Coffee in Moderation is Good for Liver Health

Coffee is one of the most frequently consumed drinks in the world. In the U.S., over 50% citizens drink coffee each and every day. The commonly specified factors for coffee consumption are its stimulatory effects, flavor, and aroma.

Try the taste of Maxwell House Colombian Ground Coffee, my all-time favorite. Available on Amazon, this medium roast delight boasts a rich aroma and well-balanced flavor profile. Don't miss out on the convenience and quality of this beloved coffee blend!

Common Benefits of Coffee

Coffee is a good source of antioxidants and the protective benefits of coffee are recommended in a number of conditions. The modern research shows that moderate coffee consumption contains numerous benefits, including:

Cuts down the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis
Reduces risk of diabetes type 2 symptoms
Decreases risk of developing gallstones
Stops the growth of colon and liver cancer
Enhances cognitive function
Decreases headache/migraine intensity
Minimizes the risk of Parkinson’s disease
Boosts stamina in long-duration activities
Decreases the risk of liver destruction in people at high-risk for liver disease

Coffee and Liver Health

Drinking coffee, moderately, can aid in good liver health in line with a new study. The research revealed in the journal Hepatology uncovered that people who drink 3 or more cups of decaffeinated or regular coffee a day had lower amounts of abnormal liver enzymes which might be viewed as a sign of harmed liver cells.

Coffee must be taken without sugar. If sugar is added in, it reduces the effects of caffeine. Also, opt for less milk or ideally without milk.

How much Coffee Should you Drink?

All these encouraging benefits don’t mean that you can now consume limitless amounts of coffee. There are limits and, of course, moderation is the key to good health.

How much coffee you can consume before going through the adverse reactions of caffeine overdose, depends on each person. Age, weight, health background and tolerance for coffee all must be taken into consideration.

In accordance with Mayo Clinic, the safety limit for healthy adults is apparently 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. You consume this amount if you consume 4 cups of brewed coffee or more than 5 shots of espresso. Take into account that you're taking in more caffeine if you’re having energy drinks or Coke, so you really need to add this to your daily amount.

Caffeine Safety Measures

Caffeine isn’t advisable for youngsters under the age of 12.
It’s also not suitable for teenagers, but everyone knows that nowadays younger people take in coffee and other energizing beverages to keep up with school and work needs. People younger than 18 should control themselves to 100 milligrams of caffeine on a daily basis.

People with heart disease, diabetes type 2 symptoms and pregnant or nursing women should never consume over 200 milligrams of caffeine per day and talk about this with their doctor.

It is true that consuming coffee can defend you from developing liver disease and can additionally help those who already have some amount of liver problem. But remember moderation is the key. Anything in excess is bad for you, even water.

12 Low-Carb Snacks to Keep you Energized

 

High-protein, low-carb foods are a specific area of concern for many health-minded people, and it's very easy to understand why. Protein delivers the building blocks for muscle and high-protein, low-carb would be suitable for many people who are attempting to lose weight. 

This can give you that satiating protein without too many carbs, which are the easiest thing to cut when attempting to lose weight. Snacking is an essential part of every day eating, but you need to take care of your health and stay away from consuming high-calorie and zero-nutrition snacks. 

Snacking is an excellent way to keep your metabolism stable and live healthily. However, you should always stay away from refined carbs and foods that are full of simple carbs. Eat snacks that are rich in complex carbs and other nutrients to make sure you fill your stomach without feeling guilty. 

Here are 12 low-carb, nutrient-filled snacks that are easily available or easy to prepare.

Almonds

One gram of almonds has 5.8 calories, protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eating almonds as a snack will not just keep the calories low and keep you full for a long time but may also cut down the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation. 

Amazon has Blue Diamond Almonds! They contain no sulfites, added sugars, preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

Pistachios

Pistachios are excellent for weight loss. Enjoy a handful of unsalted pistachios to curb your cravings, cut down the risk of metabolic syndrome, boost satiety, deal with diabetes, and minimize inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Kirkland California In-Shell Pistachios are excellent as they contain no sulfites, added sugars, preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding tastes delicious, and you can make it easily. Chia seeds are also full of healthy fats that help minimize inflammation and inflammation-induced weight gain, boost insulin sensitivity, reduce hunger, and lower triglyceride levels.

