Capsulized Food: The Next Step in Food Evolution

Anyone who has spent a day fasting from food, or who has even skipped a meal, knows just how much time we save when we are not provisioning and consuming meals. Of course, efficiency is not our only concern when it comes to eating. If we were to articulate our fundamental requirements for food, we would probably come up with the following: (1) it should give us the nutrition our bodies need; (2) it should support our body transformation goals (e.g. lose fat or gain muscle); (3) it should taste good; (4) it should be convenient. Foods that meet two or three of these requirements quickly become a mainstay in most diets.
A new development in nutrition research called 'capsulized food' aims to exceed these requirements. Pennsylvania-based Protica Research is the first of what will likely be many companies dabbling in this new food frontier. Among other development initiatives on their roster, Protica Research engineers liquid foods that are ultra-compact, nutrient-dense, and above all else, very palatable. Their first product, Profect®, delivers 25 grams of protein and the complete spectrum of water-soluble vitamins in less than three fluid ounces. This on-the-go nutrition has some consumers re-thinking their traditional eating habits. An examination of the four fundamental requirements for food will help explain why.
NUTRIENT DENSITY
Nutrition. It is our first priority when it comes to eating. While it is not always on the front of our minds when we reach for food, it is the reason we eat. There are many nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor foods available to us, and we must always consume our fair share of nutrient-rich foods for the sake of our health, well-being and energy level.
The challenge is that nutrient-dense foods—such as milk, eggs, fish, and chicken—are not always within arms reach. Snacks, junk food and fast food generally are. It often takes too much effort for a busy person to procure the necessary vitamins and protein, and so we end up going without. This can hurt us in the long run as our immune system and energy levels suffer. Studies have shown that many of the so-called 'junk food junkies' and 'fast food addicts' would prefer eating nutritionally sound foods if they were within arm's reach.
SUPPORTING BODY TRANSFORMATION GOALS
For many of us, we keep a careful eye on the foods we eat. Either we are trying to lose fat, gain muscle, or maintain what we have. Whether we are browsing the supermarket aisles or a restaurant menu, we find ourselves looking for foods that are consistent with these goals.
For some, low-carbohydrate foods are at the top of the shopping list. These consumers have become more aware of the health risks and weight gain associated with eating carbohydrate-rich foods. For others, low-fat foods are the order of the day. Still others seek a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
The common denominator in all of these diets is protein, along with the supporting micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
While it is possible to get vitamins and protein without fat or carbohydrates when you are cooking at home, it is a much taller order to do that in a compact transportable meal. Manufacturers like EAS and Protica Research offer high protein beverages to support any transformation goals. Protica's Profect provides a full 25 grams of protein and the complete spectrum of water-soluble vitamins. The important point for the diet conscious, however, is that all of these nutrients come without the cost of fat and carbohydrates. This allows your body to maintain health and energy without weighing you down with unnecessary carbohydrates or fat.
TASTE
For most of us, the taste of a product determines whether we make it part of our dietary regimen. No amount of nutrition can make up for a poor taste. Food manufacturers have learned this lesson well in recent years, as many nutritious products have been pulled from supermarket shelves due to lackluster taste. As consumer expectations have continued to rise, a plethora great-tasting and nutritious food products have entered the market. Capitalizing on this fact, Protica Research developed a line of flavors for its capsulized protein beverage that target age groups from adolescents to seniors. Double-blind taste tests have shown that the flavor profile of Profect is indistinguishable from non-carbonated fruit drinks on the market.
CONVENIENCE
Every once in a while, maybe even every evening, we want to sit down to a well-set table and share a meal with family or friends. Capsulized food is not about taking this important ritual out of our lives, and it is not about replacing fresh foods. The reality of living in the 21st century is that most people spend their day working, and this means the kitchen or garden is inaccessible. This is true for stay-at-home moms as well as business executives putting in long days at the office.
This on-the-go lifestyle is not compatible with eating nutritious meals. The difficulty of finding time for a proper meal has led many people to become dependent upon compact snack or junk foods that they can keep in their purse or briefcase. These compact foods have become a mainstay of the American diet because they are portable and can be consumed quickly. However we often find that the portability, and thus the convenience, of these foods is lacking. The traditional convenience foods that we can find in grocery and convenience stores are not generally packaged with rough transportation in mind. The packaging of many food and beverage products accidentally break open after they have spent time in a bag or purse.
Another common complaint surfaces once the packaging is opened. Many convenience foods—meal replacement bars, for example—are sticky or crumbly. You can also find yourself reaching for water to wash them down. Problem is, convenience should mean 'napkins and water not required'.
While portability and quick consumption are two things that we have come to look for in a convenient food, these traits are often illusive.
Protica Research offers two innovations when it comes to convenience. First, their Profect protein beverage is a liquid—and weighs less than three fluid ounces—which means that you can quickly and easily consume it even while on the run. Second, Profect takes portability to a new level by packaging it in a patent-pending, virtually unbreakable container. This means that it can be taken absolutely anywhere, and you will not have to worry about your meal ending up all over your purse or briefcase.
HOW TO MEET OUR MODERN NUTRITION NEEDS
The advent of health-consciousness has come at a time when our lifestyles are increasingly hectic. This means that people are looking for a healthy, nutritious, and portable food that is quick to consume. In order to meet this demand, the food industry must adapt and respond. Companies like Protica Research are developing capsulized foods that will deliver on-the-go nutrition that is more portable, more convenient and more palatable than its predecessors.

Unchaining Yourself from an Unhealthy Food Addiction

The cry of "I have no willpower!" often emerges from the consumers who jokingly surrender to their lack of will when it comes to eating something clearly unhealthy. However, scientific nutritional research has identified that something much more serious – much more dangerous – is often at work here. For many people, what they perceive as a harmless lack of willpower is actually an addiction an addiction to chemicals that the brain secretes in response to stimulation by certain foods, such as chocolate or cheese[i].
As dangerous as this addiction is, however, recent studies suggest that it is actually much more frightening than it first seems. According to one notable study, the human brain can release dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked with feelings enjoyment, when a person merely sees or smells certain foods[ii]. As such, people who may be sensibly avoiding foods that release serotonin and other chemicals (such as chocolate) may still be susceptible to a sight and smell-based addiction to unhealthy food.
Understanding this complex problem begins with understanding the word addiction. Defining a clear-cut definition of addiction is in itself a challenge and a rather hotly debated pursuit at the moment. Still, there is enough unity among credible social and biological scientists to say that a person who is powerless to stop an action is addicted[iii]. When applying this rather grave concept to eating, it becomes starkly clear that choosing an extra slice of pizza or bar of chocolate may be the expression of a very serious addiction to unhealthy food.
Remarkably, unlike how addictions to things like alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity viewed biological and psychological illnesses, addiction to eating is often ignored or, at the very least, diminished to be something that is based on willpower. The insulting advice of "just don't eat it if you don't want to get fat!" that some obese people actually hear from their doctors, relatives, or colleagues is one of the most common manifestations of this often well-meaning, but potentially harmful, ignorance.
The bottom line fact – and one that more medical professionals are accepting based on scientific evidence – is that obesity and related eating disorders are often the results of an addiction they are a serious health condition that must be approached methodologically like other diseases[iv].
Understanding that food addiction is indeed a problem – a severe disease, in fact – is a fundamental key in addressing this unique health challenge. At the same time, the notion of "willpower" should be removed, in most cases, from the eating disorder vocabulary, and replaced with the word "addiction". This will make that extra piece of pizza or that third slice of chocolate cake be seen for what they often are: the means to satisfy a bonafide addiction.
Once the "eating disorder as an addiction" paradigm is in place, then and only then can both unhealthy eaters and those supporting them take steps to solve the problem. While there are no overnight solutions, there are paths that eaters can take that head in the right direction: freedom from eating addiction. The first step on this path is to eat a complete and balanced source of nutrition.
Taking this first step, like so much else associated with the addiction to unhealthy food, is easier said than done. Eating sensibly is unusually difficult in a time-starved culture and even more difficult when there are arrays of self-described nutritious dietary sources to choose from. Whether it is energy bars or fad diets, finding a simple, convenient, and practical source of balanced nutrition is hard to find.
However, some exceptional products are garnering serious positive attention from scientific community. These products deliver complete protein in a vitamin enriched formula. Furthermore – and of critical value – is that these products contain no carbohydrates, no unsaturated fat, and few calories none of which are from fat. These products are helping people unchain themselves from food addictions, and reflect a trend towards nutritious and ethical nutritional supplement manufacturing.
Of ultimate importance, however, is that these products return eating choice control back to where it must always remain: with conscious and empowered consumers, and not to some hidden and potentially destructive addiction.
References
[i] Source: "That's Why We Call it Junk Food". MSNBC.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3606198/
[ii] Source: "Food on the Brain". Forbes.com. http://www.forbes.com/home_europe/free_forbes/2005/0110/063.html
[iii] Source: "Addiction". eHealth Connection.
http://www.ehealthconnection.com/regions/ehealth/health_information/00036220.asp
[iv] Source: "Obesity as a Disease". MPR News.
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/03/29_bensonl_desease/

