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4 benefits of CLA that you should know

4 benefits of CLA that you should know

Planning to go on a weight loss spree? There is no doubt that the thought of consuming CLA may have crossed your mind. Conjugated linoleic acid is a trans-fatty acid that naturally occurs and belongs to the family of omega-6 class of fatty acids. This is a mixture that comprises of 28 isomers, and every isomer has a different effect on the body. The popularity of CLA is growing with each passing day. Fitness enthusiasts see these fatty acids to be extremely beneficial in the weight loss journey. CLA is found in foods such as animal meats and dairy. However, these fatty acids may not suffice. Thus, a large number of companies are offering CLA supplements with a promise of a plethora of health benefits. If you are still wondering about the benefits of CLA and how it can aid in good health, here are few: Increases the rate of metabolism CLA helps the body process food at a faster rate. This means that the food is efficiently converted into energy. The fatty acids effectively boost metabolic reactions and regulate the tissues of fat in the body. It is believed to alter the ratio of muscles to the of the fat, thereby increasing the use of energy.
Side-effects that come with CLA supplements

Side-effects that come with CLA supplements

CLA or Conjugated Linoleic Acid is produced from linoleic acid. The fatty acid goes through a process to gently convert into a conjugated linoleic acid. A naturally sourced fatty acid, it is found in meats such as beef and dairy products. CLA is known to affect weight-loss and is lauded for other health benefits too. Belonging to the group of omega fatty 6 acids, CLA performs vital body functions and is essential for maintaining optimal health conditions. The benefits of CLA include reducing cholesterol levels, decreasing body fat, preventing cancer, strengthening immunity and more. Thus, it is no wonder that brands are now proliferating the market with CLA supplements. But how safe are these supplements? Before going ahead with the consumption of CLA in the form of supplements, it is essential to understand the side-effects that come attached: Fatigue Following the intake of CLA supplements, one is likely to feel fatigue immediately. The drowsiness makes one feel sleepy for longer hours, and thus, you may need to sleep for longer hours than you would usually do. Also, the increase in fatigue causes lack of attentiveness during the day and can bring a halt to daily activities. Abdominal pain A lot of people report pain in the abdomen after taking CLA supplements.
Possible treatment for COPD

Possible treatment for COPD

COPD, a disease of the lungs, is a deadly disease that does not have a particular set of treatment. The cure for this disease has not been found yet. Life expectancy with COPD is subjective and changes according to the stage of the disease. The higher the stage of the disease, the shorter is the life expectancy of the patient suffering from COPD. Even if this condition cannot be treated, the patient can work towards increasing the life expectancy. Let us look at some treatment measures that can help increase the life expectancy with COPD. Set goals . COPD is one of the deadliest diseases and only the sufferer can tell the amount of pain they must go through. But it is up to the patient to the patient to set some goals for themselves and achieve them, in order to increase their life expectancy. Firstly, let’s look at some goals the patient will have to achieve: Keep yourself away from air pollution and quit smoking, if you are a smoker. Make sure to take the medications for limiting your symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Indulge into mild workout and breathing exercises to improve your overall health Take the right medication to avoid flare-ups or treat them in case of their occurrence.
Nutrition – Foods and their functions

Nutrition – Foods and their functions

Foods are classified based on their different aspects like the quantity needed, the functions they serve etc. Based on the quantit y and the large functions they are categorized into macro or energy foods and micro foods. The energy foods are further divided into carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates form the bulk of food and contributor of energy. Proteins, on the other hand, are more for repairs and reconstruction of the body tissues. Fat plays slightly more complicated role. It has the highest energy density. They act as a solvent for many oil soluble micronutrients. It also plays a part in making many chemicals in the body. Carbohydrates : Carbohydrates are compounds formed by carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The simplest is monosaccharides. They are very easily digested and assimilated into the bloodstream raising the glucose levels very quickly. They are burned up also fast providing a quick spurt of energy. The second is disaccharides, normally, an intermediary during the digestion of trisaccharides or complex starches. Trisaccharides or polysaccharides are difficult to digest. These are complex molecules and the body takes the time to break them. Hence, they do not raise but maintains a steady blood sugar level and it takes longer to feel hungry.
The basics of nutrition

The basics of nutrition

There is considerable overlap between two allied subjects, nutrition and dietetics , which is quite natural. To put it succinctly , nutrit ion is the theoretical science or looking into food for the vari ous nutrients and their action and benefits to the body and their reactions and adverse effects or harm to human beings. Dietetics, on the other hand, looks first into the requirements of the body in health and sickness and selects the nutrients requirements and decides the food that is best suited. By and large , the nutritionist’s field is food industry and the dietitians is the hospital. All healthcare providers are involved in all aspects of food. Nutrient s are of two types. One is that we require in large quantities and these are also called macronutrients. These can be called energy nutrients for they provide the bulk of the energy the body needs. Energy is measured in kilocalories (kcal) or Joules. For the academically minded 1 kcal equals 4. 186 k ilo j oules . Carbohydrates : Among the macronutrients, carbohydrates are, by large the biggest contributor. 1gramme of carbohydrate gives the body 4 kcal or 16.8 kilojoules of energy. Carbohydrates, as the name indicates, are chemical compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Essential vitamins that help an arthritic