All you have to do is add five tablespoons of chia seeds to one cup of plant-based milk. Add dark chocolate powder, mix, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to 12 hours. Buy Navitas Organics Chia Seeds.

You can also add some banana slices and dark chocolate shavings before serving it.

Kale Chips

Want to try something crispy along with coffee or tea? Go for kale chips. Although you can get kale chip bags in the markets, make them at home since you will be able to control the amount of salt and adjust the flavors according to your taste. 

One serving of kale chips has 50 calories and keeps you full for a long time.

To make the kale chips, chop one cup of kale, add two tablespoons of olive oil, and seasoning. Bake it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and your chips is ready.

Edamame

Edamame is immature soybeans in pods that are cooked by boiling and seasoning with salt and pepper. It is greatly eaten in Asian cuisine, and because of its low-calorie, high protein, and high-dietary fiber content, edamame is believed as one of the healthiest snacks.

Eat one cup of boiled edamame with salt and pepper when you are hungry.

Baby Carrot with Hummus

Baby carrots and hummus are vital sources of antioxidants, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber.

It is wise that you make the hummus at home by soaking ½ cup of chickpeas overnight. 

Boil the chickpeas and blend them in a blender with salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 4 tablespoons of lime juice, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Blend until everything is smooth. Enjoy it with baby carrots whenever you want to have a snack.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are full of proteins, healthy fats, sterols, para-aminobenzoic acid, and many other bioactive compounds. Studies have proven that pumpkin seeds not just have lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, and immunity-boosting effects but also cut down the risk of bladder stone formation.

You can buy a pack of AIVA Pumpkin Seeds Raw. Follow the serving size instructions so that you do not over consume them. 

Sunflower Seeds

Seeds have been touted for years about their health boosting benefits. Sunflowers seeds particularly, are very full of Vitamin E which help defend the body from aging and is involved with assisting our organs function properly. 

Not just that, they have antioxidants that repair our DNA from damage. DAVID Seeds Roasted and Salted Spicy Queso Jumbo Sunflower Seeds are a fantastic, inexpensive sunflower snack option.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds improve an exceptional nutritional profile that should be incorporated in all plant-based diets. Though it comes from the same plant as marijuana, it doesn’t trigger the euphoric effect since the THC content is minuscule. 

Hemp seeds are healthy since they have all 9 essential amino acids needed in our diets. This is called a complete protein. 

Grab this Organic Hemp Seeds from Amazon. Add to just about anything for a great boost of nutrition, such as salads, oatmeal, baking recipes, cereals, and smoothies.

Dark Chocolate

When you want to eat chocolate, try to find 80% or more dark chocolate. It is an excellent replacement snack for other high-calorie and high-carb snack options. Cocoa contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and protects the heart.

Eat no more than a piece of dark chocolate to make sure you do not over consume the calories and fall off the weight loss track.

You can also try Organic Cacao Covered Coconut Chunks.

Berries

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and blackberries are full of antioxidants and have DNA- and heart-health properties.

Eat a handful of mixed berries regularly as a snack to enhance your overall health.

Protein Powder

Plant-based protein powder can be the easiest high protein, low carb snack. With so many brands to choose from, mixing your favorite powder with 8-12 oz water makes for another easy, on-the-go option. 

If you have any kind of food allergies, be sure to read through the ingredient list before buying. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a good and affordable product that you can find on Amazon!

Beijing on Fire: Heatwave Hits the Capital City

 

Welcome to another blog post," bringing you the latest updates on weather phenomena from around the world. Today, we focus on the scorching temperatures engulfing the vibrant city of Beijing, China.

Beijing issizzling under a relentless heat wave, with the mercury soaring to record-breaking levels. The authorities have issued a hot weather alert, the highest level of cautionary measures.

As the summer heat intensifies, Beijing's residents are feeling the heat. With temperatures reaching well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), staying cool is becoming a challenging task for everyone.

However, amidst the scorching weather, the city is finding creative ways to beat theheat. Parks and public spaces have turned into havens for ice cream vendors, and cold drinks are in high demand as people seek refreshing relief from the sweltering heat.

Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the citizens during this heat wave. They have opened cooling centers across the city, equipped with air conditioning and cold water facilities, to provide respite for those without access to adequate cooling at home.

Water parks and swimming pools have also become popular destinations, offering an escape from the scorching temperatures. Beijing's residents are making the most of these facilities, finding solace in the cool waters.

This heatwave is a result of a high-pressure system that has settled over the region, trapping hot air and preventing it from dissipating. With little relief in sight, it's important for everyone to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this heat wave.

So, whether it's carrying water bottles, wearing hats, or using sunblock, the people of Beijing are heeding the advice and taking precautions to protect themselves from the scorching sun.

As the sun sets over Beijing, the city continues to battle the extreme heat. But amidst the sizzling temperatures, the resilience and adaptability of its residents shine through.

"Stay cool and stay tuned for more updates on Weather Watch."

That's all for." Stay cool, stay safe, and we'll catch you next time!

Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is edible fatty oil that is extracted or obtained from mature coconut fruit’s flesh. Coconut oil is used in cookeries and cosmetics due to its amazing benefits. Coconut oil can be extracted in two different ways;

1. Through the flesh of raw coconut (wet process)
2. Through copra (dry coconut) and the process is known as dry process

Coconut oil contains high amount of protein, fatty oil and fibrous content and is used due to its several health benefits such as;

1. · In cookeries as a cooking oil or taste enhancer
2. As a skin moisturizer for soft, young and smooth skin
3. Coconut oil is used in hair treatments and for strengthening and toning hair
4. Coconut oil is the best make up remover for eyes, because it is beneficial in removing dark circles and keeps the skin under your eyes wrinkle free and shining by slowing down aging process
5. Coconut oil is widely used in cosmetics, because it removes age spots and stretch marks (due to pregnancy or other reasons)
6. It is also used on face and lips as it hydrates our skin and keeps it flexibility in its good order
7. Coconut oil if applied to hair (especially after taking bath) helps you in getting rid of frizz (the condition of being formed into small tight curls) and makes your hair shiny and strong
8. Coconut oil contains heart healthy fatty acids like high density lipoprotein (HDL) that is beneficial for our cardiovascular system and thus it helps in fighting against heart disorders
9. A moderate use of coconut oil increases your energy level and allows you to do physical activities for longer duration.
10. Coconut oil contains high amount of fatty acids that turn into ketones or increases concentrations of ketones in your blood. These ketone bodies prevent over-eating by reducing your appetite

Medicinal Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

·     Coconut oil is used in several cosmetics for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Coconut oil contains the lauric (a crystalline fatty acid occurring as glycerides in natural fats and oils (especially coconut oil and palm-kernel oil)) acid that kills pathogens and prevents several infections.  

·     Coconut oil energizes brain’s malfunctioning cells and empower your brain (coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides which help our brain in fighting against many brain disorders) that leads to boosted brain functions and also lowers the risks of Alzheimer’s disease.

·      Coconut oil is the best for oral health in oil pulling (a natural remedy to detoxify and clean teeth and gums to improve oral health). In oil pulling, organic oil is swished in the mouth for a specific duration of time for improving oral health (whitening teeth and improving gums health). There are many organic oils that are used in oil pulling, but coconut oil is the best for this purpose.

·     Coconut oil improves insulin level within your body.

·    Coconut oil regulate hormonal production if used on regular basis.

·   Orally ingested coconut oil helps you in improving mental alertness and reduces the risks of allergy.

How can we Get 100% Organic Coconut Oil

There are several sources of getting fresh and 100% organic coconut oil, but www.cocoluxeorganic.com is the best online source of coconut oil that deals with 100% fresh and organic coconut oil with fresh coconut smell. Coconut oil at www.cocoluxeorganic.com is free from any chemical and the fruit is obtained from the tropical islands Fiji where the air and water are unpolluted and produce 100% natural and nutrient rich fruits. During the extraction of coconut oil no chemical is used to keep its quality in its best condition. 

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Cooking Oil Comparison

Heating oil can change its properties. Oils that are nutritious at room temperature can turn into harmful when heated up above particular temperatures. When picking out cooking oil, it is essential to check the oil's heat threshold with the cooking process.

With the huge range of cooking oil options on the market, it is not difficult to be confused. Here is information for selecting healthy oils, furthermore which oils you must always have available.

