Fastest Way to Lose Belly Fat, Love Handles, and Stomach Flab

Many of the questions we get are about losing abdominal fat. People are always looking for the fastest way to lose belly fat and "love handles" and stomach flab and tummy rolls... etc, etc. While it has many different names, abdominal adipose tissue is a nemesis known by millions of people all around the world. Getting rid of it can be a difficult task but the tips below, when used in combination, will allow you to get the fastest fat loss results possible...

1. Eat a Low-Carb Diet

No diet will give you faster results, in terms of reducing belly fat, than a low-carb diet. There are many reasons for this but the main reason is that low-carb diets dramatically lower insulin levels in the bloodstream. They also improve your body's overall hormone balance in a way that causes it to shed stored abdominal fat very quickly. Once you've lost the tummy flab though you should cycle off of the diet and start eating healthy carbs again. A good carb-rotation diet is a great way to continue losing weight and to avoid gaining back belly fat.

2. Do Strength Training-Based HIIT Workouts

Cardio-only exercise regimens aren't the best for burning belly fat. In order to lose your ugly, stubborn stomach fat in the fastest way possible you should focus on doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that combine strength training and short bouts of cardio. Focus on simple compound strength movements that work lots of muscles at once, like push-ups, dips, pull-ups, squats, lunges, inverted rows, etc. Finish with about 10-20 minutes of HIIT style cardio. This type of exercise not only burns lots of calories and fat during, but also for hours after the workout!

That's basically it: the fastest way to lose your belly fat, love handles, stomach flab, "beer belly", and whatever else you want to name that ugly layer of fat surrounding your abdomen. Just follow a simple low-carb diet for a few weeks and combine it with about 4 intense workouts per week. Focus on fat-burning, muscle-building strength training and ultra-efficient HIIT cardio. Make sure you get enough sleep, rest, and water and you'll be on your way to a leaner, fitter, sexier body fast!

Natural Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid, which is also known as folacin or folate, is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B9 and essential for cell metabolism and many other healthful factors.  Women planning a pregnancy or who are already pregnant need sufficient quantities of folic acid for the proper development of what is known as the neural tube in the growing fetus.  As the precursor of the spinal column and brain, the neural tube needs nourishment with folic acid so that the central nervous system can flourish healthfully.  Without the right amount of folic acid, infants could be prone to spinal bifida, a cleft palate, or other potential problems.  

Cell Metabolism

Folic acid is responsible for developing RNA and DNA along with the maintenance of new cells through cell metabolism. It is an important element during periods of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and infancy.  Because of its role working with cells, folic acid helps to prevent alterations in DNA that can lead to cancer and other diseases. Additionally, it assists in the creation of normal red blood cells, which helps prevent anemia as well as helping the body maintain normal levels of the amino acid homocysteine, a factor in cognitive function.  In this regard, folic acid can reduce the potential of stroke. 

Avoiding Deficiencies

Deficiencies in folic acid can manifest in weight loss, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, and behavioral abnormalities.  It is easy to get our healthy daily ration of folic acid by eating the following foods:

·      Leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, kale, turnip greens, and all lettuces

·      Other vegetables such a cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts

·      Kidney beans, black-eyed beans, lentils, peas

·      Fruits such as avocado, tomatoes, bananas, cantaloupes, and citrus

·      Brewers yeast

·      Turkey and chicken liver

Remember that the more you cook fresh foods, the greater the chance of losing nutrients as they cannot support heat.  It is best to eat your veggies raw in salads or to lightly steam them. 

The Best Way to Lose Belly Fat

By guest blogger, Alex Chris

Weight Loss Help and Tips

Are you tired of looking for the best way to lose belly fat and weight in general?  It seems that most weight accumulates in the belly area. Why is this so?

Belly fat is an accumulated amount of fat in the belly or abdominal region. There are many reasons why this occurs and one of them is due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.  Drinking too much alcohol and beer, or eating too many fast food products bloats the stomach without giving you a nutritional return. These high calorie beverages and foods help to increase your weight and are more likely to settle in the belly area.  Though you may have inherited your belly size from your parents, you still can make significant changes through a more conscious lifestyle.

Targeting your diet and lifestyle is fairly simple, but you will have to maintain a commitment and clear vision of what you want. By now you should have stopped thinking about fad diets, overnight weight loss, extreme workouts, and all those other false claims. There is no overnight weight loss resolution, nor is there anything permanently achievable in mere days or week. You will have to work at losing excess fat, and a holistic healthy approach will help you get there.

Now what about the diet?  There are many fat-reducing foods and they are generally those that are high in protein and fiber, which can easily be found in fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, lean meat, poultry, low-fat dairy products, beans and nuts, oatmeal and other whole grain products, along with olive oil for the best source of healthy fat.  An important factor in a weight loss diet is fiber, which helps burn  fat, sweep out toxins, and makes you feel full, thus decreasing hunger pangs. The nutrients found in all of these food items will help you reduce belly fat and weight.  

A good technique for losing belly fat is to eat small meals at frequent intervals. This can be in six small portions to help maintain a boost in your metabolism, and also prevent you from snacking during the small gap in between meals.

Another way to burn fat effectively is through cardio exercise, which helps you achieve healthful heart and respiratory function.  Jogging, taking a brisk walk or even dancing in your home are some of the ways to get your cardio workout. You don’t have to go to gym for this. Be creative and  consistent with a given activity and maintain it for about 40 minutes to an hour a day. You can divide and vary your workout into three sessions of 10 minutes in the morning, 10 in the afternoon and 20 before sleeping.  It is recommended on a daily basis, or no less than 4 times a week.