Turning an Addictive Snack into a Complete Meal

The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending machines in virtually every corner of residential America has created a serious nutritional problem. "Snacking" – a harmless-sounding verb that deceptively implies something unobjectionable – has reached addictive proportions[i].
The manifestation of this addiction goes beyond mere obesity something that is widely considered to be a severe public health crisis[ii]. Even among non-obese Americans, researchers are identifying a wave of general malnutrition that is sweeping across the country due to addictive snacking habits[iii].
This addiction to snacking is enhanced, ironically, by the rather confusing range of so-called diet-friendly foods on the market. Some foods that are dubbed "lo-carb" diet-foods are actually causing weight gain among some dieters[iv]. In fact, some "lo-carb" labeled foods are comprised of little more than unhealthy saturated fats and even worse, they have an incredibly high calorie count[v].
Furthermore, many self-professed "lo-carb" foods are dangerously devoid of essential proteins and vitamins. The resulting nutritional shortage often compels dieters – even subconsciously -- to crave stimulating foods of all kinds. These cravings often include what is closest at hand: snacks and other nutritionally bankrupt junk foods.
Snacking is indeed a problem that America must begin resolving within the first few years of this 21 century. A real, practical, tangible solution is required now more than ever before, because education and awareness are not enough.
This does not imply that education and awareness aren't vital allies in the fight against snacking and unhealthy eating. Education and awareness have played an important role thus far, and have helped create a number of healthier eating options. Indeed, the "lighter fare" choices in restaurants, and the occasional granola bar in a vending machine that is otherwise loaded with chocolate bars, are worthy gains that education and awareness have inspired. Yet education and awareness are, in and of themselves, evidently not halting this epidemic addiction to snacking quickly enough.
Adding to the problem is that so many of these junk food products are packaged in a way that implies some semblance of nutritional value. Terms like "on the go" or "instant meal" or "for busy lifestyles" adorn many packages for foods that are virtually nothing more than glorified snack foods foods that are absolutely not providing the vitamins and proteins that a healthy diet requires.
Therefore, a new approach to solving this problem is required one that stems from the momentum gained by awareness and education, but delivers a real, tangible product in the hands of Americans who want to regain control over what makes them move.
Attempts have been made, especially in the last decade, to provide Americans with this tangible solution. Nutritional energy bars now line the counter shelves of many convenience stores, and instead of energy infusion via a chocolate bar, more people are opting for these seemingly "healthier". This is a positive step but it is not enough.
Products such as these mentioned above, while somewhat better than candy bars, are not rich in essential proteins or fortified by essential vitamins. So while "snackers" are better off after eating one of these nutritional bars than they would be if they consumed a bag of potato chips, they are not as well off as they think they are or that the nutritional bar packaging implies that they will be. These snackers still face a shortage of protein and essential vitamins a shortage that is not going to be filled unless additional nutrition is provided.
It is within this paradigm – the search for a complete "tangible" nutrition source that is rich in protein and essential vitamins – that forward-thinking companies are engineering smarter products. These nutritionally advanced solutions are carbohydrate-free, fat-free, and low calorie complete meal sources for snackers of all types, including those that are dieting.
There are, admittedly, only a very small number of companies and products that are delivering nutritionally intelligent products into the hands of snackers. However, the fact that these progressive companies – and their innovative products – exist is a positive sign, and one that just may eventually be the turning point in America's war against poor eating habits.
References
[i] Source: "Survey: America's Addicted to Snacking". Channel 3000 Health. http://html.channel3000.com/sh/health/conditionsaz/news-health-990730-141923.html
[ii] Source: "Obesity Epidemic `Astronomical'". WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/57/66035.htm
[iii] Source: "Americans Shrinking ad Junk Food Takes its Toll". Guardian Unlimited Special Reports. http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1185457,00.html
[iv] Source: "Low Carb Confusion". MSN Diet and Fitness. http://diet.fitness.msn.com/article/773599.armx[v] Source: "Low Carb Diets". ABC& Chicago. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/connectwithkids/091504_cwk_lowcarb.html

The Danger of Curbing Hunger Artificially

Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary to a very outdated perception, this harm is not limited to those who suffer from obesity[1]. In reality, according to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, the majority of Americans exhibit unhealthy eating habits, with just over one in four women and only one in five men claiming to eat the minimum five daily servings of vegetables and fruits[i].
In response to this growing wave of American malnutrition, a number of nutrition-based solutions have been proposed. This has been both a positive, an ironically, a negative, development.
This has been positive in light of the simple fact that it has helped increase basic "nutrition IQ". The fact that most urban centers are home to dozens of diet and weight loss centers, and that many malls now have at least one health store has advanced awareness of America's unhealthy eating problem.
So, too, have the numerous television shows and news reports that have covered the popular diets that dominate current weight loss discussions, such as: the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Zone Diet, and more. The fact that a vending machine may actually contain a piece of fruit these days is further positive expressions of this growing nutritional awareness.
However, there is a downside as well. This increasing information has created a dizzying health and nutrition marketplace within which some irresponsible products are being offered. Among these products – and arguably the worst kind -- are those that artificially suppress appetite.
There are two equally important reasons why appetite suppressants are dangerous and irresponsible nutrition ideas.
The first reason is that they delude dieters into thinking that real weight is being lost. For example, an unfortunately popular choice for some dieters is to take diet pills. These pills are often diuretics that promote weight-loss through water loss. As such, while a dieter will feel less hungry and lose weight while taking the diet pills, both of these effects will cease when taking the pills cease. Weight gain will return rapidly, as will appetite[ii].
This leads to the other reason why these appetite suppressant products are irresponsible and harmful. The human body is home to a vastly intelligent network of systems, cells, chemicals, and neurotransmitters. Regardless of one's personal view of evolution of how the human body came to be this way, it is agreed by both creationists, evolutionists, and everyone else that the human body is a remarkable example of comprehensive intelligence.
For example, the human body is able to synthetically produce – without any conscious help from the owner of that body – 12 of the 20 amino acids that comprise protein[2]. Or consider the blood, whose plasma carries platelets that enable minor wound blot clotting. Both of these examples reflect a special kind of intelligence that the human body humbly and quietly exhibits throughout life.
When hunger is artificially suppressed it interferes with this intelligence. The body and its intricate network of problem-solving mechanisms become confused. Basically, the body is still hungry, but it does not feel hungry. The body is still craving the basic nutrition it requires to survive: proteins, essential fats, nutrients, vitamins, and calories. Yet because the hunger signal is not being effectively transmitted from these systems to the brain – due to the appetite suppressant – the individual dieter is not responding. In the short-term, a dieter may lose some pounds[3]. In the long-term the dieter will suffer from some form of malnutrition.
Clearly, appetite suppression "solutions" are not solutions at all. They are irresponsible and potentially damaging – even fatal – biological short cuts that undermine the innate intelligence of the human body. They also often render the dieter weaker and in worse shape than before, particularly if the inevitable post-pill weight gain leads to a bout of emotional eating and subsequent additional weight gain.
What is required is a rather dated staple of healthy weight loss: a healthy diet[iii][4]. This is, however, easier said than done particularly since, as noted above, in America only about 25% of women and 20% eat enough fruit and vegetable servings per day.
Within this rather complex scenario or problems and limitations, however, there are some pioneering companies that are enjoying critical acclaim from both the medical and the weight loss fields.
These companies – and admittedly there are extremely few of them -- offer dieters a balanced meal supplement that can also be used as a meal replacement. This is of particular value to dieting business executives, university students, and other frenetically busy people who do not have the time to prepare balanced, diet-conscious meals.
Of greater importance is that these advanced solutions do not suppress hunger at all, nor recklessly deny the body the nutrients and vitamins required for healthy survival. Instead, the body is given the fuel that it needs via vitamin fortified, low-calorie, fat-free food that is well-balanced and nutritionally sound.
It will remain unacceptable, offensive, and disturbing to see so-called "diet solutions" that are little more than appetite suppressants that can -- and often do -- create much more harm than superficial, temporary good. It is expected that, eventually, such products will be exposed for the irresponsible items that they are, and banned from the marketplace.
However, until that happens, it will be up to the responsible nutrition companies in America to continue developing solutions that truly help dieters help themselves in the long term.
[1] Obesity, which is caused mainly by unhealthy eating, is responsible for an estimated 300,000 deaths per year and all of them preventable.
[2] The remaining 8 amino acids are called the "essential amino acids" and must be obtained through diet.
[3] This kind of diuretic weight loss, however, will come at the expense of muscle and not fat.
[4] In addition to diet, customized exercise plans are also proposed to aid and maintain healthy long-term weight loss.
References
[i] Source: "Physical Activity and Unhealthy Eating". The Directors of Health Promotion and Education. http://www.astdhpphe.org/pubs_facts_physicalfactsheet3.asp
[ii] Source: "Potentially Dangerous Diet Strategies". PDR.Net. http://health.yahoo.com/centers/weight_loss/30004
[iii] Source: "Weight Loss: What Really Works?". WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/49/40236.htm

Depression Would Be Second Largest Illness By 2010!

World Health Organization states one out of four worldwide suffer from various forms of mental, behavioral and neurological disorders. Are you one of them?
It has also been estimated that depression would be the second largest illness by 2010 keeping in mind its pace by which it is affecting people world over. Here is some statistics for you: Experts in the field of mental health claim that more than half a billion people worldwide suffer from psychiatric disorders, which include abuse owing to drugs and alcohol, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia and stress related disorders. To break up, we have around 400 million people suffering from anxiety disorders, 340 million from mood disorders, 250 million cases of personality disorders, 100 million cases of alcohol dependence and 45 million cases of schizophrenia Rest, calculation is left for you.
The definition of health as been stated by World Health Organizationincludes physical, social, emotional and logical well being. Out of these four parameters, three are related to mental health. So, now you know how important is mental health for you and we tend to ignore it the most.
Most of us believe, especially who are suffering from mental illness, that Depression and other mental disorders are not curable. Again the specialists, doctors and psychiatric in this field totally feel the opposite. Not just its their profession but it has been proved too. With proper aid, guidance and medicines treatment of mental health is very much possible.
Studies at Harvard has proved that women are more vulnerable to depression than men. For every men suffering with depression, there are two women and one out of eight women have an episode of major depression in her life. Major factors responsible for this result are difference in genes, stress,pregnancy, acknowledgement of symptoms, premenstrual disturbances. Heredity accounts for up to 50 percent of the risk of depression. Well that was really an eye-opener!
Depression is basically psychological disorder involving your body, mood, feelings, and even thoughts. Depression causes the change in the way you think, feel about yourself or about other things, behavior, and your well-being. Depression, if left as it is, can last for months or even years.
Know the symptoms and treatment of depression at http://www.weightloss-health.com/symptoms_depression.htm.

