Prevent Diabetes With Fitness

27 08 2010

   If you have a higher risk to develop diabetes because you are genetically predisposed to it, you have all the more reason to get proactive about preventing the disease. One of the ways that you can ensure this is by taking care of your fitness levels.

   The better shape you are in physically the less likely you are to get diabetes. It stands to reason because the disease called Diabetes is linked to the metabolic rate of the body. The higher your metabolism the better your body is able to utilize the insulin it produces.

   The more you exercise the higher your metabolic rate becomes. This happen because the more energy you use the more the body has to produce for you. This energy comes from the conversion of blood glucose in the body to energy.

   This means that the body is properly producing insulin. The insulin is helping to digest the blood glucose. The body is getting and using all the energy it can at an optimal level. This is a great deterrent to developing diabetes.

   This is why keeping up with a good fitness regime can prevent diabetes. So if there is one thing that you are going to do to keep diabetes at bay, stay fit.



3 Foods Everyone Should Eat

11 08 2010

   Eating Healthy is always a good idea. No matter what your age, your gender or your constitution eating right should be a priority all your life. The right diet can help your body stay healthy and fit. It will help you regulate your own metabolism and be energetic all through the day.

Cabbage:

   The hubble cabbage is not a very popular vegetable. Yet it is one packed with very powerful nutrients and cancer fighting anti-carcinogens. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, glutamine and indole 3-carbinol. Cabbage does not need to be always eaten to be useful. Cabbage leaves can also help treat acute inflammation when a paste of the raw vegetables leaves are placed around the affected area.

Garlic:

  That tiny pod of white garlic can be one of the most medicinal and useful parts of food you could ever eat. Garlic is well known for its medical properties such as being anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal. Documented studies have proved that it also good for preventing heart disease as it helps in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure

Onion:

   The onion is effective against everything from a common cold to coronary disease. It is beneficial in diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Onion are often prescibed to women who are at a higher risk of bone disease. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has alleged aphrodisiac properties.

  



Why Shouldn’t Diabetics Drink…

6 07 2010

   Diabetes is a concition where the body is unable to control the level of blood sugar on its own due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Drinking alcohol lowers the body’s blood sugar. The metabolism of the body gets affected by the oxidation of the alcohol in the body and the glucose available in the body reduces.

   This means that if you are on medication you may develop conditions of hypoglycemia. A condition where there is inadequate blood glucose in the body. In this case the person in question may faint or pass out and this can be dangerous. Which is why drinking too much alcohol is ill advised for diabetics.

   Another concern of drinking alcohol for diabetics is that alcohol represents a number of empty calories. This means that the calories give no nutrition and add to the weight of the individual. For a diabetic person struggling with weight issues this is not a good thing at all as it interferes with weight management techniques.

   So while being a diabetic does not mean that you can never drink alcohol again, it does involve some precautions. So when you do drink do so responsibly. Don’t mix drinks and do not have more than a couple of drinks at any occasion.



Control Diabetes Naturally!!!

21 05 2010

   They say there no cure. Since the cause of diabetes is the body’s inability to generate or use correct amounts of insulin, there is not much that can be done to physiologically alter the body through medication. Diabetes is a condition which needs to be controlled and managed so that it does not go out of hand.

   To naturally control diabetes should be the aim of the diabetic, so that he or she does not have to resort to regular medication. This natural control is possible if the diabetic is willing to change the way they exercise and eat. It is important to see that you do not add foods to your diet which increase the blood sugar levels in your body.

   So eating foods that help speed up the metabolism and reduce the amount of blood sugar makes more sense. Also it is better to eat four to five smaller meals in the day rather than eat a couple of big meals. This way the surge in blood glucose experienced right after a meal can be controlled and reduced.

   Another way to reduce the glucose in the blood is by using it to create energy when you exercise. That is why it is so important to have a fixed health care and exercise regime when you are a diabetic. These two factors help keep diabetes under natural control.



