Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Understanding The Causes Of Acne

The first step in understanding the causes of acne is to recognize that poor hygiene is one of the components which cause an acne condition. It can also be derived from genetics or hormones. The misnomer that unclean skin causes acne is erroneous. Actually, it is all glandular. As hormones increase, so does the production of oil. Thus, when the oil-producing gland near the surface of the skins opens, there is an oil build-up within the gland and the beginning of an acne condition develops.

There are several reasons why a person contracts acne. Specifically, when your skin becomes oily and clogs the pores, it is at this point the bacterium develops; and you break out in whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Therefore, if your skin is naturally oily; you have raging hormones; amassed dead skin cells; your pores then become an open invitation to bacteria, which will lead to an acne outbreak.

If the condition cannot be controlled with conventional antibiotics, he may deduce that reducing your hormone levels may be a viable option in treating the acne. There are several medications that your doctor can prescribe. These medications will help to control the increase of hormones in your body, which will ultimately keep your glands clear of excessive oil. Some of the most commonly used treatments include estrogen/progestogen contraceptive pills. Estrogen tempers the hormonal secretion of oils. Also, anti-testosterone Cyproterone used with oestrogen can actually be quite helpful in treating acne. There are other medications to lower the hormone level; however because of their side effects, they are not prescribed so readily; except in extreme cases where every alternative has been utilized.

By understanding the causes of acne, you can certainly take preventative measures which will lessen the chances of a future occurrence. There is a plethora of information available on line or in your local library to conduct research regarding this condition, such as: the causes; the treatments, the side effects, and the overall understanding of hormonal imbalance and how it affects your body.

Some preventative measures you can take are: to wash your face every morning and evening to ensure proper skin care; follow the doctor's orders; use both your oral and topical antibiotics, if prescribed. The most common types of topical antibiotics used for the treatment of acne include salicylic acid (Clearasil), tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. You should see results within five to six weeks. If, however, the condition worsens your doctor will explain the more aggressive types of treatment available.

There is another type of medication which your doctor may not prescribe. It's an antibiotic for your mind and body. Do not allow yourself to become stressed due to the insensitivity of others, who may offer an unkind word. Yes, you may be embarrassed and self-conscious, but acne sometimes happens. The good news is that by understanding the causes of acne you are better prepared to treat the condition and it will be gone before you know it.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Possible Herbal Treatments For Diabetes

Many people are turning to herbal remedies for the treatments of diseases. The reason for this is natural herbs have less side effects that traditional prescription medicine. There are vast variety of herbs for every medical condition. Before trying any type of herbal supplement, talk with your doctor. Some herbs may have in interaction with medications that you may be on.

If you start an herbal treatment for your diabetes, monitor you blood sugar levels frequently. There are many types of herbs for the treatment of diabetes. Some work better than others and what works for one person may not work for you. Do your research and talk with a holistic healer or herbalist. This article is going to list a few of the herbs that are used in the treatment of diabetes:

Garlic and onions are best known for their cardiovascular benefits, however a few studies have shown that they can be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. Onions can increase the production of insulin in your body, which will lower high glucose levels in your blood.

Bitter melon has long been used for it's glucose lowering properties. It must be taken in small doses however, because larger doses can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Aloe Vera has been called the healing herb. It is known for it's ability to treat burns and cuts.But the dried sap and gel taken from the inner portion of the leaves have been effective in treating diabetes.

Asian ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used in the treatment of diabetes. Asian ginseng can increase the release of insulin from the pancreas and enhance the function of insulin receptors.

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to help the pancreas produce insulin. It has been beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

Stevia has long been used to lower blood glucose levels. It has had animal studies but has not undergone any human trials.

Cinnamon bark will make fat cells more accessible to insulin. It blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals and increases the conversation rate of glucose to energy.

These are just a few of the herbs used to treat diabetes. You must remember, that just because you can buy it over the counter does not mean that it is completely safe. People with renal disease or liver disease are at a higher risk for complications. If you are on blood thinning medicines be aware that taking ginkgo, ginseng and garlic will increase your risk for bleeding.

Do not take extra doses of the herbs thinking that more is better. It can actually do more harm than good. Monitor your blood sugar frequently and keep your doctor informed of what you are doing. If you find the right herb that works for you, prescription medication for your diabetes may become a thing of the past!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

How To Maintain Control During An Anxiety Attack

One of the most insidious conditions affecting individuals today is anxiety. It is accompanied by fear, whether justified or not. Anxiety can occur at any time, under any circumstances. Let’s take a look at anxiety and how it can balloon into a full blown panic attack.

Anxiety can be accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms. Most commonly, these symptoms are related to the heart, lungs, and nervous system. You may feel as if you are having a heart attack. What are some of the catalysts that can bring on anxiety? Stress at work; stress from school; stress in a personal relationship; financial stress; stress from an emotional trauma such as the death of a loved one; stress from a serious medical illness; a side effect from a specific medication; drug use; or medical illness.

Any of these symptoms can be categorized as generalized anxiety disorder. An anxiety attack is defined as an unrealistic worry over a period of at least six months associated with three of the following symptoms: restlessness; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; irritability; muscle tension; or sleep disturbances.

Depending upon the situation or event which triggers the anxiety attack, you may treat it at home and without seeking medical intervention. This depends on the duration of each attack. If they are short and limited, you can follow these suggestions: talk with a supportive person; use some form of meditation; occupy your time by watching TV; take a long warm bath; or use deep breathing exercises.

However, it is important to note that when involved in a full blown panic attack, the fear may override any ability to engage in any of the aforesaid suggestions. In fact, when the anxiety attack reaches the stage of panic, nothing will abate the pronounced symptoms; you’ll have to ride it out.

Anxiety attacks were once considered a “nervous condition” 30 years ago and treated with Valium. It is now considered a treatable disease. Medications such as Xanax, Zoloft, Buspar and Prozac are often prescribed. It must be stated, however, that depending upon your tolerance to certain medications, you may have to try different drugs to determine which one not only prevents the attacks, but keeps your mind clear enough to be able to function.

Having an anxiety attack can be scary. You must remember, however, you will not faint; have a heart attack; or experience an impending doom. If you are driving and have an attack, pull over; if you are at home alone, try to call someone to stay with you until it passes. No matter where it happens, the first inclination is to run. Just try to stay calm and take deep breaths. Stop whatever you are doing and remain in one place until the symptoms pass. You will be okay.

