By Kevin Jackson
Water is vital to sustain life. Did you know that nearly two
thirds of your body weight is composed of water? And this is
what makes drinking of water important, about 8 to 10
glasses of it everyday. But drinking just about any type
isn't enough - one should make sure it's pure and clean.
It's what makes the use of water filters very essential for
your home.
Local or municipal water treatment services can't always put
in check outbreak of contaminants in water that make it to
your faucet. For many developing countries, consumption of
contaminated or impure tap water is the cause of certain
epidemic diseases. Some if these waterborne diseases are:
diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, amoebiasis, etc. Left
untreated, your life can be in great danger.
Other than waterborne diseases due to bacteria, sometimes
poisons can make their way into your drinking water. They
are insecticides, chlorine, and chlorine's by-products. Some
poisonous metals may also be present, like aluminum, lead,
mercury, and others. These metals are known to cause certain
cancers, including colon and rectal cancers. Simply imagine
the amount of toxic materials you ingest drinking 8-10
glasses of tap water daily!
Drinking pure and clean water is essential for everyone,
especially for growing children. They need it for the proper
development of their immune systems. Definitely, there are
plenty of vital roles water plays for our normal well-being.
It regulates our temperature. It facilitates transport of
nutrients to the cells. It helps in the disposal of waste
materials in the body. The list simply goes on and on.
Bottled water isn't really a convenient replacement for tap
water. Have you ever wondered why bottled water is
expensive? No, it's not because of the clean water it
contains, but because of the bottling, shipping and
promotion. Then there's also the impact these plastic
containers leave on the environment. They take up precious
landfill space. They leak some toxic chemicals into the
groundwater. And they live for hundreds of years before they
disintegrate.
Boiling water is, undeniably, an effective way to provide
your family with something safe for drinking. It's a great
way of killing off any bacteria present. But, just like
bottled ones, it's not a convenient solution. Your monthly
utility bills may swell. While it takes only some minutes to
roll boil water, the cost of using electricity or gas for
your stove can add up tremendously.
A more practical approach is to use water filters for your
home. There are two major forms of filters: installed in the
faucet or installed in the plumbing. Something you install
in the faucet is definitely more affordable. However,
replacement of parts is necessary regularly. Something you
install in the plumbing, on the other hand, may be costlier.
But replacement of parts is done only once in a while.
Different water filters use different filtration systems.
When choosing which one is the best for your home, have your
tap water tested first. This will reveal which contaminants
may be present. A carbon filter is best used when organic
chemicals, chloroform, pesticide and others are present. On
the other hand, reverse-osmosis is best used for the
presence of organic elements like iron, lead and others.
Looking to find the best deal on
(http://www.myberkeywaterfilter.com) berkey water filters,
then visit www.myberkeywaterfilter.com to find the best
advice on
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berkey light for you.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
5 Steps To A Super Immune System
By Jim Strongly
1. Improve your diet
You'll want lots of fruits and vegetables. These contain
the antioxidants that you want for your body to fight free
radicals.
Eat lots of fish and flaxseed. These contain the good fat
that you want to eat: omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are the
healthy kind of fats. These will help your immune support.
Reduce your intake of sugary foods. Studies have shown that
sugar negatively impacts your immune system.
And finally, don't forget to drink plenty of water. But you
don't want sugary drinks. Sugary drinks will decrease your
immune support.
2. Get moderate exercise for immune support
Moderate exercise helps yours T cells. You should shoot for
moderate exercise 3 to 4 times a week for immune support.
Vigorous exercise such as running could potentially harm your
immune system. In fact, runners are more susceptible to
illnesses such as the flu.
3. Reduce stress levels for immune support
If you're stressing you're hurting your immunity. Relax.
People who are stressed have heart attacks. I'm sure this
is a road that you don't want to go down.
Reducing stress is simple. And it will positively increase
your immune support. To decrease your stress try to
meditate, yoga, or deep breathing.
