Flat Belly Plan

Even if you've never had a flat belly, you can still shrink your gut. Learn how you can fight fat, reduce inflammation and even beat stress!

The Flat Belly Plan was designed to flatten your belly with four key steps:

1. Shrink Fat Cells

A recent study found that those who ate three yogurts a day while dieting lost 81% more belly fat than people who didn't eat yogurt. All study participants were directed to eat 500 calories less per day. As part of the Flat Belly Plan, you should eat about 6 ounces of low-fat Greek yogurt before every meal. Why? It's thought that calcium can help stop fat from entering your cells, improve your body’s ability to break down fat and help your body carry out fat through your bowel movements.

2. Shed Excess Pounds With MUFAs

MUFAs, or monounsaturated fatty acids, are the cornerstone of the Flat Belly Plan. These are plant-based fats, so the easiest way to remember them is to look for healthy fats that aren’t from animal sources, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, oils and olives. A study done through the American Diabetic Association found that a diet rich in MUFAs worked to reduce belly fat.

As part of the Flat Belly Plan, you need to eat three MUFA meals a day.

The foundation of any MUFA meal has:

• 3 ounces lean protein
• 1 complex carb
• Unlimited vegetables
• 1 MUFA
• Each meal should be 350 calories (or fewer)

3. Reduce Inflammation
The next part of the plan aims to reduce inflammation. Belly fat has been linked to inflammation and elevated cortisol (the stress hormone). Belly fat is even thought to be "toxic" to your system as it releases chemicals into your body that wreak havoc on your appetite and the way your body metabolizes food. That's why anti-inflammatory foods are thought to be effective in fighting belly fat and breaking the vicious cycle.

As part of the Flat Belly Plan, have an anti-inflammatory snack in the afternoon. Snacks should be rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that help curb inflammation. They're the natural compounds that give berries and other fruits their vibrant color. Try a sliced yellow bell pepper with hummus or a bowl of mixed berries drizzled with dark chocolate. 

4. Beat Bloat
Drink ginger iced tea with mint and lemon to reduce bloat! Ginger naturally aids digestion, mint helps to reduce gas, and lemon juice is rich in antioxidants. Follow the recipe below and sip on this Flat Belly Tea all day long:

Ingredients

3 bags of ginger tea

1 cup fresh mint, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

2 cups of water

2 cups of ice

Directions

In a large pitcher (about 24 ounces), steep the ginger bags and chopped mint for 5-10 minutes. Strain mixture to remove bags and leaves. Add lemon juice. Stir and serve. Store in refrigerator, serve chilled and sip.

Source ::  http://www.doctoroz.com

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5 Reasons You Are Bad At Whatever You Are Doing

What follows are 5 reasons you are bad at whatever you are doing and understanding why this is indeed the case is important if you are to ever improve. In all honesty, we are often bad at something because of us making tiny errors on a regular basis or perhaps we are just not cut out for it in the same way as some people are good at sports while others are just not as athletic. However, hopefully by reading these five reasons it will give you renewed confidence in what you do.

1. Failure to start with the basics.

We are often guilty of thinking that we already know the basics of something and this then leads to us skipping reading the instructions and just getting stuck into it. The problem here is that we are often slightly deluded and misjudge our own capabilities or see it as some kind of a weakness in having to go right back to the start. However, it is essential that you read instructions or take small steps from the outset in order to build a firm foundation and the task, or job, you are doing will then become easier and you will be better at it. Get the foundation wrong and you will continue to make the same mistakes and be completely unaware that there is anything amiss leading to you failing to improve over time.

2. We rush through it without too much thought.

Following on from the idea of not starting with the basics, you will often also find that people are bad at what they are doing due to not taking their time with the job and trying to just rush through it in order to get it done. The problem here is that we will often make the same mistakes time and time again, but due to the speed at which we are doing the task we will not even notice the mistakes and carry on regardless. The key here is to slow down a bit and try not to do too much in the one day and you will see an improvement in how you handle the tasks and will be better as well.

3. We do not practice and lack concentration.

Studies have shown that there are so many working hours lost in offices around the world due to people being easily side-tracked in a variety of ways or time wasted correcting mistakes that have come due to a lack of concentration. If your heart is not in whatever it is that you are doing it will then lead to errors not only being made, but also you missing correcting them. In order to improve our concentration we need to be focused and actually practice what we are doing. Accept that even top people in their field still practice, you only have to look at sports people, and there is no shame in it, so just do it.