Nothing is going to happen to you. Keep repeating these words, “I am safe.” Once the symptoms pass, you will be extremely tired. Take some time to regain your composure. Everything is going to be alright. Count on it.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

How To Feel Better Through Relaxation Techniques

The tried and true foundation for conquering any type of anxiety attack or fear based emotion is through the practice of relaxation. Believe it or not it is physically impossible to have any type of anxiety attack if the mind and body are relaxed. In fact, relaxation works so well that virtually every health care facility in the United States is teaching such techniques.

What are some areas where relaxation techniques have made huge improvements in our lives? Childbirth for example, is made much easier using relaxation. Also, high blood pressure has been greatly reduced for hundreds of thousands of patience through these techniques. And last but not least, even recovering cardiac patients are being instructed by their doctor to use relaxation techniques to reduce stress on their hearts.

There is absolutely no question that we can all reduce our stress levels and anxiety fears by learning the fundamental and easy-to-implement techniques of relaxation. There are many programs on the market through books and tapes that will get you started learning the skill of relaxation.

You can even join up for group teachings in public places, although most people choose to practice privately, especially those men and women with anxiety problems to begin with. But if you are confident and enjoy such group activities, then learning to meditate and relax in a setting of other like minded individuals can be a huge chance for personal growth in the area of relaxation.

Practicing concentrated relaxation is one of the most basic of skills that is taught in any course relating to easing your mind and body for greater comfort and less anxiety. These concentration periods should be practiced no less than one time each day and ranging up to six or more times on a daily basis.

However, it is very important to find out what works best for you. Once you have mastered your personal relaxation technique, you will be able to click your mind and body into total relaxation with the thought of one word, or by speaking out loud one phrase.

This one-word-cue can and will become that powerful of an ignition of relaxation in your life so long as you take the time each day in your life to master your techniques. And it is as skill that you can use over and over again for the rest of your life.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

How To Feel Better Through Relaxation Techniques

The tried and true foundation for conquering any type of anxiety attack or fear based emotion is through the practice of relaxation. Believe it or not it is physically impossible to have any type of anxiety attack if the mind and body are relaxed. In fact, relaxation works so well that virtually every health care facility in the United States is teaching such techniques.

What are some areas where relaxation techniques have made huge improvements in our lives? Childbirth for example, is made much easier using relaxation. Also, high blood pressure has been greatly reduced for hundreds of thousands of patience through these techniques. And last but not least, even recovering cardiac patients are being instructed by their doctor to use relaxation techniques to reduce stress on their hearts.

There is absolutely no question that we can all reduce our stress levels and anxiety fears by learning the fundamental and easy-to-implement techniques of relaxation. There are many programs on the market through books and tapes that will get you started learning the skill of relaxation.

You can even join up for group teachings in public places, although most people choose to practice privately, especially those men and women with anxiety problems to begin with. But if you are confident and enjoy such group activities, then learning to meditate and relax in a setting of other like minded individuals can be a huge chance for personal growth in the area of relaxation.

Practicing concentrated relaxation is one of the most basic of skills that is taught in any course relating to easing your mind and body for greater comfort and less anxiety. These concentration periods should be practiced no less than one time each day and ranging up to six or more times on a daily basis.

However, it is very important to find out what works best for you. Once you have mastered your personal relaxation technique, you will be able to click your mind and body into total relaxation with the thought of one word, or by speaking out loud one phrase.

This one-word-cue can and will become that powerful of an ignition of relaxation in your life so long as you take the time each day in your life to master your techniques. And it is as skill that you can use over and over again for the rest of your life.

Monday, January 14, 2008

How To Help Fight Stress With Healthy Eating

Whenever we get too busy or stressed, we all tend to make poor food choices that will actually increase stress and cause other problems. To get the most of your healthy eating and avoid stress, follow these simple tips.

Always eat breakfast - Even though you may think you aren't hungry, you need to eat something. Skipping breakfast makes it harder to maintain the proper blood and sugar levels during the day, so you should always eat something.

Carry a snack - Keeping some protein rich snacks in your car, office, or pocket book will help you avoid blood sugar level dips, the accompanying mood swings, and the fatigue. Trail mix, granola bars, and energy bars all have the nutrients you need.

Healthy munchies - If you like to munch when you're stressed out, you can replace chips or other non healthy foods with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even sunflower seeds.

Bring your lunch - Although a lot of people prefer to eat fast food for lunch, you can save a lot of money and actually eat healthier if you take a few minutes and pack a lunch at home. Even if you only do this a few times a week, you'll see a much better improvement over eating out.

Stock your home - As important as it is to get the bad food out of your house, it's even more important to get the good food in! The best way to do this is to plan a menu of healthy meals at snacks at the beginning of the week, list the ingedients you need, then go shop for it. This way, you'll know what you want when you need it and you won't have to stress over what to eat.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Understanding The Causes Of Acne

The first step in understanding the causes of acne is to recognize that poor hygiene is one of the components which cause an acne condition. It can also be derived from genetics or hormones. The misnomer that unclean skin causes acne is erroneous. Actually, it is all glandular. As hormones increase, so does the production of oil. Thus, when the oil-producing gland near the surface of the skins opens, there is an oil build-up within the gland and the beginning of an acne condition develops.

There are several reasons why a person contracts acne. Specifically, when your skin becomes oily and clogs the pores, it is at this point the bacterium develops; and you break out in whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Therefore, if your skin is naturally oily; you have raging hormones; amassed dead skin cells; your pores then become an open invitation to bacteria, which will lead to an acne outbreak.

If the condition cannot be controlled with conventional antibiotics, he may deduce that reducing your hormone levels may be a viable option in treating the acne. There are several medications that your doctor can prescribe. These medications will help to control the increase of hormones in your body, which will ultimately keep your glands clear of excessive oil. Some of the most commonly used treatments include estrogen/progestogen contraceptive pills. Estrogen tempers the hormonal secretion of oils. Also, anti-testosterone Cyproterone used with oestrogen can actually be quite helpful in treating acne. There are other medications to lower the hormone level; however because of their side effects, they are not prescribed so readily; except in extreme cases where every alternative has been utilized.