Head Massage : Desire For Outer As Well As Inner Health? Head Massage Is The Perfect Solution

The touch strenghtens our immune system and helps us survive. Infants receive a daily massage from birth to promote good health.The first nine months are considered to be the best fot infants for massage as bones of fontanelle develops after nine months. Now massage has be come a part of daily life especially for women. They look for better hair and relaxation of mind. But these days, the massaging technique has been further developed to incorporate the upper back, neck, shoulders and even face. Undoubtly massaging has powerful effect on the whole body, be it mentaaly, physically and spiritually.
Tip : Do visit your barber for Head massage atleast once a week to refresh all bones and nerves.
Benefits of a Head Massage: It releases hormones which enables the growth and function of the brain and relaxation of the whole body. Restores joint movement and stretches joints in the nech, shoulders and upper arms. It promotes blood flow. As a result it eases out tension and promotes the growth of hair. It stimulates the drainage of lymph fluid. It increases the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain. Clear thinking and sense of focus are achieved as a result. You get better sleep which is what most people long for.
Best part, it can be performed at home or even at your desk, just about anytime and anywhere.
Learn more about anywhere and anytime MUST DO exercises which makes body more firm and strong at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Home%20Exercises.htm, Stepping stone for fitness and flexible body.

Are We What We Eat?

Whenever we talk about diet, there are numerous things that come to mind. There are mainly two meanings of the word diet. They both relate to food. First one can be defined as food that we take into our body. For example, eating a well-balanced diet. Another one can be defined as losing weight.
A balanced diet contains proper portions of five basic food groups. To ensure optimum health and a balanced diet, it is essential to have a proper portion of each group, each day. The amount of food needed gets smaller as we move up the "pyramid". Bread, rice, cereal and pasta are in the bottom group. 6 to 11 servings every day from this group are needed.
After that, on the pyramid is the vegetable group. Nearly everyone requires 3 to 5 servings from this group daily. The vegetable group gives you vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and C, as per required. After that, is the fruit group. We need about 2 to 4 servings of this group per day. Fruits give you vitamin C, fiber, carbohydrates and more.
Next is the milk, yogurt and cheese group. People need 2 to 3 servings of this group per day. This group gives you calcium and protein. Drinking milk and eating cheese and/or yogurt is a great way to get your daily allowance.
Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts is the last group. We do not need much of this group everyday but this group is very important. 2 to 3 servings per day are required.
In addition to the food pyramid, it was discovered by doctors and scientist that fats, sweets and oils are an important ingredient of a healthy diet. This is mentioned although it is separate from the pyramid. The food we eat normally contains the required fats so we need not add additional fatty or sweet food. This food can be delicious but we always try to avoid an excess of this type of fatty or sweet food.
If you are referring to a weight-loss diet, you are talking about changing or restricting your diet somehow to reduce calories, fat or other to lose weight. No diet should be used without talking to your doctor first. There are many diets on the market and medications to help people diet. The problem with dieting when not under a doctor~s care is that you may be loosing nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. You may be trying to lose weight because you are overweight or obese, but can be doing more harm by restricting vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Remember, if you are in doubt as to what your body needs, please consult your doctor.
Marcelle Ventura has created the online resource site: http://www.finadiet.com An excellent website for diet and health related subjects

Are You Suffering From Chronic Constipation?

Embarrassing as it may be, we have all suffered from constipation at one time in our life or another. According to the National Health Interview Survey as many as 3 million Americans suffer from frequent if not chronic constipation. While constipation is not recognized as a degenerative disease or serious disorder, people who are constipated often feel bloated, uncomfortable and even sluggish. Constipation by itself is miserable enough, but sufferers often experience painful bowel movements that can become compounded by hemorrhoids that form due to straining.
To understand constipation, it is important to understand how our digestive system works. When we eat, food is ground up in our stomachs so it can be digested. This "liquid" food passes into the small intestine where nutrients are extracted. It then moves on to the colon, where water is removed, allowing a stool to form. If too much water is extracted from the stool as it passes through the colon, it can become hard and difficult to pass leaving you constipated.
There are a number of reasons why people get constipated. These include not eating enough dietary fiber, not drinking enough liquids (water), lack of exercise, ignoring the "urge" to have a bowel movement and plain old stress. Other causes can include having a lazy colon that does not contract properly, causing waste materials to pass through the colon slowly, food allergies that can cause the colon to contract, or mechanical obstructions that inhibit the movement of waste materials. Many prescription drugs and certain neurological disorders can also slow down the movement of waste materials through the colon. Constipation can also be brought on by an abuse of laxatives that over time can damage the nerve cells in the colon and interfere with its ability to contract properly.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to relieve chronic constipation naturally.
Recommendations For Wellness
Consume a high fiber diet made up of lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If that is not possible, incorporate a dietary fiber supplement such as psyllium hulls, Natures Sunshine's Nature's Three or their Irritable Bowel Fiber into your daily health routine. Dietary fiber holds water and help to keep the stool soft, while added bulk help to move the stool through the colon.
If other fiber supplements fail in your attempt to become regular, try taking Chitosan (a form of dietary fiber) along with vitamin C. The chitosan binds to fats from the foods we eat making the stool soft and smooth. The vitamin C helps to activate the chitosan in the stomach.
Drink plenty of water, especially if you are taking supplemental fiber.
Try eating a few dried prunes or drinking some prune juice. In addition to adding fiber, prunes have a mild laxative effect.
Avoid sugar and other processed foods.
Begin a regular exercise program to help promote normal bowel movements.
If you think allergies are the cause of your constipation, try an elimination diet to help you to identify what may be triggering your body and causing your colon to contract.
Meditate, do yoga, go for a walk. Do things that will allow you to reduce your stress levels and help your body to relax. This can help relax your colon.
Get a colonic to flush out any old fecal matter that may be trapped within the colon or try a colon cleanse.
Take a good probiotic such as acidopholis or bifidophilus to help promote a healthy environment within the colon.
Peppermint (3910-9) has a long history of helping relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Supplementation with magnesium and large doses of vitamin C, have a mild laxative effect on the body.
If all else fails, herbs such as casgara segrada, turkey rhubarb or herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine's LBS II and LB-X can be used to evacuate the colon. While these should be used with caution, they are less aggressive than many commercial laxatives that are available at the supermarket.

The Truth About What the American Pharmaceutical Industry Does Not Want You to Know

As pointed out by 'Jack Shapiro, an internationally-known healthcare marketing consultant 'For the first nine months of this year, the U.S. imported $40 billion in pharmaceuticals and exported only $21 billion. In 2003, we imported $50 billion and exported $23 billion.' So what makes buying from your local U.S. based pharmacy any safer then purchasing from Mexico or Canada?
Many of today's elderly (U.S.) cross the borders of Mexico and Canada in order to get their prescriptions filled at a huge discount. For some it has become a necessity because they simply can't afford necessary drug treatments any other way.
But what about those who don't live near the borders; how can they take advantage of these savings? Fact is there are a lot of prescription drugs that can be purchased online from international locations for a fraction of the cost people pay here in the United States. A good example of this is RXMex.org where many of today's best known brand drugs can be found such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Zocor, Zoloft, Propecia and more. However they not only offer name brand drugs at sharp discounts they also give seniors the opportunity to buy generic versions of most of these name brand drugs for savings that can reach up to 80% less then their name brand counterparts!
When a drug company first invents a drug (eg. Prozac) that company is the only one allowed to make that drug for a certain number of years (approximately 10 years in the US). After this time period, other companies are allowed to make the same drug. These drugs are called generics. The original drug (eg. Prozac) is called a brand name drug. Brand name drugs and their generics are IDENTICAL in terms of active ingredients. The generic pills may look different (because they are made by a different company) but inside is exactly the same active ingredient which works in exactly the same way. The only difference between brand name drugs and generic drugs is that generics are always less expensive.
Most all drugs found at http://www.rxmex.org require a prescription so this licensed pharmacy can fill most orders by having the purchaser fax them their prescription and the shipped order can be tracked online. Another benefit to ordering this way is that there is no tax to be paid and orders are shipped internationally.
While some headway has been made in the last year or so in regards to reducing prescription drug costs for seniors, for now it's simply not enough for so many of our elderly. With the political clout of today's drug companies who converge on Washington D.C. like vultures I'm not sure the costs will ever get to the point where it should be. Until then places like http://www.rxmex.org with their name brand and generic low cost versions of many prescription drugs will continue to be another excellent low cost source for today's seniors.