Starting out with a holistic healthy approach to losing weight is just the beginning of a long and meaningful journey to rediscovering healthy living.  It takes 2 weeks or a month to achieve very reliable and consistent results, so be patient and do your best!

For more tips on weight loss: http://www.weightlosshelpandtips.net/

The Rack Workout Review

The Rack is a home exercise device that's been getting a lot of attention lately. So I figured I'd write up a quick review and also ask our readers for their own helpful reviews! The Rack workout device is marketed as an "all-in-one" workout station and it's designed for bodyweight-based high-intensity circuit training. It's light but strong, relatively compact, and currently costs about $160, although the company also offers a 30-day trial for $14.99.

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UPDATE: The Rack has become hard to find/buy. The good news is that we've discovered 2 similar products that are both MUCH better overall, both in terms of functionality and value. The first is the TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack, a great portable "suspension" training system. Click here to learn more. The second is the Ultimate Body Press, which is very similar to The Rack but, overall, is much more versatile. Click here to learn more. Both of these popular products allow you to perform all of the same exercises that The Rack does as well as many more that can't be done on The Rack!

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This unique product looks a little strange but it's definitely intriguing, especially since it's designed to enable the user to do some of the most effective bodyweight exercises (like dips and plyometric push-ups) without a bunch of heavy and/or expensive equipment. I love dips and have spent many hours over the years trying to figure out different ways to do them at home without a true "dip station". I have found very few good options but with this product we may have a new one to add to the list.

The Rack workout device definitely appears to be targeted towards men. It's a chest and triceps machine more than anything so it's a great option to work those "t-shirt" muscles at home. That being said, there's no reason a woman with some decent upper-body strength couldn't use the thing.

The Rack only weighs 30 lbs, which is good and bad. It's great in terms of being very portable and easily storable. The light weight and attached wheels also allows it to move easily on the floor, turning it into an effective abdominal exercise machine. But being so nimble isn't such a good thing when it comes to the non-chest-building movements they show in the infomercial. 30 lbs of resistance isn't very much when it comes to doing lifts like squats, lunges, shrugs, rows, bicep curls, etc. A typical person will quickly outgrow that small amount of resistance, strength-wise. You can buy special weight plates to attach to it but personally I think your money would be better spent by investing in some simple dumbbells or even a set of kettlebells.

The biggest problem I see with The Rack workout device is that it really doesn't offer much in terms of back exercise options. You can do a type of inverted row with it but with a very limited range of motion, which isn't good. But, paired with a pull-up bar, you'd be able to do nearly all the most-effective upper-body exercises out there: mainly dips, depth push-ups, pull-ups, and all of their many variations.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a versatile, light, and highly portable home workout option you may want to give The Rack a try. Just realize that it does have some limitations. Consider matching it with a simple pull-up bar and possibly even some adjustable dumbbells to give yourself everything you need to do the best exercises in the comfort of your home!

Here's a quick review submitted by a reader:

I ordered my "Rack" machine in early February and just recently got it after several weeks of waiting. I don't know if it was a supply problem or a delivery issue but I'm glad I waited. The first thing I did was watch the workout DVDs that came with it. Then I assembled it, did a quick warmup on my treadmill, and got to work. What I noticed right off that bat is that the product is surprisingly strong and sturdy yet very lightweight. I was a little nervous at first but it had no problem holding my weight (currently an overweight 230 lbs) as I performed dips (3 sets of 6 reps).

So far I've done all the DVD workouts and I can honestly say that I'm happy with my purchase. I like the circuit training style because it actually makes it fun to exercise at home. The Rack allows you to do lots of unique movements that you wouldn't really be able to do at home without it, or something very similar. The DVD's are great, with good instruction, music, production, and energy. They remind me a lot of the P90X and Insanity DVD's. They are definitely challenging but they are very do-able and enjoyable even for a flabby out-of-shape guy like me!

One thing I will say is that the Rack isn't made for back and biceps workouts. Don't get me wrong, you can do curls with it but it's so light that you have to do a lot of reps and sets to really feel anything. It's great for chest, pecs, triceps, and abs. If you want to really build back, biceps, and leg muscles you're gonna have to get more equipment.

Overall I'm very happy with the Rack workout system. Compared to other options like a regular dip station it's cheaper, lighter, and much more portable. It can even be folded completely flat and stored under a bed. It also gives you some nice variety and will make any home workout more challenging and more fun. I recommend it to people looking for a way to really increase the intensity and effectiveness of their at-home exercise!

- Jason T, Bellevue, WA

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Have you used TheRack Workout station yourself? Want to share your own reviews, questions, or comments? Please leave your feedback below. Thanks!

Click here for Rack Workout reviews on Amazon

Aloe Vera: Wonder Plant for Health

I bought two aloe vera plants for my balcony a few years ago, one quite tiny and the other a bit bigger.  The tiny one is now a glorious spread of spiked leaves, basking in the sunlight and growing evermore glamorous with time.  The other has turned into the Godfather of Aloes as it is now a huge, hulking mass of heavy, juice and gel-filled leaves that threaten to overtake the rest of my plant population, much like that old 60s horror film “The Day of the Triffids”!  He’s the one I pluck my daily dose from, as there are many lush leaves to spare.

