What Is the Candida Diet? All Your Questions Answered

In his book, "The Yeast Connection," Dr. William Crook outlined the causes and treatment for Candida. In it, he suggested that diet was responsible for yeast infections which resulted in symptoms including fatigue, depression, mood swings, and a craving for sweets, among others. While this holistic approach in treating Candida was not readily accepted by traditional physicians, those who espouse to, and treat patients with, holistic approaches have found the Candida Diet to be valid.

Dr. Crook found that yeast accumulates over the years due to the following factors: antibiotics, steroids, antacids, high fructose, diabetes, smoking, and pregnancy. Thus, he put together the Candida Diet which has proven to be effective.

Foods You Can Eat:

Meats that are antibiotic and hormone free including: beef, chicken, fish, lamb and turkey.

Whole Grain Foods: barley, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, whole grain pasta, millet, oats, quinoa, and rye. He notes that if you are gluten intolerant; do not eat barley, oats, and rye.

Cold-pressed Oils: flaxseed oil, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. The only oil you should use for cooking is olive oil.

Raw Nuts and Seeds: almonds, brazil nuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.

Antibiotic and Hormone Free Dairy Products: butter and eggs.

Vegetables: potato and all vegetables. No mushrooms.

Condiments: raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, dry mustard, pepper, sea salt, spices that do not include MSG and additives.

Drinks: filtered water, herbal teas, mineral water. No sugar.

Beans and Legumes: Any kind except fermented soy products.

Fruits: peeled granny apples, berries, coconut, grapefruit, lemons, limes. If you are allergic to citrus, eliminate from menu.

Sweeteners: Stevia and Xylitol.

Unsweetened Carob and salsa without vinegar or sugar.

Foods You Cannot Eat:

Processed and packaged meats, hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausage.

Peanut oil and processed oils.

Corn and mushrooms.

Cashews, peanuts, and pistachios.

All cheeses, cottage cheese, buttermilk, cow and goats' milk, ice cream, margarine, sour cream, yogurt.
Bread and cereal that is wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar free, corn, kamut, pastries, spelt, white rice, white flours, wheat.

All vinegars except apple cider, ketchup, gravy, jam, jelly, mustard, pickles, relish, salad dressing without sugar and vinegar, sauces, soy sauce, tamari and Worcestershire.

Candy, cookies, chocolate, coffee, donuts, gelatin, gum, fried foods, muffins, pizza, pastry, processed foods, smoked, dried, pickled or cured foods.

Alcohol, coffee, fruit juices, sodas, caffeine tea.

Peas and no fermented soy products.

Apricots, bananas, cherries, currants, dates, dried fruits, figs, grapes, kiwi, mangos, melons, nectarines, oranges, papayas, pears, peaches, pineapples, plums, pomegranates, and tangerines.

Aspartame, barley malt, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, sweetened fruit juice, honey, maltodextrin, maple syrup, molasses, raw cane juice crystals, sorbitol, sucralose, and white sugar.

These diet guidelines will help you get started and give you a good idea about the plan. Further information can be found at the Candida Yeast Explained website.

Grab Your FREE 7-day Course and Learn How to Get Rid of Candida Overgrowth Safely and Naturally. Visit http://www.candida-yeast-explained.com for Tips, Advice and Solutions.

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Full Time Workers: Lose Weight While You Work

People are just so busy today with work, family, appointments and more. You will hear them tell you that they just don't have time to lose weight. The fact is that their hectic schedule actually is in their favor if weight loss is what they desire. That constant movement is great exercise after all! A few simple changes in their lives, or yours, will ensure that the pounds come off in no time, so read on to find out more.

Whenever you have a break at work, you want to re-energize yourself. Most people think that means hitting the break room and having a coffee or sitting around and chatting with others. If you really want to get your energy back, get up and get moving! Take the fire escape downstairs, walk around the building a few times and then take it back upstairs. Go for a walk around your floor and don't stop to chat. Drink a bottle of water to rehydrate your brain and your body. Have a healthy snack such as some snap peas to get your blood sugar up. All of these things will not only perk you back up and get you ready to get back to work, but also help you lose weight. Encourage others to join you and you can do your "work out" together!