By understanding the causes of acne, you can certainly take preventative measures which will lessen the chances of a future occurrence. There is a plethora of information available on line or in your local library to conduct research regarding this condition, such as: the causes; the treatments, the side effects, and the overall understanding of hormonal imbalance and how it affects your body.

Some preventative measures you can take are: to wash your face every morning and evening to ensure proper skin care; follow the doctor's orders; use both your oral and topical antibiotics, if prescribed. The most common types of topical antibiotics used for the treatment of acne include salicylic acid (Clearasil), tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. You should see results within five to six weeks. If, however, the condition worsens your doctor will explain the more aggressive types of treatment available.

There is another type of medication which your doctor may not prescribe. It's an antibiotic for your mind and body. Do not allow yourself to become stressed due to the insensitivity of others, who may offer an unkind word. Yes, you may be embarrassed and self-conscious, but acne sometimes happens. The good news is that by understanding the causes of acne you are better prepared to treat the condition and it will be gone before you know it.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

How To Maintain Control During An Anxiety Attack

One of the most insidious conditions affecting individuals today is anxiety. It is accompanied by fear, whether justified or not. Anxiety can occur at any time, under any circumstances. Let’s take a look at anxiety and how it can balloon into a full blown panic attack.

Anxiety can be accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms. Most commonly, these symptoms are related to the heart, lungs, and nervous system. You may feel as if you are having a heart attack. What are some of the catalysts that can bring on anxiety? Stress at work; stress from school; stress in a personal relationship; financial stress; stress from an emotional trauma such as the death of a loved one; stress from a serious medical illness; a side effect from a specific medication; drug use; or medical illness.

Any of these symptoms can be categorized as generalized anxiety disorder. An anxiety attack is defined as an unrealistic worry over a period of at least six months associated with three of the following symptoms: restlessness; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; irritability; muscle tension; or sleep disturbances.

Depending upon the situation or event which triggers the anxiety attack, you may treat it at home and without seeking medical intervention. This depends on the duration of each attack. If they are short and limited, you can follow these suggestions: talk with a supportive person; use some form of meditation; occupy your time by watching TV; take a long warm bath; or use deep breathing exercises.

However, it is important to note that when involved in a full blown panic attack, the fear may override any ability to engage in any of the aforesaid suggestions. In fact, when the anxiety attack reaches the stage of panic, nothing will abate the pronounced symptoms; you’ll have to ride it out.

Anxiety attacks were once considered a “nervous condition” 30 years ago and treated with Valium. It is now considered a treatable disease. Medications such as Xanax, Zoloft, Buspar and Prozac are often prescribed. It must be stated, however, that depending upon your tolerance to certain medications, you may have to try different drugs to determine which one not only prevents the attacks, but keeps your mind clear enough to be able to function.

Having an anxiety attack can be scary. You must remember, however, you will not faint; have a heart attack; or experience an impending doom. If you are driving and have an attack, pull over; if you are at home alone, try to call someone to stay with you until it passes. No matter where it happens, the first inclination is to run. Just try to stay calm and take deep breaths. Stop whatever you are doing and remain in one place until the symptoms pass. You will be okay.

Nothing is going to happen to you. Keep repeating these words, “I am safe.” Once the symptoms pass, you will be extremely tired. Take some time to regain your composure. Everything is going to be alright. Count on it.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Hangovers: What You Need To Know

You had a great time the night before--but now you're reeling from a combination of extremely nasty after-effects: you feel sick, you ache all over, you keep running to the toilet, you can't stand to see the light, and worse, there's a pain that’s pounding through your head like a pneumatic drill. Welcome to the world of hangovers, which has made many a party animal to question if it was all worth it and swear, "never again!"

Why Alcohol Causes Headaches

So why does drinking alcohol give you a pounding headache afterwards? The main culprit is ethanol, a substance made from fermenting the sugar and starch found in grains. Ethanol mainly used to make alcohol as well as motor fuel.

There are several ways that ethanol can give you a headache. Ethanol can directly cause vasodilation, in which the blood vessels expand, giving you that pounding head. Ethanol is also a natural diuretic, which makes your body lose vitamins, minerals and salt. As a survival mechanism, once it realizes that it is becoming dehydrated, your body diverts the blood supply to your limbs and skin surface to the major organs like your brain, causing the blood vessels in your brain to enlarge and vasodilate, resulting in a headache.

There's also the chance that last night's drink didn't contain just alcohol, but other chemicals called congeners, which are impurities that occur during fermentation and give the alcohol its color and taste. These can also cause headaches and drinking too much of them will give you a hangover. It's always good to remember that the darker the drink, the more congeners it has, unless it happens to be moonshine, which is 70% alcohol, in which case you're in a lot of trouble.

Avoiding Headaches from Drinking

The only guaranteed method to avoid an alcohol-induced headache is not to actually drink, as the old saying goes: "prevention is better than cure." However, for some, no matter how much some people swear off drinking, they start drinking again as soon as the memory of the hangover fades.

Tackling the main cause to cure a headache from over-indulgence can also be done. In this case, it's dehydration, so it makes sense to just drink a lot. While some might get the idea to keep drinking what they had the night before, it's not recommended, as not only it can turn into a dangerous habit, it also won’t do your body any good. The best liquids to drink are either plain water or sports drinks, as they contain electrolytes that make you gain back the minerals, vitamins and salt that the alcohol caused you to lose.

Scientists have recently discovered a gene that helps fruit flies develop a tolerance for alcohol. Appropriately named "hangover", this gene might make hangovers become a thing of the past, making future drinkers imbibe without any aftereffects. While this may be something to look forward to, somehow a good night out just won’t be the same.

How To Choose The Right Anti-Aging Supplement

We all want to look younger, right? That’s why people all over the world spend billions of dollars every year on anti-aging supplements and products claiming to help them look and feel ten years younger. We buy tons of pills, creams, and crazy gadgets hoping that they’re the one thing that will turn back the clock.

The truth is, there’s no fountain of youth or miracle product that will melt the years away, but there are things you can do to slow the aging process. The most important thing is to have a healthy diet, and a good anti-aging supplement for all the vital nutrients we do not get from our food. Here are a few hints and tips to help you sift through the thousands of products and find the perfect anti-aging supplement.

