Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Kidneys’

Feb
20

Protein has been garnering extra attention as the health conscious realize the benefits of including protein in their diets. protein is needed to help rebuild the body’s tissue, which is particularly important to athletes and bodybuilders. In fact, the body is in need of a continual supply of protein in order to repair and to build its tissue. Protein is also essential for producing antibodies, hormones, new muscle tissue, and blood hemoglobin. All protein that is lost within the body must be replaced and protein must be present in order for new tissue to be constructed.

While athletes swear by the ability of animal protein to build muscles, researchers are concerned about the potential effects of animal protein on the liver and the kidneys, as well as the link between animal protein and osteoporosis. As a result, many are turning toward soy protein and whey protein instead. But, what are the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between these different forms of protein? And, how much should you include in your diet in order to garner the benefits you are looking for?

Soy Protein

Soybeans contain high quantities of protein (considered to be of equal quality as animal protein) and also contain substantial amounts of amino acids. In addition, soy has been observed to lower cholesterol. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Soy protein has also been found to reduce the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, and to help prevent a number of diseases related to hormonal issues. These include endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Soy protein has also been shown to speed up the metabolism of the thyroid, which can help with obtaining a leaner body. If you are intolerant to soy, however, its specific protein can actually have the opposite effect.

A number of soy protein products can be found at health food stores, including food bars, soy burgers, and even soy-based beverages. Those products containing soy protein isolate generally have the highest saturation. Other products containing soy protein include soy flour, whole soybeans, and tofu. Be sure to check the product label in order to determine the amount of soy protein the product contains.

Remember, however, soy isoflavones, which are sold as supplements in health food stores, are not the same substance as pure soy protein. Nonetheless, soy isoflavones possess a number of beneficial effects, such as improving kidney function and preventing bone loss.

If you are not allergic to soy, there are very few side effects to including soy in your diet. In some people, however, consuming soy on a routine basis can lead to an upset stomach and may even cause diarrhea or constipation.

Whey Protein

Like soy protein, whey protein has been shown to provide a number of benefits. For example, clinical studies have shown whey protein can:

Act as a natural antibacterial or anti-viralAssist in maintaining the proper weightReduce the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue SyndromeReduce liver damageImprove the function of the immune systemImprove blood pressureImprove athletic performanceImprove the function of the digestive systemReduce gastric mucosal injury

Whey protein is very high in biological value (BV), which is highly sought by athletes. In short, BV is the amount of protein your body can replace with 100 grams of consumed diet. The only other foods containing high levels of BV are whole eggs and egg whites. Unlike eggs, however, whey protein does not contain high levels of fat.

While soy protein is derived from soybeans, whey protein is derived from milk as a diluted byproduct of the cheese-making process. Fresh liquid whey protein contains only about 1% protein because it is mostly comprised of lactose and water. For this reason, it takes about 229 liters of milk to produce just one kilogram of high quality whey protein isolate.

While in its original form, whey protein affects the digestive tract in much the same way as yogurt. Therefore, it is considered to be a natural remedy for many intestinal issues. In fact, it is often used in Sweden to help prevent bowel problems, gas, and constipation. Nonetheless, it can have the opposite effect and actually lead to constipation for some individuals.

The amount of whey protein recommended in a person’s diet depends on his or her weight, gender, age, level of activity, and overall health. Including both soy and whey protein in your diet can be very beneficial to your health; but, since both can lead to constipation, be sure to follow a high fiber diet to help keep your bowel movements regular. Try one or both of these all-natural health supplements and discover the results for yourself!

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May
07



Are you thinking of ways to stop heartburn? Well, before you take a bite of that piece of pizza, or go to your favorite buffet restaurant, learn some valuable ways to defeat heartburn.

Heartburn affects 15 million Americans on a day to day basis. It’s not much of a problem when people experience heartburn on occasion, it’s when a person feels the symptoms on a more consistent basis (two or more days a week). People sometimes over look their symptoms thinking it’s maybe something they’ve eaten.

Of course this is true in some cases, but if you continue to experience symptoms of heartburn after trying different OTC treatments, then your body is trying to tell you something I believe you should take serious heed to.

There’s a small muscular ring at the junction of your esophagus and your stomach. This is called the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). This ring is suppose to keep food and stomach acid in your stomach.

