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Heart Disease Specials

February 16, 2010

5 Tips to Augment General Health and Lower Triglycerides

Meaning of triglycerides

Your system makes use of triglycerides for energy. It is a form of fat that the body forms from sweets, alcohol, and too many calories.

High triglycerides could amplify your chances of getting coronary diseases and may be a forewarning of metabolic syndrome. Even though a small measure can be good for your health.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, excess fat around your abdomen, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and increased triglycerides. Metabolic syndrome amplifies your chances for cardiac disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Causes of triglycerides

Elevated triglycerides are for the most part caused by certain conditions, such as:

* Overweight.

* Poorly managed diabetes.

* Hypothyroidism or non-active thyroid.

* Kidney disease.

* Regularly eating more calories than you burn.

* Increased consumption of alcohol.

A few medications may cause triglycerides to rise. They are:

* Beta-blockers.

* Birth control pills.

* Steroids.

* Tamoxifen.

* Estrogen.

* Diuretics.

In some cases, increased triglycerides also could be hereditary.

How to prevent increased levels of triglycerides:

It does not have to be difficult to decrease your level of triglycerides. Just pursue these five simple steps for improved health to bring down your triglycerides.

Increased triglyceride levels are symptomatic of having extra amounts of stored fats (which may be utilized to generate energy), so you have to go and workout more. You eliminate more calories when you are active and, as a result, you bring down your level of triglycerides.

It is not necessary for your workout to be strenuous either. Should you run errands within walking distance, you definitely must refrain from driving a car. Carrying out your everyday routines, for instance, household chores, will also torch calories and decrease overall triglyceride levels.

Frequently pick smart foods to eat because research has shown that the wrong food would raise levels of triglycerides. If you change from vegetable oil to canola oil, you could greatly improve the quality of your diet.

It is easier to keep track of your food intake if you prepare your meals, rather than going out. Eating foods that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids for example, salmon and flaxseed, will enable you to augment your overall health. If you want to bring down your triglycerides, it is important to put veggies and fresh fruits in your daily diet.

Consume lots of water in lieu of over eating. You have to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to keep your stomach full in place of junk food.

Another way to reduce triglycerides is by loading up on vitamin B3. There are studies which show that niacin or vitamin B3 are very effective in helping lower your triglyceride levels. You can add Vitamin B3 in your daily diet by consuming meals that include mushrooms, eggs, nuts, milk and chicken.

Eat frequently and at the proper time. Nutritionists recommend that we eat several small meals spread throughout the day. You should not skip breakfast since you will end up too hungry and tend to over eat later on.

Listen to your body when it comes to your health. Your body would indicate to you when it is hungry and when you need to stop. Do your best to eat right, and do not judge yourself too harshly should you indulge in junk foods.

It is very important that you make intelligent choices about the food that you consume, and that you avoid eating sugary, processed or refined foods.

All of these are effective solutions to lower triglycerides. Since these are reasonable and easy to do, you definitely would not have any problems enhancing the health of your body.

Fitness Centers of Rochester NY, Rochester NY Athletic Club for Women and Weight Loss Centers of Rochester provide health and fitness services to its members.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Chuck Kessler

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February 12, 2010

9 Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits Validated By Clinical Trials

A huge amount of research show that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, many of them are actually very extraordinary! It seems like new studies are being published all the time, as scientists and doctors learn even more about how and why it is so beneficial. The omega-3 fatty acids that are in fish oil are “good fats” that are necessary for optimal wellness. They are crucial for human health but our bodies can’t make them – you have to get them through diet. Here are some proven fish oil benefits that should persuade you to consume more oily, wild-caught fish and begin taking a highly refined fish oil supplement if you aren’t already!

Promotes Cardiovascular Wellness & Protects Against Heart Attack and Strokes

Fish oil continues to grow in scientific reputation as a significant promoter of heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in reducing the occurrence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical trials of heart attack survivors have found that daily fish oil supplements drastically minimize the risk of death, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also reduce blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heartbeats, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Minimizes Inflammation/Pain

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Lab trials suggest that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammatory conditions — anything ending with -itis!. Omega-3s have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, helping study participants to reduce their consumption of NSAID medication.

