Paleo Diet Recipes Guide : September 2013

Senin, 30 September 2013

Diet for Dogs with Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, causing digestive issues, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain, among other symptoms. Pancreatitis may be set off by consumption of fatty meals, administration of corticosteriods, or trauma to the pancreas. Some dogs that suffer or have suffered from pancreatitis may be required to go on a special diet , while others are able to return to their normal diet. For dogs needing diet management, here are some diet plans worth considering.

When your dog is suffering from pancreatitis, it will not be able to ingest food. Fluids will be fed intravenously or subcutaneously. That allows the digestive system to begin to heal and stave off further aggravation. Once your dog's pancreas is stabilized, fluids may be introduced orally a little at a time.

Carbohydrates, especially rice, are the first solid foods you should feed your dog after pancreatitis as they not trigger the hormones that could lead to another attack. Feed rice and other carbs in small amounts, multiple times per day. If your dog is able to tolerate and digest rice, you can begin to introduce some low fat proteins such as boiled, skinless chicken breast. Keep an eye on your dog and remember to introduce other foods slowly over many days.

While some dogs can go back to a regular diet after their bout of pancreatitis, some will need to remain on a low-fat diet. If that is the case, ensure that your dog's meals consist of only 10 percent to 18 percent fat. You should not feed your dog table scraps and treats should be given sparingly, as both may be high in fat. Adding or increasing fiber to the dog's diet could also lessen the number or severity of future attacks if the dog suffers chronic pancreatitis.

Low Cal Vodka Drinks

Vodka drinks can add a lot of calories to your diet and pounds to your body. You don't have to give up your favorite alcohol, just order low-calorie vodka drinks. Both the alcohol and the mixer contribute to the calorie count of any vodka drink, so choose the type of vodka and mixer wisely. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The type of vodka you order determines the amount of calories you will consume in the drink. Just 1 ounce of 100-proof vodka, which is 50 percent alcohol, contains 82 calories; 90-proof vodka contains 73 calories per ounce; 86-proof vodka has 70 calories; and 80-proof gives you 64 calories. An ounce is equivalent to 2 tablespoons, and an average shot glass typically holds approximately 3 tablespoons. You may consume more than one serving of alcohol in any one drink, and you haven't added the mixer yet. In order to keep your calorie intake down, order vodka drinks with a lower percentage of alcohol.

Drink mixes can add unwanted calories, too, so choose your mixers wisely. While fruit juice mixers give you the added benefit of being nutritious and containing antioxidants, they can also be full of calories. If you favor screwdrivers --- vodka and orange juice --- swap out your regular orange juice for a light, lower calorie version, which can cut approximately 60 calories from an 8 ounce beverage. For those that love cranberry-vodka drinks, know that 8 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains about 136 calories, while light cranberry juice contains around only 40 calories. Mix your vodka with diet tonic for no added calories or splash it with 1/2 ounce of lemon or lime juice for just 10 calories.

Cut down on calories in a vodka drink by skipping the mixer completely. Vodka is available in many different flavors that can please the palette without the use of a mixer; also many different brands sell flavored vodka. Choose among such flavors as apple, apricot, banana or even chocolate. Pour the alcohol, add ice and enjoy.

Get a bit of flavor without adding many calories to your vodka drink by adding a garnish. Drink your vodka with a wedge of lemon, lime, orange or cucumber. Cut these garnishes into spiral or flowers for fun. Dunk an olive, cherry or chunk of pineapple in your glass. Add a blackberry, raspberry or blueberry kabob to the drink. Sprinkle with shredded coconut or mint leaves.

Minggu, 29 September 2013

What Are the Beliefs of the Shinto?

Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion that is unlike other religions. Shinto, along with Buddhism, is considered the national religion of Japan. It is described as a mix of nature worship, divination, hero worship and shamanism. It has no set-in-stone statement of beliefs or scriptures. Following are some of the beliefs in the Shinto religion, which began around 500 B.C.

The Shinto religion believes that the kami (a divine couple) gave birth to the Japanese islands. Their other children became protectors of the various Japanese clans. For example, the Sun Goddess is considered the chief deity and the protector of the Japanese royal family. All of nature is considered sacred and is worshiped as a deity. Kami can be anything in nature and are generally considered benign by practitioners of Shinto.

Shinto gives no specific moral code or details on the afterlife, but it does promote ancestor worship. Shinto practitioners generally follow Confucianism. All life, human or not, is considered sacred. Morality is based upon what is most beneficial to the group rather than to the individual.

Practitioners of Shinto believe in the power of family bonds. Many of Shinto's main celebrations are connected to family-related events such as birth and marriage. To a Shinto practitioner, all life is celebrated. Musuhi are the powers the kami use to create a sense of harmony in nature. Musuhi inspires makoto, which is a sense of sincerity or having a true heart.

Cleanliness is very important in the Shinto religion. Practitioners engage in frequent hand-washing, baths and oral hygiene. They believe that by keeping themselves clean at all times they are making themselves pleasing to the kami. Cleanliness is also important in a practitioner's dwelling.

Shinto believers are pacifists by nature, and they think that engaging in war upsets the balance of nature.

Diet for Calcium Oxalate and Kidney Stones

When small mineral deposits gather in your kidneys instead of passing through in urine, a kidney stone can form. They will usually pass without a doctor's help, but sometimes medical assistance is necessary. Symptoms can include intense pain in the side and back, nausea, and painful urinating. While there are several different minerals that kidney stones might be made of, the most common is calcium. Those stones are referred to as calcium oxalate stones.

The single most important diet factor to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones has nothing to do with food. If you're prone to kidney stones you need to constantly drink water, flushing the kidneys so any minerals that might form stones will be washed out. Never pass a water fountain without taking a drink, and always have a cup of water nearby to sip throughout the day. Plain water is best. Another fluid you should add to your diet is lemonade that's made with real lemons. Don't use powdered lemonade mix; the lemons provide the benefit. Avoid black tea, dark beer, and caramel-colored liquids.

It should be noted that you don't need to limit the amount of calcium in your diet, unless recommended by your doctor. Calcium is important for strong bones, and studies show that a diet low in calcium may actually help the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones, not hinder it. If you tend to form stones, your doctor may advise a diet that is low in oxalate. These food don't need to be avoided altogether, you just need to limit the amount. Some foods to avoid are nuts, chocolate, spinach, sweet potatoes, refried beans, berries and soy products. Studies suggest that a diet that's very low in animal protein and sodium may also be beneficial.

To help prevent the formation of more stones, a diet that's low in oxalate is best. A low-oxalate diet doesn't guarantee that more stones won't form, but it lessens the chances. Foods that are low in oxalate are bananas, white bread, cabbage, mushrooms, spaghetti, rice, oatmeal, cauliflower, melons and onions. Look also for foods that are high in potassium and magnesium.

Diet isn't the only factor involved in kidney stone formation. If there's a family history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, you're at a higher risk. Someone who has had one stone is in danger of developing more. A sedentary lifestyle raises the chance, so get some exercise. Weight and weight gain are also factors, especially in women, although men in general are more likely to develop kidney stones than women are. If you have any questions about kidney stones, their formation or how to prevent them, talk to a doctor.

Sabtu, 28 September 2013

Post Pancreatitis Diet for Dogs

Although pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, often occurs without warning, a dog's diet and health can increase its chances of developing the condition. Once the dog has recovered, the owner must pay careful attention to its diet to prevent a relapse. Owners should feed a dog that had pancreatitis only certain foods.

According to CaninePancreatitis.net, the pancreas, a small organ in the lower abdomen, produces digestive enzymes and insulin, which respectively break down food and regulate glucose levels. When a dog develops pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes have gone into overproduction and will harm the surrounding tissue. At its most severe, the enzymes will digest the dog's internal organs.

Immediately following treatment, veterinarians such as Houston-based Dr. Paul Young, recommend rice and ground turkey, foods that are bland and unlikely to upset the dog's stomach.

Preventing a relapse, however, will fall to the owner; pancreatitis appears most commonly in overweight, diabetic or older female dogs. An owner can prevent relapse by monitoring the pet's diet.

VetInfo.com recommends a low-fat diet for canines who developed pancreatitis. A veterinarian may also suggest an increase in fiber, which could require a change of dog food. The owner should remove human food, especially table scraps. It is no coincidence that pancreatitis outbreaks often occur directly after a holiday meal, according to CaninePancreatitis.net.

Since pancreatitis affects overweight dogs, a veterinarian may also suggest a weight loss plan. If canine diabetes is a factor, monitoring the dog's sugar intake will also be important.

Low-Fat, Low-Sugar Diet

Doctors often recommend low-fat, low-sugar diets to treat a wide variety of conditions from diabetes to heart disease. Besides improving diagnosed health problems, eating less fat and sugar often helps overweight individuals shed unwanted pounds that could ultimately lead to serious health concerns. Whatever your reason for trying to eat a diet low in fat and sugar, you'll need to make some conscious choices about exactly what you should eat every day.

