Why we cannot burn our belly fat easily ?

 

Nowadays, experts believe that one of the underlying reasons for fats being accumulated in the body is we having too much toxins (pesticides, preservatives, MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), artificial colors, flavorings and sweeteners) in our body due to the foods we eat and the poisons in the environment we expose.

When chemicals exist in our foods or environment, xenoestrogens (which are endocrine disruptors that alter the normal function of hormones) can enter into our body. Our body needs to store these dangerous substances which end up being stored in our fat cells so that our body cannot get harm. Thus this fat tissue would be difficult to get rid off.  No matter how much exercise we do, or however much we cut down on what we eat, there is always that extra layer of fat we can never shift. We cannot burn our belly fat easily unless the toxins have been cleared out.

Fortunately, as cruciferous vegetables contain phytonutrients that can help to combat the effects of xenoestrogens in our body, if we intake more of these vegetables, our body need not store extra layer of fat, hence achieving weight loss. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage.

What Is ‘Qi’?

You may have heard the term “qi” before. Qi is arguably the most important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Most major cultural traditions identify a “vital energy” that guides someone’s physical and mental processes, says Dr. Jill Blakeway, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In Chinese culture, it is called "qi", the intangible yet measurable way we maintain what is known as homeostasis, or the body’s ability to regulate its internal environment to create good health.

 “Everything is based on qi,” says Dr. Greg Sperber, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine. “Blockages of qi, deficiencies of qi, and too much qi are what cause illness.”

“People with a healthy amount of qi feel as if they have enough energy to meet their body’s needs,” Blakeway says. “They sleep well, wake rested, and are able to complete their daily tasks.”

If you think you are deficient in qi, you can begin to regulate it by:

• ·         Getting sufficient restful sleep - Being tired is a hallmark sign of a qi deficiency.
• ·         Exercising regularly, including a practice that focuses on your breath, like yoga, tai chi or qi gong. Gentle exercise is a crucial component of managing one’s qi. And one way to improve a qi deficiency is through purposeful breathing.
• ·         Maintaining healthy eating habits - A healthy, nutritive diet is a crucial component of having balanced qi. Most of the body’s qi comes from foods, so nourishing your body with healthy foods. Chinese medicine places considerable importance upon an adequate and appropriate diet of fresh, high quality foods, avoiding cold, raw, fried or junk foods and dairy products,  and the opportunity and ability to breathe good, clean air.
• ·         Taking care of your mental health - The mind-body connection is a crucial component of qi.

Liver Disease

 

Liver disease is a condition that can affect the normal functioning of the liver. The liver is the largest organ of the body that helps with the digestion of food and the removal of toxins from the blood.

There are several types of liver disease, including fatty liver disease, liver cancer and hepatitis. If the condition left untreated, it can lead to liver failure—a form of disease that occurs when the liver is damaged beyond repair.

Fatty Liver Disease

One of the most common liver diseases is fatty liver disease. There are two types of fatty liver diseases:

1. ·         Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (worsening form of NAFLD): This type of fatty liver disease develops when there is excess fat build-up in the liver. Build-up can occur due to insulin resistance, eating foods high in fat, and having high blood sugar.
2. ·         Alcoholic Liver Disease: Occurs when drinking too much alcohol (e.g., two or more drinks per day) causes destruction of the liver tissue.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. This condition develops due to infection by different types of hepatitis. If left untreated, hepatitis can also cause liver damage and not function normally.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer—also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—occurs when tumor cells develop in the liver. In some cases, the tumors can be benign (non-cancerous), but they can interfere with the liver’s ability to function normally.

Autoimmune Liver Conditions

Autoimmune disorders are conditions that occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake.

Genetic Conditions

These conditions include Wilson disease, Hemochromatosis, Gilbert syndrome and Cirrhosis.

Each type of liver disease can cause slightly different symptoms. However, the most common symptoms of liver disease include:

• ·         Jaundice, or the yellowing of the skin and eyes
• ·         Swelling of the abdomen (stomach) and legs
• ·         Changes in the color of your urine and stool
• ·         Easy bruising

You can develop liver disease for a variety of different reasons including:

• ·         Having a family history of liver disease 
• ·         Becoming infected with hepatitis infection 
• ·         Being exposed to contaminated blood, semen, or other bodily fluids 
• ·         Not using protection (e.g., condoms) when having sex 
• ·         Developing an autoimmune disorder 
• ·         Drinking excess amounts of alcohol 
• ·         Eating a diet high in fat 

You can make the following modifications to your lifestyle habits to prevent the condition from worsening: 

• ·         Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink 
• ·         Eating a nutritious diet that is low in fat 
• ·         Participating in physical activity or exercise regularly 

If your condition has progressed to liver damage or cirrhosis, your healthcare provider may consider putting you on a list to receive a liver transplant. Extreme liver damage is irreversible and can lead to liver failure. 

