Ovarian Cysts -Symptoms ,Cause, Types,Treatment, Prevention & More

 The Real Cause Of Ovarian Cysts

An Ovarian cyst is a collection of fluids surrounded by a slender wall within the ovary. Ovarian cysts raise concern among many women, especially in childbearing age.  While the majority of ovarian cysts are simply functional in nature, some ovarian cysts can turn out to be cancerous.  The first step of correctly diagnosing and treating ovarian cysts is to identify the cause of the disease. However, there is no single cause of ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts can be triggered by a variety of primary factors and secondary factors. It is imperative to understand these different factors in order to seek appropriate treatment.

 

Primary factors of ovarian cysts:

 

There are several primary factors and a combination of these factors which lead to ovarian cysts formation.

 

1. Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition is often considered to be the primary cause of ovarian cysts as research has shown that the genetic pattern of women who suffer from this chronic condition is far different compared to women who have never suffered from ovarian cysts or PCOS. PCOS women are often predisposed to abnormal metabolism and the dysfunctions of cell activity. However, this should not be a death warrant as many times the genetic characteristics can be modified with the help of environmental factors and proper lifestyle related changes.
2. Poor dietary choices: Different types of foods including refined carbohydrates, acidic foods and foods which contain high levels of toxins and hormone like substances can trigger hormonal imbalance and can weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to ovarian cysts. Similarly a diet rich in sugar and low on fresh vegetables can make the task of flushing out toxins difficult thereby aggravating your ovarian cyst condition.
3. Weak immune system: Poor dietary choices, stress and sleep deprivation can lead to a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system invites cannot defend the body against ovarian cyst formation.
4. Insulin resistance: High level of insulin can stimulate ovarian androgen production, which leads to the production of male hormones. This reduces the serum sex-hormone binding globulin or SHGB. The SHBG can in turn aggravate your ovarian cyst condition to quite an extent.
5. Failed ovulation process: When the ovaries fail to release an egg on a monthly basis due to certain metabolic disorders and because progesterone isn't produced it can trigger the formation of ovarian cysts as the immature follicles develop into cysts.

 

Besides the above primary factors, toxins in the liver and blood and even environmental toxins can increase the chances of ovarian cysts formation.

The only way to effectively treat and prevent ovarian cysts is by using a multidimensional holistic approach to healing.

Unlike the conventional approach which deals with the inflicted organ or with the symptoms of the disease (and the treatment in often aggressive with a myriad of side effects), the holistic approach treats every disease as part of a whole by firstly restoring natural balance to the body while naturally tackling each causative factor which lead to the condition. In this way, the holistic approach to treating ovarian cysts offers a long term, safe and gentle solution without the side effects of drugs or the risk of surgery while ensuring the prevention of future ovarian cyst recurrence.   

Disadvantages and Side Effects of The Conventional Medical Approach To Treating Ovarian Cysts

The conventional medical approach to treating ovarian cysts is the most common with many treatment options yet the results are almost always short term and side effects can be nasty. Therefore, more women are turning towards alternative forms of treatment for their ovarian cysts condition.

Understanding the conventional medical approach:

The conventional medical approach to treating ovarian cysts is very simple and straightforward and consists of three stages:

1. Understanding the symptoms: There are certain textbook symptoms of ovarian cysts which include irregular menstruation, pelvic pain, infertility, and more. The patients are asked to keep a tab on these symptoms so that the condition can be diagnosed quickly to prevent potential complications. However, sometimes, ovarian cysts do not give rise to any symptoms. Hence, they can be discovered accidentally during a routine gynecological examination.

2. Diagnosing ovarian cysts: Diagnosing ovarian cysts canbe done in several ways. Besides understanding the symptoms of the condition, the practitioner will also make use of an Endovaginal ultrasound, CT scanning, blood tests, Laproscopy and many other forms of tests to confirm his or her prognosis. Similar to the treatment of ovarian cysts, the diagnostic stage of the treatment can be equally traumatic.

3. Treatment: The treatment for ovarian cysts normally depends upon the type of cyst and its nature. If the cyst is benign, little to no treatment is required. However, in the more serious cases, conventional medicine will recommended the following forms of treatment:

   • Birth control pills: Birth control pills stop ovulation. They therefore repress ovarian cysts. They can also reduce the size of the follicles and help in reducing the size of the existing cysts.

   • Surgery: If the cysts are cancerous or if there are any other complications, then surgery is recommended. The decidion regarding surgery will depend upon the type of cyst and the potential complications. Sometimes, only the cyst is removed. However, it is not very uncommon to remove one or both ovaries to get rid of a cyst.

   Besides the above, pain killers are also given to provide relief from the pain caused by the cysts.

   The only way to effectively treat and prevent ovarian cysts is by using a multidimensional holistic approach to healing.
   