If the LES is weak or relaxed, then food, liquids, and stomach acid will travel up to your esophagus. As a result you feel a bad burning sensation. That burning sensation you feel is commonly known as heartburn.

I’m sure you’ve heard and read a lot of this before, but hey, the more you read, the more you learn, right? If you want to learn some easy ways to stop heartburn then here are some ways I hope you find helpful.

1. Smoking – I’m sure it’s easier said than done to simply quit smoking. However, smoking relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter. When this happens stomach acid will sneak up to your esophagus.

2. Create a food diary and pay very close attention to certain foods like chocolate, milk, sodas, fruits and vegetables that are high in acids like oranges and tomatoes. Spicy foods can also irritate your esophagus which causes heartburn.

3. Drink more water – Some may feel there’s no sugary or strong taste with water. Water not only is a benefit to your kidneys, but it also helps neutralizes stomach acid.

4. One important thing to consider is that you may have a more serious condition, especially if you experience heartburn more than twice a week. If your esophagus is damaged, like mine was, then you may need surgery to repair it.

There are some other things you may try to stop heartburn, like cucumber juice. Cucumber juice (freshly squeezed) can help put a stop to heartburn. Try to exercise a bit more to lose some weight.

If you were to lose 10lbs. that would help relieve pressure off of your LES. Herbs like agrimony, aloe vera, angelica, fennel, garlic, gentian etc., can help treat your heartburn symptoms.

Even though it’s not always talked about homeopathy treatment is pretty good for heartburn. Arsenicum album – for heartburn accompanied by anxiety, chills and thirst, abdominal cramping.

Nux vomica – for heartburn caused by fats or sour foods. Sulfur – for heartburn caused by overeating and/or accompanied by burping.

Nutritional supplements, probiotics, soil-based organisms and stress reduction are four others way to bring an end to heartburn. The best type of nutritional supplements you can try are digestive enzymes and calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate should be taken every 2 to 3 hrs. until symptoms ends.

Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, are probiotics that can also be helpful, as can fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and soil-based organisms.

Now, FOS is an all-natural carbohydrate type of microorganism that serves as a fertilizing agent that helps Bifidobacteria to thrive in the large intestine, where it helps to protect against harmful bacteria.

Soil-based organisms detoxifies your gastrointestinal tract while eliminating fungi, molds, parasites, viruses, and yeasts. With the high price of gas and foreclosures all everywhere, it’s pretty hard not to be stressful.

The good news is there are some stress reduction techniques that can maybe help you in ending your heartburn. There are people who practice holistic health. They help their patients reduce stress through the use of various mind and body medicine techniques, like:

* Biofeedback

* Hypnotherapy

* Relaxation exercises

I hope some of these tips will assist you in your fight to stop heartburn. Have a wonderful day and a better tomorrow.

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Feb
01



Amber is said to have a lot of mystical properties. It is said to bring good luck. It is associated with time, cycles and longevity. Amber is also regarded as being highly sensual and magnetic. It insures very long enjoyment of the qualities that make the wearer attractive. It has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation, and is said to balance aggressive traits.

Amber has been used longer than any gem material by humans, possibly over thousands of years. It is fairly common, easy to work with and a constant wonder to the eyes.

Amber is a powerful chakra cleanser and healer. At a physical level, it imbues the body with vitality and has the power to draw disease out of the body. By absorbing pain and negative energy, thie gemstone allows the body to rebalance and heal itself. It alleviates stress.

It strengthens the mucus membrane and treats the throat, stomach, spleen, kidneys etc. It is an excellent natural antibiotic and so is an elixir for wound healing.

The wearer of amber is said to become quite decisive. It strengthens memory and intellect and helps with emotional calming and centering. It transmutes negative energy to positive and is an excellent grounding crystal. This gem radiates a warm and bright energy. It aids in healing of abdomen, bladder, blood, eyes, kidneys, stomach, tissue revitalization and joint problems. Amber is said to neutralize negative energy and allow the body to heal itself by drawing the disease out of the afflicted areas.

Amber is reputed to help to release stress, as well as promoting self-healing. It is excellent for eyes, and for glandular swellings of the throat and lungs. Amber balances endocrine and digestive network.

Amber stone, usually a golden to yellow-brown stone and sometimes containing red, blue or green hues is considered to be good for mental clarity, balance emotions and is said to help with memory loss. It also gives good protection from radiation.