The biggest temptation at work is always the fast food nearby. A plate of fries with ketchup seems like heaven when work is getting you down. The easiest way to resist this temptation is by bringing healthy snack options with you to work. For example, leave a container of nuts on your desk to snack on when you feel the need. Even if they are salted and roasted, they will be a better choice than potato chips! Bring your lunch as well and include one treat, be it a homemade cookie or bag of buttered popcorn. That will make you excited to eat the lunch you brought, but be sure to eat the treat last as a reward.

Small bouts of exercise can be just as effective as an hour-long session, if not more so. Whenever you are waiting for something, be it at the doctor's office or while your child is at soccer practice, get some exercise in. You can go to a store and just walk the aisles, or go for a jog around the block. Try to forego taking your car as much as possible, walking instead. Every time you make the choice to get exercise instead of taking the easy route will be a few more pounds being dropped, so think of it that way.

The best way to begin the changes necessary to start losing weight and feeling great is to take each of these tips one by one and implement them. For example, a good habit takes two weeks to form, so give yourself two weeks to adapt per tip. Within a few months, you will be looking better than ever and feeling great, too.

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How To Detect If You Are Obese - Learning Your BMI Index

Many Americans are overweight. However, how do we know when a person is already obese and not just overweight? What is the measure or standard for obesity? When is a person obese? Is there a way to reverse obesity or prevent obesity?

Origin

What is obesity? It is defined as a body that has too much fat. The word obese comes from the Latin word obesus (ob meaning intense and edere meaning to eat). So literally speaking, obesity can mean to eat intensively, so much as to cause the body to become too fat.

Causes

The most common causes of obesity are as follows:

• Inactive lifestyle - modern conveniences have led many people to lead sedentary lives; work in offices have also contributed to the sedentary lifestyle

• Improper Diet - in these days where fast food is much more convenient, this has led to people consuming food on the go, sometimes skipping breakfast and instead loading up on high fat foods to obtain energy required; late night eating and drinking as well as upsizing of food portions have contributed to the problem as well.

• Pregnancy - mothers need to gain weight as they are eating for two. However, some women find it hard to lose the weight after giving birth thus becoming a cause for obesity when they cannot lose the extra weight.

• Inadequate sleep - Lack of sleep can cause hormonal imbalances which cause increase in appetite as well as craving for high calorie food thus contributing to gains in weight.

• Some medications - medications like anti-depressants, diabetes drugs, steroids and such could lead to weight gain if not coupled with exercise or proper diets.

• Other medical issues - certain medical conditions could be the cause of weight gain and not just the overconsumption of food.

Signs and Symptoms

Doctors use a standard to measure obesity and this is the Body Mass Index or BMI. When BMI goes over a certain range, then that person is already considered obese.

BMI is calculated using the following formula:

BMI = divide weight in kilograms by height in meters squared

The resulting value is then compared to the chart below to determine whether a person is healthy or already overweight.

Values for BMI ranges:

Below 18.5 Underweight

18.5 - 24.9 Normal

25.0 - 29.9 Overweight

30.0 and higher Obese

40.0 and higher Extreme obesity

However, BMI does not measure actual body fat. This is just an indication and there may be times when some people may be termed obese when in fact they are not. A more accurate measurement is said to be the body fat formula calculator which involves measuring the waist and hips as well as forearms and wrist with a set of multipliers to estimate body fat.

Different formulas are used for men and women as the sexes differ in percentage and distribution of body fat. Tests are also done to determine when a person has too much fat or not.

Are you obese? Learn your BMI and start living your life the way you want it. Kristine is a professional writer focusing on health related niches.

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Celebrity Diet Strategies That Actually Work

Hollywood celebrities are as famous for their diets as they are for the films they make. Now, it's not a surprise that many of these actors and actresses spend thousands of dollars just to achieve the body they want since how they look to fans is very important in what they do. The question, however, is whether celebrity diets actually work or not. The truth is not all diets celebrities try actually work, and most even do more harm to their body than good. If you want to have a body like J-Lo's or Penelope's, however, here are some diet tips celebrities try that actually deliver results.