   Unlike the conventional approach which deals with the inflicted organ or with the symptoms of the disease (and the treatment in often aggressive with a myriad of side effects), the holistic approach treats every disease as part of a whole by firstly restoring natural balance to the body while naturally tackling each causative factor which lead to the condition. In this way, the holistic approach to treating ovarian cysts offers a long term, safe and gentle solution without the side effects of drugs or the risk of surgery while ensuring the prevention of future ovarian cyst recurrence.

Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Ovarian cyst is a common gynecological problem that can affect any woman at any stage of life. This chronic disease is difficult to diagnose at times, as the symptoms are not always apparent. However, it is essential to correctly diagnosis your ovarian cysts condition and map the symptoms of the disease to ensure proper treatment. The earlier you diagnose the condition the better are your changes of recovery. To accurately diagnose ovarian cysts, you need to be well versed with the symptoms of this condition.

Diagnosis of ovarian cysts:

Ovarian cysts are usually diagnosed by the gynecologist on the basis of the patient's symptoms and an array of tests. Sometimes, ovarian cysts come to light only during a routine medical or pelvic examination as ovarian cysts may continue to exist without any symptoms. A woman suffering from ovarian cysts must pay close attention to the following symptoms, which are generally associated with this condition.

1. Irregular menstruation: Irregular menstruation signals the fact that all is not well with your gynecological health. Women suffering from ovarian cysts may suffer from amenorrhea, heavy bleeding, light bleeding etc. Hence, any menstrual irregularity or abnormality should be checked out immediately.

2. Pelvic pain: Ovarian cysts can cause severe pelvic pain before during and after menstruation. Many women suffering from ovarian cyst also experience pain during sexual intercourse.

3. Bladder related problem: Cysts may put pressure on the bladder. This can lead to difficulty in emptying the bladder. Women also experience a frequent urge to urinate. Often, emptying the bladder can also prove to be a difficult ordeal.

4. Infertility: Many women approach a gynecologist, when they fail to conceive. Ovarian cysts may significantly hinder your fertility. Often, miscarriages are also possible because of the complications associated with untreated ovarian cysts.

5. Other symptoms: Ovarian cysts may cause nausea, breathlessness, abdominal pain, vomiting and general discomfort. Pregnancy like symptoms are also common. Note that any prolonged pain should be checked out immediately.

It is essential to understand that not all the symptoms above are experienced by women suffering from ovarian cysts. Some of these symptoms may not be associated with ovarian cysts at all. Therefore, it is always best to get a complete medical diagnosis by a professional before starting a proper treatment.

Tests:

There is a variety of tests which can be held by your gynecologist to correctly diagnose your condition. A few of these include blood tests, pelvic examination, ultrasound, a simple pregnancy test and more. These tests aid in adequate ovarian cysts diagnosis and rule out other possible complications.

The only way to effectively treat and prevent ovarian cysts is by using a multidimensional holistic approach to healing.

Unlike the conventional approach which deals with the inflicted organ or with the symptoms of the disease (and the treatment in often aggressive with a myriad of side effects), the holistic approach treats every disease as part of a whole by firstly restoring natural balance to the body while naturally tackling each causative factor which lead to the condition. In this way, the holistic approach to treating ovarian cysts offers a long term, safe and gentle solution without the side effects of drugs or the risk of surgery while ensuring the prevention of future ovarian cyst recurrence.

Risks and Complications of Ovarian Cysts

Women suffering from ovarian cysts are or should be more concerned about the risks and complications of ovarian cysts, rather than the symptoms caused by the condition itself. These concerns are not ill founded as ovarian cysts can often cause many upheavals in the life of a woman because of the potential complications of this condition. In order to avoid these complications and seek appropriate treatment, full understanding of the risks and complications associated with ovarian cysts is crucial.

Understanding ovarian cysts:

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacks, which are formed within the ovary. Cysts, which are bigger than two centimeters, are formally diagnosed as ovarian cysts. Many ovarian cysts are functional in nature. That is, they are benign and rarely ever cause any harm. However in some cases, ovarian cysts may develop certain complications. Risks and complications of ovarian cysts Depending on the type of cyst and the stage of treatment, there are several complications associated with ovarian cysts:.

1. Ruptured ovarian cyst:Ruptured ovarian cysts can lead to internal bleeding and in some cases can be very dangerous. Ruptured ovarian cysts can cause hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.

2. Ovarian torsion: Often, a twisting of the ovary occurs which can lead to infertility. Ovarian torsion may disturb blood supply to the ovary as well. This leads to another complication called ovarian necrosis, which may lead to inflammation and septic shock.

3. Peritonitis: Pertitonitis is the inflammation of the mucus membrane. As this membrane lines the abdomen cavity, it can cause excruciating pain and in some cases can be life threatening.