Breast Cancer Cure With The Power Of Fame

There is no known cure for breast cancer. More than 1.5 million people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year worldwide. The incidence of breast cancer has nearly tripled in the past 50 years. A woman's lifetime risk has increased from 1 in 20 in the 1950's to 1 in 7 today. Scientists don't know why most women get breast cancer, yet breast cancer is the most frequent tumor found in women the world over. What can a woman do when fate has played a cruel joke and a woman's very life can be in question? What do you do when an intimate part of your body becomes host to an assassin, a foreign element assigned to debilitate, maim and kill?
A woman who dies of breast cancer is robbed of an average of nearly 20 years of her life. Breast cancer knows no social boundaries. It's a disease that can affect anyone. Some prominent women whose lives that have been touched by breast cancer include: Anastacia, singer only 29 years old! Jill Eikenberry actress age 52; Ann Jillian, 48, Actress; Peggy Fleming age 49 figure skater; Kate Jackson age 50 (Charlies Angels); Olivia Newton-John age 50 actress singer; Patti LaBelle, age 57, singer; Diahann Carroll, age 63 Actress/singer; Rue McClanahan, Hollywood actress, Rue is best known for her portrayal of Blanche on the hit sitcom "The Golden Girls;" Shirley Temple Black age 70 Actress/singer; Betty Ford, Former First Lady; Nancy Reagan age 77 former first lady; Melissa Etheridge age 43 singer; Lynn Redgrave, age 59, actress; Edie Falco Sopranos star, Tami Agassi, sister to tennis star Andre Agassi, and the beautiful Suzanne Summers actress. Dusty Springfield the singer, died from breast cancer at age 59. Breast cancer also took the lives of Linda McCartney and Jill Ireland. This is a disease that has plagued women for centuries. The mother of Louis XIV of France died of breast cancer in 1666. These high rates of breast cancer are not acceptable to the women of the world and must be met with scientific research that provides results.
Despite over a decade of research, and more than $1.7 billion spent, hundreds of women worldwide are dying from breast cancer every day. Yet doctors don't know how breast cancer starts or how to cure it. Doctors are still approaching treatment for breast cancer in the same old fashioned ways: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Barbaric treatments…And scientists keep doing the same old redundant research that's simply not working. Over 30 US federal agencies and dozens of foundations, pharmaceutical and biotech companies are conducting or funding research, but: No one knows how much money is being raised every year. No one knows how much money is being spent every year. No one knows where the money is going. Meanwhile, mothers, sisters and daughters are dying-at a rate of nearly 110 women a day. It's time for a new approach to cure this deadly killer. We don't want you to have to under go surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
A global action is the only answer to rising cancer deaths. Someone needs to answer the action call on all types of cancer. Newly formed International Celebrity Cancer Research Foundation has answered that call on global cancer. ICCRF's war on cancer will be fought with the power of fame with celebrities from all 192 countries of the world. But the war on cancer can only be won with the support from the citizens of the world. Each and every one of you can answer your personal call to action to help fight the global war on cancer by supporting ICCRF's battle on the war on cancer now.
Billionaires whom we have been recommended that we should contact for support include: Paul Allen, Bill and Melinda Gates, Jon Huntsman, William and Alice Goodman, Ann Lurie, Jamie and Karen Moyer, Harold C. Simmons, Alfred Mann, Sumner M. Redstone, Michael Milton and the Palm beach billionaires. There are simply too many billionaires to mention them all. The combined wealth of the three Microsoft billionaires alone is more than ten times the amount spent by the U.S. Federal Government on research to fight cancer and other deadly diseases. We could use help from the media with publicity stories, ads and promotions to get the word out. We are particularly interested in looking for assistance from the billionaires of the world; there are approximately 600 in the world. Billionaires like Sergey Brin and Larry Page (Google billionaires), Rupert Murdoch, Ted Turner, and Oprah Winfrey and others who control the media could get our life-saving message to the world fast.
Here's what some very influential and famous people have to say about breast cancer research. Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta Jones, "Catherine and I are committed to do everything possible to eradicate this disease," says Oscar-winner Michael Douglas. Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, "I lost my aunt to breast cancer about two years ago and my very good friend Liz to ovarian around the same time," says Wilson, who is married to Tom Hanks. "I've seen what these cancers are really like and we have to support more research." Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, "Steven and I are passionate about improving women's health," says Capshaw."
Stars that we know that are interested in supporting cancer research including breast cancer research include: Melissa Etheridge, Charlie Sheen, Kirk and Anne Douglas, Sting and wife Trudie Styler, Larry King, Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Kidman, Bon Jovi, Julia Roberts, Jack Lemmon, Dustin Hoffman, Denzel Washington, Warren Beatty, Candice Bergen, Angie Dickinson, Sally Field, Larry Hagman, Merv Griffin, Carroll O'Connor and his wife, Nancy, Robert DiNiro, Cybill Shepherd, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Sean Penn, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carmen Electra, Gene Wilder, Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Michael J. Fox, Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage, Leonardo Di Caprio, Sigourney Weaver, Bruce Willis, Billy Joel, Tim McGraw, Robbin Williams, Elizabeth Hurley, Tiger Woods, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Will Smith, Katie Couric, George Clooney, Mike Myers, Ben affleck, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Al Pacino, P Diddy, George Lucas, Oliver Stone, Drew Barrymore, Britney Spears, Barbara Streisand, Gene Hackman, Fred Thompson , Burt Reynolds, William Shatner, Donald Trump, Donald Sutherland, Morgan Freeman, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Sidney Poitier, Tom Arnold, Quincy Jones, Eminem, Shaquille Oneal, Adam Sandler, Steven Soderbergh, Bono/U-2, Patti LaBelle, Rosie O'Donnell, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Actor Rob Lowe, he was moved to serve as a spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day, which raised money for breast cancer research, because his grandmother and great-grandmother both suffered from the disease, Sharon Osbourne, Britt Ekland, Westlife, Simon Cowell, Emma Thompson, Philip Treacy, Geri Halliwell, Paul McCartney, and Lance Armstrong.
Country music stars who support breast cancer research include: Wynona Judd, Amy Grant, Donny Osmond, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, the Dixie Chicks, Lonestar, Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio, Trick Pony, Alan Jackson, SHeDAISY, Terri Clark, Lee Ann Womack, Phil Vassar, Buddy Jewell, Joe Nichols, Amy Grant, Anne Murray, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Tracy Lawrence, Tammy Cochran, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, George Jones, Rascal Flatts, Emerson Drive, Bering Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Clint Black, Steve Wariner, Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Faith Hill and Sara Evans, Richard Marx, Anne Cochran, Lee Ann Womack, Terri Clark, Dave Koz, Sophie B. Hawkins, Jonatha Brooke, Heart's Anne and Nancy Wilson and Mercy Me.
We are also hoping that more of my celebrity friends will come forward as spokespersons and spread their wings to help support our breast cancer research. My friends and acquaintances include: Steven Seagal, Charlie Sheen (Charlie, has done a great job for breast cancer research by leading an effort in the fight against breast cancer, by encouraging the American public to take part in a National Denim Day), Wesley Snipes, Danny Glover, Erik Estrada, Tom Arnold, Dolph Lundgren, Roger Clinton, Bill Clinton, Usher, Clint Black, Hulk Hogan, Ivana Trump, Clint Black, John Secada, Sylvester Stalone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Reno, Eddie Money, Paul Hogan, Jay Leno, Danny Glover, Danny Aiello, Larry Hagman, Lee Majors, Tyson Becford, Jennifer Tilly, David Hasselhoff, Richard Branson, Brendan Fraser, Cindy Crawford, (whose grandmother died from breast cancer), Cher, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and other stars that I have had the good fortune of meeting in person and others celebrities that I hope to meet in the future. How about Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnon, Mick Jagger and Pamela Lee Anderson. (Photos of Denny and the stars can be viewed at his promotional group listed below.) We have star friends who are bigger than life and they are ready to become our spokespersons. But we still need your donations to get our celebrities to international print and broadcast ads to get the word out. We, the people of the world can cure breast cancer as well as all the cancers of the world.

Catching a Killer - New Steps Taken in Treating Mesothelioma

There's a silent killer out there. It creeps up on its victims, attacks them quietly and unsuspectingly, and initiates a wound that develops over many years before it eventually causes pain. This unstoppable murderer is known as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops on the mesothelial cells of either the lungs, heart or abdominal organs, and plagues those who have been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time. Many who fall victim to this disease are people who have worked in specific trades or fields prior to the 1970s, such as blacksmiths, electricians, millwrights, and oil refinery workers.
Since it can take up to forty years for symptoms to surface, mesothelioma-related deaths are higher than ever in the 21st century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 1,493 people died from asbestos in 2000, compared to 77 people in 1968.
Mesothelioma treatment methods differ depending on the stage of the cancer upon detection, as well as the patient's age and personal choice of treatment. The four distinct stages of the disease are a factor in determining the type of mesothelioma treatment that can be carried out. The first stage is when the tumor has had limited growth on the pleural lining (the lining of the lungs). At this stage, an attempt can be made to surgically remove the entire tumor. However, if the tumor is detected at a later stage when it has invaded surrounding areas, it is considered incurable.
Traditionally, the later stages of mesothelioma have been treated with either chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells while radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Although mesothelioma treatment methods have been proven to prolong patients' lives, they cannot cure the disease. Ongoing clinical trials are dedicated to overcoming this debilitating illness. Current experimental treatments include the following:
Drug Therapy: A drug called Alimta, developed by Eli Lilly, has been shown to significantly increase the life expectancy of patients and decrease symptoms of the disease. It is the only chemotherapy drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Gene Therapy: This mesothelioma treatment is currently in the experimental stages. The process involves inserting a "suicide gene" directly into the tumor. This gene makes the cells sensitive to a normally ineffective drug called glanciclovir which destroys all the cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells unharmed.
Photodynamic Therapy: Still in its experimental stage, photodynamic therapy uses light to kill cancerous cells. The patient first receives a photosensitizer that only collects in cancerous cells. Fiberoptic cables are then placed in the body in order to focus the right frequency of light on the tumor. The photosensitizer is then caused to produce a toxic oxygen molecule that kills the cancer cell.
Immunotherapy: Also referred to as biological therapy, this mesothelioma treatment uses the body's personal immune system to defend itself against mesothelioma. It has been discovered that the immune system is capable of deciphering healthy cells from cancerous cells, and can thus eradicate those cells that cause cancer.
While treatment methods are still in the developmental or experimental stages, there is hope that one day all mesothelioma victims will be freed from the murderous hands of this fearsome disease.

