Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the liver itself. This proportion of the cholesterol in the body is not affected by the type of food that we eat. However, a substantial quantity of cholesterol is also derived from the food we eat and therefore can be managed with proper diet.

Even though healthy diet choices can keep the arteries free of cholesterol, we pay minimal attention to what eat when we are young. The reality check on cholesterol generally occurs after the age of forty when the harm has already been done. By this age, we are so accustomed to a particular diet that it becomes difficult, if not impossible to change over to a diet that is heart-friendly.

Unlike the so-called healthy weight loss plans that are inclined towards slimness with no regard to nutritional needs, the cardiac diet is based on sound medical principles. The diet proposes gradual and natural weight loss with focus on reducing the risk of heart disease or stroke by promoting weight loss. It aims at managing cholesterol levels through dietary modifications and a move towards a more active lifestyle. Though the diet is primarily meant for those who have, unfortunately, experienced cardiac problems, doctors recommend that the diet should also be adopted by those at a higher risk of heart disease (due to hereditary or genetic reasons).

The target of the diet is to lose weight since obesity increases the risk of a heart disease to a large extent. It also aims at maintaining healthy levels of HDL and LDL.

The cardiac diet recommends choosing healthier foods and does not promote the denial of a specific food group. Some of the choices that you can make are:

-   Whole grain breads and low fat rolls over butter rolls and commercial doughnuts.

-   Vegetables, frozen or fresh, over fried vegetables with cream or butter.

-   All types of fruits except coconut or avocado. Fruits in cream or custard are recommended.

-    Lean meat (three ounces of meat is sufficient for daily requirement of proteins) instead of prime and fatty meats.

-    Low fat dairy products in place of whole milk and yoghurt.

-    Home made low fat soups in place of cream soups.

-    Home made deserts with recommended oils rather than high sugar foods like candies, chocolates and brownies.

-    Adoption of cooking mediums like canola, olive and soybean oils as against solid fats, butter and gravy with meat fat.

-    All beverages, including alcohol are allowed in moderation except for those containing fats, salts and egg yolks.

The cardiac diet is about a balanced diet with recommended ratios of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. There is an equal emphasis on exercise depending upon tolerance levels. A 10-15 minute walk before breakfast and dinner is recommended even for those who already have a cardiac condition.

Modern day lifestyles that are more inclined towards materialistic gains have led to a situation where spirituality, diet and health are ignored at the cost of making it ‘big’ in life. What we fail to realize at times is that comforts and facilities are relevant and pleasurable only if we are in good health and are able to enjoy them.

Any unbiased dietitian will tell you that our diet today is more inclined towards being acidic. It is no surprise, then, that the increase in incidence of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular problems and diabetes is highly correlated with the intake of acid forming foods; foods that are part of our daily fast-food diet. These foods contain high levels of sugars and saturated fats. The human body is naturally alkaline and therefore high levels of acid-producing foods upset the acid-alkaline balance.

However, just because the human body is alkaline, it does not mean that all foods that we intake should be alkaline in nature. Good health basically depends upon striking a healthy balance between the acidity and alkalinity produced in our body.

The human body performs best in an internal environment that as a pH level of 7.39. pH refers to power of hydrogen, which is arrived at by calculating the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14.

Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. A pH between 7 and 14 indicates an alkaline environment while a pH between 0 and 7 indicates an acidic one. Since the human body should have a pH level of 7.39, it means that the internal biochemical environment, as a whole, should be slightly alkaline. The range between which the body can function efficiently is also very small.

To maintain the ideal pH levels, it is essential that we understand the acidity or alkalinity of various foods to be able to balance the overall effect that our diet has on our internal flora. All foods are classified as acidic or alkaline. This is done on the basis of the ash that they leave behind after they go through a metamorphosis during the process of metabolism.

Since one of the causes of specific diseases is understood to be based on the level of acidity or alkalinity of the human body, many ‘so called’ healthy weight loss plans recommend all acidic or all alkaline foods to treat the specific disease. However, eating optimally to achieve the ideal pH level is a more recommended option.

Generally speaking dairy products, meat, seeds, legumes and nuts leave behind an acidic ash. On the other hand, most fruits and vegetables have an alkaline residue. Citrus fruits are generally understood to be acidic in their natural state but turn alkaline once they have been metabolized. Moreover, cranberries, plums and prunes fall under acidic fruits as the acids they contain cannot be metabolized by the human body.

If you want to lose weight and feel that you want to opt in for those ‘quick weight loss’ diets, make sure that you know the overall pH levels of the diet plan. It is also necessary to learn how supplements touted as healthy weight loss supplements affect your internal biochemistry.

But that is not the only concern that exists with regards to childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is also the cause behind various diseases that are being reported in children and adolescents. The incidence of such diseases was erstwhile almost nil among children and teens. And therefore, it can almost be concluded that obesity plays a significant role in causing certain so called ‘adult ailments’ in our children.

Although adult diseases in children can also occur due to genetic and environmental reasons, the incremental factor is associated with the increase in population of obese children. In the last two and a half decades there has been a quantum jump of 400% in the number of obese children of 6 years and above.