Contributes to Healthy Joints and Reduces Arthritis

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few test tube studies have shown that omega-3s actually lessen the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. At least 13 published research trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are very effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.

Increases Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning

Did you know that omega-3s, particularly DHA, are incredibly prevalent in the brain? They’re important for optimal cognitive (mental memorization and performance) and behavioral functioning, as well as proper growth and development. Studies show that omega-3s may help in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. We also now know that it’s very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, because it’s required by the developing fetus — during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons each minute! Children are also aided by omega-3 intake, as myriad studies show that omega-3s increase learning, focus, reading and vocabulary skills. Countless studies have also shown benefits in treating ADD.

Contributes to Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being

In countries where fish is a significant part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it’s not surprising that studies have discovered that fish oil supplements can reduce the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several clinical trials have found that participants that took fish oil with their prescribed anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilization effect and less mood swings. Research has also demonstrated that, when prisoners were given omega three fatty acids, there was a drastic reduction in violent behavior. Omega-3s also appear to lower the risk of postpartum depression.

Promotes Eye Health

Evidence shows that people with a greater fish oil intake appear to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing macular degeneration. Preliminary studies also show that omega-3 supplementation aids in lessening dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for people already experiencing it and improves ocular health in general.

Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Eye Development & Less Incidence of Childhood Disorders

DHA makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex and about 30-60% of the retina, so it’s absolutely necessary for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to decrease the chances of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and hyperactivity/behavior later in the life of the child. Omega-3s also help to lower the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.

Promotes Increased Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” signals to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing body fat. Study participants who were alloted fish oil as part of their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with those who didn’t consume fish oil. Exercise along with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the participants.

Reduces Chance of Breast, Prostate & Colorectal Cancer

Though additional research in this area is desperately needed, we now know that the omega 3’s found in fish oil aid in the prevention and treatment of prostate, testicular, breast and ovarian cancers. Early trials imply that taking fish oil everyday can help inhibit the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may possibly have the capacity to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells.

Much more can be written with regards to the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to examine omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep making news as the best source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re already in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the fastest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying the benefits of omega-3 for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of omega 3 fish oil by visiting her site.

categories: fish oil,omega-3,fish oil benefits,benefits of fish oil,cancer,children,ADHD,heart disease,depression,weight loss,pregnancy,health,nutrition

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Filed under Heart Disease by Brittany M. Wallace

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February 8, 2010

The Truth About Bad Cholesterol

So much is said and talked about bad cholesterol that it is bad and not necessary for the body, but the fact is you do need bad cholesterol. The bad cholesterol is also named as HDL cholesterol and the good cholesterol by LDL cholesterol, these two types of cholesterol are very essential for our body to create hormones, bile salts and vitamin D.

On the contrary bad cholesterol causes a lot of health problems. LDL Cholesterol dumps the cholesterol in the artery walls which in turn creates plaque. The arteries get blocked and narrowed by plaque and as a result of this the blood flow gets blocked which is very bad for their heart.

What Raises Cholesterol?

There are a lot of confusing terms being thrown around when it comes to cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is one of those terms. You might think that all dietary cholesterol is bad, but in fact dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol as much as you might think. The two bad guys here are trans fatty acids and saturated fats.

Therefore the best way to tackle the cholesterol problem is to cut down the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. The most effective way the world over is the diet. You will have to make certain dietary changes in your daily routine. More to the point, as you cut down on food that are bad for cholesterol such as eggs, meat, and seafood, you can also fill up yourself with food that are LDL cholesterol friendly.

Packaged food contains a lot of trans fatty acids such as Microwave popcorn, hard stick margarine french fries which are normally served in the fast food outlets. By eliminating these foods you can cut down your consumption of trans fatty acids which contribute to bad cholesterol in your system.

How good are good fats

You can increase the amount of good cholesterol in your body while reducing the bad cholesterol. This is because the presence of good cholesterol in your body means that excess cholesterol will be taken back to the liver to be excreted out of your body. This means you want plenty of good cholesterol as high levels of good cholesterol means a reduced risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle changes such as eating foods rich in soluble fiber and monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats will help to increase good cholesterol levels.

