Health Tips to Stay Fit Forever

Health should be the first and foremost priority of every individual. As with good health only you can feel energetic and fresh all the time. Healthy mind and body boost up your morale to work more efficiently. You cannot perform well without a healthy body.
Maintaining a good health is not at all an easy job to do. You need to take out time to focus on your health like by doing exercises, proper diet, gym etc.
You can find plenty of websites available on the internet that keep you updated with daily health tips. These sites provide you plenty of information about how to keep your body fit all the time. You just need to search the internet carefully to grab best information which you can follow on regular basis.
There are some tips which can be useful for you to keep your health in tone that is, drink as much water as you can. Much of our body and brain is made up by water. So, it is necessary to keep hydrated and flush out toxins. Exercise is very important factor or tip to keep your body in shape and energetic. The various types of physical exercises generate flexibility and strength in the body. One should eat well. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the most important foods to eat to keep your body healthy. A proper diet plan should be from breakfast to dinner which should contain a balanced diet.
Sleeping is also one of the important tips to relax your body and mind from hectic schedule. When you sleep your muscles relax and grow. It is essential to sleep at least 6 hours at night. You are suggested to sleep well and do not take tension at all if you want a healthy body.
A regular adherence to these tips may increase your chances of living a healthy and enjoyable life.
Daily health tips providing sites work 24X7 for the welfare of the people. You can ask all your health related queries anytime and these sites also offer you expert approval guidance. These daily tips are not bound with any age group. No matter whether you are an adolescent or old aged, everyone can find numerous health tips daily. They understand the stress of work on your life; likewise they suggest you some exercises or technique which you can obtain while sitting at office only.
The experts from these sites guide you with best healthy vitamins and other pills available in the market which suits your body. So, start taking your health seriously to stay fit forever.

The Importance of High Quality Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins are very important to our bodies. There are thirteen different vitamins that our bodies need. Some of these are fat-soluble, while others are water-soluble. They are used for everything from regulating organ function to producing hormones. Most people find they can get enough vitamins in their foods like fruits and vegetables, but if you do not, you can take vitamin supplements as well. However, if you want to take supplements, you should be concern with the quality of those supplements.

The first step you should take if you want to take vitamin supplements is to talk to your doctor or a health care professional. Vitamin supplements are not regulated by the government like drugs are. They are instead classified as food products. Therefore, some are not as safe as others. You doctor can tell you a number of things about the different vitamins you can take. Simply put, vitamin supplements are meant to help your body, not to hurt you, and your doctor can make sure that this is not a problem.

Of course, vitamin quality is of utmost importance. Because vitamin supplements are not classified as drugs, every brand can make their vitamin supplements differently. If you need a vitamin supplement to replace the vitamins you are not getting from your daily diet, then you want to make sure that you are getting the strength your doctor recommends. Some vitamin brands are very high quality and some are not. It’s up to you to figure out which brand of vitamin supplements to purchase.

When you’re in the health food store facing a wall, which one should you choose? To start, look at the specific brands your doctor recommends, because these will be the brands that are proven to work and safe to use. However, your doctor may know of more than one safe brand of vitamin supplement. If so, it is up to you to use the one that is right for you.

The label is very important because it will tell you how potent the vitamin supplements are and give you directions on how to take them. Some vitamin supplements come with special instructions. Remember to follow them all very carefully to keep your body healthy and safe. High quality comes with all of the directions you need to take the vitamin. If there are no directions clearly printed on the supplement bottle, you should purchase another brand. Also remember that price comes with quality. Higher quality supplements may be a bit more expensive, but in the end they may be the best choice for your body.

Overdose Dangers of Vitamin Supplements

There are many people who end up having problems with vitamin and mineral supplements. You might not know it, but there is such a thing as too much of something that is good. Many people believe that if a little bit of something is good for you, then a lot of something is even better. Some people also get themselves into trouble because they end up taking several different vitamin supplements at once, which might end up being detrimental because you are taking too much without even knowing.
Yes, taking too many vitamins can lead to overdose, and this can be bad for you. It is very rare that you are going to find people who overdose on vitamins naturally – most of the time the overdoses will happen because someone has taken too much of a vitamin supplement. The fact remains that supplements of vitamins and minerals are meant to replace what you aren’t getting in your diet. You body does not need a lot of the vitamins and minerals in order to be healthy. In fact, most of the time you only need a small amount. However, some people take much more than they are supposed to for many reasons. Sometimes they don’t understand how much of a vitamin is in a supplement, and more often they don’t understand how much their bodies need.