The first step is to find a product that contains the ingredients you want. There are several anti-aging supplements you can take on your own, but it’s best to take them in combination with each other. This way you are taking them in the appropriate proportions which will maximize the benefits when taken together. There are many ingredients that may be included in a good supplement; here are some you should ensure are included:

- Alpha lipoic acid
- Acetyl L-carnitine
- Coenzyme Q10 (this can also be found in skin creams)
- Green tea
- L-lysine
- L-proline
- Ascobyl Palmitate
- Vitamin E

Once you ascertain what ingredients you wish to have in your anti-aging supplements, try not to purchase the first one you come upon. Do your research first to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want and need. Here are some helpful ways to ensure you’re buying a quality product.

- Choose an appropriate brand name. While brand names familiar to you are probably better than random generics, make sure if you choose generics, they also have the right credentials. In the long run, it would be more beneficial to choose a company that’s known for quality supplements over your local drug store’s generic brand name.

- Find products without additives or fillers. There are no health benefits derived from them; find a brand which does not include them.

- Make sure the product has a certificate of analysis. This certificate ensures someone else has analyzed the product, and said it’s safe.

- Find a company that follows the pharmaceutical GMP conditions. The producers of these products operate under higher quality standards, therefore, you are more likely to be getting what you’re supposed to; nothing more, nothing less.

- Find supplements that use standardized herbal extracts. This is another way to verify you are getting pure, high quality herbal supplements.

Remember, there is no anti-aging supplement available which is going to reverse the effects of a bad diet and poor lifestyle choices. In order to truly look and feel younger, you need to combine supplements and other anti-aging products with a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and plenty of sleep. Adhering to this healthy lifestyle will make you feel more youthful in no time.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Walk 10,000 Steps To Improve Health and Fitness

It’s a fact, America is becoming obese at an alarming rate and the rest of the world is following close behind. We are eating more (and more of the wrong stuff) and exercising less or getting no exercise at all. Our health is in steep decline and doctor and hospital visits are at all time highs. Just a brisk 30-minute walk a day can begin to turn that around.

You name it, we have it, and it’s getting worse. Heart and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, out of control blood sugar levels, diabetes, obesity, and more. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends getting at least 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day and many of us are falling far short of even that.

Studies show the average person takes about 3000 to 5000 steps a day, and some even much less. Let’s face it, we just do not get the exercise our ancestors did a hundred or so years ago and we tend to eat more refined foods. For some of us, most of steps we take are from the easy chair in front of the TV to the fridge so we can fill up on snacks. For others, like me, we sit at a computer all day as part of our jobs.

Many fitness experts recommend we walk 10,000 steps a day to maintain our weight and overall good health. 10,000 steps are approximately 5 miles, give or take depending on the length of your stride. You will need to purchase and wear a pedometer to count how many steps you take each day. Follow the directions that usually come with the pedometer. Do this for a week or two and you will get a good average step count. Your goal is to reach 10,000 or more steps each day. There is nothing magical about 10,000, but it will put you in the right ballpark.

As a general rule, a person will burn about 100 calories walking a mile, depending on age, size, and fitness level. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn.

Become creative on ways to increase your steps. At work, go for walks at lunchtime. Go for walks with your spouse or children. Walk the dog. Walk to the store instead of driving, or park at the far end of the parking lot. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. For me, I take brisk 2-mile walks around the neighborhood twice a day everyday (aerobic walking). Just do whatever works best for you, but do it! You will need good walking shoes and socks to prevent injury when walking for exercise (like aerobic walking).

Go to your favorite search engine and type in “10,000 steps” to learn more about this life saving, life changing program. The information is abundant.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Stress Relief: 3 Tips To Reduce Work-Related Stress

Are you feeling tired and burned out? Has financial worries or work stress caused you to loose that day-to-day enthusiasm that gives you “bounce” and high feelings of energy?

Sometimes in life burnout is irreversible and the original feelings of joy and enthusiasm for a pursuit will never be regained. But of course that does not mean that you will not feel excitement and enthusiasm for new pursuits in life. It is your duty to learn from your experiences and use that knowledge and take care to attend to your own needs in the future.

Below are 3 tips that can greatly reduce your levels of stress from work and tension within your working atmosphere:

1. Learn to use time-management techniques at work and be sure to include time for rest and relaxation every day. There is nothing wrong with taking many little breaks throughout the day to gather you thoughts, breath, and relieve that stress.

If you cannot get up from your desk at work every 30-60 minutes or are so embedded with a home business project that you do not want to take that many breaks, then try simply try putting your head back, stretch, close your eyes, and just breath for a minute or two before you get back to work. Sometimes that is all it takes!

2. Recognize that in order to do a good job and meet the challenges of work, you must put equal time and care into your body and spiritual needs. Without energy there is little taste in life. Without a spiritual “peace of mind” you cannot enjoy what you are working for each and every day.

Feel your body and mind like you would your stomach with food. Read motivational material, exercise, and eat nutritionally dense foods. The quality of life enhancement that you will feel from these simple steps alone will help you work harder, relieve stress, and attract more good things into your life.

3. Learn to prioritize your tasks and start delegating or outsourcing the ones that can be done by other people whom possess the talents to do so. The problem with those of us that want to be successful, whether moving up the ladder of success in the corporate world, or focusing on building a home based business, is that we tend to want to do everything ourselves.

We get so swamped with all of the little jobs that make up the big projects. We want the quality to be the same as if we were doing the job. We want to do it all. This can only spell failure. Yes, do as much as you can, but learn to “let go” by outsourcing what you can. Your stress levels will decline and your well-being will thank you for it.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

How Daily Exercise Can Diminish The Effects of Stress

Even though exercise may not be the most exciting word in your vocabulary, it sure is a word with a lot of benefits. Participating in daily exercise will not only make you healthier in general, but it can also diminish the effects of stress on your body as well.

Think about all the times you have heard someone say "the doctor says it's stress related". Normally people will laugh it off, concluding that doctors say that when they don't know the real answers or diagnosis. The truth of the matter is that too much stress will play a role in many diseases.

To help increase your immune system and decrease your stress level as well, try exercise, as movement is the key word here. Bending, stretching, reaching and walking. There's really no need to buy any expensive equipment either, as you can implement more movement into your daily routine and reap the benefits.

If you like aerobic exercise, you should grab a partner and have a blast with one of the basic aerobic videos. Or, you can simply go out for a walk and enjoy spending time together. As you may have heard, walking really is the best overall exercise you can do for your health. As long as you have a pair of walking shoes, you'll be fine.