4. Sleep and hygiene
Doctors have been telling us for years now that in order
to avoid colds and other illnesses the number one thing we
can do is wash our hands. It doesn't seem like we have been
following what the doctors have told us.
Get your sleep. Another thing doctors been telling us for
years that eight hours of sleep is what we need.
5. Try some herbs and supplements for immune support
Some good supplements to try out are vitamin C, astralagus,
echinacea, and elderberry. The reason I say try is because these
supplements have different effects on different people. But
a lot of people swear by these as a way to boost your immune
support.
Recently, doctors have been touting the benefits of another
supplement known as glutathione. Glutathione is the body's
number one antioxidant. So anyway you can boost this will
definitely help your immune support.
If you follow these simple five steps, you will find that
you have boosted your immune support, just like that!
Learn more about (http://www.maximmunevitamins.com) Immune
Vitamins. Stop by Max Immune Vitamins' site where you can
find out all about (http://www.maximmunevitamins.com) Immune
Support and what it can do for you.
1. Improve your diet
You'll want lots of fruits and vegetables. These contain
the antioxidants that you want for your body to fight free
radicals.
Eat lots of fish and flaxseed. These contain the good fat
that you want to eat: omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are the
healthy kind of fats. These will help your immune support.
Reduce your intake of sugary foods. Studies have shown that
sugar negatively impacts your immune system.
And finally, don't forget to drink plenty of water. But you
don't want sugary drinks. Sugary drinks will decrease your
immune support.
2. Get moderate exercise for immune support
Moderate exercise helps yours T cells. You should shoot for
moderate exercise 3 to 4 times a week for immune support.
Vigorous exercise such as running could potentially harm your
immune system. In fact, runners are more susceptible to
illnesses such as the flu.
3. Reduce stress levels for immune support
If you're stressing you're hurting your immunity. Relax.
People who are stressed have heart attacks. I'm sure this
is a road that you don't want to go down.
Reducing stress is simple. And it will positively increase
your immune support. To decrease your stress try to
meditate, yoga, or deep breathing.
4. Sleep and hygiene
Doctors have been telling us for years now that in order
to avoid colds and other illnesses the number one thing we
can do is wash our hands. It doesn't seem like we have been
following what the doctors have told us.
Get your sleep. Another thing doctors been telling us for
years that eight hours of sleep is what we need.
5. Try some herbs and supplements for immune support
Some good supplements to try out are vitamin C, astralagus,
echinacea, and elderberry. The reason I say try is because these
supplements have different effects on different people. But
a lot of people swear by these as a way to boost your immune
support.
Recently, doctors have been touting the benefits of another
supplement known as glutathione. Glutathione is the body's
number one antioxidant. So anyway you can boost this will
definitely help your immune support.
If you follow these simple five steps, you will find that
you have boosted your immune support, just like that!
Learn more about (http://www.maximmunevitamins.com) Immune
Vitamins. Stop by Max Immune Vitamins' site where you can
find out all about (http://www.maximmunevitamins.com) Immune
Support and what it can do for you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Why Protein Is An Essential Part Of Any Diet
By Jim Duffy
You see them in all kinds of magazines. You hear people talking about them around the water cooler at work. There are hundreds of fad diets out there, and guess what? None of them work. Oh sure, you may lose a bit of weight, but more often than not, that weight is just going to come back, with a few additional pounds for good measure. The most sensible way to lose weight is to just eat properly. It is easy to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet, and there are all kinds of great-tasting foods that you can incorporate into a healthy diet.
An essential part of any diet is protein. Protein is necessary for survival, provides a natural source of energy and helps to build strong muscles. Our hair and skin are made from protein, and it is a nutrient for all of the cells in our bodies. Not enough protein in the diet can lead to a number of serious health issues and can add complications to existing health conditions. But as important as it is to have enough protein in our diets, too much may actually do more harm than good.