You've probably heard that it's a good idea to eat breakfast. In fact, you shouldn't skip any of your meals since your body needs a certain amount of fuel to run effectively. What you need to make sure is that you're not eating things like doughnuts, bacon, eggs and other fried foods. If you're attempting to stay on a low-fat, low-sugar diet, you should eat things like whole-grain breads and cereals. If you are having whole-grain toast or bagels, don't slather them with butter, jelly, or cream cheese. Instead, try eating them plain. If you absolutely must have something on them, try spreads made with 100 percent fruit and no added sugars, but use only a minimal amount. Some good whole-grain cereals are Total, Grape Nuts and Shredded Wheat. If you aren't sure about a cereal's fat or sugar content, check the label to see how much of each you will get from one serving. Also make sure that you are using 1 percent or nonfat milk on your cereal.

Another good option for breakfast is oatmeal with cinnamon. You could also try either low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese with a piece of fruit such as a peach or plain yogurt with some berries mixed in. If you absolutely must have something to sweeten your yogurt, try stevia. Just a few drops will go a long way. As far as drinks go, both coffee and hot tea are naturally fat- and sugar-free drinks as long as you're not adding any cream or sweeteners to them.

For lunch, you can have a wide variety of types of foods. Popular lunch items are soups, sandwiches and salads. Watch out for soups because many cream type soups are high in fat. Also tomato soups made with whole milk can have lots of fat in them. Check the labels on cans at the store before you purchase soup. And if you are thinking about ordering soup in a restaurant, talk with your server about what is in the soup before you order it. Homemade soups are a good way to go, especially since you know exactly what you put in them.

Sandwiches can be a great lunch choice. Just make sure your sandwiches are made of whole-grain breads and lean meats. Lettuce, tomatoes and pickles are fine, but watch out for high-fat salad dressings. You can either skip the dressing altogether, have mustard or use low- or no-fat mayo.

Salads are another good lunch choice as long as you make sure any meats in them are lean. Be careful about having things like bacon, ham and fried chicken strips on your salad, since all these are high in fat. Also think carefully about what type of dressing you choose. Go with no-fat or low-fat dressings, and use them sparingly. If you are at a restaurant, consider getting your dressing on the side. That way you can control how much you have on your salad. As far as drinks go, try squeezing some lemon in your water to make sugar-free lemonade.

When thinking about dinner, go with small portions (3 to 4 ounces) of lean meats, poultry or fish that are grilled, roasted or baked. Along with your meat, have lots of vegetables. Good low-sugar, low-fat vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, cabbage and mushrooms. But other vegetables can be beneficial. Just be careful about eating too many starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn and green peas. Various types of beans can also be good as long as you eat them in moderation. If at all possible, skip dessert. But if you absolutely must have something, try a baked apple topped with a little cinnamon. Unsweetened tea is a good drink choice as long as you don't add any sugar to it.

When eating a diet low in fat and sugar, you will find yourself being hungry quite often. So it's a good idea to eat two to three snacks during the day to help curb your appetite. Raw veggies such as carrots, celery and cauliflower are good choices as are apple or orange slices and a wide variety of berries.

How to Treat Cat Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is common in cats-and can become life threatening if left untreated-but the good news is that for the most part it's fairly easy to control. Pancreatitis is basically severe inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen that aids in metabolism of sugar and digestion of nutrients. This article will focus on the possible causes, signs to look for and treatments for feline pancreatitis.

Instructions

Look for the signs of feline pancreatitis which may include: an increased heart rate, lethargy, depression, frequent urination, diarrhea, little or no appetite, weight loss and vomiting (although unlike with dogs less than 50 percent of cats experience vomiting).

Be aware of your cat's behavior since this may aid your vet in making a diagnosis. For instance, does he get into garbage or eat a lot of table scraps?

Bring your cat to the vet for a physical examination and blood panel if you suspect pancreatitis. The pancreas enzyme "numbers" will help your vet to make a diagnosis. Symptoms of feline pancreatitis may not always be present as it is with dogs, which is why it's a good idea to take your cat for regular examinations.

Feed your cat an easily digestible, low-fat diet if the diagnosis is pancreatitis. Cooked or boiled chicken (no skin or bones) and rice is a safe choice. To ensure your cat gets additional nutrients many vets recommend mixing in a small amount of Hill's Prescription Diet i/d or w/d canned formulas or perhaps another brand's formula for digestive health. After feeding the chicken, rice and canned food diet for a week or two (depending on the severity of the pancreatitis) you can gradually work in your cat's regular food and phase out the special food. If it's recurring pancreatitis your vet may recommend keeping your cat on the prescription formula. In this case you can gradually work in the prescription dry version and continue to feed canned mixed with dry.

Give your cat small amounts of water frequently, especially if there's vomiting. Fluid therapy may be necessary if your cat becomes dehydrated.

Administer any medication prescribed by your vet which will likely include one or more antibiotics and perhaps an antacid and/or pain medication if necessary. Your vet may prescribe an ongoing antibiotic if your cat experiences recurring pancreatitis.

Return to your vet for repeat blood work and an examination after you complete a round of medication. If the results are still not normal, your vet will likely prescribe further medication and possibly x-rays to detect another cause such as blockage or an abdominal ultrasound to make sure it's not a pancreatic tumor rather than pancreatitis.

Daily Diet Plans for Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes as well as the hormone insulin, which controls the level of sugar in the blood. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the body can't absorb nutrients properly, leading to pain, nausea, fever and sweating. Severe attacks can be life-threatening, but mild attacks can get better by changing your diet.

Avoid all alcohol. Stay away from fats, except for omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil and flaxseed. Reduce all sugar products and carbohydrates that are high-glycemic, which raise blood-sugar levels. These include processed and refined grains and starchy foods, such as corn flakes, Rice Krispies, baked potatoes, white bread, pretzels and white rice.

Focus on antioxidants, since studies have shown low levels of antioxidants in the blood may lead to chronic pancreatitis. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, selenium and carotenoids, and are found primarily in fruit and vegetables, especially greens. Eat less red meat and choose leaner protein like cold-water fish, poultry, tofu or beans. Use healthy oils such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Drink six to eight glasses of filtered water daily because pancreatitis can cause dehydration. Choose high-fiber foods for starches, like whole grains.

With your doctor's approval, take at least one multivitamin daily and one omega-3 fatty acid capsule. Other supplements to consider include coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, probiotic supplements with lactobacillus acidophilus, alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol.

Herbal products can also be helpful with pancreatitis, in capsule or tea form. Try green tea, holy basil, rhodiola, cat's claw, reishi mushrooms, Indian gooseberry, grape seed extract, licorice root, ginger root, Asian ginseng, peony root, cinnamon. Consult your doctor, nutritionist or a licensed and certified practitioner of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) before adding herbs.

Patients concerned about pancreatitis should avoid large meals and instead choose five to six small meals spread throughout the day. Design meals that resemble the following:

Breakfast: a breakfast burrito made with a fat-free tortilla, scrambled egg whites, 1 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese, diced bell pepper and onions and salsa.

Mid-morning snack: an apple and a quarter cup of nuts.

Lunch: gazpacho soup and a small side salad with a fat-free dressing such as raspberry vinaigrette.

Mid-afternoon snack: 1/4 cup hummus with carrot sticks and cucumber slices.

Supper: Sloppy Joe sandwich made with canned low-fat sauce and tofu crumbles or ground turkey breast, coleslaw with fat-free mayonnaise, and a low-fat flavored frozen yogurt for dessert.

Jumat, 27 September 2013

High-Protein Vegetable Foods

Kamis, 26 September 2013

Mayo Clinic's Pancreatitis Diet

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a painful condition that can be triggered by many different factors. Those who suffer from pancreatitis find it necessary to change their eating habits to stay healthy and prevent the development of diabetes. Here are a few dieting tips from the experts at the Mayo Clinic on how to have a healthy and successful recovery from pancreatitis.

The first two recommendations from the Mayo Clinic are to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as these are both common causes of pancreatitis and aggravate the condition. If you feel that you need help in stopping either of these behaviors, talk to your doctor for recommendations. There are numerous support groups out there, both in the community and online, that can provide that much-needed boost while you're taking those difficult steps. Certain medicines may be able to assist you in quitting as well.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that your diet be one that is low in fat, made up mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Spinach, blueberries and red grapes are three foods that have been discovered to be most helpful due to their high levels of iron, B vitamins and antioxidants.

Some have found that replacing meat with tofu is a great way to get the necessary protein. In any case, avoid red meats as they are high in fat, as well as sausage, bacon and other high-fat meats. Turkey, chicken, fish and pork are some low-fat alternatives.