As you go through your daily activities, make it a point to walk a little farther, bend down and pick something up without using a pick up stick or moving the item towards you with your foot. While you are sitting, you should also do some simple and quick stretches for your neck and shoulders.

If you enjoy sitting around watching television, you should consider buying a jogging board. These padded boards will make running, jumping, or walking in place less stressful on your knees and joints. They are easy to store as well and also very portable.

In many people's opinions, jogging boards are the best pieces of equipment you can buy. They are also far cheaper than bulky treadmills and stationary bikes.

There are several different exercises that you can do to help you eliminate the stress in your life. Walking is by far the best, as you can easily lose yourself and your troubles by walking. Even if it is just around the block, walking can do wonders for your health as well as stress.

If you have a lot of stress in your life, you may want to consider a gym. Working out then sitting in the sauna is also a good way to relieve tension. If your gym has a pool, you may find swimming to be very beneficial as well, as it helps you to relax.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Meditation As A Stress Relief Tool

Do you remember seeing comedy shows or skits when you were young where someone is practicing meditation. There was usually one person closing their eyes and "ohm"ing while the other person tried to imitate them or simply made snide remarks. While we used to look upon meditation as being funny, ridiculous, or just plain odd; we now know about all the benefits it has to offer. Originally, meditation was used to focus and gain religious knowledge. Now, it is commonly used to reduce stress and live longer, happier, healthier lives.

So why is mediation so helpful for relieving stress? First of all, it helps focus the mind on something that is deeply and spiritually rooted. By focusing on one thing, you're forced to forget the world around you and all the stressors that come with it. By closing your eyes and sitting in a quiet room, you also filter out the sights and sounds that may stress you. Meditation also helps repair the physical and mental damage caused by stress. The chemicals present in your body actually change during meditation making you more relaxed and peaceful.

The relaxing benefits from above are only the short term benefits Those factors are only successful in filtering out stress that you've already experienced and making you relaxed during and after your meditating. The real benefit of meditation is its longer term effects.

If practiced on a daily basis, meditation can actually balance the levels of hormones and other stress related chemicals on a day-to-day basis; even when you're not meditating. This means that meditation will not only help you unwind at the end of a stressful day, it can also leave you more peaceful and less stressed during your long day at work.

The best part about meditation is, unlike yoga, it requires no special physical skills. While good meditation requires mental skills, you can start small and build your way up as you get more practice. Here's how to get started.

* Find a quiet room and sit in a comfortable position. There is no specific "better" position, just one where you feel comfortable and can relax.

* Close your eyes and relax your muscles. Do this by focusing on each individual muscle, starting at the feet and working your way up. Focus on the stress leaving each muscle as it relaxes.

* Begin to breathe slowly while you repeat your mantra. This can be anything from the traditional "ohm" to something you find personally important. If you are religious or spiritual, you can chant something related to your beliefs.

* If you find your mind wandering, don't beat yourself up about it; simply remain calm and return to your focus word.

* After 15 to 20 minutes, you can stop meditating and sit quietly for a few minutes before you return to your regular life.

By doing this regularly, you will train your mind and body to be more relaxed, peaceful and focused. You will find this not only affects your stress levels, but also your physical and mental functioning.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

How Stress Affects Your Immune System

Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick more often when you're stressed out? Scientists have noticed this connection for a long time, but until recently they couldn't explain it. While a big project at work or the loss of a loved one isn't going to give you the flu, it can decrease the functioning of your immune system and make you more susceptible to the flu and other infections.

It may surprise you, but short term stress actually boosts the immune system. Increased immune functioning is associated with the "fight or flight" response related to short term stress you know will end. This is because our body is still trying to adapt to beat the stressor instead of just letting the stress bear down. The problem with this is that a majority of our stress is continual over a long period of time.

Long term stress is what actually decreases our immune functioning. The worst kind of stress is not only long term, but stress we think we can't control or see an end to. For example, while meeting a deadline at work may cause a decrease in our immune functioning; it's probably not as bad as stress caused by a debilitating accident. When we think the stressor is beyond our control and may never stop, our body feels it can't cope with the stress and it begins to take its toll. This kind of stress causes a drop in almost all immune functioning.

For regular, long term stressors, the decrease in immune functioning becomes greater with time. This means even if you feel you are in a position of control, long term stress such as a high power job, can build up and gradually decrease your disease fighting abilities.

Another important factor to consider when looking at the immune system and stress is that the decrease in immune system functioning is greater for people who are elderly or already sick. This is likely why older people who are severely injured or have recently lost a loved one are much more likely to die within a year than those who haven't had these circumstances.

You may think, "Well, I'll drop my stress level and I'll be fine". However, studies have show that traumatic events can stick with us and affect our immune system long after the stressor is gone. If a person was in an accident, was attacked, or experienced a traumatic loss, they can show decreased immunities years later. The best way to increase immunities in this case is to undergo treatment for the trauma.

In addition to causing a decrease in immune system functioning, stress can also make you more susceptible to other long term diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle you should include activities and a proper diet that promote a less stressful lifestyle.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Does Your Teenager Have An Eating Disorder?

One of the most difficult jobs that a parent can experience is the important task of raising a healthy, confident, and goal oriented teenager into early adulthood. However, all to often our young children run into serious problems along the way through being a teenager. One such problem that may stay below the parent's “radar” are eating disorders.

Are you worried that your teenage son or teenage daughter may have some type of eating disorder that they are trying to keep from you and the rest of the family? This type of disorder can be quite common during the teen years, especially with teenage girls. Although we do see teenage boys go through some eating problems as well.

With so much emphasis on looks and popularity today and mixed with the already insecure feeling that teenagers have as their bodies are changing, developing an eating disorder may be an underlying problem in your teen’s life. It is important to understand and educate yourself on the two major types of eating disorders that many of our youths may be going through.

If you suspect that your teenage son or daughter has any type of problem at all, first talk to your doctor. Be hesitant about trying to correct the problem by yourself at first.

Eating disorders always stem from another underlying problem and so by focusing on food as the issue, you will more than likely make things worse for your teen instead of helping him or her. In fact, studies have shown that early discovery and treatment of eating disorders will provide the best chance of recovery.

