Sunday, November 22, 2009
Your Food: Is It Making You Sick?
Earlier this year, a documentary was released in theatres across the country called Food, Inc. This documentary is an in depth look at the food industry and how the foods we eat have been compromised and monopolized by the major players in the food industry. We are become sicker and fatter all in the name of cheap, easy, quick food.
Food safety is also becoming a concern. More and more we are hearing news stories about foods such as beef, peanuts, spinach, etc. being recalled for e-coli contamination. The use of pesticides are also endangering our health.
It’s obvious I’m a health conscious person and my diet has been void of processed foods for many years, however, after seeing this documentary, I have taken my eating habits one step further by making sure that the fruits and vegetables I eat are pesticide free, and that the beef, fish and poultry I eat are not coming from industrialized food companies, but rather from local farms that aren’t owned by one of the big food companies.
I believe it's good to be informed on the topics covered in this movie so that you can make better food choices. I will say that one of the myths out there (which is talked about in the movie) is that most people choose not to eat healthy simply becuase it's too expensive. Actually, that's not the case if you know how and where to shop.
For many years, I have been shopping in the major supermarket chains. I shied away from Whole Foods simply because I was under the impression that it was too expensive to shop there. Was I wrong! As a matter of fact, my grocery bills are less since I switched over to buying my foods from Whole Foods. All my fruits and vegetables are organic, animal products I purchase are fed grass, not grain and they are free of antibiodics, hormones and other chemicals that industrialized livestock are fed. So it is possible to eat economically healthy.
To get an idea of what the documentary is about, check out the Food Inc. movie trailer
Time Magazine published an in depth article about this topic titled Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food.
This documentary is definitely worth seeing not only for your health, but for the health of those you love.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Exercise and Smoking Studies
For all you smokers out there, new study shows that Exercise Makes Cigarettes Less Attractive To Smokers.
Research from the University of Exeter reveals for the first time, that changes in brain activity, triggered by physical exercise, may help reduce cigarette cravings. Published in the journal Psychopharmacology, the study shows how exercise changes the way the brain processes information among smokers, thereby reducing their cravings for nicotine.
The study adds weight to a growing body of evidence that exercise can help manage addiction to nicotine and other substances. It backs up previous studies, which have shown that just one short burst of moderate exercise can significantly reduce smokers' nicotine cravings.
Studies have also shown that a single session of light to moderate intensity exercise, for example 5 -15 minutes of brisk walking, can reduce cravings and responses to smoking cues. It is not clear if longer or more vigorous bouts of exercise have a bigger effect. This study adds to the growing evidence that exercise can be a great help for people trying to give up smoking.
For those of you who are smokers and are working out, a study has shown that smokers’ muscles tire much more quickly than those of non-smokers, irrespective of how many cigarettes they smoke per day or how long they have smoked. Smoking has an immediate effect on muscles, possibly as a result of the reduced oxygen suppply and oxygen deficiency in the muscle due to substances in cigarette smoke.
Quitting the habit
It’s no secret that cigarettes are very damaging to your health and is an expensive habit. Many people who look to quit this unhealthy, addicting habit turn to products on the market to help people quit smoking, which deliver nicotene to the body. Although you aren't inhaling nicotene, you're still putting a chemical into the body that doesn't belong there in the first place. Surprisingly, to my knowledge, no studies have been done regarding any possible health issues from using Nicorette for long periods of time.
Even though the nicotine levels in the stop-smoking product is lower than in cigarettes, there could be an addictive component to its use in some individuals. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they toss out their nicotine gum. Some are choosing to use the gum for months or years because of their fear of slipping back into cigarette use. The price tag for using Nicorette gum is about the same as a pack-and-a-half-a-day smoking habit which is just as expensive as the smoking habit.
