who consumed three bowls of miso soup every day were at a 40% lower risk for developing breast cancer, while those who just had two bowls of the soup every day had a 26% reduction in breast cancer risk (Source: Menopause Rx.com).

Additional Protein Sources

In addition to soy, which is the only plant based protein that contains all eight essential amino acids, making it complete, all other plant based proteins, (seeds, nuts, grains, and beans) lack one or more of the essential amino acids and should be eaten in combinations that can allow for the full range of amino acids to be part of the diet.

Animal based protein on the other hand is complete and includes meats, dairy foods, and eggs. Eggs are considered to be the perfect protein because all grams of protein in the egg are absorbed and digested by the body. Low fat dairy can be a beneficial way to get protein, however for those who are at increased risk for osteoporosis should be wary of skim milk’s phosphorous content which is potentially more problematic.

Protein supplements, which include soy, whey, egg, and rice protein, can be used as a meal replacement or as a between-meal snack. There are additional protein supplements as well which include protein bars and protein liquid supplements.

Protein Bars — Protein bars should have enough protein to qualify as a mini-meal but should not have extra sugar which lowers the nutritional benefit. Look for a bar that has at least ten grams of protein per serving but no more than five grams of sugar. Make sure that the calorie count will fit into your actual diet plan.

Liquid Protein Supplements — Profect from Protica, is available in several strengths, 25 grams/single serving, 50 grams/two serving and a multi-serving bottle as well as a number of different, fruit based flavors. Each serving is around 25 grams of protein with zero carbs and zero fats and one hundred calories.

In addition to digestible protein, Profect also has a number of vitamins in each serving. It can be consumed as is or can be mixed with water or fruit juice if you choose. Flavors include: Blue Raspberry Swirl, Grapefruit-Mango, Fresh Citrus Berry, Cool Melon Splash, Passion Fruit, Orange Pineapple, Ruby Melon Twist, Fuzzy Peach Nectar.

In addition, there is an all natural protein supplement, also from Protica called Proasis that is free from a number of harmful and potentially allergenic ingredients including yeast, wheat, and gluten. It is also lactose free and does not have any genetically modified organisms

Future Benefits of Protein

Research by the Ohio State University has shown that a particular protein (excitary amino acid transporter 2, EAAT2) may decrease bloating and the accompanying abdominal discomforts that it can produce. The protein does not affect the bloating itself, merely the brain’s perception of the pain that it feels. The study has been done with mice only so far, but may soon be performed on humans in hopes of using it to treat menopausal bloating as well as other gastrointestinal disorders. (Source: Inscience.org 2009).

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for cancer patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

Breast Cancer’s Lessons for the Lives We Live Details

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Five years ago I knew breast cancer only in the abstract. It hadn’t touched my life yet. I wondered how it was that so many women and a few men became hosts to a disease which started eating them up and, left untreated, could kill them. Had it always been this way? If not what has changed? I knew some cancer survivors and heard tales of a woman who died of breast cancer before I had a chance to meet her.

Then my beloved companion joined her mother and two sisters in the family struggle with breast cancer. The discovery immediately took over our relationship, first inviting panic and then survival strategies. Would she recover as did her older sister? Would she succumb to the disease as did her mother and younger sister? What was her prognosis? What should she do? What could I do?

Now, five years later, she has reached an important milestone in her recovery and survival. Each step in her treatment raised questions, challenges and fears. Eventually we tamed our concerns and made the necessary decisions. She endured treatment while I provided what support I could. Our life was different but we survived the ordeal and drew closer together in the process.

Recently I sat in a room full of several hundred breast cancer survivors, some of a few months and some of many years. They came together to raise money for breast cancer treatment and research. They dined and participated in a Chinese auction of gift baskets and a silent auction of bras elaborately decorated by craftswomen whose creations had been exhibited in a celebration of breast cancer awareness. Mostly they celebrated their courage and solidarity.

I wondered again about why people contract breast or any other sort of cancer. Mutated genes have been discovered to make breast cancer more likely. Clusters of cancer sufferers suggest environmental factors. Most likely is a combination of hereditary and environmental contributors.

Fortunately, research advances now make cancer a much less likely death sentence. Genetic testing helps make us aware of our risks. Research promises new, less primitive, treatments more in the near future. We also know more about how lifestyle such as nutrition, fitness and avoiding carcinogens can help keep us from cancer’s grasp.

In these days when we are divided politically, culturally and religiously, it is reassuring to know that we can come together to fight cancer. Think of the pink gloves NFL players wear this month. Perhaps the fight against cancer can serve as a model for better cooperation between people in other areas as well. Thank you Zonta, Pink Hatters, United Memorial Medical Center Healthy Living, Genesee County Senior Center and GO ART!

Read more abnormal mammogram and http://www.breastcancertreatments.co.uk/2010/11/understanding-mammogram/ on my blog thanks.