What eating disorders should you be concerned about? The first is anorexia nervosa. With this disorder, your teen may experience excessive weight loss due to self-starvation. As ironic as it seems, most teenagers prone to this type of eating disorder are typically involved in sports such as dance or gymnastics, where their body size and weight play an important role in success.

The second eating disorder described here is called bulimia nervosa. This involves very frequent episodes of binge eating which is almost always followed by purging the food through self induced vomiting. It doesn't sound pretty but if your teenager has this eating disorder then they are probably practicing this with most, if not all of their meals due to intense feelings of guilt and shame about food.

Possible Herbal Treatments For Diabetes

Many people are turning to herbal remedies for the treatments of diseases. The reason for this is natural herbs have less side effects that traditional prescription medicine. There are vast variety of herbs for every medical condition. Before trying any type of herbal supplement, talk with your doctor. Some herbs may have in interaction with medications that you may be on.

If you start an herbal treatment for your diabetes, monitor you blood sugar levels frequently. There are many types of herbs for the treatment of diabetes. Some work better than others and what works for one person may not work for you. Do your research and talk with a holistic healer or herbalist. This article is going to list a few of the herbs that are used in the treatment of diabetes:

Garlic and onions are best known for their cardiovascular benefits, however a few studies have shown that they can be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. Onions can increase the production of insulin in your body, which will lower high glucose levels in your blood.

Bitter melon has long been used for it's glucose lowering properties. It must be taken in small doses however, because larger doses can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Aloe Vera has been called the healing herb. It is known for it's ability to treat burns and cuts.But the dried sap and gel taken from the inner portion of the leaves have been effective in treating diabetes.

Asian ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used in the treatment of diabetes. Asian ginseng can increase the release of insulin from the pancreas and enhance the function of insulin receptors.

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to help the pancreas produce insulin. It has been beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

Stevia has long been used to lower blood glucose levels. It has had animal studies but has not undergone any human trials.

Cinnamon bark will make fat cells more accessible to insulin. It blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals and increases the conversation rate of glucose to energy.

These are just a few of the herbs used to treat diabetes. You must remember, that just because you can buy it over the counter does not mean that it is completely safe. People with renal disease or liver disease are at a higher risk for complications. If you are on blood thinning medicines be aware that taking ginkgo, ginseng and garlic will increase your risk for bleeding.

Do not take extra doses of the herbs thinking that more is better. It can actually do more harm than good. Monitor your blood sugar frequently and keep your doctor informed of what you are doing. If you find the right herb that works for you, prescription medication for your diabetes may become a thing of the past!

Sometimes the best offense against diabetes is a good defense

What Are The Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, which is sometimes called non-insulin dependent diabetes, is a condition that develops over time. Your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin resulting in increased blood sugar levels. Family history of diabetes and obesity are two of the biggest risks factors for developing type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Normally, insulin levels fluctuate in relation to the amount of glucose in your body. The level will increase after eating and decrease if no food is being consumed. The main function of insulin is to move the glucose to various destinations throughout your body. If you have more glucose than your body needs, the excess will be stored in the liver, where it will be released as needed. It is a complex balance between the pancreas, liver, insulin and glucose.

In type 2 diabetes one of two things can occur. Your pancreas will stop producing the needed levels of insulin or your body will become resistant to insulin. In both cases, the result will be high blood sugar levels.

Your body has ways of telling you when something is wrong. It is important that you know the symptoms of type 2 diabetes because, the sooner treatment starts, the less damage will be done to your body. The following paragraphs will give you an idea of what to look for in type 2 diabetes.

Extreme fatigue is often an overlooked symptom of type 2 diabetes. This is probably due to the fact that it is such a general symptom and is associated with other factors such as busy lifestyle, not getting enough sleep or stress. However, if you always feel tired and sleepy, even after a good night's sleep, you should see your doctor.

A drastic change in weight is a good indicator of diabetes. You may eat more because you are feeling hungry all the time. This will result in weight gain. Excess fat in the tissues causes your body to become even more resistant to the effects of insulin. The opposite is true also. You may eat more than normal but start losing weight. This is due to the fact that your muscles don't get enough glucose to exert energy or grow.

Blurry vision is another sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels will pull fluid from tissues. This includes the lenses of the eye, making it very difficult to focus. Most vision problems will be resolved once the diabetes is treated. However, in a few cases, blindness can result from diabetes, especially if it is left untreated.

Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is frequent infections or slow healing infections and cuts. Diabetes interferes with the healing process. Increased incidences of yeast infections is a big indicator of type 2 diabetes.

If you notice that your gums are becoming red, swollen and inflamed you need to see your doctor. Diabetes will increase the risk of developing infections in your gums and in the bones that hold your teeth in place.

Your body is an amazing , complex machine. Listen to what it has to say. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, see your doctor right away. The sooner treatment begins for type 2 diabetes, the sooner your life can return to normal.

Sometimes the best offense against diabetes is a good defense.

Weight Loss Is Very Important If You Have Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, one of the most important things that you can do is manage your weight. Being overweight can affect your blood sugar levels dramatically since fat cells can become resistant to insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. Losing just 10-20 pounds can make a huge impact on your diabetes. In fact, getting down to your recommended weight can get you off of diabetic medicine and allow you to live a healthier lifestyle.

You should never begin a weight loss diet on your own if you are a diabetic. Talk with your doctor and a diabetic educator. Set up an appointment to meet with a registered dietician. Losing weight on your own without the guidance of your doctor can be dangerous to a diabetic. Your diabetic medicines will probably need to be adjusted as you lose weight, so it is important to have your doctor involved.

Start by cutting back by 500 calories per day. This is safe for most diabetics and will promote weight loss. The ideal goal is cut back on carbohydrates, proteins and fats equally. Your diet should consist of 50%-55% carbohydrates, 30% fats and 10%-15% proteins.

Carbohydrates are very important in a diabetic diet. They have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are broken down into sugars very early in the digestion process. It is important to get a refresher course on carbohydrates and how to measure them from the dietician.

Watch your blood sugar levels carefully when following a weight loss plan. You are at an increased risk for becoming hypoglycemic, especially if you are exercising and losing weight but haven't adjusted your diabetic medications. If you start to feel nauseated, sweating or have trouble concentrating, have your blood sugar level checked immediately. It is a good idea to always carry fruit juices or other snacks with you.