Don't Skip Breakfast

There's a good reason why breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. According to research, eating breakfast jumps start your metabolism and prevents you from overeating later during the day. By eating breakfast, you are actually sending a signal to your body that triggers it to start burning fat. A good breakfast should consist of a cup of oatmeal, some sliced fruits, and scrambled egg whites.
Pick High Fiber Fruits and Veggies

You may think that because it's green, it's good for weight loss, but not according to experts. Some produce like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and onion do have amazing health benefits, but they also lead to gas and bloating. What nutritionists suggest you should try are watery fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, grapes, oranges, cucumbers, lettuce, and celery.

Cut Down on Foods with High Sugar Content

This may sound obvious, but what you should cut down, in particular, are white carb foods such as rice, bread, and pasta. Since these types of food are high in sugar, eating them will trigger your body to burn sugar first before burning fat.

Include Spicy Foods to Your Diet

If you cannot tolerate spicy foods, you should start loving them because according to studies, spicy foods contain elements that can speed up the body's metabolism. Not only that, spicing up your food with hot pepper sauce and red pepper flakes makes your food more delicious and interesting, causing you to enjoy your food faster and prevents you from eating more than you should throughout the day.

You may have read about celebrity diets, but to tell you the truth, there is no ultimate celebrity diet that will help you achieve a body like Jessica Alba's or Charlize Theron's. Nevertheless, these healthy tips should help you go a long way in your goal to have a celebrity-like figure.

Due to the nature of their work, celebrities greatly rely on how they look on and off cam. And if there is one thing famous celebs depend on to maintain their awesome figure, it's celebrity diets. Read about celebrity diets and other healthy fitness strategies here in ivillage.com.au.

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Nail Fungus Treatments You Should Know About

Prescription Oral Medications

There are several different oral remedies available for the treatment of toenail fungus, though most are available by prescription only. Many of these oral remedies are taxing on the liver, so doctors prescribe them sparingly. Oral medications promote new nail growth. Be sure to file down or remove infected tissue as new healthy tissue grows in.

Surgery

This is, of course, the last option, though it is a viable one, reserved for patients who endure extreme pain as a result of the infection. Removal of the affected tissue is the primary initiative, though depending on the severity of the infection, further measures may be taken to prevent spreading. In very rare cases, this includes amputation.

Vinegar Soak

Vinegar and water, two parts to one, have proven to be an effective treatment method for nail fungus when executed daily in 20-25 minute increments. Mild infections may need no more than a few soaks. Some patients may find this uncomfortable, so discontinue this method and call your doctor if you notice any redness or irritation as a result, but vinegar has been known to stop the spread of fungus by killing certain types of bacteria.

Over the Counter (OTC) Topical Treatment

There are OTC fungus treatments available, and those who use them find that they do effectively treat less serious fungal infections. Topical ointments have been shown to reduce the amount of irritation that fungal infections cause, regardless of whether or not they eliminate the infection entirely. Their chances of eliminating the infection depend on its severity and progression along with your adherence to apply the ointment each day. They do, nonetheless, provide relief.

When applying topical ointments, take care to clean, dry and file down the affected nails. Filing allows the ointment to penetrate the nail through small abrasions. Often, the directions will be to apply the solution liberally to affected areas several times over the course of a month span. OTC topical ointments are the first choice among patients, and are doctor recommended for the treatment of mild infections.

Vicks Vapor Rub

It may seem bizarre, but some believe that applying Vick's VapoRub to the affected area can actually cure fungal infections. Many people who have heard of this method shy away from it. It often does not prove an effective form of treatment and it is not FDA approved. Before choosing any product for something other than its intended use, consult your doctor.

Michael R Lopez is an editor for ProveMyMeds, a public health and education startup focused on producing helpful resources concerning the treatment of common ailments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_R_Lopez

What To Do When There Is No Time To Lose Weight

Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. - M. Scott Peck

There's a saying that goes: you will never know how unhealthy you are until you start feeling better.