Basic Asanas or Yoga Poses For Diabetes

12 03 2010

   Here are some basic Asanas or Yoga poses for diabetes:

   Yoga Postures or Asanas as they are called are different types of stretches and exercises that you can perform. These help the body alignment to soothe the organs and distress the muscles. The muscles are also toned and strengthened when you do these yoga poses on a regular basis.

   While there are a set of exercises for toning up the full body, there are also a few yoga asanas which are more benefical to diabetic person. While Yoga cannot treat or cure diabetes it can help you control your blood sugar levels.

   Here are a few that will help improve your metabolism and rejuvenate your stamina. They will also improve blood circulation in your body to the extremities.

   1. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation- It is a good warm up for the full body before you do any of the yoga poses. It is set of 12 simple yoga positions performed one after the other in a continues exercise.

   2. Kapal Bharati- A cleansing breathing technique. It is good for clearing the mucus that is stuck sometimes.

   3. Anulom Vilom- the althernative Nostril Breathing Technique is a power breathing technique used to cleanse the mind and focus it on the next activity.

   4. Matsya asana or Fish Pose- is great for stiff neck and shoulder muscles. It helps make a person more flexible in the spinal region.

   5. Tadasana or Tree Pose- great for toning up muscles of thighs, calves, ankles and back. Also good for hip and groin region, not to mention improving your balance and concertration.

   6. Ardha Matsyendra asana or Half Spinal Twist- used to stretch the spine this yoga pose is good for liver, kidney, adrenal glands, and must be performed under supervision.

   7. Shavasana or Corpse Pose- the relaxation yoga pose is done in between other strenuous asanas. Also at the end of the yoga session.



Does Pollution Cause Diabetes…

27 01 2010

Scientists have concluded, owing to certain research that commonly encountered environmental pollutants could be an important contributing factor to the high prevalence of diabetes. Chemicals that maybe involved are some pesticides and metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls. Many of these compounds accumulate in human adipose tissue, where they presist for decades.

   Biphenyl A. which is used in production of polycarbonates and the other plastics, may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Bisphenol A is used in the manufacturing of inner surfaces of food and beverage cans. It is known to leach from these containers into food and beverages and create havoc with one’s system by causing insulin resistance.

   Scientists have deducted that exposure to ozone sulphates and early childhood exposure to cigarette smake can lead to diabetes, DDE, a breakdown product of the pesticide DDT, has been associated with diabetes. The DDE is probably being consumed from the fish caught in polluted waters.

   Scientists and researchers have been able to establish a link between persistent organic pollutants and insulin resistance. these organic pollutants include Agent Orange, DDT and other industrial and agricultural chemicals.

   These chemicals can disrupt fat metabolism, thereby leading to lowered HDL or lower good cholesterol levels. Fatty acid metabolism, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance are closely linked. The variety of changes at the cellular levels could contribute to diabetes.

   It is well known fact that stress is one of the biggest factors causing diabetes. Pollution causes stress, which causes inflammation, which result in insulin resistance thus leading to diabetes. Interestingly the diabetic increases have been most noticeable in urbanized areas, where people are most exposed to bad air.



What is Diabetes

1 01 2010

   Medically, diabetes is defined as a polygenic disease characterized by abnormal amounts of glucose in the blood. Simply put diabetes is a metabolic disorder. having said that, we need to know what exactly is metabolism? Metabolism is the process in which digested food is used by body for growth and energy.

   The digested food is broken down into glucose, which is the form of sugar found in the blood. It is the most important source of fuel for the body. It circulates in the blood until absorbed by cells to be used as a fuel. Insulin a hormone produced by pancreas helps move the glucose into cells.

   In healthy body with healthy pancreas, the amount of insulin is adjusted based on the levels of glucose in the bloodstream. On the other hand if one has diabetes, this process breaks down, hereby raising the blood sugar levels.

   In normal healthy bodies glucose is a source of energy, whereas in a diabetic person, it accumulates in the bloodstream and thus can be instrumental in damaging the kidneys, heart, eyes and nerves. If left untreated it can have devasting complications. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability in most places.