4. Infertility: Infertility caused by ovarian cysts can be temporary or permanent depending upon the extent of the damage to the reproductive system caused by the cyst. Hence, women suffering from ovarian cysts who also desire to get pregnant should correctly diagnose the type and treat their ovarian cysts quickly to restore the health of their reproductive system.

5. Cancer: In rare instances, ovarian cysts may even turn cancerous. The patient will then require the usual cancer treatment along with surgery, where generally both the ovaries are removed.

Besides these serious complications and risks, ovarian cysts also lead to excruciating pain and hormonal imbalance. This can affect the mental and emotional well being of the patient as well. However, conventional medicine very rarely pays attention to the mental and emotional complications that may develop because of ovarian cysts. The conventional treatment options can cause numerous side effects like infertility, weight gain, and reoccurrence of large cysts. Often, the conventional treatment can worsen an already painful and dangerous condition.

The only way to effectively treat and prevent ovarian cysts is by using a multidimensional holistic approach to healing.

Unlike the conventional approach which deals with the inflicted organ or with the symptoms of the disease (and the treatment in often aggressive with a myriad of side effects), the holistic approach treats every disease as part of a whole by firstly restoring natural balance to the body while naturally tackling each causative factor which lead to the condition. In this way, the holistic approach to treating ovarian cysts offers a long term, safe and gentle solution without the side effects of drugs or the risk of surgery while ensuring the prevention of future ovarian cyst recurrence.

Natural Cure For Ovarian Cysts 

Ovarian cyst disease is a chronic condition that can take a toll on the physical, mental and emotional well being of a woman. The conventional medical approach cannot really help the individual cure and prevent the condition, as the root causes of this condition as well as the manifold complications associated with this condition are not addressed by the common conventional treatments of ovarian cysts. Hence, today there is a growing trend to revert back to the natural approach to handling ovarian cyst disorders in all their aspects.

The importance of the natural approach:

First, the natural approach to curing ovarian cysts involves the use of natural safe and gentle remedies. The use of natural remedies often results is much fewer side effects compared to those inflicted by conventional drugs. Secondly, the natural approach targets the root causes of a condition rather than focusing on the symptoms. Thirdly, by tackling the root causes the natural approach aims at long term healing and prevention of your condition.

1. Side effects of conventional medication: Conventional medical treatment can give rise to many side effects. Women who have to lose their ovaries can obviously never have children again. These women also often experience change in their personality due to hormonal imbalance. Also, oral contraceptives, which are used prominently to treat the condition, can affect the fertility capabilities of a woman in the long term. Pregnant women cannot use conventional medication, without having to endure significant risks of miscarriage and premature delivery. Compared to this, natural remedies have no side effects. Some forms of natural treatment also put emphasis on strengthening the mental and emotional state of the patient thereby promoting healing in the true sense of the term.

2. Inefficiency of conventional medication: Conventional medicine provides only temporary relief from the symptoms of ovarian cysts. The ovarian cysts often reoccur after the treatment is discarded. Even after surgery, the patient is not immune to ovarian cysts. In fact research has shown that the growth of ovarian cysts after surgery is very common. Compared to conventional medication, the natural approach provides long-term relief from the condition since it tackles the root cause of ovarian cysts and is therefore more effective.

3. Impersonal approach: Conventional medication works according to rule of thumb without paying much attention to individual differences. Hence, conventional medication fails to treat certain conditions, as it lays emphasis on the disease and not the patient. On the other hand, the natural treatment is a often a personalized treatment. Each and every course of treatment varies from one person to another. This is the reason why it has such an astounding success rate.

4. Expensive conventional treatment: Conventional treatment for ovarian cysts is very expensive. Besides the huge costs of ovarian surgery, you will have to pay for hospitalization, tests, prescription drugs and more. Natural remedies are comparatively cost effective and therefore women on a shoestring budget can also take advantage of them.

The natural approach to treating ovarian cysts is effective against most forms of cysts. It can be used to prevent complications and to keep the existing ovarian cyst condition under control. However, these remedies cannot completely cure ovarian cysts. To cure ovarian cysts, a comprehensive holistic and multidimensional form of treatment is required.

The Holistic approach:

The only way to effectively treat and prevent ovarian cysts is by using a multidimensional holistic approach to healing.

Unlike the conventional approach which deals with the inflicted organ or with the symptoms of the disease (and the treatment in often aggressive with a myriad of side effects), the holistic approach treats every disease as part of a whole by firstly restoring natural balance to the body while naturally tackling each causative factor which lead to the condition. In this way, the holistic approach to treating ovarian cysts offers a long term, safe and gentle solution without the side effects of drugs or the risk of surgery while ensuring the prevention of future ovarian cyst recurrence.

This article is based on the book, "Ovarian Cyst Miracle" by Carol Foster. Carol is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate holistic ovarian cyst solution guaranteed to permanently cure all types of ovarian cysts and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, naturally, without the use prescription medication or surgery, and without any side effects. Learn more by visiting her website: CLICK HERE 

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Best Ways to Balance Your Hormones - PROVEN Solutions For Hormone Based Fatigue, Weight Gain, Low Mood and Low Libido!

Some health issues are easy to diagnose and fix. If you fall and break a bone, the treatment is fairly clear. The same is true for most infections. Even diseases such as cancer and diabetes can be discovered through symptoms and tests.

Hormones are a different story.

If your hormones are off, you might experience a multitude of symptoms that can be misdiagnosed. We don’t have a clear “hormone level” the way we have a safe blood sugar range.

There are symptoms and tests, but surprisingly many physicians don’t think to check.

So What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals in our bodies that enact changes.

They’re messengers, created in our endocrine glands, that travel through our bloodstream and send messages to other cells.

Those messages control many of our most basic functions. This includes hunger to our more intricate and delicate systems like reproduction, as well as our emotions and moods.

What are Symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance?

There are many different types of hormones and therefore many different ways for them to become imbalanced.

If you feel that something is off or not right, it’s a good idea to check if you’re experiencing symptoms of an imbalance.

Let’s look at a common hormone imbalance with the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Symptoms

The thyroid regulates metabolism, which is the process of your body breaking down food and converting it into energy.

Your thyroid controls the rate in which this process happens.

A slower metabolism means your body may not be able to break down all the food you eat in a day and convert it to energy – it stores it as fat instead.

Your thyroid can be under or over active. Here’s a few symptoms for each.

Hypothyroid (Underactive)

• Hair loss including outer 3rd of eyebrows
• Dry skin/hair
• Brittle fingernails
• Weight gain/difficulty losing weight
• Muscle/joint aches
• Fatigue
• High cholesterol
• Constipation Heavy periods
• Depression or moody

Hyperthyroid (Overactive) Weight Loss

• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Hand tremors
• Mood swings
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat – tachycardia
• Diarrhoea
• Vision Changes
• Light periods or missed periods

Many people don’t realize just how much hormones affect the way we feel and how our bodies function. Hormones control so many functions! You’re probably heard of cortisol, the stress hormone. Hormones also control how quickly we burn calories, our libido, acne, hair loss, weight, moods, and much more.

A hormone imbalance can lead to symptoms that feel like depression (or is depression), iron or other deficiency, exhaustion, and poor health.

We need the right balance to function properly.

A loose analogy would be putting the wrong type of oil and gas into your vehicle. It might run, but poorly, so you might not realize what the problem is. Many people have heard that a thyroid imbalance can cause weight gain and other problems, so let’s go over two other imbalances that you may not be aware of.

Adrenal Imbalance

We have two adrenal glands. The adrenal cortex releases hormones that are necessary for us to live. The adrenal medulla releases hormones that aren’t essential, but they’re still important and affect our health.

Following are symptoms for both an insufficiency and excess of hormone.

If you find you have five or more of the symptoms on either list, it’s possible that your adrenal glands are not functioning as they should.

Adrenal Hormone Insufficiency

• Exhausted no matter how much sleep you get
• Burn Out
• You use stimulants to stay awake
• You feel negative most of the time
• You feel irrational
• You have bouts of crying over things you wouldn’t normally cry over
• You feel emotionally fragile
• Low blood pressure
• You feel dizzy if you stand up from lying down
• Frequent infections or illness
• Low blood sugar
• Crave salty foods
• Nausea
• Diarrhea, constipation or alternate between both
• Insomnia and have trouble staying asleep
• Awake in the early hours of the morning

Adrenal Hormone Excess

• Struggle to get to sleep even though you’re tired
• Crave sugar particularly after a meal
• Carry extra weight around your midsection/abdominal
• Feel bloated
• Eczema, thin skin or other skin conditions
• Feel like your heart is racing
• High blood pressure
• Shakiness between meals
• Reflux
• Pink or purple stretch marks on your belly or back
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Often anxious
• Irritability or just don’t feel like yourself
• Have trouble falling pregnant
• Crave carbohydrates

As you can see, hormones can completely change how you feel!

Sex HormoneImbalance

“Sex” hormone might not be what you first think about.

The side effects of this kind of imbalance include acne persisting long after puberty, mood swings, facial hair and a swollen tummy!

The symptoms are more physical and visual with this imbalance, and they affect your fertility.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance are:

• Abdominal bloating<>
• Swollen and/or tender breasts
• Low libido
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Fibrocystic breasts (lumpy breasts)
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Cold hands or feet
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Forgetful
• Anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty falling pregnant

If you find that you’re experiencing a number of these symptoms, it’s time to look closer.