Lifestyle choices play a key role in maintaining a healthy liver and preventing some liver diseases include:

•  ·        Reducing how much alcohol you drink 
• ·         Getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B 
• ·         Avoiding sharing needles and personal items such as razors and combs 
• ·         Exercising or moving your body regularly 
• ·         Quitting smoking 
• ·         Eating a diet that is low in fat 
• ·         Practicing safe sex

10 Healing Foods

 

Certain foods have the power to soothe symptoms and give our body a boost when we have specific illnesses or injuries.

Sardines

Sardines’ little bones may help our broken bones heal faster. Usually packed into small tins with water, olive oil or tomato juice, these tiny fish are full of calcium and vitamin D. They also have more bone-strengthening omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish. Sardines are caught wild and young, which means their mercury levels are low. 

Unripe Bananas

Green bananas have a secret superpower: they are great for diarrhea. They contain resistant starch, which means it does not let our small intestine absorb it quickly. Instead, it feeds good bacteria in our digestive tract and tells the bad bacteria to get out. Bananas are also full of electrolytes like potassium.

Honey

Honey lessens inflammation, soothes pain, and kills bacteria. It is also full of antibodies that fight viral infections. It is packed with vitamins like niacin and vitamin C, and minerals like calcium and iron, for a healthy boost of energy.

Kimchi

This traditional Korean dish may end your gas and bloating. It is a spicy mix of vegetables like napa cabbage and radishes that are fermented, or preserved with natural good bacteria. When we eat it, it loads our gut with good bacteria, also called probiotics, and moves out bad bacteria that can cause belly distress. 

Horseradish

This cousin of mustard, onion, and garlic is anything but subtle. When you grate horseradish, it crushes the cells of the root. This releases the oils that bring out its signature heat. Even a small dab can make your eyes water and nose run. That is great news if you have sinus or nasal issues: horseradish moves out mucus that attracts bacteria if it stays in your system too long. Same for the green mound of wasabi that comes with sushi. 

Coffee

When you have a headache, the blood vessels that feed your brain get tight, then enlarge and press against your nerves. The caffeine in coffee, black tea and chocolate causes your blood vessels to go back down in size.

Kale

Kale or other dark, leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, and collard and turnip greens have high amounts of the essential nutrient vitamin K, which helps our blood cells group up and clot. Not only does this stop us from losing more blood; it also protects our wound. K also helps our body build healthy bone tissue.

Ginger

Ginger is great for our stomach. The root of the ginger plant has compounds called gingerols. They block the receptors in our digestive tract that cause nausea. Use it to treat morning sickness, motion sickness, and post-surgery or chemotherapy-related stomach issues.

Herbal Tea

Soothe your sore throat with a warm cup of herbal tea. If your throat hurts, peppermint tea has natural numbing qualities. Clove and green tea fight bacteria. Raspberry-flavored tea reduces inflammation. Chamomile will lubricate your throat: drink it if you are hoarse. Whatever you choose, make sure it is decaf so you are able to rest and sleep. 

Apples

Apples have high amounts of pectin, a soluble fiber in the walls of its cells. If you are constipated, it gets your bowels moving. And if you have diarrhea, it reduces inflammation and helps firm up your bowel movements. To get the most fiber, leave the skin on. Other naturally high-fiber foods include raspberries, cooked artichokes and Brussels sprouts.

Fruit that are Low in Sugar

 

If you are monitoring your sugar intake, you may want to choose fruits that are low in sugar: 

Grapefruit

While grapefruit is relatively low in sugar, it is a great source of vitamin C. 

One half of a medium-sized grapefruit contains 8.5 grams (g) of sugar and 43% of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a vital role in immune health and collagen formation. It also helps improve iron absorption from plant sources. 

Grapefruit also has a low glycemic index and takes longer to digest and so cause a smaller and slower rise in blood sugar levels to help manage diabetes. 