When someone has had too much of a certain vitamin, there are several things that might happen. The most common side effects of vitamin overdose include vomiting and diarrhea, and well as nausea. The good thing is that these symptoms are easy to see and easy to notice. Some symptoms, that occur with long term vitamin and mineral overdose might include liver damage or damage to other organs, and these are harder to see.

The thing that is good about vitamin overdose is that once you have had the symptoms and you know what you have been doing wrong, it is fairly easy to correct, and begin to do it right. Most of the time, with vitamin or supplement overdose, you will find that the damage simply goes away when you have corrected the problem. For this reason, it is obviously much better to overdose on vitamins than on other types of drugs. If you think you have taken too much of a vitamin or mineral, stop taking the supplement, and consult your doctor to see what you should do next. The most important thing is to make sure that you are getting just what you need, and nothing more.

Are Multivitamins for You?

A multivitamin is a supplement that you can take that has many different types of vitamins and minerals in it. It is important because if you don’t have time to be taking all of the separate vitamins, you might not be getting all that you need. If you are able to take a good multivitamin, you will find that you are getting the recommended daily allowance and that you are healthier.

Multivitamins are also important because they might help you avoid getting too much of certain vitamins or minerals. They are made with certain doses in mind, and they are made to create a situation in which you are getting just enough of a certain vitamin or mineral. If you simply take the one a day multivitamin as it is instructed, you are going to find that it is impossible for you to get too much and therefore that fear is avoided.

There are several different types of multivitamins that are made for different groups of people. The reason that we need to take vitamins and minerals is that our bodies are not capable of producing all of the vitamins and minerals that we need, and these usually are supplemented from food. However, there are many situations today where people don’t’ get the right kind of balanced diets that they need, and they are going to end up with vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, taking a multivitamin is going to allow you to get all of the vitamins that you need.

You might be a part of several different groups that need multivitamins. These usually include groups that are at a high risk for not getting the kind of nutritional support that is needed, such as the elderly, those prone to sickness, or those with allergies that prevent them from eating certain foods. If you are pregnant or nursing, you are also going to find that you might need some multivitamins to make sure that you are getting all of the healthy aspects that you can for your child.

Remember that like with anything, certain multivitamins are made to handle certain things and they have different kinds of vitamins included in them. It is very important that you follow the directions on the multivitamins and that you are taking them exactly as instructed, because even though vitamins are good for you, too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing.

Niacin’s Importance

There are many different vitamins that a person should take every single day in order to stay healthy, strong, and safe from injury. Niacin is just one of these supplements. Known as one of the B vitamins, Niacin is a water-soluble supplement. That means it cannot be stored in the body like fat-soluble supplements. Since you cannot store niacin in the body, it is crucial to eat foods with niacin each day in order to replenish the vitamins your body needs. If you do not, there could be serious consequences. For those who do not believe they are getting enough niacin with daily diet, vitamin supplements are important to avoid these consequences.

Niacin is important in the body for growth, reproduction, and the immune system. It can help you convert food to energy by assisting in the function of the stomach, intestines, and other parts of the digestive system. It is also important for building and regeneration of nerves and skin. If you do not have enough niacin in your body, these parts of your health will be greatly affected.

How can you make sure you have enough niacin in the body? Simply put, it is important to consume foods rich in niacin. If you look on the label, you should see niacin, niacin acid or B3. This is found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products, as well as meats like poultry, fish, and lean beef and nuts. Eggs can give you a good source of niacin as well, and if you eat enough legumes, like beans, you will be sure to be getting enough niacin in your diet. Other products that may contain niacin include enriched foods like breads and cereals. Be sure to check the label.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that adults (over the age of 14) get about 14 to 16 milligrams of niacin every day to stay healthy. This number increases if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and decreases if you are younger or have special dietary needs. Again, the best way to get enough niacin in your body is through food sources, but vitamin supplements can help you receive enough of this vitamin if your are worried you may not be getting enough.

When you don’t have enough niacin in your body, you develop a deficiency known as pellagra. Symptoms of this deficiency include flushed skin and rashes, digestive disorders, and mental impairment. However, large doses of niacin can be unhealthy as well, causing peptic ulcers and skin discomfort. Therefore, this is definitely a vitamin supplement that you should only take under complete medical supervision.

Six Healthy Tips As Ramadan Fasting Month

Running fasting is an obligation for Muslims, but if judging from the health side behind the worship of the ritual which is run every month this year, also saved a lot of benefits. But of course if it is run with the right rules and not arbitrary.