Millions of people have gotten so used to a life without energy and spirit that they have forgotten how much better life could be when their bodies are working the way it's supposed to.

Do you feel this is true for your life? Do you feel as if you are just existing and not being intentional when it comes to your health and wellbeing?

One of the most common things that I hear stopping people from living a healthy and more energetic life is a lack of time... something I have struggled with in the past myself.

After spending time in reflection and being honest with myself I have come to realize this reasoning isn't exactly true.

Let's explore what I mean.

All of us have the same 24 hours in a single day and everyone has to deal with that same limitation.
If no one has more than 24 hours in a day, how do people get things done?

How are other working mothers able to find time to prepare healthy meals, not only for themselves, but their children as well? How are men with multiple jobs able to fit their workouts in?

I have a family, full time job, a business, and I am also the cook for our household. How am I able to fit in a workout regimen?

The real problem isn't that we have less time but that we have too many priorities. Which ones are we choosing and are they the right ones?

In this extremely fast-paced world, it is important for us to take steps back, do value checks, and look at where we are going before we end up there.

Here are some tips to help you "get your time back" or, in other words, use it more wisely when it comes to your health:

1. Tie your health to your values. Ask yourself the right questions. How would extra energy improve the relationships with your spouse, significant other, or kids? If you have kids, what kind of impact would a healthy lifestyle be on their health and outlook on life? If you have a business or career, how would a clearer mind and more endurance affect your productivity? On a personal note, I lost my mother too early. She never took care of herself and it made me angry to not have her with me. Part of the reason I take care of myself is because I want to be around for my daughter.


2. Change your focus. One of the things that Andrea and I had to give up was television. We still watch some, but not nearly what we used to. When we started out, it felt painful but now we don't miss it. Find something that you can shift your focus from so that you can have a happier life.


3. Break the rules. Who says you have to workout in the morning? Who says it has to be 30 minutes? Who says you have to eat this or that? Find out what works for your lifestyle and build momentum towards more effectiveness. Eat one better meal a day or just become more active. It's way better than what you were doing before!


4. Start small but effectively. Rome wasn't built in a day so don't think that you have to change your whole life. There are lots of things you could change but some are more effective than others. Being more active is one of the most significant things you can do... just make sure to do it consistently.


5. Simplify, simplify, simplify. The simpler the changes you make, the more likely you will continue and grow. A change that I made and still continue to this day is drinking a high-quality meal replacement shake for breakfast. I used to skip breakfast and if I didn't, it was always a stop at a fast food restaurant. My mornings are so busy and I knew that I needed something that was easy and quick. Now I never miss jump-starting my metabolism in the morning and I feed my body extreme nutrition so that I don't get cravings and make bad decisions later in the day.

We all have choices to make but remember, we only get to live this life once. Imagine where you would be one year from now if you decided to change 3 things in favor of your health and you stuck with your plan.

By John Balauat

If you like this article, please visit my website for more tips, wisdom, and encouragement for weight loss and fitness. http://www.weightlosssurge.com

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Obesity Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

As obesity rates continue to climb among all age groups in Canada, we are now beginning to see an increase of chronic illness as a direct result this current obesity epidemic.

Studies have shown that increases in health markers typically associated with obesity (waist circumference, belly fat, high blood pressure and cholesterol) are now directly related to developing dementia and Alzheimer's as we age.

Scientists have long reported that the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia increase directly with rising obesity rates. Now, new reports are surfacing that age-related decline in mental function and Alzheimer's disease may also be related to obesity.

Simon Ridley, of Alzheimer's Research UK states: "Obesity in midlife is a risk factor for dementia and these projections suggest that rising obesity in the UK could contribute to growing levels of dementia over the coming decades. Dementia already has an enormous impact on individuals, families and communities and it is concerning to see that this could become even greater than previously predicted."

As it turns out, what used to be thought of as normal, age-related mental decline, might simply be a side-effect of weight gain and obesity during middle age.

