Low Thyroid Information

Recently, I came across another good website on low thyroid - Diagnosis and Treatment.


A low thyroid function affects every cell in the body, causing your entire body to slow down and resulting in a multitude of undesirable symptoms.


Hypothyroidism, otherwise known as Low Thyroid Function or an Underactive Thyroid is the result of Thyroxine or Triiodothyronine, which are important hormones that control your metabolic processes and influence physical development.


The production of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine is a multi-stage process that requires several parts of your body to interact correctly. If any one of these steps goes wrong, the resulting condition is likely to be Hypothyroidism.


In people with normal Thyroid function, this 3-stage process is followed:


* The hypothalamus, a portion of the brain, produces Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH).
* TRH reaches the pituitary gland, which then produces Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (also known as TSH or Thyrotropin).
* TSH is released into the bloodstream, from where it tells the Thyroid gland to release Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). This is the stuff that gets your metabolism going!






Types of Hypothyroidism


Each of the above three steps can go wrong in some way and cause Hypothyroidism.


Hence there are 3 different versions of the condition, as follows:


Primary
Primary Hypothyroidism occurs when a problem with the thyroid itself results in reduced Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine production.


Secondary
Secondary Hypothyroidism occurs when the pituitary gland releases insufficient Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). The thyroid then receives the wrong instructions and produces reduced levels of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine. This is normally caused by a damaged pituitary gland.


Tertiary
Tertiary Hypothyroidism occurs in the first stage of the thyroid hormone-producing process. The hypothalamus releases too little Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH), which then prevents the pituitary gland and thyroid from performing their jobs properly too.

Furthur readings .. check out... http://lowthyroiddiet.com




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Types of Cancer in Women

There are various cancer types in women that can affect a woman.


The various types of women's cancers are:


* Breast Cancer
* Cervical Cancer
* Endometrial Cancer
* Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor
* Ovarian Cancer
* Uterine Cancer
* Vaginal Cancer
* Vulvar Cancer




Quick facts


* Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
* A breast lump is the first symptom in 9 out of 10 breast cancers.
* Breast cancer can affect men. We have a separate guide for men with breast cancer .
* Treatment for breast cancer may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, drugs to block hormones or their effects on cancer cells (hormonal therapies), and a drug called Herceptin® (trastuzumab).
* The type of treatment you have will depend on many factors, including the size of the tumour and whether you have had your menopause.



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Improve your Brain

The first step to a brighter, healthier brain.

five core brain areas:

1. Memory
2. Attention
3. Speed
4. Flexibility
5. Problem Solving



1 Memory

Each of the following skills involves the use of memory. Targeted brain training can exercise and thus improve each and every one. Please pick the ones you’re interested in improving.

* Remembering names after the first introduction
* Navigating a new city using mental directions
* Performance on IQ tests
* Learning new subjects quickly and accurately
* Recalling the location of objects
* Calculating figures in your head
* Remembering visual patterns


2 Attention

Research shows our cognitive exercises improve specific abilities related to attention. Please select the ones you’d like to enhance.

* Concentrating on new challenges
* Productivity at work or at home
* Driving safely and quickly
* Accuracy in sports like golf or tennis
* Avoiding distractions
* Peripheral vision
* Focusing on important tasks throughout your day



3 Speed
Think fast.

Speed includes a variety of cognitive skills that well-designed brain training can enhance. Please pick the speed-related abilities you’d like to accelerate.

* Reaction time
* Decision-making in time-sensitive situations
* Determining the best route through busy traffic
* Sense of direction
* Speeding up other cognitive processes
* Mental visualizations
* Adapting to changing environments


4 Flexibility
Switch things up with flexible thinking.

A variety of flexibility exercises can help you work out your flexible thinking skills. Pick the flexibility skills you’d like to improve most.

* Strategic planning
* Multitasking quickly and efficiently
* Thinking outside the box
* Avoiding errors and mistakes
* Communicating clearly
* Resisting temptation and controlling impulses
* Rapidly shifting your focus of attention


5 Problem Solving
Better problem solving skills can help you make quick, accurate decisions.

Problem solving represents a diverse category of cognitive skills and abilities. Brain training can help you exercise and improve these abilities. Pick the ones you’re most interested in improving.