Olive Oil

Made with the fruit from the olive tree, olive oil is liked due to its tested cardiovascular defensive properties. Available in lots of unique qualities, frequent intake may decrease the chance of coronary heart problems as a result of monounsaturated fat material in the oil. It is generally used in sautéing and usually shows up just as one ingredient in salad dressings. Its taste is usually utilized in Mediterranean style meals.

Smoke Point: 191 °C

Butter

Pure butter is best for you and in fact quite healthy. It consists of Vitamins A, E and K. It is also full of fatty acids Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Butyrate, each of which has effective health advantages. CLA may decrease body fat proportion in human beings and butyrate can deal with infection, enhance stomach health and has been confirmed for making rats not fat. Made up of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol, butter is not normally suggested as healthful cooking grease, although many individuals however like it because of its taste.

Smoke Point: 121–149 °C

Canola Oil

Accepted by the American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association for its valuable omega-3 fatty acids, canola oil is produced by a specifically grown variation of rapeseed. Its name is a shorter variation of the term "Canadian oil, low acid"; the very first canola plants were selectively bred in Canada and result in lower levels of erucic acid. Canola oil has to proceed through very tough processing techniques prior to it is transformed into the final product.

Smoke Point: 246 °C

Flaxseed oil

 Flaxseed oil is produced by cold-pressing flaxseeds, a plant that is developed on prairies in western northern U.S and Canada. This oil is a healthy source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, but due to the fact it has a minimal smoke point, it's ideal to use on chilly dishes such as in desserts, dips, drinks, etc. It has fairly a short life, and although it's stored under refrigeration, it only will last a couple of weeks. Many individuals use this oil to complement with Omega-3 fats.

Smoke Point: 107 °C

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is usually known as tropical oil and is produced from the brown meat of a coconut. As a result of its high saturated fat content, this oil is still contentious in the United States because intake of saturated fatty acids has already been connected to high amounts of LDL cholesterol.  The oil is even now commonly utilized in areas of South Asia where coconuts are common. Cooking with coconut oil is sure as a result of its high smoke point, and it has a strong flavor. You can purchase coconut oil in two types: refined and virgin. Virgin coconut oil keeps its normal aroma and flavor of fresh coconuts, although refined coconut oil has a much more dull taste because of the refining procedure. Both equally have a shelf life of approximately 2 years.

Smoke Point: 177 °C

Introduction to Paleo, Raw, Vegan and Vegetarian Diet

                                                   Paleo Diet

The way of eating of the people of Stone Age with their limited facilities, is known as Paleo diet. Our ancestors (Stone Age people) used to eat food without knowing its benefits.

The benefits of Paleo diet are, better sleep, better temper and attitude, decrease in blood pressure, mind clarity, decrease in depression, allergy reduction, improvement in the muscles.

Paleo diet is becoming popular diet day after day due to its vital benefits. The Stone Age people were of healthy physic with minimum diseases and with high immune system. They (our ancestors) only eat the things which humans are supposed to eat. Today, most of the natural health experts and athletic experts (coaches) restlessly want to know why we should eat like our early hunter-gatherers.

Paleo diet is also known as primal blueprint, Caveman diet and the Stone Age diet. Paleo diet adopted today is free of processed and refined food items. Paleo means a variety of eating and fitness rules. These rules are designed with respect to theories of human evolution.

Some of the Paleo foods are Grass-produced meats, fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, healthful oils (walnut, Olive, Macadamia, flax seed, avocado, coconut), grass-produced meats, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits and seafood, etc.

                                                       Raw Diet

All the uncooked edible fruits, vegetables and grains are known as raw diet.

A raw diet mainly contains sprouts, natural sweeteners, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, seaweeds, beans and organic fruits and vegetables.

Raw diet is the diet that is used to detoxify and cleaning up your skin. It also used to lose weight in a healthy way. Being fully natural diet, it is used to remove toxins from the body and enhances your bodily health. Raw diet is cheaper than another way of eating to get a healthy body free of toxic materials. It also gives rest or break to your oven and pans. Raw diet helps you to reduce a few pounds by keeping you naturally healthy.  