The Isometric Diet and Balanced Health

The concept isometric has been a part of the health care vocabulary for decades. The most common application of the term, until now, has been with respect to physical exercise. Taken from the Greek root word Iso, meaning equal, the familiar term Isometric exercises involves applying equal weight to achieve strength goals.
Fairly recently, health researchers have discovered another innovative application of the isometric concept in the health care field: nutrition. These researchers have identified that an isometric approach to diet – a.k.a. the "Isometric Diet" -- can lead to health improvement.
The Isometric Diet®, which provides the philosophical basis for the Zone Diet, has swiftly gained respect from the health and nutrition community because it applies this clear "balance" lens to the rather confused, often misinformed world of dieting. Created by Dan Duchaine in the mid 90s, and evolved by researchers such as Dr. Barry Sears (founder of the Zone Diet™), the Isometric Diet is an eating regimen that calls for a balanced ratio of protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids.
The balanced ratio is the result of an overall awareness that the human body does not necessarily desire, or require, all kinds of micronutrients in all situations. While carbohydrates, proteins, and fats do provide the essential building blocks of human life, not all sources of each are optimal in all situations.
The Isometric Diet therefore takes a holistic approach to eating, and incorporates both macronutrient and micronutrient sources of energy. This goes beyond simply balancing proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Instead, an optimal balance is achieved on a deeper level one that leads to optimal body functioning, normalized blood-glucose levels, a controlled metabolism, and a healthy satiating of hunger.
This optimal balance, and particularly the point about healthily satiating hunger, is in stark contrast to some "fad diets", which seek to artificially suppress hunger. This potentially dangerous suppression often forces eaters to experience a weakened immune system, bone density loss, and other adverse consequences of malnutrition.
The Isometric Diet is founded upon five integrated principles: balance protein diversity unsaturated fats low glycemic carbohydrates and awareness of food priority.
Principle One: Balance. The Isometric Diet recognizes the fact that the human body functions optimally when it is fueled by a balanced micronutrient ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.[i] The optimal ratio for these three is 1:1:1, or the same number of calories from proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Principle Two: Protein Diversity. The human body responds differently to different sources of protein.[ii] For example, a post-exercise meal that consists of quick-assimilating whey protein will have a more beneficial health impact than an intake of caseinate or soy protein. The Isometric Diet therefore promotes a blend of protein intake to seek an amino acid balance, and to select the most appropriate assimilation rate for optimal health.
Principle Three: Unsaturated Fats and MCT's. The Isometric Diet recognizes that the human body processes saturated fats differently from mono- and polyunsaturated fats.[iii] Furthermore, the diet exploits the fact that there are some fats, called Medium Chain Triglycerides or "MCTs", which are shorter chains of 8-10 fatty acids. These MCT chains are shorter, absorb quickly, and digest very easily. The end result is a more efficient digestive system and better results through less effort.[iv]
Principle Four: Low Glycemic Carbohydrates. Healthy eaters are swiftly adopting the Isometric Diet's promotion of carbohydrates that do not cause the blood-sugar to rise. Dieters can therefore use the "glycemic index" (GI) as an intelligent way to measure the body's insulin response to a given food and to monitor the intake of "good" carbohydrates.[v]
Principle Five: Awareness of Food Priority. The Isometric Diet is aware that there are naturally occurring micronutrients found in food that supplements, typically, cannot engineer. As such, the Isometric Diet does not propose an eating regimen that regularly replaces food with supplements. Rather, a controlled diet that is fortified by scientifically designed supplements is most effective.[vi] This is particularly important in a very fast paced world where eating a complete meal can be quite a challenge. In such cases, the Isometric Diet approves of the supportive value of supplements – provided that such supplements are created in light of the above four principles.
One such supplement that has been engineered within the framework of these principles, and that is receiving positive acclaim in the health care field, is called Isometric®, created by Pennsylvania-based Protica, Inc. So named to reflect its balanced composition and support of the Isometric Diet principles, Isometric is a third-generation supplement that provides a complete spectrum of macro- and micronutrients.
Of greater importance to most health-conscious eaters, however, is Isometric's balanced micronutrient breakdown. Each all-natural 3-fluid-ounce serving – which can be responsibly used as a meal replacement -- delivers 25 grams of low-glycemic carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and 10 grams of unsaturated, highly-bioavailable essential fatty acids. Of added value to dieters is Isometric's™ modest 300-calories per serving.
The path to perfect eating balance is an evolving one. The more information that nutritional science uncovers, the more effective shall be the resulting eating regimen. However, regardless of what innovations lay ahead, one principle will remain constant: the human body craves equilibrium, and it achieves optimal health through a holistic balance of micronutrients and macronutrients. Enabling that balance today is the Isometric Diet, and more recently, Isometric from Protica, Inc.
References
[i] Source: "Balancing Fats, Proteins, and Carbohydrates". About Network.
http://nutrition.about.com/od/recipesmenus/a/balanceddiet.htm
[ii] Source: "Picking Your Protein". C-Health
http://chealth.canoe.ca/columns.asp?columnistid=9&articleid=10798
[iii] Source: "Best Diet for a Healthy Heart". WebMD.
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/54/65205.htm
[iv] Source: "MCT: Do They Really Make it Easier to Lose Weight?".
http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/research/mct.htm.
[v] Source: "Study Shows Benefit from "Good-" Carb Diet". MSNBC.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6567344/
[vi] Source: "Dietary Supplements No Substitute for Proper Diet". CNN.

Nutrition Supplements for Aging Americans

While America has given birth to the song "Young at Heart", and the phrase "you're as young as you feel!" can be heard from coast to coast by millions of people, demographic trend point firmly toward the other direction: aging.
Currently, the 65+ population comprises slightly more than 12% (35 million) of the total US population. By 2030, this percentage is predicted to almost double to just below 20% (71 million)[i]. In other words, within a generation, an unprecedented demographic reality will exist in the US: 1 in 5 Americans will be older than 65.
This is indeed news worth celebrating, because it means that more Americans are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. Yet this trend also presents some very real health-related problems that American society must solve.
Various sectors are frenetically trying to position themselves to deal with this aging demographic inevitability. The dental care field is loudly lobbying to increase awareness and resource-support for age-related ailments such as defective denture and reduced saliva-flow conditions[ii]. At the same time, the allied health care field is similarly trying – and admittedly struggling -- to develop the immense resources, such as many more doctors and nurses, who will somehow absorb the imminent and overwhelming old age-related demand for surgical procedures and other health care commodities[iii].
Yet while the dental and health sectors strive to adjust to this demographic trend, the nutritional sector has not kept pace. A quick look at any health food store shelf will see energy bars and powders that are (according to their marketing images) suitable only for high-performance (e.g. young) consumers. Similarly, the nutrition sector has not done a good job at destroying the myth that macronutrients such as protein are essential parts of all healthy diets – regardless of age.
The nutrition sector's general neglect of the senior community is something that is just barely beginning to show as the population ages, and as the "baby boomer" generation of 76 million strong moves towards retirement[iv]. However, it is inevitable that this service gap will become larger as the future unfolds. Essentially, tens of millions of seniors are going to need to find new and innovative nutrition solutions possibly for the first time in their lives.
The prospects that face a 65-year-old searching for a nutrition solution are in some ways much the same as those facing a 25-year-old: there are an array of promised solutions on the market, including energy bars, drinks, and supplements.
However, this is where the similarities between the average 65-year-old and 25-year-old end because while the latter may be able to get away with experimenting, the former cannot. In other words, a 25-year-old consumer may add energy bars to their eating regimen and realize in a few months that they're really eating glorified, calorie-rich candy bars. A 65-year-old consumer does not have that same luxury to try, and possibly err, when it comes to making nutritional choices. His or her choices must be wise and relevant from the start, particularly since older people tend to suffer from diminished appetite, and often have poorer access to balanced nutrition than their younger counterparts.
This is a serious problem that the nutritional sector must accept and take ownership of. This means that more than simple awareness is needed actual tangible solutions are required. The basic fact is that senior citizens – like all other age groups – require balanced nutrition, and for many of them, the best and most convenient way to access it is through nutritional supplements.
This much-delayed awareness does seem, however, to be abating. There are currently innovative companies that are creating nutritional supplements suitable for all ages, regardless of physical activity. This suitability is the result of a carefully balanced protein blend that captures all essential amino acids. Since many seniors continue to lose nitrogen and thus protein as they age, it is incredibly important that seniors access ways to compensate for this gradual loss.
These low-calorie, carbohydrate-free, fat-free nutritional supplements also help seniors avoid adding unwanted body fat that would weaken muscle mass and destabilize body strength and energy levels. Furthermore, the ideal product would be available in liquid form, allowing seniors with dentures or other tooth concerns to easily ingest a serving without anxiety.
The fact that America's population is aging is just that: a fact. It is not an opinion, an educated guess, or a possible expectation. It will happen, and it is essential that America's seniors be provided with the solutions that they need in order to continue living full, happy lives. The dental and health care fields are already hard at work positioning themselves, as best that they can right now, to absorb this unprecedented demographic change. Thanks to a very small – but hopefully growing number – of senior-friendly supplements, there is finally a reason to add the nutrition field to this list as well.
References
[i] Source: "Public Health an Aging: Trends in Aging – United States and Worldwide". Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5206a2.htm
[ii] Source: "Caring for America's Aging Smiles". Healthfinder.
http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=521247
[iii] Source: "Aging Population Creating Higher Demand for Surgery". ANNews.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2003/08/25/prsc0825.htm
[iv] Source: "Baby Boomers Envision Their Retirement: an AARP Segmentation Analysis". AARP.

