If you own a heart-rate monitor, you know how effective it can be for keeping our heart rate in your target zone while running and cycling. But one cardiologist says the monitors can be used to help eat stress during the rest of your day as well. I have a friend whose job is highly stressful, and he wears his to work, says James M. Rippe, M.D., director of the Center for Clinical and Lifestyle Research and a professor of cardiology at Tuffs University School of Medicine. He checks his heart rate now and then and he knows when he needs to take a break to unwind. Dr. Rippe is finishing a year-long study of heart-rate monitors as stress-reduction tools. Though he won’t reveal details of the study, he says some subjects and significant and measurable reduction in stress simply by monitoring their heart rates a few times a day. (However, checking too often may actually cause stress, doctors wan.) while stress is certainly not the only thing that increases heart rate (caffeine, physical activity and excitement do, too), Dr. Ripe says “it provides a window to what’s happening in the body. You don’t have to go to Tibet to de-stress; simply being in tune with your heart rate gives you a positive effect right away. – Jeffrey Csatari
The beast goes down
February 28, 2009 at 5:41 am (Checking Heart Rate, Helps Eat Stress, How effective, Increases Heart Rate, Measurable Stress Reduction, Monitor Heart Rate)
Tags: Caffeine, Cycling, De-stress, Excitement, Heart Rate, Heart-rate Monitor, Lifestyle, Physical Activity, Positive Effect, Running, Stress, Stress Reduction, Stress Reduction Tools, Stressful, Target Zone
Healthier salt to spice our dish (2)
February 23, 2009 at 4:11 pm (Area Affecting, Bitter Taste, Intake, Salty Taste)
Tags: Death, High Sodium, Low Mineral, Soil, Food Chain, Heart Problem, Pansalt, Salt Alternative, Sodium Chloride, Lysine Hydrochloride, Organic Food
He discovered that it was the high sodium and low mineral content in the soil in their area affecting their food chain that brought about these heart problems and deaths. He paved the way for the development of Pansalt, a salt alternative that cuts sodium chloride intake down to about half (43 %) while at the same time, promises to have the best taste profile among the low-sodium salts.
Pansalt is composed of 57% sodium chloride. Providing the salty taste (since sodium chloride is reduced), Pansalt included 28% potassium chloride and 12% magnesium sulphate. It also included 2% lysine hydrochloride that further enhances the salty taste of the two components while masking their bitter taste. Pansalt also contains trace amount (0.0036 %) of this element.
Pansalt has been an approved ingredient in organic food products by the National Food Agency of Finland, the European Commission and the Philippines’ Bureau of Food and Drugs. Pansalt is for general use in the kitchen. It is also being used in more than a thousand food items (including bread, biscuits, sauces, sausages, margarines) in Europe and Japan, and even by major fast-foods outlets in Finland, including McDonald’s.
Reference: Charles E. Buban … Read the best, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Healthier salt to spice our dish (1)
February 20, 2009 at 11:00 am (Food Preservative, High Blood Pressure, Maintain Blood Volume, Major Culprits, Own Diet, Regulation of Water Balance, Salty Taste, Transmission of Nerve Impulse)
Tags: Blood Pressure, Blood Volume, Culprits, Diet, Essential Nutrient, Flavor Enhancer, Heart Dieses, Kidney Dieses, Magnesium, Mineral Salt, Nerve Impulse, Potassium, Preservative, Salt, Salt Intake, Sodium, steoporosis, Stomach Cancer, Stroke, Water Balance
Good morning everybody. We Filipinos were much particular in taste when it comes to cooking foods. We made sure that our food will tastes good that’s why we always use salt. There is some kind of salt that does not good for the heart. Iodize salt is good.
Salt, is not only a flavor enhancer and a food preservative, it is also an essential nutrient needed by our body. The sodium present in salt is important in maintaining blood volume and blood pressure, in the regulation of water balance, transmission of nerve impulses and other vital functions. The 5 grams of salt is always never followed.
Salt is one of the major culprits in developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, stomach cancer, osteoporosis and kidney disease, among others.
Health authorities have been clamoring for further reductions of salt in processed foods as well as better labeling of salt on food products so more people could make changes to their own diet and reduce their salt intake.
There can always be an alternative for salt.