Obesity is a health risk, which has been accepted by all experts. It exposes children to:

* Hypertension – Research and studies reveal that hypertension is more frequent, nearly nine times more in obese children as compared to children with normal weight.
* Type 2 Diabetes – Obese children especially those with a family history of type 2 diabetes run a significantly greater risk of developing the disease.
* Orthopedic complications – The cartilage in lower limbs and joints in children is at a developmental stage. Obesity can damage the cartilage since it is not geared up as yet to bear more than normal weight.
* Asthma.
* Sleep apnea – Difficulty in breathing and absence of respiration during sleep.
* Depression – The psychological and social stigma that is associated with obesity can be more traumatic during childhood and adolescence. This can lead to mental disorders like depression.

Determining whether your child is obese is a difficult job. This is because you have to first eliminate the weight gain due to the natural growth process of a child. But there are growth charts available with pediatricians that can easily tell you whether your child is obese for his age and height. Beyond that the factors that need to be considered are:

* Body Mass Index (BMI) – A BMI of 30+ should be enough to raise alarms.
* Height and BMI – Tall children normally have a higher BMI
* Family history – Obesity, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and early cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes need to be considered.
* Signs of stress of weight on lower limbs and joints.
* Absence of logical thinking – This is a symptom that often accompanies obesity and sleep apnea.

A definite and positive approach path towards weight loss solutions is of utmost importance when it comes to treating childhood obesity. There are many options that you can opt from:

* Consider dietary therapy that could help in obtaining herbal weight loss . This will ensure that your child does not need to take strong weight loss medication that is known to have side effects.
* Treating childhood obesity with the aid of natural weight loss programs is recommended. This involves egging your young ones to participate in physical activities in school and outside. Encourage them to take up some sport.
* A change in behaviors and shifting to healthy lifestyles, nutritional diet and avoiding over dependence on fast foods can help in treating childhood obesity.
* Surgical options like a gastric bypass should be considered only as a last resort when nothing else works for your kid. It will do good to keep in mind that all invasive therapies are replete with dangers.

Childhood obesity can potentially ruin the health of an entire generation. It is incumbent upon parents and teachers to discourage over dependence on computer games and junk foods and motivate children towards sports and healthy diet.

The diagnostic base of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian therapy, are the three aspects of body functioning – vata (wind), kapha (phlegm) and pitta (heat). According to Ayurvedic texts all disease is caused by either one or a combination of any two of the three. A combination of all three indicates an incurable condition.

Ayurveda perceives obesity as a cause of:

* Diet and lifestyle that results in accumulation of fat
* Lack of exercise and inactive lifestyle
* Sleeping in the afternoon
* High calorie intake or consumption of sweetened foods

Fat gets deposited in all living beings. Some amount of fat is necessary since it keeps the body moist, provides insulation from heat, protects bones from shock and stores energy. Excessive fat tends to accumulate mostly on the belly, hips and breasts. Left unattended, it leads to a vicious circle of inactivity. Obesity leads to further inactivity as obese individuals find it difficult to remain active.

Ayurveda has a four pronged treatment module for treating obesity:

* Herbs
* Diet
* Lifestyle
* Yoga

Ayurvedic herbs like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) Punarnava(Boerhaavia diffusa) form a part of the herbal weight loss approach. These herbs improve the metabolic rate and help in faster burning of calories. An Ayurvedic physician may prescribe weight loss medications made from purely natural products and prepared according to the specific instructions mentioned in the ancient texts.

Ayurvedic diet for reducing weight takes into consideration the level of activity of the patient and then correlates it with basic nutritional requirements. The emphasis is on a balanced diet that includes food items from each of the groups, namely, milk, meat, fruit, vegetables and cereals. Avoid curds and prefer buttermilk instead. Allow an occasional treat but keep away from fatty and sweetened foods and drinks.

Small changes in lifestyles can go a long way in increasing physical activity. Climb stairs instead looking for the lift, walk down to buy groceries and bring children back home from school on foot. These provide healthy exercise without having to join a gym. Regular sexual activity too is a healthy exercise. Afternoon sleep is a big no-no in Ayurveda. It reduces the metabolic process of burning calories.

Yogic exercises are an integral part of ayurvedic weight loss solutions. Contrary to popular belief yoga is not an exercise program only. It is an age old system of establishing unison between the mind, spirit and body. Specific yogic postures for reducing weight go a long way in developing a positive attitude that can have a big impact on your efforts for combating obesity.

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks celery
• 1 cup green cabbage
• 1 cup Chinese cabbage
• 1 broccoli florets
• 1 bunch of scallions
• 1 tomato
• 1 leek
• 1/2 shallot
• 1/2 zucchini
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 red paper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 fresh chili pepper
• Water or vegetable broth to cover

Cut all vegetables, put into your pot, and cover with the broth or water. Bring to boil and let simmer for about 5-8 minutes. If you want, add some salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Be firm in your decision. If you eat nothing but this soup for a day or two, you will see the result. And believe me, you will want to repeat these “soup days” again soon. Happy cleansing!