One can also do a lot of physical activities to bring a reduction in the cholesterol levels. It is also good to limit the intake of alcohol to two glasses a day in case of men and one glass in case of women.

Getting to know more cholesterol information is vital for improving your food habits. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is a necessity to have happy life.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Rosy Thomas

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November 30, 2009

Is There A Warp Speed Method To Take Off The Pounds?

What is the greatest way to take off weight? A lot of persons today seek the solution to this to help them lose the lbs as swiftly as feasible.

You hear stories each day about individuals who have dropped thirty and more pounds almost overnight, but is it in fact possible? Essentially, it is feasible to take off weight rapidly, but it is also imperative to stay healthy at the same time.

There are numerous speedy methods that, pure and simple, are hurtful to your health. In some instances, they have even proved fatal.

The fact is, there are no ways to lose pounds overnight that will not harm your health. One of the fastest ways to lose weight is diet pills, but these most certainly are not safe. A lot of of them have caused extremely injurious long term effects, and in several cases fatalities. Consequently, you unquestionably want to avoid diet tablets.

Of course, anorexia and bulimia are ailments that are very prevalent among the fast weight loss folks. Again, shedding fat to the detriment of your health is just not worth it.

It should be no surprise that simply not eating for lengthy time periods can have very grave side effects, so you unquestionably want to steer clear of hunger diets, which are broadly used in the present day. In addition, endeavor to keep away from diets that depend on one specific type of food.

I do not care how good a food might be, you require more than cabbage soup to stay well (I am obviously talking about the cabbage soup diet, but there are a number of similar ones you want to steer clear of). I know from personal experience that very limiting diets are just not sustainable.

One in particular I tried is the alkaline diet, and whilst this might be a healthy way of eating, it simply is not one that you can live with, because it eliminates so many of your much beloved foods. At least, this was my experience. I found myself binging just about every other day it seemed.

Do not get me wrong, I am a great supporter of vegan diets as the speediest way to lose weight (and the healthiest), but the Alkaline Diet is one I suggest you stay away from, even though it is promoted by some well known names whom I won’t mention here.

Another of the quickest ways to drop weight is using surgical methods. Once again, whilst this might work to help you see immediate results you seek, the long term side effects are very perilous to your health.

The bottom line is that you must focus on healthy methods, and lots of today’s strategies simply are very unsafe if not downright suicidal to your health. These are just a few you need to avoid, and make sure to never do any of the above at all costs.

You in all probability do not want to hear this, as it tends to become repetitive, but you just can not get thinner in a healthy way without exercising. Aerobic training is undeniably the best and lifting weights tends to help you increase muscle and lose fat.

I suggest you try some form of vigorous aerobic exercise as a minimum each day. It does not have to be for endless hours, but you’d be shocked at what even 15 to 20 minutes a day can do .

naturally, the more rigorous the workout, the better, however having said that, even making it a point to walk daily can really work wonders. Exercise and a sound diet are the best way to take off weight, and do not get lured by anyone who tells you otherwise.

Submitted by Richard Bernard Author of this article. To find more of subjects like Diet an Weight loss visit our web site at weight loss plan or diet plan NOTE article seen above can be circulated freely on web sites, as long as ALL article content and author information remain UNCHANGED.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Richard Bernard

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November 27, 2009

5 Trouble-free Steps To Fat Loss For Women

Ladies, if you have been trying a variety of diets and failing at dropping weight or keeping it off, check out these 5 suggestions for trouble-free fat loss. Paradoxically, the less you struggle, the easier it is to take off body fat and keep it off. Check out these tips and watch yourself get smaller…effortlessly.

5 indispensable guidelines to guarantee easy fat loss for women

(1) MOTIVATION

You won’t be a success at your weight loss goals if you do not have Incentive. Incentive is a powerful, sustaining basis for you to continue to amend your bad lifestyle for good in order to lose fat. What is your Incentive? For some women it is love. They use the love and support of the ones they are closest to and opt to lose fat in order to be a better mother or wife. For other women, it might be the delight of fitting into a popular outfit. Yet others utilize a recent TV health alert as incentive.

