A lot has been written about hoodia diet pills lately. Can taking a hoodia based supplement realy help you loose weight? Actually, yes it looks like it can.
First some background on the hoodia cactus.
Deep inside the African Kalahari desert, grows an ugly cactus called the Hoodia. It thrives in extremely high temperatures, and takes years to mature.
The San Bushmen of the Kalahari, one of the world"s oldest and most primitive tribes, had been eating the Hoodia for thousands of years, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips.
When South African scientists were routinely testing it, they discovered the plant contained a previously unknown molecule, which has since been christened P 57.
P 57 affects a part of your brain, the hypothalamus. Within that mid-brain there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar.
When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, these cells start firing and now you are full.
What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose.
It goes to the mid-brain and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to.
When the first animal trials for Hoodia were performed on rats, a species that will eat literally anything, they stopped eating completely.
When the first human clinical trial was conducted, a morbidly obese group of people were placed in a "phase 1 unit", a place as close to prison as it gets.
All the volunteers could do all day was read papers, watch television, and eat.
Half were given Hoodia, half placebo. Fifteen days later, the Hoodia group had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 a day.
It"s hard to diet when you"re hungry. Your body is telling you to eat, so you eat. This is the single biggest factor that keeps people from loosing weight. No matter how strong your will power is, you eventually break down and start eating too much again.
Hoodia tackles every weight problem by the root: it simply stops your craving for food. Do you think you could loose weight if you ate 50% less then you do now? You bet you could. I have taken hoodia supplements and they really do make you feel like not eating.
For more information about hoodia, go to:
http://diet-pills-review.speedylearning.com/
20070906
9 Vitamins & Supplements to Improve Your Memory
Does this describe you: You walk into the living room to get
something, only to get there and forget what you needed? You
often hear “Yes, you already told me about that” or maybe you
thought you told someone, but you never actually verbalized it.
Someone tells you their name and then ninety seconds later you
say, “Ok, tell me your name again.”
Perhaps you’re not as young as you used to be, you have more on
your plate to keep track of or you have a diagnosed or even
undiagnosed medical condition. Whatever the reason, you seem to
be plagued with a bad case CRS – Can’t Remember Squat. First and
foremost if you haven’t had a physical exam in a while, go see
your doctor. You’ll want to rule out anything serious that may
be causing your CRS. Barring any serious findings, you can take
some herbs, vitamins and other supplements to help regain some of
your memory. The vitamins, herbs and supplements listed below
may help.
Essential Fatty Acids, otherwise known as fish oils or EPA-DHA
are well known for their anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore,
DHA is required for normal brain function in adults. Decreases in
brain DHA content are associated with age-related cognitive
decline, dementia, and Alzheimer"s disease.
Studies suggest that Polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes
and various other plants may protect against inflammation and
cognitive disorders.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also an excellent antioxidant agent in
neurodegenerative diseases due to the fact that it can interrupt
free radical damage at several points. It has been shown to
elevate antioxidants in various brain regions and improves
memory. Further, ALA supports healthy blood glucose levels and
insulin activity.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant cofactor that has been shown to
protect the brain. In addition to being a potent free radical
scavenger, CoQ10 has proven to be effective in a wide variety of
age-related conditions.
Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant found in all tissues. Low
vitamin E levels are consistently associated with an increased
risk and occurrence of neurological diseases, including
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In a study of patients with
Alzheimer’s, treatment with 2000 IU of vitamin E per day for 2
years was beneficial in delaying the primary outcome (time to the
occurrence of death, institutionalization, loss of ability to
perform activities of daily living, and severe dementia) of
disease progression.
Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for dementia in
Germany, and it is the only nonprescription substance considered
a treatment for dementia in Canada. Ginkgo biloba is one extract
readily available. It enhances mental efficiency in elderly
patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. It is also
shown to improve cognitive function in patients with dementia, to
enhance blood flow to the brain, enhances cognitive performance
in patients with Alzheimer"s disease. Further it is said to
enhance memory in young individuals.
Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to reduce the negative effects
of stress. Due to the decreased ability to handle stress and the
increased levels of glucocorticoids associated with aging and
neurodegeneration, herbs with adaptogenic properties may be
beneficial. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and
brahmi have a positive influence on stress response, mental
function, and cognition.
Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring plant pigments
that provide the bright red, orange, and yellow colors of fruits
and vegetables. A balanced intake of mixed carotenoids, as found
in a healthy diet, provides the best protection against oxidative
damage.
Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are needed for proper brain
function. Insufficiencies of these nutrients may result in
forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, depression, dementia, and
mood and sensory changes. One study stated that age-related
impairment of cognitive function is likely related to vitamin
deficiencies, and is "preventable or reversible with improved
vitamins, especially vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate."
Additionally, scientists searching for a cure for Alzheimer"s
disease have found a potential ally in the herb sage. Checking
the writings of herbalists working four centuries ago, scientists
in England found a marked improvement in the memory capabilities
of Alzheimer’s patients who took sage oil extract. The finding
was consistent with a discovery by researchers at the
Universities" Medicinal Plant Research Center that sage protects
a key chemical destroyed in Alzheimer"s.
This list is not all inclusive and there could be a number of
other factors (environment, diet, disease) that could be the root
cause of your CRS. However, starting with a few supplements may
help you remember where you left your car keys!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
About Author :
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
something, only to get there and forget what you needed? You
often hear “Yes, you already told me about that” or maybe you
thought you told someone, but you never actually verbalized it.
Someone tells you their name and then ninety seconds later you
say, “Ok, tell me your name again.”
Perhaps you’re not as young as you used to be, you have more on
your plate to keep track of or you have a diagnosed or even
undiagnosed medical condition. Whatever the reason, you seem to
be plagued with a bad case CRS – Can’t Remember Squat. First and
foremost if you haven’t had a physical exam in a while, go see
your doctor. You’ll want to rule out anything serious that may
be causing your CRS. Barring any serious findings, you can take
some herbs, vitamins and other supplements to help regain some of
your memory. The vitamins, herbs and supplements listed below
may help.
Essential Fatty Acids, otherwise known as fish oils or EPA-DHA
are well known for their anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore,
DHA is required for normal brain function in adults. Decreases in
brain DHA content are associated with age-related cognitive
decline, dementia, and Alzheimer"s disease.
Studies suggest that Polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes
and various other plants may protect against inflammation and
cognitive disorders.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also an excellent antioxidant agent in
neurodegenerative diseases due to the fact that it can interrupt
free radical damage at several points. It has been shown to
elevate antioxidants in various brain regions and improves
memory. Further, ALA supports healthy blood glucose levels and
insulin activity.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant cofactor that has been shown to
protect the brain. In addition to being a potent free radical
scavenger, CoQ10 has proven to be effective in a wide variety of
age-related conditions.
Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant found in all tissues. Low
vitamin E levels are consistently associated with an increased
risk and occurrence of neurological diseases, including
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In a study of patients with
Alzheimer’s, treatment with 2000 IU of vitamin E per day for 2
years was beneficial in delaying the primary outcome (time to the
occurrence of death, institutionalization, loss of ability to
perform activities of daily living, and severe dementia) of
disease progression.
Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for dementia in
Germany, and it is the only nonprescription substance considered
a treatment for dementia in Canada. Ginkgo biloba is one extract
readily available. It enhances mental efficiency in elderly
patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. It is also
shown to improve cognitive function in patients with dementia, to
enhance blood flow to the brain, enhances cognitive performance
in patients with Alzheimer"s disease. Further it is said to
enhance memory in young individuals.
Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to reduce the negative effects
of stress. Due to the decreased ability to handle stress and the
increased levels of glucocorticoids associated with aging and
neurodegeneration, herbs with adaptogenic properties may be
beneficial. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and
brahmi have a positive influence on stress response, mental
function, and cognition.
Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring plant pigments
that provide the bright red, orange, and yellow colors of fruits
and vegetables. A balanced intake of mixed carotenoids, as found
in a healthy diet, provides the best protection against oxidative
damage.
Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are needed for proper brain
function. Insufficiencies of these nutrients may result in
forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, depression, dementia, and
mood and sensory changes. One study stated that age-related
impairment of cognitive function is likely related to vitamin
deficiencies, and is "preventable or reversible with improved
vitamins, especially vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate."
Additionally, scientists searching for a cure for Alzheimer"s
disease have found a potential ally in the herb sage. Checking
the writings of herbalists working four centuries ago, scientists
in England found a marked improvement in the memory capabilities
of Alzheimer’s patients who took sage oil extract. The finding
was consistent with a discovery by researchers at the
Universities" Medicinal Plant Research Center that sage protects
a key chemical destroyed in Alzheimer"s.