The body needs a certain amount of protein. According to the American Heart Association, protein should make up 35 percent of our daily caloric intake. If the body does not get the protein it needs, it will send signals to the brain that it is hungry, which is not good for dieters, because they will want to eat all the time. Eating snacks that are rich in protein or using protein supplements will help to suppress your appetite, which is essential for losing weight and maintaining your weight loss.
How Much Protein Do You Need in Your Diet?
We need different amounts of protein at different stages of our lives. For example, babies need quite a bit of protein, about 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. But an adult bodybuilder only needs as much as 1.6 grams. The best way to figure out how much protein you should be getting in your diet is to follow this formula:
The first thing you need to do is convert your body weight from pounds to kilograms. Just divide your body weight in pounds by 2.2. Take the resulting number and divide it by one of the following numbers:
- .4 if you are inactive
- .5-.8 if you are somewhat active, such as a 30 minute workout, three times per week
- .8-1 if you are very active, such as working out 30 to 60 minutes at least four times each week
If you are a healthy person in general and have some knowledge about nutrition, you should be able to come up with a healthy diet plan on your own. It is important to remember that before beginning any type of diet, you should consult your physician first. There may be conditions that you have that require you to have certain foods in your diet. You can also speak with a nutritionist or a dietitian.
If you are going to start a diet, a healthy plan includes 50 percent carbohydrates, 35 percent proteins and 15 percent fats. Although many of today's popular diets recommend eating fewer carbohydrates, it is important that some are included in everyone's diet, but they do need to be the right kinds of carbohydrates. For example, simple carbohydrates digest quickly and cause huge surges by raising blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates are what you need in your diet. These carbohydrates are slower to digest and do not negatively affect blood sugar levels.
Eating Healthy and Using Protein Supplements
When you eat snacks that are high in protein, you will not have the urge to have more snacks later on. You will feel more satisfied and not feel the urge to eat unnecessarily. Some high-protein snacks that are great for diets and taste great are:
- 2 cups of popcorn with trail mix
- cup of fiber-rich cereal, mixed with non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 ounce of baked potato chips with two tablespoons of bean dip
Another great-tasting snack that is extremely high in protein is milk. Non-fat is best for dieters, and low-fat chocolate milk is great too. It has all the same nutrients as white milk not much more fat and calories. It is delicious, and not only will you get the protein that you need, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Some people suggest drinking low-fat milk, while other studies say that whole-fat milk is best for diets. Speak to your physician or nutritionist for more information.
Another way that you can get the protein you need in your diet without having to eat a lot is by using protein supplements. There are a number of varieties available, and many come in pre-mixed drinks, which are portable and can be taken along anywhere. Some of the more popular protein supplements include:
Protein Powders - These are the most versatile of all of the protein supplements. They come in a variety of delicious flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry and fruit punch, and can be used to make great-tasting smoothies and shakes. They are also available in flavorless forms and can be added to just about any recipe.
Liquid Proteins - Liquid protein supplements are very popular because they are often available in a ready-to-drink form. One of the more popular liquid protein supplements on the market today is Profect, by Protica. This little shot provides 25 grams of protein per 2.9 fluid ounces of serving and only contains 100 calories. Profect is low in calories, carbohydrates and fats, and it comes in a number of delicious flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Fresh Citrus Berry, Grapefruit-Mango and Cool Melon Splash.
Protein Bars - These are delicious, protein-packed snacks that can also serve as meal replacements. Protein bars come in a number of flavors, including chocolate, and often have nuts and other great-tasting ingredients.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures http://www.profect.com IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at http://www.protica.com
You see them in all kinds of magazines. You hear people talking about them around the water cooler at work. There are hundreds of fad diets out there, and guess what? None of them work. Oh sure, you may lose a bit of weight, but more often than not, that weight is just going to come back, with a few additional pounds for good measure. The most sensible way to lose weight is to just eat properly. It is easy to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet, and there are all kinds of great-tasting foods that you can incorporate into a healthy diet.
