Drink Lots of Water

Everyone knows that water is vital to the body. It hydrates you and quenches your thirst. As good as it is; are you getting enough? Are you properly hydrated every day? A new study has examined the importance of proper hydration for good health and performance and established a more accurate measurement of the body's water needs. Here's the refreshing update:

Entitled "Water as an essential nutrient: The physiological basis for hydration," the study starts with explaining the importance of hydration to the body. "Water is the major constituent of the human body. The latter cannot produce enough water by metabolism or obtain enough water by food ingestion to fulfil its needs. As a consequence, we need to pay attention to what we drink throughout the day to ensure that we are meeting our daily water needs, as not doing so may have negative health effects (E. Je´quier and F. Constant. 2009)." The study was first published on September 2, 2009 in an advance online publication of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Important from head to toe

The study highlights five uses of water to the body: (1) it's a vital component of our cells, (2) a necessary agent in the body's chemical processes, (3) a facilitator of all bodily functions including respiration and digestion, (4) regulates body temperature, and (5) lubricates joints and muscles for proper movement.

The study emphasizes the importance of drinking by citing the effects of dehydration or lack of water in your body. "It has been shown that mild dehydration corresponding to only one to two percent of body weight loss in adults can lead to a significant impairment in both cognitive function (alertness, concentration, short-term memory) and physical performance (endurance, sports skills) (E. Je´quier and F. Constant. 2009)."

So if you want to be at the top of your game all the time, don't exclusively rely on thirst to know if you're dehydrated. Mild to moderate dehydration manifests through a dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness or tiredness, decreased urine input, few or no tears when crying, muscle weakness, headaches and dizziness or light-headedness.

The solution to all this is simple enough, keep drinking even when you're not thirsty. But how do you know you're drinking enough? There's the old eight glasses of water a day rule, but is it correct?

According to the study, "Human water requirements are not based on a minimal intake as it might lead to a water deficit because of numerous factors that modify water needs (metabolism, climate, physical activity, diet and so on) (E. Je´quier and F. Constant. 2009)." What this means is that you shouldn't limit yourself to only 8 glasses a day because you need more based on your activities and the weather.

Instead, the study recommends the following intake levels: Male adolescents aged nine to 13 years need 1.8 L/day, 14 to 18 years old need 2.6 L/day and male adults at 3 L/day. Female adolescents aged nine to 13 need 1.6 L/day, 14 to 18 need 1.8 L/day and female adults at 2.2 L/ day. That converts to some 13 cups for male adults and nine cups for adult females.

Furthermore, the study states that this total water amount represents water, other beverages and water from food. The Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness (BIHW) conforms to this statement, "The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (IOM) does have specific recommendations for total fluid intake...which includes drinking water as well as the water obtained from all other foods and beverages."

All beverages hydrate, including your favorite juices, teas, soft drinks and foods like fruits, vegetables, soups and stews. The BIHW goes on to recommend that you "Choose beverages that you enjoy. Several studies show that children and adults consume about 45 to 50 percent more liquid when it's flavored vs plain water (www.thebeverageinstitute.org. 2009)."

The important lesson is that hydration must always be top of mind for optimum health. From now on, make it a habit to drink!

Source: Manila Bulletin

Stay Young with These 8 Perfect Foods

Stay young and healthy with these 8 perfect foods. Lose weight, have a longer lifespan, strengthen your cardiovascular, improve immune function, memory and more.

EGGS

Benefit: Weight loss

Substitute: Egg Beaters egg substitute

72 calories, each large egg holds 6.3 grams of high-quality protein and a powerhouse load of vital nutrients.

GREEN TEA

Benefit: Longer lifespan

Substitutes: Yerba mate, white tea, oolong tea, rooibos (red) tea

Japanese study broke participants into two groups, only one of which was put on a catechin-rich green-tea diet. At the end of 12 weeks, the green-tea group had achieved significantly smaller body weights and waistlines than those in the control group. Why? Because researchers believe that catechins are effective at boosting metabolism.