This list is not all inclusive and there could be a number of
other factors (environment, diet, disease) that could be the root
cause of your CRS. However, starting with a few supplements may
help you remember where you left your car keys!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
About Author :
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
Protein Principles for Diabetes
Dietary considerations can present a Hobson’s choice in diabetes. Even when the intake is nutritious, assimilating it can be another matter. Then there is the problem of progression of diabetic complications if one ends up with excess glucose or fat in the system. Excess carbohydrates in a meal, and the resulting uncontrolled blood sugar levels can be detrimental to any number of tissues, from the lens of the eye, to the neurons, small blood vessels and the kidneys. Fat is also a problem with increase incidences of atherosclerosis, large vessel disease and cardiac complications. What, then is the appropriate macronutrient for the diabetic population? Enough medical literature exists to suggest that in diabetes, proteins are probably the best bet.
Proteins are the natural choice of the body when faced with diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes, muscle protein is broken down into amino acids to be converted into glucose by the liver. If left to fend for itself, this can create a commotion within the body. Since proteins have to supply enough energy to substitute for carbohydrates, proteins are broken down faster than they are made. The body ends up with a protein deficit, a situation with subtle, yet far-reaching effects on normal body functions. Importantly, for diabetics, a protein deficit has been shown to impair resistance to infections (Ganong WF). Replenishing the depleting protein stores is a vital requirement of all diabetic diets.
Importance of proteins in a diabetic has been well documented. The American Associations of Clinical Endocrinologists have made it clear that not much evidence exists to indicate that the patients with diabetes need to reduce their intake of dietary proteins. The AACE recommends that 10-20% of the calorie intake in diabetes should come from proteins (AACE Diabetes Guidelines). It is in fact believed that this is one nutrient that does not increase blood glucose levels in both diabetics and healthy subjects (Gannon et al).
Nutrition therapy for diabetes has progressed from prevention of obesity or weight gain to improving insulin’s effectiveness and contributing to improved metabolic control (Franz MJ). In this new role, a high protein diet (30% of total food energy) forms a very pertinent part of nutrition therapy. One of the most important causes for type II diabetes is obesity. Excess body fat raises insulin resistance and higher levels of insulin are required to bring down blood sugars as the weight increases (Ganong WF). Another problem with excess fat is the clogging of arteries with atherosclerotic plaques that is responsible for a wide range of diabetic complications. Any mechanism that reduces body fat decreases insulin resistance and improves blood glucose control. Parker et al have also shown that a high protein diet decreased abdominal and total fat mass in women with type II diabetes. Other studies by Gannon et al. and Nuttall et al have verified that blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker of long term diabetic control) reduce after 5 weeks on a diet containing 30% of the total food energy in the form of proteins and low carbohydrate content. It is speculated that a high protein diet has a favorable effect in diabetes due to the ability of proteins and amino acids to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Thus, a high protein diet is not only safe in diabetes, but can also be therapeutic, resulting in improved glycemic control, and decreased risk of complications related to diabetes.
The benefits of a high protein diet do not end here. Individual protein components of such a diet, when aptly chosen, can have other advantages as well. Dietary supplements containing proteins like whey and casein come highly recommended. Casein is a milk protein and has the ability to form a gel or clot in the stomach. The ability to form this clot makes it very efficient in nutrient supply. The clot is able to provide a sustained, slow release of amino acids into the blood stream, sometimes lasting for several hours (Boirie et al. 1997). A slow sustained release of nutrients matches well with the limited amount of insulin that can be produced by the pancreas in diabetes. A protein supplement containing casein can thus increase the amount of energy assimilated from every meal and, at the same time, reduce the need for pharmacological interventions to control blood sugar.
Whey proteins and caseins also contain “casokinins” and “lactokinins’, (FitzGerald) which have been found to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive humans (Seppo). In addition, whey protein forms bioactive amine in the gut that promotes immunity. Whey protein contains an ample supply of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine appears to enhance glutathione levels, which has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties -- antioxidants mop up free radicals that induce cell death and play a role in aging.
Thus, development of a protein supplement containing casein and whey can provide an apt high protein diet and its health benefits to individuals suffering from diabetes, obesity and hypercholesterolemia.