As a natural health advocate, my philosophy is to heal the body naturally without adding more toxins/chemicals into the body. If you or someone you know is a smoker and wants to quit without chemicals, the best way to do that is via self-hypnosis. Hypnosis has proven to be a safe, successful method towards helping hundreds of thousands of people stop smoking, and is more cost effective than turning towards Niocrette. There are many resources out there, however, the best resource I have found for self hypnonis is from Clinical Hypnotherapist, Steve G. Jones and highly recommend his site: http://budurl.com/StopSmokingHypnosis
Research from the University of Exeter reveals for the first time, that changes in brain activity, triggered by physical exercise, may help reduce cigarette cravings. Published in the journal Psychopharmacology, the study shows how exercise changes the way the brain processes information among smokers, thereby reducing their cravings for nicotine.
The study adds weight to a growing body of evidence that exercise can help manage addiction to nicotine and other substances. It backs up previous studies, which have shown that just one short burst of moderate exercise can significantly reduce smokers' nicotine cravings.
Studies have also shown that a single session of light to moderate intensity exercise, for example 5 -15 minutes of brisk walking, can reduce cravings and responses to smoking cues. It is not clear if longer or more vigorous bouts of exercise have a bigger effect. This study adds to the growing evidence that exercise can be a great help for people trying to give up smoking.
For those of you who are smokers and are working out, a study has shown that smokers’ muscles tire much more quickly than those of non-smokers, irrespective of how many cigarettes they smoke per day or how long they have smoked. Smoking has an immediate effect on muscles, possibly as a result of the reduced oxygen suppply and oxygen deficiency in the muscle due to substances in cigarette smoke.
Quitting the habit
It’s no secret that cigarettes are very damaging to your health and is an expensive habit. Many people who look to quit this unhealthy, addicting habit turn to products on the market to help people quit smoking, which deliver nicotene to the body. Although you aren't inhaling nicotene, you're still putting a chemical into the body that doesn't belong there in the first place. Surprisingly, to my knowledge, no studies have been done regarding any possible health issues from using Nicorette for long periods of time.
Even though the nicotine levels in the stop-smoking product is lower than in cigarettes, there could be an addictive component to its use in some individuals. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they toss out their nicotine gum. Some are choosing to use the gum for months or years because of their fear of slipping back into cigarette use. The price tag for using Nicorette gum is about the same as a pack-and-a-half-a-day smoking habit which is just as expensive as the smoking habit.
As a natural health advocate, my philosophy is to heal the body naturally without adding more toxins/chemicals into the body. If you or someone you know is a smoker and wants to quit without chemicals, the best way to do that is via self-hypnosis. Hypnosis has proven to be a safe, successful method towards helping hundreds of thousands of people stop smoking, and is more cost effective than turning towards Niocrette. There are many resources out there, however, the best resource I have found for self hypnonis is from Clinical Hypnotherapist, Steve G. Jones and highly recommend his site: http://budurl.com/StopSmokingHypnosis
Food Industry Bombards Children with Television Advertising
Childhood obesity in the United States is reaching epidemic proportions. With more than one fourth of advertising on daytime and prime time television devoted to foods and beverages and continuing questions about the role television plays in obesity, a study in the November/December issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines how food advertising aimed at children might be a large contributor to the problem.
More than one 4th of advertising on daytime & prime time TV devoted to foods and beverages questions the role TV plays in child obesity.
More than one 4th of advertising on daytime & prime time TV devoted to foods and beverages questions the role TV plays in child obesity.
Children's networks had the highest percentage of food-related ads predominately for sugary cereals & sweets, high fat food, fast-foods, chips/crackers. Fast-food restaurants, sugary food, chips/crackers, and sugar-added beverages collectively accounted for more than 70% of food commercials; 34% were for ''food on the run,'' fast-food restaurants and convenience food. In contrast, fruits, vegetables, and juices were advertised in only 1.7% of the commercials to children.
Compared to TV for a general audience, children's networks expose young viewers to 76% more food commercials per hour than did the other networks.
To add insult to injury, Kellogg's claims that cereals can boost immunity. Yes, pictured on a box of the sugary kid’s cereal, Cocoa Krispies, is the claim that it can help boost your child’s immunity. Nothing like jumping on the Swine Flu Consumer Conscious bandwagon. This news, led to a huge backlash amongst professionals in health, fitness, and nutrition .