Nutritional Needs to Fight the Health Risks of Obesity

The number of people who are medically defined as obese (weighing more than 20% over their ideal weight) is near 34 million (Source: www.med.Stanford.edu). The number of people who are currently on, have recently completed, have given up on or are about to kick off a diet of any kind is 20 million at any given time, and they spend around one billion dollars every year on fitness and nutrition plans, pills, supplements and equipments (Source: www.thriveonline.com )

During their diet plans, these dieters will try the no-carb, low-carb and slow-carb food plans. They will try to avoid all fats, only to find that they are failing miserably. They will try high-protein or even extreme high-protein diets and fail at these as well. In the end, they will turn to skipping meals and not eating at all or will try using liquid diet plans. These are not usually successful.

- The body needs food to survive, in the right amounts and the right types. This includes all three of the macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

- A liquid diet is difficult to sustain for the long-term and may be more harmful than beneficial. An all-liquid diet, for instance, increases the risk of gall stones by as much as 25%. (Source www.colombianet.isource/winter95/diet.html)

- Skipping meals can cause your body to gain weight because of its effect on the metabolism and thermogenesis.

- Balancing all of the nutrients in the correct proportion is more important than not eating at all.

- It is important to know what your needs are before starting a plan of any kind and to discuss that plan with a doctor, a registered dietician or a nutritionist.

The Importance of Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats

The body uses all three of the macronutrients for different purposes. Fat and carbohydrates are burned by the body for energy and other uses. Protein can also be used for energy but has many, many other tasks to complete within the body as a vital component of every single cell in the body. Protein’s functions include:

- Building and repairing cells, including those that make up RNA and DNA, the building blocks of life itself.

- Making enzymes which are used to digest food and make new cells.

- Making other chemicals that are used to make neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are used by the body to serve nerve-related messages around the body.

- Helping to create and maintain connective tissue.

- Building cell membranes.

- Contributing to the cell matrix.

- Maintaining the fluid balance in the body (since too much fluid can lead to edema or may cause heart disturbances, while too little can cause dehydration.)

- Regulating the acid/base (pH) balance of the blood.

- Working in the formation of hormones and enzymes (with the exception of eight amino acids that must be received from food sources every day.)

- Contributing to the immune system (since antibodies are proteins.)

- Helping the hormones and enzymes created by protein in the body to work to regulate sleep, digestion and ovulation.

(Source: Nelson 2009)

A Liquid Diet for the Long Term?

Will you lose weight on an all-liquid diet? It depends on a number of factors. First, if you are consuming enough calories of the right kinds, it is possible that you will lose some weight; however, after a brief period of success, your body will overrule your intentions and you will begin to eat (possibly gorge on) solid foods once again. At this point, you are likely not only to gain everything that you had lost, but to gain additional weight as well. Liquid diets are difficult to manage in the long-term but can serve as a great way to kick off or jumpstart a healthier eating plan. There are a number of problems with an all-liquid diet, which include:

- Slowed or stalled metabolism. Your body will become convinced that it is starving and will hold onto all foods instead of burning them for energy.

- Amenorrhea. This is a secondary cessation of menstrual cycles not related to pregnancy.

- Constipation. It may seem strange that you would be constipated in an all liquid diet, however, there is no food for the body to push through the system, which can lead to waste materials backing up.

- High-protein, liquid diets can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances that can affect the beating and rhythm of the heart.

- 25% or more of those on long-term liquid diets develop gall stones, especially who are prone to them.

Skipping Meals and Weight Gain

When you start skipping meals or reduce your calories below what is right for your body and activity level, your body goes into panic mode and holds onto all food. Your body is programmed with a number of signals. When it is hungry, it sends out the signal using the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and most people will respond by eating. When the body thinks that it is full, it will send out the satiety hormone, leptin. (Some people are deficient in leptin, which is why they eat far more than they need but still feel hungry.) When the body sends out ghrelin but no food is delivered, it will send out a secondary signal for the body to burn some of the reserves for energy. However, the body will start getting the feeling that no food is ever going to be delivered and will start slowing down what it considers to be non-essential activities, including the metabolism. Everything that is eaten will be stored immediately, leading to further weight gain.

A diet that increases protein slightly and decreases fat without changing the carbohydrate amount has been shown to lead to decreased calorie intake and significant weight loss. The higher levels of protein are said to be more satisfying but do not have any effect on either the hunger hormone, ghrelin, or the satiety hormone, leptin. For weight loss, the diet should be 30% protein, 20% fat and 50% complex carbohydrates (Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

Lydia is always hungry. As much as she would like to lose weight and as much as she knows that she needs to lose weight, she just can’t seem to make it. She started a diet that had her eating far less than what her body needed, and her metabolism shut down on her. She tried an all-liquid diet, which lasted two weeks. During that time, she lost five pounds, mostly water, and was sick and dizzy most of the time. Feeling poorly one day, she went to the doctor and discovered that she had gall stones, a typical side effect of the all-liquid diet. When she returned to eating, she regained the five pounds and then fifteen more, increasing her weight by another twenty pounds.

Her nutritionist suggested that she eat micro-meals, going no longer than two hours during her waking hours without eating. Her small meals will keep her body fueled and her blood sugar level evened out instead of being all over the place. Because of her weight, Lydia is at risk for heart disease, obesity, hypertension and a number of cancers.