Succulent and Easy to Grow

Aloe plants are considered succulents with their spiky green leaves and tubular flowers that burst forth in summertime. They are perennials and are a part of the Lily family.  Inside their fleshy leaves resides a healing gel that has been used for centuries as an internal and external medicine. With over 400 species of aloe, the most curative is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller.  Easy to grow with little watering needed, aloe plants are low maintenance and allow you to have an essential part of your natural healing cabinet within close reach.  Keep your aloe vera plants in a warm, sunny location and water them only when they become really dry.

  

Aloe Vera’s Properties

Aloe vera is filled with over 20 essential amino acids as well as essential fatty acids, enzymes, and phyto-chemicals. The plant also contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon, and sulfur. Aloe vera is extremely high in B-complex vitamins, especially vitamin B-12, which is a difficult vitamin to find in the diet if you are a vegetarian as it is mostly found in animal products.  

Boosting Immune Function

Aloe vera’s high phyto-chemical content means that it is able to combat free radicals, which in turn means that it helps boost the immune system.  With its strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, the plant helps fight off illness and disease.

Boosting Gastro-Intestinal Function

Aloe vera helps to strengthen the digestive system by assisting in the breakdown of impacted food while soothing the lining of the digestive tract. Because aloe vera stimulates the release of pepsin, a key enzyme in the digestive process, it is an important factor in fortifying the intestinal tract to remove toxins that contribute to bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and other gastro-intestinal complications. Other attributes of aloe vera include relieving constipation, peptic ulcers, heartburn, colitis, and stimulating the appetite.

Other Healing Attributes

Aloe vera continues to amaze, as it is a potent healing agent for many other problems.  Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial makeup it helps to relived symptoms of allergies, bladder and yeast infections, cramps, hemorrhoids, arthritis, and intestinal parasites.  It assists in stimulating the uterus, works in balancing blood sugar in diabetics, stimulates the production of healthy kidney cells, and slows down the formation of kidney stones.  Aloe vera also helps reduce blood flow to tumors while preventing carcinogens from entering the liver. Because it stimulates blood clotting, it is especially good for healing wounds.

When applied topically, aloe vera helps reduce skin irritation due to insect bites, burns, sunburn, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.  It stimulates the regeneration of cells, making it an excellent skin rejuvenator and softener.

How to Use Aloe Vera

Pure aloe vera gel is easily obtained by slicing off a leaf from your plant, opening it up and scraping off the pulp.  I do this by removing the pulp with my teeth after washing the outside of the leaf and downing it as is.  You can also use this inner pulp on sores, cuts, or dry skin areas.  Once a week I use it as a facemask to tighten the pores and activate my skin tone.

Aloe vera concentrate or extract is easily found in health food stores and is the result of removing water from the gel. Aloe vera juice is made with up to 50% of the pulped gel and can be ingested as it is, or in combination with other juice drinks. 

Studies on Aloe Vera

According to Nutritional Health Information, there have been several clinical studies on aloe vera in regard to cancer therapy. In one study in particular, patients took aloe vera in combination with the neuro-hormone MLT where the benefits were clearly recognized.  In another clinical study on heart attacks and cholesterol, 5,000 patients with angina were looked at over a five-year period as they took a combination of psyllium husks and aloe vera. The conclusion was that there were obvious improvements in reduced attacks as well as greater cholesterol balance. Additionally, the need for pharmaceutical drugs was much less, especially for those who also had diabetes. The Mayo Clinic now claims that there is sufficient scientific evidence that aloe vera is a promising laxative that also improves skin conditions due to inflammation.

Ab Rocket Twister Reviews?

Apparently the Ab Rocket Twister is one of the hot new fitness products on the market. We've already gotten a dozen requests for reviews of this new "infomercial" abdominal exercise machine. After spending about an hour searching for real customer reviews online it's easy to see why: there appears to be very little authentic user feedback regarding the Ab Rocket Twister! So let's see if we can change that situation...

Here's one message that we received last week:

"Hi. I'm thinking about buying the new Ab Rocket Twister and would like to know if you think it really works? Is it really as effective as they claim on the commercial? Have you used it yet? I'm kind of desperate to burn off the roll of belly fat I've added this winter, especially since I'm going on vacation (Miami Beach) in May! I had six pack abs just a couple of years ago and I really want them back. Please help me decide whether or not I should purchase the Ab Rocket with a review or suggestion. If you think it's a rip-off please let me know so I don't waste my money. Thank you so much for your help!"

- Monica R.

Well, first things first: no ab exercise machine is going to burn off all your stomach fat and/or give you six pack abs by itself. All infomercial fitness and weight loss products claim to provide "easy" weight loss results but we have yet to find one that actually does so. Remember that weight loss, and especially fast weight loss, is about 75% diet. If you're not eating a proper, clean diet you're not gonna lose fat and shed pounds... no matter how many "Ab Rocket Twists" you do. Even the commercial states that you must use the included diet plan in order to lose the pounds and inches promised in the marketing hype!

That being said, a machine or device that helps you do more effective exercises, abdominal or other, can certainly be useful. I used the original Ab Rocket on several occasions and was actually very surprised that I liked it. Let's face it: sit-ups, crunches, and just about all other unassisted ab exercises are difficult, especially if you're very out-of-shape, overweight, or have any back problems. The original Ab Rocket provides a type of assistance that reduces much of the discomfort associated with typical abdominal/core exercise movements. It appears the new Ab Rocket Twister works on the same principle but adds a twisting motion capability to work the oblique muscles.