* Performing mental calculations
* Determining the best course of action from multiple options
* Recognizing patterns and trends
* Making quick, accurate estimations
* Comparing different values
* General aptitude with numbers
* Dissecting complex arguments


https://www.lumosity.com/personal-training-plan/

The Diet Plan - Menu List

It keeps you eating smaller meals throughout the day which helps your metabolism. So say you woke up and took your meds at 7 and eat breakfast at 8m you would eat each additional meal at 10a, 1p, 3p, 6p and 8p. She lost a ridiculous amount of weight and I started this diet today.

Just cross off the veggies that aren't recommended for hypo patients (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and sprouts) as this diet was not created just for hypo people. Hope it helps and GOOD LUCK!

BREAKFAST
Easy Breakfast
2 Egg White Omelet, 1/2 cup Fruit Salad
Gourmet Breakfast
Spring Omelet Primavera (mushrooms, Green Peppers, Onions & Fresh Basil)
1/2 fresh Fruit Salad
Rapid Results Breakfast
3 Egg White Omelet, 1 cup Greens (or 1/2 cup Grapefruit)
MENU PLANNER CHOICES:
2 oz. Protein A 1/2 cup Fruit A
2 oz. Protein B 1/4 cup Fruit B

MID MORNING SNACK (about 2 hours after breakfast)
Easy Snack
2 oz. Chicken Breast or Turkey Breast & 1/2 cup Fruit
Gourmet Snack
Turkey "Prosciutto" - Turkey wrapped around Cantaloupe
Rapid Results Snack
3 oz. Turkey Breast & 1 cup Greens
MENU PLANNER CHOICES
2 oz. Protein A ½ cup Fruit A
2 oz. Protein B ¼ cup Fruit B

LUNCH (about 3 hours after snack)
Easy Lunch
2 oz. Chicken Breast, ½ cup Rice and 1 cup Mixed Veggies
Gourmet Lunch
Luau Chicken Kebabs – Chicken Breast Skewers with Pineapple, Peppers, onions & Cherry tomatoes & Ginger Marinade over Seasoned Rice.
Rapid Results Lunch
2 oz. Chicken Breast, ½ cup Rice and 1 cup Mixed Veggies
MENU PLANNER CHOICES
2 oz. Protein A ½ cup Carb A 1 cup Veggie A
2 oz. Protein B ½ cup Carb B 1 cup Veggie A

MID AFTERNOON SNACK (about 2 hours after lunch)
Easy Snack
2 oz. Chicken Breast & ½ cup Roasted Red Potatoes
Gourmet Snack
Mini Salad Nicoise – Fresh Tuna over Lettuce, Green Beans, 1 Hard-Boiled Egg White & Boiled Potato pieces (Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar for dressing)
Rapid Results Snack
3 oz. Fresh Tuna & 1 cup Greens
MENU PLANNER CHOICES
2 oz. Protein A ½ cup Carb A
2 oz. Protein B ½ cup Carb B

DINNER (about 3 hours after snack)
Easy Dinner
2 oz. Chicken Breast, ½ cup Potato & 1 to 2 cups Veggies
Gourmet Dinner
Chicken Breast sautéed in Garlic and White Wine, Steamed Asparagus and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rapid Results Dinner
2 to 3 oz. Lean Turkey Breast and ½ cup Grapefruit
MENU PLANNER CHOICES
2 oz. Protein A ½ cup Carb A 1 to 2 cups Veggie A
2 oz. Protein B ½ cup Carb B 1 to 2 cups Veggie A
1 to 2 oz. Protein C ½ cup Carb A or B 1 to 2 cups Veggie A

PM SNACK (OPTIONAL) (about 2 hours after dinner)
Easy Snack
½ cup Mixed Berries
Gourmet Snack
Cinnamon spiced Peaches
Rapid Results Snack
½ Grapefruit
MENU PLANNER CHOICES
½ cup Fruit A


MENU PLANNER FOOD LIST

Protein A

Fish – Cod, Flounder, Haddock, Orange Roughy, Red Snapper
Fish Steak – Halibut, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Shark
Tuna, Canned – Look for Low salt or no salt

Protein B

Chicken Breast - No skin
Crab or Lobster – Fresh is best
Shrimp – Fresh is best
Turkey Breast – No skin, or ground