"The idea that eating Cocoa Krispies will keep a kid from getting swine flu, or from catching a cold, doesn't make sense," says Marion Nestle, nutrition professor at New York University.
Kellogg’s scrapped their controversial immune-system claims from its Cocoa Krispies and Rice Krispies cereal boxes two days after a USA TODAY story revealed that a growing number of critics — including San Francisco's city attorney — were seriously questioning the wording bannered across the cereal boxes that read: "Now helps support your child's IMMUNITY (sic)."
Sources:
Elsevier Health Sciences (2009, November 5). TV Bombards Children With Commercials For High-fat And High-sugar Foods. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 8, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/11/091104181155.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2009-11-02-cereal-immunity-claim_N.htm
"The idea that eating Cocoa Krispies will keep a kid from getting swine flu, or from catching a cold, doesn't make sense," says Marion Nestle, nutrition professor at New York University.
Kellogg’s scrapped their controversial immune-system claims from its Cocoa Krispies and Rice Krispies cereal boxes two days after a USA TODAY story revealed that a growing number of critics — including San Francisco's city attorney — were seriously questioning the wording bannered across the cereal boxes that read: "Now helps support your child's IMMUNITY (sic)."
Sources:
Elsevier Health Sciences (2009, November 5). TV Bombards Children With Commercials For High-fat And High-sugar Foods. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 8, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/11/091104181155.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2009-11-02-cereal-immunity-claim_N.htm
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Exercise Improves Body Image for Fit and Unfit
A recent University of Florida study finds that Exercise Improves Body Image For Fit And Unfit Alike. According to the study, the simple act of exercise, and not fitness itself can convince you that you look better.
People who don't achieve workout milestones such as losing fat, gaining strength or boosting cardiovascular fitness feel just as good about their bodies as their more athletic counterparts, said Heather Hausenblas, a UF exercise psychologist. Her study is published in the September issue of the Journal of Health Psychology.
"You would think that if you become more fit that you would experience greater improvements in terms of body image, but that's not what we found," she said. "It may be that the requirements to receive the psychological benefits of exercise, including those relating to body image, differ substantially from the physical benefits."
Negative body image has grown in the past 20 years, with as many as 60% of adults saying they don't like the way their bodies look. Body dissatisfaction is a huge problem in our society & unfortunately, people look to the quick fix to improve body size & shape.
While the frequency of exercise mattered for boosting body perceptions, there were no differences for the duration, intensity, length or type of exercise, the study found.
Bottom line, if you’re one of the 60% of adults who is dissatisfied with their body image, it’s a no brainer. Exercise makes you feel good and improves your body image. If you’re one of many people who dislikes exercise and comes up with excuses why you can’t exercise, dig deep down inside yourself and ask why. If you’re really struggling with getting yourself to exercise, I highly recommend self hypnosis to help you. Try “I Love To Exercise” self hypnosis.
Source: University of Florida (2009, October 9). Exercise Improves Body Image For Fit And Unfit Alike. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/10/091008123235.htm
Fitness Fades Fast After the Age of 40 – Why?
I was reading a study the other day that says “Fitness Levels Decline With Age, Especially After 45”. My question is why does it have to be this way? Most people don't realize I'm 45 and believe that my health and fitness lifestyle is my fountain of youth. Why is it that for most people, fitness fades fast after the age of 40? It is at this time in your life when your health/fitness should be a priority.
According to the study, research shows declines in fitness that accompany growing old typically speed up after the age of 45. My question ~ Why should it? As we age, we are more at risk for various health issues, however, diet & exercise are crucial to avoiding that as we age. So what gives?
If you are 40+, have health issues, taking pricey meds to treat symptoms, don't have a diet/exercise program you are following, ask yourself why not? You're never too old to start exercising and eating healthier. Doing nothing is like giving up on yourself, and not living a quality of life. Your health is your biggest asset. You can be abundant financially, relationally, spiritually, etc., but without your health, all that means nothing.
According to the study, research shows declines in fitness that accompany growing old typically speed up after the age of 45. My question ~ Why should it? As we age, we are more at risk for various health issues, however, diet & exercise are crucial to avoiding that as we age. So what gives?
If you are 40+, have health issues, taking pricey meds to treat symptoms, don't have a diet/exercise program you are following, ask yourself why not? You're never too old to start exercising and eating healthier. Doing nothing is like giving up on yourself, and not living a quality of life. Your health is your biggest asset. You can be abundant financially, relationally, spiritually, etc., but without your health, all that means nothing.
Would love to hear your comments on this so please, feel free to leave a comment below.
Article that inspired this blog: JAMA and Archives Journals (2009, October 30). Fitness Levels Decline With Age, Especially After 45. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/10/091026161846.htm
Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 has so many benefits and I am constantly hearing about more and more updates about this supplement. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that prevents oxidation and hardening of the arteries. CoQ10 has been shown to treat many things, from heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol to diabetes, breast cancer.
Coenzyme Q10 is called ubiquinone because it is ubiquitous, meaning “everywhere present”. CoQ10 is found in every living cell. Without CoQ10 in optimum amounts, we would suffer from various maladies. CoQ10 is a vital co-factor for supporting health—especially within the heart and cardiovascular system
Technically, CoQ10 is referred to as “vitamin-like” substance or a “co-factor” because it is produced naturally by the body. However, some experts consider it as a vitamin, an essential nutrient needed by all the cells in the body to sustain life.
Latest news about CoQ10 from Dr. Mercola is that CoQ10 fights obesity. Coenzyme Q10 may protect or retard the development of fatty liver related to obesity.
Many people lack this enzyme and according to Frank Mangano, Author of “The Blood Pressure Miracle,” reported a study that people with hypertension who were given CoQ10, ½ of the participants were able to go off one to three of their current blood pressure medications.
According to Nutrimedika, clinical studies have shown that CoQ10 can treat periodontal disease. CoQ10 is also being investigated in treating cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s and even immune system disorders including AIDS.
“Studies show that most people with congestive heart failure have a deficiency of CoQ10 in their heart muscle. The lower the levels, the worse the congestive heart failure. But studies also show that patients who were supposed to die 15 years ago from congestive heart failure are still alive today primarily because of taking Coenzyme Q10 daily.” William Lee Cowden, MD, Cardiologist
As more and more research is being done on CoQ10, I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about it.
Sources:
Mercola.com
Frank Mangano – The Blood Pressure Miracle
Nutrimedika.com
Coenzyme Q10 is called ubiquinone because it is ubiquitous, meaning “everywhere present”. CoQ10 is found in every living cell. Without CoQ10 in optimum amounts, we would suffer from various maladies. CoQ10 is a vital co-factor for supporting health—especially within the heart and cardiovascular system
Technically, CoQ10 is referred to as “vitamin-like” substance or a “co-factor” because it is produced naturally by the body. However, some experts consider it as a vitamin, an essential nutrient needed by all the cells in the body to sustain life.
Latest news about CoQ10 from Dr. Mercola is that CoQ10 fights obesity. Coenzyme Q10 may protect or retard the development of fatty liver related to obesity.
Many people lack this enzyme and according to Frank Mangano, Author of “The Blood Pressure Miracle,” reported a study that people with hypertension who were given CoQ10, ½ of the participants were able to go off one to three of their current blood pressure medications.
According to Nutrimedika, clinical studies have shown that CoQ10 can treat periodontal disease. CoQ10 is also being investigated in treating cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s and even immune system disorders including AIDS.
“Studies show that most people with congestive heart failure have a deficiency of CoQ10 in their heart muscle. The lower the levels, the worse the congestive heart failure. But studies also show that patients who were supposed to die 15 years ago from congestive heart failure are still alive today primarily because of taking Coenzyme Q10 daily.” William Lee Cowden, MD, Cardiologist
As more and more research is being done on CoQ10, I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about it.
Sources:
Mercola.com
Frank Mangano – The Blood Pressure Miracle
Nutrimedika.com
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