In the end I never did buy my own Ab Rocket because I tend to avoid things that make exercise easier. I know from many years of experience that harder, more difficult exercises provide much better overall fat burning, muscle building results.

The spring assistance provided by the Ab Rocket and new Ab Rocket Twister reduces the effectiveness of each individual repetition because it basically lowers resistance levels. Of course, it will probably allow you to do more crunches and sit-ups than you would normally do. That's a good thing in most cases and for some people, especially those who are currently very out-of-shape, the Ab Rocket Twister may be a decent investment. More "comfortable" home exercise options can make it more likely that you'll workout more frequently and get into shape faster.

The problem with many infomercial products is that they simply aren't made very well. Any comfort advantage they provide is overshadowed by the discomfort that comes from using a cheaply-made machine for long periods of time. The original Ab Circle Pro is a good example of that.

Personally I would hold off on buying the Ab Rocket Twister until more information is available online. Please leave your own reviews, testimonials, questions, and comments regarding this soon-to-be-very-popular new exercise machine below... thanks!

Candida and The Diet

Candida is a condition that is much more prevalent than we think.  I have several friends who suffer from it, and by changing their diets they have found immense if not total relief.  Candida occurs when there is too much yeast in the system. We naturally have some quantities of yeast in our bodies, but when there is an overload, the immune system rebels and unleashes a host of symptoms such as bladder and kidney infection, diarrhea, constipation, vaginitis, jock itch, athlete’s foot, conjunctivitis, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, and more. It is essential for those of you suffering from Candida to stay away from yeast in order to avoid these debilitating symptoms. As you fortify your body with healing foods, you allow your system to detoxify and eventually become restored to its natural healthy balance.

Fish, Fowl, and Red Meat

Of the three, the best protein here is from fish, but only those that are free range and non-farm raised.  Fowl is okay too, but here again, only if it is free-range and brought up on organic feed. Red meat can be difficult to digest, which is taxing for the body when it is already trying to deal with the exigencies of Candida. It is best when you are just beginning your Candida diet to avoid heavy protein such as meats and opt for a lighter food such as fish and legumes.

Legumes

If you prefer to get your protein from vegetable sources, there are many delicious legumes that go well on a Candida diet. Lentils, garbanzos, split and black-eyed peas are great choices, as well as soybeans and the foods made from them, such as tofu.

Vegetables

As we all know, vegetables contain an abundance of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eaten either raw or steamed, it is important that you buy organic veggies to ensure that there are no pesticides or other toxins that can further irritate your internal system. Candida sufferers should eat plenty of asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, chard, cucumbers, ginger, kale, radishes, spinach, turnips, and watercress, along with lots of garlic and onions, which contain anti-fungal properties. Wheatgrass is another excellent choice, along with freshly blended juice combinations like carrot, beat, celery and garlic.

Fruits

A Candida diet does not support many fruits because of their fructose and high acidic content, however there are a few that are safe to eat.  Grapefruit, papaya, and pineapple are good, a well as any type of berry. You can also eat small amounts of fresh lemon, which can be added to juice drinks or as a salad dressing.

Seeds and Nuts

Sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, and poppy seeds are all completely acceptable if you suffer from Candida. Sprinkling any of these on a salad is a delicious way to get extra vitamin and mineral content. Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazel nuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, and pine nuts make delicious snacks for nibbling on throughout the day and can help stave off a craving for sweets.

Grains

Grains are an excellent way to get those complex carbohydrates into your body, and taken in moderation can be fine for Candida sufferers. Some choices are amaranth, whole barley, buckwheat, air popped popcorn, millet, oat bran, quinoa, wild, brown, or basmati rice, cream of rye cereal, spelt, teff, wheat berries, bulgur, and soba, buckwheat, or udon noodles.

Probiotics

It is extremely important to maintain well-balanced intestinal flora to help with proper digestion, which means an addition of acidophilus, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli. Plain yogurt without sweeteners, an acidophilus drink, or capsules containing the above are ways to ensure you get your daily probiotic dose. Spirulina and chlorella or other green algae also provide the necessary good bacteria that create the enzymes that combat Candida.  Any probiotic in pill form should be taken with meals.

Condiments

There are several condiments that can be added to flavor foods without promoting the growth of yeast.  These include fresh herbs, sea salt, pepper, unfermented soy sauce (tamari), and raw organic apple cider vinegar. 

Pure Water

I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking water, water, and more water throughout the day to flush away toxins produced by Candida. One drink that is especially helpful in eliminating waste is a cup of hot water with the juice of half a lemon.

With just a little bit of discipline it is easy to convert to a balanced Candida diet that will make you feel refreshed and help you become yeast-free. Love your body and treat yourself like the precious being you are.

The Dreaded Migraine Headache

There was a time when I suffered from occasional migraine headaches, putting me out of commission until the next day.  Vibrating with pain, I’d have to take myself to bed, suffering in darkness, willing the pressure to subside as I tried as best I could to breathe it away.  So many of us suffer from migraines, recognizing the warning signals that herald them and then either taking strong measures to assuage them through pills or herbs, or just simply trying to sleep the pain away.

Migraine headache occurs when blood vessels enlarge due to a chemical imbalance in the system. This triggers pressure throughout the nervous system, leaving us with symptoms such sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, diarrhea, tingling in the hands and feet, flashes of light, and blind spots. Because migraines prevent the stomach from emptying into the small intestine, we also can experience discomfort in the entire digestive system.

