Saturday, September 11, 2010

Benefits of Fish Oil for Fitness and Health

Benefits of Fish Oil for Fitness and Health

When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health-conscious individuals tend to run for cover. What they fail to realize is that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of intake of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial – to their health.

The Truth about Fish Oil

Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without them, we take one step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.

Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3

Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.

As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).

The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other Benefits of Fish Oil

There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.

Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.

In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish to Become Thin

In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil to Combat Asthma

People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.

Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

Consult Your Nutritionist Now

Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.

Natural Vitamin Sources

There are a lot of people who do not have enough natural vitamin sources in their diet and therefore suffer from a deficiency of one or more vitamins. Also if you have a digestive problem than your vitamin levels could be compromised.

Obviously, it is possible to buy vitamin supplements to help overcome any deficiencies but for the majority of people it should be possible for them to obtain the majority of their recommended daily allowance of vitamins from natural vitamin sources. The key to gaining the correct amount of vitamins from natural vitamin sources is to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

There are certain diets, such as vegetarian, that provide a limited number of natural vitamin supplements and therefore a supplement may be necessary. Also, the intake required of these natural vitamin sources at certain periods may need to be increased and a supplement may be the best option. It is important to be aware of each of the different types of vitamins and their best natural vitamin sources so that a person can incorporate as many of these as possible into their regular diet. Water soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body and need to be replenished on a daily basis so it is natural vitamin sources for these vitamins that are the most essential to know.

•    Natural vitamin B1 sources are brewer’s yeast, whole grains, blackstrap molasses, brown rice, organ meats, egg yolk

•    Natural vitamin B2 sources are brewer’s yeast, whole grains, legumes, nuts, organ meats, blackstrap molasses

•    Natural vitamin B3 sources are lean meats, poultry & fish, brewer’s yeast, peanuts, milk, rice bran, potatoes

•    Natural vitamin B4 sources are egg yolks, organ meats, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, soybeans, fish, legumes

•    Natural vitamin B5 sources are organ meats, egg yolks, legumes, whole grains, wheat germ, salmon, brewer’s yeast

•    Natural vitamin B6 sources are meats, whole grains, organ meats brewer’s yeast, blackstrap molasses, wheat germ

•    Natural vitamin B7 sources are egg yolks, liver, unpolished rice, brewer’s yeast, sardines, legumes, whole grains

•    Natural vitamin B8 sources are who1e grains, citrus fruits, molasses, meat, milk, nuts, vegetables, brewer’s yeast

•    Natural vitamin B9 sources are dark-green leafy vegetables, organ meats, root vegetables, oysters, salmon, milk

•    Natural vitamin B12 sources are organ meats, fish, pork, eggs, cheese, milk, lamb, bananas, kelp, peanuts

•    Natural vitamin B13 sources are root vegetables, liquid whey

•    Natural vitamin B15 sources are brewer’s yeast, rare steaks, brown rice, sunflower, pumpkin & sesame seeds

•    Natural vitamin B17 sources are whole kernels of apricots, apples, cherries, peaches, plums

•    Natural vitamin C sources are citrus, cabbage family, chilli peppers, berries, melons, asparagus, rose hips

Friday, July 23, 2010

Supplements and Natural Remedies

Diverticulitis Supplements

There are a range of herbal supplements you can consider for Diverticulitis. Quite a few are mentioned in the newsletter in further detail. If you haven't subscribed you can do so now on the left hand side.
We have listed below some of the better natural herbal supplements. They all have their various benefits, and we have tried to list them in order of most appropriate.
FIRST A DISCLAIMER - YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY SELF MEDICATION. Everyone's case is different, and you need to be well aware of the effects of these herbs on your body in your specific case.
OK, now that we have that out of the way. Here is a list of products that we think should be considered.
We have broken the list into several different categories.

Highly Recommended Products
The first and a really well thought out product, this product is highly regarded for Diverticulitis as it combines the two most necessary things into one package.

Proboitics and Fiber. These are things that should be on your highest to do list. The product is "Fiberboitics" and is really worth a look. Especially if you want a simple solution.
Next a product that helps repair and ease problems. This is an Aloe product called SEROVERA AMP500. The Aloe targets infection, swelling, and helps sooth and repair damaged areas. Also acting as an antioxidant to help rid the body of baddies. We have had some feedback from our newsletter readers stating that this product really helped. It is worth a serious consideration.

Next is straight proboitic solutions. Proboitics are a very important thing. Especially if you have had antiboitics. For a straight quality proboitic solution have a look at True Health's Probiotic Solution. it has live bacteria, and a good mix of the right ones.

The next is digestive enzymes also from True Health. The digestive enzymes adds enzymes into the system that might be lacking. Especially if you have had a bout of antibiotics the chances are everything will be unbalanced. The Digestive Enzyme is just another helpful supplement.
Colon Cleansing can be very helpful. Think of it as a spring clean for the colon. It helps clean things out and can be viewed as a bit of kick start. The best we have had feedback on is the Nutrigenesis Approach quite a lot of people have told us that it really helped them. JUST make sure it is OK for you before proceeding with a treatment.
There are some other products we are looking at, however the above are the highly recommended ones.

Source: http://end-diverticulitis.com

Medical Treatments

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms; whether you have an infection, or it is the first time you have diverticulitis. For mild cramps and stomach pain, you should avoid eating whole grains, fruit or vegetables to allow your colon to rest. It is very important to relax and remain calm so practice deep breathing exercises or meditation.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).  A heating pad placed low on your abdomen will also help to relieve pain and discomfort.
For more severe cases of diverticulitis, you may require hospitalization where fluids and antibiotics are given intravenously. Surgery may be required if a fistula, long-lasting chronic pain, bowel obstruction, abscess or recurring diverticulitis develops.  Two types of surgical procedures such as primary bowel resection and bowel resection with colostomy are performed to remove the affected area of the colon.

Source: www.NativeRemedies.com

Definition of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis

The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The most common sign is tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen. If infection is the cause, then nausea, vomiting, feeling hot while having no fever, cramping, and constipation may occur as well. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the infection and complications. Diverticulitis worsens throughout the day, as it starts as small pains and slowly turns into vomiting and sharp pains.




Diverticulosis

Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms; however, symptoms may include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. Other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and stomach ulcers cause similar problems, so these symptoms do not always mean a person has diverticulosis.

Source: Wikipedia