Minerals: How important are they for our health?
As you get more comfortable with an acid alkaline diet, you can start to incorporate other concepts into your eating habits. One of these concepts is to ensure you are getting all the proper nutrients!
In a similar way to any other complex machine, our bodies need the right kind of fuel in order to function properly. Minerals play an essential role as far as this goes so it is important that we learn about them and how they help us to live healthy lives.
For the most part, our bodies are made up of water carrying all manner of substances throughout the vessels. This can be likened to passengers traveling along on a bus. Upon arrival at the location where they are needed, substances such as minerals, amino and fatty acids, hormones and vitamins pass through the vessel lining and take up position in the organs and cells.
So, why are minerals so important? The reason we need minerals in our bodies is all about electrolyte imbalance. Taking a general view, minerals are present in the fluid which makes up cells. Electrolytes are the minerals and mineral salts present such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium, the majority of which are actively involved in muscle, tissue and bone building.
If we do not have enough minerals in our bodies, changes begin to occur. When certain minerals are in short supply it would not be unusual to experience pain in the lower back, a poor skin texture, a brittleness of the finger and toe nails, a weakness in your hair, and maybe dental, heart and depression problems.
Let’s take a look at iron. Iron forms hemoglobin in the blood. It is the mineral which is responsible for blood being red in color and it transports oxygen to the various cells of our bodies. A low level of iron is often the reason why females feel tired during their menstrual cycle when they lose quite a lot of blood.
There are several foods we need on a daily basis which supply the necessary minerals and vitamins to the body and by eating a variety of these foods we can rest assured that our mineral and vitamin intake is as it should be. For example, iron is provided by animal products like chicken, fish and red meat, and seafood not only gives us iron but many other essentials, namely, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Seeds and nuts contain selenium too.
An assortment of metabolic processes is driven by minerals working alongside enzymes. When minerals are taken into the tissues of the body they play their part in regulating everything from muscle growth to nerve function. The federal government has come up with an RDA (recommended daily allowance) of the minerals and vitamins we need to keep the body functioning in good working order.
Where else can these minerals be found? For those who don’t eat red meat and fish, the good news is that fruit and vegetables are a great source of minerals. Citrus fruits and berries are just what’s needed for the necessary intake of calcium, copper and iron just as the leafy green variety of vegetables will supply us with copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus.
Experiencing the unwanted effects of not getting enough minerals will be a thing of the past as long as a variety of the above mentioned foods are eaten on a regular basis. And they fit very nicely with an acid alkaline balanced diet 
Great Tips to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome
July 25, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Prevention is better than cure. It is better to act wisely and take steps to prevent irritable bowel syndrome on time. After all, living with a condition that’s painful and affects daily routine is not worth it. The worse part is that you may even have to experience some real embarrassing situation. Remember that it is a chronic disease and you may have to live with it. It can even become a life-long experience.
Here are some techniques and tips that can help you prevent the occurrence or even reoccurrence of the symptoms.
First, you need to stay away from foods that trigger off this chronic problem. Foods with high fat content are an absolute no-no. These foods are capable of interrupting in the normal functioning of the intestines. These create reduced movements of the muscles. Under these circumstances, more gas is produced as the bacteria tend to act upon the component digestion in order to accomplish the task.
Second, have a lot of fluids, mainly water. This will cleanse your system. Do not take caffeinated drinks, tea or carbonated drinks. Good amount of fluid will maintain intestinal tract. Besides, fluids also help a lot in breaking down digested foods in the lower portions of the digestive system. This makes it easier for the body to digest the food. It also facilitates in replenishing water in case, dehydration is caused due to diarrhea.
Focus on doing exercising regularly. Here, you don’t need to work out hard at gym for hours or build up a muscular body (it’s great if you can do it!) but to work out at a certain intensity regularly. Even brisk walking on a daily basis will do. This will create healthy effects on your body and also help you to regulate abnormal movements of your intestinal tract.
Another great thing to do is to learn certain techniques for stress management in order to reduce the anxiety you may face. Keep tabs on your diet on a regular basis. Eat smaller portions of food. Instead of having three large meals in a day, try to have 3-5 smaller meals in a day.
Deep breathing is really important. You should act calmly while breathing from your diaphragm. This is the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. When you inhale, try to allow your belly to expand. Let it contract naturally when you exhale. Deep breathing facilitates relaxing your abdominal muscles. This results in a natural bowel activity.
Relax for at least twenty minutes in a day for any activity that you find relaxing. You can indulge in reading, dancing, listening to music, playing computer games, shopping etc.
Yoga and meditation can also help a lot. Try to pamper yourself by a good massage.
Last but not the least; you should know when to contact a doctor. Go for an expert consultation as soon as you show up warning signs or find something wrong with you digestive system.
By: Bertil Hjert
About the Author:
For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about Irritable Bowel Syndrome please visit IRRITABLE BOWEL ADVICE and ACID REFLUX EXPERT
Great Tips to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome
July 20, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Prevention is better than cure. It is better to act wisely and take steps to prevent irritable bowel syndrome on time. After all, living with a condition that’s painful and affects daily routine is not worth it. The worse part is that you may even have to experience some real embarrassing situation. Remember that it is a chronic disease and you may have to live with it. It can even become a life-long experience.
Here are some techniques and tips that can help you prevent the occurrence or even reoccurrence of the symptoms.
First, you need to stay away from foods that trigger off this chronic problem. Foods with high fat content are an absolute no-no. These foods are capable of interrupting in the normal functioning of the intestines. These create reduced movements of the muscles. Under these circumstances, more gas is produced as the bacteria tend to act upon the component digestion in order to accomplish the task.