Protein C

Beef, Eye of Round
Beef, Ground – Look for leanest possible
Beef, Sirloin Steak
Pork, Lean Chop
Pork, Lean Tenderloin

Vegetables A

Artichokes Celery
Asparagus Cucumbers
Beets Green Beans
Bell Peppers Snow Peas
Bok Choi Spinach
Broccoli Sprouts
Brussel Sprouts Summer Squash
Carrots Tomatoes
Cauliflower

Lettuce - pretty much a free amount

Carbs A

Jicama
Parsnips/Turnips
Potato
Squash – Acorn, Banana, Butternut, Spaghetti
Yam/Sweet Potato


Carbs B

Barley
Millet
Oatmeal
Rice – White or Brown
Rice Noodles
Rice Pasta

Fruit A

Grapefruit
Mixed Berries
Peaches
Pineapple
Strawberries

Fruit B

Bananas Cantaloupe Papaya Plums
Apples Honeydew Pears

Brain Fog: A Symptom of an Underactive Thyroid?

Underactive Thyroid is also known as Hypothyroidism.

People who have hypothyroidism can find it difficult to focus and to think clearly. This effect of hypothyroidism is known as thyroid brain fog.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces lower than normal levels of hormones. The hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland are responsible for the regulation of the metabolism. When the levels of thyroid hormones are too low because of an under active thyroid gland, the metabolic rate is slower than normal. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.

People who experience the hypothyroid brain fog find themselves unable to focus properly. Their mental clarity and function is affected by their condition. In some cases, the memory can also be affected by hypothyroidism. These symptoms are often more common and more severe in older patients with the condition.

The symptom of brain fog can affect the patient’s ability to work or study, and it can therefore have a serious impact on quality of life. Symptom is neither harmful nor dangerous, other than when it affects driving or operating machinery. Many people find that the effects of hypothyroidism on their cognitive function is one of the most upsetting symptoms that they experience. It can be particularly worrying before an explanation has been found. It does not cause mental deterioration or loss of intelligence, despite the fact that it can be extremely unpleasant.

Brain fog can also be caused by other conditions, particularly those that relate to depression and anxiety. Experiencing this symptom may not necessarily indicate hypothyroidism, but it is often associated with thyroid disorders.

Brain fog can be a worrying and distressing symptom of hypothyroidism, but it is usually temporary and harmless. This symptom will often disappear once hypothyroidism treatment is begun, although it can still be a problem for some patients.

Dietary supplements such as B vitamins may help, although it is important to avoid taking supplements that contain calcium or iron as these can affect the absorption of the medication that is used to treat hypothyroidism. Regular exercise can also help to reduce the brain fog that is caused by hypothyroidism.

Ref : http://underactivethyroid.net/brain-fog-a-symptom-of-an-underactive-thyroid

Hypothyroid Diet

Hypothyroidism Fast Facts

So what are the facts about hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition that occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce large enough quantities of thyroid hormones. Typically these include T4 and T3 hormones. There are two thyroid hormones, thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3, that are released into the blood stream. T3 speeds up the body's metabolism. Most of the T3 in the blood is converted from T4. The production of T3 and T4 is regulated by another hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) or thyrotropin. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland. If TSH is normal, it is a possible indicator that the thyroid is working properly.In response to this the body may produce increasing amounts of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormones in the body.The thyroid hormones regulate the rate at which the metabolism works. When the thyroid gland is under active and does not produce enough of these hormones, the metabolic rate is too slow. This can result in symptoms such as weight gain, dry skin, fatigue and depression.


With time this increase in TSH can cause a lot of harm to your body’s natural processes. Some people have generally well producing thyroid glands that perform sub clinically or sub optimally. These patients may require treatment as well.

How do you lose weight if you fall into one of these categories? Here are some tips.