An essential part of any diet is protein. Protein is necessary for survival, provides a natural source of energy and helps to build strong muscles. Our hair and skin are made from protein, and it is a nutrient for all of the cells in our bodies. Not enough protein in the diet can lead to a number of serious health issues and can add complications to existing health conditions. But as important as it is to have enough protein in our diets, too much may actually do more harm than good.
The body needs a certain amount of protein. According to the American Heart Association, protein should make up 35 percent of our daily caloric intake. If the body does not get the protein it needs, it will send signals to the brain that it is hungry, which is not good for dieters, because they will want to eat all the time. Eating snacks that are rich in protein or using protein supplements will help to suppress your appetite, which is essential for losing weight and maintaining your weight loss.
How Much Protein Do You Need in Your Diet?
We need different amounts of protein at different stages of our lives. For example, babies need quite a bit of protein, about 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. But an adult bodybuilder only needs as much as 1.6 grams. The best way to figure out how much protein you should be getting in your diet is to follow this formula:
The first thing you need to do is convert your body weight from pounds to kilograms. Just divide your body weight in pounds by 2.2. Take the resulting number and divide it by one of the following numbers:
- .4 if you are inactive
- .5-.8 if you are somewhat active, such as a 30 minute workout, three times per week
- .8-1 if you are very active, such as working out 30 to 60 minutes at least four times each week
If you are a healthy person in general and have some knowledge about nutrition, you should be able to come up with a healthy diet plan on your own. It is important to remember that before beginning any type of diet, you should consult your physician first. There may be conditions that you have that require you to have certain foods in your diet. You can also speak with a nutritionist or a dietitian.
If you are going to start a diet, a healthy plan includes 50 percent carbohydrates, 35 percent proteins and 15 percent fats. Although many of today's popular diets recommend eating fewer carbohydrates, it is important that some are included in everyone's diet, but they do need to be the right kinds of carbohydrates. For example, simple carbohydrates digest quickly and cause huge surges by raising blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates are what you need in your diet. These carbohydrates are slower to digest and do not negatively affect blood sugar levels.
Eating Healthy and Using Protein Supplements
When you eat snacks that are high in protein, you will not have the urge to have more snacks later on. You will feel more satisfied and not feel the urge to eat unnecessarily. Some high-protein snacks that are great for diets and taste great are:
- 2 cups of popcorn with trail mix
- cup of fiber-rich cereal, mixed with non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 ounce of baked potato chips with two tablespoons of bean dip
Another great-tasting snack that is extremely high in protein is milk. Non-fat is best for dieters, and low-fat chocolate milk is great too. It has all the same nutrients as white milk not much more fat and calories. It is delicious, and not only will you get the protein that you need, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Some people suggest drinking low-fat milk, while other studies say that whole-fat milk is best for diets. Speak to your physician or nutritionist for more information.
Another way that you can get the protein you need in your diet without having to eat a lot is by using protein supplements. There are a number of varieties available, and many come in pre-mixed drinks, which are portable and can be taken along anywhere. Some of the more popular protein supplements include:
Protein Powders - These are the most versatile of all of the protein supplements. They come in a variety of delicious flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry and fruit punch, and can be used to make great-tasting smoothies and shakes. They are also available in flavorless forms and can be added to just about any recipe.
Liquid Proteins - Liquid protein supplements are very popular because they are often available in a ready-to-drink form. One of the more popular liquid protein supplements on the market today is Profect, by Protica. This little shot provides 25 grams of protein per 2.9 fluid ounces of serving and only contains 100 calories. Profect is low in calories, carbohydrates and fats, and it comes in a number of delicious flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Fresh Citrus Berry, Grapefruit-Mango and Cool Melon Splash.