Many pancreatitis sufferers have also found that they can't eat most dairy products, due to the high fat content. This includes cheese, butter, cream and milk. Yogurt, on the other hand, can be very helpful if you eat the variety containing live active cultures, or probiotics, which aid in digestion and will help to keep the inflammation of your pancreas down.

Those with pancreatitis have a tendency to become dehydrated easily, so make sure you're drinking water throughout the day. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, your fluid intake should range between two and three liters daily, depending on your health and whether you're male or female. Their general rule of thumb is as follows: "if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) or more of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate."

Selasa, 24 September 2013

Mediterranean Style Diets

Mediterranean style diets recognize the importance of including a wide variety of foods into your daily meal plans. Each meal is based primarily on plant based foods; with protein items added as a side dish rather than as the main focus of your meal. According to an article published in Medline Plus, following this type of diet may reduce your cholesterol, triglycerides and decrease your risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Use olive oil to replace butter or margerine

Fruits and vegetables, preferably fresh, as well as whole grains, nuts, olive oil, beans and seeds are the mainstay of each meal. Olive oil, nuts, and plant sources such as avocado deliver the main source of fat in this diet. Fish and seafood are allowed at least twice a week, or more often if you desire. You can enjoy other protein sources such as cheese, poultry and yogurt in moderate portions. Limited foods include red meat, sweets and desserts, eggs and butter.

Choose fresh vegetables and healthy fats.

The basis of your meals will be fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to fit between seven and ten servings of fruits and vegetables each day. You can add fresh fruit to all your meals, and use carrot sticks, celery sticks or any other crunchy vegetable as a snack. Incorporate whole grains into your cooking, and switch to whole grain bread, cereals and pasta if you haven't already. Nuts and seeds are also an important part of this diet as part of your morning cereal or your evening salad.

As you follow this eating plan, you will be eliminating butter and margarine from your food, replacing it with monounsaturated fat, olive or canola oil. Feel free to experiment with a wide variety of herbs and spices to liven up the taste of your food and reduce your salt intake.

Your main source of protein is from seafood and fish. Once or twice a week, you can enjoy grilled fish, or fresh or water-packed tuna or salmon. Poultry is permitted, as long as it is grilled using healthy olive or canola oil. Low-fat dairy products are allowed occasionally as well.

A study published in the September 2008 issue of the "British Medical Association Journal" and posted in the PubMed website shows that following a Mediterranean-style diet reduces most of the health risks faced today. The conclusions of this Italian research study found that following a Mediterranean style diet reduced overall mortality from all major diseases.

The Mediterranean diet is not necessarily a weight loss plan, although you can lose weight following it. Instead, some researchers cite the regimen for the benefits it has on health. In the November 2010 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," for instance, researchers at the University of Florence confirmed that following a Mediterranean style diet consistently provides protection from degenerative and chronic diseases.

Low-Fat Bland Diet for Dog With Pancreatitis

The canine pancreas is a gland that can become inflamed when the pancreatic juices attack the pancreas itself. This condition is known as canine pancreatitis. Canine pancreatitis may affect any dog, but is most commonly seen in middle-aged to elderly female dogs. During a pancreatitis attack, dogs are fed through intravenous fluids to allow the digestive system to rest and recover. After the attack, feed your dog a diet conducive to continued recovery and prevention of future occurrences of pancreatitis attacks.

A bland diet restricts harder-to-digest foods, allowing inflammation of the digestive organs to heal. Carbohydrates are good foods to reduce the amounts of enzymes the pancreas produces. Rice is a simple carbohydrate appropriate for dogs with pancreatitis; use brown or white.

Once your dog is able to tolerate eating rice (remember, pancreatitis is a painful, serious condition that requires ample recovery time), try feeding easily digestible proteins such as boiled skinless chicken breast or even low-fat cottage cheese. Your dog may eventually be able to return to his previous diet. However, reintroduction of foods must be gradual and supervised by your veterinarian.

Some 43 percent of dogs suffering from pancreatitis are overweight, meaning obesity is a major contributing factor to canine pancreatitis. After an attack of pancreatitis, fatty foods also lead to further inflammation of the dog's pancreas. If your dog has pancreatitis, feeding her a low-fat diet is key to her good health. It is important to choose low-fat varieties of the foods you feed her, such as the low-fat cottage cheese listed above. Gravies and meat fats (pan drippings) are too high in fat and must be avoided in the diet of a dog with pancreatitis. Always cut the skin off any poultry you feed your dog, as it is also high in fat and aggravates pancreatitis.

Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for your dog with pancreatitis. Once your dog is off intravenous fluids, begin offering liquids orally. Your veterinarian will tell you which liquids are suitable for your particular dog. After your dog has accepted liquids orally, offer small amounts of cooked rice. Finally, introduce a full bland diet of small amounts of cooked rice combined with boiled skinless chicken.

Be sure to feed your dog several small meals throughout the day rather than two or three large meals, as this makes digestion easier on your dog. Commercial pancreatitis diets are available through your veterinarian and may be an effective way to control this disease in your dog.

Senin, 23 September 2013

How to Make Homemade Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are usually made with fruit combined with whey protein. They are used to supplement protein intake primarily for body builders and vegetarians. They can increase recovery rate after work-outs, increase lean muscle mass, and can also replace a meal. You can make a protein shake at home using just a few ingredients, and a blender. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Add milk to a blender. Skim, 1 percent, 2 percent or whole milk can be used. Ensure the blender is turned off. Add one scoop of whey protein. Whey protein can be purchased online, at most supermarkets or at a local GNC.

Put the lid on the blender and blend at medium speed for around 15 seconds. Turn the blender off and remove the lid.

Peel the banana. Cut it into small circular sections, and add it to the blender. Wash and remove stems from several strawberries. Chop them into small pieces, and then add to the blender.

Replace the lid on the blender and begin blending on low speed. Gradually work up to the highest speed, waiting several seconds between each speed. This process should take at least 45 seconds and all fruit should be dissolved.

Pour the protein shake into a large glass and enjoy immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to consume.

How to Make Low-Protein Dog Food

If your dog has been diagnosed with an acute or chronic kidney disease, your vet may recommend a low-protein diet to help manage your dog's condition. The kidney works to eliminate wastes, and for a dog with kidney disease, protein is difficult to process. Though kidney disease is often irreversible, you can help improve your dog's quality of life through feeding him a specialized diet that you can make at home. This recipe yields 3 lbs., enough to feed a 20-lb. dog for three days.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet with a small amount of water. Do not drain.

Cook 4 cups of white rice. Do not add salt.

Hard-boil two eggs, then chop the eggs into small pieces. Set aside the shells.

Break six slices of white bread into 1/2-inch pieces.

Combine the ground beef, white rice, eggs and bread. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

Grind the remaining eggshells into a fine powder, and stir it into the food.

Serve with a small amount of water mixed into the food. Refrigerate leftovers.

Vegetarian High Protein Quick Weight Loss Diet

It is possible to lose weight quickly through a vegetarian high-protein diet. However, simply eating vegetarian foods high in protein is not enough to lose weight (see Reference 1). Moreover, losing weight this way may be dangerous and only temporary (see Reference 1). Before planning a vegetarian high-protein diet, it is important to consider some key information.

According to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that, on average, people who switch to a vegetarian diet eat fewer calories and less fat than non-vegetarians (see Reference 1). Moreover, vegetarians have a lower body weight relative to their height than non-vegetarians (see Reference 1). Of course, simply becoming a vegetarian will not automatically result in weight loss. Moreover, the protein that you no longer get through eating meat must be replaced. Protein is critical to your health because your body uses it to create muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs (see Reference 2). Moreover, protein is used to replace and form new tissue, transport oxygen and nutrients in your blood and cells, and make antibodies (see Reference 2).

Many vegetarian foods are high in protein. These include tempeh (41g), soybeans (29g), lentils (18g), veggie burger (13g), tofu (11g), and chick peas (13g) (see Reference 3). Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, suggests that vegetarians get their protein from foods low in fat and calories, such as dried beans, low-fat cheese, reduced-fat peanut butter and soy products, as opposed to foods like full-fat cheese and peanut butter (see Reference 1).

According to Monique Gilbert, health advocate, certified personal trainer, and author, high-protein diets can be extremely dangerous (see Reference 2). The American Heart Association states that 50 to 60g of protein is enough for most adults (see Reference 2). However, according to Gilbert, many people on high-protein diets consume as much as four times that amount.(see Reference 2). This excessive protein consumption can result in heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones (see Reference 2).

Moreover, one of the reasons high-protein diets help you lose weight is that the amount of protein consumed raises levels of uric acid and urea in the blood (see Reference 2). This causes the body to eliminate this uric acid and urea by pumping lots of water into the kidneys and urinary tract (see Reference 2). In turn, this results in the loss of essential minerals from the body, including calcium (see Reference 2). Before beginning a high-protein vegetarian diet, consider consulting with a dietitian.