A Finnish professor Heikki Karppanen was able to develop a mineral salt product containing a reduced amount of sodium. Instead he added potassium and magnesium to provide the salty taste. Karppanen became involved in the study of salt and its harmful effects after he learned about the high incidence of heart attacks that lead to deaths among families in his hometown.
Reference: Charles E. Buban … Read the best, Philippine Daily Inquirer
To lose weight, be in control of food (2)
February 14, 2009 at 5:17 am (Attitudes, Behaviour, Boredom, Habit, Meal Planning, Overeating, Present Behaviour, Self-monitoring, Three Meal a Day)
Tags: Attitudes, Behaviour, Boredom, Habit, Journey, Meal, Monitoring, Planning, Self, Stress, Sweat
Roots of eating
Dr. Gerard Musante’s principles written in his book, “The Structure House Weight Loss Plan” have been tried and tested by more than 30,000 people in Musante’s world-renowned residential weight loss center in North Carolina. The focus of his program is identifying the triggers of overeating such as stress, boredom or habit. He presents a structured approach of eating three meals a day without snacks in between. Self-monitoring or keeping a weight loss journal is one of the highlights of this program so you can plan your meals in advance.
Self, science and sweat
Jillian Michaels, known for being a tough guru in NBC’s hit show, “The Biggest Loser,” discusses three main aspects in her book “Winning by Losing.” She advises to focus on self, science and sweat.
First, understand yourself then modify present behaviors and attitudes before you start the journey. Next, understand the science of weight loss by knowing what to eat and how much to eat. Lastly, move to burn the calories. Michaels presents a 12-week exercise plan.
Reference: Mitch Felipe ( E-mail the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com )
To lose weight, be in control of food (1)
February 12, 2009 at 5:14 am (Control Eating, Extra Snak, Food Eating, Food Intake, Structured Diet, Weight Loss, Weight Loss skills)
Tags: Control, Diet, Exercise, Food, Gym, Intake, Lifestyle, Loss, Skills, Snack, Weight
Good morning everybody. Almost all of us were aiming to lose weight and get sexy especially to women. The tendency of us when we are doing nothing is that we tend to eat. Maybe not a hard food. Some are eating while they are reading books, some are eating while they are watching TV, some are eating while they are playing games in the computer. We love to eat. But all of us should be aware and should always be in control when eating, especially those fatty foods.
Before you start reading a diet book, apply weight loss approaches which have been successful for many people. There are many books on weight loss that can teach you how to control your food eating. There is this Bob Greene’s approach in his book “The Best Life Diet”. It is easier to follow since it gives more time to gradually adjust to your new lifestyle. This is applicable to busy people who might not commit to a gym schedule or structured diet right away.
In Phase One, focus on eating breakfast, avoiding extra snacks and not eating two hours before you sleep and increasing daily physical activities like walking. This is more double than limiting the amount of food intake right away. Once you get used to your new habits, move on to Phase Two which encourages you to exercise more and eliminate at least six problem foods like pastries, fries and sodas. Phase Three is about developing weight loss skills. Recipes and sample plans are presented but the focus is still on moderation.
Reference: Mitch Felipe ( E-mail the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com )
Benefits of Ginger Tea (2)
February 9, 2009 at 12:00 am (Bath Rub, Constipation, Heal Faster, Healing Foods, Health-conscious Individuals, Natural Pain, Pain Relief, Poor Diet, Pure Vegetarian, Yellowish Sap)
Tags: Aloe Vera, Diet, Ginger, Pain, Scar
If you are constipated, get the yellowish sap nearest the skin. Eating a small piece can regulate bowel movement.
When buying aloe vera extract, make sure the label says it contains 70-percent aloe vera. And as for beauty products, any concentration from 40 percent up is good. Anything lower than this renders the product ineffective.
Healing foods
There are foods that help you heal faster. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery warns all health-conscious individuals that a diet poor in protein and carbohydrates may not help one’s illness heal faster. Few pure vegetarians who underwent chemical peel to smoothen skin developed scars.
Other nutrients required: Vitamins A, B, C, K. There is absolutely nothing wrong with vegetables especially if you juice them.