1 of 4: Core warm-up and salutations

2 of 4: Standing pose body transformations and detox

3 of 4: Wall inversions and arm transformation

PART 4 of 4: Deep stretch and body reset

Fat makes you fat. Truth: Excess calories make you fat. While fat has more calories per gram (9 calories) than carbs and protein (4 calories), if you pack an extra calories into your diet it’s not going to matter if those calories come from butter, pasta or alcohol. Fat

needs to be included in a healthy well-balanced diet. Best types of fats include monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat found in avocado, nuts, Omega-3 fats derived from fish and flax, and oils like olive, canola, corn, sunflower, and soy oils.

Carbohydrates make you fat.
Truth: Again, excess calories make you fat. Rather then eliminate carbs from your diet, reduce your consumption of refined carbs and load on fruits, veggies and whole grains.

Eating proteins and carbs at different meals will help you slim down.
Truth: The idea here is that because your body uses different enzymes to digest different types of foods, eating carbs and proteins separately will improve digestion and increase weight loss. The truth is, your digestive system is designed to handle lots of different foods at the same time.

Eating just one kind of food helps you shed pounds.
Truth: Whether you’re talking about only eating grapefruit, cabbage soup or whatever they call in the latest add, the only reason you lose weight is because of a lack of calories. This type of restrictive eating is okay for a few days, but it can’t be sustained in the long-term, as it can lead to dangerous deficiencies.

Skipping meals helps you loose weight.
Truth: Skipping meals may actually make you gain weight! When you skip meals, your metabolism not only drops, you also tend to overeat at your next meal.

Eating late at night will make you gain weight.
Truth: The time of day that you eat is not nearly as important as how much you eat and how much you burn. If you eat excess calories at any time they will turn to fat. However, it’s best to consume your calories at a time when your body needs the fuel – during the day.

Foods labeled as “low” or “light” are always low in calories.
Truth: Often, those foods contain other flavour-enhancing ingredients that add calories. Some low-fat foods even have as many calories as their full-fat version. Be sure to flip that low-fat product over and investigate the numbers before you dig in.

Drastically cutting calories helps you loose weight.
Truth: When you don’t eat enough calories, you send your body into starvation mode. Your metabolism slows down so your “starving” body can maintain its weight. The trick is to reduce your calories enough to lose weight, but not so much that you negatively affect your metabolism. For most active females, a caloric intake of about 1,500 calories per day will induce a healthy weight loss of about two pounds per week.

You have to break a sweat while exercising in order to burn calories.
Truth: Any time that you increase activity, you burn calories. True, you burn more calories running on treadmill than just walking, but you also burn more calories taking a walk than sitting on the coach. Live active life!

Source: Jones, H.K. (2009). What’s your diet type?

Part 1 of 4

Part 2 of 4

Part 3 of 4

Part 4 of 4

Acupuncture originated in China and over the years has become a popular therapy across the world. It is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The acupuncture process involves inserting needles at various points in the body. The basics of natural weight loss under the therapy revolve around the release of vital energy known as chi or Qi in Chinese.

Qi is considered to be the circulating life energy in Chinese philosophy. It is thought to be inherent in all things. The Chinese theory believes that Qi flows through pathways that are known as meridians. There are 20 meridians in the body out of which 12 are primary and related to specific organs or functions. The other 8 are called secondary meridians. Any imbalance in the flow of Qi through these meridians caused by a blockage within the body is considered to be the root cause of all disease and disorders including obesity.

There meridians are used by acupuncture specialist to stimulate and restore normal flow and balance of Qi. This is the process that is used for treating all disease. Modern science however believes that acupuncture needles actually stimulate the release of endorphins, a naturally occurring neurochemical that has analgesic properties. It is the excess availability of endorphins that gives a temporary sense of well being.

As far as weight loss is concerned, acupuncture attempts to restrict appetite and cravings for foods. It also eliminates excess water from the body and stimulates the pituitary gland, the master gland of the endocrine system, to burn extra fat. An acupuncturist inserts five needles, four of which are targeted at specific organs – kidneys, liver, lungs and the nervous system. The fifth one is simply inserted to calm an anxious patient. As per TCM theory, this releases the blocked energy and inhibits appetite and craving for carbohydrates and helps in general detoxification.

American acupuncturists have developed a process of ear staples for weight loss. In this process only the upper and lower part of each ear is stapled. This adapted method is less safe than the conventional method of inserting needles because needles are removed after every sitting while the ear staples are left in the ears for several days. The ear cartilage is not resistant to infection and is therefore not recommended by traditional acupuncturists.

Acupuncture treatment for weight loss has been around for years but there is no scientific proof of its efficacy besides the recently discovered release of endorphins. However, it is also not known to cause any harmful effects as long as the needles are sterilized. It does not involve ingestion of any artificial weight remedies whose efficacy is doubted by skeptics. Considering these aspects there seems to be no harm in trying acupuncture along with exercise and natural weight loss supplements provided they have proven credentials.

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Simple home remedies for weight loss
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