How to combine worship and gain benefits for our health and beauty, we contributed the following six tips for healthy fasting run:

1. Do not Leave Sahur

Sahur is one of a series of religious fasting in Ramadan is highly recommended, in a hadith it is mentioned that "Rasulullah SAW said:" Sahur, because the meal there was a huge blessing."  Why sahur is important for us that run fast?, When running fast our bodies are not getting more or less nutritional intake for 14 hours. For the body so that it can perform the function properly, cells of the body requires nutrients and energy in sufficient quantities. For sahur meal menu,  select foods high in carbohydrate and protein, but avoid eating too much sweet foods. And Take a bath before subuh, use soap and shampoo to cleanup your body and your hair.

Many eating sweet foods will make your meal when hungry in the daytime fast. Sweet foods causes the body to react quickly to release insulin, insulin works include sugar from the blood into body cells and is used as an energy source. While eating fibrous foods create a slower digestive process and helps the insulin is gradually released. And you need some nutrition supplies to have more energy at day when fasting, such as some vitamin a and other vitamins.

2. Do not Postpone Break

After a day of hunger and thirst, of course we are drained of energy, to restore the energy back, when breaking the fast eat simple carbohydrate  found in sweet foods. Foods that contain sugar instantly restore our energy drained all day. But try to avoid ice or a fizzy drink, because these types of drinks can make the digestive function normally.

3. Eat In Staged

Usually when I heard drum evening, without waiting for us instantly ate meals provided by the above table. This is not a good pattern for health, after a day we do not fill stomachs and digestive organs a rest, you should not eat the meal directly in large quantities. When it is time to break the fast eat sweet foods, such as compote, or drink hot tea, rest a moment, you can use it to run a prayer break sunset while giving time to adjust our digestive organs. Only after praying you can go back to eating heavier foods such as rice and side-dishes.Keep your body health with more organic health and beauty product is the best.


4. Do not Leave Sports

Running fast does not mean a total stop exercising. Precisely fixed physical activity needed to maintain the smooth circulation of blood so that we can not easily sluggish. But for this business select mild exercise which does not require an excess of energy, such as jog or walk. We recommend that you do ahead of time breaking sports. Tarawih addition to worship as well as a means of maintaining fitness
physically because the same time as performing tarawih by burning calories.

5. Enough Water Consumption

Water is a substance that is needed by the body. More than 60% of our body consists of water. To perform its functions properly every organ of our body needs water. Without enough water your body will experience interference. For that multiply drinking water for deposits in the body so that all organs function properly. The so-called water here is not only a form of white water, but also milk and tea are also included. Fulfilled so that the body needs, arrange for you to drink eight glasses of water before undergoing fasting tomorrow.

6. Emotion Control

Rasulallah said that fasting is not only hunger and thirst but also to abstinence. In other words the purpose of fasting was to manage the emotions, learn to have patience and try to draw closer to God. In this psychological affect our mental-spiritual, with emotions control makes our souls grow more healthy, and feel the closeness with God make our hearts peace.

Ramadan healthy tips a call away

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health launched the “Hello Ramadan” health program during the first week of the holy month to help Muslims receive health information from their homes and offices by phone or fax.

“The program is being carried out for the sixth year in succession and we are continuing this program because of its popularity among citizens and expatriates,” an official from the Health Awareness Information Center (HAIC) at the Ministry of Health told Arab News Saturday.
The ministry has a team of specialized doctors to reply to queries and doubts of people on health issues related to Ramadan. The panel comprises doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists and trained health personnel who could field any health related questions, the official said.
During the holy month, callers can phone 800 24 94 444 or fax their questions to 2916754 – Extension 105 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on all working days. “The officials at the center will help callers in providing the necessary health advice, the official added.
Health Ministry Spokesman, Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani, said that the program would highlight several health topics related to Ramadan such as pregnancy, women’s health, asthma and diabetes. The program would also lay emphasis on nutrition. Al-Mirghalani pointed out that the ministry is committed to spreading and upgrading health awareness among different segments of society focusing its programs on patients.
He said that the patients who are suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes, cardiac diseases and renal problems should re-adjust their time table for the intake of medicines. “We will advise such patients to adjust their consumption of tablets to fall in line with the fasting period,” he said. He noted that a team of specialists would be available daily at the call center from 1 to 3 p.m., while the remaining period will be covered by consultants in various fields.
Last year, the call center was inundated with inquiries from all parts of the Kingdom. Saudi women showed more interest than men in getting health information through the program. Saudi women made use of this opportunity to get their health questions answered through the program since they believe in strict privacy. The ministry has put women at the desk to answer queries so that the caller can speak freely about their problems with the health consultants.
“Another interesting part in this program is the caller can spend more time with the doctor behind the screen in order to clarify doubts,” the official said.
Regarding Muslims going for Umrah during the holy month, the official stressed that they should strictly follow the medical advice given by their doctors. He pointed out that the pilgrims should be mindful of their food and avoid congested areas.  “Pilgrims should look after their personal hygiene when they are in such large groups .”
Basic health habits such as washing the hands before eating, covering their mouths and noses while sneezing or coughing and avoiding spending time under the sun will help the pilgrims stay healthy, he added .

