Science has long proven that being lighter (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9) is how human bodies were meant to function in an optimal way. Weight loss seems to be on the top of wish lists for many people around the globe which make it a multibillion dollar business. But do we have to be rich to be thin? We’ve been confused and dispersed lately between all the latest theories about weight loss: from caloric density (voluminous food that packs less calories), to low carb and low fat diets (putting certain foods off limit), to intermittent fasting, to calorie trackers…etc. Coming across each method brings us to think that we found…

We all know the old adage that it gets harder to lose weight as we age. Herman Pontzer author of “Burn” talks about how our metabolic rate stays pretty much the same between the ages of 20 and 60, after which it starts slowing down. His studies also show that menopause does not slow metabolism. We simply pile on the pounds as we tend to consume more palatable foods in which the calories tend to pile high (think processed foods, refined sugars and fats). So how can win this fight? Follow these 4 recommendations: Stick with low calorie density foods The key to fat loss is to be in a…

Lots of people complain that they overeat in response to professional or personal stress. If this sounds like you, read the following tips for managing stress-related overeating to help you get rid of this unhealthy habit. Practice waiting. Postpone your instant gratification when hunger hits. Tell yourself you’ll wait 15, or better 30, minutes to eat. Chances are good if your cravings are only stress-related, they’ll disappear when you allow yourself to become distracted. Keep a running list of what you eat each day. Knowing you have to write down every snack or nibble can be a good way to remind yourself to think before eating. If you binge at…

There are two main types of diabetes named type I and type II. Type I is rarer, it is found in about 10% of people with diabetes and is the one more common with children. The immune system destroys the body’s insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and lack of insulin can cause the body to starve. The result is that the body can no longer break down food properly and use its energy.  The cause of type I diabetes is multidimensional. The person must have a genetic predisposition but it is usually triggered by some factor in the environment like a virus for example. The symptoms range from excessive thirst,…

When we’ve had a good workout we need to stretch to relax the muscles. When we’ve had a long moment of concentration, we do something different to relax the brain. When we read for a long time or sit at the computer for a long time, we usually relax by watching TV. Poor Eyes! They are never getting a break. Presented here are a series of eye exercises that promote relaxation of the eye, or strengthens and conditions them.  General tips when doing eye exercises: Please take off your glasses or contact lenses, you will then feel more comfortable and relaxed. When doing the exercises, intensely concentrate on your eyes.…

We all know that vitamins are essential; we all know they’re good for us but  we don’t always know which vitamin performs which function. In this article we’re exploring Vitamin A, tell you why you need it and where to get it from. Why Do I Need Vitamin A? Vitamin A is part of a group of compounds called retinoids and is essential for growth, bone development, night vision, reproduction, and to fight infection. Your body also uses Vitamin A for growth, healthy skin and cells (epithelial) that line any opening to the body (nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines, vagina and urinary tract). Absorption of vitamin A is dependent…

You can hardly turn your head without reading some article or seeing some TV programme talking about the pains of puberty, but you mention the word menopause and everyone goes quiet. Menopause is a natural change and it would serve and any female to know about it whether she is a long way a way, experiencing it or dealing with a mother who is going through it. Menopause occurs when a woman’s oestrogen levels are reduced to the extent that her ovaries do not release eggs any more and she stops getting her period. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but some women can experience it…

Women who are anaemic or have a problem with heavy menstrual bleeding tend to be very tired; they often find that moderate to brisk exercise is difficult for them because they lack stamina and endurance. The fatigue problem tends to resolve as the anaemia and bleeding are corrected nutritionally. In the meantime, women with these conditions may completely stop their regular exercise program in an attempt to avoid feeling tired. However, complete avoidance of exercise is not healthy, for it reduces oxygenation and circulation to vital organs, such as the brain and heart, as well as all the cells of the body. Gentle exercise such as deep breathing exercises, progressive…

Every era is plagued with its own diseases and disorders to challenge the medical profession. Today we are faced, among other things of course, with eating disorders. These disorders are divided into 3 main categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating. Anorexia nervosa is characterised by self starvation, a preoccupation with food, over exercising and eventually a lack of periods. People who suffer from bulimia binge, which means that they will eat outrageous amounts of food at once and then feel guilty so they either make themselves vomit or abuse laxatives. Compulsive overeaters tend to eat constantly without purging so they put on weight. These disorders are serious and…

Are you tired and weak? Does the lining of your lower eyelids look pale?  If so, you could be anaemic. But what does that mean? It means that either your red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) in your red blood cells is low. There are several types of anaemia: • Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common one. The primary cause is blood lost during menstruation. But eating too few iron-rich foods or not absorbing enough iron can make the problem worse. The recommended daily allowance for iron ranges from 6 milligrams for infants, to 30 milligrams for pregnant women. Yet one medical source found that females between 12…