Not All Protein is Created Equally

America's focus on nutritious eating began to receive national attention in the 1940s when President Roosevelt introduced the RDA, or Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) model. This model, which took on the shape of a pyramid in the 1980s (and hence now goes by the term "food pyramid"), has gone through a number of iterations since its inception more than 60 years ago[i].
This change and evolution of the RDA model is, in many respects, a positive step. It demonstrates that, just as America's information on diet and nutrition is advancing, so too are the models that guide its eating habits. In fact, the USDA itself has decided to update the term and now refers to "RDI's" ("Reference Daily Intake") instead of RDA's.
However, undermining some of this positive change is the fact that many Americans are increasingly confused over what, how, and when to eat. A survey conducted by the USDA in 1996 verified this fact when 40% of respondents agreed strongly with the statement that "there are so many recommendations about healthy ways to eat, it's hard to know what to believe"[ii].
One of the most serious expressions of this growing dietary confusion has to do with a concept called the Daily Value, or "DV". Introduced by the USDA in the 1990s, the DV is a dietary numerical reference that is supposed to allow people to make healthy eating choices[iii].
The philosophical idea behind the DV, which is expressed as a percentage, is that it provides a very important piece of information. The DV informs consumers how much of a nutrient they are getting from a particular food item. For example, if the DV label on a can of beans declares that it represents "10% of the DV for fat", then consumers can keep track of that number to know if, throughout the day, how much fat they are eating[1].
However, one does not have to be a mathematician or a dietician to see that the above idea begs a significant question: is this10% of the DV for fat "good" or is it "bad"? In other words, should a consumer choose this source of fat because it represents a good source of fat, or avoid it for the opposite reason?
It is this question that has caused so much confusion among health-conscious consumers. It has caused particular anxiety among those who are wisely ensuring that they eat the recommended daily allowance for protein.
The importance of protein in diet cannot be understated. It is not simply an essential macronutrient for athletes, such as bodybuilders and runners. Protein is critical for life itself, regardless of mobility or athleticism. Among other essential functions, protein maintains and repairs muscle tissue, aids digestion, regulates chemicals, manages hormones, and produces enzymes[iv]. In extreme cases, a dangerous lack of protein actually leads to a condition called Kwashiorkor, where the body cannibalizes itself[2].
Trying to determine the right amount of protein – as expressed in terms of DV% -- has been a difficult challenge for most eaters. Unfortunately, as a result of this confusion, some consumers have not been eating high quality protein. This is because the DV number is simply not enough information upon which they can make healthy protein eating decisions.
The missing number in the DV equation is the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) level. The RDI for protein is, generally, 50 grams per day. Consumers can take the number of total grams of protein in a product, and divide it by this RDI for protein to determine what the "optimum" DV number should be.
For example, if a product offers 25 grams of protein, and the RDI is 50 grams per day, then the product's "optimum" DV will be 50%. Therefore, the figure "50%" should appear on the product's labeling. If the number is lower than 50%, the consumers instantly know that it is not an optimum source of protein.
Finding high quality sources for essential micronutrients like protein (among others) is a challenge that should not be difficult, but it is, because some food makers do not want to educate consumers on how to detect high quality from low quality. This is particularly unfortunate in the health and nutrition food industry, where one would expect manufacturers strive for high quality nutrition. Regrettably, this is not always the case.
However, that is not reason to despair. Rather, it just as much reason to support companies that are making the effort to ensure that their products reflect only high quality DV levels, and a concurrent effort to educate the public on how to determine optimum DV.
[1] The FDA is clear that the DV concept is not intended to direct people on how much they should eat. In this example, the eater should not conclude that eating 10 cans of beans will achieve "100% of the recommended fat intake per day". The DV is intended as a reference number only and not as a recommendation. The intake per day is suggested by the RDA/RDI, which will be discussed further in this article.
[2] Kwashiorkor is more prevalent in some parts of the developing world, but incidences have been reported in the US.
References
[i] Source: "Food Pyramid History".
http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall02/Greene/history.htm
[ii] Source: America's Eating Habits: Changes and Consequences. USDA.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib750/
[iii] Source "Daily Values Encourage Healthy Eating". FDA.
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/special/foodlabel/dvs.html
[iv] Source: "The Importance of Protein". OhioHealth.

Inactive Alert: Essential Proteins for Sedentary People

The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established by nutritional scientists, and widely accepted by athletes. Among other vital functions, protein is indispensable for creating muscle. Just as important is protein's essential ability to repair damaged muscles after training[i].
While the value of protein in diet has been accepted and promoted within the athletic community, it has been less well disseminated within the very large sedentary population. Currently making up about 25% of Americans[ii] – or 1 in every 4 people – sedentary people are defined as those who undertake less than half an hour of moderate physical activity per day[iii].
A key problem to solve, therefore, is that the bulk of these sedentary Americans do not know that they are, or more likely are not, getting enough protein in their diet. This large group of sedentary people reflects the myth that protein-rich nutrition is important only for athletes and those who are physically active. The Reference Daily Intake[1] amount for protein is 50 grams, and most sedentary people are not coming close to meeting this standard.
Next to water, protein is the body's most prevalent substance. Protein is the essential building block for muscle and tissue, and vital for the functioning of critical systems, such as digestion. Protein even helps regulate and control hormones and chemicals that influence mood and coping ability something that has an impact for all people, regardless of physical exercise regimen. In fact, in the context of protein deficiency-related mood disorders, one may argue that a sedentary person on the dangerous road to obesity might be psychologically better equipped to implement a disciplined (e.g. healthy) eating plan if, among other key factors, a complete protein diet exited from the start.
Yet there is another related problem that is arguably more damaging. The little information that most Sedentary Americans are receiving about protein – snippets of facts here and there, mostly from marketers and advertisers – are often outright misleading. This is most clearly seen in the world of fast food.
Many sedentary Americans who have some basic awareness of protein's importance in diet believe, due largely to marketing campaigns, that fast food burgers are a "good source of protein". Lost in this belief is the fact that virtually all fast food burgers are almost thoroughly unhealthy choices that are high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, cholesterol, and the list goes on.
In fact, a popular burger contains 52% of the recommended daily value (DV) of fat, and over 500 calories, of which 60% are from fat[2]. These clearly unhealthy factors diminish the nutritional value from the burger's 24 grams of protein.
It is largely due to this lack of information – and concurrent existence of misinformation -- that prevents many sedentary Americans from learning about the importance of protein. At the same time, it is also clear to medical experts that the concept of a sedentary lifestyle is a serious global health problem that must be addressed sooner rather than later[iv].
Addressing this problem is, like many chronic health conditions, complicated and multi-layered. Yet accepting this complexity is, in itself, a starting point for a solution one that must equally be multi-layered and holistic in approach. Awareness of protein must extend beyond the boundaries of the "fit and athletic" communities, and concurrently, ways for sedentary people to access protein must be developed ways that are entirely healthier than fast food burgers.
Despite the difficult and admittedly uphill battle that many sedentary Americans face today, there is reason to be rationally optimistic. There are products on the market that are providing balanced sources of complete protein, yet in responsible, low-calorie and fat-free portions. Since these products are fortified with vitamins and nutrients, they can be utilized as either a supplement or a complete meal replacement. This is of notable value for dieters and "time starved" individuals who are seeking quick, convenient ways to eat healthy.
Ultimately, resolving this problem of sedentary Americans will not be easy, nor will it be rapid. It has taken generations to create the statistic that 1 in 4 Americans lead sedentary lifestyles and it may take generations to unravel this knot. The hallmarks of unraveling it, however, are clear: quality awareness, quality understanding, and above all, quality nutritional products that consumers both demand, and indeed, thoroughly deserve from their food manufacturers.
[1] Formerly referred by its better-known name "Recommended Daily Allowance".
[2] The USDA's recommendation is 30% calories from fat
References
[i] Source: "The Power of Protein". The Physician and Sportsmedicine.
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/04_96/protein.htm
[ii] Source: "What We Think is Making Us Fat". About.com.
http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/obesitycause404.htm
[iii] Source: "Cost and Consequences for Sedentary Living: New Battleground for an Old Enemy". Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
http://www.fitness.gov/researchdigestmarch2002.pdf
[iv] Source: "Sedentary Lifestyle: a Global Public Health Problem". The World Health Organization.

Uric Acid and Gout Attacks by Charlene J Nuble

Uric acid is an organic compound which when found in excessive levels in the body could lead to gout. Uric acid is made up of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen and it affects the tendons, bodily tissues, and joints. Uric acid and gout attacks are closely related to each other because if your uric acid level is high then there's a very great probability that you could develop gout.

What is gout?

It is the inflammation of the joints which is characterized by sudden pain and is caused by high levels of uric acid. Gout is a type of arthritis which is quite painful. Gout is sometimes called gouty arthritis.