4. We allow our frustrations to get the better of us.

If you find that you are becoming frustrated it will often lead to you being bad at whatever it is that you are doing because as that anger builds and the adrenaline flows around our body it leads to the job or task getting the better of us. Instead, you need to look at ways to prevent yourself from becoming so frustrated and accept that things will not always go as smoothly as you hoped and when you master your mood it should hopefully lead to things becoming a lot easier.

5. We try to do something we have no real interest in.

Doing a job that you find laborious or boring will often lead to you being bad at it as you do not have the same kind of drive to complete it to the standard required and you will also care less about those small errors that creep into your work. By doing something you love, or at least have some kind of interest in, you will find that you can get better and have a willingness to learn and improve, but we need to have that desire inside us in order to make any progress. If you have no real interest in a particular type of job, then the best advice is to avoid it or if you hate golf, then avoid picking up those clubs or you will face an uphill struggle from the start.

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7 Alarming Signs You Are Unhealthy

We are often guilty of believing that we are a picture of fine health as we have no real signs that anything untoward is going on inside our body. However, this does not have to be true as there are actually a number of indications that we tend to ignore that are actually telling us that something is not right. Failure to pay attention to them will of course tend to lead to things getting worse, so what follows are 7 signs you are unhealthy in the hope that they may stop further problems from occurring.

1. You find that your lips crack.

It may sound like something that just happens due to the weather, but cracked lips, especially at the corners, can actually show that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. A lack of this vitamin in your system can lead to health issues such as anaemia and it will affect your blood, so look at either buying a supplement to boost the levels, eat foods that are high in it, or consult your doctor to get a special injection that really will make a difference to your health.

2. You are not as tall as you used to be.

This may sound strange, but as we get older there is a tendency for us to shrink, but the rate at which this happens can indicate that there is some kind of issue with our bones and in particular with us developing osteoporosis. The problem with this bone disease is that it then means we are more likely to fracture a bone when we fall or develop curvature of the spine, so early diagnosis will allow you to make changes to your diet that can stop it from progressively getting worse.

3. You pick up more than your fair share of colds.

If you seem to be more prone to picking up colds it may indicate that you need to boost your immune system or there may be some kind of issue with it. You may be lacking in Vitamin C or there could even be a virus attacking it that you are unaware of, so get a blood test carried out that can check if there is anything to be concerned about and try to improve your general health to give it that natural boost.

4. Your urine is too yellow.

It is important that you pay attention to the color of your urine as this can actually be a fantastic indicator about your general health. If you are hydrated your urine should be almost clear, but if you are drinking enough and it is still a dark yellow it may indicate that there is an issue with your kidneys and the waste is not being processed correctly. Look at upping your fluid intake and see if it helps, but only drink water, and if it stays the same get your kidney function checked.

5. Your skin acts up continuously.

If you find that you develop acne, eczema, or any other skin disorder on a regular basis then it can mean more than you are simply not taking care of the skin or using the correct products. Instead, it could be the result of an allergic reaction or it may be your body telling you that it is stressed and needs you to slow down. Your skin is the biggest single organ in your body, so listen to what it is telling you as your body often uses it to put out a cry for help and it offers up signs that all is not well and you are not as healthy as you thought you were.

6. You are not sleeping like normal.

If you find that your sleep pattern is disturbed and you are suffering from some form of insomnia it does tend to point towards your body and mind being too stressed. When we sleep, our body is supposed to lower the amount of cortisol coursing through it, but when we are stressed this does not happen and we are thrown out of sync. When this happens our body struggles to repair itself and recharge its batteries leading to us gradually being run down and when this happens we can pick up all kinds of illnesses due to our immune system not operating at full capacity.

7. You are tired, but sleep enough.

If you are getting more than enough sleep, but still find that you are tired in the afternoon, then it may indicate that there is a problem with your thyroid. The problem here is that your adrenal glands are being exhausted leading to your body using up all of its energy early on without it being replaced in the proper manner. This problem can then lead to your body being run down as it is working so hard trying to protect you from the different kinds of toxins that you can pick up during the day from the environment as well as things you are doing. When this happens it leaves you open to other potential health problems, so get your thyroid checked.