Pancreatitis Food Diet

The pancreas is a digestive gland that produces digestion assisting enzymes and hormones that aid metabolization of sugar. When the pancreas inflames, you have a condition known as pancreatitis. Depending on the severity of your pancreatitis, you may require hospitalization and surgery to treat any underlying conditions that contributed to your pancreatitis. Once you recover from the immediate effects of pancreatitis, adopt a low-fat, antioxidant rich diet to prevent future flare-ups or pancreatitis development in the first place.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, antioxidants may provide protection against pancreatitis and may also reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain. Foods high in antioxidants include tomatoes, blueberries, pomegranates and squash. For breakfast, eat a bowl of yogurt with fresh blueberries and cherries. Then for lunch eat salads full of dark leafy green vegetables, such as kale or spinach, topped with pomegranates and tomatoes. For dinner, cook brown rice and small red beans, which are extremely high in antioxidants. Drink plenty of green tea throughout the day to help further relieve symptoms and prevent pancreatitis flare-ups.

Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce some of the inflammation you experience due to pancreasitis. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in many fish (such as salmon), nuts and flax seed. Add grilled salmon or mackerel to your antioxidant-rich salad or atop red beans and rice for dinner. Snack on sardines or anchovies, both full of Omega-3's throughout the day. Also snack on nuts, especially walnuts and almonds. Another dinner option is a lean piece of bison or chicken--lean meats also help ease/prevent pancreatitis--that are seasoned with Omega-3-rich cloves. Other foods high Omega-3's include grape leaves, Chinese broccoli and basil.

As you increase the amount of antioxidants and Omega-3's in your diet, opt for healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated fats or monounsaturated fats over saturated or trans fats. Olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil all contain high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. Cook your salmon or lean meats in these "good" oils to further protect you from pancreatitis and to help alleviate symptoms. Also avoid processed meats and refined grains, such as those found in white bread, pasta and sugar. Refined foods may exacerbate pancreatitis symptoms or lead to a flare-up.

One of the side effects of pancreatitis is dehydration. If you already suffer from pancreatitis, increase your daily water intake to six to eight glasses daily. Adequate hydration may also lessen inflammation and prevent flare-ups. As you increase your water intake, do not also increase caffeine or alcohol intake as both can dehydrate you. In addition to water, drink juices rich in antioxidants, such as pomegranate juice, V8 and antioxidant-rich fruit smoothies.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading factors that contributes to pancreatitis. If you already have pancreatitis and drink, scale back your drinking considerably. Although too much alcohol leads to pancreatitis, a moderate amount of red wine with your food may decrease your chances of developing pancreatitis. Red wine contains the powerful antioxidant/flavonoid resveratrol. Just as food antioxidants may help with pancreatitis, so may antioxidants found in red wine. Note that moderate alcohol consumption is no more than one glass a day for women and two glasses a day for men.

How to Colon Cleanse in 3 Days

Colon cleanses aim to remove all waste from the body via bowel movements. There are two ways to do a colon cleanse; via oral ingestion or via enema. The oral ingestion is the easiest way for most people to do a colon cleanse and the most comfortable. Colon cleanses can be dangerous for some people due to possible nutrient deficiency or underlying health problems. Colon cleanses are used by many to restore health and aid digestion without any medical intervention. This article describes how to colon cleanse in three days.

Instructions

Avoid solids. The first day of the cleanse, eat only soft foods. Soft foods include grits, eggs, oatmeal and soup. The second day, drink only liquids that are see-through. This includes chicken broth, gelatin and popsicles, so take in calories via these options. Make sure to drink enough to stay hydrated as well.

Drink it up. Day three begins the magnesium citrate. Drink the first bottle within a 20-minute period an hour after waking up. Two hours later, drink the second bottle. Magnesium citrate is not usually a pleasant-tasting drink, so be prepared to drink it quickly. Tips for making it more tolerable include serving it cold and mixing it with another drink such as ginger ale. However, the taste may bleed through the mix, and then there's just more to drink. After starting to drink magnesium citrate, drink nothing but water.

Stay home. Don't make any plans after drinking the magnesium citrate. Once the laxative takes effect, the urge to go to the bathroom is sudden and unavoidable.

Stock up beforehand. Certain necessities are inevitable when colon cleansing. Make sure there's plenty of toilet paper in the bathroom. Baby wipes help if loose stools cause discomfort. Have some new magazines, books or other reading material on hand. The bathroom will be a busy place after taking the magnesium citrate.

Start back slowly. The day after the cleanse, take time to build up to foods again. The stomach needs time to start tolerating spicy or greasy foods. Start with liquids, and when comfortable, add in bland foods. Go at whatever pace works without causing severe nausea or intestinal distress.

Minggu, 22 September 2013

How to Diet for Pancreatitis

A diet for pancreatitis may be in order if you have an acute pancreatitis attack. If you decide not to follow the diet then you're setting yourself up for a chronic form of the disease. Therefore, the best choice is to change your diet.

Instructions

If you have to eat a diet for pancreatitis it's not the end of the world. It may be the end of consuming the foods and drinks that caused it, but then a diet change was needed anyway. Inflammation of the pancreas can come on suddenly with severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and a fever.

Obviously, pancreatitis is not something you should ignore it can lead to serious health complications and even death. However, you can get better on your own by simply changing your diet and lifestyle a little at a time.

To diet for pancreatitis you need to eat a low fat diet, since fat in the blood is a factor. Lucky for you there are all kinds of foods available these days that are low in fat. A vegetarian diet would be a good idea after a pancreatitis attack and not much dairy if any.

However, protein is okay and is recommended as long as it's low fat. Meat and fish are good if you eat lean cuts such as poultry and baked fish. You should also eat small meals instead of large meals that may create digestion problems.

Eating plenty of carbs is good too as long as their healthy. Baked potatoes, brown rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, soups, salads, whole grain breads and high fiber healthy cereals like oatmeal are excellent. Limit dairy to yogurt and low fat milk such as skim or 1%.

Some things to avoid on a diet for pancreatitis are spicy food, beans or any gas producing food, pizza, eggs, cheese, fried food, bacon, sausage, butter, tea, sugar, coffee, caffeine, alcohol, all stimulants and tobacco (nicotine).

If you continue to have issues with the digestion of foods you may consider a good vegetable juice extractor. This will help you to have essentials vitamins and nutrients in liquid form. Supplemental enzymes are another way to help digest fats this should be discussed with a physician.

As you can see it's important to not only change your diet, but to stick with it as well. A diet for pancreatitis needs to be a lifestyle change not a quick fix, so don't think you can go back to the way you used to eat.

Sabtu, 21 September 2013

How to Cleanse the Body With Fruit

Using fruit is an effective way to cleanse the body and remove toxins. All fruits contain acids, which are necessary for the elimination of toxins from the bloodstream. They also give the body strength and energy. Once you cleanse the body with fruit, the cells will be cleared, and they will function properly and harmoniously. The following method to cleanse the body with fruit should be followed for at least five days. Stay on the fruit cleansing diet for as long as 10 days, if you are extremely overweight or unhealthy.

Instructions

Cleanse the bowels with an herbal laxative tea before beginning to cleanse the body with fruit. Prepare the tea according to the instructions on the package, and drink it just before bed the night before you are to begin the diet.

Eat as many ripe, fresh fruits as possible. Eat at least two grapefruits, six oranges, and three lemons per day, in addition to as much fresh fruit of other types as possible.

Drink as much water as possible between eating the fruit. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of spring or distilled water per day while cleansing the body with fruit, but do not drink while eating.

Drink fruit juice liberally while on the fruit cleansing diet. Pure organic grape, apple, grapefruit and orange juice are the most beneficial. Do not drink juices from concentrate or juice cocktails. If you are unable to find pure and organic fruit juice, substitute water instead.

Perform at least 30 minutes of exercise in the open air each day while on the diet to help the body eliminate waste. Walking is the best exercise, and can be done at your own pace. However, jogging or running are also acceptable, if you are in better physical condition.

How to Cure Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure is when the blood pressure range falls below normal. It results in a number of symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, thirst, lack of concentration, fainting and tiredness. There are a number of treatments that will help relieve many of the symptoms. Epsom salt baths, adding salt to your diet, taking vitamins, eating a healthy diet and doing moderate exercise are all proven treatments for low blood pressure.

Instructions

Fill your bathtub with very warm or hot water. Add one or two cups of Epsom salt to the tub when it is full. Let the salt dissolve. Take a bath and sit in the tub for at least 20 minutes or more. Dry off, dress and go to bed immediately. It is recommended to do this before bedtime. This is an Epsom salt treatment.