Hyperuricemia (having a high level of uric acid in the blood) is caused by several factors. If your diet consists of high purine content, you’re a likely candidate for the disease. There are certain foods which contain purine like sea foods, meat and some veggies. Purines are converted to uric acid once they enter the body. Another element is high frustose. If there is an excessive level of frustose in the body, it can also lead to gout.

Purine and fructose affects the function of the kidneys. When uric acid crystallizes inside the kidney, it can become kidney stones. On the other hand, if they crystallize or harden around the bodily tissues, tendons, and joints, it will cause gouts. Since the kidney’s function is impaired, it can’t eliminate the harmful excess uric acid.

If gout is left untreated, it can lead to chronic gout which can create permanent damage to the joints. Since the pain is severe, most gout treatments are concentrated in easing the pain. If the UA levels remain high, gout attacks will become frequent. Therefore, immediate proper treatment is required; take note of the word ‘proper’ because if you receive improper treatment, your condition might get worse. If gout is not treated properly, the patient is also prone to kidney and cardiovascular problems.

Sharp pain on the toe or any other joint area is the first indication of gout. It is accompanied with redness, tenderness, and inflammation. Through laboratory tests, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. A fluid is taken from the affected joint and the lab tests will identify the concentration of UA crystals.

There is no known cure for gout but the treatment options can definitely prevent and manage it. Through lifestyle modifications and speedy proper treatments, the gout status can be changed dramatically. You must be able to consult a nutritionist or a dietician so that you can establish a healthy diet regimen. The doctor can also help you in choosing the best treatment option available which will suit the status of your current condition.

There are also natural treatments available like home remedies and herbal remedies for gout. Some say that increasing the fresh orange juice intake can also lower the uric acid in the body. With these treatments, you can surely find one that can work for you and your budget.

If you feel severe and immediate pain on the joints, you could have gout. This condition is prevalent among individuals with weight problems, older men (over 40 years), and those with a family history of gout.

Uric acid and gout attacks are rampant these days so be extra careful. It would be wise to consult your doctor at once to get accurate diagnosis because this condition is sometimes mistaken for other heath problems. Once you’re diagnosed with gout, you need to make the necessary changes in your lifestyle and diet if you want to achieve the best results.

How Do I Qualify For A Clinical Trial For Lung Cancer? by Charlene J Nuble

Qualifying for a clinical trial for lung cancer is not an easy decision to make. It requires a lot from the person who plans on undergoing the trial because of the risks which is incorporated with the different trials made.

A participant who is to undergo such a procedure is required to be firm with the decision and should understand the different benefits and risks which will be thoroughly discussed by your doctor. When you have convinced yourself that you are ready for the consequences, then you can qualify for the test.

A clinical trial is a study designed to evaluate a newer treatment for a certain disease. In order to make up a decision, you must first know how the procedure is being administered. However, it is also vital to remember that majority of cases being treated with the new regimen has shown promising effects than that of the usual modalities and current therapies.

People who are into clinical trials are taken care of by experts who closely monitor their patient’s development and personal well-being. On the other hand, people who undergoes this procedure are the ones who will first receive the newest treatments provided that their health and any kind of progress or side effect is thoroughly monitored by the researchers and doctors involved.

Usually, clinical trials are set up in a way that the patients are assigned in a random manner to a particular group that is bound to receive the accepted standard of treatment or any kind of experimental intervention. Initially, the first patients will receive the current therapy there is. While the next set of patients belonging to the experimental group will receive the newest found treatment. For the people who are receiving a newer version of the treatment can mean several things which will depend on the trial that was designated. It's either a new combination of medications and procedures, new drugs, new way of administering the drug and new dosages. Clinical trials are usually made up of four different phases wherein a number of people are asked to participate.

A clinical trial tends to end when there is already enough satisfying information gathered in order to answer whether the new discovery was successful in the fight against lung cancer. Some of the reasons would be:

1. The drug is a definite cure or can allow a person affected with the disease to live longer compared to the current therapies.

2. Positive effects are evident in providing a better quality of life for a cancer patient such as experiencing fewer drug side effects, normal body weigh maintenance, and having a more effective coping mechanism.

3. Amount of remission time of a cancer patient.

In order to know if you are ready to receive clinical trial you must first evaluate the basic advantages and disadvantages it may contribute to your condition. You should understand the different treatments that is offered by the researchers. When the options are laid down, you must be able to understand the different procedures that will be done apart from the standardized treatment of your lung cancer. By then you will be able to decide and eventually qualify for a clinical trial for lung cancer.

Herbal Remedies for Gout by Charlene J Nuble

Every year, the number of gout sufferers all over the world increases despite the many information resources about the illness. Perhaps you’re already familiar with the joint pains suffered by older individuals. Other people mistake gout for rheumatism and arthritis because the illness is also associated with inflammation of the joints, certain bodily tissues, and tendons. Medication is definitely expensive and so some patients opt for herbal remedies for gout.

Herbal remedies are much more affordable and they are quite effective in easing the pain and discomfort. When monosodium urate, also known as uric acid, hardens or crystallizes around the joints of the ankle and big toe, it can cause sudden extreme pain. The blood circulation inside the feet areas is less and so the crystals of uric acid tend to stick to the joints of the ankle and big toe, thereby causing gout. The feet are usually cold and so with lower temperatures, the UA can easily harden around the joint areas. If the body can’t eliminate the uric acid, it will stick to the joints, bodily tissues, and tendons; when this illness is left untreated, it can lead to complications and other unfavorable health conditions.

Your diet may be the primary cause of gout. If you frequently eat seafood, organ meats, and junk foods, you will be prone to this disease. At risk are elderly men and those with a history of gout in the family. Women are not exempted from the illness but there are less gout cases among women though. People who drink too much alcohol are also susceptible to developing this condition.

Herbal remedies are not only cheap but very effective as well. If you want an organic alternative, you can try chickweed. Get one tablespoon of this herb and put it in one cup boiling water. Leave it for 4 hours and then filter it out. Drink ј of the mixture four times every day.

If you don’t want to drink any herbal preparations, you can make an ointment from unsalted butter and hops. Mix equal parts of these ingredients and use it as a gout ointment. Rub it over the affected are everyday.

For gout pains, you can mix 700 milliliters vodka and 2 tbsp lilac blooms. Leave the mixture for about a week. After that, you can take 50 drops of the mixture before meals, three times each day.

Another homemade remedy is to drink fresh orange juice twice a day. Recent studies have proven that orange juice increases the vitamin C level in the body. The vitamin C can lower the uric acid thereby preventing gout.

There are still other herbal remedies that you can try but try to seek medical advice first. It would be wise to consult a doctor first before taking any medication or herbal remedy. You can also consult herbalists or licensed healers about the proper preparation of these herbal remedies for gout.

Herbal remedies for gout are quite effective. The remedies are an excellent choice for those who can’t afford the expensive gout medications. Medical costs are continuously rising and the less fortunate ones don’t need to suffer from gout pain. Choose the best herbal remedy which works best on you and start treating your illness.

Does Diet Affect Acne? by George Hutton

With hundreds of millions of people suffering from acne on a daily basis, it's not really something you should leave to chance. Understanding this terrible skin condition is half the battle when it comes to being able to defeat it, so it stays away for good. In this particular article, I'll be talking about different foods and their relationship to acne.

In order to understand whether or not any particular food can have an impact on acne, and the creation of pimples, it helps to understand how they are formed. Acne is formed when a pore, which is shared by both a hair follicle and a couple of sebum producing sebaceous glands gets clogged for some reason or another. The oil is still produced, and due to the blocked pore, can cause a great deal of pressure, which in turn can lead to the acne. This sebum is a naturally occurring oil and is necessary for normal, healthy skin.

One of the most common believed links between food and acne concerns chocolate.. Lots of people are under the impression that if you eat too much chocolate, it can cause acne. This is false. There has never been any scientific studies which show this, nor has their been any sound theories as to why this should be the case.

Many also are under the impression that eating greasy food such as potato chips or french fries can cause acne. Again, this is false. Oil from food is completely different that the oil that comes out of your glands. The only likely connection would be if you cooked potato chips or french fries for a living, and due to the working conditions, you perspired quite frequently, and in turn clogged up your pores that way. So this too, may in fact be a myth.

The only potential between food and the occurrence of acne is dairy products. Commercially produced beef, milk, cheese and eggs contain a great deal of growth hormones. These hormones, while not dangerous to humans, may be having an adverse affect on sebum production in the sebaceous glands. Bear in mind that this is only a theory, and studies have not been conclusive.

On the other side of the coin, there is a growing amount of evidence linking an increase in Vitamins E, C, and A with a decrease in acne, and an increase in clear healthy skin. While this is still inconclusive, it has long been known that Vitamin E applied topically, does indeed have several positive skin conditions. So if you are to change any of your eating habits, I would recommend going easy on the dairy products, and eating more foods that contain E, A and C.

Gout Home Remedies by Charlene J Nuble

For many years now, people have successfully treated different kinds of illnesses or diseases using natural treatments or remedies. Did you know that there are also gout home remedies available for gout sufferers?

Gout home remedies are a good choice because they are readily available in your homes and in local stores. If you have gout, you can use the same home remedies that the ‘oldies’ used years ago. Some people are not aware of these home remedies because they prefer to use the medical prescriptions given by modern doctors but that doesn’t mean that the home remedies are no longer effective.

