After researching somewhat seriously the fine print,   the conclusion was, I was consuming  a bundle of sugar a day, just by the number of sodas that I had drank. The typical  soda drink for lunch,  perhaps one for dinner, and maybe one later on in the evening.

I seem to always get plenty of exercise, but I was slowly growing around the waistline. something that I have heard from a lot of my readers.                                                                                                                             One day, I decided to see how much gain and I was shocked to find that I had ballooned into obesity big time, weighing 245 lbs. Now the advantaged that I have , I can hide it more easily since I am 6″1″ tall. I could stretch it out a bit, nevertheless I was heavier than I had ever been. Now the truth was, carrying all those extra pounds around, was making my legs and feet ache by the end of the day, and I was just plain wore out.

Now if I were to listen to my own advice, thinking that I was consuming  about 135 grams ( 3 sodas x45 grams)  a day in sugar, just with this one unhealthy habit, what would happen if I just quit drinking the sodas and replaced it with water. Seem like a place to start.

Soda Confession

Since January of 2010 I have broken down and had a couple of sodas but you could count them on your fingers. I have  increased the intake of water,  close to the 8 glasses of water. On hot days. I have passed that. With further research by some of of my articles on Trehalose I find  adding a couple teaspoons to a gallon of water, was refreshing, more energy, and drank less.

Upon drinking the more water, ending the soda routine, and the continued exercise I already was getting, I have slowly dropped several pounds each month since. I have probably eaten more sensibly since I am now known, as the sugar monitor in the family.

I have lost 35 pounds.

Now, I am certainly no nutritionist and do not proclaim to be one, but if just those simple changes can help myself, how many others might be able to do the same. I am thinking positive here, but I think a lot might find this to be an easy step to becoming healthier.

Pick your biggest advocate of weight gain

Now mind just happened to be sweets, the sodas, cookies, ice cream, and pies. I can not really help it, they were all on the dinner table every meal. My Mom and my Wife love to cook. ( MY ADDICTION)

Todays Health Comments…

Sugar has become many folks addiction, being that their intake is overwelming. Like myself I decided to pick on one at a time. Moderation has become my attitude, not saying that I will go cold turkey, but I have chosen to read the fine print on labels now, seeing that sugar or its supplements are in the majority of foods and drinks we eat. Less sugar equals a healthier

During the summer months, it is the most active time for  insects of the order Hymenoptera . This would include the Yellow Jacket Wasps (Vespula germanica),  the every day HoneyBee (Apis mellifera) and  the Paper wasp (Polistes annularis). . For most part these  are  just known for  their harmless buzz, which are just normally buzzing about, minding their own business. These insects are a social group, so  they generally mind their own business.

On the other hand, I mention they are a social group, which can turn on you very quickly, if you are considered invading in their community. They immediately send out the welcome party, a few of their very best warriors to hunt you down, after all you intruding upon them. Just like Kamikaze pilots on a mission, and moments later, you feel the results of their venom.

That harmless buzz turn out to be a unsuspected bee sting. Now for most people it just annoying, harmless, and for the bee, she sacrificed her life to carry out her act of defense.

 The Allergy

For the 2 out 10 people who receive this annoying sting,  an allergy comes along with the act of being stung. This may be from itching, and swelling, burning eyes, to aching of joints, near or around the sting. More severely, these smptoms can spred to other parts of the body.

For the more severe  allergy, which I personally have fallen into this category, it can be deadly.I can tell you there is no messing around with my time, in this order, call 911, the Epipen, tourniquet, cold ice, try remain calm so heart does not race out of your chest, and pray a little prayer that the ambulance is going to get to you with in less than the 5 minutes I have ,being conscious. I literally passed out from choking, my throat swollen completely shut,  I was red as beat, with hives from head to toe. I thought I was going to die, and truth is, I was very close.

What I just explain  briefly was anapylaxis shock.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergy that can affect as much as 15% of the population. If the victim is unconscious, follow the basic steps for first aid. Look for signs that indicate an allergic reaction:

• Itching
• Redness
• Hives (raised welts)
• Scratchy throat
• Dry mouth
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Dizziness
• Weakness

CALL 911  IMMEDIATELY!