source: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article109198.ece

10 Tips for the First Day Back to School

For many couples, it’s common to feel both excited and a little apprehensive at the start of a new school year, especially if your child is attending a new school. Although your child’s jitters will soon pass, preparing for the school year in advance will allow your child to feel more at ease and in control. Use these 10 tips to help them feel more comfortable on their first day.

1. Scout the route. Before school starts, take a walk or drive by the school and let your child see the route you both will be traveling each morning and afternoon. Point out the school office, the library and any other areas of the school that you can see from the street. Try guessing which classroom your child may be in and talk about what he or she may be learning this upcoming school year.

2. Start a trend of going to bed earlier every day of the week. It will be easier to fall asleep the night before the first day of school if your child has already established a habit of an earlier bedtime.

3. Visit the school website. Spend some time with your child reviewing the cafeteria menu, supply list, teacher roster and anything and everything else that may catch your child’s attention.

4. Make friends. If your child will be new to the school, call the school office a few weeks ahead and request a phone call or visit from a host family. Invite the family over for a casual dinner or dessert so your child will know a familiar face before the first day of school.

5. Don’t skip the open house. Attending this informative event is essential in order to learn what will be expected from you as parents, as well as your child, this upcoming year.

6. Get your child’s school clothes ready a week prior to the first day of school. Whether your child wears a uniform or regular clothing, have their clothes clean, ironed and ready to go. Every second counts on such a hectic morning.

7. No loitering on the first day. Walk your child to the door, help them locate their desk and lunch cubby, kiss them on the cheek and say goodbye. Avoid the urge to circle back and peer through the window to see how your child is doing. It makes it much harder on your child to say goodbye the second time around.

8. Help your child find the restroom. It’s important for a child to know where key locations are and the bathroom is top on this list.

9. Make a special breakfast. Plan a special "First Day of School" menu with your child and offer a selection of healthy choices. Set the table the night before and sit down together to eat breakfast. Attempting to slow down the pace on a busy morning will relax your child and give them time to ask you questions or discuss fears.

10. Assure your child that everyone gets a little nervous on the first day of school. Talk about what other children are probably feeling and how the feeling will pass very soon. Remind them that you will see them in the afternoon and how you will look forward to hearing all about their day.

After you drop off your child, relax and enjoy a second cup of coffee before starting your own day… you deserve it!