ABOUT PROTICA
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com
Proteins are the natural choice of the body when faced with diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes, muscle protein is broken down into amino acids to be converted into glucose by the liver. If left to fend for itself, this can create a commotion within the body. Since proteins have to supply enough energy to substitute for carbohydrates, proteins are broken down faster than they are made. The body ends up with a protein deficit, a situation with subtle, yet far-reaching effects on normal body functions. Importantly, for diabetics, a protein deficit has been shown to impair resistance to infections (Ganong WF). Replenishing the depleting protein stores is a vital requirement of all diabetic diets.
Importance of proteins in a diabetic has been well documented. The American Associations of Clinical Endocrinologists have made it clear that not much evidence exists to indicate that the patients with diabetes need to reduce their intake of dietary proteins. The AACE recommends that 10-20% of the calorie intake in diabetes should come from proteins (AACE Diabetes Guidelines). It is in fact believed that this is one nutrient that does not increase blood glucose levels in both diabetics and healthy subjects (Gannon et al).
Nutrition therapy for diabetes has progressed from prevention of obesity or weight gain to improving insulin’s effectiveness and contributing to improved metabolic control (Franz MJ). In this new role, a high protein diet (30% of total food energy) forms a very pertinent part of nutrition therapy. One of the most important causes for type II diabetes is obesity. Excess body fat raises insulin resistance and higher levels of insulin are required to bring down blood sugars as the weight increases (Ganong WF). Another problem with excess fat is the clogging of arteries with atherosclerotic plaques that is responsible for a wide range of diabetic complications. Any mechanism that reduces body fat decreases insulin resistance and improves blood glucose control. Parker et al have also shown that a high protein diet decreased abdominal and total fat mass in women with type II diabetes. Other studies by Gannon et al. and Nuttall et al have verified that blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (a marker of long term diabetic control) reduce after 5 weeks on a diet containing 30% of the total food energy in the form of proteins and low carbohydrate content. It is speculated that a high protein diet has a favorable effect in diabetes due to the ability of proteins and amino acids to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Thus, a high protein diet is not only safe in diabetes, but can also be therapeutic, resulting in improved glycemic control, and decreased risk of complications related to diabetes.
The benefits of a high protein diet do not end here. Individual protein components of such a diet, when aptly chosen, can have other advantages as well. Dietary supplements containing proteins like whey and casein come highly recommended. Casein is a milk protein and has the ability to form a gel or clot in the stomach. The ability to form this clot makes it very efficient in nutrient supply. The clot is able to provide a sustained, slow release of amino acids into the blood stream, sometimes lasting for several hours (Boirie et al. 1997). A slow sustained release of nutrients matches well with the limited amount of insulin that can be produced by the pancreas in diabetes. A protein supplement containing casein can thus increase the amount of energy assimilated from every meal and, at the same time, reduce the need for pharmacological interventions to control blood sugar.
Whey proteins and caseins also contain “casokinins” and “lactokinins’, (FitzGerald) which have been found to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive humans (Seppo). In addition, whey protein forms bioactive amine in the gut that promotes immunity. Whey protein contains an ample supply of the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine appears to enhance glutathione levels, which has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties -- antioxidants mop up free radicals that induce cell death and play a role in aging.
Thus, development of a protein supplement containing casein and whey can provide an apt high protein diet and its health benefits to individuals suffering from diabetes, obesity and hypercholesterolemia.
ABOUT PROTICA
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com
20070823
Diabetes Awareness: Ill Wait til it Hurts
By the time many type 2 diabetics (and often their doctors)
realize action is necessary, the disease, with its destructive
high blood sugars, has been silently damaging their body for
years.
Complications to the blood vessels and tissues of your eyes,
feet, heart, kidneys, and other organs, are likely well underway.
You visit the doctor because you feel bad, and you wish to feel
better. You react to the symptoms of perceived illness. This is
understandable, but does not allow much room for prevention or
early detection of diabetes.
Of course this idea, "Don't see the doctor 'til it hurts,"
comes from our "busier-then-ever" lifestyles. But to blame, to
point fingers after the damage has started is as pointless as is
the leaping bungee-jumper's complaint that his equipment has just
failed. It's a little late to talk about why. Some problems are
better prevented.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you know most of the time you don't
feel very bad. You might think that because you don't feel very
bad, it isn't very serious, and you don't have to do anything
about it just now. "I'll wait 'til it hurts" ...You couldn't be
more wrong.