Eat a healthy diet and take vitamin supplements. This means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, seafood and poultry. Take the daily recommended supplements of Vitamins B and C. These supplements help raise your blood pressure.

Add salt to your diet. Drink an eight ounce glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt daily. Eat foods that have moderate salt content, though be careful not to exceed the normal amount of sodium the body needs.

Walk 15 to 20 minutes each at work or at home. Walking is good exercise and helps relieve low blood pressure symptoms.

Eat small, low-carb meals throughout the day. This means eating several smaller meals throughout the day and eliminating or cutting back on high-carb foods like potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.

Gallstone Cleanse

A gallstone cleanse is a non-surgical approach to ridding the body of gallstones and eliminating the symptoms and pain that results from gallstones. The gallstone cleanse is used to clean the liver of built-up toxins and pollutants from the liver and the gallbladder. The liver filters everything we eat or come into contact with during our daily life.

A gallstone cleanse will clean the liver and the gallbladder of gallstones that are causing painful symptoms and improve the function of the body. Allergies may be cured as results of a gallstone cleanse and the liver will function in a more efficient manner. The gallstones collect in the ducts of the liver and gallbladder, preventing the distribution of bile by the liver. This prevents the liver from filtering toxins and bacteria from the body in a proper manner.

A cleanse cannot be advocated as a substitute for medical advice or surgery if your doctor determines that surgery is necessary. It will not cause any ill effects, however, and can be a way to remove gallstones without surgery and relieve the patient of gallstone symptoms.

It is important to have an accurate diagnosis of gallbladder disease or gallbladder attacks before trying a gallstone cleanse to remedy the symptoms.

Sufferers of gallstones and gallbladder attacks have found results using a natural gallstone cleanse at home. Olive oil and lemon juice is a natural remedy that can remove the gallstones from the body and eliminate the painful symptoms of gallbladder attacks. The lemon juice and olive oil remedy involves drinking a quarter cup of olive oil with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice every 15 minutes until you have consumed a pint of olive oil. Fasting before the cleanse is recommended.
Most natural gallstone cleanse treatments involve the use of lemon juice and olive oil. A daily tonic of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic can be used daily to keep the liver and gallbladder clean of toxins and restore energy and vitality.

When using a natural cleanse, you will have to check your waste for the presence of gallstones. Gallstones will float and will be greenish in color.

Gallbladder attacks can mimic the symptoms of other conditions such as heart attack, pancreatitis, appendicitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and hepatitis. Visiting the doctor for a diagnosis is necessary to rule out these other conditions. Let the doctor know of your intention to use a natural gallstone cleanse and discuss your options with the doctor. If you are frequently suffering from gallbladder attacks, the doctor may recommend removal of the gallbladder.

Laparoscopic surgery is used to remove the gallbladder. One night in the hospital to recover is all that is necessary from this type of surgery.

The doctor can also prescribe a non- surgical removal of gallstones using drugs. The drugs are administered orally and can take months to work. A new procedure that is still in the experimental stage uses drugs injected directly into the gallbladder to dissolve the gallstones.

The Traditional Diets of the Mediterranean

People native to the Mediterranean are recognized for their longevity, quality of life, low instances of heart disease and over-all good health. Traditional diets refer to the time prior to 1960, although the modern Mediterranean diet has changed very little and is still far healthier than many western diets. By adopting a Mediterranean diet, you receive abundant health benefits while enjoying food that tastes great.

The bulk of the Mediterranean diet is plant based. Artesian breads, pastas and whole grains supply plenty of fiber and are represented at most meals. Vegetables, cooked simply in the form of sauces, steamed and raw salads are harvested at the peak of ripeness, with time between harvest and the dinner table being very short. Nuts and beans are daily protein sources, with meat, fish and poultry eaten less frequently.

The majority of fat consumed is in the form of olive oil.

Fat is consumed in the form of minimally processed olive oil, yogurt and cheese. Daily fat consumption is typically around 25 percent of daily intake. However, saturated fat makes up only a small fraction of this number.

Dissimilar to the western diet, the Mediterranean diet encourages the consumption of fish or poultry two to three times weekly, reserving the consumption of red meat to two to three times per month. Meat is often served as an addition to sauces instead of a main course.

In the Mediterranean diet food pyramid, sweets occupy the small tip of the pyramid along with red meat. Fresh, ripe fruit is often served in lieu of sugary desserts, which are reserved for special occasions. When sweet desserts are served, they are often made with honey instead of sugar.

As part of the Mediterranean diet, it is common to consume red wine with the evening meal. Moderate consumption of red wine has been shown to reduce risks of heart disease. One glass with your evening meal is sufficient to gain these healthful benefits. If alcohol consumption is not an option for you, 100 percent grape juice shares similar benefits.

The Mediterranean diet is not simply about the food consumed but also the life lived. Walking to purchase daily food from the local market is a normal part of everyday life. This not only provides physical exercise but the freshest locally grown produce.

Jumat, 20 September 2013

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes are unable to leave the pancreas and begin digestion. Acute pancreatitis is a rapid attack that may or may not be very painful. It will normally resolve itself quickly. Chronic pancreatitis is a condition that happens as a result of the damage left behind by acute pancreatitis. The scarring will continue to disrupt the function of the pancreas over a long period of time until the condition gets worse and gives off symptoms.

The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach and just above the small intestine near the duodenum. It is responsible for creating and secreting enzymes that help to digest carbohydrates and fats in the stomach and the small intestine. It also helps to create insulin that helps to regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Pancreatitis is a condition that develops when those digestive enzymes start working before they leave the pancreas, which causes them to start digesting the pancreas. This causes inflammation in the pancreas that is diagnosed as pancreatitis.

Some of the initial symptoms of pancreatitis mirror the symptoms of other conditions such as the flu and a digestive infection. These symptoms include a swelling in the abdomen that can be tender and painful to the touch, nausea that could lead to vomiting, an increased heart rate and a persistent fever.

As the condition advances, the symptoms become much more severe. Dehydration may occur along with low blood pressure. These create symptoms such as fatigue, chronic chest pains and abdominal pain. In some cases the abdominal pain may become worse immediately after eating. The pain may radiate to other parts of the body, including the back and the pelvic region.

In some extreme cases there may be bleeding in the pancreas as the condition advances and more of the pancreas is deteriorated by stomach enzymes. There is also a chance that other organs such as the liver or the kidneys may fail as well. If internal bleeding occurs in the pancreas it could be fatal. If advanced symptoms of pancreatitis are discovered, contact a doctor immediately.

Treatment of pancreatitis normally focuses on relieving the pain, then changing the diet to reverse the condition. A low fat diet that is rich in carbohydrates may be prescribed by a doctor, and there may also be pancreatic enzymes given to help the pancreas properly digest food. In extreme cases, part of the pancreas may need to be removed to drain backed up fluid and relieve the pain.

Kamis, 19 September 2013

Lemon Cleanser Diet

The Lemon Cleanser Diet, also known as the Master Cleanse, is a weight loss detoxification regimen lasting ten days. Consuming only lemonade and water, individuals who have tried the Lemon Cleanser Diet claim to feel an increase in energy and overall improved sense of well-being. A detox cleanser also helps to eliminate toxins and free radicals from the skin, kidneys and liver allowing the body to run at a more efficient level.

Before you begin the Lemon Cleanser Diet, you will need to stop eating solid foods to get the stomach prepared for a 10 day cleanse. Three days before the cleanse, start by eating only raw fruits and vegetables. On the second day before beginning, eat only natural fruit and vegetable juice; and on the last day before, consume only pure orange juice. This will help cut down on food cravings and hunger during the beginning of the cleanse.

Each day on the Lemon Cleanse Diet, you will drink 60 ounces of a lemonade mixture, in addition to 64 ounces of filtered water. To mix an entire day's worth of lemonade, combine 60 ounces of filtered water, 12 tablespoons of organic fresh lemon juice, 12 tablespoons of organic grade B maple syrup and one half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Combine thoroughly and drink throughout the day, making a new batch for each of the 10 days.

To clean the digestive tract during the Lemon Cleanser Diet, many people use a salt water flush or laxative teas. To make a salt water flush, combine one teaspoon of sea salt with 25 ounces of filtered water, and consume entirely each night. This will help flush out toxins in the intestines and colon since there is no food in the bowels.

Laxative tea should be had each evening if desired instead of the salt water flush. Teas that contain Senna work to push out waste from the intestines, but should not be used long term to avoid health risks associated with the herb such as cramping or toxicity.

After the 10 day cleanse, incorporate food back into the system the same way it was taken out. On the first day, drink nothing but pure orange juice, then have natural fruit and vegetable juice, and on the third day you may begin to eat solid fruits and vegetables. After three days, you are able to eat protein and grains in addition to fruits and vegetables.