If these symptoms are becoming present do not waste any time calling for help, these reactions can act quickly and it can be a matter of life or death. I am not like most but only have a few minutes to administer the necessary treatment to survive.  It has been told by many that you can have no reaction to these harmless stings, and one day like myself, can be deadly. Also even if you have the kit for the anaphylaxis shock, do not think you are out of the woods, because some years the bee’s venom is stronger than normal and it may not be enough. I have made several 911 calls to be safe.

Todays Health Comments

 This was one of the more dramatic events in my life, the unfortunate first time, was that I had no clue that I was now allergic to the bee stings. I had been stung several times before I was 14 That was many years ago , now there are several kits that one can self administer for bee stings. If you think you might be prone to a reaction, seek medical help. There are tests that can be taken to inform you if you may be allergic. There are also allergy bracelets to inform others, and family and friends should be inform of your reaction. They may one day have to save your life.

A  large share of our visitors have requested a  new update on the past article on “Unknown Sugars,Why” . This article’s  whole purpose was to bring to your attention a couple of sugars that were recently approved for our consumption, but are basically unknown to the public. The question was, Why?

First of all, the public, by very nature, do eat by habit.  We do not readily except change unless  we are greatly influenced by some source of media, personal friends, influential people,  the movie industry, by now, you are getting the picture. If Oprah says its good, than it must be good, or if the President says it good, well maybe, depending on how you feel about him on that day, may be goo also.

Yet, to all that is important,  our health today, do you find this type of influence being attached to the sugar industry, the addiction  of our need for sugar, and the consequences, which has led us to  epidemic proportions of obesity. The answer is NO!

It takes some courage to speak out and let others know that there are alternatives to our need for the sweet stuff, and perhaps, just perhaps, we can have a healthier life, as the result of it. So, here we go, Palatinose Sugar may have these key words attached to it:

Palatinose is a healthy sugar, it is nutritional, maintains balance of electrolytes, has prolonged energy supply, has low glycenic and low insulinemic response.

The other unknown sugar mention in this article, Trehalose, has been updated since this article and can be read on this site.

Discover Trehalose, the Sugar You Should Consider Today

 For more Technical  and Advanced reading  for Palatinose

 www.beneo-palatinit.com/en/Food_Ingredients/…is…/FAQ 

Todays Comments 

Today we must force ourselves to become familiar with these sugars, step out of the  old eating habits. If we are drawn to the need for the sweet stuff, why not consider a sugar that may be actually healthier for you and the need for less. Those people who are diabetic or in need of loosing weight. should check these out, have a professional nutritionist or  your regular Doctor discuss this with you. Todays  healthier life comment. 

But can you really do it.  The odds  may be against you. Perhaps that’s why the naughty foods are winning  you over in the market place. Every day, every where you go,  where you  eat,  or where you  shop.

Perhaps I should put a definition to whats classified as naughty foods. Some would say there are no naughty foods if you eat in moderation, perhaps they are right. So if you eat one backyard greasy hamburger a year, its not going to make a difference, now if you are eating 2 Big Macs every day, that’s another story.So by example if you take a food that creates a health problem do to excessive amounts, then it could become your Naughty food.

Naughty foods seem to come in the fast food category much more frequently,  the chips, candy bars, hamburgers, french fries, soda pop, and many more, because they easily consumed and quick to run with when you are on the go.

 The marketing with vending machines ,recognized this, and fill their machines full of the naughty stuff. They then place them in strategic locations!   Have you ever noticed how they always happened to be in places or businesses where you have to wait for periods of time or they know you are going to work up an appetite.

If you have had children attending various functions, like basketball games, or football games, even dance recitals, there seems always to be venders selling their hamburgers or hot dogs,what is a game with out those folks.

 The last time I went to the gas station,  thinking about this article, before me,there was the donuts, candy bars, snacks, right in my face. How do people resist? There were several shelves full of different temptations, by the check out stands, forcing ones eyes to stare upon them.