While it is still unclear exactly how obesity affects the brain, one theory suggests that proteins released by fatty tissues can travel across the blood-brain barrier and damage susceptible brain cells. Some have even begun to label this effect as Type 3 Diabetes, however more research still needs to be done.

Fortunately, there are steps that one can take to control obesity and improve mental function as we age.
In the past few years, there have been a number of studies that have shown the positive effects of diet and weight control on Alzheimer's and dementia.

There's evidence that adopting a Mediterranean style diet consisting primarily of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and lean meats such as fish, can reduce the incidence of age-related dementia and Alzheimer's by as much as 60%.

Keep in mind that simply losing weight is not necessarily the solution. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as diet and exercise are the key to healthy weight loss and potentially reversing chronic illness.
The fact remains, that when it comes to obesity, there is never a better time to begin losing weight and reclaiming your health. It's becoming more and more clear that lifestyle factors that promote and build health, have a far reaching effect into our later years.

Dr. Chris Chatzoglou is a chiropractor in Vancouver, BC, freelance writer and natural health expert specializing in nutrition and fitness.

For more information on this and other natural health topics, visit my website at www.drchrischatzoglou.com.

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Vegetarian Grocery List: What To Buy, Where And When

Say "NO!" to processed foods

There is a big discussion going on about how vegetarianism and veganism are diets that only the privileged can follow, because they have a high cost. This is hardly the case though, if you do a bit of planning. As with any other diet, buying processed foods such as microwave meals, cookies, muffins and sauces will cost you. Such choices will affect not only your wallet, but also your health. Eating a clean, whole foods diet on the other hand will save you money both in grocery and medical bills!

The planning

In order to plan your grocery list, you need to first make a rough draft of the things you consume on a daily basis. Keep in mind that you need to get daily 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables. You also need adequate protein that you can get from legumes, eggs and dairy. So all food groups should be present in your grocery list.

The fresh stuff:

Most of your meal ingredients are probably fresh, if you are following a vegetarian diet, which means that you should shop them once or twice a week. Buying larger quantities of fruits and vegetables usually leads to rotten, wasted produce. That's both a waste of money and resources.

Lettuce, rocket, cabbages, scallions, fresh herbs, carrots, kale, cucumbers and tomatoes are some excellent salad ingredients and you should always have enough in your fridge to eat two salads a day. Buying them twice a week is a good plan. The same goes for berries, which do not stay fresh for long. Bananas, apples, kiwi, avocados, oranges, clementines, grapes, melons will keep fresh for up to a week, which means that you will need a refill only once per 7 days.

Root vegetables:

Onions, potatoes, garlic and beets will keep for a long time in a dark cupboard, so buy large quantities, preferably from your farmer's market. You can usually get a better deal if you buy a lot. It is important to buy organic potatoes, as they are consistently in the "dirty dozen" of pesticide-laden produce.

Legumes:

Buy them dry and in bulk. Canned beans might seem like a cheap and convenient solution, but you will save tons if you just buy them dry and soak them overnight. For the same price you can get almost 4 times more portions. Plus, you do not have to worry about the can additives.

Dairy and eggs:

The idea is to visit an organic farm close to you and see if you feel comfortable with the sanitary and animal treatment conditions there. Many farmers markets also carry eggs and dairy products and a proud producer will be happy to explain to you the details of their products. If that is not an option, do invest in organic produce at your local grocery store. You should not make compromises in the nutritional value of your food, because that can compromise your health. Non-organic dairy and eggs are most of the time loaded with antibiotics and growth hormones, as well as pesticides and insecticides that pass into the animals' system through the fodder.

Susan is a full-time author and consultant, leading a select team of expert writers and editors, providing online and offline content to an exclusive clientele from around the globe. She is an avid traveler and reader and enjoys writing on health & fitness, travel, parenting, relationships and personal development.

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What You Can Do to Manage Your Heel Pain

When we break down the terms plantar and fasciitis we come up with this: Plantar = Bottom, Fascia = Connective Tissue and Itis = Inflammation.