Pain relief
There are natural pain triggers. For arthritic pain: corn, wheat, pork, oranges, milk, oats, rye, eggs, beef, coffee, cheese, tomato, peanuts, sugar, butter, lamb, lemon, soy beans. Headaches: caffeine, chocolate, yogurt, nuts, cured meats, MSG, citrus fruits, aspartame, artificial sweetener.
In order to check your sensitivity, get rid of one food from your diet for one week. Then check how you feel.
Ginger sip
Grate three small pieces of peeled ginger. Pour boiling water on it over a strainer. Drink up. This spicy tea can be a remedy for arthritis, headaches and indigestion.
Bath rub
Rub slices of fresh aloe vera on your face and body. Soak in a hot tub for six minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Reference: Inner Cleansing Cures; FE & A Medical Publishing
Benefits of Ginger Tea (1)
February 8, 2009 at 11:53 pm (Acid Neutralizer, Anti-inflammatory, Control High Blood Sugar, Good Oral Suppository, High Blood Sugar, Insect Bites, Insulin Sensitivity, Mno Fats, Polyunsaturated Fats, Serum Cholesterol, Sharpen Meomry, Toxins)
Tags: Bites, Blood Sugar, Cornstach, Cough, Fats, Heartburn, Hypoglucemia, Insulin, Memory, Neutralizer, Nuts
Cornstarch isn’t just for making gravy. Cornstarch helps control high blood-sugar levels. It could even prevent an attack of hypoglycemia. It is effective for type 1 diabetics prone to low blood-glucose levels. Diabetics who consume a mixture of uncooked cornstarch in a drink without sugar (milk or sugar-free soda) find themselves waking up in the morning with fewer problems. Ask your doctor about this natural solution.
Controlling cough
Heartburn is often the culprit for one in every 10 chronic coughers. Solution? Eat a banana, which is a great acid neutralizer. Or expel the toxins:
Have a bowl of hot soup. This can loosen mucus.
Drink warm liquids and water. Avoid ice-cold beverages.
Take a hot shower or steam bath.
Take olive leaf extract, a syrupy health tonic that will ease your itchy throat and speed up healing time. Call 0922-8820575.
Stop smoking.
Beauty and first aid
Aloe vera has many uses. The clear jelly-like sap is good for insect bites, cuts and burns. An anti-inflammatory, it is also a good oral suppository.
Reference: Inner Cleansing Cures; FE & A Medical Publishing
What exercise really does to your heart – 2
February 6, 2009 at 10:07 am (Brisk walking, Builds Endurance, Effects of Exercise, Feel-good hormones, Frequent Exercies, Good Antidote, Good HDL Cholesterol, Heart Beat, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Drop, Off Stress, Prevents bone-thinning, Reduces Triglycerides, Release of Endorphins, Remove LDL Cholesterol, Strong Heart, Vigorous Exercise)
Tags: Antidote, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Bone-thinning, Cycling, Depression, Endurance, Exercise, HDL Cholesterol, Heart Rate, Hormones, Jogging, LDL Cholesterol, Stress, Stress Test, Walking
There is a good effect if you exercise frequently. Exercise causes the heart to get stronger, enabling it to move more blood with each heart beat. It takes fewer beats to get you through the day. With the heart rate drop, the heart is able to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Exercise also removes “bad” LDL cholesterol from the blood, reduces triglycerides and increases “good” HDL cholesterol.
Exercise wards off stress, builds endurance, prevents bone-thinning or osteoporosis. Importantly, it reduces blood pressure and blood sugar. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins or the “feel-good hormones”. It is one good antidote for depression. It is an instituted fact that depression increases the risk of heart attacks by 50% or even higher.
Some asked, what is the exercise should you dig yourself into? For how long and how hard?
You need not be a gym addict to be fit. Generally, 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking, five times a week, or 20 minutes of more vigorous exercise, like cycling or jogging, thrice a week is recommended. Exercise need not be a humdrum, but rather, a pleasurable activity.
For those who have heart disease, a stress test may be needed so a safe level of exercise can be set. Your attending physician will advise you on your corresponding physical activity level. While more isn’t necessarily better, none may be worse than you will ever imagine. Little sweat a day can definitely work wonders. Investing in exercise not just for the short term but as regular daily routine is assured to give you the highest return: a healthy heart!
Ref: Dr. Ma. Belem Carisma, Cardiologist and President of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) visit www.philheart.org or e-mail secretariat@philheart.org.