source: http://www.hitchedmag.com/article.php?id=1040

Healthy Eating Tips

Here are some tips for eating healthy at home, work, and elsewhere to help you get started. Try some of these ideas.
1.	Start your day off right!
	Eat breakfast! Breakfast is an important meal and having a good breakfast just help give you the right start to your day. Have a piece of toast with peanut butter, unsweetened cereal with low-fat milk, or a steamed bun with lean meat/vegetables. Try livening up your cereal with some fruit like sliced banana or diced apple. If you are in a big rush, take a piece of fruit to munch on during your commute (OK, OK– not on the MRT!)
2.	Eat a variety of foods
	Our body requires over 40 nutrients for good health. No one food or food group can provide you with all the nutrients, so have a variety of food to ensure that you are getting what your body needs. Use the Healthy Diet Pyramid as a guide for what to eat and how much of each type of food.
3.	Eat more fruits & vegetables
	Wouldn’t it be easier to eat something if it was right in front of you? The next time you go grocery shopping, make sure you stock up on fruits & vegetables. Then keep bowls of fruit on the kitchen table or counter. Reach for a piece between or after meals. Don’t forget to cook up those vegetables you had bought too!
4.	Eat less fat & foods high in fat
	What can we say about fried foods? They taste great, but are not great for you. They’re high in fat. Here is a few suggestions that will save your heart.
	Deep-fry less often. Try grilling/barbequeing, baking, steaming or boiling your foods more often. Use oils sparingly in cooking or when flavouring foods. Choose less saturated oils, try olive and canola oils which are high in monounsaturated fats. Watch those fast foods. Many of them are high in fat. Check them out in the Fast Food Guide. If you use butter and margarine, use them sparingly. Even better, switch to reduced-fat margarine or use a little jam/jelly on your bread, bagels, and other baked goods. Use low-fat dairy products such as non-fat or Hi-Lo milk, reduced fat cheese, low-fat yogurt, or light ice cream. You’ll still get the nutrients and taste but half the fat. If you like to eat meat, you can help reduce fat by choosing the leanest cuts. If you are preparing it at home, trim all visible fat and drain the grease that cooks out of the meat. Also take the skin off chicken and substitute meat with bean curd, lentils or dal a couple of times each week.
5.	Watch those snacks
	Why do we eat snacks? They taste great, they’re easy, and they satisfy our sweet and salt cravings. And, let’s face it, crunchy food is fun. However, some snack foods are high in fat & salt. See Snack Attack table to find out how much fat & salt is in your favourite snack food! Check out the suggestions for some healthier alternatives.
6.	Eat everything in moderation.
	There is no "good" or "bad" food. As the American Dietetic Association suggest – All Foods Can Fit – as long as you have them in moderation. Too much of any food is bad; if you only eat vegetables and nothing else, that would be a problem too. And just because something is fat free or low fat does not mean you can eat as much as you want. Many low-fat or nonfat foods are also high in calories. Eat everything in moderation. Reduce, don't eliminate foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt.
7.	Maintain a healthy body weight and feel good
	Being overweight increases your risk for a wide range of diseases including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Excess body fat results when you eat more calories than you are using up. If you are very active, you can eat more. However, if your lifestyle is sedentary, you need to:
	cut back on the amount of food eaten; choose lower calorie items; and increase your activity.
	Calories come from all food - protein, fat, carbohydrate or alcohol - but fat have the most calories, followed by alcohol, then protein and carbohydrate. To maintain weight, cut back on calories and be more active.
8.	Drink plenty of fluids
	Adults need to drink at least 1.5 litres or 6 cups of fluid a day! You need more if it is very hot or you are physically active. Plain tap water is obviously a good source of fluid but variety can be both pleasant and healthy. Choose also from unsweetened juices, lightly sweetened drinks, tea, broth, milk, etc. Coffee is not a good source of fluid as it acts as a diuretic (draws water from your body).
9.	Get on the move
	As we have seen, too many calories and not enough activity can result in weight gain. Moderate physical activity helps burn off those extra calories. It is also good for the heart and circulatory system and for general health and well-being. So, make physical activity part of your daily routine. Use the stairs instead of the lift/elevator (up and down!). Park your car a little further. Go for a walk in your lunch break. You don't have to be an athlete to get on the move!
10.	Start now! - and make small changes
	Making gradual changes in your lifestyle are much easier than taking a big jump all at once. To start on the road to healthy eating, pick one tip and work on it for a couple of weeks. When you feel comfortable with that, move on to the next one. If you want to know how your current diet is, write down the foods and drinks you eat at meals and as snacks for the next three days. Use the Rate Your Diet form to identify areas that you are low in or eating too much of. Use that as a guide to focus on problem areas. Check your diet again in 3 months & see if your diet has improved. Source: http://www.nutrition.com.sg/he/hetips.asp

Drug Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

For people with Type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy may not always be necessary. Type 2 diabetes is often controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. In this article you will learn about some of the medications that are prescribed to manage blood sugar in diabetics.

When your doctor tells you that you have diabetes, lifestyle changes will be one of the first things discussed. The first discussion will involve your current risk factors. These include obesity, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. As you work to change your diet and incorporate a more active lifestyle, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to get you on the right track faster.

Even though Type 2 diabetics don't take insulin, they still have to monitor blood sugar to determine how well their dieting and exercise efforts are working. Sorry, you won't be able to avoid that finger pricking; it is still necessary for control.

Medications

Now, we don’t always eat what we should. If you are diabetic, the results of non-compliance can be very detrimental to your health and well-being. If you eat something that is off your diet, like a cookie, your blood sugar will usually rise in response to too much sugar moving into the blood.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Drugs

These are given orally (a relief to those who don’t like needles) to lower your blood sugar through stimulating the natural process of insulin production in the body. One such drug is metformin. Another name for it is Glucophage.  It reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

It also helps the cells to become more welcoming to insulin in diabetics who have developed insulin resistance. For those with risks of heart attack and stroke, this drug also helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It is particularly useful for diabetics who are overweight.

Another class of drugs that help with lowering blood sugar is sulfonylurea. They work to naturally stimulate an increased production of insulin in the body. This is good for diabetics that have a limited insulin secretion that is not managing their blood sugar levels.