Luckily, there are natural ways to control and manage your hormones so you feel healthy again.

A doctor can run a blood test to check your thyroid function, and there is medication to correct the problem.

However, there is also a natural way to correct the imbalance and feel good again, without being dependent on medication.

• You can do a few things to help your thyroid function properly, such as:
• Banish the sugar in your diet.
• Eat a thyroid friendly diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Cut down on caffeine and drink more water.
• And lastly, check how much soy you’re consuming.
• Many people don’t realize that having too much soy in your diet can give you symptoms that mimic a thyroid problem, but it won’t show up on a test.
• Soy is in soy milk, but it’s also in many packaged foods. Read the labels of the food in your home and you might be surprised how much soy you’re ingesting without realizing it.
• Diet greatly affects our hormones, so we have a natural way to manage them.

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Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment, Prevention, and More

Diabetes Symptoms Knowing The Types Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition featuring unusually high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is used by the body to lower blood glucose levels. If someone’s pancreas doesn’t generate enough insulin, their body will develop diabetes.

A short list of symptoms of diabetes would include severe hunger and thirst, more urge to urinate, and fatigue. But the surest way of knowing whether you have diabetes is having a blood sugar test, also known as a Glucose Tolerance Test.

Type 1 diabetes is the more acute form. It is typically treated with special dietary restrictions, exercise and occasionally with insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually will be treated with special diet, exercise, and a weight loss plan before insulin is added. This form of diabetes is considered an insulin dependent disease.

A less severe form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is first treated with a diabetic diet,

exercise and weight loss. If theses measures are not successful in controlling blood sugar and insulin levels, oral medications may be added. Insulin is then finally considered if these also are unsuccessful. Type 2 diabetes normally occurs in adults who are middle age or older, which is why it is sometimes called Late-Onset Diabetes In this case, he pancreas still produces the right levels of insulin but the body has become resistant to it.

It is feasible to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes if it runs in the family. Through losing weight, getting the right amount of exercise and controlling your diet, you can manage. If Type 2 diabetes is not treated, eventually the same complications may ensue as those seen with Type 1 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is seen in pregnant women. Normally it disappears after the birth of the baby, however, treatment for the mother to stabilize the blood glucose levels will decrease the chance of complications to the baby as well as mother.

Juvenile Onset diabetes is another major form of diabetes that affects many children. It is believed to be the onset of Type 1 diabetes. If a child is showing even a few of the symptoms of diabetes, it’s vital that they be checked by a doctor. It is estimated that over two million adolescents are in the pre-diabetes stage. This is mostly due to being overweight. In this condition, blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Teens usually develop this between the ages of 12 and 19.

Two Types Of Diabetes How They Differ

There are two types of diabetes, which consists of Type I and Type II. It is important to understand the distinction between the two and how both are treated.

Type 1 diabetes is commonly found in children and/or adolescents, but may also occur in adults. With type 1 diabetes, there is almost always a complete deficiency of insulin. As a result, the most common treatment is insulin injections, a lifestyle that consists of both diet and exercise and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels with the use of blood testing monitors. Patients who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can continue to enjoy a normal life providing they continue with their treatment and take special care to follow their doctor’s instructions and/or recommendation.

With type 2 diabetes, an individual’s insulin level is usually either normal or sometimes even elevated, but is not deficient. This form of diabetes is believed to be more complicated than type 1, but ironically is thought to be easier to treat. Because insulin is still being produced inside the body, type 2 diabetes often goes undetected for years. Symptoms are milder and may even be sporadic, which often reduces the level of concern. The main problem with type 2 diabetes going unnoticed is the potential for serious complications, including renal failure and coronary artery disease. The initial treatment phase of type 2 diabetes will likely include a lifestyle adjustment to feature increased physical activity and a diet that is geared toward weight loss. The next step, if necessary, will be medication and possibly insulin therapy if needed.

Both types of diabetes require that the patient maintain normal blood glucose levels in an effort to reduce the possibility of organ damage, including eyesight, kidney, blood circulation, etc. In order for this to occur, patients must carefully monitor their food intake and make sure to participate in regular exercise, all the while continuing to monitor their blood glucose level.

As of 2006, there is no known cure for diabetes. A chronic disease that effects many, diabetes is best treated through patient education, nutrition, self awareness and long-term care. In addition, patients are often urged to be aware of other symptoms that may indicate complications arising from diabetes.

5 Ways To Manage Your Diet For Diabetes

The “rules” that I would lay down are as follows:

1. Cut back on snacks and then change the type of snacks you eat.

Certainly my biggest downfall although it wasn’t really apparent to me. When I first started at University, I had little or no routine which meant that filling my day was difficult and popping into the kitchen for a snack, no matter how healthy it felt, was a regular occurence. This is one of the hardest things to do for some people, but establishing a great routine is essential to great diabetes care. The types of snacks to be eating are unsalted nuts, dried unsweetened fruit, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables (I love fresh red pepper and cucumber), dark chocolate (richer and nicer and you only want 2 squares usually).