1. Visit a competent health care professional for a proper work up. You will require blood tests to confirm your condition.
2. Rule out other conditions. You want to be sure the cause for your sluggish condition is hypothyroidism and not some other underlying condition that needs to be treated in another manner.
3. Start a diet as approved by your health care provider that is rich in iodine and selenium, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, seafood, and other foods that improve thyroid health.
4. Eat several small meals per day rather than three larger ones.
5. Make sure you get plenty of rest.
6. Consume no more than main meal containing a source of carbohydrate for the day (e.g. bread, pasta, cereal, potatoes, rice, or any grain)
7. Consume spices such as chilies, ginger and turmeric to naturally increase fat burning
8. Eat a source of protein with each major meal of the day (lean chicken, eggs, and fish)
9. Try to get exercise every day if you can, even if it is a walk around the block. (Some people don’t get as much as this each week!).
10. Remember to keep a positive outlook on life, which goes a long way.
11. Pack smart snacks so you reach for those instead of fast food when you are grabbed by a sudden snack attack.
12. Talk to others about your condition. If you can, join a local support group or online support group for more information and advice about hypothyroidism. It often helps to elicit feedback from others and gain knowledge from others. Keep in mind however, that most of this information is subjective. Any medical recommendations should be verified by your healthcare provider.


The Foods to Avoid to Help You Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism

The foods to be limited on hypothyroid diet where those low in natural goitrogens which can enlarge the thyroid gland. This help lose a ton of weight!

These foods are:

Cabbage
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower
Peanuts
Peaches
Sweet Potatoes
Spinach

Limiting these foods in hypothyroid diet will help to lose weight but also to combat symptoms which were:

Constantly feeling tired
Mood swings
Muscle aches
Feeling depressed and anxious
Dry skin
Thinning hair

These are very common symptoms in a hypothyroid sufferer and can be helped by the use of various supplements.

Combining this with a calorie controlled diet and foods high in tyrosine has massively reduced symptoms and help to shift the weight.

The draw back here is that you need a complex hypothyroid diet plan to keep these foods limited and control your portions and calories to strip that fat off you.

Keep a food daily journal to keep records of food intake.

Make Healthy Choices.



So what is a good hypothyroidism diet?

Like with any other diet, a hypothyroidism diet is a healthy balance of what the body needs to properly function. As is the case with hypothyroidism it would be the increase of iodine enriched foods coupled with a decreased intake of foods that contain goitrogens that will aid in reducing the symptoms of this particular thyroid condition.



Good foods to include in your diet plans for hypothyroidism are

spinach
strawberries
tomatoes
asparagus
bananas
carrots
eggs
garlic
kelp
mushrooms
onions
potatoes
peas
squash
lima beans
radishes
low fat yogurt and
seafood

because these are foods that can replace the iodine in your body that has been diminished by goitrogens.

You may have noticed that some of these foods, such as spinach, are actually on the list of foods containing goitrogens but the amount of iodine contained in them is enough to counteract the goitrogenic effects. This is especially true if the foods are “ground” grown versus “water” grown. Ground grown foods have higher levels of iodine due to its absorption of it from the soil.


The slower metabolism of a person who has hypothyroidism means that they use up less energy. The energy that is derived from food, but not used by the body will be stored as fat. It is important to limit the calorie intake in order to avoid gaining weight.

Iodine deficiencies are a common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. However, it is very rare for a person to suffer from an iodine deficiency.

where foods such as salt and bread are fortified with iodine. If hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet, then supplements may be required.

Thyroid Diet and Weight Loss

Is your thyroid making you fat?

Why is it so hard for people with an underactive thyroid to lose weight?

When you're hypothyroid, the slowed metabolism and changes to your endocrine system can make losing weight seem like a losing proposition.

If there is only one article you read about thyroid disease and weight loss, it should be this one --

Long Term Weight Loss for Thyroid Patients: Hormonal Factors That Affect Diets An Interview with Kent Holtorf, MD. Dr. Holtorf has found discovered that while there are many factors involved in the inability to lose weight, almost all the overweight and obese patients he treats have demonstrable metabolic and endocrinological dysfunctions that contribute to weight challenges.

In particular, Dr. Holtorf addresses the evaluation and correction of imbalances in two key hormones -- leptin and reverse T3 (rT3)-- to help thyroid patients lose weight. It's must reading for any thyroid patient who is struggling with weight issues.

How to Lose Weight and Fight Insulin Resistance

Weight loss is the most important method of eliminating insulin resistance. So it's one of those chicken and egg situations. The less you weigh, the less insulin resistant you will be. But insulin resistance makes it difficult to lose weight.