About Natural Dog Foods

As stories of toxic dog foods make the news, pet owners may be confused about what they should feed their beloved canines. Natural dog foods may be either homemade or commercially prepared, but not all foods billed as "natural" are beneficial for your dog's diet. Knowing what to look for when shopping for dog food and what to avoid will help you make healthy choices for your dog's diet.

Perhaps the most popular of all dog foods are the big sacks of large dry chunks that are easy to store and can be purchased in bulk. However, not all dry dog foods are equal in health and safety standards. Even dog foods produced with only natural ingredients may not be healthy. Unidentified meat products are a red flag when choosing a natural, dry dog food. Avoid sacks that use the general words "poultry" or "animal" instead of listing the meat as "chicken" or "beef." Beware of meat byproducts in canned dog foods as well.

Vegetables and some whole grains are nutritious in a dog's diet, but meat is more important to your dog than high levels of rice or grain. For this reason, dog-food manufacturers are required to list their ingredients by weight. However, a deceptive technique known as "splitting" may fool consumers into thinking there is more meat in the product. Look for more than one form of grain, such as rice. If the label lists brown rice and then later lists white rice or rice grain, the three rice ingredients combined may add up to much more than the meat content. The same is true for oats, barley and other grains.

The only way to know exactly what is in your dog's diet is to make his food yourself. Some natural dog foods, even quality ones, contain meat products that may go rancid if they are stored in warm temperatures or allowed to sit on a store shelf for a few months. By combining cooked meats and vegetables, you can ensure that your dog receives a truly natural diet. Some dog health practitioners suggest cooking your dog's meat products to ensure that he is protected from chemicals used in the animal's feed. Healthy choices include beef, chicken, fish, carrots, broccoli and dairy products. Some dogs may not tolerate corn in their diet.

Affectionately called BARF (Bones and Raw Food Diet) by adherents, this popular dog diet advocates giving your pet the same foods he would find on his own if he were hunting in the wild. Some dogs experience skin allergies, hip and joint problems or other medical conditions, linked to their diets. Even some natural commercial dog foods contain high levels of fillers that may be unhealthy for some dogs. With the BARF diet, dogs are fed raw beef, pork or lamb bones or the large leg bones from chicken along with organ meat and grated fresh vegetables, eggs and milk. (See "Additional Resources," below, for more information.)

When purchasing dog food billed as "natural," watch out for the inclusion of ocean fish ingredients on the label. Ocean fish may be processed with artificial ingredients and some may contain traces of mercury. Look for a disclaimer on the dog food product, stating that the ocean fish is mercury-free and that no artificial ingredients are present.

Rabu, 18 September 2013

How to Buy Sea Moss

Sea moss has emerged on the national market only recently, though many cultures have acknowledged its benefits for centuries. Irish sea moss, as it is commonly known, is a staple in Caribbean cultures for use in puddings, desserts and drinks because of its gelatinous texture. Sea moss punch is a favorite "men's drink" in the islands because it is said to give strength, power and stamina. Couples swear by its ability to induce pregnancy. It is even shown to assist in fibromyalgia, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's and many other ailments.Sea moss is an excellent source of potassium, algin, iodine and selenium. It also contains melatonin, which accounts for its ability to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Instructions

Find a website selling sea moss and determine the quantity you are interested in. Take 5 to 6 grams a day to introduce the nutrients to your body. It is typically sold by the half pound or pound. Keep in mind that sea moss is very lightweight, so a pound will be plenty to provide you with several months' supply.

Search online for sea moss, Irish sea moss, Jamaican sea moss or carageen. These names are the most widely known and used.

Order your sea moss online directly from Caribbean harvesters for the freshest product. An excellent source is a company in St. Lucia, Betafe Sea Moss.

Once your order arrives, find creative ways to add it to your daily diet for health benefits. It's an excellent supplement for those on a raw food diet.

Selasa, 17 September 2013

How to Cook Barley in a Rice Cooker

You can use your rice cooker for other grains besides rice. Barley is a whole grain that will contribute to the four servings of whole grains you should be getting daily. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

If you are using pearled barley, add the 1 cup of pearled barley, 2 cups of cold water and a pinch of salt to your rice cooker.

If you are using brown barley, soak the cup of brown barley overnight in 2 1/2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. This step can be done inside of the rice cooker.

For both types, cook through one rice cooking cycle.

After the cycle is finished, let the barley rest for 15 minutes.

Fluff the barley with a fork and serve or use in your favorite recipes.

How to Cook Rice in the Microwave

While rice commonly is cooked on the stove, the microwave is an option, especially if you're in a rush. Different types of rice require different cooking times, but the general preparation is the same. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Put 1 cup of rice into the bowl.

Add 2 cups of water to the bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the rice and water.

Mix and cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

Microwave the rice on high for five to 10 minutes.

Set the microwave power to 50 percent and cook according to the type of rice:
Cook brown rice for 20 to 30 minutes.
Cook wild rice for 35 to 40 minutes.
Cook long-grain white, converted white, basmati and jasmine rice for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the rice, fluff it with a fork, cover it again with plastic, poke a few holes in the plastic and let sit for five minutes before serving.

Diets for Kidney Cancer

Kidneys serve a vital function of the human body, filtering blood and removing waste products from the body. When cancer cells develop, the kidneys no longer work and support the body. The National Cancer Institute estimates that doctors diagnose 49,096 new kidney cancer cases in the United States and approximately 11,033 people die from this disease. While doctors do not recommend specific diets for kidney cancer, they provide dietary guidelines of things that help during treatment and during recovery.

People suffering from kidney cancer and undergoing cancer therapy should eat a vitamin-rich diet. Diets for kidney cancer should include foods containing vitamins A and C and fiber. The Kidney Cancer Association says that the foods strengthen patients, prevent tissue breakdowns and infections and help normal tissues regenerate. Foods containing these vital nutrients include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Nutritionists who specialize in cancer diets can help create a meal plan for patients.

Cancer treatments cause dehydration and constipation in many patients. A kidney cancer diet consists of keeping hydrated, which assists renal functions. If kidney cancer sufferers have surgery, Moffit Cancer Center says patients should concentrate on drinking 7 to 10 ounces of clear liquids like water, juice, milk, broth, coffee and tea for at least 3 to 5 days. Carbonated beverages and alcohol have the opposite effect, interfering with liver functions and dehydrating the kidneys. Limit consumption of these beverages to special occasions.

Diets for kidney cancer encourage patients to reduce the amount of sodium and saturated fat from their diets. Moffit Cancer Center says that kidney cancer diets are designed to provide enough calories and protein without excess sodium, potassium and phosphorous. These diets are especially helpful for people whose kidneys can't filter waste. To get enough protein, many people adopt a vegetarian diet. Whey, soy, flaxseed and beans provide vegetarian protein. But people don't have to adopt a vegetarian diet. They can eat lean protein like fish and chicken instead of red meat and eat vegetarian meals a few times a week.

Ram Animal Information

A ram is a male sheep---the slang term being "buck." Rams are always full-grown males and generally have the same characteristics and diet as other sheep, but they differ in terms of the habitat in which they live. Most species of rams are wild; however, many are also domesticated and kept on farms.

Rams are famous for their large, curled horns. The larger their horns, the better, since the horns serve as a symbol of status and are used as a weapon when battling other rams over mating rights. The weight of a typical ram is about 117 to 279 lbs. (53 to 127 kg). The shoulder height is around 32 to 40 inches. A ram has very good eyesight, which is mainly used for observing the surrounding areas for predators.

Being an herbivore, a ram's diet mainly consists of grasses, cacti, forbs and other plants available to their living area. Bighorns---a type of wild ram---living in the desert eat a mixture of desert plants and obtain moisture from them. When eating cacti, they use their horns and hooves to get rid of the spines and then eat the plant with all the juice inside. Some bighorn rams have a 9-stage digestive process, allowing them to utilize nutrients from low-quality foods.

They live among a bachelor herd---meeting the female ewes only during mating season. During this season, the tension between these male sheep builds as they fight for dominance. Usually, the older and stronger ones win and are able to mate more successfully.

Some rams---such as bighorns---live on mountains and deserts. Desert bighorns use both perspiring and panting as a cooling mechanism.

Mating occurs during November and December. During the breeding season, rams can become very aggressive and in a 60-day breeding season, one ram is able to mate with up to 35 female ewes---although, most males are not able to do so until they are 7 years old due to the tough competition.

Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets are now commonly recognized for their role in maintaining overall health and for reducing risk for a large number of diseases such as heat attack, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. A plant-based diet is not necessarily the same as a vegetarian diet (which completely excludes red meat, poultry and fish) or a vegan diet (which additionally excludes dairy, eggs and honey). A plant-based diet may include small portions or infrequent consumption of meat and dairy--as long as the diet derives a significant majority of its calories from plant-based foods.