Different types of exercise affect your blood sugar levels in different ways. The aerobic exercises such as, running or anything that gets your heart rate up, will drop your blood sugar immediately. More strenuous exercise or weight lifting can drop your blood sugar hours later. It is important to plan accordingly for the type of exercising that you are doing. Over time this will not be a problem as you lose the weight and are able to reduce your diabetic medication or maybe stop it altogether.

Do plenty of research on the best diabetic weight loss plans. Talk with your doctor and keep him updated frequently of your progress. Make sure that you follow a weight loss plan that is approved by your dietician or diabetic educator. Weight loss in never easy and it is a special challenge for someone with diabetes. However, the benefits of losing the weight far outweigh the alternative of living the rest of your life with diabetes.

Sometimes the best offense against diabetes is a good defense.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Boost Your Metabolism to Lose Weight

There are a lot of people who would give a lot to increase their metabolism. Having a high level of metabolism enables one to burn fat and lose weight fast with the least amount of exertion. Metabolism is the rate by which the body produces and consumes energy and calories to support life.

There are several factors that affect the metabolism of a person, such as the amount of muscle tissue, the frequency of the meals one consumes, genetics, the digestive system, stress levels, personal diet, and activity levels. Metabolism slows down due to the following: loss of muscle because of not enough physical activity, the tendency of the body to cannibalize its own tissue because there is not enough food energy to sustain it, and the decrease of physical activity that comes naturally with old age.

Here are several ways to fire up one's metabolism:

1. Build up on lean, mean body mass. It is only natural that metabolism decreases along with age, but it is possible to counter the effects. The amount of muscle a person has is a very strong determinant in the ability to burn calories and shed fat. So it goes without saying that exercise is essential. Build strength and resistance by working out at least twice a week, preferably with weights. Do easy exercises in between workouts. Simple tasks such as walking the dog and using the stairs in place of the elevator can already take off calories. The key is to match the amount of eating to the amount of activity one has. Here are some guidelines in getting the right exercise:

For strength training

-Increase the amount of repetitions of a particular exercise.
-Add the level of resistance
-Utilize advance exercise techniques if possible

For cardiovascular training

-Insert intervals between exercises
-Perform cross-training and combine the exercises
-Add up on resistance and speed


2. Eat breakfast. A lot of people are ignoring the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Surprisingly, the ones who eat breakfast are thinner than the ones who do not. Metabolism can slow down considerably if breakfast is taken during mid-morning or if one waits until the afternoon to eat.

3. Avoid sugar. Sugar enables the body to store fat. It is recommended that a person consumes food that helps sustain an even level of blood-sugar. Additionally, progressive exercise 2-3 times a week should be in order to stabilize blood sugar.

4. Eat spicy foods. Hot cuisine with peppers can increase metabolism.

5. Sleep more. According to research, it is riskier for people who do not get enough sleep to gain weight. Also, muscles are regenerated during the last couple of hours of slumber.

6. Increase water intake. Water flushes out toxins that are produced whenever the body burns fat. Majority of bodily functions involves water, and lack of water causes the body system's operations to decrease its speed, and produces unneeded stress as a result.

7. Detoxify the digestive system. A clean and healthy digestive system not only helps the body to run more efficiently, it also gives you energy and helps you to crave healthier foods. This makes a cleansing program, such as Isagenix 9-Day Cleansing and Fat Burning System, a great way to jump-start a weight loss regimen.

8. Eat smaller meals. It is advisable to consume 4 to 6 small meals that are timed 2 to 3 hours apart.

9. Never skip meals. People tend to skip meals in order to lose weight, which is a big mistake since it slows down metabolism.

10. Plan meals in detail. Always prepare the right amount of food to be consumed at the designated intervals. Do not commit the mistake of eating meals in sporadic patterns.

11. Ditch the stress! Stress, be it physical or emotional, triggers the release of a steroid called cortisol, which decreases metabolism. Also, people tend to eat excessively when stressed.

12. Guzzle up on green tea. It can be used as a substitute for coffee. Tea has the ability to stimulate metabolism, and unlike coffee, it has no undesirable side effects when too much is consumed.

13. Include more energy foods in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grains.

Achieving the desired body weight is never impossible if one has the determination and patience needed to stabilize the metabolism level, which plays an important role in weight loss. A person needs to realize that eating right and working out is not just a passing fancy, but a way of life. Fighting cravings is hard for most of us. A great help in the quest to eat healthier --and fight those unhealthy cravings-- is a body cleansing program. Visit www.loseweightandcleanse.com for details on Isagenix's 9-Day System.


What You Need to Know to Stop Hair Loss Caused by Stress
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Hair loss is of concern to most people at one point in their lives. When the time comes they want to know how to stop hair loss. Stopping hair loss can become an easy solution when you first notice that you are losing hair. If you ignore this condition hoping it will go away, you are making a big mistake.

Hair loss is a reflection of your general health. It is a major warning that you have poor health. The poor health condition that you might have can be complex and to reverse it will require some work, since this condition has taken a while on your part to create. The other thing that complicates your poor health condition is that there might be a psychological or stress problem that needs correction.

The first thing you need to look at is if you have a lot stress going on. This stress can come from a recent or past change is your personal relationships. These relationships can be at home, with relatives or at work. You could be working late hours working on difficult problems that create a lot of pressure on you. It could be a divorce you going through or a financial crisis. These problems can be worked out but it takes patience and sometimes courage.

Psychological problems are more difficult to work through. These types of problems create a complete imbalance in your body's chemistry and over time create hair loss. Stopping hair loss from this condition requires therapeutic help and a good nutritional and diet program.

Any stress or psychological problems requires a base line of good nutrition and diet, if you want to stop their effects on hair loss. These problems create a massive depletion of vitamins and minerals that are needed for hair health. Some times it is difficult to get into the habit of eating food that you need to stop hair loss. Changing habits that have been instilled in you since birth are not easy to change. You have patterned you eating habits based on your psychological issues and the stress you have in your life.

If you are experiencing stress, than you need to start changing your diet to replace the depleted nutrients caused by stress. The first vitamin you need to supplement with is the B-vitamins. These vitamins are always used up when you are stressed and they are critical in providing you with good hair. Then, you need to supplement with anti-oxidants. Stress and psychological problems create a lot of free radicals in your body. These free radicals lead to poor blood circulation throughout your body and including your scalp.