A 2021 review even found that grapefruit may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Berries

Berries are lower in sugar than many other fruits. Here is the sugar content of 1 cup of raw berries: 

• ·        Raspberries: 5 g
• ·        Strawberries: 7 g
• ·        Blackberries: 7 g

At 15 grams of sugar per 1 raw cup, blueberries have a higher amount of sugar. But blueberries still have other positive properties and benefits. For instance, eating a moderate amount of berries on a regular basis has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Berries are also rich in fiber, polyphenols, and vitamins. Plus, they have a low glycemic index value.

Lemons

Lemons contain 2.1 g of sugar and 2.4 g of fiber per fruit. 

Limes

Limes have even less sugar than lemons. One lime contains 1 g of sugar and 2 g of fiber per fruit. 

Cranberries

Cranberries are low in sugar, containing just 4 g per cup. They are also a rich source of beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help limit damage caused by free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and other chronic diseases. 

Cranberries also may decrease the risk of urinary tract infections by about one-third in people at an increased risk for developing the infection. 

When buying cranberries, look for those that are shiny and plump with a deep color. 

Limit dried cranberries, as they are generally sweetened with sugar. For example, one-fourth of a cup of dried cranberries contains around 29 g of sugar.

Watermelon

Despite having a sweet and delicious flavor, watermelon is relatively low in sugar. A cup of diced watermelon provides 9 g of sugar, with just 45 calories. 

While watermelon has a high glycemic index rating, it is 92% water and contains few carbohydrates, which gives it a low glycemic load.

Kiwis

One kiwi fruit contains 7 g of sugar. 

These little green fruits rank low on the glycemic index scale and are a good source of fiber. They 're also an excellent source of vitamin C. One kiwi fruit provides 62% of the daily value for vitamin C and 2.3 g of fiber, with just 48 calories. 

Avocados

Avocados are low-sugar fruits that are incredibly nutritious. One whole avocado contains less than half a gram of sugar. 

An avocado also provides you with 9 g of fiber. And because they are rich in monounsaturated fats, avocados may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. 

A recent study found that daily avocado consumption for 12 weeks improved blood sugar control, cardiometabolic risk factors, and overall diet quality in adults with obesity and insulin resistance. 

Oranges

Oranges are a sweet, citrus fruit that can fit into a low-sugar diet. One orange contains just under 13 grams of sugar. From that orange, you can also get 3 grams of fiber and 70% of the daily value for immune-boosting vitamin C. Plus, oranges have a high water content, which can help you stay hydrated.

Apricots

Apricots are an excellent snack for those watching their sugar intake. Two small apricots contain 6 g of sugar. The pair of apricots also have 1.4 g of fiber, with just 34 calories. 

Although dried apricots are slightly higher in sugar and lower in fiber—containing 4.2 grams of sugar and 0.6 g of fiber per small slice—they still fall relatively low on the glycemic index scale.

Eating dried apricots in moderation and pairing them with foods high in protein and healthier fats like nuts and cheese may help slow absorption and prevent spikes in blood sugar. 

Plums

Plums have fewer grams of sugar than many other fruits. One plum contains less than 7 g of sugar. The low glycemic index fruit also has 1 g of fiber, with just 30 calories. 

Overall, choose fresh, frozen, or canned fruits more often than 100% fruit juices. Fruit juice tends to be high in sugar and low in fiber, which may cause larger increases in blood sugar than whole fruits.

If you have diabetes, pair fruits with non-starchy vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats to create balanced meals that help keep your blood sugar. 

Signs that You're Eating too Much Sugar

 

There are signs that your body sends you when you are eating too much sugar. And you should stop eating as excessive sugar consumption is one of the habits that, over time, can significantly affect your health.  

1. Constant hunger

According to a study published in the magazine Hospital Nutrition,  sugar produces a greater feeling of satiety than carbohydrates. 

However, this satiety is short-term. Therefore, it is very likely that soon after you feel hungry again and go back to snacking. This, coupled with lack of exercise and poor diet, can lead to you becoming overweight or obese.

So if you feel hungry all the time despite eating, it may be because you are consuming too much sugar and no real nutrients.

2. Feeling tired because you’re consuming too much sugar

In general, glucose drinks usually provide us with energy and prevent tiredness and fatigue. In fact, many sports drinks contain sugars.

