Category - health tips

Bariatric Surgery & Its Impact On Gut Bacteria by Kevin Angileri

September 30, 2015

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, but it may alter you in some ways that you don’t even realize.

Swedish Research on Bariatric Surgery:

A new Swedish study is suggesting that bariatric surgery may lead to long-term changes in the patient’s gut bacteria that help with weight loss after the procedure. Researchers analyzed the gut bacteria in 14 women who had bariatric surgery nearly 10 years after their procedure.

Half of the women underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a surgery that involved the doctor creating a small pouch from the top of the stomach, connecting it directly to the small intestine. The other half of the patients had vertical banded gastroplasty, where the stomach becomes smaller by using a band and staples.

Those who underwent the gastric bypass surgery saw a greater change in their gut bacteria than the women who were severely obese, but didn’t have surgery. The women who had vertical banded gastroplasty also saw more of a change than the non-surgery group, but the differences were not deemed statistically significant.

The women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had significantly more bacteria that belongs to the genuses Escherichia, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas

“Our results suggest that the gut microbiota may play a direct role in the reduction of adiposity [body fat] observed after bariatric surgery,” wrote researchers in a recent issue of the journal Cell Metabolism.

This wasn’t the first study to connect bariatric surgery to changes in gut bacteria, but the researchers say it was the first to examine its long-term impact. Maybe the most fascinating aspect of their findings was that they took patient body mass index (BMI) into account, which suggested that the surgery itself, not the weight loss, was related to the gut bacteria change.

The researchers transplanted bacteria from obese women and those who had the surgeries into mice that did not have gut microbes. Those mice that got gut bacteria from the surgery group gained less body fat than the mice with microbes from the non-surgery group.

The health implications of gut bacteria are best known by the general public when discussing the term “probiotics,” live bacteria and yeasts that help with the digestive system. It’s a relatively new world being explored by experts and health conscious people alike.

Our GI tract has over 500 species of bacteria that help break down food, strengthen our immune system, and fight against pathogens. It’s when the ratio of good to bad bacteria is skewed that health issues may arise.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He has been performing weight loss surgery for over 10 years and is currently practicing at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana. He is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery and past Section Chief of Surgery. Dr. Bledsoe is available for presentations and interviews upon request.

by Kevin Angileri

Compulsive Overeating, A Common Habit In Americans by Kevin Angileri

September 24, 2015

Kevin Angileri

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Overeating is a common habit in Americans:-

Compulsive overeating disorder is the one that is causing statistics on obesity to skyrocket. It stresses the body and the mind alike.

Habitual overeating causes:-

Why do people eat beyond the point of feeling full if it only hurts their bodies? Why does this unhealthy habit persist in different populations? The reasons are many.

Emotions and Overeating: A Close Relationship

A common cause for overeating is using food as a reward for certain activities. You’re much more likely to eat one too many slices of pizza if you feel you’ve “earned it” by dieting all week. This is why highly restrictive diets often don’t work long term.

In fact, associating food with pleasure in general may be the wrong solution. One study from the Université Paris Diderot supports the idea that treating food as a source of pleasure can lead to excessive overeating. Eating for reasons beyond sustaining the body is a fine line. It’s great when foods taste delicious, but treating food as a key source of happiness or reward can lead to unhealthy patterns.

Are Your Friends Encouraging you To Overeat?

People don’t often think of those close to them as overeating enablers. But in social situations, it can be very difficult to not eat and drink along with the pattern of the group. Socially influencing activities do a lot for our habits. Overeating is no exception.

It makes perfect sense. No one wants to be the one not eating at a social event. But ordering water or another low-calorie drink is a much healthier method of staying in a social setting without overeating.

Beating Overeating: It’s All In Your Head.

To curb your overeating habits, evaluate your personal relationship with food. When do you tend to eat more than you’d like to eat? What are you feeling? Who’s with you?

Adjust other habits in your life to see what affects your eating patterns. Are you mostly binging on healthy or unhealthy foods? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating without being mindful of what you eat? By learning your own habits and adjusting with healthiness in mind, recovering from overeating becomes more and more probable.