Many individuals are now trying the basics because of the increasing medical costs. Some of the effective gout home remedies are the following:

• Ice – inflamed or swollen joints can be treated using ice. You can put the ice in the ice/cold packs or you can just wrap them with a thin cloth. Put the ice over the affected joint and let it stay for about ten to fifteen minutes. The inflammation and pain will soon disappear. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when you’re placing the ice over the affected area but this will soon disappear. The body can easily adjust to the cold feeling; besides, gout pain is much more terrible than the cold sensation of the ice.

• Ibuprofen – this medicine is widely available and you can purchase them without doctor’s prescription. There are different brands of ibuprofen but make sure you choose the best brand for better results. The ibuprofen can ease the joint pain for a couple of hours.

• Joint exercises – joint exercises are also possible to make joints stronger. Try to joint exercises one or two times everyday.

• If the gout is found on the toe, you can soak it in Epsom salt to relieve the pain. Epsom salt solutions can also be used to soothing tired and aching muscles. You can even take a bath with Epsom salt.

• Fresh strawberries – eating fresh fruits like strawberries can neutralize the body’s uric acid content. Strawberries contain vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and manganese.

• Cherries – you can eat the fruit or you can drink its juice to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body.

• To dilute uric acid and flush out toxins, drink plenty of water. Eight to ten glasses of water everyday it's very good for your body’s health.

• Try to eat leafy veggies, green peppers, tomatoes, berries, and citrus because these foods are rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C.

• Get enough exercise. Joint pain can be prevented through regular exercise because your joint cartilage is nourished. With stronger joint muscles, you can avoid injuries effectively.

• Apple cider is an all-time favorite because it treats various kinds of illnesses. Mix equal parts of organic honey and apple cider. Drink this mixture two times a day and in a couple of hours, the joint pain will subside.

These are only some of the best gout home remedies that you can turn to just in case you’re suffering from gout pain. As you may have noticed, the materials can be found mostly in your kitchen and if ever you can’t find any, a short trip to the grocery is all you need to get these home remedies.

How To Deal With The Emotional Ramifications Of Acne by George Hutton

Acne is a dreaded skin condition that affects almost every person alive. There are billions of dollars spent on acne medication, either over the counter medication, or cures prescribed by doctors. All this for a condition that in reality, is purely cosmetic. Sure, there are dangers from letting acne go untreated for too long, but for most of us, we just want to get those ugly red bumps off our face. In this article, I'd like to address the impact acne can have on your self-esteem, and your self-confidence.

Acne really isn't that bad of a condition, from a purely medical standpoint. Of course, it is possible to develop some extremely serious condition that starts with acne, but it's not all the likely. Most people seek out acne treatment from a purely cosmetic standpoint.

Not that those are bad reasons. Few people enjoy the thought of having several huge red bumps on their face. But there's a couple of secrets, or different ways to think about acne that can help you face the world despite how bad your particular condition is. Even the best cures can take a couple weeks, and you still have to leave your room every once in a while.

The first thing to consider is that even the most beautiful people out there are completely self conscious about their looks. In fact, recent studies in social psychology indicate that the more traditionally "attractive" a person is, the more self conscious they are. Which would make sense, as the more attractive a person is, the more attention they usually receive. Most people are average, and those of us that are, know that we don't get any extra attention when we get acne.

Another idea to keep in mind that almost 95% of people suffer from acne at one point in their lives. So if you happen to have a case of it right now, don't worry. You're in good company. You belong to a club that boasts over a hundred million members in the United States right this very moment. And anybody that does mention anything less than polite about your acne is likely terrified of getting it themselves, so all they really are revealing to you is their own internal fears.

One other way to look at acne is like a filter. The people that like you for who you are, and not how you look, won't care that you have acne. They like you for your personality, which is perfectly fine. With a case of acne, as goofy as it sounds, it helps you to understand who your true friends are.

Implants Are A Second Chance For A Perfect Smile by Nick Messe

One of the questions uppermost in the minds of any person who's wondering if a dental implant is right for them, is whether it will feel like a real tooth. The answer is that it will. Plus with modern dental technology, the implant will be virtually indistinguishable in appearance from your own natural teeth.

Dental implants are a technology that's been around since the late 1970s although it didn't become widespread until the 1990s. It's a permanent answer to tooth loss, an ideal solution for someone whose gums are healthy and generally free from periodontal disease. A person who has lost a tooth or teeth, perhaps due to an injury, maybe due to an accident or localized pocket of gum disease, can benefit from this technology.

There other ways out of your dental dilemma as well as implants. There are dental crowns, dental bridges, and partial or full dentures. However, carefully consider the differences. Your dental crown fits over one of your own teeth, and that tooth can continue to deteriorate even after your crown is in place. Perhaps the contours of your mouth have shifted subtly so that the crown no longer fits as tightly as it initially did and tiny particles of food have gotten stuck in it, leading to decay.

Perhaps the tooth has an underlying pathology that your dentist was unable to diagnose completely when your work was first done. Dental bridges depend upon the health and resilience of bordering teeth for support and often those teeth just won't be able to anchor a bridge. Finally, even the best crafted dentures often feel awkward in your mouth, impeding speaking, eating and even smiling as warmly and openly as you might like to.

With dental implants, you experience none of those difficulties. A dental implant can replace a damaged or missing tooth without affecting nearby teeth. It can also be used to anchor a bridge, or a full or partial denture, if you and your dentist decide that is the best solution.

Thanks to modern technology, a dental implant can match your own teeth in shape, size and color so that nobody enchanted by your smile will be able to tell it apart from your natural teeth. Many people completely forget that their implants are not their own natural teeth. That's how comfortable they feel inside your mouth.

Dental implants can be placed in a way that allows them to bond to your jaw bone, the same way the roots of your own natural teeth do. This stimulates the jaw bone, in many cases halting and preventing further bone deterioration. Many more of your own natural teeth are left intact, improving your overall oral health.

Dental implants make it easier for you to brush and floss your teeth the way your dentist and your hygienist have shown you. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Don't you owe it to yourself to sit down with your dentist and find out if implants are for you? After all, they feel exactly like your own teeth and look exactly your own teeth. Some people might call that a second chance at a perfect smile.

Lose Weight Dieting - With A Fat Burning Diet by Angelina Jewels

So you want to lose weight dieting but with so much confusing information out there you need to know which diets will work for you but most importantly which diets are healthy for you as you certainly don't want any unwanted side effects as some people have had with other well known diets. You can achieve all of these goals with a fat burning diet.

A fat burning diet will help you lose weight dieting because it deals with your biggest problem that your body loves to store fat as you get older to protect you. You will probably have found that your metabolism has slowed down and now its time to change that. The first thing you have to do is get rid of all the fat storing foods some of which may surprise you. Some of these include orange juice, all wheat breads (not rice bread), cereals, yogurts and cheeses to name a few. In essence all wheat and dairy products with the exception of eggs.

All the foods I am telling you to give up are mainly new foods that our ancestors didn't eat back in the times of the stone age and they lived a very healthy life relative to there environment. So to lose weight dieting eat what they eat i.e. all meats and fish, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. You can also eat eggs. You should also replace your meal time drink with water and freshly squeezed lemon. This will do two things firstly it will replace the vitamins and more that your missing from giving up orange juice and secondly it's probably the best detoxifier for your body on this planet.

So you can lose weight dieting just make sure you eat the foods in the right quantity in relation to your metabolism and body weight. So are you going to be decisive and do something about it today or will you still be reading articles like this in six months time?

Knee Braces Tip: Try Knee Braces to Avoid Knee Surgery by Wendy Moyer

If you've suffered a sports injury and now have an unstable knee joint you may be considering having knee surgery. Although you should speak to your doctor, it is possible to avoid the necessity of going under the knife for surgery if you simple use knee braces to support your injured knee joint.

There are a number of knee braces that can help you with your knee problems both before and after surgery, if it is necessary.

Functional Knee Braces

Functional knee braces are primarily used for patella dislocation and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (ACL) reconstruction, and they have a history of working quite well.

An ACL injury is often the result of having a direct blow to the knee. When it happens people often hear a loud pop immediately after they are injured. Once it happens they will find that they may not be able to move their knee.

Patella dislocations are also caused by direct blows to the knees. Most often they happen after someone falls or is involved in an accident. In addition these injuries can happen if you make a dramatic change in direction while you are running.

If your patella is dislocated and your knee is dislocated you will probably feel intense pain and may not be able to move your knee. And you'll also find that a short time after the dislocation that the area around your knee will swell and feel tender.

Many sports professionals and athletes have found that functional knee braces are very helpful for ACL and patella injuries. When you wear them you may avoid the need for having surgery.

The only drawback seems to be that you may feel a bit uncomfortable when you wear this brace because it will provide traction to your skin.

Prophylactic Knee Braces

Prophylactic knee braces were designed with the thought that they would be able to prevent knee injuries. The jury is still out on these devices because a number of studies have indicated that they may actually increase the risk of injury by putting additional loads on the knees.

If your doctor advises that you have surgery for your knee injury then it's highly likely that he or she will prescribe post surgical knee braces that will aid in your recovery. There are two types of post operative knee braces available - rehabilitative braces and transitional braces.

Rehabilitative Knee Braces

This type of brace is used if you have had a knee operation. A rehabilitative knee brace can be essential to the healing process because it gives support and comfort to your injured knee. These braces are often used after ACL, PCL, MCL, or meniscal injuries.

They are also sized a bit longer so that they can give the wearer maximum support while permitting the recovering knee to move freely.

Transitional Knees Braces

Transitional knee braces are a rather an expensive follow up for people who are using rehabilitative braces. These braces are used primarily to avoid surgery and to help prevent any serious injury.