So, quite simply, you have inflammation of connective tissue on the bottom of your foot. The key to effective treatment is to REDUCE your INFLAMMATION. Once you are able to decrease the amount of inflammation in your heel, you will also reduce your pain.

Your heel pain is being caused by inflammation of the large plantar ligament (fascia) of your foot and by tight calf muscles. This ligament is subjected to "overuse" which causes the pain. When these inflamed tissues cool at night, or with rest during the day, they become tight. Any weight bearing activity then causes an increased stretch, which results in pain. Bone spurs, if present, are not usually the cause of the pain.

If you are experiencing pain in your heel, especially with your first step in the morning or immediately after rest, and that pain eases up after a few steps, the following regimen should be followed:

1. ICE the sore area at least 3 times daily, either with a frozen water bottle or ice massage for 10 to 15 minutes.


2. STRETCH the arch ligament and calf muscles. This should be accomplished with the use of a night splint. You should use a night splint for 30 to 45 minutes every night to stretch out your calf muscle, achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. They are all connected and are contributing to your pain. The great thing about the night splint is that you can put it on and forget about it, you don't have to be in constant "work out mode" to get the stretch you need.It may also be helpful to keep a stretch band handy when resting for long periods of time, you can "sling" it around the ball of your foot for a good 30-second stretch. The "towel stretch" may lessen the severity of the pain you get during that first step after resting.


3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY medication may be taken if prescribed. Take as directed and discontinue if stomach pain occurs. Over the counter medications like Aleve may help as well.


4. NO BAREFOOT WALKING! This includes just socks, lightweight slippers or sandals.


5. RUNNING OR CROSS TRAINER SHOES should be worn exclusively. This needs to be a name brand, sturdy motion-control shoe. Recommended brands include Orthofeet, Orthaheel, SPIRA, New Balance, Avia, Asics, Nike, Brooks, and Saucony. Rigid heel counters, rigid shank, external heel stabilizers, and dual density midsoles are important features.


6. IMPROVED ARCH SUPPORTS are required for improvement of heel pain. These supports will stabilize your foot and allow your feet to function properly, relieving the excess stress normally put on your arch and heel. Custom orthotics are recommended. You will have to see a podiatrist to have those made for you. However, you can find a good pair of over the counter orthotics that may help, too. We recommend "Powerstep" inserts. They fit most average foot types and will provide you with the support you need for about 6 months at a time.


7. WEIGHT LOSS if needed. This is often a common denominator with heel pain.


8. Additionally, a product like Biofreeze will offer temporary relief and can be used as often as needed.

You have to follow this treatment plan "Like a Religion". If you don't, you will not get the pain relief you are looking for, and you may very well wind up back at square one. A great number of our patients get better using this treatment plan and DO NOT end up getting injection therapy or find themselves in the operating room.

This condition is very treatable if you do your part. If your heel pain persists then you are a candidate for corticosteroid injections alternating with ultrasound therapy once a week for up to 6 weeks. If there is no, or minimal relief AFTER all of the above things, including injection therapy have been tried, platelet rich plasma treatment, along with surgery, is indicated.

You can find all of the items listed above in the Runnin' Bunion Superstore http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/runninbunion/ by clicking on the "heel pain" tab on the left hand side of the page.

Dr. Dave Williams is a podiatrist in New Mexico and West Texas. He is board certified by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Lower Extremity Surgeons. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.

The Runnin' Bunion is a valuable resource for the diagnosis and management of various types of foot pain. Please visit http://www.runninbunion.com to learn more.

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5 Nutrients That Help Women Over 50 Lose Belly Fat

After the age of 50 women tend to deposit fat at the belly more easily. This is due to a number of changes that the body naturally undergoes in the fifth decade of life. One factor is a drop in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Decreased production of these hormones leads to a slower metabolism and an increased ability for your body to store fat in the midsection.

This is a frustrating side effect of aging; however, it can be combated with the addition of certain dietary nutrients.