Diabetes damages your body with high blood sugars. It doesn't care
whether your sugars are high from type 2, type 1, or some other
cause - if they're up, they're doing damage. Type 2 diabetics
who let their sugars run "because they don't feel bad" are doing
serious damage to their eyes, kidneys, hearts, and nervous
systems.
Suppose you have diabetes, and don't want the complications.
Suppose you don't know you have diabetes, but you're from a
high-risk group (maybe someone in your family has or had diabetes),
and you want to cut the risks. Or, suppose you just want to feel
better.
It's all the same - Your early detection, education, and prevention
work best.
Don't wait 'til it hurts. Ask your doctor about diabetes and have
your blood sugar checked several times a year.
For more information about diabetes, including a Diabetes Quiz and
a Free booklet, visit our website at:
http://hope4diabetes.com/info
This 20 page FREE booklet will provide you with in-depth information
on comprehensive diabetes care. The 7 principles, or steps, will help
you to understand, manage and diagnose your potential diabetes risk.
It could help you live a longer and more active life. The booklet is
Yours absolutely FREE - No Risk! Share it NOW with the people you
love and want to Keep alive!.
David Anderson
Freelance healthwriter at Hope4Diabetes.com
Humulin or Lantus, Which Insulin For Your Child?
Humulin or Lantus? When my daughter, who was 8, was first diagnosed the Children's Hospital that was treating her put her on an insulin program of short acting Humalog NPH and long acting Humalin N. You should have seen me that first day of training after a long night in the emergency room where she was diagnosed. I was a raving lunatic to begin with so my brain was mostly mush at that point. Add to that everything began with "H". Mix this "H" with that "H" but first charge this "H" with air, then draw this "H" first followed by that "H" but make sure you roll this "H" between your palms and for crying-out-loud don't shake that "H". Anyway I guess osmosis worked and all of that information finally seeped in. We were officially diabetic now.
For those of you who may not be familiar with it, Humalog and Humalin (short and long acting insulins) are mixed in the same syringe and injected 3 times a day usually before meals. Your child is allowed a certain amount of carbohydrates for each meal that the doctor figures out based on age, weight, etc., and that's your number. My daughter's was 65 carbs max per meal and 35 max per snack. However your child hits their magic number that's it. Whether it's 65 slices of ham or half a pop-tart. Plus she had to eat 6 times a day at certain times everyday.
Well the time came when she decided she wanted a little more freedom of choice and asked me about trying Lantus. My first thought was if it's not broke don't fix it. But I can have a cupcake whenever I want so I decided my opinion was secondary. So we looked into it. Lantus is a long lasting insulin. One shot at night and she had a 24 hour basal dose of insulin. "One shot" I'm thinking to myself "that's great". But wait, you also have to take a shot of short acting insulin (a bolus) everytime you eat. 10 meals 10 shots, 3 meals, 3 shots. Even I could figure that out. You base the amount of short acting insulin on the number of carbs you are about to eat. Talk about freedom! Compared to what she had been doing it was like being re-born. she didn't care that it would mean more shots. All she heard was she could eat what she wanted when she wanted. Birthday cake, pizza parties, popcorn at the movies, boy she was ready to go. The first thing she wanted to have was a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. I looked at the chart on the wall and it read 125 carbohydrates. That was half a days carbs in a paper cup! After a couple of days of gluttony things got back to normal pretty quickly.
Remember that freedom I mentioned, it came at a price. This insulin regime is a lot of shots. Add those to the required blood tests and your talking about a lot of holes per day in a little girl. One more thing, her nighttime Lantus shot was 19 units. that's a lot of insulin all at once. In her case it went in like battery acid. These shots are no fun. However, after several months on the Lantus regime her life and the rest of my family's lives are pretty close to pre-diagnosis normal. All in all it was the right thing to do. If your doctor is suggesting Lantus or your child is asking about it, consider all of the above. We're glad we did it.
Russell Turner is the father of a 10 year old diabetic daughter. He realized early on that he could find all the medical information about diabetes he could ever need on the internet. What he couldn't find was information that told him how to keep his family's life normal after the diagnosis. He started his own website dedicated to just that. Visit http://www.mychildhasdiabetes.com Prepare you child for life with diabetes!