Second, have a lot of fluids, mainly water. This will cleanse your system. Do not take caffeinated drinks, tea or carbonated drinks. Good amount of fluid will maintain intestinal tract. Besides, fluids also help a lot in breaking down digested foods in the lower portions of the digestive system. This makes it easier for the body to digest the food. It also facilitates in replenishing water in case, dehydration is caused due to diarrhea.
Focus on doing exercising regularly. Here, you don’t need to work out hard at gym for hours or build up a muscular body (it’s great if you can do it!) but to work out at a certain intensity regularly. Even brisk walking on a daily basis will do. This will create healthy effects on your body and also help you to regulate abnormal movements of your intestinal tract.
Another great thing to do is to learn certain techniques for stress management in order to reduce the anxiety you may face. Keep tabs on your diet on a regular basis. Eat smaller portions of food. Instead of having three large meals in a day, try to have 3-5 smaller meals in a day.
Deep breathing is really important. You should act calmly while breathing from your diaphragm. This is the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. When you inhale, try to allow your belly to expand. Let it contract naturally when you exhale. Deep breathing facilitates relaxing your abdominal muscles. This results in a natural bowel activity.
Relax for at least twenty minutes in a day for any activity that you find relaxing. You can indulge in reading, dancing, listening to music, playing computer games, shopping etc.
Yoga and meditation can also help a lot. Try to pamper yourself by a good massage.
Last but not the least; you should know when to contact a doctor. Go for an expert consultation as soon as you show up warning signs or find something wrong with you digestive system.
By: Bertil Hjert
About the Author:
For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about Irritable Bowel Syndrome please visit IRRITABLE BOWEL ADVICE and ACID REFLUX EXPERT
What You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment?
July 9, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition marked by bloating, severe abdominal pain, and cramping. It is also called spastic colon syndrome and generally alters the normal patterns of bowel movements. More often than not, the person affected by IBS will be plagued with diarrhea and/or constipation, however this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes, factors in the diet can lead to a person being affected by this condition, although for some there aren’t any dietary factors at all. Still, it should be noted that altering the diet and removing spicy foods, dairy products (lactose), and adding more fiber can help with treatment. If you are diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, then your doctor might order an allergy test to determine whether certain foods are behind your condition, in which case the condition can easily be treated with a change in diet.
Sometimes, counseling could be in order, as IBS often manifests as a result of increased stress and anxiety in a person’s life. It might seem odd, but treating mental problems can often decrease physical symptoms of this condition. This is because your body’s condition mirrors that of the mind, and a troubled mind can cause physical symptoms to appear. On the other hand, meditation has been shown to help some people lower stress in their lives, or at least be able to deal with it more effectively. As a result, symptoms of IBS often disappear or at least get reduced to a level that is manageable. Since IBS is considered a psychosomatic condition, treating both the mind and body are important.
Probiotics and fiber supplements have been shown to help remove the symptoms of IBS and can easily be purchased online or at a local health food store. Antispasmodics have also been shown to help relax the stomach and bowels so that digestion can resume normally. It is amazing that a condition with such distinct symptoms can be treated in so many ways, but the reason is that there is not known cause. Although doctors have been studying Irritable Bowel Syndrome for years, there are very few clues to the etiology of IBS.
By: Alan Low
About the Author:
Learn more on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and irritable bowel syndrome diet at my site.
Cooking: Tips to Make Your Favorite Recipes Lower in Fat
June 20, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
The first step is to take all of your recipes and make a note of the high fat ingredients. These can include whole milk, butter, margarine, cheese, for more detail go to: www.delicious-sandwich-recipes.com.sour cream, oil and eggs. Make a note of what needs to be substituted and then start to adapt the recipe.
Start making your substitutions slowly. It is going to take a little bit of time to master the art of low-fat cooking. Try substituting half of the low fat options at first and see how the dish tastes. If you are able to reduce the fat without sacrificing flavor, then try to eliminate a little more fat the next time around.
If your recipe calls for eggs, you can use low-fat egg substitute. Egg substitutes are available by the carton at your local grocery store. Use 1/4 cup of egg substitute for one egg. You can also reduce the fat by using egg whites instead of the whole egg, however this changes the composition of your dish slightly.
Make an easy switch from whole milk to low-fat or fat-free milk. If you’re drinking whole milk on a daily basis or using it for your cereal, you should be making this switch anyway to follow the rules of your low-fat way of eating. If you are accustomed to using whole fat milk, first switch to 2% milk and then work down to fat free milk eventually. This way you can become accustomed to the taste of the lower fat varieties.
Mayonnaise, sour cream and cheese can all be substituted with lower fat versions of the same products. Use the same amount that you would with the high fat varieties. Low-fat plain yogurt also makes a great substitute for sour cream. When it comes to cheese, keep in mind that low-fat cheese doesn’t melt as well as regular cheese. You may need to adjust your baking time.
Eliminate excess butter and oil by using cooking spray to prepare eggs and other items in a frying pan. You can save a lot of fat calories this way and will hardly recognize the difference. The clean up after using cooking spray is a lot easier as well.
You can also eliminate butter and oil in sweet baked goods by using applesauce. Use a cup of applesauce or pureed fruit for every cup of oil or butter required in the recipe. You can experiment with different flavor combinations and come up with many varieties of your favorite baked goods.
Your meat choices can also play a big part in how much fat a dish contains. For more detail go to: www.cat-head-biscuit.com.Use extra lean ground beef (such as 97% fat free) instead of the full fat variety. Try substituting ground turkey for beef for an even lower fat option. If you aren’t a fan of the flavor of ground turkey, try mixing the ground beef and the ground turkey together.
By using these simple substitutions, you can easily reduce the fat in your diet. The flavors of your dishes wont change a whole lot but your waistline will thank you.
By: IB SERVE
About the Author:
