Friday, 15 March 2013

Water therapy - lose weight and increase nutrient obsorbtion


“Usha Kaala Chikitsa” is the Sanskrit coinage for water therapy. According to this ancient system, 1.5 liters of water should be drunk without even brushing the teeth. It is very essential to note that no drinks (like tea, coffee, and milk) or any form of solid food should be taken within half an hour to one hour before and after drinking 1.5 liters of water. Using any form of alcoholic drink the previous night is strictly prohibited.

When should I brush my teeth while doing water therapy ?
The previous night before going to bed, if you clean your teeth and gums (gums with hand) and next morning if your mouth is not smelling bad then you may rinse your mouth with water and gently brush with your hands and do water therapy almost immediately.
If your mouth has a foul smell and if you are not comfortable with the above approach, brush your teeth and then do water therapy after 5 minutes.

Should it be drunk all at once? Why not split the water and drink throughout the day?
To clean the body one has to take a shower. One cannot keep pouring little water throughout the day to clean the body. Similarly one cannot argue that water can do its cleaning action by drinking several cups of water throughout the day. To clean you have to shower the internal body with 1.5 liters of water in the morning. Drinking water throughout the day is for thirst. Water therapy is not for thirst but for flushing all the toxins out of body and to regain good health.

Should I measure and drink water?
The stomach is a muscular sac that can hold about 1.5 liters (1.6 quarts) of fluid. The stomach can expand to hold up to 4 L (4.2 qts.) of food, more than 50 times its empty volume.

Should I use a bottle or measure in cups and drink water?

Take one and a half liter bottle, fill it with water and start drinking directly from the bottle. Keep drinking as much as you can. If you cannot empty it all at once give a 5 minutes gap and then drink the rest of the water. Again, if you need it, give another gap of 5 minutes and empty the bottle. Keep doing this everyday and you will notice that in a few day you can empty the bottle all at once. This is the best way to do the water therapy.
Taste of water satiates the tongue. Therefore, by pouring water directly in the throat and avoiding contact with the tongue, one can drink one and a half liters of water with ease. Care should be taken not to choke while doing direct drinking.
There is another way. Measure 1.5 liters in cups and drink cup after cup. However, most people start feeling satiated sooner when you measure and drink in cups.
The best is to drink directly from a 1.5 liter or 1.6 quart bottle.

How will Water Therapy Help in Weight Loss
When you drink water first thing in the morning, your body will start to flush out a lot of toxins and extra salt. This also makes you urinate frequently in the first hour. When toxins and salt are flushed out, water held in the body is also released. The more salt and toxins are in the body, the more water is retained making you feel and look bloated.
Water is needed for all the different types of reactions in the body. The breaking down of fat requires enzymes to work on the fat. All enzyme reactions in the body require water as the solvent. So without adequate water, no matter how much you diet, you’re not going to lose any fat. Water consumption is very important in weight loss.
With Water therapy and also drinking about 2 glasses before a normal lunch and dinner will help you curb your appetite and you’ll eat less.

Dieting Techniques
There is no real necessity to go on a dieting technique. Dieting techniques are plenty, and if you want to try one, you can choose from the many different types of dieting techniques found online. Water therapy will reinforce any dieting technique you’re following.
Some people like to starve thinking they’ll lose weight, but starving is one of the worst techniques you can follow. When you starve for a period of time, your body is deprived of food. The next time you decide to eat even if it is less than normal, your body will convert it to fat as fast as possible, as a preventive measure from being deprived of food. So, another no-no in weight loss dieting techniques is starving.
No matter what dietary technique you use, do the water therapy together with it. You can also try to have a normal diet with reduced carbohydrates, sugar and with lots of fruits and vegetables with water therapy and you’ll definitely lose weight.


info from: http://www.minmit.com/index.php/2012/water-therapy-easy-and-perfect-method-for-weight-loss

Saturday, 9 March 2013

Kimchi The Great Korean Probiotic




Kimchi, pronounced KIM-chee, is usually made with cabbage or daikon radishes, though Koreans sometimes use other vegetables — such as cucumbers and scallions — depending on the region and what’s in season. The vegetables are typically combined with garlic, ginger, chili pepper, salt, sugar and fish sauce, then fermented, giving the dish an acidic, tangy and spicy taste.


Potential health benefits

Koreans eat
approximately 40 lbs. of kimchi per person each year, downing it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Korean astronauts even eat a special kind of kimchi to prevent constipation, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Kimchi was originally fermented as a preservation technique for food during the winter, according to Livestrong. It turns out the fermentation has more benefits than just preservation: Kimchi is a natural probiotic. At early stages in its pickling, lactic acid bacterial species such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum dominate. [1] As kimchi ages, more species appear and the bacterial environment diversifies.

There is evidence that eating kimchi helps against autoimmune disorders and allergies. [2, 3] It’s also plausible that kimchi would help against bowel conditions, since those often feature a limited repertoire of gut flora.