Most of us have stress and psychological issue we need to take care of. Start looking at how you can reduce these issues and start supplementing with B-vitamins and anti-oxidants so you can prevent or stop hair loss. You can learn what foods contain the B's and anti-oxidants, but you need therapeutic levels of the B's and anti-oxidants and you can not get these levels from food. You need to get them from supplements.



Home Remedies for Constipation – Constipation Relief Tips
by: Dr John Anne
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Irregularity amounts to constipation. Constipation is related to the digestive system. It is a condition that affects the individual by a hardening of feces, which experience biological difficulty in egesting. Extreme discomfort and outright pain is inflicted upon the afflicted. If not treated, in its early stages by home remedies for constipation bowel obstruction can develop. Dietary, hormonal, anatomical, side effects of medications, illnesses or disorder are the major causes of constipation.

Amid the process of considerations towards home remedies for constipation is for the ailing individual to initially identify the circumstances of their respective condition. Defining constipation is realized through the following determinations – inconsistent movement of the bowels, as in three or less fecal evacuations within a week; complications upon defecation, involving considerable straining or pushing, at a minimum of higher intensity of twenty-five percent, associated with a internal sensing of hardened stools; upon the process of defecation, an insufficient evacuation of the bowels. Hence, as the afflicted has ascertained the intensity of the constipation, a better judgment can be implored in a treatment within home remedies for constipation.

Detecting the cause of an individual's constipation is quite significant, in both alleviating and avoiding a reoccurrence of the condition within the digestive system. Such self-analysis will significantly aid in the choice of home remedies for constipation. The more common contributors to bouts of constipation include inadequate chewing of food; lack of ample ingest of fluids in creating dehydration; excessive mineral intakes of aluminum, calcium and iron; limited or decreased locomotion in physical activity; onset of hypothyroidism, in decreasing the actions of the thyroid glands; hypokalemia; injury to the anus and sphincter; prescriptions, to include codeine, loperamide, morphine, and particular antidepressants of a tricyclic composition; underlying illnesses; inherent and acute porphyria; unintentional poisoning through lead; suppressed defecation, clinically termed as dyschezia; intestinal or rectal constrictions, which impede the passage of feces; Strictures, clinically referred to as stenosis; diverticula, whereas certain food particles become trapped within various pockets of the digestive system; tissues involving the areas of the bowels in the development of tumors; a foreign matter of embodiment, termed as a bezoar; anxiety or unfamiliarity with environment, clinically referred to as psychosomatic constipation; irritable bowel syndrome, that is associated with constipation of a predominant circumstance, to include intense abdominal pain and discomfort; cessation of the smoking of tobacco; surgery to the abdomen; and childbirth. Some form of home remedies for constipation can aid all of the proceeding maladies.

For those individuals who are not presenting complex medical problems, though are suffering from constipation, can greatly benefit from a number of practical and dietary consumables as home remedies for constipation. In such proven argument against over-the-counter and non-prescribed usage of retail laxatives, as these forms of relief from constipation can lead to an issue, whereas the action of the chronically afflicted individual's bowels develop a co-dependency upon increased use of such formulations. Therefore, in normal case scenarios, home remedies for constipation are the options preferred by general consensus. Such forms of natural intervention, in the alleviation of constipation, include the afflicted individual's adequate intake of liquids, mainly good quality water, along with fibers from a dietary source. The fiber options are merely the inclusion of ample vegetables, fruits and whole grain breads, to incorporate a better balance in the daily diet, along with such considerations in supplementing the diet of the ailing with linseeds, all, to encourage the natural approach towardshome remedies for constipation.

Other approaches in the relieving of constipation, from an alternative and practical mode, which supports physical or mechanical home remedies for constipation include such supportive treatments as colonic irrigation; enemas of naturally-based composition; adequate exercise; diet budgeting, as to balance intake, as appropriate; and certain herbs.

Focusing on exercise as to one of the natural relievers in pursuit of home remedies for constipation, is, perhaps, more of a preventative measure towards the avoidance in the progressive development of undesirable constipation. Exercising, among home remedies for constipation can be tailored to suit any or most individuals' lifestyles to some level or degree.

In conclusion, barring other medical issues that may possibly contribute or complicate, where constipation is an issue, home remedies for constipation is among the optimal choices.




About The Author
Dr John Anne is a herbal specialist with years of experience in the field of Alternative Health Care. Read more Home Remedies for Constipation at Home Remedies. Also visit http://www.answers.natural-homeremedies.comto ask and share your own Home Remedies.



Stop Heartburn Fast
by: Guy Siverson
---------------------

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

Do You Eat When You're Not Hungry?

People who eat in unhealthy ways have many bad habits in common, but number one on this list is eating when they are not really hungry. Hunger is something that happens when your body needs fuel, and it is the pang we feel in our stomachs when we haven't eaten all day, often accompanied by noises. However, even when your stomach is growling, it is important to remember that most of us have enough body fat to survive for many days. Hunger is something that is as mental as it is physical, and because of this, dieters must learn to overcome it.

Many things occur to make you think that you are hungry. Food is most often prepared in a very appetizing way, especially in restaurants or on television commercials. Food that smells or looks good does not make you hungry, it simply makes you desire food. This goes a long way when you are already eating. If you are dieting, try to stop eating when you feel satisfied, instead of continuing to eat just because the food tastes good.

A number of people also "feel hungry" when they are stressed or worried about things in life. The term "comfort food" refers to the foods we eat that make us feel better. This is usually something from our childhood or something that reminds us of a parent. When you eat because you are stressed, you are not eating because you are hungry. Therefore, stress can be a very detrimental thing to your diet. If you are trying to start a healthier lifestyle, try to reduce the stress from your life as well.

People eat when they are not hungry for a variety of other reasons as well. Often times, food is a way to relieve boredom. If you find yourself wondering to the kitchen many times a day for little snacks, this is probably the case. Simply try to stay out of the kitchen. You may also eat when you're not hungry because certain foods are associated with certain events. Popcorn, for instance, is associated with watching a movie, so you may be tempted to buy the jumbo bucket at the theatre even though you may have just eaten a satisfying dinner.

There is no easy fix to bad habits that make you eat when you're not hungry-it is simply imperative that you see food as something that can be good for your body at the right times and a harmful drug at other times. The first step in any addictive process is realizing these habits and attempting to stop.