Weight Loss Diet Tips

Here are some weight loss diet tips that can be followed anywhere, everyday:
1. Make a delicious low fat mayonnaise by combining one teaspoon of dijon mustard or satay sauce with a low fat yogurt.
2. Do not skip meals. Skipping meals slicks the body into slowing down the metabolism, attempting to conserve calories during a period where limited fats and fuel are available. Remember that eating increases the metabolism.
3. Stuff vegetables like capsicum and zucchini with flavored fillings or minced chicken, white meat or fish. These are healthy and contain low fat.
4. Take pita bread roll ups or wraps with salad fillings.
5. Eight hours after waking up, our metabolism slows down that is why 30 minutes of exercise before dinner will increase the metabolism for about two to three hours. This produces an increase in burned fat even hours after the work out is over.
6. Add alfalfa or mung beans to salad to get extra iron.
7. Good cooking and healthy eating begins with learning about nutrition and how to prepare healthy recipes.
8. Learn how to make the family favorite recipes and make sure that fats, salt, and sugar are cut out. Substitute non-fat yogurt for cream, stir-fry without oil and use herbs and spices instead of salt to taste.
9. Consult the doctor before beginning an exercise or weight loss program.
10. Slowly eat and chew each bite during meals as this would decrease one's appetite.
11. Complete three small meals and two snacks everyday instead of one or two huge meals.
12. Use chicken stock when stir-frying.  This will cut down on hidden fat.
13. Buy non-toasted muesli instead of the toasted ones. A plate of toasted muesli contains more fat than a plate of bacon and eggs.
14. As much as possible do not remove the skins of fruits and vegetables since most of the nutrients are concentrated under the skin.
15. Warm water with just a squeeze of lemon juice before breakfast get the metabolism going for the day, this also help preventing constipation and is excellent for the skin.
16. One of the best sources of vegetable protein is from soya beans or tofu. All legumes provide some protein, so include lentils, lima beans etc into casseroles and soups.
17. Look for a weight loss "buddy," club, or support mates. This will motivate you to stay and enjoy your weight loss program.
18. Though it's hard at first, try not eating 3 hours or more before bedtime.
19. Make pasta a fast food choice , preparing a pasta meal or salad will only take 10-12 minutes.
20. Chilli helps to speed up metabolism , even the milder varieties.
21. Try making omelettes without adding the yolks. A dramatic decrease in fat.
22. Substitute baking soda, baking powder, MSG and soya sauce in cooking.
23. Remove fat by dropping ice cubes into the baking tray. Fat will stick to the ice cubes.
24. Drinking hot water instead of cold water in the morning can increase the speed of your metabolism and burn more calories.
25. Eat before you go food shopping and always prepare a shopping list. Only buy food which relates to your weekly menu plan and don't be tempted to buy goodies.
Make sure that the right discipline is still practiced to promote consistency on the diet plan. This will lead eventually to a healthy life-style and a more fruitful living without the extra fat and extra pounds on the side.