5 Nutrients that help women over 50 lose belly fat:

1. Omega 3. This is an essential fatty acid which means that your body cannot make Omega 3 and must therefore obtain it through the foods you eat. Not only will a daily dose of Omega 3 help your body burn belly fat, it may also help ease joint pain, improve heart health, and balance blood sugar levels.

2. Irvingia Gabonensis. This is a tough ingredient to pronounce, but it is even tougher on body fat. Participants in a study on Irvingia lost an average 6.7 inches from their waistline. It works by making your body cells more receptive to the fat-burning hormone called leptin.

Leptin is a key hormone that controls many facets of the weight loss puzzle. Its job is to protect your body against starvation. When you go on a diet your body inhibits the secretion of leptin. This puts the brakes on fat burning and can decrease your ability to burn fat by up to 50% after only one week of strict dieting.
Any nutrient that increases your body's production of leptin or your body's sensitivity to leptin will boost your ability to burn belly fat.

3. Modifilan. This is another beneficial nutrient that can enhance the production of leptin by stimulating the production of thyroid hormones.

4. Green Tea. This is a natural extract that has been shown to increase resting metabolic rate and fat burning. It has also been credited with working as an appetite suppressant.

5. Shan Qi. This is a traditional Chinese herb has been shown to have beneficial fat-burning properties, including natural appetite suppression and the ability to increase leptin sensitivity.

Gaining weight around the belly is a frustrating occurrence that comes with aging. It is not only an issue of appearance. It also comes with an increase in health problems. Belly fat is said to be "metabolically active" fat, which means that it can more easily release fatty acids into the bloodstream. This is one of the reasons that women over 50 experience an increase in diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Adding these nutrients to your daily diet can help combat belly fat and improve overall health. At this point you are likely wondering where you can get these 5 fat-burning nutrients and how to take them in the right dosage.

Finding and figuring out how to take these separate nutrients in the right combination for fat loss would take a lot of research and experimentation.

Fortunately all of the research and prep work has been done for you leaving you with a drop dead simple way to keep your body burning fat efficiently. Discover how to easily turn up your metabolism with these nutrients by following the link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Becky_Gillaspy

Weight Loss Program for Obesity and Chronic Diseases

Obesity has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Worldwide, more than 1 billion adults are overweight with at least 300 million being clinically obese. Moreover, over 22 million children, now over the age of 5, are estimated to be overweight. Obesity is also associated with a sedentary lifestyle which now ranks among the 10 leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

The 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) reported that 23.1% of Canadians (5.5 million) aged 18 or older were obese (having a BMI over 30). An additional 36.1% (8.6 million) were overweight (having a BMI between 25 - 29.9) and almost 2/3 (59.2%) of Canadians are overweight or obese.

Recent research confirms that the risk of death is directly related to Body-Mass-Index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.

The good news is that weight reduction results in reduced mortality risk. Weight gain, particularly around the mid section has life-threatening complications including the risk for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke. There is also an increased risk of breast, colon, prostate, endometrium, kidney and gallbladder cancer. Non-fatal, but debilitating health problems associated with obesity include: respiratory difficulties, chronic musculoskeletal problems including arthritis and back pain, skin problems and Infertility. Not surprisingly, addressing the underlying lifestyle behaviours of obesity - overeating and inactivity -has had a major and in reducing the cumulative incidence of diabetes.