2. Cut back on white flour and embrace wholemeal carbs.

This is the most essential part of your diet, and the thing that can show the biggest increase in loss of weight. Some diets in fact jsut focus on this point, and are very successful. Wholemeal (especially stoneground wholemeal) is so good for you and has so much more flavour in it that switching is much easier than you think. Most people are really surprised at the ranges you can get in you supermarket, again remember that the bread that is best for you is the one that is freshest with least perservatives or added ingredients. Also, brown or basmati rice is great with a lovely nutty texture. Wholemeal pasta is great and for your potatoes I would totally recommend the smaller new potatoes.

3. Stop drinking cocktails, start drinking wine.

Cocktails are full of sugar, colourants and preservatives. As a student I have had loads of practice at going out and not drinking cocktails, so my drink of choice is Malibu and Diet Coke if I feel I have to drink something and I make it last all night. I can then top up with Diet Coke (which has almost no sugar in it) and it looks as though I am drinking Malibu, who is to know. If you are out at a restaurant, red wine is much better than anything else you can order, (except water of course!) and it has been proven that the anti-oxidants in red wine are great for keeping a healthy heart. The recommended amount is one glass a day with your evening meal.

4. Start cooking more fruit and vegetables.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are a great way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. And there are so many different ways in which to cook vegetables, but I find that raw is the best followed closely by steamed. Both of these ways preserve all their natural goodness as well. I will follow this post with another diabetes recipes post.

5. Drink more water.

I know you have heard people say this many times before, but the benefits of drinking more water are endless. A few tips on how to get more water into your day are firstly to put bottles of water at all the places you go in the house or work. So keep one in your desk, on your desk, a glass in the kitchen, the bedroom, the sitting room, etc. Try and drink all these glasses up and you will be well on your way to 8 glasses a day. The trick is to add a glass every few days or so, if you try to drink all that water in one go you won’t be so inclined to drink 8 glasses again, trust me! Have a go, it’s amazing how great you will feel.

Foods That Control Diabetes

In 1550 BC, the famous Ebers Papyrus advised treating diabetes with high fiber wheat grains. Not much has changed since then. Plant foods are the drug of choice for treating diabetes. There are large numbers of scientific research findings to confirm the effectiveness of plant foods in managing this disease. Through the centuries, more than 400 plants have been identified, used, and prescribed as diabetic remedies.

Raw onions and garlic have been long been favorite anti-diabetic drugs in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The vegetable bitter gourd and the herb ginseng have been widely used for treating diabetes since the ancient time in India and China. Common mushroom is widely used in parts of Europe to lower blood sugar. Barely bread is a popular treatment for diabetes in Iraq. Other foods, used in different countries, in the treatment of diabetes include beans, cabbage, cinnamon, coriander seeds, cucumber, fenugreek seeds, Indian gooseberry and lettuce.

All these foods have anti-diabetic properties. Scientific research has confirmed that most of these foods, or their compounds, either lower blood sugar, or stimulate insulin production. Some of the more important foods that help to lower blood sugar or stimulate insulin production in diabetes patients are discussed here.

Artichoke is a tuberous root with a top like a sunflower. This vegetable contains good amounts of potassium, a fair amount of calcium and some iron and sulphur, all of which are needed by the body for maintaining good health.

Artichoke is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes because of its high insulin content. A fully ripe artichoke is said to contain more than two percent of insulin. Ripe artichokes are generally available only during autumn or fall. The insulin is converted into sugar in winter. Artichokes are most effective when eaten raw in salads. It cooking is required; they should be boiled, unpeeled, in a small quantity of water for about 10 minutes. Artichokes can be effectively combined with other vegetables.

Get Rid Of Your Diabetes

Today, there are at least 20 million people living with diabetes in America and the sad part is that it is possible to prevent and heal pre-diabetes and diabetes type 2 naturally with balanced nutrition, and basic exercise.

People at risk of getting the disease drop by a staggering 60 percent if they manage to lose just 10 pounds by following a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise such as walking, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (May 3, 2001).

Pre-diabetes

This term means that you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and also heart disease.

The good news is if you have pre-diabetes you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes type 2 and even return to normal blood glucose levels if you follow the guidelines in this article.

Type 2 diabetes

Formerly called adult-onset diabetes, this is the most common form of diabetes. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which the body cannot use insulin properly. People can develop this type of diabetes at any age and is usually associated with today’s modern lifestyle of fast food, stress and no exercise.

Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes dramatically. Traditional treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, aspirin daily, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol with prescription drugs.