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Tongue In Disease Diagnosis

Tongue is a muscular organ associated with the function of deglutition,taste and speech. It acts as an easily accessible organ for the assessment of  health of an individual and shows the state of hydration of the body. It is said that tongue is the mirror of the gastrointestinal system and any abnormal functioning of the stomach and intestines will be reflected on the tongue. Some characteristic changes occur in the tongue in some particular diseases. That is why the examination of the tongue is very essential and will give some clues for diagnosis. All doctors examine the tongue and they consider the changes in size,shape,colour,moisture,coating,nature of papillae and movements ect.
Appearance of tongue in some abnormal conditions:
1) Movements of the tongue:
a. In one sided paralysis of the body(hemiplegia)tongue moves towards the parylised side when protruded.  
b. Tremulus movement of the tongue is seen in diseases like thyrotoxicosis,delirium tremens and parkinsonisum. Tremor is also seen in nervous patients.
c. In progressive bulbar palsy there will be wasting and paralysis of the tongue with fibrillation. Eventually the tongue gets shrivelled and lies functionless in the floor of the mouth. This condition is associated with dribbling of saliva and loss of speech.
d. In chorea(involuntary rhythmic movements) the patient may not be able to keep the protruded tongue in rest,it will be moving involuntarily.
2) Moistness of the tongue:
The moistness of the tongue gives some indication about the state of hydration of the body. Water volume depletion leads to peripheral circulatory failure characterised by weakness,thirst,restlessness,anorexia,nausea,vomiting ,dry and parched tongue. Dryness of the tongue is seen in following conditions.
a. Diarrhoea
b. Later stages of severe illness
c. Advanced uraemia
d. Hypovolumic shock
e. Heat exhaustion
f. Hyponatraemia
g. Acute intestinal obstruction
h. Starvation
i. Prlonged fasting.
3) Change in colour of tongue:
a. Central cyanosis: Cyanosis is the bluish discolouration of the mucus membrane due to decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood. This is seen in heart failure,respiratory failure and in anoxia. In cyanosis tongue,lips ect becomes pale bluish.
b. Jaundice: This is the yellowish discolouration of all mucus surfaces of the body (including tongue)due to increase of bilirubin in the blood.Jaundice is seen in hepatitis,bile duct obstruction,increased destruction of RBCs and ect.
c. Advanced uremia: This is the increase of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to kidney failure. Here the tongue become brown in colour.
d. Keto acidosis: This is the acidosis with accumulation of ketone bodies seen mainly in diabetes mellitus. Here the tongue become brown with a typical ketone smell from the mouth.
e. Riboflavin deficiency: Deficiency of this vitamin (vitamin B2) produces megenta colour of the tongue with soreness and fissures of lips.    
f. Niacin deficiency: Deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3)and some other B complex vitamins results in bright scarlet or beefy red tongue.
g. Anaemia: It is the decrease in haemoglobin percentage of the blood.In severe anaemia tongue becomes pale.
4) Coating on the tongue:
a. Bad breath: The main cause for bad breath is formation of a pasty coating(bio film) on the tongue which lodges thousands of anaerobic bacteria resulting in the production of offenssive gases. Those who complain about bad breath may have thick coating on the posterior part of the tongue.
b. Typhoid fever: In typhoid fever tongue becomes white coared like a fur.
c. Candidiasis: It is a fungal infection which affects the mucus surfaces of the body. On the tongue there will be sloughing white lesions.
d. In diabetes and hypoadrenalism there will be sloughing white lesions.
e. Secondary syphilis: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted diseased caused by trepenoma pallidum infection. In secondary stage of this disease we can see mucous patches which are painless,smooth white glystening opalescent plaques which can not be scraped off easily.
f. Leokoplakia: Here white keratotic patches are seen on the tongue and oral cavity. This is a precancerous condition.
g. AIDS: In these patients hairy leukoplakia is seen.
h. Peritonitis: It is the inflammation of the peritonium(inner covering of abdominal cavity which also covers the intestines and keep them in position) in this condition there is white furring of the tongue.
i. Acute illness: Furring is also seen in some acute diseases.
5) Papillae:
These are small projections on the rongue associated with taste. There are different type of papillae on the healthy tongue.In some diseases there are some abnormal changes which are following.
a. Hairy tongue: This condition is due to elongation of filiform papillae seen in poor oral hygeine ,general debility and indigestion.
b. Geographic tongue: Here irregular red and white patches appear on the tongue. These lesions looks like a geographic map.The excact cause is not known.
c. Median rhomboid glossitis: In this condition there is smooth nodular red area in the posterior mid line of the tongue. This is a congenital condition.
d. Nutritional deficiency: In nutrional deficiency there is glossitis(inflammation of tongue) leading to papillary hypertrophy followed by atrophy.   
e. Benign migratory glossitis: It is an inflamatory condition of the tongue where multiple annular areas of desquamation of papillae appear on the tongue which shift from area to area in few days.
f. Thiamine and riboflavin deficiency: Deficiency of these vitamins cause hypertrophied filiform and fungiform papillae.
g. Niacin and iron deficiency: In this condition there is atrophy of papillae. Smooth tongue is encountered in iron deficiency.
h. Vitamin A deficiency: This causes furrowed tongue.
i. In nutritional megaloblastic anaemia tongue becomes smooth.
j. Folic acid deficiency: Here macrocytic megaloblastic anaemia with glossitis is seen.
k. Cyano coblamine deficiency: Here glossitis with macrocytic megaloblastic anaemia and peripheral neuropathy is encountered. 
l. Scarlet fever: In this streptococcal infection there is bright red papillae standing out of a thick white fur ,later the white coat disappear leaving enlarged papillae on the bright red surface and is called strawberry tongue.
6) Ulcers on the tongue:
a. Apthous ulcer: These are round painful ulcers appear in stressed individuals frequently. May be associated with food allergy. Usual sites are tongue,lips,oral mucosa and ect.
b. Herpes simplex: It is an acute vesicular eruptions produced by herpes simplex virus. When these vesicles rupture it forms ulcers.
c. Ulcer in cancer: Cancerous ulcers are having everted edges with hard base. Bleeding is also seen.Cancer of the tongue is common in tobacco chewers.
d. Syphilitic ulcers: Syphilitic fissures are longitudinal in direction. In primary syphilis extra genital chancre is seen on the tongue. In secondary syphilis multiple shallow ulcers are seen on the under surface and sides of the tongue. In tertiary syphilis gumma may be seen on the midline of the dorsum of the tongue.
e. Dental ulcers: These ulcers are produced by sharp edges of carious teeth.