Plant-based diets tend to be low in saturated fat and high in nutrients, fiber and unsaturated fat--the diet combination most often recommended for good health. High intake of saturated fat (found mostly in fatty meat, butter, dairy products and eggs) has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Unsaturated fats, however, have been shown to provide health benefits for the heart and brain. Plants provide these "good fats" in the form of avocados, nuts, seeds, olives (including olive oil) and soybeans. To get more of these foods into your diet, replace meat-based sandwiches with sandwiches made from avocado, peanut butter, tofu, hummus (which contains sesame seed paste and olive oil), and tempeh (a meaty, fermented soybean product). You can also add avocado to salads or use it in sushi rolls. Get beyond peanut butter by tasting the variety of nut butters now on the market: cashew, walnut, almond, pecan and hemp-seed butters. Nuts and nut butter also make a quick and satisfying snack, especially when paired with a piece of fruit. Meats that contain good fats include cold water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna.

Plant-based diets tend to be significantly higher in fiber than meat- and dairy- heavy diets. Fiber has been associated with many health benefits. It normalizes bowel movements, reduces incidence of hemorrhoids and may reduce risk of colon cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic website. It also protects heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol and by reducing inflammation. Because fiber is bulky and filling without being high in calories, it may aid weight loss, a health benefit in itself since excess weight has been linked to a number of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Good sources of fiber include beans, tempeh, flax meal, whole grains, whole grain cereals, fruits and vegetables. Meat and dairy products do not provide a significant amount of fiber.

A varied, plant-based diet is the best way to obtain health-protective antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamins A, C, E. Antioxidants promote good health by improving circulation and by protecting cells from the damage of free-radicals we are exposed to daily. WebMD reports that eating whole foods that contain these nutrients may provide greater benefit than popping a vitamin pill. This appears to be due to the way foods and nutrients interact during digestion. No single nutrient appears responsible for the benefit, but a varied, plant-based diet rich in many nutrients appears to be the best approach. Choose a wide variety of darkly pigmented fruits and vegetables, such as beets, blueberries, broccoli, bell peppers, leafy greens, watermelon and pomegranate to help protect yourself against dementia, Alzheimer's, heart disease, inflammation, stroke and some types of cancer.

How to Make Natural Dog Food

Natural Dog Food is one way to pamper your pet and perhaps extend the life expectancy of your dog or puppy. Natural dog food makes sense, since dogs in the wild and animals in general do not eat processed or cooked foods. Raw dog food diets and other sources of natural dog food are becoming more popular. Here are some ways to start your canine on a natural dog food diet.

Instructions

Find raw meaty bones for the core of your pet's natural dog food diet. Fresh bones are usually available for very little money form butchers and small meat packaging operations. Look for a small custom meats processor near you, and ask if you can pick out some bones once a week during butchering hours. (See Resources, below, for a great book on feeding raw meaty bones to your pets.)

Make natural dog food according to the BARF diet (see Resources) to add to the raw meaty bones you are giving your dog. An example of a BARF meal is ground beef mixed with spinach and raw eggs.

Make natural dog food biscuits as occasional treats. The majority of the dog's diet should be food he would eat in a natural environment, such as bones and meat scraps.

Avoid commercialized dog food, which contains a high percentage of soy, corn and other grains, things that are not part of a dog's native diet. There are also artificial flavors, colors, additives and other ingredients that are not good for your pet.

Protein Diet Menus

A low-protein diet is used to treat people that suffer from kidney or liver disease or failure, as well as other symptoms of urea and the metabolism. Eat plenty of rice, vegetables and beans in place of high-protein foods such as meat and milk products. Choose the thinnest cuts of sandwich meats at your grocery store, and stick to lower-protein varieties of meat, like poultry. When choosing cheeses, pick out high-flavor varieties, such as extra sharp cheeses, and eat less of them.

Make high-fiber cereal a part of your healthy, low-protein diet.

Eat 3/4 cup of high-fiber, low-carbohydrate cereal, such as Cheerios or another whole-grain or oat cereal. In place of milk, use 1/2 cup of a non-dairy creamer in your cereal. Eat a half piece of fruit, such as a banana or cantaloupe, and 1/2 cup of fresh fruit juice.

Include two healthy snacks a day when you are dieting. This will keep you from experiencing hunger or fatigue, which could lead you to make unhealthy food choices or fall off of your diet. An example of a low-protein diet snack might be half of a Fruit Roll-Ups along with a glass of water or unsweetened herbal tea.

A turkey sandwich with mayonnaise is a good part of a healthy lunch.

For lunch, make a sandwich of two slices of bread, a slice of turkey, lettuce, tomato and 3 tsp. of mayonnaise. As a side dish, prepare 1/2 cup of green beans, followed by an apple for dessert. Drink a 4 oz. glass of fruit punch or sweetened iced tea with your meal.

Eat an ice-pop, Popsicle or other frozen fruit or yogurt for an afternoon snack, followed by a glass of water.

Meat and vegetables with rice are a good choice for dinner.

Eat a 2 oz. serving of lean meat with 1/2 cup of rice, 1/2 cup of broccoli or other green, leafy vegetables, a small salad with up to 2 tbsp. of ranch dressing and a 1/2 cup of citrus fruit for dessert. Drink unsweetened herbal tea, water or a glass of red wine with your dinner.

Jelly beans or gumdrops make a good late night snack.

If you are hungry between dinner and bedtime, eat 1 oz. of candy. Good options are gumdrops, gummy bears, fruit candies, mints or Life Savers. Drink another glass of water before bed.

Senin, 16 September 2013

Vitamins to Make Fingernails Stronger

Everyone knows long-term vitamin deficiencies can cause serious health problems, but your body is designed to help you recognize those deficiencies before they cause damage. Brittle or discolored nails are a sign your vitamin levels need attention. Below are some of the vitamins that can help improve not only nail health, but overall well-being.

Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid the body needs to regulate heart health and mental function. It also makes your hair and nails look shiny and healthy. Eating foods with flaxseed is a good way to increase your Omega-3 intake. Incorporating more fish into your diet is another way, but if you prefer not to eat more fish, fish oil pills are an excellent alternative.

People often talk about vitamins A, B, C, and D, but rarely do they talk about vitamin H (also known as biotin). A deficiency of this vitamin is an extremely rare diagnosis, but adding extra biotin seems to be a good remedy for a host of health issues. For example, oral supplements have been used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol, in addition to promoting healthy fingernails.

Vitamin E helps your fingernails look better and grow faster. This vitamin is found in foods like avocados, olive oil, almonds, sweet potatoes, and lettuce. Most people do not get the recommended amount of vitamin E from their diets and it is common for doctors to prescribe a vitamin E supplement.

Foods Allowed for the Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet promotes the foods our ancestors ate before the introduction of modern agriculture and food processing. Proponents of the diet say that they maintain a naturally lean physique, have increased energy and stamina and do not suffer from metabolic or autoimmune diseases. In broadest terms, foods allowed on the Paleo Diet are natural foods that would have been available to our ancestors, including meat, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Before making any drastic changes to your diet, consult your health care provider.

The primary sources of protein allowed in the Paleo Diet are meat, eggs, fish and shellfish. This includes unprocessed beef, pork, lamb, goat, rabbit, venison, quail, turkey, chicken, ostrich, fish, shellfish and eggs from chickens, ducks or geese. Game meats are preferred when available. Choose lean cuts of meat over fattier cuts. When eating poultry, choose white meat over dark and remove the skin. Eggs from free-range chickens are preferred; choose eggs with a higher content of omega 3 fatty acids when available. Avoid processed meats such as sausage, bacon or salami, which may contain soy, sugars or other fillers.

Most vegetables and fruits are allowed. Vegetables can be fresh or frozen and can be eaten cooked or raw. You can eat leafy, green vegetables including spinach, watercress, cabbage and lettuce. Other vegetable choices include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets, artichokes, celery, cucumber, carrots, rhubarb, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, turnip and onions. Fruits that are allowed on the diet include citrus fruits, tomatoes, apples, apricots, pears, peaches, cherries, berries, dates, grapes, coconuts, ripe bananas, olives and avocados. You can drink fruit juices as long as they contain pulp and are free from additives. You also can eat small amounts of dried fruit.

The Paleo Diet allows most nuts and seeds that are edible without processing. You can choose from walnuts, chestnuts, filberts, almonds, pecans and Brazil nuts. Raw cashews and peanuts are now allowed.

The only sweetener the diet allows is honey, and you should use it only in small amounts. You also can use olive oil, lard and mustard. Tea is permitted, as are small quantities of wine.

The diet doesn't permit dairy foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter), cereal products (bread, pasta, rice), legumes (beans, peas, soy) and starchy vegetables (potatoes).