GARLIC

Benefit: Cardiovascular strengthening

Substitutes: Onions, chives, leeks

Allicin, an antibacterial and antifungal compound, is the steam engine pushing forward garlic’s myriad health benefits. The chemical is produced by the garlic plant as a defense against pests, but inside your body, it fights cancer, strengthens your cardiovascular system, decreases fat storage, and fights acne inflammation.

GRAPEFRUIT

Benefit:Weight loss

Substitutes: Oranges, watermelon, tomatoes

Those who ate the grapefruit also exhibited a decrease in insulin levels, indicating that their bodies had improved their ability to metabolize sugar.

GREEK YOGURT

Benefit: Feeling fuller for longer

Substitutes: Kefir and yogurt with “live and active cultures” printed on the product label

Greek yogurt is separated from the watery whey that sits on top of regular yogurt, and the process removes excessive sugars, such as lactose, and increases the concentration of protein by as much as three times.

AVOCADO

Benefit: Reduced risk of heart disease

Substitutes: Olive, canola, and peanut oils; peanut butter; tahini

Numerous studies have shown that monounsaturated fats both improve you cholesterol profile and decrease the amount of triglycerides (more fats) floating around in your blood. This can lower your risk of stroke and heart disease. Worried about weight gain? Don’t be. There’s no causal link between monounsaturated fats and body fat.

BELL PEPPERS

Benefit: Improved immune function

Substitutes: Carrots, sweet potatoes, watermelon

All peppers are loaded with antioxidants, but none so much as the brightly colored reds, yellows, and oranges. These colors result from carotenoids concentrated in the flesh of the peppers, and it’s these same carotenoids that give tomatoes, carrots, and grapefruits their healthy hues. The range of benefits provided by these colorful pigments include improved immune function, better communication between cells, protection against sun damage, and a diminished risk of several types of cancer.

ALMONDS

Benefit: Improved memory

Substitutes: Walnuts, pecans, peanuts, sesame seeds, flaxseeds

An ounce of almonds or about 23 nuts a day provides nearly 9 grams of heart-healthy oleic acid; that’s more than the amounts found in peanuts, walnuts, or cashews. This monounsaturated fat is known to be responsible for a flurry of health benefits, the most recently discovered of which is improved memory.

Source: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/38834/8-perfect-stay-young-foods/

I hope you enjoy eating these foods as much as I do.

Top 5 Cancer-Causing Foods

Great list of Top 5 Cancer-Causing Foods that we should refrain from eating to keep us cancer-free and enjoy a healthy life.

1. Hot Dogs
Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate..

2. Processed Meats and Bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.

4. French Fries
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams ..

5. Chips, Crackers and Cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

8 Main Causes of Liver Damage

Here are the 8 Main Habits that Causes Liver Damage that we should avoid in order to stay healthy.

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.

2. Not urinating in the morning

3. Too much eating

4. Skipping breakfast

5. Consuming too much medication

6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener

7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil
As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is20very fit.

8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

Top 10 Brain Damaging Habits

These Top 10 Brain Damaging Habits are good pieces of advice in order to prevent brain damage. My friend email this to me and it looks very helpful that's why I wanted to share this to my readers and everyone.

1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar Consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our 20 body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6 . Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest.. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells..

7. Head Covered While Sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working Your Brain During Illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in Stimulating Thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

How and When to Eat Fruits

Here’s a great article about fruits that I received in my email. Just want to share it to everyone. It’s a good read, very informative and is intended to make everyone healthy.

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body.. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can you believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup,warm water or warm beer after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack . Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive...

Effects of Alcohol in your Brain

Many people, especially drinkers, believe that drinking alcohol in moderation can be beneficial to ones health. But did you know that there are still no proven studies about that?

Well, to most individuals, they will probably believe that alcohol when consumed in moderate amounts can improve their health. But doctors already have their word about it. Dr. Tim Naimi who is an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as Dr. Mercola who is a renowned nutrition expert, already state that there are still no proven facts about moderate drinking. Dr. Naimi also articulates that, “The bottom line is there has not been a single study done on moderate alcohol consumption and mortality outcomes that is a ‘gold standard’ kind of study -- the kind of randomized controlled clinical trial that we would be required to have in order to approve a new pharmaceutical agent.”

So this is a major call to all alcohol drinkers out there.