 My last example  is to look at  a restaraunt menu’s and see the space that is dedicated to the Naughty Foods and you have to search or even have to ask if they even have something that is good for you ( Nice food). If they do not , do you walk out, or order anyway. Do not answer that one, for I already know what most folks do.

I personally believe that most people prefer the taste of naughty food over nice food,  going down the hatch. We then mentally excuse oursevles for the unwritten crime we just committed to our body. Having not what it takes to fight off  the temptations, no will power is needed to say no, shame on us, we are just giving in. You know you heard all the lines, you just could not resist, its just one time, I’ll do better tomorrow.

Unless we all find the way to our own personal strength to say no, the obesity epidemic that is becoming known to most, because we are part of it, will continue to have a dramatic impact on our lives.

This article may be combining Mother Nature and Science. Perhaps,  giving little notice to the fact, that this flower has been targeted with  todays health benefits. A few studies have been given towards its medical benefits, yet most of us just know it for its beauty and landscaping qualities.

I had known this flower to be called the purple coneflower in my flower garden. It’s a beautiful perennial that almost all people enjoy, yet  I was unaware that it held other benefits.  The Echinacea, the name  almost every one would have trouble pronouncing,  has been proclaimed by some articles, that the American Indians used the Echinacea during the winter to enhance their overall health  and general well being.

THE FLOWER

 The Echinacea flower is a Perennial flower that can be planted in the spring or fall and may reach heights 3 to 4 ft. tall. It does best in well drained soil with full sunlight or light shade. It starts to bloom around mid summer and  continues to fall. Once they are growing they thrive well on the available rainfall, except in the extreme dry areas.

THE BENEFITS

The Europeans became true believers, Americans  have preferred antibiotics, but the Germans occupied the leading position in the research studies. These studies resulted in the isolation of the main herb’s constituents, which are:

  Flavonoids, oils, polysaccharides, phenols (cichoric, caffeic, and caftaric acids and echinacoside), and alkylamides. It also contains copper, iron, iodine, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E.

 Their proclamation, a combination of these ingredients, works as a natural antibiotic, which can suppress viruses  activity and promote immune stimulating effect through the activation of T-cells (immune system natural bacteria killers).

 The scientists have determined, after their conducted trials, that  Echinacea itself, does not cure diseases,  it helps the body resist and fight the illnesses, making it stronger.

Respiratory problems, bronchitis, sore throat, enlarged prostate glands, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, ear infections (otitits), sinusitis, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are  the diseases,  which Echinacea gives  a strong helping hand.

May also be applied topically, it can help heal eczema, psoriasis, and slow-healing wounds. Echinacea is added to anti-hemorrhoids medications.

Echinacea is also a mighty skin protector from the sun damage.

THE TEA

Echinacea Tea is prepared by simply infusing the leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the Echinacea plant in hot water. The natural healthy properties of the herb, principally the polysaccharides and echinaceoside, are transferred to the Echinacea tea during the infusion process.

 ECHINACEA SIDE AFFECTS

Although  some people are claiming that Echinacea has no side effects, studies  have shown that some people may experience allergic reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, temporary numbness of the tongue and upset stomach.

The trials have no official results on the use of Echinacea by pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12.

IMPORTANT WARNING

People who are Immunocompromized  are advised to avoid the use of this plant, since it is likely that it may accelerate the development of the conditions. like cancer, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and HIV AIDS.

 In the United States its use is said to be safe if followed to the doctor’s or manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to talk with your health care provider before taking any natural supplement.

Brings to you a melody of short tips, all thrown together for this very moment, when you feel you hotter than a frying pan.

Perhaps some folks have similar lines, associated with todays  frying summer heat, probably too many words to discuss here. It, the heat, just naturally seems to just show up, sooner or later, for several days at a time. These heat waves , can  make us feel like we are living in a frying pan!