It’s In the Details

Migraine headaches are the result of the enlargement of the temporal artery, which is a major artery located outside the skull under the skin. As it swells, it releases chemicals that are drawn to the inflamed blood vessels. Simultaneously, the trigeminal nerve, the major sensory nerve in the face that affects muscles for biting, chewing, and swallowing, is affected. Serotonin, the chemical that regulates pain, also become imbalanced. When serotonin levels are out of sync, neuropeptides are released that then travel to the outer covering of the brain, or the meninges, causing the blinding pain we associate with migraine headaches. 

Causes of Migraines

Hormonal Changes

Migraines can be triggered by many factors, depending on your individual biochemical makeup. Affecting over 28 million Americans, women are generally more susceptible to them than men, as often they are generated by menstruation, PMS, and menopause. When there are extreme hormonal fluctuations in the body, levels of estrogen and testosterone are affected.  It is also possible that certain hormonal medications can trigger or deepen the pain of a migraine headache.  This can include certain hormone replacement formulae as well as oral contraceptives.

Foods

One of the most common triggers for migraine headaches are certain foods, especially those containing tyramine. A partial list of these foods includes red wine, aged cheeses, beans, figs, smoked fish, and chicken livers. Nitrates are major culprits, so if you are migraine-prone, cut down or better yet, eliminate foods like bacon, salami, hot dogs, or any type of smoked food. Eating processed and fast foods can lead to migraines as they also contain nitrates along with a host of other unfriendly additives. Monosodium Glutamate or MSG, is especially dangerous. This is often used in Chinese food, so make sure when ordering from your favorite Chinese restaurant that you specifically request no MSG. Too much salt, aspartame, and caffeine can trigger symptoms, as can nuts, peanut butter, chocolate, citrus fruit, onions, dairy, and pickled or fermented foods.

The Environment

Each one of us has her or his particular sensitivity to various factors in the environment.  Some people suffer from migraine headaches due to their genetic makeup. Other factors can include sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, the sun’s glare, potent and toxic smells such as those found in cleaning solutions, paint thinners, and the like.

Other Factors

Migraine headaches can occur when we don’t get a decent night’s sleep or when we get too much sleep.  Jet lag, fluctuations in barometric pressure, and certain medications can also bring on symptoms of a migraine. Exposure to smoke, emotional or physical stress, overexertion, or too much sensory stimulation can also be culprits. Skipping meals and fasting can also bring on migraine headaches as the body begins to release toxins.

 

Some Solutions

If you do get migraine headaches, try to identify the triggers so you can steer clear of them in the future. Drink plenty of water to wash the toxins out of your system.  Drinking ginger tea is helpful for migraines that occur in the front of the head.  Other herbal teas that are helpful are feverfew, peppermint, passionflower, ginkgo biloba and white willow bark. Lie down in a comfortable, quiet, dark place and breathe deeply and consistently until sleep comes or the symptoms abate.  Remember, “this too shall pass.”

Teach your child how to be healthy

In a country where child obesity levels are rising every year due to the fast food industry and the growing lack of discipline the World's children have today, what could be more important than making sure your child isn't one of the statistics? It is never to late to start raising your children to know the importance of using healthy foods in place of their sodas, and cheeseburgers and all the fried and unhealthy foods todays kids crave.
At an age where their bodies are in the most important stages of growth and development, why would a parent not want their child to be taught whats healthy and whats not? Why not show your children what a good cup of herbal tea can feel like as it goes down nice and warm especially during what is left of these cold months. The very same herbs that are good for all adults are also good for all children even babies.
There is nothing to fear, in fact they may think of you as their savior if in 20 years from now they go in for that dreaded biopsy and it comes back negative. It is a proven fact that some herbs lower the risk of later in life heart attacks, cancer, and even child hood diseases. It is still cold and flu season so you can tell them of the importance of keeping their immune system in tip top shape and even can make it a family event.
What would it cost you? About $3.00 in most retail stores for one box of 20 herbal tea bags that could positively alter the health of your children and family for life. Besides with everyone "going green" you can be sure that in school your children are talking about techniques on this subject as well as probably noticing changes in the school and their friends, so you might become the best mom or dad in the world with your kids.
It never hurt to dream, but you never know. It is a fact that more and more people today are going towards the green living idea and that means your kids will be learning about this lifestyle soon if not already. So why not get a head start and be the first to teach your children what herbs can do for them, especially in place of all those sugar, high fructose corn syrup and caffeine loaded sodas that does nothing more than lower the bodies ability to absorb healthy nutrients and fight off illnesses.