Precose is a diabetes management drug that works in the intestinal tract. It decreases the amount of carbohydrates that are absorbed into the intestines. Once carbs are broken down, the glucose is moved through the walls into the bloodstream where it circulates until used. When there is less sugar available to the bloodstream, then the amount of insulin the body produces can handle it.

Injectable drugs are used as a companion for Type 2 diabetics who have to use insulin. The blood sugar is not easily controlled with insulin alone so these drugs (Symlin and Byetta for example) are used for greater control.

Your doctor may use one drug, several drugs, or a combination drug to manage your diabetes. It all depends on your risk factors, any other complications with your diabetes, and how well you are controlling your diabetes with diet and exercise. All these options for treatment should be discussed with your health care professionals.

The Prevention and Treatment of Hyperglycemia – High Blood Sugar

One reason that an individual develops diabetes is because of the levels of sugar in the blood is higher than normal. This is called hyperglycemia and can be dangerous if left untreated.

What is Hyperglycemia?

Blood sugar levels sometimes get out of control. The high level of sugar in the blood causes problems in the rest of the body. That is the gist of diabetes.  Chronic high blood sugar may cause diabetes over time, but you may also experience an acute spike in blood sugar which can have more immediate results.

Why would the blood sugar be high? One reason may be you are eating the wrong foods. Too many carbohydrates at one meal can flood the body with excess sugar that the insulin can’t handle.

Another reason is not enough insulin in the body. Your body may not produce enough insulin. Also, if a person is being monitored and treated with insulin for Type 1 diabetes, they may not be injecting enough insulin each day. For Type 2 diabetes, there could be insulin resistance in their cells.

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

The body will try to get rid of excess sugar you ingest.  One way is through the kidneys. That causes frequent urination. Because you are losing so much water from your body, you will also notice that you are thirsty more often.

Check your blood sugar. If it is way above normal, say over 200mg/dl, steps are going to have to be taken to lower it.

Treating Hyperglycemia

One way to treat it is with exercise. Yes, we did say exercise. Put that extra glucose to good use. Vigorous physical activity burns that sugar off as fuel. It can start to bring your blood sugar levels back down to normal.

A word of caution here: When there is not enough insulin to move all of the sugar that the cells need, the body can go into ketoacidosis. This is a condition were the body burns fats for energy which gives off ketones. Too many ketones are toxic to the body and it will try to get rid of them. Also, if fats are being used then sugar isn’t, and the blood sugar level will rise again.

How can you tell you have ketoacidosis? Here are some signs:
1.A fruity smell to your breath
2.Shortness of breath
3.Nausea and vomiting

Medical attention is needed right away. Ketoacidosis can lead to diabetic coma and death.

Preventing Hyperglycemia

Monitoring your glucose levels with a meter is one way to prevent this condition. When your sugar is too high, take measures to lower it safely.
Exercise (as long as ketones are not present in the urine)
Take some insulin
Monitor your diet
Reduce your stress level

Just like the sugar in your blood can get too low, it can also go sky high. The repercussions will be dangerous for your entire body. Knowing the signs and treatment of hyperglycemia will help you immediately control the outcome. Knowledge is power in the life of a person living with diabetes.

Vitamin Poisoning: It Can Happen to You

You should know that as with everything, getting just the right amount of vitamins and minerals is important. Your body is capable of doing many great things for you, and producing much of what you need to get by in this life. However, there are certain things that your body does not produce, which is part of the reason that we need to eat foods. Some of the energy that is produced by the foods goes towards moving and reproducing cells. However, our bodies also glean much from the food that we eat – vitamins and minerals are just part of what we get.

Vitamins and minerals cannot be made by our bodies, but are very important for our bodies to continue to be running as successfully as they are. This means that if for some reason you aren’t getting the right kinds, or the right amounts, of vitamins and minerals in your diet, you might need to take vitamin or mineral supplements in order to make up for what you are not getting in your food.  You should know that taking vitamin and mineral supplements can be very good for you, and can make you much more healthy. However, they can be dangerous, so it is very important that you follow directions and never take more than it is recommended to take of any vitamins or minerals.

One of the most important things is that you remember in the case of vitamins and minerals, there is such a thing as too much of something that is good. If you have too much vitamin D, you can be causing damage to your kidneys.  If you have too much vitamin A, you can be causing damage to your liver. If you have too much niacin you can cause heart and liver problems. This is called vitamin poisoning.