                                                      Vegan Diet

This way of eating allows you to eat only vegetables and edibles which are not concerned for animals like meat, dairy products, eggs, fish and anything concerned with animals and their derivatives. Vegan eating also keeps you away from taking artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and sugar. The vegan way of eating excludes from beeswax and honey too. 

On the other hand it allows you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, grains (whole grains), sulfite free red wine, fake chicken patty and all organic except animals and their byproducts. Tofu is also considered a good vegan source of protein that fulfills your protein need.

Leading a life to be natural, means to be healthy. One biggest benefit is that there is no calorie counting while eating vegan. It keeps you in skinny like shape if you are properly eating in this way. This way of eating is adopted to get a great looking body and better health. If you want to lose your weight with this way eating just need to make a plan of eating very low calorie vegan diet.

                                             Vegetarian diet

A vegetarian way of eating can be understood by its name “vegetarian”. It allows you to eat all vegetables and their by products. It is the way of eating which keeps you away from eating red meat, poultry, seafood and their by- products. Many people adopt vegetarianism just because of their religious beliefs and to get a healthy way of eating to sustain a healthy and active body.

The two main types of vegetarian way of eating differ from each other.

1.      Total vegetarian

2.      Semi-vegetarian

The total vegetarian diet allows you to eat foods from plants only not even eggs or dairy products and the products relevant to animals and their derivatives.

On the other hand semi-vegetarian eating allows you to eat all plant related products and foods and also allows you to eat white meat (chicken and fish), eggs and dairy products as well.

Vegetarianism can be categorized in different varieties such as;

ü  Ovo vegetarian diet

ü  Lacto vegetarian diet

ü  Ovo-lacto vegetarian diet

The ovo vegetarian diet contains vegetables and eggs only, but dairy products and other derivatives of animals are not allowed.

Lacto vegetarian eating is the eating in which one can eat vegetables, fruits and all the dairy products, but eggs and other animal related are not allowed to eat.

Ovo-Lacto vegetarian diet includes both eggs and dairy products, but not the animals.

In fact a vegetarian diet is not confined to one way of eating only, for the health benefits or other self benefits it can be changed.

Vegetarian diet is adopted to maintain natural health and to lose weight, which had been increasing day by day. Being vegetarian or eating vegetarian diet allows you to remove some harmful materials from your body and it also keeps you alert.

Vegetarian diet mostly considered healthy and is adopted to lose weight as vegetarian diet contains natural fruits and vegetables which are low in fat and calories.

Foods that Kill Belly Fat

Being overweight or having excess fat is a health problem that might be a serious health issue of one’s lifestyle. Maybe you or someone you know is also having this problem. 
Every time I ask people what body part they want to improve…it’s always their abs…or in other words, they want to lose belly fat.

There are certain foods that KILL belly fat and others that CAUSE belly fat.

 Here are some that will flatten that bulge:

Omletes

Eggs are nutrient dense and loaded with belly-burning protein, vitamins B6, B12, A, D, E and K, folate, choline, lutein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and omega3 fatty acids. Plus, they will keep you full for long periods of time.

2- Veggies 

Cetain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale and cabbage contain special phytonutrients (fight-o-nutrients), such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which help to fight against environmental estrogens that can add belly fat. 

3- Black Beans

Black beans are also one of the highest in flavonoids of all the beans. And research shows that flavonoids may thwart the storage of excess tummy fat.

4- Peanuts

Peanuts could help you lose weight. Healthy fats in peanuts are burned more readily than the less-healthy fats found in cookies, chips, and creamy desserts.

5- Tea

When human fat cells were treated with white tea extract in a lab study, the cells absorbed about 70% less fat than the untreated cells did. And those same tea compounds also triggered the breakdown of fat in existing cells.

6- Seafood

Studies have shown that seafood has been found to contain monounsaturated fat (MUFA). Studies have also shown that having a regular diet with foods containing MUFA can prevent belly fat.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue that may lead to weak and fragile bones. If you have osteoporosis, you have an increased risk for fractured bones (broken bones).

Symptoms of Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because osteoporosis doesn't cause symptoms until bone fractures. Moreover, some osteoporotic fractures may escape detection for years when they do not cause symptoms. Therefore, patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture. The symptom associated with osteoporotic fractures usually is pain; the location of the pain depends on the location of the fracture. The symptoms of osteoporosis in men are similar to the symptoms of osteoporosis in women.