Kimchi is extremely low in calories, fat and sugar; high in fiber; and packed with vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. Some studies have reported a connection between kimchi consumption and weight loss, as well as a lowering of blood cholesterol levels. At least one study has suggested the food has the ability to cure birds infected with bird flu, and many believe it can prevent SARS, though not enough research has been conducted to confirm this.


Potential health risks

Consuming moderate amounts of kimchi will probably only do good things for your body and your health, but a 2006
study did find a link between eating extremely high amounts of kimchi and an increased risk of gastric cancer. It’s hypothesized that the correlation exists because the fermentation process raises the food’s salt content. The LA Times stated that the rate of gastric cancer is 10 times higher among Koreans and Japanese than Americans.

“It is not that kimchi is not a healthy food,” said Kim Heon, one of the researchers involved in the gastric cancer study from the department of preventive medicine at Chungbuk National University. “It is a healthy food, but in excessive quantities there are risk factors.”

 
How to eat it

You can add kimchi to countless dishes — and it tastes great by itself. It’s often used in soups or stews; eaten with eggs; mixed with fried rice; added as a topping to burgers, sausages or tacos; or eaten as an accompaniment to chicken, beef or seafood. We particularly love eating it Korean-barbecue style: using a piece of lettuce as a wrap and filling it with barbecued pork, kimchi and other toppings.



How to make it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fznTL6TzsqI

Resources

http://www.hellawella.com/krazy-for-kimchi-health-benefits-how-to-make-it-how-to-eat-it/10212

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/kimchi/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fznTL6TzsqI

Friday, 8 March 2013

Jessica Biel recommends - The Body Ecology Diet

 


“Changing the way the world eats with probiotic nutrition”—Cover.

 
Publisher Description
 
If you're experiencing discomfort, fatigue, or other symptoms that won't go away no matter what you do or how many doctors you see, chances are you're one of the millions unknowingly suffering from a systemic fungal/yeast infection, “the hidden invader.” The result of an imbalance starting in your internal ecosystem, this can be a key factor in headaches, joint and muscle pain, depression, cancer, food allergies, digestive problems, autism, and other immune-related disorders.
“ The Body Ecology Diet” reveals how to restore and maintain the “inner ecology” your body needs to function properly, and eliminate or control the symptoms that rob you of the joy of living. Tens of thousands of people have already benefited from the Body Ecology way of life—Donna Gates shows you, step-by-step, how to eat your way to better health and well-being . . . deliciously, easily, and inexpensively! In this book, you will learn how to: use seven basic universal principles as tools to gain mastery over every health challenge you may encounter; focus on your inner ecology to create ideal digestive balance; conquer cravings with strategies for satisfying snacking and for dining away from home; and plan meals with dozens of delectable recipes, an array of menus, and detailed shopping lists. 
  
Review

 Body Ecology emphasizes the importance of what we put into our bodies and teaches a way of eating that makes me feel like I am in control of my health and in tune with my body's intuitive needs. Cultured vegetables and coconut kefir have become essentials, not only in my home, but whenever I travel.
- Jessica Biel, Actress.

Beach benefits - walking, swimming, playing


After many years of city living I'm moving to the coast. I can't tell you how excited I am. The thought of daily swims, walks, even just breathing in the ocean air sounds like a dream. We all know how great it is to be at the beach but are there real health benefits? I say yes. Here's some things you don't think about when your on that beach holiday. A great excuse to go book that well need vacation or even better get in the moving van like me.


Self esteem

New research finds that as little as 5 minutes of walking in a natural, outdoor environment can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence, and that the presence of water seems to magnify the effect.


Health Benefits of Relaxation

The human mind and body need rest from time to time. Many people become so involved with getting things done they forget to relax occasionally. High stress levels really make an impact on health. The physical body needs rest to regenerate as well. So bring a book and lay under the umbrella or float freely on the waves. It benefits your health!


Massage your soles

If you walk briskly on the beach, you'll get the added benefit of the sand massaging the soles of your feet, which activates venous and lymphatic circulation. And if you're right at the water's edge, as the waves break, the sea water will massages your ankles, making the exercise even more complete.


Water walking


The water around your ankles is beneficial, but if you're willing to get a bit wetter, walk out until the water reaches up to your thighs. Walking at this depth, lifting your legs with each stride, is tiring, but it's fantastic exercise to strengthen the muscles of the legs and buttocks.


Free exfoliation


There are beauty benefits, too, as the friction of the sand is a marvellous natural exfoliant. Walking barefoot will result in softer feet in no time, just like a home peel treatment!


Mineral magic


There's another benefit to seawater, too, as it contains minerals (iodine and sodium) that help prevent ageing – not to mention the fact that it's relaxing!


Wet or dry sand


Obviously, if you're right down at the water's edge, you'll be walking on wet sand. This is actually easier and takes less effort. But as you get fitter and start to notice the benefits of the water, you may want to extend your walks farther up the beach where the sand is dryer. Since dry sand is less stable and the shape shifts as you walk, it involves more effort. It is said that walking on dry sand can burn up to twice as much as normal walking. Just remember that while this is good in terms of exercise, it also means there is a higher risk of injury, mainly to the ankle ligaments.