But with modest weight loss and moderate daily physical activity, you can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes and lead a normal life. Lets look at a few steps you can use straight away in your daily life that will make a big difference to your condition.

Strength Training – Researchers have reported a 23% increase in glucose uptake after four months of strength training. Because poor glucose metabolism is associated with adult onset diabetes, improved glucose metabolism is an important benefit of regular strength exercise.

Nowadays you do not have to live in a gym to put on functional muscle. Short High Intensity sessions performed once a week is all that is required to improve glucose metabolism and lose weight.

The strength training technique I use requires just twenty to thirty mins per week. Gone are the days of the five-day a week program with 6 to 12 sets per body part that, method has never worked. One short intense strength-training workout a week will elevate your metabolism more than you ever thought possible.

The two main components of this technique are the intensity of the exercise and the recovery after the exercise. Infrequent, short, high intensity weight training sessions, followed by the required amount of time to recover and become stronger is what is needed to increase functional lean muscle and improve glucose metabolism.

Nutrition – The way to lose body fat and maintain muscle is to have a food program for life. Quality food and more energy output are the basics you’ll need to go for. Bulk foods that fill you up and don’t fill you out, foods that are low in fat and sugar which

aren’t refined should be the ideal.

Small frequent meals should be consumed during the day each containing a little protein to maintain muscle and energy levels. Foods with vital vitamin and mineral supplements should also be taken on a daily basis. A high quality broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement should also be taken on a daily basis.

As before get the calories from high quality food but if you can’t, utilize a blender to make concoctions from skim milk with whatever additives you want to use, just as long as you keep count of the calories for your daily total.

Now use these blender mixtures and solid food for your daily feedings. Spread it out over many small meals a day instead of the traditional three meals a day. The way to keep track of weight loss is to buy a calorie counter and record your daily calorie intake for a week.

Exercise – Fat is burned from the body when cells oxidize to release energy in the form of exercise. When the exercise is done slowly to moderately then the majority of energy is taken from the fat stores.

The key to effective aerobic training that burns off maximum fat is long-term consistency not intensity. It doesn’t matter if you run a mile, jog a mile or walk a mile you will burn exactly the same amount of calories.

The best exercise by far for the purpose of fat-loss is fast walking either indoors on the treadmill or outdoors. Other aerobic activities are the treadmill, bike, climber or any other training gear found in or out of the Gym.

You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. By exercising regularly, reducing fat from your diet and losing weight can all help you reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The contents of this article are to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in conjunction with, or in place of, professional medical advice relating to diabetes. This article must not be used as a basis for diagnosing or treating diabetes, but rather an informational source designed to explain the difference between the two types. For further information, a diagnosis or recommended treatment method for diabetes, individuals should consult a licensed physician.

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Best Weight Loss Hacks Helps You To Reduce Your Body Fat

Losing weight doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Try these hacks which helped Rachel Hosie get leaner and healthier — and stay that way.

Losing weight is simple, but it’s not easy. Ultimately, it comes down to being in an energy deficit (taking in less energy ie. fewer calories than you expend), but this needn’t be a painful experience.

If the process of losing weight feels like punishment, chances are you’ll end up regaining any weight you lose. The secret is to make small tweaks and develop a sustainable way of living that you can effortlessly transition into maintenance.

Two years ago, I began a six-month weight loss phase in which I lost 35 pounds by working on my overeating habits and my relationship with food. Prior to that, I’d tried all sorts of different unsustainable diets, and my weight had yo-yoed massively as a result.

Since losing the bulk of my weight, I’ve continued working on my healthy habits, and as a result have stayed the same size, going from around 30% body fat in December 2017 to around 17% at my last scan in September 2020. I’m very happy gaining a little weight by enjoying, say, the holiday period or a vacation, because I know how to slim back down afterward if I want to.

When it comes to losing weight, you’re almost definitely going to experience a little hunger, at least at the start as your body adjusts. But it needn’t be horrendous.

We’re all different, and what works for me may not be what works for you. But I’ve learned that there are certain hacks that make losing weight easier, which I employ when I want to shed a few pounds while still enjoying my life.

1. Focus on high-volume foods

Greek yogurt and a bagel thin is one of my favorite weight-loss breakfasts. Photo: Rachel Hosie

If you, like me, are someone who just really likes eating, the prospect of cutting your portion sizes down probably does not appeal. A great way to combat, this, however, is to focus on high-volume foods, and by that I mean foods that take up a lot of physical space but are low in calories.

Some of my favorites are fat-free Greek yogurt, low-calorie ice creams (around 320 for a whole tub), broccoli, and strawberries. There’s no need to eat these specific foods if you don’t enjoy them — I for one don’t much care for watermelon or celery, despite them being high volume.