Insulin and Diabetes
Insulin has two critical roles in the body that we cannot live without, yet it can be the root of many health problems, including diabetes. Insulin carries sugar (glucose), fat and protein into your cells where they are used for energy and the repair of your cells. When you eat, a certain amount of the food will be converted into glucose and enter the bloodstream. As the sugar levels rise, the body senses it and the pancreas secretes insulin to lower the sugar. This is insulin's second main function.
If you eat too much of any food, especially carbohydrates (starch and sugar) the levels of glucose in the blood rise to very high levels. In turn this triggers a large release of insulin from the pancreas. Your cells will take what they need and then insulin will begin the process of converting the excess glucose, fat and protein into fat and then put it all away in your fat cells. By combining foods the right way for your body, you will maintain optimum levels of insulin throughout the day.
The best way to control insulin and fight sugar cravings is to eat protein snacks when you are hungry or when you have severe "sweet" cravings. Also, try to limit yourself to three carbohydrate-containing meals per day and try to eat vegetables with most meals and snacks.
A particularly good snack is non-fat cottage cheese and salsa. The only vegetables to avoid in the evening are corn, yellow or orange squash, peas, beets and carrots. They have high simple carbohydrate (sugar) content.
Good natural sources of protein for meals or snacks are:
Chicken breast
Turkey
Fish
Lean Pork
Lean Steak
7% or less Ground Beef
Egg whites
Egg Beaters
Tofu
Non-fat cottage cheese
Non-fat cheese
Non-fat cream cheese
Non-fat sour cream
Fat-free Ham or Canadian bacon
You can also try protein powder and protein bars.
I recommend Labrada ProPlete Protein powder. It is low fat, low carb and high protein. It comes in several flavors and you can probably get it at GNC stores or any vitamin store. It does not have artificial sweeteners. It is sweetened with Stevia, which is all-natural and it made from the root and leaves of the Stevia plant.
Labrada also makes good low-carb, sugar free protein bars. Other good protein bars are Ultimate Lo-Carb, Ultimate Lo-Carb2 and Premiere Elite. These are good as a "pretend candy bar" when you're having a craving. Just don't over do it. The last three bars I mentioned do have artificial sweeteners. You can find them at GNC, Trader Joe's and many vitamin stores.
The key is to eat frequently throughout the day and also have a real sweet treat once a week if that will help you stay away from sweets the rest of the week.
My fat loss and fitness plan "Every Body Loses" will give you the tools you need to begin a healthy weight loss program. The style of eating and exercising outlined in my book is one that you can follow for life without feeling deprived. If you're serious about losing fat and getting fit go to www.aim4nutrition.com and get started TODAY!
Good Luck and Be Well,
Aimee Deak
Personal Trainer & Nutrition Analyst
AIM 4 NUTRITION
www.aim4nutrition.com
20070803
Causes of Hypoglycemia
Causes of Hypoglycemia
by Timothy Gower
Keeping blood sugar from rising too high is the goal for anyone with any variety of diabetes. But hypoglycemia (high po gly see me uh) is, in a sense, the result of too much success. This term for very low blood sugar is a combination of three Greek words: Hypo = under, glykys = sweet, and haima = blood. Anyone can become hypoglycemic, but for people with diabetes, curbing the threat of nose-diving blood sugar is part of daily life.
When glucose levels drop off, cells throughout much of the body can adjust by living off fat and protein, at least temporarily. But one very important organ -- the one located between your ears -- can't use fat and protein for energy. Since the brain needs glucose to survive, it regards a sugar shortage as a crisis. Early symptoms are no big deal. You feel hungry and a little shaky and nervous, like you had too much coffee. But soon you begin to feel woozy and need to sit down. Your heart thumps, and you break into a cold sweat. Unless you take the proper steps, you may become confused and talk incoherently. Your vision blurs and your head feels ready to burst. In a sense, it is: In extreme cases, hypoglycemia causes convulsions and even comas.
What causes a plunge in blood sugar? In a person who does not have diabetes, hypoglycemia is fairly uncommon, since the body comes equipped with an efficient system that keeps blood sugar levels balanced. When blood sugar begins to drop, the pancreas senses trouble and slows down insulin production, so the body doesn't use up glucose so quickly. For an added boost, the pancreas makes the hormone glucagon, which signals the liver to convert some glycogen to glucose, then release the sugary stuff into the blood. It all happens so quickly that a dip in blood sugar is brief and goes unnoticed.