Essential vitamins that help an arthritic

Arthritis is a condition of the joint, which often can be life changing for many individuals. Most people associate the condition with pain and agony. In many cases, your movements can be severely curtailed, and you have to make a restriction on lots of day to day activities. Arthritic people do consider taking vitamins and supplements as an alternate to medicine. However, symptoms of arthritis may not necessarily be the same for every individual. Hence the supplement which might work for one might not work for the other. Hence it is vital to have a consultation with your doctor and get to know about your health condition before taking the vitamins and supplements. Researchers have proven that taking some of the supplements can aid in reducing the swelling and can be beneficial in the long run. Let us take a look at these common supplements below. Glucosamine: These compounds are known to protect the cartilages from deteriorating. They can also be used in severe cases and most importantly, they can help in the free flowing movements of your limb. Chondroitin Sulfate: These compounds are widely associated with reducing the inflammation of the joints. The supplements are also considered safe and can be taken in combination with their drugs for arthritis control.
Best ways to get vitamin D

Best ways to get vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced from the cholesterol in the skin when it is exposed to the Sun. The ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the Sun provide the energy needed for the reaction to take place in the skin. This, as a result, produces Vitamin D. You can probably get all the vitamin D you need just by going outside and sunbathing a few times per week if you live in areas where there is abundant sunlight. The only really good dietary source of vitamin D is fish liver oils such as cod fish liver oil that contain up to two times the daily value in a single tablespoon. Keep in mind that dairy products and cereals are often fortified with vitamin D. Some edible species of mushrooms and egg yolks also contain small amounts of vitamin D. Some sea foods such as salmon, tuna fish and swordfish are also rich sources of vitamin D. Vegetarians get their daily dose of Vitamin D from milk yogurt, cheese, fortified cereals, tofu and even soy-based products. Vitamin D in supplements and fortified foods is available in two forms, D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). These two forms of vitamin D have traditionally been regarded as equivalents based on their ability to cure rickets.
Protect your lungs from pulmonary embolism

Protect your lungs from pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is condition which causes blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries of your lungs. It is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from legs or on rare occasions, from other parts of the body. It is a direct effect of DVT, or Deep Vein Thrombosis. The blood clots so formed by DVT blocks the blood flow to the lungs, which can be life threatening. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can vary greatly. It depends on the involvement of lungs, the size of the clots, and whether the person has an underlying lung or heart disease. Some of the common signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include: Shortness of breath: This symptom typically appears suddenly and can get worse with exertion. Chest pain: People experiencing this may feel like they are having a heart attack. Breathing deeply may become more painful and it may turn worse with coughing, eating, bending or even stooping for that matter. Cough: The cough may contain bloody or blood-streaked sputum. Other signs and symptoms that can occur with pulmonary embolism include leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the calf, cyanosis or discoloration of skin, fever, excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, light-headedness or dizziness.
Ways to avoid thrombosis

Ways to avoid thrombosis

Thrombosis or deep vein Thrombosis majorly causes pain and swelling in the leg which can lead to pulmonary embolism that blocks blood vessels in the lungs. Its symptoms include pain in the legs, usually towards the calf. Sometimes these conditions can be symptom less. So you need to be cautious of some habits that could possibly lead to deep vein Thrombosis or any other type of Thrombosis. Check out some of the popular ways that can help you avoid the condition. Quit smoking Smoking is anyway not a healthy habit as it affects the lungs and overall blood circulation of the body. Smoking on a daily basis can also harden up the blood vessels. This can seriously damage the walls of the blood vessels thereby enabling the blood to clot and that increases the risk of deep vein Thrombosis. Smoking is indeed difficult to quit if you have a long history with it, however, you can always begin with short term goals. Start to quit for a week. Increase the duration with multiple weeks and eventually months. Nicotine patches and chewing gums can always help with the quitting process. Maintain an active lifestyle The reduction of activity in legs reduces the blood flow in the deep vein and makes it sluggish.
Six high fiber foods for weight loss

Six high fiber foods for weight loss

When you are on your journey to lose weight, eating high fiber food is key as they fill you up and keep you satiated for a long time. In addition to aiding weight loss, fiber-rich foods lower your risk of heart attack, cancer and high blood pressure. Nutritionists recommend a daily intake of 25-38 grams of fiber to get the best results. It’s time to head to the grocery store and fill your jars with the following fiber-rich foods. Avocados: Fiber content: 10.5 grams per cup Avocados are not just rich in fiber but also healthy fats that lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are rich in vitamin K, which helps in building strong bones. The fiber content varies between Florida avocados (bright green and smooth skinned) and California avocados (smaller and darker), with the former containing more insoluble fiber than the latter. Include some chopped bits in your salads and sandwiches to keep you going. Almonds: Fiber content: 3.5 grams per 24-28 almonds Almonds are a great of source of fiber as well as essential nutrients such as iron and magnesium. If you are into the habit of snacking on unhealthy food, replace them with almonds.
Effective plaque psoriasis remedy to reduce itchy skin

Effective plaque psoriasis remedy to reduce itchy skin

Plaque psoriasis is a very common form of psoriasis that involves hidden plaques of red skin along with dead skin cells that are silvery and thickened. It has been observed that nearly 80-90% of psoriasis cases are characterized by plaque psoriasis. In other words, it is an inherited systematic inflammatory disease that is caused by the immune dysfunction and further causes inflamed and scaly skin. The scaly skin is very itchy, and most often, the areas where psoriasis occurs is on the knees, elbow, and scalp. The effective plaque psoriasis remedy that can ease the symptoms of psoriasis involves the intake of proper dietary supplements. Home remedies for plaque psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that recurs. The disorder is characterized by flaky patches of skin not only affects the skin but even the immune system. It comes from a type of white blood cells known as T cells that are specifically designed to protect your body from disease and infection. Including supplements like Oregon grape, Vitamin D, fish oil, milk thistle, evening primrose oil and aloe vera in the diet is very important as these can ease the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. It is best to eliminate red meat from the diet and even fatty snacks that can trigger the skin condition.