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Acid Reflux-Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the medical term for “Acid Reflux” is defined as the product of abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus thus, creating a mucosal damage, likewise known as the chronic symptom. This disease strikes adult primarily, while infants and children can also be affected. Normally spurred by eating certain foods, if not pregnancy, or taking a sleep right after eating a heavy meal, a large number of persons suffer from acid reflux at one time or another.
Heartburn or acid indigestion is another name that refers to acid reflux. Heartburn, the major symptom of Acid Reflux in the esophagus, is described to cause a burning uneasiness at the back of the sternum. The symptoms may come as coughing, voice transformation, hoarseness, constant ear ache, or sinusitis. The complications brought upon by acid reflux may lead to esophageal ulcers or worse this can lead to esophageal cancer. However, constant heartburn sensations do not necessarily mean that one has captured GERD already. The risk occurs when heartburn happened more than once a week, this occasion could possibly lead in developing GERD. The usual cause of GERD is the increase in acidity or gastric acid production in the body, obesity, pregnancy, or tight-fitting apparels, these all can add to the problem. The yeast infections are also thought to be one of the causes of GERD-like symptoms.
An added ironical cause of the GERD is the insufficient production of stomach acid in the body. The explanation says that the valve, the hollow organ with a flap that insure the one-way course of fluid through the organ, once emptied triggers acidity in the intestines. If the valve fails to open, the contents of the stomach will be blended into the esophagus, and then irritation occurs. Meanwhile, there are already several treatments for GERD today, one of which is the balance and healthy eating habits. Now if proper diet fails to work, one can shift to medication therapy or surgery as suggested by the doctors. Below are the lists of several selections of Acid Reflux treatment :
- Proper Diet: the natural way to cure Acid Reflux is through change in their eating habits. A good number of people affected by GERD found success in following this method. Avoid the food ingredients which can intensify heart burn such as caffeine, soft drinks, and smoking. Avoid eating two hours before sleeping; likewise, avoid lying down after taking meal. These are the regular suggested change in lifestyle. Another easy way to treat GERD is to elevate the head of the bed. The pharmacologic therapy, the combination of prevention of food two hours before sleeping and the rise of the head of the bed, there is a great chance for a patient to gain a 95 percent relief. The rise of the head of the bed is suggested to range for only 6 to 8 inches or 20 cm. Using this method the backflow of gastric fluids will be hampered.
- Drug Treatment: Drugs reduce the secretion of the gastric acid, for instance and famotidine and omeprazole lessen the secretion of gastric acid and the Antacids counteract the acid.
- Surgical treatment: the Nissen fundoplication, the standard surgical treatment for Acid Reflux, the medication process will only cover a short period of time. The function of this is to support the sphincter, a spherical bond of muscles that opens and closes to let the food or waste to pass, as well as stop Acid Reflux, and of course restore the hiatal hernia.