Source  ::  FITNEA

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7 Ways You Can Always Be Mentally Sharp

We live in a highly competitive world where our brain is our most important asset. The human brain is a complex machine, and although scientists have figured out how it works, there still are some unexplored areas of it – and, in the end, this is what makes the brain such a fascinating thing! Nonetheless, we need to train it properly if we want to have a great, sharp mind and to improve our cognitive function. Here are 7 ways of exercise brain and stay mentally sharp that will surely benefit you in the long run:

1. Avoid Activities That Make Your Brain Numb

Believe it or not, there are certain activities that not only make you numb and tired, but also destroy brain cells – once destroyed, these valuable cells do not regenerate, this is why it is essential to minimize this natural destruction. While it is true that brain cells get damaged as we age, why speed up the process with activities like watching TV or playing computer games?

There is nothing wrong with these two activities when enjoyed moderately, the problem is that most people end up spending hours in a row doing nothing else but watching low-quality TV shows. These activities will eventually take their toll on your memory, your ability to concentrate and your cognitive function.

2. Include More Brain Foods In Your Diet

There are certain foods (which are commonly referred to as “super foods” due to their health benefits) that support the proper functioning of your brain in the long run. They protect your brain and they can even generate new brain cells, provided that you give your brain the nutrients it needs, the building blocks that are required to make new brain cells. Focus on foods that contain healthy fats and fatty acids, like the well-known Omega-3 and Omega-6 which can be found in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna.

On the other hand, your brain also needs high amounts of antioxidants to function properly. The older we get the more exposed we are in front of free radicals, therefore you need to increase your intake of carrots, garlic, broccoli, grapes or blueberries. Olive oil is extremely beneficial for the health of your brain as well!

3. Train Your Brain With Numbers And Lyrics

There are many different ways in which you can train your brain, but a pleasant and efficient way is to train it with song lyrics – after all, who does not like song lyrics? Not to mention that sometimes, we tend to memorize lyrics without even trying. Learning a few new lines and repeating them constantly is certainly a great way to train your brain. Moreover, it is also highly recommended to do easy math problems without relying on your calculator, if they do not involve complex mathematical equations.

4. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

While it is true that computer games and watching too much TV can make you brain-dead, nothing damages your brain more than alcohol. You do not even need to consume alcoholic beverages in impressive amount, if you consume them on a regular basis they will eventually affect your memory. Alcohol is known to slow down the mental functions and to interfere with your cognitive ability as well. Otherwise stated, it prevents you from thinking clearly – one more reason to steer clear from it!

5. Learn A New Language

In addition to lyrics, learning a new language is also a great way to train your brain – you will be amazed to see how easy you can connect languages and find similar words. This is a fast, efficient and cost-effective way to improve your cognitive function, not to mention that you also have the chance to discover new mentalities and cultures, and this will certainly look good on your CV!

6. Mind Games Can Work Like Magic

Mind games and memory games are also a great choice when it comes to training your brain and staying sharp in the long run. Scrabble, for instance, is a great way to expand your vocabulary and to improve alertness, while card games and board games will improve your memory and help you develop mental strategies quickly and effortlessly.

7. Learn How To Relax

Last, but not least, stress is also one of the most dangerous factors that impact your cognitive function, not to mention the variety of negative effects it has on your overall health. It is important to know when to detach from the daily routine and pressure – stress is directly related to anxiety, panic attacks and depression, and all these issues are known to dampen your cognitive function if not addressed in real-time.

Source  :: FITNEA

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10 Best Detox Foods You Should Start Eating

Detoxing has become bit of a trend with all the different fasting formulas and super foods that are out there. Unfortunately, most of the popular “detoxes” really aren’t safe for you and aren’t healthy either. If you want to detox your body, did you know it can be as simple as eating the right foods? Here’s a list of 10 foods you can enjoy if you really want to cleanse your body.

1. Avocados - Do you love avocados so much you would put slices of them on just about any food you eat? There’s no reason to feel guilty about doing this, especially because this is such a great food for you to eat. Avocados are packed full of antioxidants, including glutathione. This detoxes the body by transporting harmful toxins right out of it. By reducing the chemicals and toxins in your body you will be healthier and feel better.

2. Cranberries - These might be great for preventing urinary tract infections, but they can also get rid of toxins inside of your body. These get rid of waste from the body and are antibacterial so they remove toxins.