Although she is afraid that she is eating too much, Lydia does try what the nutritionist suggests: she eats a breakfast that is larger than she normally eats, a blend of protein and carbohydrates. Midmorning, she uses Profect, a protein supplement that gives her 25 grams of protein but has only 100 calories. She has a second of the liquid protein shots in the mid-afternoon after she comes back from her half-hour walk. Lydia is finally losing weight in a slow and steady way, feeling better and, best of all, is not starving herself to do it.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein shots for diabetic patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

How a Fitness Trainer Can Transform Your Body and Change Your Life …

How a Fitness Trainer Can Transform Your Body and Change Your Life…permanently How To Find A Quality Fitness Trainer Regardless of your.

Excerpt from:
How a Fitness Trainer Can Transform Your Body and Change Your Life …

Obesity and Protein

Obesity is an extremely big problem in the United States and all over the world. In America, around 2/3 of the population is overweight or obese, meaning that they have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater. In our society, being overweight or obese is easier than ever before. There are fast food restaurants stationed on every corner, portion sizes that are larger than necessary and unhealthy food that is less expensive than quality food. Our poor diets and lack of exercise are the main causes of the rising obesity epidemic that is plaguing the country.

Obesity is a preventable disease that causes many complications for those afflicted. Being overweight (having a BMI of greater than 25), obese (having a BMI of greater than 30) or morbidly obese (having a BMI of greater than 35) can result in a whole host of ailments that could eventually wind up claiming the person’s life. Some of the side effects associated with being obese are Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, gout, hypertension, joint pain, atherosclerosis and more. Many issues can be linked back to obesity.

The Importance of Your Diet

The human body needs a certain amount of calories to function on a daily basis. Each person’s caloric requirements are different, which is why diets vary from person to person. An estimation of how many calories you need each day can be figured using the Harris Benedict Equation. This formula uses variables such as age, height and weight to find a person’s basil metabolic rate (BMR), or how many calories your body needs in order to function at rest. It then takes that number and factors in your activity level through another equation in order to find how many calories you need to consume in a day. It is extremely important that people understand how many calories their body actually needs compared to what they consume on average. Knowing a few simple numbers will really put things into perspective when meal planning and deciding whether to go with a doughnut or a healthier option, such as a bowl of oatmeal or some eggs.

After you understand how many calories you body needs, you need to look at your own diet and try to figure out how to optimize what you are eating and replace the unhealthy food sources with nutritious ones. The macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat and protein) are all important for your body to function at optimal levels. You need to consume a proper balance of the three in order to maintain your weight and fight obesity. Excess amounts of any of the three could result in you putting on the pounds.

When you plan your diet, you need to look for quality sources of food. Whole foods that are not processed are optimal choices. To combat obesity, you need to be consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh is preferred over canned, as the fresh sources contain more vitamins and minerals. When picking out grain sources, you should opt for whole grains or multi grains. Stay away from the white bread and other enriched or fortified sources. Whole grains take longer to digest and will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Protein is a key player in a healthy diet. Food products such as fast food cheeseburgers and Philly cheese steaks are loaded with protein; however, they are loaded with saturated fats and calories as well. You need protein in your diet because you cannot store any surplus that you might have consumed. When picking your protein sources, you need to make your choices wisely. Protein sources from animal products, if consumed in abundance, can lead to obesity, heart disease, diab

etes and gout.

Choose protein that comes from lean meat or a supplement such as a protein replacement shake. Sources of liquid protein are great for people of any health level to replace some of their unhealthy options. Protica makes a liquid protein shot called Profect. This source of protein contains 25 grams of protein per serving. It is made from whey protein and gives you the nutritional requirements that you need. The great thing about it is that you can take Profect wherever you need to go. It comes ready to consume and can be refrigerated. Profect can be taken up to three times daily as it is low in calories as well.

Complications of Obesity

We have discussed that obesity is reversible. Unfortunately, should you let it go on for a significant period of time, some of the complications that arise might not be so easily reversed. Heart disease, for example, is one such problem. If you consume a poor diet then you are damaging your heart with the plaque buildup in the artery walls. Even if you decide to change your diet for the better, you have already done the damage and the plaque is still there. Another complication of obesity is a condition known as gout. Gout occurs when your kidneys cannot flush out the uric acid fast enough into your urine stream. This leads to a buildup of the uric acid, causing swelling and extreme pain. According to research, obesity is the main cause of gout (Source: Lisa Shea). Along with things such as gout, there are several other problems that arise from obesity that are discussed all of the time. There is heart disease, high blood pressure, the potential for Type II diabetes and joint pain, among other proble ms.

With so much known about obesity, you would think that people would take a more proactive role in their own lives and make better diet choices, yet they do not. Each day many more Americans will develop complications associated with obesity. Instead of changing their diet and opting for healthy sources of protein, they will pick up that unhealthy cheeseburger or, even worse, the extra value meal. What value does consuming 2000 calories in one meal present for someone?

When you are planning your diet and trying to fight obesity, go with the healthy food options. Pick out those healthy vegetables and fruit. Eat the whole grains and don’t forget to consume plenty of quality protein.

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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