Risk Factors for Developing Osteoporosis?


Certain risk factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis and may contribute to an individual's likelihood of developing the disease. Many people with osteoporosis have several risk factors, but others who develop the disease have no known risk factors.

Prevention and Treatment


Some of the most important treatments for preventing osteoporosis include diet, exercise, and not smoking. These recommendations apply to men and women. (See "Overview of the management of osteoporosis in post menopausal women" and "Treatment of osteoporosis in men".)

Diet — An optimal diet for preventing or treating osteoporosis includes consuming an adequate number of protein and calories as well as optimal amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which are essential in helping to maintain proper bone formation and density.

Calcium intake — Experts recommend that premenopausal women and men consume at least 1000 mg of calcium per day; this includes calcium in foods and beverages plus calcium supplements. Postmenopausal women should consume 1200 mg of calcium per day (total of diet plus supplements). However, you should not take more than 2000 mg calcium per day due to the possibility of side effects. (See "Patient information: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (Beyond the Basics)".)

The main dietary sources of calcium include milk and other dairy products, such as cottage cheese, yogurt, or hard cheese, and green vegetables, such as kale and broccoli (table 1). A rough method of estimating dietary calcium intake is to multiply the number of dairy servings consumed each day by 300 mg. One serving is 8 oz of milk (236 mL) or yogurt (224 g), 1 oz (28 g) of hard cheese, or 16 oz (448 g) of cottage cheese.

Calcium supplements (calcium carbonate or calcium citrate) may be suggested for women who cannot get enough calcium in their diet (table 2). Calcium doses greater than 500 mg/day should be taken in divided doses (eg, once in morning and evening).

Vitamin D intake — Experts recommend that men over 70 years and postmenopausal women consume 800 international units of vitamin D each day. This dose appears to reduce bone loss and fracture rate in older women and men who have adequate calcium intake (described above). Although the optimal intake has not been clearly established in premenopausal women or in younger men with osteoporosis, 600 international units of vitamin D daily is generally suggested. (See "Calcium and vitamin D supplementation in osteoporosis".)

Milk supplemented with vitamin D is a primary dietary source of dietary vitamin D; it contains approximately 100 int. units per 8 oz (236 mL). Another good source is salmon, with approximately 600 int. units per 3.5 oz (98 g) serving. Experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for all patients with osteoporosis whose intake of vitamin D is below 400 int. units per day.

Protein supplements — Protein supplements may be recommended in some people to ensure sufficient protein intake. This may be particularly important for those who have already had an osteoporotic fracture.

Alcohol, caffeine, and salt intake — Drinking alcohol excessively (more than two drinks a day) can increase the risk of fracture due to an increased risk of falling, poor nutrition, etc., so it should be avoided.

Restricting caffeine or salt has not been proven to prevent bone loss in people who consume an adequate amount of calcium.

Exercise — Exercise may decrease fracture risk by improving bone mass in premenopausal women and helping to maintain bone density for women after menopause. Furthermore, exercise may decrease the tendency to fall due to weakness. Physical activity reduces the risk of hip fracture in older women as a result of increased muscle strength. Most experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes three times per week.

The benefits of exercise are quickly lost when a person stops exercising. A regular, weight-bearing exercise regimen that a person enjoys improves the chances that the person will continue it over the long term. (See "Patient information: Exercise (Beyond the Basics)".)

Smoking — Stopping smoking is strongly recommended for bone health because smoking cigarettes is known to speed bone loss. One study suggested that women who smoke one pack per day throughout adulthood have a 5 to 10 percent reduction in bone density by menopause, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. (See "Patient information: Quitting smoking (Beyond the Basics)".)

Falls — Falling significantly increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures in older adults. Taking measures to prevent falls can decrease the risk of fractures. Such measures may include the following:

Removing loose rugs and electrical cords or any other loose items in the home that could lead to tripping, slipping, and falling.
Providing adequate lighting in all areas inside and around the home, including stairwells and entrance ways.
Avoiding walking on slippery surfaces, such as ice or wet or polished floors.
Avoiding walking in unfamiliar areas outside.
Reviewing drug regimens to replace medications that may increase the risk of falls with those that are less likely to do so.
Visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist regularly to get the optimal eye glasses.


