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.



Superfoods For A Superior Thyroid

9 08 2009

   An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed. Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease effects almost every aspect of health. Taking care of it with good nutrition is a smart step in the right direction. Here are some superfoods that research has shown can nurture a healthy thyroid, as well as some ones to avoid.

   Coconut  and coconut butter, or more commonly known as coconut oil,has been used as a food and medicine since the dawn of history. Unlike saturated animal fats found in meats and dairy products, coconut is a raw saturated fat containing fatty acids which the body can metabolize efficiently and convert to energy quickly. Research also shows it helps to regulate thyroid function.

   Kelp is a steller, nutrient-dense sea vegetable. It is also known as Liminaria and contains a natural substances that enhances flavor and tenderizes. Kelp works as a blood purifier, and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. it’s natural iodine may help normalize thyroid-related disorders, like overweight, and lymph system congestion.

   Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhabit cancar development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.

    Thyroid patients should avoid the consumption of goitrogens, substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid. Goitrogens are foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips, and canola oil. Soy and peanuts also include goitrogens and should be avoided.

   Both copper and iron are so important for thyroid function, so thyroid patients should take time to make sure they’re getting enough in their diets. Foods such as organ meats, oysters, clams, crabs, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole-grain products, and cocoa products are all rich in copper. Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, and poultry are high in iron. Complement your iron intake with adequate amounts of Vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, red berries, tomates, potatoes, and bell peppers to help maximize your body’s iron absorption efficiency.