So, for people who are insulin resistant, one of the only effective methods is by eating a low fat, low carbohydrate, protein sufficient diet. This means that in addition to the usual restrictions of a low-fat diet, you also need to seriously limit intake of sugar and starches, cutting back on pasta, rice, potatoes, white flour breads, cereal, corn, peas, sweet potatoes, desserts, dairy products, meats, and fruit with a high sugar content.

You may feel frustrated that there's nothing left to eat. But you need to rethink your eating habits, shifting to a diet of chicken, turkey, fish, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, and certain grains. And for those who are insulin resistant, once you start eating this way, you'll find it easier, as your carbohydrate cravings will subside dramatically.

One study found that as many as 40% of overweight people had evidence of a dysfunctional thyroid, various thyroid conditions that could be contributing to your weight gain in the first place, and to your present difficulty losing weight.

and variety of symptoms.
* The unexpected weight gain, despite diet and exercise
* Fatigue and exhaustion
* More hair loss than usual
* Moodiness
* Muscle and joint pains and aches
* Loss of sex drive
* Depression
* Memory problems
* Constipation
* Heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods
* Low body temperature (below 97.8°F first thing in the morning)
* Low blood pressure
* Puffy eyes and face
* Slow pulse
* Reduced libido
* Poor memory
* Chronic sinus infections
* Headaches
* Sweating abnormalities
* Migraines
* Heat and/or cold intolerance
* Irritability
* Fluid retention
* Anxiety
* Panic attacks
* Frequent colds and sore throats
* Lightheadedness
* Ringing in the ears
* Decreased concentration
* Slow wound healing
* Easy bruising
* Unhealthy nails
* Acid Indigestion
* Cold hands or feet
* Inappropriate weight gain
* Hypoglycemia
* Falling asleep during the day
* Itching
* High cholesterol
* Loss of outside portion of eyebrows

Since the condition usually involves weight gain, it is helpful to embrace a diet that will allow you to lose weight.

A Diet for Hypothyroid Should Have...

A healthy diet for someone with hypothyroidism would include natural foods, whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables and a good supply of seafood and other lean protein. You should cut back on meats that are high in fat -but not all meats are bad for you. A multivitamin is probably a good idea if you don’t already take one.


A Key Mineral

Selenium may be the most important nutrient in a diet for hypothyroid. This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is essential for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces, T4, into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts are an incredibly good source of selenium, but you can also get it from some lean meats.


The Power of Fiber

Another tactic that will be very helpful for you if you’re trying to lose weight is eating more fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and can help you lose weight, in addition to being helpful for constipation, another side effect of hypothyroidism.

You can ingest your fiber in pill form or through one of those over-the-counter fiber concoctions, but it is so much better if you get your fiber from actual foods, like beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat and oatmeal.

Strive for whole grains, also known as complex carbohydrates, over refined grains (things made with white flour or sugar). They’re better for you, help maintain your blood sugar stable and will make you feel fuller. Alcohol should also be avoided because it can cause blood sugar fluctuations.


A Diet With More Meals

The ideal diet for hypothyroidism will include mini meals spread out through the day rather than three larger meals. If you eat five or six small meals it will help balance the slow metabolism that is part of hypothyroidism. Just remember, keep these meals small, around 300 calories each, and include exercise if you want to lose weight, too.

Having 6 small and healthy meals during the day also helps balancing out your insulin reaction to food, limiting the spikes and crashes that you probably feel right now.

Your diet should include plenty of water, fruits and vegetables and less things such as pasta, bread and starches.

A small amount of lean protein through the day is ideal.

Most of your carbs should come from fruit and vegetables, with other starches used sparingly.


No-No Foods

Since you’re trying to avoid starch, that means potatoes and corn are also on the no-no list. The diet for hypothyroid should not include raw foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, kale, spinach, peaches, pears, strawberries, radishes and millet as these fruits, veggies, greens and grains are thought to increase your chances of developing goiter.


Why? These foods actually contain substances known as goitrogens which interfere with the ability of the body to produce thyroid hormone. Because of this the thyroid may enlarge. Soybean foods may also inhibit the function of the thyroid as well. The foods listed above can also increase one's chances of developing a condition known as goiter.