Vitamins for Women

Unless you eat a very "clean" diet and get all your needed vitamins through your meals...then you need supplements. Taking these also. When your are exercising and burning calories, you need to make sure that your body is getting all the recommended vitamins you need to stay healthy and energized.
Check with your doctor and get your blood work up to see if you are in need of extra nutrients that you could receive by adding a daily pill.
Keep in mind that as we age, our body needs different or more of certain nutrients. Doctors usually recommend that women increase their intake of calcium for example. Doing a complete blood work-up and physical with your doctor should always be the first step.
Multi-vitamins are a good starting point. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Make sure that you choose a multi-vitamin that is age appropriate. We have to face the fact that as we age, our bodies need different, or more of certain vitamins.
I am a firm believer that healthy supplements need to be included in every woman’s diet plan. As we get older our schedule becomes more complicated and we need to deal with stress, busy life demands, and various other problems that can appear. Taking a vitamin is just another part of our journey to stay healthy.
So what vitamins should we take? Again, besides your normal multi-vitamin, start with your personal doctor. A blood work-up with give you the starting platform to run from. How would you know what to take if you didn't have any idea of what your are lacking? Be sure that the multi-vitamin you choose is specific for women, they are different!
So what are some general needs that you may need:
Let's start with Folic Acid, one vitamin that is highly important, especially in pre-natal care and 3 months after getting pregnant. Women should take somewhere around 500 mcg of folic acid daily in order to reduce the risk of heart disease, depression, cancer and memory loss.
Next is Vitamin D (Calcium) This is a must for women! Women lose calcium every day and need to replace it regularly. If you are not good about making sure to include calcium rich foods in your diet, then be sure to supplement with this vitamin. If you exercise, you use up even more calcium and put more stress on your bones, so it’s especially important to watch your calcium intake. As we age, our doctors will warn us about Osteoporosis which is especially common during the pre- and post-menopausal years. This is a bone disease that causes our bones to become extremely weak and break easily. If you start now and take in the correct amounts of calcium your body needs, you won't need to worry about this problem. Studies recommend that women under the age of 50 need at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day to protect their bones. Women over the age of 50 need to increase their intake to 1,200 milligrams daily. Did you know that one hour of sunlight can give you your daily recommended allowance of vitamin D, since the skin manufactures vitamin D from the rays of the sun. Good reason to get out when the weather is nice!
Next lets talk about Vitamin E. Did you know that vitamin E helps fight cancer and disease? This important nutrient is found naturally in all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are like me, and realize you don't get enough of these food groups, then make sure this is part of your supplement programs. Research from Harvard University has also suggested that taking vitamin E supplements may reduce your risk of developing heart disease – the #1 killer of women in America. Women need at least 8 milligrams or 12 IUs of vitamin E every day to meet their base nutritional requirements.
Next suggestion is Iron. Always, always, always check your multi vitamin to make sure it has Iron. You will be suprised to notice how many don't. Women can lose up to 1 milligram of iron for each day of bleeding during their period, which makes supplementation essential! Too little iron inyour diet can cause iron-deficiency anemia, which can zap your energy. This does not help you feel energized to keep up with your workouts! You can get tons of Iron from liver...(ugh), as for me I will stick with my Iron supplement, hahaha. Iron is a mineral that can be very dangerous when taken in toxic amounts, and it isn’t that difficult to take too much if you take a variety of supplements. So be sure to talk with your doctor about what your dosage should be. If you regularly eat red meat, you may not need an iron supplement since it could raise your already plentiful iron levels to a dangerous level.If you don’t want to take an iron supplement, eat iron-rich foods, like red meat, legumes, dark leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereals. Women under the age of 50 need 15 mg of iron per day. Women over the age of 50 need 10 mg of iron per day. Women who are pregnant require 30 mg of iron per day.
Nutrition in Pregnancy: Folate & Vitamin B12Your caloric and nutrient needs both increase during pregnancy. Women need an extra 300 calories per day to support their growing fetus. And these calories should come from nutrient-rich foods, not Twinkies and cupcakes. Proper nutrition is extremely important during pregnancy, and the #1 nutrient you should be concerned about is folate. Folate is a b-vitamin found in foods and is called folic acid when found in supplement form. Folate plays a central role in the development of the fetus, and deficiencies can result in neural tube defects that threaten the life and well-being of the baby.
These are just a few of the supplements I personally use with my doctors recommendation. Along with eating healthy, this is a daily routine for me. Again, start with your basic multi vitamin. Take a look at that label. Does it have calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B12, and maybe even iron, listed in the correct amounts? Or is your supplement lacking in one or more areas?
The primary reason that I often suggest supplements is because sometimes, you can’t get everything from your food.
When you're cutting calories (as we do when we diet), experts recommend a multivitamin.
I take a multivitamin because I am the first to admit that I do not get all my needed nutrition from meals. I am also at an age, in which extra vitamins are helpful. It helps with keeping healthy and feeling less tired.

Various kinds of Glasses for Men and Women

Prescription glasses have left their ‘nerdy’ connotations long time back and have attained the status of fashion accessories. Now-a-days, people use prescription glasses to accentuate their look, to portray a bold and confident appeal or just to put on a fashion - conscious appearance. With the rising demand came the rising supply and a spate of online shops dealing with prescription glasses have come up to quench the requirements.

Inevitably, countless options are now present and though most of them are unisex, there are many glasses dedicated exclusively to men or women.

It is generally believed that when it comes to men, they look for a comfortable grip and long-lasting pair of glasses. Style comes next to these two. And again, in most of the cases it is the man’s female companion who purchases the glasses for him. Since comfort is the most important factor, if the glasses are bought from a retail store, one should always ask the man for whom it is bought for, to put the pair on and check the grip. Even a slight pressure on the temples should be avoided and, if possible, corrected. Most men spend their time outside and even their relaxing times are filled with outdoor activities. So the ultra-violet coating becomes an absolute necessity. Fortunately, most of the prescription glasses sold now-a-days are available with UV coating, free of charge. In case of selecting colours, black, brown and dark gunmetal have been always considered a safe bet for men. But in case they have a creative bend of mind or are working in a field like that, unorthodox colours can also be used.