However, the long-term consequences of too much sugar are less clear. In fact, an experiment conducted at Cardiff Metropolitan University showed that individuals who reduced their intake of refined sugars improved their fatigue levels and overall mood.

So, if you constantly feel tired for no apparent reason, it may be because your diet is too rich in artificial sugar.

3. Weak teeth

Too much sugar combined with poor dental hygiene weakens your enamel. This is because your mouth is full of bacteria, some good, some bad. What sugar does is it serves as food for harmful bacteria that end up eroding your enamel and weakening your teeth. 

This, if left unchecked, can lead to constant cavities or teeth that break easily when you eat something hard, for example. 

4. Aging skin

According to a study published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology, aging skin may be another sign that you are consuming too much sugar. 

This is because it creates molecules known as AGES (advanced glycation end products), which damage the skin’s collagen and elastin. As a result, your skin ages faster.

5. Joint pain

Although this is a rarer symptom, excessive consumption of this sweet ingredient may lead to joint pain. In fact, some research associates excessive intake of carbonated beverages (high in sugars) with an increased likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.

This is again due to the AGES molecules. These cause inflammation, which can degenerate into long-term joint pain. 

6. Weight gain

No doubt, if you are consuming too much sugar, you are very likely to gain weight, especially if you do not exercise. 

In fact, it creates a temporary feeling of fullness, which leads you to eat more and therefore put on weight.

7. Concentration problems

The effects of the accumulation of sugar in the blood are also perceived in cognitive abilities and the ability to concentrate.

When you consume too much sugar, you need more and more. This can lead to your brain not functioning properly when your blood sugar level drops because it needs it to provide energy to work. 

So, there may be periods when you suddenly feel like your mind is foggy and you are unable to concentrate. In fact, several studies associate excessive sugar consumption with certain cognitive dysfunctions. 

Also, keep in mind that sugar is addictive: the more you consume, the more you need it. This is because it releases dopamine (a hormone linked to well-being and pleasure), which generates addiction. 

A high BMI is not necessarily associated with a higher risk of death

 

BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. For decades, it has been used to assess whether a person’s weight is “healthy” or could bring a risk of diabetes or heart disease. But many health care professionals have criticized this, saying BMI does not account for crucial factors such as body fat percentage and variations in disease risk among people of different races and genders.

Now, the new study found that BMI in the range considered overweight is not linked to a higher mortality risk for many people.

In the study, there was no significant increase in the risk of death for those 65 years and older with BMIs between 22.5 and 34.9. The same was true for younger adults with BMIs between 22.5 and 27.4.

The study compared people with equal BMIs but different waist circumferences and found that the latter was associated with a higher risk of death overall. 

The study results did, however, show that participants with a BMI of 30 or more faced a greater mortality risk. Among younger adults, a BMI of 27.5 to 29.9 was also associated with a nearly 20% greater risk. 

Dr. Fatima Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said BMI can equate leanness with health at the expense of other important factors. Substance abuse disorders, tobacco use and disordered eating can all lead to a leaner physique, but do not mean that a person is healthy. 

Stanford also emphasized that the BMI ranges considered overweight or obese do not account for differences that arise among racial and ethnic groups. Some research suggests, for example, that Asian people may face a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases like diabetes and hypertension at a BMI lower than the general thresholds. 

Black women, meanwhile, are often healthy at BMIs in the overweight and obese ranges. And a 2013 study found higher BMI was not as strongly linked to mortality risk in Black Americans as it was in whites. 

However, Dr. Jaime Almandoz, medical director of the Weight Wellness Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, pointed to a few shortcomings in the study. For one, he said, it focuses solely on the relationship between BMI and the risk of death.

“There’s so much more to life than not dying,” Almandoz said. “Studies like this can be misinterpreted by saying, ‘Well, up to a BMI of 30 is fine, or ‘Up to a BMI of 35 in older adults is fine,’ but that doesn’t mean that a person is not living with Type 2 diabetes or an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure.” 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with BMIs of 25 or higher face an increased risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer.

Dr. Aayush Visaria, an internal medicine resident at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, said that if the study had looked at participants’ fat percentages, it might have found that more than 27% were obese. But that is precisely the problem. BMI does not measure the share of body fat. 

“This kind of adds to the idea that clinicians should be using different measures of body fat to diagnose obesity, not just BMI,” he said. “I think in the future these measures will become commonplace.”