Some people with hypothyroid disease find they are wheat or gluten intolerant.



according to Jean-Pierre Despres, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Physical Education and Director of the Lipid Research Center at Laval University Hospital in Quebec, "Exercise is probably the best medication on the market to treat insulin resistance syndrome." "Our studies show that low intensity, prolonged exercise -- such as a daily brisk walk of 45 minutes to an hour -- will substantially reduce insulin levels," says Dr. Despres.

This article was adapted from the book, The Thyroid Diet, by Mary Shomon

Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough: Overcoming Sexual and Hormonal Problems at Every Age," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," and "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia."

What is Metabolism?

When we eat, food is converted into energy. The term "metabolism" refers to the way -- not the speed – that your body processes and uses the food you eat. Rather than "faster" or "slower" metabolism, it's most accurate to describe metabolism as efficient or functional versus inefficient or dysfunctional.

Metabolism is made up of several components:

* Basal metabolism – From 60 to 65 percent of calories you eat daily are spent keeping you alive and providing basic energy for life support. If you were to lay in bed all day, you would still need these calories to support basic body functions.
* Physical activity – 25 percent of your calories go to movement and physical activity.
* Thermic effect of food – About 10 percent of calories are spent processing the food you eat. For example, if you eat 2000 calories a day, you should be burning 200 calories a day simply eating and digesting your food.

The Metabolism Formula

The winning formula to maintain your weight is that what you take in should equal the calories you expend...

CALORIES TAKEN IN FROM FOOD =

CALORIES EXPENDED FROM BASAL METABOLISM +
CALORIES EXPENDED BY ACTIVITY +
CALORIES EXPENDED DIGESTING FOOD (THERMIC EFFECT)

To lose weight, you have to reduce calories taken in, increase calories expended, or do both.


Surprisingly, many overweight people -- and thyroid patients in particular -- do not take in any more calories than people of average weight, and can sustain or even gain weight at lower calorie levels. If you fit into this category, your basal metabolism is lower, your physical activity may be reduced, and/or the thermic effect of food you eat is blunted. The end result: you don't burn as many calories as someone of a similar weight with a functional metabolism.

For you, losing weight requires that you change the output side of the metabolism equation -- you need to boost your metabolism and make it more efficient.

The Hypothyroidism / Metabolism Connection
If you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, or your condition is not adequately treated by your doctor, almost anything you do to raise your metabolism on the output side may fail. So the first, essential step is to get a thyroid test. And if you have been tested and are being treated, you need to make sure your treatment is optimized -- including the proper drug and dosage, as well as supplements to support thyroid function.

Increase Your Basal Metabolism
Metabolism is somewhat a function of genetics, but you can increase basal metabolism by building muscle. Muscle cells are up to eight times more metabolically active than fat cells, and muscle burns more calories than fat. Adding weight-bearing or resistance exercise – such as weightlifting or exercise bands -- is one of the only ways to increase basal metabolism.

An efficient metabolism also requires the smooth running of many complex body processes that rely on sufficient antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and the B vitamins. Supplements to correct any deficiencies are therefore important.

Finally, dehydration can contribute to an inefficient metabolism, by affecting body temperature. When you are dehydrated, your body temperature drops slightly, and causes your body to store fat as a way to help raise or maintain the temperature. Making sure you drink enough liquids, preferably at least 64 ounces of water per day, to avoid this metabolic pitfall.

Increase Physical Activity
Aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate can raise metabolism while you're exercising. Some experts believe that aerobic exercise also boosts resting metabolism for several hours, as muscles burn calories to recover and repair themselves.

Increase the Thermic Effect of Food
Resting metabolic rate typically increases as much as two to three times more after eating proteins versus carbohydrates and fats. Complex, high-fiber carbohydrates -- like high-fiber vegetables and cereals, however -- burn more calories than simple carbohydrates. You can increase the thermic effect on metabolism by focusing on quality protein, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, with an occasional high-fiber grain.

Ref:  
http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully/a/metabolism.htm

What is Hoodia?

What You Need to Know About Hoodia Gordonii:
Desert Plant is Promising Appetite Suppressant and Weight Loss Supplement

Clinical studies, research and articles on the hoodia plant as an appetite suppressant. Sound information on hoodia without all the marketing hype.