Actually, there is also a study being done by the researchers to examine the effects of alcohol to the brain of an individual. Eight men and seven women who drank alcohol through a straw have been examined by researchers while lying in an MRI scanner.

As a result, just around 6 minutes after consuming alcohol which is equivalent to three beers, changes had already taken place to the brain cells of the examined drinkers. This is a report done by the Live Science. After drinking the certain amount of alcohol, drinkers’ brains began to run on the sugar in alcohol instead of glucose. As we all know, glucose is the normal brain food.

Aside from this, it was also observed that the substance creatine, which protects brain cells, was also decreased as the concentration of alcohol increased. The concentration of another substance which is Choline, a component of cell membranes, was reduced as well.

Therefore, the actual test may probably mean that alcohol triggers changes in the composition of a person’s cell membranes.

Other research also shows that drinking alcohol may also lead to breast cancer, liver disease, heart damage, cancers, accidents even when consumed in small amounts and strokes when consumed in larger amounts.

In short, the doctors believe that the type of science that has been used to support that drinking wine or alcohol even in moderation is healthy for drinkers is just some of the WEAKEST science that we have in epidemiological observations.

One Liter of Tears: "Spinocerebellar Degeneration" Explained

Have you heard about Spinocerebellar Degeneration? It is also known as Spinocerebellar Ataxia. I really don’t have any idea about this disease until I watched “One Liter of Tears” also called as “One Litre no Namida" or "A Diary with Tears" or "A Diary of Tears”. It’s a Japanese TV drama series, an adaptation of the diary from a Japanese girl named Aya Kito. This drama series is one of the best TV series I have ever watched. You will feel the pain that her family actually feels. Aya Ikeuchi the girl who suffers Spinocerebellar Degeneration was played by Erika Sawajiri. The drama series is so heart touching which will make anyone watch the entire series.

Now, I’ll change the topic and give you some information about this disease. Sad to say but this disease is not curable. I want this to be written on my blog to share it to everyone who doesn’t have any idea about this disease. Let’s help one another to share information like this so that everyone will be aware of it. I just can take the pain like what happened to the girl. So hard to see someone who always fell in the ground and getting hurt because a person suffering this will actually encounter problems in control ling their muscles.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA):

A progressive, degenerative, genetic disease with multiple types, each of which could be considered a disease in its own right.

Symptoms:

Spinocerebellar ataxia is one of a group of genetic disorders characterized by slowly progressive incoordination of gait and often associated with poor coordination of hands, speech, and eye movements. Frequently, atrophy of the cerebellum occurs, and different ataxias are known to affect different regions within the cerebellum.

As with other forms of ataxia, SCA results in unsteady and clumsy motion of the body due to a failure of the fine coordination of muscle movements, along with other symptoms.

The symptoms of an ataxia vary with the specific type and with the individual patient. Generally, a person with ataxia retains full mental capacity but may progressively lose physical control.

Treatment and Prognosis:

There is no known cure for spinocerebellar ataxia, which is a progressive disease (it gets worse with time), although not all types cause equally severe disability.

Treatments are generally limited to softening symptoms, not the disease itself. The condition can be irreversible. A person with this disease will usually end up needing to use a wheelchair, and eventually they may need assistance to perform daily tasks.

The treatment of incoordination or ataxia, then mostly involves the use of adaptive devices to allow the ataxic individual to maintain as much independence as possible. Such devices may include a cane, crutches, walker, or wheelchair for those with impaired gait; devices to assist with writing, feeding, and self care if hand and arm coordination are impaired; and communication devices for those with impaired speech.

Many patients with hereditary or idiopathic forms of ataxia have other symptoms in addition to ataxia. Medications or other therapies might be appropriate for some of these symptoms, which could include tremor, stiffness, depression, spasticity, and sleep disorders, among others.

Both onset of initial symptoms and duration of disease can be subject to variation. If the disease is caused by a polyglutamine trinucleotide repeat CAG expansion, a longer expansion may lead to an earlier onset and a more radical progression of clinical symptoms.

Diagnosis:

It can be easily misdiagnosed as another neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

The most precise means of identifying SCA, including the specific type, is through DNA analysis. Asymptomatic and at risk family members considering a genetic test should consult with a physician and genetic counselor. An MRI of the brain may also show whether certain regions of the cerebellum have noticeably degenerated, but this is often not the most robust way to provide a diagnosis.