What motivates you depends on you. Don’t seek to employ someone else’s inspiration as your own. Seek out what makes you feel profoundly motivated. Draw on that as a drive. It can be anything, including infrequent motivators like charities. For instance, some women swear to contribute a precise amount of money for every pound they drop to their preferred charity. This is an extremely persuasive motivator as it is tied to a higher end and gives the giver a feeling of joy as well as the delight of fat loss.

No one particular motivator is better than all others. The solution is to discover something that moves you and makes you feel highly motivated about it. Direct that energy into becoming your motivation for weight loss. That way, each time your previous, bad habits come a calling, you can remind yourself why you desired to shed weight in the first place.

(2) LEARN TO APPRECIATE FOOD

It might come as a shock but a considerable number of obese women in fact can’t tolerate food. They detest how they are slaves to it and hate what it does to their bodies. They picture food as the enemy. Some even see food as an unattainable lover that they alternatively love and hate. Remove yourself from this state of mind. Try eating the best of everything. This might entail eating meals made out of entirely fresh ingredients and healthy oils. Savor the flavors of the food before you. Have a go at different vegetables, cheese, herbs and seasonings. You will begin to feel better almost immediately. It might be surprising for some that lots of overweight women are in point of fact undernourished. Their bodies lack key vitamins and minerals to keep them from feeling healthy and alert. When you consume meals made out of fresh ingredients, you go a long way towards helping to fix these imbalances. Your body will actually start yearning these fresh meals.

In fact, try this little test. For the next four or five days, only eat meals that have been made with fresh ingredients. On the 5th or sixth day, try eating one of your old food choices. I promise that it won’t taste as good. You might observe that it is excessively salty, fatty or excessively sweet. This can be an effective occurrence when you understand that your long-standing “addictions” are losing their grip on you.

(3) EXERCISE MODERATELY

This is a colossal stumbling block for the ordinary, sedentary female who begins a keep fit plan. She tries excessively hard, very swiftly and then gives up. Even with all the exercise videos advertized on television that you might be tempted to purchase, postpone on buying any new videos and try walking instead. Walk for as long as you get pleasure from it. Just attempt to walk five days a week. That’s all you must to do to get going. Don’t be concerned over time or pace. Simply get going.

This will remove the need for an exercise plan and will get you in the routine of moving around. As your body changes, you will crave more challenges and you can add more activities at that point. The point is to continually listen to your body. This will guarantee hassle free, long term weight reduction.

(4) DON’T ASPIRE EXCESSIVELY HIGH

This is a major cause of diet failure among women. They read about the famous actress’s fantastic weight loss (typically something ridiculous like 60 pounds in 2 months) and they long for the exact same results. Don’t do this to yourself. These celebrities have compelling motivators (point 1 in this article) as well as skilled chefs and condition experts at their beck and call.

The regular woman puts in a forty hour week or longer, takes care of her family unit and helps out in her neighborhood. Recognize that disparity in lifestyle and start making small changes on a daily basis instead. For example, begin eating more fruit and consume mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise on that sandwich. These little changes day after day, along with the points above is all you need to do to drop weight and commence losing fat.

(5) MEASURE YOURSELF BUT NOT DURING THIS PERIOD

You do realize the time I am hinting about?. On average, a female puts on several quick lbs just before her menstrual period. Unluckily, this is the time of the month when you are inundated by self defeating feelings. Weighing yourself during this period will make you feel like an abject failure and will make you give up and lapse back to your previous bad habits. Even the most forceful motivators cannot work if you are feeling bloated and self defeated. Accept this and promise not to weigh or measure yourself for the period of this time. This way, you can get through your period and resume your good work on your fat loss goals instead of quitting.

Submitted by Richard Bernard creatorof this article. To find more about subjects like Diet an Weight loss goto our web site at 5 Effortless Steps To Fat Loss For Women or 5 Easy Steps To Fat Loss For Women NOTE article shown above may be circulated freely on web sites, as long as ALL article content and creatorinformation remain UNCHANGED.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Richard Bernard

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