You may have seen all the confusing claims about Hoodia…

* Hoodia gordonii is the world's most powerful appetite suppressant
* The hoodia plant was praised by CBS News 60 minutes
* Phytopharm owns the exclusive patent to the Hoodia plant
* Pure Hoodia is a magic weight loss pill
* And, every company swears that whatever Hoodia they are selling is the best Hoodia and everything else does not work.


What is Hoodia?

Hoodia, as used in various herbal weight loss supplements, is extracted from a cactus like plant, native to South Africa and Namibia. The Hoodia plant has 13 different species and is often incorrectly called the Hoodia Cactus. Although similar in appearance to something from the cactus family it is in fact from the Apocynaceae family. The plant is flower bearing and grows up to a meter in height. Hoodia is native to arid conditions and is a succulent, retaining water in its thick stems.


What is the Hoodia diet?

Of the 13 species of Hoodia plant, it is the Hoodia Gordonii variety that is associated to the Hoodia Diet. Known by many other names including Hoodia Cactus, Stapelia gordonii, Kalahari Cactus, Xhooba, Ikhoba, Bushman's Hat or Queen of the Namib, to name a few, this species of Hoodia plant has gained recent global attention for its professed ability to suppress the human appetite.

The active ingredient believed to be the affect in Hoodia weight loss is a chemical called P57, which is meant to stimulate a part of the brain that in turn sends a message to your body that you are not hungry. One dose of P57 in the form of a Hoodia supplement is said to decrease interest in eating for a full day.


Does Hoodia work and are there side effects?

Currently there is no published scientific research proving the theory of appetite reduction with any Hoodia supplement. Nor is there any published research proving dangerous Hoodia side effects.

Currently products containing Hoodia Gordonii do not have FDA approval.

Source: forbes.com


Due to the fact that so little is known about taking weight loss products with Hoodia it is typically recommended that children, pregnant women or those breast feeding avoid use. In addition, apparently there have been reports of possible liver abnormalities, therefore people with diabetes or liver conditions might be particularly cautious.

Hoodia diet supplements on the market range from claiming to contain 100% pure Hoodia Gordonii to no indication of the amount or origin of Hoodia content, therefore users should always be aware of the added contents within the product and any related side effects of such ingredients.

Garcinia Cambogia also known as Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)

What Is Garcinia Cambogia?

Also known as Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)..

Garcinia cambogiais a small fruit that resembles a miniature pumpkin. It is indigenous to India and parts of Asia, and an extract from its fruit and rind is popular in many natural weight loss products. The extract is hydroxycitric acid (HCA), claimed to suppress appetite and enhance fat-burning. This fruit (also called Malabar tamarind) is used as a condiment in dishes such as curry.

The theory behind garcinia cambogia is that HCA inhibits an enzyme called citrate lyase that helps turns excess carbohydrates into fat. By inhibiting this enzyme, it is believed the body instead boosts carbohydrate oxidation, or simply put, burns the extra carbs.

Garcinia cambogia reportedly does not have any known adverse effects in healthy adults, but there are some people who are advised not to take it. According to experts, this includes children, pregnant and lactating women, those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia disease. In the case of Alzheimer’s patients, it is thought HCA might form acetylcholine in the brain, while diabetics could be affected by HCA’s tendency to lower blood sugar. Conversely, in healthy adults this latter effect can purportedly curb cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate garcinia cambogia. People who are considering augmenting a healthy diet and exercise regimen with herbal aids like HCA should see their physicians for personalized advice.

Testimonial ....

1. I took this and a got explosive diarrhea.

2. I take it for two or three days and I have headaches after every administration. I get up in the morning with a headache, I take an analgesic, it passes away and after the next administration the headache appears again, and so on. I have read somewhere that there are reports of toxicity in the liver. I plan to take the pills maximum one or two days and if the headaches won't disappear..

3. I took this for a month. And now I am having muscle cramps, headaches.

4. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA or any other agency. The manufacturers don't have to prove that they are safe or effective before they sell them.

5. the first time I took it, it felt really good, it energized me and I lose my appetite. Though I had a headache and I feel like vomiting sometimes. Is this ok? I also have a lot of allergies.

6. I have had nine month of stomach problems, enlarged pancreas, etc. after taking this. Do not take it! It is dangerous! I am otherwise very healthy- still having stomach issues.