Medications — Prolonged therapy with and/or high doses of certain medications can increase bone loss. The use of these medications should be monitored by a healthcare provider and decreased or discontinued when possible. Such medications include the following:

Glucocorticoid medications (eg, prednisone)
Heparin, a medication used to prevent and treat abnormal blood clotting (ie, anticoagulant)
Certain antiepileptic drugs (eg, phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenobarbital, and valproate)

How Fasting Might Help You Live a Healthy Life

Many people observe fasting as a religious obligation but only few know the health benefits it has. Fasting is a good practice, if properly implemented. It promotes elimination of toxins from the body, reduces blood sugar ans fat stores. It promote healthy eating habits and boost immunity. 

Fasting in Islam


Ramadan is the ninth month according to Islamic Lunar calendar. Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids and smoking. Food and drink is served daily, before sunrise and after sunset. It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. Many children endeavor to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life.

Here are top 10 health benefits you ca derive from fasting.


Religious Purpose of Fasting


The month of Ramadan is not like any other month; its purpose is to rid man of those habits which he has accumulated throughout the rest of the year. It is a month that prepares man for the remaining eleven months by teaching him discipline and self control. Thus, Allah has made some acts which are beloved to man, like eating, drinking and fulfilling one's desires, Haraam. If man can control these desires in this month, which are usually permissible for him, then he can surely control himself from other desires which are not permissible throughout the remaining months.


Health Benefits of Fasting


1- Fasting Promotes Weight loss

Fasting promotes rapid weight loss. It reduces the store of fats in the body. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.

2- Fasting Increases Fat breakdown
Fasting is one of the non-drug methods of reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is clogging of arteries by fat particles. During fasting glucose and later, fat stores are used to produce energy. Metabolic rate is reduced during fasting. The fear-flight hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline are also reduced. This keeps the metabolic steady and within limits. The benefit is a reduction in blood pressure.

3- Fasting Promotes detoxification
Processed foods contain lots of additives. These additives may become toxins in the body. Some of them promote production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Most of these toxins are stored in fats. Fat is burnt during fasting, especially when it is prolonged. And the toxins are released. The liver, kidneys and other organs in the body are involved in detoxification.

4- Fasting Rests Digestive System
During fasting, the digestive organs rest. The normal physiologic functions continue especially production of digestive secretions, but at reduced rates. This exercise helps to maintain balance of fluids in the body. Breakdown of food takes place at steady rates. Release of energy also follows a gradual pattern. Fasting however does not stop production of acids in the stomach. This is reason patients with peptic ulcer are advised to approach fasting with caution. Some experts believe they should not fast.

5- Fasting Boosts Immunity
When an individual is on balanced diet in between fasts, this can boost immunity. Elimination of toxins and reduction in fat store also helps the body. When individuals take fruits to break a fast, they increase the body's store of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are good antioxidants readily available in fruits. They help to boost immunity.

6- Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response
Some studies show that fasting promotes resolution of inflammatory diseases and allergies. Examples of such inflammatory diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some experts assert that fasting may promote healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

7- Fasting Corrects high blood Pressure
Fasting is one of the non-drug methods of reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is clogging of arteries by fat particles. During fasting glucose and later, fat stores are used to produce energy. Metabolic rate is reduced during fasting. The fear-flight hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline are also reduced. This keeps the metabolic steady and within limits. The benefit is a reduction in blood pressure.

8- Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar
Fasting increases breakdown of glucose so that the body can get energy. It reduces production of insulin. This rests the pancreas. Glucagon is produced to facilitate the breakdown of glucose. The outcome of fasting is a reduction in blood sugar.

9- Fasting Promotes Healthy diet
It has been observed that fasting reduces craving for processed foods. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is one way fasting promote healthy lifestyle.

10- Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions
Some authors show that fasting can help addicts reduce their cravings, for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other substance abuse. Although there are other regimens required to resolve addictions, fasting can play a role.

Fasting periodically can help your body relieve stress, reduce interstitial bloating, and clear your mind.

                                       Happy Ramadan to All the Muslims!