One of the most important things to remember is that your body will tell you if you are getting too much of something, long before poisoning and damage will occur. Signs of vitamin poisoning when it comes to vitamin supplements would include nausea and vomiting as well as diarrhea. These will occur before your organs are damaged, and if you pay attention to your body you should be able to stop it right there and then and not create more damage or danger to yourself. Most of the signs of supplement overdose will simply fade away when you have gotten rid of the excess and haven’t overdosed again. Unlike drugs, vitamin overdose and poisoning are not likely to lead to permanent damage, but can if you are not careful.

Healthy Eating Tips for Breakfast – The Basics

“Breakfast literally means ‘breaking the fast’ - it provides the body with the energy and nutrients it needs after a long over-night fast. It’s generally recommended that breakfast should provide one-quarter of your day’s nutritional requirements and its been found that people who eat breakfast tend to be happier and better able to concentrate during the morning,”  says Todd Donnelly, nutritionist.

“Breakfast eaters have higher intakes of essential vitamins and minerals than breakfast skippers and a high fibre breakfast can improve energy levels and mood.  Many breakfast cereals are fortified with essential B vitamins, iron and calcium, and are an important source of these nutrients in many people’s diets”.

“Its also been shown that people who eat breakfast tend to be slimmer than those who skip breakfast”. Todd adds.


Common Myths and Misconceptions

    * “Skipping breakfast helps with weight loss” – eating breakfast stimulates the metabolism and gets the body burning calories efficiently. Skipping breakfast therefore hinders weight loss.


    * breakfast1.2.jpg “I don’t have time to eat breakfast” – preparing and eating a bowl of cereal takes less than 5 minutes in the morning and will provide you with great benefits. Can you not afford to find 5 minutes to benefit from eating breakfast?


    * “I don’t need breakfast”. Not true – you wouldn’t expect a car to run without petrol and equally you cannot expect your body to run without fuel. Your body and mind will both work better during the morning after a breakfast is consumed.


    * “Skipping breakfast does not matter – I can make up the missed nutrients later”. This is not true – the nutrients, vitamins and minerals missed at breakfast are not made up later in the day – people who skip breakfast have a less nutritious diet than those who eat this important meal.


We all like to be healthy and to be sure that we're doing the best we can for ourselves, and our families, health. from: http://nutrition.getfit.com/tips/breakfast/

Monitoring Your Glucose Levels

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose inside the body to use for fuel. When there is too much glucose circulating in the blood, you can develop a condition called diabetes. One way to manage your diabetes is to keep a close eye on your glucose levels, also known as your blood sugar levels.

It is important for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes sufferers to know their blood sugar levels throughout the day. With Type 1, the body may not produce any insulin to control the levels of sugar in the blood.  With Type 2, what you eat may raise your blood sugar to a higher level than the insulin your pancreas produces can process it.

Your blood sugar number determines how well your body is processing glucose and will be an indication of how you feel throughout the day. At first, you will probably have to monitor your blood sugar levels several times until you get the hang of what your ideal glucose numbers should be.

Reasons to Monitor your Glucose Levels

There are several good reasons to monitor your blood sugar. Here are just a few:
Prevent hypoglycemia, low blood sugar
Prevent hyperglycemia, high blood sugar
Keep diabetes under control and avoid any complications
Prevent heart disease

Do those sound like good enough reasons to monitor your blood sugar? I see you're nodding. So now we will talk about how to monitor your blood sugar.

Using a Glucose Meter

People with diabetes check their blood sugar with a device called a glucose meter. It uses a small sample of blood to assess your blood sugar at the moment. This is helpful before and after meals to help you know a) how long is too long to go between meals and b) if you are eating the right foods to control your sugar levels.

There are many different glucose meters on the market these days so read the instructions for each before using it. The sample of blood is obtained by the finger stick method. Many meters have a spring-loaded needle to make it easier to prick your finger. It may seem awkward the first few times until you get used to the process. Many people avoid getting sensitive fingertips by taking blood from the side of the finger.

Here’s a quick rundown of some important steps when using a meter:
1.Clean your hands with soap and water. Swab alcohol on the area of your finger that you will be sticking.
2.Carefully prick your finger with the needle. Gently massage your finger to get the drop of blood to form. You may want to warm your hands slightly before you test. This will make the blood flow easier.
3.Place the drop of blood on the end of the testing strip.
4.Turn on your meter and slide the test strip in, then wait for the device to calculate your glucose level.
5.Reapply alcohol on a cotton ball to your finger to clean up.

Recommended blood sugar levels vary depending on who you ask.  As a general guide, optimum level before meals  should be between 90 and 130mg/dl.  After meals, it will rise a bit to about 180mg/dl. Blood sugar levels higher than that need to be evaluated and discussed with your doctor or dietitian. It could mean you are eating too many of the wrong carbohydrates, sugary foods, or processed foods.