7. I lost weight with tenuate and garcinia cambogia and I now have problems in my heart beat and heart valves.

8. I am more concerned with the thought that HCA might form acetylcholine in the brain which can cause paralysis and muscle spams. This has been more of the side effects I encountered.


Conclusion...

- Anyone with history having Heart-problem, Brain-problem (Alzheimer’s disease, Migrain, etc..), Diabetics.

- Probably the reason it isn't recommended for diabetics for reasons of lowering blood sugar is that many people regulate their level with metformin (Glucophage) or insulin. If they've already taken their dose and this further lowers their blood sugar level, there is the possibility that they could go into diabetic shock or coma. Although I doubt that could happen, I'm sure that the companies that produce this supplement just want to cover their bases.

- Some over-enthusiastic patients who took it in excess found some side effects like diarrhea or some laxative effect, vomiting and abdominal pain.


References...

* http://www.holistic-herbalist.com/garcinia-cambogia-side-effects.html
* http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-garcinia-cambogia.htm
* http://www.zhion.com/herb/Garcinia.html

Note : THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY QUESTIONS.

Enjoyable Ways to Burn off 200 Calories

Exercise for a lot of people can be hard work, with trying to juggle work commitments, family and the general pressures of living, finding time to travel to the local gym and complete a great workout can be very time consuming.

Below we list a number of ways we can burn up to 200 extra calories without doing what actually feels like exercise.



1. Gardening – cutting, weeding or raking for 40 minutes can really burn off extra energy. You also manage to keep your garden looking good for those hot summer days. If you don’t have a garden, why not help out an elderly neighbour with their gardening choirs.


2. Dancing – take a night out and hit the clubs with your partner, rather than going for a slap-up meal. Try to dance gently for ten minute sessions, and go for this five times during the course of the night. This should help to rid you of 200 calories. If you don’t feel you or your partner can dance, then simply copy what others are doing on the dance floor.


3. Wash up – complete the washing up after each meal for 5 consecutive nights. If you have a dishwasher then give it a rest and do it yourself, using a dishwasher less will also save energy and contribute less to carbon emissions.


4.Clean out – if you don’t fancy washing dishes, then try cleaning out old cupboards. A good hour of this should be enough for 200 calories. Cleaning out a garage will also add a great energy deficit to the equation.


5. Gaming – try playing new and exciting games. Board games, cards, or even playing those play station types can help burn off the energy, even if it’s just from all the excitement of beating your kids at their best!


6. Stairway to heaven – make it your goal to walk up and down your stairs for a total of 20 minutes each day. This can be done sporadically over the course of a day. Although, make sure you are fine to attempt this kind of activity before trying it. Maybe start off doing a few minutes each day and build up.


7. Dressing up – Get out all your old clothes and try them on. This can be fun and within an hour you’ll burn up to 200 calories.


8. Shopping – go shopping for an hour, just looking around or window shopping can help burn off extra energy.


9. Let it all out – punching the hell out of a punch bag or a cushion can really build up energy demands, plus you get to let out all that frustration from the stress of everyday living. Even small minute sessions for a total of half hour can be enough.


10.Go bowling – bowling with the family for an hour can be fun and you’ll burn off 200 calories.


11.Dog choirs – take the pet dog for a walk. Forty- five minutes should be enough.


12.Pet dog - when you get that dog back from your walk, then wash him! Half-hour should be enough for 200.


13.Hula-hoop – using a hula-hoop for 40 minutes total can really burn them calories away.


14.Light stretching - Try a stretching routine for half-hour before a bath.


15.wing away – Swinging on a swing is great fun and a way to burn 200 calories for every hour spent enjoying yourself. We are never too old for a swing!


16.Horse around – go horse riding for an hour.


17.Jacuzzi life – Sitting in a hot Jacuzzi or steam room for an hour will help you burn off excess energy.


18.Massage – go get yourself a massage for an hour, maybe not 200 calories but it’ll be up to 100 plus. But also what would be better to look forward to?


19.Paint a room – painting will help burn away energy, over 200 calories for every hour. Isn’t it about time you looked at doing up the rooms?


20.Rearrange the house – Moving furniture around can burn off tons of energy. Just an hour will burn more than 200 calories. Just be careful of heavy furniture and always have someone help you!