Baltic amber is warm to touch. This gem possesses electrostatic properties, and continues to be utilized for healing purposes. The unusually great power this gem is embedded in its ability to produce negative ions that affects man by easing pain, activating the healing process, and providing protection from harmful radiation. It is worth to have this simple natural ionizer and become familiar with it.

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Apr
26
supplements for bodybuilding


Bodybuilding is an art and many people desire to know the secret to build body in a short period of time. People have different perceptions about body building and most of them don’t know the importance and ways to build body. It has become habit in men to build their bodies and look good. Some men like light bodybuilding to give shape to their bodies while others go for heavy body building also known as professional bodybuilding.

Many bodybuilders now a days use different supplements. The two basic supplements are food supplements and dietary supplements. However you should not use supplements without taking advice of any expert. There are number of food supplements available in the market that contain elements and ingredients not good for your health. Supplements which have strong steroid elements should be avoided. Experts are of the opinion that one should only use those supplements for bodybuilding that suits the need of the body. Buying an expensive supplement will not help you in any way.

The supplements which contain steroids vary in their severity to destroy your kidneys so you must make sure that you are not using high steroid supplements. If you are interested in light bodybuilding, you should take dietary supplements. Creatine is a good product which enhances the strength and size of your muscles. Whenever you are going to buy a supplement be sure that it is a food supplement free of any steroid. Many pharmaceutical companies provide food supplements, the best which I have used and got feed back from people is ‘Ensure’. It makes up the deficiency of vitamins in your body and makes you fit and strong. You can workout in a better way while taking this supplement. You will not feel tiredness and laziness

Always ask an expert to recommend a food supplement for bodybuilding and read reviews of famous body supplements to know which one is best for you so that you can use that in your daily routine to get better results. Using supplements now days by bodybuilders is as using water for drinking. It is a part of the diet and exercise.



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Feb
25



Families of individuals who decide to donate their organs often find that it helps them through their grieving process. They receive great comfort from the knowledge that something positive came from the death of their loved one.

 

For recipients of donated organs, organ transplants offer a second chance at life, enabling both them and their families to maintain a higher quality of life. Even the hope that there is a possible matching organ donor available can make a huge difference in the life of someone that is suffering from a serious illness.

 

In the United States, the waiting list is quoted to be about 96,522 people long for kidney donations, but only about one third of those patients are hopeful of ever receiving a donated organ.

 

Different organs have different waiting times and success rates because demand is significantly different for various organs. Alarmingly, three quarters of patients in need of an organ transplant are waiting for a kidney, and as such kidneys have much longer waiting times.

 

As an example, I’ll point out that at the Oregon Health and Science

University, the average patient who ultimately received an organ waited only three weeks for a heart and three months for a pancreas or liver — but 476 days for a kidney, because demand for kidneys substantially outstrips supply.

 

All statistics indicate that there is a huge shortage of available organs of all types (including tissues) that could potentially save or drastically improve an ailing person’s life.

 

Approaches to addressing this shortage include:

 

Donor registries and “primary consent” laws, to remove the burden of the donation decision from the legal next-of-kin.

 

Financial incentives for signing up to be a donor.

 

A “dissent solution” (or way of “opting-out”) in which a potential donor or his/her relatives must take specific action to be excluded from organ donation, rather than specific action to be included.

 

Social incentive programs, wherein members sign a legal agreement to direct their organs first to other members who are on the transplant waiting list.

 

With increasing regularity, many hospitals employ organ network representatives who routinely screen patient records to identify potential donors in advance of their deaths. In some cases, organ-procurement representatives will request screening tests or organ-preserving drugs (such as anti-hypertension drugs) to keep potential donors’ organs viable until their suitability for transplants can be determined and family consent (if needed) can be obtained.

 

This practice increases transplant efficiency, as potential donors who are unsuitable due to infection or other causes are removed from consideration before their deaths, and decreases the avoidable loss of organs. It may also benefit families indirectly, as the families of unsuitable donors are not approached to discuss organ donation.

 

It can be hard to think about what’s going to happen to your body after you die, let alone donating your organs and tissue. But being an organ donor is a charitable and worthwhile decision that can be a lifesaver.

 

Understanding organ donation can make you feel better about your choice.

 

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