Health Benefits of Sand Castles

The human need to create can be fulfilled on the beach by building sand castles. Sand castle building health benefits for kids include hand to eye coordination and problem solving. How do we put a moat around the castle without the water eroding it? How much water do we need to hold the sand together? Like most forms of art, the health benefits of sand castle building are endless.


Health Benefits of Swimming

Swimming is wonderful exercise. Even the physically handicapped can benefit from swimming on a regular basis. Swimming involves proper breathing and uses most major muscle groups. Water provides gentle movement for proper resistance. Best of all, swimming is fun! It doesn't feel at all like exercise. This alleviates boredom and helps you stick with it.


Always remember

Scan the sand for hazards, particularly when you're working out with bare feet.

Pay attention to the water; it looks inviting, but can be a killer. Swim between the flags or learn to read the water if swimming in an unpatrolled beach.

Always wear suncreen, watch out for sun stroke (never go out in the heat of the day), and it's always nicer to do it with someone special.



Thursday, 28 February 2013

Miranda Kerr - Super Model, Super Health Freak

 
I've been admiring Miranda Kerr for years (some people may call me one of her biggest fans so look out for more posts about Miranda). The much adored super model is such a great advocate of healthy living, she is so radient and full of life and appears to not age at all. How does she do it?, well here is what Australia's Body+Soul www.bodyandsoul.com.au says is in her shopping trolley:

 

Liquid Chlorophyll

Miranda says: "I add this to my water most days. It is naturally alkaline and contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids."

Certified Organic Coconut Palm Sugar

Miranda says: "This is a great substitute for regular white sugar, as it’s low-GI."

Maca Root Powder

Miranda says: "Rich in amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, it’s great to mix into smoothies, yoghurt, cereal, oatmeal or muesli."

Tamari Almonds

Miranda says: "I rarely leave the house without a small bag of these. They’re the perfect snack while I am on the road and I can never get enough."
 

Noni Juice

Miranda says: "This is my worst-kept beauty secret. I drink it daily and noni extract is part of my Kora Organics range. It aids the immune system because of the number of vitamins and minerals it contains."

Raw dark chocolate

Miranda says: "This is my weakness. It’s rich in antioxidants though, and I’m happy to remind myself of that!"

Coconut Water

Packed with electrolytes, coconut water is being billed as a powerful natural hydrator. While more research is needed into its health benefits, it is an undeniable source of vitamins C and B, protein, calcium, iron and zinc. It has very little sugar and zero fat.

Cacao powder

Miranda says: "This is one of the best sources of muscle-relaxing, stress-relieving magnesium. I often use cacao powder in shakes."
Cacao is also rich in amino acids, beta-carotene, zinc and iron.


Acai Berry Powder

Miranda says: "I sprinkle it on my porridge, gluten-free cereal or smoothie."

Acai berries are a rich source of antioxidants and the powder is easily added to foods.

Chia

Miranda says: "I use [chia seed oil] or seeds in shakes. They’re also great for thickening a healthy muffin mix".

Chia is rich in antioxidants and omega-3. As it has little taste, the oil can be added to food or used in baking while the seeds are sprinkled on cereals.

Raw honey

Miranda says: "It’s 100 per cent natural and deliciously sweet."

Research shows honey may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthier alternative to cane sugar.

Goji Berries

Miranda says: "A great snack between meals, goji berries are rich in antioxidants and are said to have more vitamin C than oranges."

These berries have been part of traditional Asian medicine for centuries. The Goji Power range supports Tibetan causes.
 

Organic wine

If you’re attempting a completely organic diet and can’t part with the odd drop, Miranda recommends investigating the new crop of organic wines, many of which are also biodynamic and vegan-friendly.
 

Cacao butter

Cacao butter is prepared by being cold pressed, meaning the edible natural fats of the cocoa bean remain unaltered. Cacao Power Pure Raw Cacao Butter, a vegan alternative to butter, is certified organic and is also recommended as a skin treatment for its natural moisturising properties.

Wakame seaweeds

Miranda says: "I snack on [dulse leaf] and wakame seaweeds throughout the day and also put wakame in soups as it is nutritious and tasty."

Seaweed is rich in omega-3, iron and calcium and the red dulse variety is also very high in protein.


You can usually find a delicious recipe on her blog @ Kora organics where she sells her beautiful skin care line made with Noni juice would you believe.

http://www.koraorganics.com/blog/

1st of March 2013

 

I have always been an admirer. I regard the gift of admiration as indispensable if one is to amount to something; I don't know where I would be without it.


-Francois de La Rochefoucauld
 

Admiration has been key to multiple sucesses in my life. I tend to admire those healthy, happy and glowing with life. Follow me as I find different ways to enrich our lives by extracting exciting information from the world of science, pop culture and even old world rituals from people and cultures all over the globe.
 
 -Healthy Admirer, Meredith Grace