In many cases with this extreme heat, are body is actually frying from the extreme temperatures, due to our body unable to cool down. In many areas of the world, with this heat, also comes the sticky humidity, feeling even more uncomfortable as the heat rises.  Unless you are living on the other side of the world, where it is now winter, you probably wishing you could  pay those folks a visit.

 The real concern here is most of us are seeking refuge from the frying temperatures by any means to cool off. The problem though, is that we react many times, not thinking about our actions and the impact on our health.

We  are all seeking to have that one instant of gratification, that moment of coolness. Yet, are we really thinking about the outcome or just really wanting to get cooled off because we are frying from the heat?

Many lives are taken every year, just for  that one moment. In my home town people take a jump in the river, and hypothermia  sets in quickly from the snow melt and the swiftness of the water takes  their lives .

Then there are those who ride the rapids with no life jackets and find that its stronger than anticipated.

Now when I lived in the Mohave Dessert, our swimming pool was the center of attention, since the average day was always a 3 digit figure. Now swimming and all, this fun, can be exhausting at those temperatures, perhaps not recognizing that dehydration can become an important factor with those type of heat conditions. Sun strokes  can be deadly if not treated immediately. I personally lost my father there to a Sun Stroke.

It just seems that when the weather turns into frying heat, I think it affects our thinking, I have certianly seen how people’s attitudes get heated, when they stop at the local watering hole, and forget to stop with being a responsible adult,  and now endagering their health, their lives, or perhaps others,

Now for those who live further north in our country, its just great to see one of those warm days, the shedding of our winter clothes, goodbye to the 40s and 50s, and jump into the 80s and 90s. However, our skin is about as white as snow and the sun has no kindness for those who are fair complexion and wants some of that Summer fun.  Skin cancer is prevalent to those folks and the frying conditions are felt painfully. Sun screen is definitely a need fot those conditions.

Summer heat always creates a wave of new diets, since we unshed the layers of clothes and get closer to the real you. Now  realizing  you have gained those extra pounds, and are willing to try anything to look like  you use to.  Several articles have been posted regarding  diets on this site, check categories. It seems to me as I have gotten older, weight and frying heat are not a good combination, nor is it healthy.

The most important part of this article is to act responsibly, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and watch the  exercise if exposed to the direct heat. Keeping cool is  may be a key element to alleviate our discomfort, but as this article suggests, give thought to your activities.  If symptoms  occur that are not normal, contact your doctor or a local ER Emergency, for heat exhaustion and sun strokes, take lives every year.  If losing weight is part of the plan seek  professional help for the nutrition that fits your health situation, and  try to stay cool the Healthy Way.

Todays Health Site,  introduced this product in a past article…

                        Trehalose,You Ask for it.

We made this comment, “If you knew about it, you would use it.”  We had enclosed on site, the banner ( Sweet T) used, that actually is a  explaining the product, yet few have click on it. Not to be redundant, but feel this so important to your health. Here is the the link to click for more information.

http://www.endowmentmed.org/pdf/TrehaloseBigLabelForEndowment.pdf

Study Shows Trehalose More Stable Than Other Sugar  

 Study at UT Southwestern Medical Center Shows Trehalose More Stable than Other Sugars with Enduring Source of Energy

                         Are you asking yourself each and every day,

“Why am I so tired, what would it feel like if I actually woke up with a good night’s sleep?”

 It is almost embarrasing to admit that you caught yourself snoring most of the night.

Snoring is defined as the vibration of the respiratory structure and resulting sound. This is due to obstructed air movement during breathing, when sleeping.

Like most people, I just brushed it off when I heard somebody snoring, not taking the annoying sound very seriously. Today snoring is being taken with a more serious side. Seriously Snoring can indicate serious health problems, can be the cause for marriage problems and actually lead to our death.

Sleeping is the quality of the sleep we receive, not how long or how much you think you actually get. So if you are constantly awaken by the snoring loudness or gasping for breathe by yourself or your partner, then you may never reach the levels of deep sleep that your body requires. Thus when you are awaken the next morning, you are sleep deprived, and feeling like you never went to bed.

Continued here