Protein Bars - These are delicious, protein-packed snacks that can also serve as meal replacements. Protein bars come in a number of flavors, including chocolate, and often have nuts and other great-tasting ingredients.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures http://www.profect.com IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at http://www.protica.com
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Cardiovascular Disease And The Role Of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
By Lee Cole
DHA supplements are certainly something you need to consider, if you're interested in avoiding cardiovascular disease. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, and it's one of the many omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3's are essential to good heath. Although DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid in the brain, it's also seen to play a large role in avoiding cardiovascular disease. Not only DHA plays this role, but all omega-3 fatty acids are important when it concerns your heart health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cholesterol
One diet that is high in omega-3's is the Mediterranean diet. Individuals who follow this diet are apt to have high HDL, or "good" cholesterol. One reason is the Mediterranean diet has a fair amount of fish in it. This is further held up by the fact that Eskimos also are apt to have high HDL cholesterol. They also eat a lot of cold water, fatty fish. These fish tend to be very high in omega-3 fatty acids. You might not want to eat halibut or tuna every day, but you can take fish oil supplements. Numerous studies have shown that these supplements reduce triglyceride levels. In addition to fish, walnuts are recognized to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure
There have been several studies which have shown that diets high in omega-3's or even fish-oil supplements, can lower high blood pressure. You don't want to self-medicate, however. High Blood Pressure is a serious condition. Make sure you get your doctor's approval before you do anything.
Coronary Disease and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It's been shown time and time again that diets low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (this includes omega-3 efas) help prevent heart disease. There is a lot of clinial evidence that fish-oil, which is high in EPA and DHA (two types of omega-3 essential fatty acids) help reduce instances of heart problems and cardiac event. In addition, fish oil has been shown to have a very good positive effect on lowering triglycerides, risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. Fish-oil has also been proven to help mitigate and treat hardening of the arteries through slowing the development of plaque and blood clots.
In other words, fish oil, which contains considerable amounts of EPA and DHA, is really healthy for you. Since with DHA you get a double whammy effect of helping your heart and brain, you probably want to consider DHA supplements in what you eat. As in all things medical, talk to your doctor first.
Lee Cole is a real health and exercise enthusiast! To learn more about dha-supplements take a look at Lee's blog, http://atlantaseomktg.wordpress.com
DHA supplements are certainly something you need to consider, if you're interested in avoiding cardiovascular disease. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, and it's one of the many omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3's are essential to good heath. Although DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid in the brain, it's also seen to play a large role in avoiding cardiovascular disease. Not only DHA plays this role, but all omega-3 fatty acids are important when it concerns your heart health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cholesterol
One diet that is high in omega-3's is the Mediterranean diet. Individuals who follow this diet are apt to have high HDL, or "good" cholesterol. One reason is the Mediterranean diet has a fair amount of fish in it. This is further held up by the fact that Eskimos also are apt to have high HDL cholesterol. They also eat a lot of cold water, fatty fish. These fish tend to be very high in omega-3 fatty acids. You might not want to eat halibut or tuna every day, but you can take fish oil supplements. Numerous studies have shown that these supplements reduce triglyceride levels. In addition to fish, walnuts are recognized to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure
There have been several studies which have shown that diets high in omega-3's or even fish-oil supplements, can lower high blood pressure. You don't want to self-medicate, however. High Blood Pressure is a serious condition. Make sure you get your doctor's approval before you do anything.
Coronary Disease and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It's been shown time and time again that diets low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (this includes omega-3 efas) help prevent heart disease. There is a lot of clinial evidence that fish-oil, which is high in EPA and DHA (two types of omega-3 essential fatty acids) help reduce instances of heart problems and cardiac event. In addition, fish oil has been shown to have a very good positive effect on lowering triglycerides, risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms. Fish-oil has also been proven to help mitigate and treat hardening of the arteries through slowing the development of plaque and blood clots.