Things are different when women look for purchasing prescription glasses. Though comfort plays a vital part, style matters equally, if not more. With the increasing number of designer glasses brands entering the market with their signature styles, women now have more options than ever. These manufacturers are using the quintessential feminine colour – pink-to create some marvellous designs that add a striking feminine touch to their looks. Diamantes and gunmetal motifs are also used to create a stylish aura which women just love. Most of these women glasses are made of light-weight material. As more women are engaging into outdoor activities, they deserve proper UV coating on their glasses as much as their male counterparts. One more thing to keep in mind is that unlike men, women’s age plays a major factor in deciding the kind of frame and colour. During young age, any youthful shade and bright colours would effortlessly go with the overall look but for an older woman, sophisticated and regal colours are better choices.

Things are different when women look for purchasing prescription glasses. Though comfort plays a vital part, style matters equally, if not more. With the increasing number of designer glasses brands entering the market with their signature styles, women now have more options than ever. These manufacturers are using the quintessential feminine colour – pink-to create some marvellous designs that add a striking feminine touch to their looks. Diamantes and gunmetal motifs are also used to create a stylish aura which women just love. Most of these women glasses are made of light-weight material. As more women are engaging into outdoor activities, they deserve proper UV coating on their glasses as much as their male counterparts. One more thing to keep in mind is that unlike men, women’s age plays a major factor in deciding the kind of frame and colour. During young age, any youthful shade and bright colours would effortlessly go with the overall look but for an older woman, sophisticated and regal colours are better choices.

Eye Problems and Eye Care Tips

For children, an eye exam before the age of six is always the best. Most of the school screenings are very good but there are times that some subtle problems are present that can become much larger issues in the event that they are missed. The window of opportunity to fix any of those problems is known to close around the age of eight or nine. In the event that everything is normal, then the exams are going to be every three to five years if that is acceptable.

Diabetic retinopathy is the diabetic eye disease that is most common and it is also the main underlying cause of blindness within adults in America. Your good vision is going to depend upon having a healthy retina. Even though diabetic retinopathy might not cause any changes to your vision immediately, over time the disease can develop into a worse condition and may cause you to lose your vision. Normally, this condition will affect both of the eyes.

Eye Care Tips: -

* While writing with the right hand, ensure light is on the left side so that the shadow does not fall on the writing material.
*Drink lots of water. This is indeed one of the effective eye care tips.
*If you have developed dirk circles under eyes then put slices of cucumber and potato to treat them.
* Soak Amla in water overnight. Strain it and use the water washing the eyes. It will provide a healthy comfort to the eyes.
* Use an umbrella or sunglasses to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
* Soaking cotton in lukewarm milk and placing it on the eyes also gives a soothing relief to tired eyes.
*Give a break to your eyes every 20 minutes this will help improve your productivity too.
*Make it a practice to relax the eye muscles by closing it at fixed intervals daily. Close it and think something pleasant.
*Red, itch eyes can be treated by splashing water mixed with salt. It cures the eye infections.
* If the eye tends to be puffy, take a nap for a short span, it will help.
* Keep away from lamps that produce heat.

Natural Treatment for Eyes: -

Black Eyes: - Apply an ice pack or a cold compress for 15 minutes once each hour for 4 or 5 hours.
Droopy Eyelids: - For immediate, temporary relief, chill 2 teaspoons in ice water and place them over your closed eyelids. If weakened muscles are the cause, increase your dietary protein and add supplements of vitamin C, bioflavonoid, and vitamin E.
Dark Circles: - Dark circles are caused by lack of sleep, fatigue, genetics, poor circulation of blood, or illness. You can read preventive methods and Under Eye Remedies to get rid off dark circles.
Dry Eyes: - Inadequate nutrition or lack of humidity in desert-dry air or overheated rooms may instigate itching and burning not caused by allergy or eyestrain.

Cluster Migrain Headaches And How They Can Be Treated

One type of migraine that is really stressful is Cluster migraine headaches. Many doctors tried to research on this type of migraine but the cause of this migraine has never been found. According to other researchers this type of migraine might be due to abnormalities in the hypothalamus. This usually occurs in cycles like weeks, months or even rash headaches.

Cluster migraine headaches often attacks one person everyday and is expected at the same time every day. It will just disappear all of a sudden leaving the affected person with no symptoms at all.

Though there are obvious symptoms that can be noticed often, headaches gives so much pain on the bearer that it could be felt at the eye socket area. This kind of migraine is really painful and it could even give one person a runny nasal passage. Also the eyes may be seen swollen and red. Most people who are suffering from this type of migraine describe the pain as very sharp and burning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Compared to the regular migraine, the Cluster migraine headaches usually attack men. The medication for regular migraine works very slowly with this kind of migraine. Another thing about this migraine is it occurs so suddenly that it won't give the person even a light warning.

The medicines that can be bought over the counter won't have enough power to control and stop the pain of headaches. The usual treatment for this kind of migraine is both the abortive and preventive care. The well known Methysegride, which is usually prescribed for these Cluster migraine headaches, helps the constriction of the blood vessels and inflammation reduction. This medicine can be taken each time the onset of the migraine happens. However, this medicine is also known for really serious side effects that can affect the person.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         The abortive treatments are effective for Cluster migraine headaches too. A person suffering from headaches may breathe pure oxygen for about ten to fifteen minutes. This helps the person relax and reduce the pain. Other medications that can be taken for these headaches are ergotamine tarrate. This medicine can be taken by placing under the tongue which can act as a quick absorption or this can be injected too. Imitrex is the next medicine that can be taken to lessen the migraine.