SCA is related to olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA); SCA types 1, 2, and 7 are also types of OPCA. However, not all types of OPCA are types of SCA, and vice versa. This overlapping classification system is both confusing and controversial to some in this field.

Source: wikipedia

Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Its Benefits

Before knowing its health benefits, it is important to know first what a Conjugated Linoleic Acid is. Basically, Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA in short term was discovered by researchers as a family of at least 28 isomers of linoleic acid that is found in beef and other dairy products. By accident they have found out that people, especially those who have cancers can get a lot of health benefits with this Conjugated Linoleic Acid.

Why? One reason is because Conjugated Linoleic Acid can increase a person’s metabolic rate. This is good for people having problems with their thyroid glands. Conjugated Linoleic Acid can also decrease the abdominal fat; lower the cholesterol and triglycerides while enhancing the muscle growth. Therefore, if a person wants to lose weight but still wants to maintain a strong body, including Conjugated Linoleic Acid in their diet is very ideal. Lowering insulin resistance is also one of its great benefits. This is good for diabetic and hypothyroid patients. Conjugated Linoleic Acid also reduces food-induced allergic reactions which also assist thyroid patients when they need to undergo weight loss. And last but not the least, enhancing the immune system is one of the major key health benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid.

So when combined with proper diet and healthy exercise, eating foods that are rich with Conjugated Linoleic Acid can certainly bring back your healthy and vigorous body. The cancer-fighting substances of CLA can certainly keep a person away from any type of cancer. It’s a good thing to know that everyone can get it for free in our dairy food.

Progesterone Cream Effects

Progesterone is actually a steroid hormone produced in the ovary. This is the kind of female hormone that is involved in menstrual cycle and prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. Our body produces natural progesterone as well. A lot of reasons why this is considered a good component but to top it all, natural progesterone actually helps in balancing overproduction of estrogen

Progesterone cream on the other hand is used as a hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. Basically, progesterone cream is used to balance or oppose the effects of estrogen. When unconstrained, this estrogen may create a risk for reproductive and breast cancers. In simple form, progesterone cream is used to overcome or if not, prevent the symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and normalize women’s cycle.

However, there is always a limitation of using progesterone cream just like any other kind of cream. This is because complications may develop if a particular woman uses this cream too much. In effect, one may encounter problems with her hormone balance. That’s why Dr. Mercola himself recommends lower dose creams with prescription strength of 10%. Not only will it be safe to use but also provides huge cost savings. He even suggests reading Dr. Lee's books on” What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause” because he certifies that it is a good read.

Of course, women must also consider changing their lifestyle to cope up with the balancing process. When using progesterone cream, it is also very important to sleep on time so you need to go to bed by 10pm. Stress is also a big factor. Therefore, you also need to fight stress by having some stress management which also plays a big role in the development. If still uncertain, we recommend that you contact BioHealth Diagnostics for an information kit.

Aspartame is Considered a Dangerous Substance

Aspartame is basically known as an artificial sweetener made with 40% aspartic acid, 50% phenylalanine and 10% methanol. Aspartame has several brand names also called as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure to name a few. It was in 1974 when the use of Aspartame in dry goods was put on hold. But it was then approved to be used in dry goods in 1981 and was approved for carbonated beverages in 1983 until the separate subsidiaries made by Searle Pharmaceuticals and NutraSweet Company got it in 1985. .

From then it was believed that Aspartame causes adverse reactions based on its documented symptoms. This includes the following:

• Headaches/migraines
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Numbness
• muscle spasms
• weight gain
• rashes
• depression
• fatigue
• irritability
• tachycardia
• insomnia
• vision problems
• hearing loss
• heart palpitations
• breathing difficulties
• anxiety attacks
• slurred speech
• loss of taste
• tinnitus
• vertigo
• memory loss
• joint pain

Although in most cases, the most common complaint of the persons who suffered on the Aspartame effect is memory loss, it may also cause serious effects like seizures or worst, death. The reason behind this is the effect of the substance “Aspartate” that when combined with glutamate, these substances act as neurotransmitters in the brain. Having excessive amount of these substances in the brain excite and stimulate brain neurons that allow influx to set off free radicals which in turn kill the cells. Naturally, this will cause serious neural cell damage. That’s why in most cases, memory loss is the major effect.

So it is better to slow down or better, avoid the habit of ingesting aspartame. Slowing down or preventing such habit, like breaking ones daily routine of drinking carbonated drinks, may lessen the possibilities of acquiring adverse health issues due to aspartame. Like what we always say, prevention is better than cure.

Sunlight and Skin Cancer Facts

As I recall my post in the month of July last year regarding this topic about sunlight that reduces the risk of cancer, now here is a follow article why a proper sun exposure can help in preventing skin cancer.

On Dr. John J. Cannell video, he discusses the benefits of vitamin D and why a safe sun exposure is good for our skin even though we hear a lot of bad things about it. In fact, they found out that a greater sun exposure decreases melanoma occurrence while applying sunscreen can actually increase its occurrence and we don’t even know that.

Therefore, in any way possible, it is a proven fact that the vitamin D that goes directly to the genes in our skin helps in prevention of the types of abnormalities that ultraviolet light causes. And where else can we find the best source of Vitamin D that is for free - only from the sun, of course. And the more we tried to avoid the sun, the more we intend to decrease the supply of Vitamin D to our skin. As a result, we’re missing much of the built-in cancer protection as provided by the sun.

So don’t be afraid and just let yourself be exposed to a high noon sun. Contrary to what we believe in, our skin needs UVB. UVB is what our skin needs and not UVA. UVA is high at morning and evening while UVB is actually high at midday. So don’t think that midday sunlight can cause you cancer because in fact, it helps you increase the amount of Vitamin D in your skin. So it’s better to know the beneficial effect of sun rather than completely ignoring the truth of what really makes us healthy.

Don’t Worry, Be Inspired and Get Back Up

It’s funny how people deal with their daily problems. Some people get mad; some doesn’t bother to think about it, some are just “easy go lucky” while some put the blame in God. I pity the latter ones. It’s not because they do not worship God but merely because they do not know how to accept God’s pure love to their lives and be inspired by Him.

Problems may come and go. As the days pass by, worries and difficulties may come your way. Though you think you had the worst day of your life, just take ample of your time to watch this very inspirational video of Nick Vujicic, an Australian guy who was born without limbs. See how he chooses to live life to the fullest without paying much attention to his incapability. He chooses to live life the normal way, without regrets, without any hesitations. In short, he chooses to be happy.

I was touched and inspired with his incredible story. I even admired him so much that I even wanted to see him personally. Imagine how he shares his story and inspire other people without asking anything in return but just a warm hug. I’d love to share this to all to give hope especially for those who are so down. Imagine how Nick struggled so much but still chooses to stay happy.

I will never forget these inspirational lines which I learned from him, “If you fail again and again, will you give up? It’s not the end. It doesn’t matter if you tried a hundred times or more. It matters how you are going to finish. Are you going to finish strong? Then, you will find that strength to get back up.”

Just like what he did to get himself back up when he fell down; I hope his inspirational story would also touch the heart of those who are in deep trouble. It’s so great to see a person with so much positive outlook in life and a very courageous yet so admirable lifestyle.

Obesity Tax as People’s Reward?

The video here shows how each of us is affected by the sudden change in our diet that affects our health which is a mere cause of obesity nowadays. This obesity issue caught the attention of American Dietetic Association in 2008. The graphical survey shows that the big difference of drinking milk versus soda with sugar starting 1970 up to 2005 provide massive effect on obesity of most children. This issue continues to rise up that makes dieticians and health doctors worry a lot.

Before things get worse, New York Governor Paterson come up with what he thinks is the most effective way to prevent the rising up of obesity patients especially among children. This is none other than implementing the obesity tax. Together with State Health Commissioner Richard Daines, they want to support this tax in order to improve the overall health of an individual and eventually avoid the cause of obesity. The Governor even stated that this tax would help raise $400 million. This is because people can lower their purchase and intake of soda that contains mostly of sugar which is the number one source of fat that in the end causes obesity.

One more thing about this campaign is the advice of drinking milk rather than sugar-laden drinks especially for children. Huge difference on the average rate of kids drinking milk starting 1970-2005 has also became evident. The average rate has declined due to the effect of soda to children. That’s why adding tax to these kinds of drinks can be the best solution for New York Governor Paterson. However, some people may oppose this massive crusade against obesity. Just like what Assemblyman Ron Canestrari has stated, there are better ways to fight obesity and better ways to raise money for the cash strapped state.

America's Top 20 Worst Foods

I recently posted this topic, “Who offers less food calories, is it restaurant or fast food?” I want to share this info that I found in MensHealth.com. It’s all about the 20 worst foods in America .

20. Worst Fast-Food Chicken Meal

McDonald’s Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips with creamy ranch sauce

830 calories
55g fat
(4.5g trans fat)
48 g carbs

Add soda and large fries this meal is equal to 1,710 calories.

19. Worst Drink

30 fl oz Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie

900 calories
10 g fat
183 g carbs
(166 g sugars)

18. Worst Supermarket Meal

Whole pie of Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie

1,020 calories
64 g fat
86 g carbs

For a better pie you might buy Swanson's pot pie with 400 calories only.

17. Worst "Healthy" Burger

Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger

1,145 calories
71 g fat
56 g carbs

16. Worst Mexican Entrée

Chipotle Mexican Grilled Chicken Burrito

1,179 calories
47 g fat
125 g carbs
2,656 mg sodium

15. Worst Kids' Meal

Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese

1,210 calories
62 g fat
3,450 mg sodium

14. Worst Sandwich

Large Quizno’s Classic Italian

1,510 calories
82 g fat
3,750 mg sodium
106 g carbs

This sandwich is big, either buy a small one or cut it in half and save the half for later.

13. Worst Salad

On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef

1,450 calories
102 g fat
78 g carbs
2,410 mg sodium

12. Worst Burger

Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger

1,520 calories
111 g fat

11. Worst Steak

Lonestar 20 oz T-bone

1,540 calories
124 g fat

If you add a Lonestar's Signature Lettuce Wedge plus baked potato you’ll get a 2,700 calorie with this.

10. Worst Breakfast

Bob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed Hotcakes

1,540 calories
77 g fat
(9 g trans fat)
198 g carbs
(109 g sugars)


9. Worst Dessert

Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

1,600 calories
78 g fat
215 g carbs


8. Worst Chinese Entrée

P.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein

1,820 calories
127 g fat
95 g carbs

This dish provides more than 1,100 calories fat content alone.

7. Worst Chicken Entrée

Chili's Honey Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce

2,040 calories
99 g fat
240 g carbs

6. Worst Fish Entrée

On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans

2,100 calories
130 g fat
169 g carbs
4,750 mg sodium


5. Worst Pizza

Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza

2,310 calories
162 g fat
123 g carbs
4,470 mg sodium


4. Worst Pasta

Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce

2,430 calories
128 g fat
207 g carbs
5,290 mg sodium

The requirements calorie for an entire day satisfies this meal.

3. Worst Nachos

On the Border Stacked Border Nachos

2,740 calories
166 g fat
191 g carbs
5,280 mg sodium

2. Worst Starter

Chili's Awesome Blossom

2,710 calories
203 g fat
194 g carbs
6,360 mg sodium

1. The Worst Food in America

Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing

2,900 calories
182 g fat
240 g carbs

Which offers less food calories: Restaurants or Fast Food?

Comparing the energy content of meals being served from a fast food and restaurant has now become the subject of a recent study. When you compare the foods you usually order in some fast food chains or your favorite restaurant to those that you are preparing at your own home, the latter are smaller and have less calories.

The result of this study was based from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. This organization assessed a large sample of information regarding nutritional intake to produce such result.

And as a result, fast food meals were found to be more energy dense than a sumptuous meal from a table service restaurant. However, fast food meals are offered in a smaller amount as well. Therefore, as compared to any other average meal from a restaurant, the typical fast food meal offers lesser calories.

But then, the long believed issue was changed when restaurants probably reduced their food consumption throughout the end of the day. And this is maybe because of the difference in energy density. In the end, the result may be fast foods offer more calories on the food they serve than those we usually eat in a fancy restaurant.

But in a healthier point of view, both the fast food and restaurant meals though won’t prevent you from eliminating potential toxins from your food. It’s just that you need to control your serving size.

Fact Or Myth: Males Are Becoming More Female?

At first, my attention was caught when I saw this article. From the title itself, my curiosity was touched. Also, I was interested to read the entire article because I somewhat believe that it is really happening nowadays. Although I also would like to know if it’s true since the symptoms are really rampant. Maybe, once you’ll know the result of the studies, you will definitely say, “Yeah, I think it’s true.”

Well, I think this is not a simple issue. I simply believe that because many of us are now being aware of our environment, we are also conscious that this is really happening. What I’m talking about here is the recent study that resulted in finding that males of all species are now becoming more female. Choosing between a fact or a myth, don’t you think that this issue is really a fact? Well in my own point of view, whether I am not a scientist at all, I believe that it is indeed, a fact.

The major question about this environmental concern is that, what causes such changes to happen? According to various studies, being exposed to the unregulated chemicals in the environment causes male species to acquire more feminine characteristics. And since humans have similar sex hormone receptors to those of the animals, the indication and transformation pattern is also the same.

The type of chemicals that were found to have such unusual effects to the animal and human genders is also known as the “gender-benders”. This include substances like Phthalates, chemical found in vinyl flooring, detergents, automotive plastics, soap, shampoo, deodorants, fragrances, hair spray, nail polish, plastic bags, food packaging, garden hoses, inflatable toys, blood-storage bags, and intravenous medical tubing. Another one is the Bisphenol A, a common ingredient in many plastics. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is a chemical found in grease- and water-resistant coatings like Teflon. An insecticide and a fungicide found to Methoxychlor and Vinclozin. Also, Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) which is known to be potent endocrine disrupters. The Bovine growth hormones which are commonly added to commercial dairy that make premature adolescence. Soy products may also affect as well as the MSG which is a food additive and last but not the least is the fluoride.

More information has been released for us to be aware of this wide range of health hazards. And if these studies can impose strange changes within our male population, I think we must do something to avoid the worst scenario. Since male infertility is on the rise and fewer boys have been born, world population is at risk. Besides, can you imagine that we’ll soon be living in a world with only female population?

Symptoms and Types of Depression

Have you ever felt so sad sometimes without knowing what the real cause is? Do you happen to experience such a mood disorder of someone close to you? Whether we admit it or not, depression not only affects our behavior but our relationships as well. This unusual state of sadness may be experienced not only by an adult but also by teenagers and children, a man or a woman.

Depression which is a kind of mental state that is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy, fatigue, and pessimism actually has different types. Along with this, persons who were identified as having depression usually have several symptoms.

There are actually five types of depression which are most common. This includes major depression which is a combination of symptoms that hinder the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and perform enjoyable activities. Dysthymic disorder, a less severe depression that happens for 2 years or more but can prevent a person from functioning normally or can prevent him from feeling good. Another type is the psychotic depression which happens when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions. If a new mother develops a major depression within one month after delivery, then it’s another type which is known as postpartum depression. Lastly, there is also what we call as SAD or seasonal affective disorder. This type of depression is characterized by the beginning of a depressive illness. This usually happens when there is less natural sunlight or during the winter months.

But how can we really detect when a person is suffering from depression? By identifying some symptoms, you will know that a person is in the state of depression. A person is depressed when he is usually sad, anxious, or has an "empty" mood. Always feel hopeless or worried or the feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities once enjoyable, including sex; having difficulty to concentrate or in making decisions, or remembering; trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down" and also the changes in appetite or weight or both. And worst, depressed person can possibly have thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts; or may feel restlessness or irritability and the relentless physical symptoms, like headaches, chronic pain and digestive disorders that do not respond to scheduled treatments.

So if you’re looking for the best depression treatment, it is best to consult your primary care provider. Go and see your psychiatrist. You may also have some talk therapy with a psychologist who can also help treat your sadness. Although there are lots of alternative and natural treatments to depression like exercise, relaxation or meditation, it is still best to see a psychiatrist.