How to Make a Diorama

Body Cleansing Pills

If you feel fatigued, bloated and sluggish much of the time, your body may benefit from a cleansing. The main objective of a cleansing, or detox program, is to clean the colon, where the food we eat can clog up. Detox may help lower your health risks and improve the way you feel. People often claim they have more energy and even lose some weight in the process of cleansing their colon.

Body cleansing pills rid the body of waste buildup. During the first few days of taking the formula, you may experience more frequent bowel movements. This happens as your body gets rid of built-up waste material. Make sure to drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep toxins moving through the body. Do not take cleansing pills if you are pregnant.

Although body cleansing pills may help you lose weight, they are not a diet plan. Some people may lose between 2 and 10 pounds per cycle.

Most cleansing pills use all-natural herbs to combat toxins in the body. By cleansing your body you will see and feel the difference in your body. Body cleansing pills should be able to replenish essential nutrients and antioxidants lost due to body pollution.

A body cleansing process can last from two to 30 days. It is not recommended to exceed this time frame. Body cleansing pills should start processing within the first week or so. Bowel movements should become more comfortable and consistent. You may want to stay accessible to a restroom during the first two or three days to allow your body to get used to the change.

There are two types of body cleansing available now; there are capsules and tablets. Detoxreviews.com unanimously voted to award the Best Detox Program Award to DrNatura's Colonix and Toxinout programs. Numerous medical health experts also endorse the Colonix and Toxinout programs. Consult with your physician to get the best cleansing pills for you.

What to Eat at Breakfast to Lose Weight

A healthy breakfast is essential when trying to lose weight. Knowing what to eat, when to eat and in what amounts every morning will make a big difference when it comes to tipping the scale toward the right side. Despite what most people think, a healthy, slimming breakfast is easy to get, either at home or on the go.

The single most important rule when it comes to breakfast for weight loss is: Eat something. While a healthy, well-balanced meal is preferable, the truth is that you will be better off eating half a toasted bagel, a cereal bar or even a quick pastry than eating nothing at all. By the time you get up in the morning, your body has been without any food for at least six to eight hours, which means it is then running on fumes. If you don't have anything to eat in the first 60 minutes of being awake, your body will start burning off muscle tissue in order to feed itself. This will set off a cycle that will affect your glucose (blood sugar), causing you to crave more sugars (carbohydrates) throughout the day.

Breakfast is the best time to eat carbohydrates, since you will have the rest of the day to burn them off and use them as fuel to keep your body and your brain working. When choosing carbohydrates for weight loss, opt for whole grains with lots of fiber. Oatmeal (no sugar added) is one of the best options, with other cereals and fruits following closely behind. Fiber keeps you full, so you're less likely to overeat later in the day. Stay away from fruit juices, which contain lots of sugars (even natural juices are high in sucrose) and instead eat the whole fruit. Berries are naturally low in sugar, as are watermelon, papaya, peaches and apricots. Bananas, oranges and grapes, on the other hand, contain high levels of sugar and should be avoided when trying to lose weight.

Carbohydrates are better for weight loss when consumed along with a protein. This helps the body level off the sugar consumed and controls appetite. Dairy products may seem the obvious choice for breakfast, except that dairy is usually high in fat and calories. To lower this, choose low-fat products, especially if you're eating cheese, or go from healthier options such as yogurt and eggs. Avoid red meats (bacon is a no-no) and if you're buying something on the go, choose chicken or turkey.

For those on the go, there are many options to be found in grocery stores, coffee shops and even fast food restaurants for a healthy breakfast that will help with weight loss. If you're buying prepackaged food, read the list of ingredients and the labels in the back. Ideally, you should be looking for something with less than 10 grams of sugar and 6 grams of fat per serving. Look for hidden sugars as well, such as the presence of high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, honey, sucrose or nectar in the list of ingredients. When eating breakfast at diners, fast food restaurants or cafes, avoid anything with the words breaded, scalloped or au gratin as part of the name. This usually indicates the food is deep-fried and high in fat. Stick to grilled, baked or steamed options. Also, ask for dressings and sauces on the side, so you can control the amount you use. Skip mayo and butter (high in fat and calories) and instead use tomato sauce, mustard or spices to add flavor.

One of the best ways to make a breakfast waist-friendly is to skip your morning java. Starbucks may seem like heaven on a Monday morning, and that's fine if you stick to black coffee or an Americano. But other options aren't so great. The Blended Frappuccino Grande has 241 calories, while the Cocoa Grande (low fat) has 433 calories. This is more than half the calories you should be consuming for your whole breakfast and most of them are from sugars. Skip your morning juice, too, and instead have a glass of low-fat milk, or water down the juice (half glass of juice to half glass of water) to reduce the amount of sugars and calories.

Minggu, 15 September 2013

What is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet is certainly not a new idea. Coming to popular attention with the publication of a book on the subject by Walter Voegtlin in 1975, its central concept is to mimic the diet of humans that lived 25 to 50 thousand years ago, during the Paleolithic Age. Voegtlin claimed distinct benefits are associated with what he claims was the high protein and low carbohydrate diet of the ancients. His plan is occasionally called the caveman diet, the Stone Age diet and the hunter-gatherer diet. Proponents of the Paleo diet continue to practice it, and it has been somewhat validated by the emergence of other similar low-carb diets.

The Paleo diet attempts to mimic the food intake of our distant ancestors by excluding foods that entered the human diet during the Neolithic Age, mostly grains, legumes, and other products of agriculture. These foods are not edible in their natural state, but they must be cooked to convert toxins into safe substances and to become digestible. Instead, the Paleo diet focuses on foods that are edible in their natural state and would have been available to low-technology hunter/gatherers.

The claim of Paleo diet proponents is that the human body evolved for millennia with the fairly consistent food sources available to hunter/gatherers. Over time, it adapted to these foods and reacted to them optimally. They claim that grains and other agricultural products were introduced relatively recently in human history, and that they not only are not well handled by the body, which suffers as a result, but they are not as nutritionally beneficial as the traditional foods of the Paleolithic era.

The kinds of foods the Paleo diet allow are meats (especially seafood, lean meats and organ meats like liver and kidneys), raw vegetables (especially roots vegetables like carrots, but not potatoes), nuts (especially walnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia, and almonds, but not peanuts or cashews) and fruits (especially berries).

The Paleo diet is not intended to be a faddish or temporary tool for producing immediate weight loss but rather a lasting lifestyle change. Proponents of the diet claim that not only will it prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other "diseases of affluence," but it also leads to a gradual realization of an individual's ideal body weight, maximum health and top athletic performance.

The Paleo diet is a low-carb diet, not unlike the Atkins or South Beach diets. Unlike those diets, however, the Paleo diet does not advocate counting carbs or calories. Instead, it maintains that a simple focus on the right kinds of foods will naturally increase overall percentage of energy coming from protein, reduce the intake of carbohydrates and lead to improved health and longevity. These claims are not uncontested, however, and several studies link vegetarian, Mediterranean and Asian diets with health and longevity. Scientists agree there is insufficient evidence as to the relative proportion of plant and animal foods that constituted the diet of Paleolithic humans.

Pages

Senin, 30 September 2013

During and Soon After an Attack

Solid Foods

Maintenance

The Proof

Mixers

On the Rocks

Garnish

Minggu, 29 September 2013

Creationism

Open Theology

Emphasis on Family

Peace and Cleanliness

Fluid

Foods to Avoid

Foods to Eat

Other Factors

Sabtu, 28 September 2013

Background

Diet

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Snacks

Instructions

Foods To Avoid

Foods to Eat

Herbs and Supplements

Daily Diet Plans

Jumat, 27 September 2013

Kamis, 26 September 2013

Stop Drinking Alcohol and Smoking

Choose Foods That Are Low in Fat

Drink Plenty of Water

Selasa, 24 September 2013

Permitted and Restricted Foods

How to Follow a Mediterranean Style Diet

Benefits of Following a Mediterranean Style Diet

Lifestyle Change

Ingredients to Include

Low-Fat Diet

Putting It All Together

Senin, 23 September 2013

Instructions

Instructions

The Facts

Specific Foods

Warning

Antioxidant Food Sources

Omega 3 Food Sources

Refined Foods and Fats

Proper Hydration

Alcohol

Instructions

Minggu, 22 September 2013

Instructions

Sabtu, 21 September 2013

Instructions

Instructions

How to Cure Low Blood Pressure

Why use a Gallstone Cleanse

Natural Gallstone Cleanse

Visit the Doctor

Plant Based

Fat

Meat, Fish & Poultry

Sweets

Wine

Physical Activity

Jumat, 20 September 2013

Identification

Types

Effects

Potential

Prevention/Solution

Kamis, 19 September 2013

Before the Lemon Cleanser Diet

Salt Water Flush

After a Lemon Cleanser Diet