Guest Post By Dr.Samuel Bledsoe

About Samuel Bledsoe, MD, FACS

by Kevin Angileri

Benefits of Balanced Diet And Exercise by Eric Elegado

August 10, 2015

Kevin Angileri

health tips

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Effects of Balanced Diet And Exercise On The Body

Do you have an important occasion close at hand and want to look your best? Well then you have to work very hard first to get into an attractive shape and at the same time stay healthy and look fresh and glowing. For that the two important measures that you need to adhere are namely

Appropriate Diet
Adequate Exercises

We all know that exercises are equally beneficial for a fit and healthy life as a balanced diet. But if you think you need some instant effects of diet and energy on your total body as well as looks, then you have to cut out on many things especially if you are too healthy or in other words overweight.

How to Get Instant Results

Firstly, control your diet to the maximum and maintain a fat-free and fiber-rich diet that will not allow any fats to accumulate in your body that mostly tend to gather round the belly. Have a lot of fruits that have low sugar contents and more of vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus and green vegetables that will supply all the required nutrients like proteins, vitamins and minerals along with fiber to maintain health.

Secondly, start your intensive workouts with about 45minutes of running. It helps to burn fats more than any other natural exercises and it is extremely convenient too. Running in the open air in nature increases your energy levels, boosts metabolism and at the same time kills the stubborn fats.

If you work in a firm where you need to sit all day long at your desk, then you must positively start your day with these running or jogging exercises. These natural ways to stay fit are so effective that your body starts responding the moment you start changing your lifestyles for the best.

Thirdly, if you think you can manage to hit the gyms, find out the gym that is nearest to your home so that you do not have to travel far to do your exercises for it is often observed that if you need to drive to your fitness clubs you have the tendency to miss your daily routine especially if you are overworked or extremely tired. However, if you are determined to get a strong and fit body that will turn the heads of many, then get in touch with an experienced physical instructor. He/she can design the perfect workout routines that will give instant results.

At the gym you can take the advice of dieticians also for they can guide you properly to get exactly what you want. But always remember dieting alone does not give instant results. On the other hand, do intensive exercises and adhere to a strict diet plan to achieve the most.

However if you feel weak or any other uneasiness while doing the exercises or eating lesser than usual to reach your target, it is best to consult a doctor for these are symptoms of weakness and the amount of exercises that you are doing may not be right for you. So be calculative and check your weights and blood pressure levels frequently when you plan to see instant effect ts of diet and exercises.

According to experts, although sometimes you may need to change your looks and reduce your weight etc for special occasions and events, it is best to enjoy results that stay forever. Seeing the effects of the good habits of exercises and controlled diet as a gradual process is far better than becoming lean and the so-called 0-figure or carving the six packs to woo your woman within a fortnight. Experience shows that such rapid changes are forced changes and may be harmful for your health. For the best and permanent effects of diet-control and workouts, follow the gradual process as slow and steady improvements in your health and looks are those that stay for many years and if you can maintain the same balanced lifestyle you can enjoy a happy life till the end.

Some of the instant effects of exercises pointed out by doctors and researchers are:

Exercises like running, swimming and other cardio workouts improves your breathing system and that lowers the heart rate and blood pressure as well. This is perhaps the biggest benefits of exercises and one who is constant in his/her routine, feels the difference quite fast
Fitness regime offers instant changes in your body and you lose weight instantly and the actual effects that you derive from doing your regular exercises are enjoyed in the long run.

Exercise is the best way to improve moods as the secretion of endorphins during physical activity works instantly to reduce stress and tiredness.

Exercise acts in the same way as your diet. It plays its part immediately on blood sugar level and controls fluctuation in blood pressure also.

Most people go to gyms and follow a fitness regime to reduce fat and get the required weight and body shape. Physical activities when performed with enthusiasm and zeal have instant effects and you burn more calories than expected.

Men who wish to stay fit and show off their huge strong muscles and six packs, benefit a lot from regular intense training under the guidance of trainers. The effects are visible within a week especially when the workouts are intended for some event or competition.

Those who suffer from sleeplessness or insomnia, benefit from exercises. Exercises make you tired and exhausted and that promotes better sleep.

The opinions of specialists and experienced doctors and fitness experts about diet control and its effects on health either instantly or in the long are the following:

The habit of over-eating or simply eating because you have nothing g to do is the worst of habits that you can have. So controlling the intake of food reduces the risks of heart diseases and obesity, diabetes and also cancer. A well-balanced diet works instantly to reduce weight in the proper way while taking care of your health.
A nutritious diet is conducive to both physical and mental well-being. If you look good, you naturally feel satisfied and confident and this has a tremendous effect on your work sphere and home front too. A balanced diet supplies all the necessary nutrients that you need to stay healthy and free from diseases and it is in no way a starving system of reducing weight.
A well-balanced diet is a great source of energy and it is enjoyed instantly. By omitting sugars, refined carbohydrates and excess fatty foods, you can maintain your blood sugar levels and increase energy to carry out your work efficiently without any stress.
Those who maintain a proper diet routine have been found to be more intelligent and have greater concentration and efficiency in all spheres of life. They are never tensed but have a balanced lifestyle. Proper nutrition helps the blood to flow to the brain sufficiently thereby protecting the brain cells and guarding against Alzheimer’s disease.