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting the structure and functioning of joints (including those of the spine) leading to pain, disability and difficulty for individuals in performing everyday tasks and activities. In Canada, arthritis ranks first as a cause of disability and inability to work, a top reason for physician visits, and a significant hindrance on quality of life. Arthritis is the 3rd leading cause of chronic health problems and people with arthritis are frequent users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Deaths due to GI bleeding were responsible for 1,322 deaths in 1998. There is a strong correlation between weight gain and arthritis, partly due to the un-necessary stress on joints from excess weight as well as inflammatory processes involved in both weight gain and joint tissue degeneration.
Exercise is extremely important in your battle with arthritis. For one, it can help you to reach your weight-loss goals. Despite the abundance of diet plans, weight loss boils down to primarily on two things: expending more calories than you consume and choosing foods that enhance your metabolism. Another benefit of exercise is that it strengthens muscles that surround and support the body's joints. Strong muscles can help relieve this pressure on the joints. In general low impact exercises are recommended recreationally including, swimming, water exercise, aerobics and walking. Even modest weight loss can be beneficial and is a realistic goal to obtain. Rehabilitation should incorporate proper postural and gait exercises, isolated strengthening and balance training. There are well researched supplements to facilitate cartilage health and prevent further joint damage. Foods that are anti-inflammatory are also vital in restoring joint integrity. While most people have heard about the benefits of diet, supplements and exercise for other diseases, the benefits of good lifestyle practices for arthritis are largely overlooked.

Your food selections should focus on whole grains, EFAs and mono-unsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources. Try to select organic, wild and free range (grass or grain fed) whenever possible and eat fish rich in omega oils, such as salmon, mackerel and anchovies at least 2 times a week. An easy rule to remember in terms of caloric intake is the 10 servings rule. This means eating 4 daily servings of quality protein and fats (serving size is the size of your palm), 3 servings of complex carbohydrates (3 cups) and 3 servings of fruits.

New research indicates that you should not sleep more or less than 7 hours per night. Any less or more will lead to weight gain. Mitigate your stress levels through exercise, relaxation, meditation, yoga, vacations and nutritional supplementation. Vitamins C and multi Bs are great vitamins that combat stress producing cortisol in the body. Lastly, EXERCISE - at least 60 minutes a day. Health benefits of regular exercise are overwhelmingly documented. Make walking and/or cycling part of your daily routine. Whatever you choose, remember to address all five factors and you will be on your way to maintaining a healthy weight and lessening your risk for many chronic diseases.

There is a simple solution to combating obesity and this requires two factors: a shift in food choices and increased physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is dependent on five key factors: food selection, caloric intake, sleep, stress and activity.

Here are 15 Basic Rules for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

1. Don't starve yourself - it's not healthy and it is doomed to failure.
2. Prepare your own meals and snacks.
3. Read labels - watch out for added sugar, salt (sodium), and ingredients whose names you can't pronounce (additives and preservatives).
4. Eat smaller portions and leave something on the plate.
5. Eat almost nothing from a box, a can, or a plastic container.
6. Eat 5 - 6 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Forget the fruit juice - just eat the fruit.
7. Eat whole grains - complex carbohydrates only. Choose healthy grains such as spelt, kamut and quinoa.
8. Minimize animal fat intake (saturated fats) with the exception of coconut oil.
9. Have a protein source with every meal.
10. Eat junk food occasionally as long as you cook it yourself!
11. Drink plenty of filtered water. You can also drink green tea.
12. Exercise and have fun doing it!
13. Plan on at least one social event with friends or family per week.
14. Get 7 hours of sleep a day. (10-12 hours a day for children and adolescents)
15. Take vitamins, minerals or nutraceuticals to supplement your diet and support your body's various systems.

Dr. Connie D'Astolfo, DC, PhD (c) is the director of SPINEgroup® an integrated medical rehab clinic located in Vaughan. Dr. D'Astolfo is also pursuing a PhD at York University. She has several published peer reviewed articles and is a chapter author for several medical texts. Her interests include chronic disease prevention and management, spinal disorders and rehabilitation. You can visit our website at http://www.spinegroup.ca or contact our client care representative at 905-850-7746 for more information on our clinical programs including our popular Metabolic Weight Management Program.

The SPINEgroup® Metabolic Weight Management Program is designed to strengthen your metabolism and ensure rapid weight loss while preserving and building your muscle tone. Included in the program is a personal diet plan (based on a metabolic analysis) and our proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals to support your weight loss, cognitive behavioural therapy to address food addiction (centered on self-care and motivation)a home exercise plan from our physiotherapist and strength training in-clinic with the aid of whole body vibration technology. In most cases, the metabolic weight management program will be reimbursable through your extended health insurance.

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