This system can get out of whack if you have diabetes, making it tricky to maintain balanced blood sugar. That's especially true if you inject insulin or take sulfonylureas or meglitinides, two widely used medications that perk up insulin production in the pancreas. Getting the proper dose of these therapies exactly right is something of an art. To avoid frequent bouts of hypoglycemia, you must become expert at tweaking your dosage when necessary and knowledgeable about the steps you can take to help keep your blood sugar from plummeting.
Using insulin or insulin-stimulating medications increases the risk for low blood sugar, but the problem can be triggered by other conditions and circumstances. If you develop symptoms but your glucose levels appear to be safe (and you know your glucose meter is working properly), talk to your doctor. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by:
-Other medications, including aspirin, sulfa drugs (for treating infections), pentamidine (for serious pneumonia), and quinine (for malaria)
-Alcohol, especially if you go on a bender. Heavy doses of booze interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose.
-Other illnesses, including diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Also, rare tumors called insulinomas produce insulin, which would raise levels of the hormone too high, causing blood sugar to drop.
-Hormonal deficiencies. More common in children, a shortage of glucagon, as well as other hormones (including cortisol, growth hormone, and epinephrine) can cause hypoglycemia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and the author of several books. His work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers, including Prevention, Health, Reader's Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, Men's Health, Esquire, Fortune, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.
by Timothy Gower
Keeping blood sugar from rising too high is the goal for anyone with any variety of diabetes. But hypoglycemia (high po gly see me uh) is, in a sense, the result of too much success. This term for very low blood sugar is a combination of three Greek words: Hypo = under, glykys = sweet, and haima = blood. Anyone can become hypoglycemic, but for people with diabetes, curbing the threat of nose-diving blood sugar is part of daily life.
When glucose levels drop off, cells throughout much of the body can adjust by living off fat and protein, at least temporarily. But one very important organ -- the one located between your ears -- can't use fat and protein for energy. Since the brain needs glucose to survive, it regards a sugar shortage as a crisis. Early symptoms are no big deal. You feel hungry and a little shaky and nervous, like you had too much coffee. But soon you begin to feel woozy and need to sit down. Your heart thumps, and you break into a cold sweat. Unless you take the proper steps, you may become confused and talk incoherently. Your vision blurs and your head feels ready to burst. In a sense, it is: In extreme cases, hypoglycemia causes convulsions and even comas.
What causes a plunge in blood sugar? In a person who does not have diabetes, hypoglycemia is fairly uncommon, since the body comes equipped with an efficient system that keeps blood sugar levels balanced. When blood sugar begins to drop, the pancreas senses trouble and slows down insulin production, so the body doesn't use up glucose so quickly. For an added boost, the pancreas makes the hormone glucagon, which signals the liver to convert some glycogen to glucose, then release the sugary stuff into the blood. It all happens so quickly that a dip in blood sugar is brief and goes unnoticed.
This system can get out of whack if you have diabetes, making it tricky to maintain balanced blood sugar. That's especially true if you inject insulin or take sulfonylureas or meglitinides, two widely used medications that perk up insulin production in the pancreas. Getting the proper dose of these therapies exactly right is something of an art. To avoid frequent bouts of hypoglycemia, you must become expert at tweaking your dosage when necessary and knowledgeable about the steps you can take to help keep your blood sugar from plummeting.
Using insulin or insulin-stimulating medications increases the risk for low blood sugar, but the problem can be triggered by other conditions and circumstances. If you develop symptoms but your glucose levels appear to be safe (and you know your glucose meter is working properly), talk to your doctor. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by:
-Other medications, including aspirin, sulfa drugs (for treating infections), pentamidine (for serious pneumonia), and quinine (for malaria)
-Alcohol, especially if you go on a bender. Heavy doses of booze interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose.
-Other illnesses, including diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Also, rare tumors called insulinomas produce insulin, which would raise levels of the hormone too high, causing blood sugar to drop.
-Hormonal deficiencies. More common in children, a shortage of glucagon, as well as other hormones (including cortisol, growth hormone, and epinephrine) can cause hypoglycemia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Timothy Gower is a freelance writer and the author of several books. His work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers, including Prevention, Health, Reader's Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, Men's Health, Esquire, Fortune, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.
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