All those who wish to bring about actual changes in their physical and mental health, should not consider anything else other than maintaining a proper and nutritious diet plan and doing regular exercises. For immediate results, you need to work a bit more than usual, but for long-term benefits a consistent routine is a must.

by Eric Elegado

Carbohydrates Information: Types & Effects on Health by Kevin Angileri

August 3, 2015

Kevin Angileri

health tips, Healthy Tips

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Today everyone is aware of the fact that to stay healthy and fit, one must maintain a healthy diet routine. A balanced diet consists of all the essential nutrients required in the appropriate quantities to allow the body to function properly and fight against diseases. Among the various nutrients that the body requires, carbohydrates are the must-haves as they are responsible for supplying energy to the body to function well.

But all carbohydrates are not good for all individuals. Some are good carbs while others are known as the bad carbs. This is especially true when you are overweight or a diabetic. Hence it is important to know the different types of carbohydrates present in the different foods and their effects on the health.

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are biological molecules that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. A combination of all these atoms is termed as carbohydrates and these micro-nutrients are available in many foods and beverages. Some are better than the others and it is your healthy choice that helps to keep you fit and strong.

Types of Carbohydrates

There are 3 main types of Carbohydrates namely Sugar, Starch and Fiber. Now let us consider each type separately and find out their uses and in which foods they are available.

Sugar: – Sugar is the simple type of carbohydrate and is naturally present in various foods and drinks. It contains only one or two molecules of sugar. Some of the common sugars are glucose, sucrose, fructose and lactose. Glucose is referred to as blood sugar. Sugar easily mixes with the blood stream as it has very few molecules and is digested quickly. However, sugar from natural whole foods boosts the energy level as it contains other important nutrients. But added sugar is not good for health.
Starch: – Starch is a complex carbohydrate and consists of a number of sugar molecules. It usually has thousands of sugar molecules that are connected together like branches and spiral shapes. When it is digested the enzymes in the stomach break the molecules till a single sugar molecule or monosaccharide remains which can enter the cells through the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Starches are digested at varying rates and when they are digested slowly, they help to feel full and supplies long-term energy. Starches that are digested quickly are not good for health as they increase blood sugar levels causing diabetes. There are some foods that contain all the 3 types of carbohydrates and cannot be easily separated from each other or labeled out.
Fiber: – Carbohydrates present in fiber are not digested but travel down the digestive tract and ferment in the large intestine. There are two types of fibers namely soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber keeps the blood sugar steady by absorbing carbs at a slower rate and also helps to control cholesterol levels and absorption of dietary fat. Insoluble fiber is important for taking care of digestion and the digestive tract and preventing constipation.
There are other terms also used frequently regarding carbohydrates. They are the low-carbs and net-carbs. They are visible mostly on the labels of products. Net carbs is generally used to denote the total amount of carbohydrates present in a product excluding fiber or both sugar alcohol and fiber. Low-carbs are those foods that have the good carbs and do not increase the blood sugar levels.
Glycemic index is a term that is also used with reference to carbohydrates. It classifies the foods that contain carbohydrates according to their ability to increase the sugar level of blood.

Foods that contain the different types of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are present in almost all the foods that we consume regularly like the vegetables and fruits as well as beverages. But the types and amount s of carbs vary from one item to another. Some contain more of sugar, while others are rich in fibers and others have more of starch. So selecting the right carbs according to your requirements is very important to maintain good health. Those have diabetic problems or obesity issues need to be more careful about the choice of carbohydrates in their diet.

Sugar

Foods that contain more of sugar are fruits and vegetables which contain fructose and sucrose. Lactose is present in milk and it is natural sugar. There are certain foods that we love to eat that are rich in sugar contents like cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, muffins, doughnuts, jams, spreads, preserves, sweetened fruits and cherries, apricots, raisins, bananas, prunes, peaches etc.