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Lose Fat Fast

This program has been developed as a 100% guaranteed fat loss system and results have been proven throughout California before we even thought about publishing it. Many scientists and nutritionists compared notes and passed on information and results which were trialed, tested and proven over the past 6 years. This really is the nutritional and training guide of the stars.

So if you would like to learn how to lose fat without pills... without starving yourself... and without screwing up your metabolism for ever... Then this is the program for you! Craig Woods results don't lie!
The Science Behind the
"Elite Weight Loss Program"

Years of research have gone into the world of weight loss solutions and we used all the data we could find to device this system. Very early in our studies we found that a special diet incorporated for a certain type of gym routine was the way forward. High carbohydrate, Isometric, food combining, food separating, high protein, Ketogenic are just a few types of diets we combined with work out routines.
                                                                                                                                                                 So years past with scientific monitoring of each program in action using advanced training and monitoring equipment, until we had the formula down to a tee. Hollywood stars didn't come knocking over night though. It took another few years of the word getting around that there was a new training program which is getting any body, any size or any shape, lean, and toned in weeks. Then once the first few celebrities enquired about following this secret program it just went crazy, everybody wanted to know about this new fad in weight loss.

With demand so high and with most the information already in a tangible format, somebody suggested publishing the program as it could really help many people throughout the world lose their fat and get into shape.

Read more at http://www.articlealley.com/article_2103400_23.html?ktrack=kcplink

The Truth About High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup or HFCS is a clear liquid made from cornstarch.  Ever since it was introduced to the North American marketplace, the statistics on obesity have skyrocketed.  As a food product that is found in processed foods all over the world, HFCS has a direct relationship to other health issues as well, such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Where It Lurks

HFCS is used not only to sweeten, but also to keep foods moist and seemingly fresh.  For this reason it is prevalent in a variety of foods that you may not even suspect, such as bread and muffins. Once you start reading packaging labels carefully you will see that HFCS is in almost every commercial food product out there.  Condiments such as ketchup, relish, BBQ sauce, and mayonnaise contain HFCS, even many that claim to be low in fat.  Cookies, candy bars, breakfast cereals, fruit flavored and frozen yogurt, and canned soups are some other culprits.  And then of course, there are the soft drinks.  One 12-ounce can of cola contains 13 tablespoons (not teaspoons!) of sugar, most of which is fructose derived from corn syrup.

The Dangers

High fructose corn syrup is a very insidious ingredient.  Unlike table sugar it does not cause the pancreas to create insulin, which controls a substance called leptin.  Leptin is responsible for sending messages to the brain letting it know when the body feels full, which helps us stop eating.  Without this control, we never feel satisfied. And because we are tricked into thinking we are still hungry, we fall into a cycle of eating more of the seductive HFCS-filled foods, avoiding those that contain the nutrients we need to support our immune system. 

Whereas the simple sugar, or monosaccharide glucose, is used by the body to create energy, fructose does not.  Though it is also a monosaccharide, by not stimulating insulin secretion or requiring its transport as other carbohydrates do, fructose is not metabolized like normal carbohydrates are, making it a substance that generally leads to weight gain. Thus with an excess of these HFCS-containing processed foods in our system, we get fatter. People with diabetes as well as those who tend towards high blood sugar can be adversely affected if too much HFCS is consumed as too high a concentration makes it challenging to control blood glucose and insulin levels.

  

Studies on HFCS

In a research study on high fructose corn syrup done at Princeton University, rats were used to test its effects. The rats consuming HFCS gained much more weight than those eating generic table sugar, even when the overall caloric intake was the same.  Triglyceride levels in the rats eating foods with HFCS rose alarmingly over a period of 6 months, as opposed to those eating regular rat chow. As abnormal weight gain increased in the HFCS rats, fat deposits were located most specifically around the stomach area, with male rats gaining more weight than females. All of these rats gained 48% more weight than those on conventional rat food.

In a study reported in the October 2002 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, humans ingesting over 28% of their total calorie intake from sucrose, which is made up of 50% fructose, had more added fat and higher blood pressure after 10 weeks as compared to those using other types of sweeteners.

Why is HFCS so prevalent?

High fructose corn syrup has become ever popular with manufacturers of processed foods because it is the cheapest sweetener on the market.  And because it takes a very small amount to sweeten any product, a tiny bit goes a long way. Additionally, there is now an over-abundance of corn due to government subsidies and market pressure.  HFCS is also very easy to transport.

How to Avoid HFCS

The best way to avoid consuming high fructose corn syrup is to do as much shopping in health food stores. There you can find cane or non-high fructose corn syrup if you want or need it in any of your recipes.  When in regular grocery stores, look carefully at the labels.  If HFCS or modified cornstarch is within the first five ingredients, don’t buy the product.  Avoid all cola drinks, period.  Cook your own meals rather than eating out in restaurants as most commercial restaurants reheat pre-packaged foods that contain HFCS to increase their shelf life. When you do eat out, support the small owners who create cuisine with care and pride, using the best ingredients they can find.

Once you reduce your HFCS levels, you will see a marked difference in your energy as well as your weight.  As you get farther away from foods containing high fructose corn syrup, your body will crave nutritious foods that fill you up in the right way and cater to optimum health.