   Although deadly, it still can be managed by proper care and diet restrictions. It is possible to lead normal and satisfying lives by managing this disease. Conforming to the adage KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, this disease can be managed by gathering as much knowledge as possible on the subject and using it well.



Simple Ways To Help Your Diabetes

27 12 2009

   There are alot of uses for Broccoli, especially in the management of blood sugars levels. It is a good Fiber source, acts as a powerful antioxidants, composed of several vitamins and nutrients. It is good for people with diabetes because of the mineral Chromium present in the broccoli. Chromium has been seen to play a role in the metabolism of glucose, as well as in the efficient absorption of glucose by insulin.

   Herbs and Spices have been a common ingredient on the tables of people  everywhere. To enhancing the flavor of their dishes. Also these spices have also been proven to treat diabetes. Fact is there are a few that have undergone some tests to check on this hypoglycemic property that occurs through the stimulation of the production of insulin, which are cinnamon, ginger, bay leafs, clover, nutmeg, and coriander. Now using all Natural is better.

   Dandalion Greens been known to give a hypoglycemic effect when used on people with diabetes. Using it as a salad or it’s extract may be part of the diet.



Water is our Body’s Lifeblood

30 08 2009

   The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. The body is made up of approximately 55 to 75 percent of water. Water forms the basis of blood digestive juices, urine and perspiration and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.

   As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from lungs, skin, urine and feces. Water is needed to maintain the health and integrity of every cell in  the body, keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels, help eliminate the by products of the body’s metabolism, helps to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature through sweating, lubricate and cushion joints and carry nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells, just to name a few. Drinking refreshing, clean water plays a major role in reducing the risk of certain diseases.

   The loss of body water through urination is gtreatly increased by the ingestion of decaffeinated and alcoholic beverages. These drinks have a diuretic effect, meaning they stimulate the kidneys to excrete more urine. Not only do we lose water, we also lose water-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B (thiamine) and other B complex Vitamins. For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.

   A diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables will supply about 4 cups of water a cup a day. Even with adiet high in  fruits and vegetables, it is still neccessary to drink an additional 6 to 8 cups of water per day to supply enough water to meet the body’s daily needs. For every caffeinated or alcohol beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.

   Dehydration occurs when the water content of the body is too low. This is easily fixed by increasing fluid intake. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, lethargy, mood changes and slow responses, dry nasal passages, dry or cracked lip, dark-colored urine, weakness, tireness, confussion and hallucinations. Eventually urination stops, the kidneys fail and the body can’t remove toxic waste products. In extremes cases, this may result in death.

   Approximately six to eight glasses of a variety of fluids can be consumed each day. More than eight glasses may be needed for physically active people, children, people in hot or humid environments, and breastfeeding women. Less water may be needed for srdentary people, older people, people in a cold environment or people who eat a lot of high water content foods.



Jump for Joy and Juices

21 08 2009

   Juice can actually be considered a Natural water source and provides the body with protein, carbohydrates, essentials fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that can be aborbed quickly and efficiently. Fresh juices also contains necessary enzymes, and pigments such as carotenes, chlorophyll, and flavonoids.

   Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables provides numerous nutritional advantages that are extremely important to weight loss. In addition, diets containing a high percentage of uncooked foods are significantly associated with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and lower blood pressure.

   Juicing kick start your body’s digestive process and enables quick absorption of high-quality nutrition, which can result in increased energy. This is one of the great advantages of achieving weight loss through improved nutrition. Fresh juices, combined with a well-balanced diet will provide you with energy needed to burn more calories, fat and provide you with the fuel you need for physical activity.

   However, juicing does remove the fiber from these nutrient-dense foods. So be sure to include an appropriate amount of fiber rich foods in your daily diet. Jucing should be a complement to a well-balanced healthy diet, not a substitute.

   So with a little planning and creativity, juicing could enhance your well-balanced diet and add some zest. The internet is a great resource for juicing recipes and information, and with the realization that raws foods and juicing is a great health boost, books and magazine articles are touting the benefits and offering recipe ideas.