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Procedures Taken For Natural Body Detox

Setting up a cleansing or detox program is not an easy task. You need to undergo various procedures. It includes health history evaluation, physical examinations, biochemistry tests, mineral level tests, dietary analysis and other related specific tests to diagnose your entire health status. These are helpful in determining the appropriate natural procedure that you should take to clean up your body.
Take note, analyzing your present health status, disease, and symptoms as a result of your lifestyle, familial or inherent patterns, and diets can help in creating a body detox plan that is best suited for you. Remember, any healing procedure needs a plan that must be followed accordingly to achieve positive results.
1. Proper Diet. People who are lacking energy and nutrients need a diet which is high in protein and nutrients for improving their health. Mineral deficiencies, fatigue, and low functions of organs should have a much supportive diet. However, in this particular circumstance, short cleaning of the body for three days can help in eliminating old debris. It also prepares your body for building healthier blocks. If you feel congested with travel, stresses, and different foods, drink juices or eat lightly for a few days. It can display a huge difference. You could also eat low protein foods, high rich carbohydrate foods, and vegetarian foods for a couple of years. Mild detox can consist of vegetable meals which add proteins in your body. Fresh fish with a lot of vegetables can also energize you.
2. Using natural herbs. There are different body organs which are prone to the high development of toxins. One of them is your colon. Keep in mind that large intestines can accommodate much toxicity which can result to its sluggish functioning. So, detox programs are created to solve this problem. Fiber supplements cleansing diet are incorporated for cleaning and toning colons. It includes herbal laxatives like psyllium seed husk used alone or combined with agents such as betonite clay, acidophilus culture, and Aloe Vera powder. Enemas using herbs, diluted coffee, or water can be used for cleaning your liver, another important organ of your body.
3. Regular exercise. Exercise stimulates sweating thus it eliminates toxic wastes through your skin. It improves general metabolism and aids in your overall detoxification. Aerobic exercise done regularly can maintain your body to stay non-toxic because you are prevented from bad habits. However, exercising can also increase toxic productions in your body so it must always be accompanied with antioxidants, adequate fluids, mineral and vitamins replenishment as well as other related detox principles.
4. Regular bathing.  It is very essential in cleaning your skin from accumulated toxins. Sweats and saunas are most often used in purifying your body via more enhanced skin elimination. Dry brushing your skin using the right skin brush is often suggested before bathing.
5. Massage therapy. It is very useful in supporting detox programs. It stimulates body functions and elimination promoting a more relaxed feeling clearing you from worries, tensions, and mental stresses.
6. Recharging, relaxing, and resting. This is important in the rejuvenation process. It helps your body in rebalancing your attitude and mind which sometimes interferes in natural homeostasis. Practicing yoga is a powerful exercise related to breathing regulation and awareness helping you to obtain a more balanced and active aura.
Choose the right procedure you need to incorporate to clean your body from toxins in the proper way. It can make you feel much better and healthier.  

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Quick Tips to Boost Your Metabolism

There are a lot of people who would give a lot to increase their metabolism. Having a high level of metabolism enables one to maintain burn fat and lose weight fast with the least amount of activity. 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, stress levels, personal diet and activity levels. Metabolism slows done 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 execerise 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. Eat smaller meals. It is advisable to consume 4 to 6 small meals that are timed 2 to 3 hours apart.
8. Never skip meals. People tend to skip meals in order to lose weight, which is a big mistake since it slows down metabolism.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.

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