Monitor your blood sugar levels in the proper manner so you have the information you need to keep your diabetes controlled. Your healthy diet, regular monitoring, and routine visits to your doctor will go a long way to fighting back against the effects and complications of diabetes.

Tips for Healthy Eating during the Holiday Season

Although holiday weight gain is a reality for many people, here are a few strategies for avoiding those extra holiday pounds without shunning the festivities. You do not have to feel deprived this season ... just make compromises and better choices.
HEALTHY EATING HABITS

• Eat five or six small meals daily rather than the usual three meals. Frequent eating helps to control blood sugar and to curb your appetite.
• Eat a light, healthy meal a few hours before the holiday event. You are more likely to control your intake if you are not extremely hungry.
• Eat slowly and listen to your hunger cues. If you are not hungry, pass on the second helpings.

HEALTHY FOODS

• Foods that are high in soluble fiber (such as fruits, vegetables, barley, oats, and legumes) slow the transit of food through the upper digestive tract, making you feel fuller for a longer time. So eat a delicious apple or crisp carrots as a snack rather than grabbing a handful of chips.
• When choosing from a buffet, sample a variety of foods in small portions. Skip the usual, familiar foods and choose the special holiday items instead. Also remember to control calories by using only small amounts of sauces and gravies.
• Choose your favorite dessert and share it with someone. Just a taste of your special treat may be enough to satisfy your "sweet tooth".

EXERCISE

• To compensate for those high-calorie foods, increase your exercise over the holidays. Exercise can burn up a few calories, reduce holiday stress, and renew your energy level.
• Pass by those close parking spaces and park farther from the mall entrance. Then take a few laps around the mall before you begin your shopping spree.
• Before the holiday event, take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. 

from: http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/diet/nutribyte2003dec.cfm

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A Healthy Diet for Type 2 Diabetes (3)

Can people with diabetes drink alcohol?

Yes. Generally, the recommendations for people with diabetes are the same as they are for everyone else. For women it's one drink a day, for men it's two. However, the amount of alcohol you drink -- and whether you drink alcohol at all -- should be affected by how you manage your condition, what medications you're on, and your overall health.

One precaution: some diabetes medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when you're drinking alcohol. So if you're at higher risk of hypoglycemia, practice caution.

A Healthy Diet for Type 2 Diabetes (2)

What is the connection between diabetes and heart and blood vessel diseases?

The connection is huge. It is said that diabetes is a cardiovascular disease. But lots of people haven't realized it yet. They worry more about diabetes affecting their eyesight and kidneys. Yes, that can happen. But the fact is that people with diabetes suffer and die much more from heart and blood vessel disease. That's the real issue.

This is the key reason there's been a big change in the focus of diabetes management. It's no longer just about glucose control. It's at least -- if not more -- important for people to focus on controlling blood pressure and blood lipids, particularly LDL cholesterol. By the time someone gets diagnosed with diabetes, he or she may have already been living with serious risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease for years.

A Healthy Diet for Type 2 Diabetes (1)

Here's some good news: Healthy eating can have a dramatic impact on the symptoms and progression of type 2 diabetes and its frequent precursor, prediabetes. But the problem is that there's a lot of conflicting information out there. Just what does healthy eating with type 2 diabetes really mean? No sweets? Scheduled snacks? Low-fat, low-carb -- or neither?
To help guide you, WebMD turned to Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE. She's been a dietitian and diabetes educator for almost 30 years, and is the author of numerous books on the subject, including Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy, published by the American Diabetes Association.

How does a healthy eating plan for someone with type 2 diabetes differ from what everyone else should be eating?

It doesn't. The nutrition recommendations from the American Diabetes Association echo the healthy eating guidelines for the general public. Everyone should be eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and less saturated and trans fat. Remember that the type of fat matters to your heart and blood vessels. We've moved away from recommending a strict low-fat diet and shifted toward an eating plan that allows for a moderate amount of fat, provided you choose healthier fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
If you have diabetes and are trying to lose weight, don't take the drastic diet approach, like a low-carb diet. It might help you lose weight in the short-term, but there's not good evidence that it will help you keep it off. Here's my point: You're going to have diabetes for the rest of your life. You need to be thinking about minor doable changes in your eating habits that you can really maintain. Even small steps towards healthier eating result in big rewards, like lower blood glucose and improved blood pressure and lipids.
You also don't need a special diet to tell you how to eat healthy. Most people -- especially people reading WebMD -- already know. The big challenge is actually doing it day after day, year after year.