3. Cabbage – This food has sulfur inside of it, which is essential when it comes to breaking down chemicals in the body. Sulfur can help get rid of everything from pesticides to prescription drugs, which could be harmful if they stuck around.

4. Lemons – These are great in drinks and recipes, but they are also packed full of vitamins and antioxidants. These protect the liver and they get rid of chemicals inside of the body. Consuming lemons on a regular basis can improve health.

5. Broccoli – If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like broccoli, you should try it out once again! It’s full of antioxidants that can cleanse your body. It’s also high in enzymes that help to get your digestive system running efficiently. Raw broccoli is best because it has a high level of nutrients inside of it.

6. Garlic – Packed full of sulfur, this is another great food to use for body cleanses. It also has antibiotic properties so it can help internally heal your body. There are a lot of advantages to eating garlic on a regular basis; it’s even available in supplement form!

7. Beets – These can be incorporated into a lot of different recipes or they can be eaten raw. They are full of betaine and pectin, which help protect the liver and the digestive system. These can cleanse the body so you have fewer toxins.

8. Grapefruit – This fruit helps cleanse the digestive system and it can prevent kidney stones from developing. It’s also low in natural sugars and calories, so it’s great for dieting.

9. Sunflower Seeds – These are great to snack on and can detox the liver so it’s healthier. It can also get rid of harmful toxins floating around in the body. In addition to this, it prevents cholesterol from building up and causing body damage.

10. Lentils – These aid the digestive system to cleanse and detox your body. Lentils also lower the cholesterol and help balance the blood sugar inside of your body.

Source  ::  FITNEA

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Biomarkers of Cardiac Ischemia

There have been progressive developments within basic and clinical research to identify candidate biomarkers of ischemia and to develop simple to use assays. Any such assay needs to have similar analytical (limit of detection, precision, reference intervals) and clinical performance (sensitivity, specificity, risk stratification and predictive value) compared to that of markers of necrosis, such as high sensitivity cardiac troponin assays. A number of candidate biomarkers have been identified. However very few make it from a research grade assay to a fully licenced automated assay for clinical use. The most promising biomarkers to date are reviewed below. Of these, Ischemia Modified Albumin has been the most successful biomarker and greater attention is given to this marker.

Malondialdehyde low density lipoprotein

Malondialdehyde low density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) is a sensitive biomarker for ACS patients with unstable angina and AMI. MDA is a candidate compound which causes oxidative modification of LDL. MDA (propanedial, C3H4O2) is a reactive aldehyde produced by degradation of polyunsaturated lipids or released during prostanoid metabolism. This reactive oxygen species causes oxidative modification to LDL. MDA-LDL reacts with the charged amino group of B-100 protein lysyl residues. Plasma concentrations of MDA-LDL identify patients with coronary artery disease. Modified LDL may also instigate an immune response leading to autoantibody and LDL immune complex production. MDA-LDL not only serves as an oxidative stress marker but as a marker of plaque destabilisation.

Source  ::   http://www.intechopen.com/

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Case Report 4 :: Demand Ischemia

Today we talked about a case of a young man who essentially presented with status epilepticus and was found to have some non-specific ECG changes, a CXR compatible with CHF though without evidence of CHF on clinical exam, and an elevated cardiac troponin.

The discussent, a cardiologist, facilitated a good discussion on the approach to a patient with seizures including considering that what was labelled "seizure" may, in some patients with underlying cardiac dysrthmias or ischemic/structural heart disease be a presentation of primary cardiac abnormalities.

In this patient, who subsequently turned out to have a normal baseline ECG and a normal 2D echo and who will go on to angiography, the suspicion is that this troponin increase was caused by severe myocardial demand during the status epilepticus. The combination of catecholamine surge, increased muscle tone leading to increased afterload, and tachycardia presumably led to sub-endocardial ischemia.

There are conflicting case reports about whether seizures themselves can lead to troponin increases with one small patient series saying no, and several single patient case reports saying yes. I think the take home message from this is that you can't write off significantly elevated troponins as being entirely due to the seizure.

We spent some time discussing stress-induced cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome. There are some case reports of status epilepticus causing this syndrome (in one of these cases the troponin was elevated to 10!).

Also, if you haven't done so already, I would suggest you review the blog on seizures/status epilepticus.

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