Starch

Starch is a complex carbohydrate and is a friend of your health. But it is important to get this starch from the proper sources that include fresh produce, legumes and whole grains. Corn, parsnips, potatoes, green peas, yams, winter squash and pumpkins are good sources of starch. Among the fruits you can rely on avocadoes, mangoes, peaches, apples, grapefruit, melons, grapes, berries, peaches, nectarines for your regular starch requirements. You can get starch from white beans, black kidney, pinto, baked and canned beans, yellow, brown or green lentils as additional supply of good quality starch.

Fibers

Insoluble fibers are found in whole grains, vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, celery and wheat cereals. Cooked dry beans and peas also have fibers that help in proper bowel movements. Good sources of soluble fibers are barley, beans, oatmeal beans, nuts and fruits like berries, apples, pears and citrus fruits.

How to choose the right types of carbohydrates according to your body types

Carbohydrates are considered to increase weight and sugar levels in persons who have a tendency of gaining weight easily and those who have stress and tension related problems. Such persons need to very careful when selecting their carbohydrates. For others carbohydrates are vital for the following reasons:

Ø Carbohydrates provide energy and are the main sources of fuel. Sugars and starches are changed into simple sugars during the process of digestion that are absorbed into the bloodstream which then enters the cells of the body with the insulin produced by the pancreas. This glucose is used by the body for fueling all our activities from morn till night.

Ø Carbohydrates available in the form of dietary fiber in whole grains and wheat cereals and others help to fight against diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity issues and cardiovascular problems. Fibers are extremely important for proper digestion.

Ø Eating the right carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibers helps in controlling weight. They give you a feeling of fullness and restrict your food cravings thereby reducing weight as well.

Since you cannot stay without carbohydrates it is wise to choose the appropriate ones that will do well for your overall health. You can even consult a doctor and ascertain the perfect amount of carbohydrates that you need daily as requirements vary according to weight and activities of an individual. Those who do a lot of outdoor activities and are into sports, need more energy and so more carbohydrates. They do not have to worry whether the extra carbs are being stored as fats or not as all the carbs are burned out. But in case who work indoors behind cubicles for most of the day, then emphasizing on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes will be the best for you.

I want to thank everyone for all of your support. Please keep the suggestions coming..

by Kevin Angileri

Best & Worst Food For Diabetes Patients

July 23, 2015

Kevin Angileri

health tips

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Best foods and worst foods for diabetics

Food Habits of a Diabetic

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases of today. Irrespective of age, this problem has increased in large numbers. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, making the right food choices is of great importance in order to stay healthy and to avoid diabetes related other problems like heart disease.

Selecting The Right Foods

The rule of thumb for a diabetic is to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet plan to avoid blood sugar spikes. Anything that increases sugar levels of the blood has to be left out from the diet chart. And for this you need to know something more about the foods that you should have and the ones you must avoid even if you are very fond of them. Here is a list of foods that will keep your sugar levels under control and keep you fit.

Best Food for Diabetes

1. Whole-grain flours like wheat flour
2. Whole grains like brown rice
3. Fresh vegetables like greens, spinach, kale, lettuce and those that are rich in fibers
4. Fresh fruits, sugar-free jams
5. Baked or grilled low-fat meats, skinless chicken, baked or grilled fish, eggs, nuts, beans, tofu
6. Skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt, non-fat sour cream, low-fat cottage cheese
7. Olive oils are the best, margarine, vegetable oils.
8. Low-fat sugar-free ice cream.

Foods Diabetics Should Avoid

1. White rice
2. Fried meats, fried fish, Pork, regular cheese
3. Blended coffee laced with syrup, sugar or whipped cream.
4. Bananas, peaches, melons and nectarines.
5. Doughnuts, pastries, bakery sweets
6. Fruit smoothies and regular ice creams
7. Fried foods and snacks like potato chips
8. Regular sodas, regular beer, fruity mixed drinks, dessert wines, energy drinks.

These are some of the different foods that you need to choose from if you are suffering from diabetes. Actually everything depends on your attitude and outlook. If you think that by refraining from those foods that are high in calories and sugar contents you are feeling healthy and fine, you will naturally stay fit and enjoy life. But on the contrary if you brood over your food feeling depressed that you need to give up on your favorite foods, then even if you maintain the prescribed diet you will not stay well.

The fact of maintaining a healthy diet regime is to love what you eat and maintain it willingly. Then even if you have a sugar-loaded pastry on your birthday, your sugar level will not rise.