There are lots of other foods that take up a lot of space on your plate or in your bowl, so you get to eat a lot and feel satiated without consuming lots of calories, as registered dietitian Shena Jaramillo explained to Livestrong.

2. Don’t drink water during a meal

I drink a lot of water around my meals, but not actually during, so I chew my food properly. Photo: Rachel Hosie

Eating slowly is generally considered good weight loss advice: You tend to eat more mindfully, thus savoring your food more, and feeling more satisfied as a result. It also gives your body time to realize it’s full.

For some people, sipping water between mouthfuls may make them slow down, but for me, it did the opposite: I wasn’t chewing my food properly, and was literally washing it down with water.

I drink more water than the average person over the course of the day (often when we think we’re hungry we’re actually dehydrated), and always drink a glass both before and after a meal, but no longer during.

Make sure you drink lots of water overall though, as this has been proven to help with weight loss.

3. Eat with alternating hands

Eggs, turkey bacon and avocado toast is a go-to meal. Photo: Rachel Hosie

This is another technique that forces you to eat more slowly. As a right-hander, doing anything with my left hand is hard. So I simply switch my fork from one hand to the other between mouthfuls.

There are some foods with which this doesn’t really work, and sure, if I were in a restaurant I probably wouldn’t do this as it looks a bit odd, but at home, it’s a useful tactic to, again, encourage me to eat slowly and mindfully.

4. Make barely noticeable food swaps

Turkey sausages are lower calorie than pork, and I genuinely enjoy them. Photo: Rachel Hosie

I do not believe in cutting any food out of your diet, and if you want your diet to be sustainable, it needs to include all the foods you love in moderation.

That said, there are some calorie-saving swaps I enjoy that are barely noticeable (unlike replacing spaghetti with zoodles).

For example, some calorie-saving foods I enjoy are bagel thins, powdered peanut butter, and turkey sausages. I genuinely love eating them but I do still enjoy the more energy-dense versions from time to time too.

5. Prioritize protein

Porridge is a great breakfast, but adding some protein powder will keep you fuller. Photo: Rachel Hosie

It’s important to keep your protein levels up for a variety of reasons: Firstly, it’ll help your muscles repair after exercising and help your body hold on to muscle while burning fat in a calorie deficit.

Secondly, protein keeps you full, and this is scientific fact. On days where I feel the need to snack endlessly, it’s often because I haven’t eaten enough protein. Fitness, nutrition, and fat loss professionals typically recommend aiming for 1.6–2.2g per pound of body weight.

It’s also true that protein, compared to fats and carbs, uses up more calories to digest (known as the thermic effect of food), but the effect of this isn’t huge.

6. Incorporate grown-up alcohol alternatives

You can get non-alcoholic Aperol spritz-style cocktails these days. Photo: Rachel Hosie

The sad truth is that alcohol is not the dieter’s friend. It’s high in calories, and tends to lead to eating more while drinking as well as the next day.

Much like with food though, if you enjoy a drink, you don’t have to cut alcohol out completely.

When I really want to focus on my health and fitness, I do limit my booze intake though, and I’ve found no-alcohol alternatives really helpful. I don’t mean sodas and soft drinks, but the new breed of “grown-up” botanical drinks, the best of which really do taste a lot like their boozy counterpart.

7. Note down your daily wins, not fails

Your success will be largely down to working on your mind as much as your body. Photo: Rachel Hosie

Making lasting change requires working on your mind as much as your body.

One strategy which has really helped me is, before going to bed every night, writing down at least three health “wins” from the day.

That could be surpassing my step goal, eating five portions of vegetables, or stopping eating when I’m full and putting the rest of the pizza in the fridge. This strategy was particularly useful on days where I felt like I’d failed and gone completely off-track.

You’re not striving for perfection — aim for 80% consistency. For your mental health if nothing else (and if you want to keep your social life), you need to be able to indulge and relax from time to time without it sending you into a spiral of despair, guilt, and wanting to give up.

8. Take progress photos

Before and after my main weight loss phase two years ago. Photo: Rachel Hosie

Progress photos (as well as key measurements like your waist circumference) are the best way to see how far you’ve come — and are really satisfying.

For many people, the scales are triggering, and the number shown can vary so much depending on where a woman is in her cycle, whether you ate a big and/or salty meal recently, the time of day, and more.

If you can truly detach any emotions from the scale and see the number purely as data, you can try weighing yourself every morning then taking an average every week (bearing in mind that even then there will be ups and downs). But if not, it’s better to check in monthly, taking progress photos and perhaps weighing yourself once a month to see the general trajectory.

Remember: You’re not looking for a quick fix. Commit to the long haul. It may take time, but if it leaves you happy and healthy with a lifestyle you enjoy, it’s worth it.

For more great stories, visit Insider’s homepage.

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