In other words, fish oil, which contains considerable amounts of EPA and DHA, is really healthy for you. Since with DHA you get a double whammy effect of helping your heart and brain, you probably want to consider DHA supplements in what you eat. As in all things medical, talk to your doctor first.
Lee Cole is a real health and exercise enthusiast! To learn more about dha-supplements take a look at Lee's blog, http://atlantaseomktg.wordpress.com
Monday, January 24, 2011
The 4 Best Foods To Boost Your Immune System
By Angel Rose
The season of getting colds and flu is eminent this time of year; and the busiest at that. If you're a workaholic, there isn't any spare time in your busy schedule to get sick. So how can you cure or prevent getting these dreaded colds and flu without compromising any of your planned events? Since prevention is better than cure you have to find ways of combating these bacteria by increasing your immune system.
1.Vitamin D. Many researches have shown that unwanted and toxic cells like bacterias in the body are being combated by Vitamin D. Although there is not enough evidence for this theory, it is still a helpful vitamin that can reduce infection and improve immunity. If you're not a pill-drinker you can also get a dose of this supplement from fatty fishes and fortified milk products.
2.Probiotics. Usually, these probiotics are found in certain juices, soy, and fermented and unfermented milk. These "good" bacteria can actually suppress the growth of "bad" bacteria and can activate the immune system to fight off diseases, as such it is a good idea to consume probiotic-fortified products once in a while. In having these, you get to hit two birds with one stone. You get healthy food and you are getting a healthy body.
3.Soluble Dietary fiber. Soluble fibers are abundant in citrus fruits, apples, carrots, bean and oats which are delicious and at the same time helps fight inflammation. Although insoluble fibers are also necessary for your health, it doesn't have the same impact on immunity as does the soluble fiber.
4.Green Tea Extract. This herbal tea contains a large amount of polyphenol which is a potent plant antioxidant. According to research, polyphenol contains certain components that can help boost the body's immune system. The downside of this product though is its taste. Its bitter taste doesn't appeal to a large number of people as such they are seldom being drunk. You can maximize the benefits of green tea and reduce its bitterness just by steeping the herbal product no more than a minute or two in just-below-boiling water. This way you'll get the nutrients you need without being disgusted by it.
The season of getting colds and flu is eminent this time of year; and the busiest at that. If you're a workaholic, there isn't any spare time in your busy schedule to get sick. So how can you cure or prevent getting these dreaded colds and flu without compromising any of your planned events? Since prevention is better than cure you have to find ways of combating these bacteria by increasing your immune system.
1.Vitamin D. Many researches have shown that unwanted and toxic cells like bacterias in the body are being combated by Vitamin D. Although there is not enough evidence for this theory, it is still a helpful vitamin that can reduce infection and improve immunity. If you're not a pill-drinker you can also get a dose of this supplement from fatty fishes and fortified milk products.
2.Probiotics. Usually, these probiotics are found in certain juices, soy, and fermented and unfermented milk. These "good" bacteria can actually suppress the growth of "bad" bacteria and can activate the immune system to fight off diseases, as such it is a good idea to consume probiotic-fortified products once in a while. In having these, you get to hit two birds with one stone. You get healthy food and you are getting a healthy body.
3.Soluble Dietary fiber. Soluble fibers are abundant in citrus fruits, apples, carrots, bean and oats which are delicious and at the same time helps fight inflammation. Although insoluble fibers are also necessary for your health, it doesn't have the same impact on immunity as does the soluble fiber.
4.Green Tea Extract. This herbal tea contains a large amount of polyphenol which is a potent plant antioxidant. According to research, polyphenol contains certain components that can help boost the body's immune system. The downside of this product though is its taste. Its bitter taste doesn't appeal to a large number of people as such they are seldom being drunk. You can maximize the benefits of green tea and reduce its bitterness just by steeping the herbal product no more than a minute or two in just-below-boiling water. This way you'll get the nutrients you need without being disgusted by it.
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