It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, were thought to be purely the result of mental conditions. More recently, though, some physical factors have been attributed to these conditions. It is now thought that eating disorders can be triggered by a multitude of factors, in combination, including those of a psychological, behavioural, social, or biological nature.
As with many conditions, eating orders can better be dealt with through a calm and focused mind. Depression and low self esteem are problems often associated with eating disorders, and Yoga can help with both.
It has been proven that Yoga can reduce depression, restoring a state of balance and well being in the individual. Also, there are different yoga practices which encourage heightened levels of self esteem, and promote a positive view of your own body. These are crucial factors with eating disorders, and it has been shown that the application of yoga can significantly increase recuperation and healing. Through the elimination of self judgment, yoga establishes a strong connection between mind and body. This, of course, is the natural state of wellness. By re-establishing this strong connection, mind and body will work in harmony to repair the damage.
Regular yoga practice will increase the overall fitness level of the human body, improving the immune system and giving it a good chance of fighting illnesses. This is helpful with Anorexia, for example, because the sufferer's body will experience lower energy levels, and the condition reduces bone density.
In dealing with eating disorders, the yogic system identifies them as a problem related to the first chakra. There are different yoga poses that can be used to balance t: eg. staff, crab, full wind, and pigeon. By using grounding postures (eg mountain, goddess, standing squat and prayer squat) strength and courage can be increased. What these postures do is to re-establish the strong mind-body connections, and through that connection help overcome many physical obstacles. For anorexia sufferers, most of the yoga back bending poses help reduce depression, while forward bends can calm the spirit and reduce anorexia's effects.
Because the mental state has an important role in eating disorders, meditation can be used successfully to reduce negative and harmful thoughts and feelings. An active, well targeted, meditation practice should prove to be very effective. The yoga poses work best when external factors are shut out, and concentration is allowed to focus on your inner self. Giving special attention to breathing, and also to inner sensations, will transport you to a state of greater awareness and calmness. This new state will allow you to go on further to explore new concepts, and hopefully pursue new goals that may have been impossible before.
As with many medical conditions, being aware of the bulimia or anorexia problem, and showing a constant and strong desire to defeat it, is a great method to reduce their effect. It is likely that an early adoption of yoga practices would make the patient more aware of the problem, thus making a positive contribution to an early cure. However, these yoga techniques are more usually used in the recuperative stages of the illness. That is a pity because, as with all illnesses in which it can be beneficial, yoga works best in the prevention stage, when the negative effects are still low and easier to over come.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Increase Your Metabolism By Yoga
Yoga is wonderful for nurturing a state of mental and physical well being . It promotes a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and yoga techniques can be applied also to removing excess weight, thus bringing you an extra benefit, that is if being overweight is a problem to you.
Practicing yoga will increase your metabolism. An increased metabolism leads to an increase in the calorie burning process, so combining yoga with a calorie burning program may bring you excellent results. Of course, the use of yoga is no rapid weight loss method. Used over a period of time, though, it can bring good results. If you keep to the rigours imposed by yoga discipline, you should gain a holistic, long term solution to balance your life style and help you reduce and prevent any surplus weight. In addition to losing weight, you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, higher resistance to stress factors, and overall a healthier way of life.
Your metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component of the endocrine system. The thyroid is responsible for the chemical processes in your body that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism. This in turn burns more calories, and reduces your body weight. Improved local blood circulation is another direct effect of the use of yoga postures, which leads to a healthier, more energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the calorie output, your body will start burning fat cells to acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong metabolism takes this process even further, and you may well see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.
To stimulate metabolism, various back bends and forward bends are used. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid gland is situaed, are particularly helpful if the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand. Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the process. To those who are well overweight, some of the bends may prove to be a difficult. If you fall into that category, don't despair. You should gradually increase the difficulty of the postures until you have the confidence to go to more complex exercises. This is not a test or a competition; you need to be relaxed and at ease, and just do what you can. Each time, you will probably find it that much easier, and you can do a little more.
To strengthen muscles, you use standing poses, such as the warrior. The use of standing poses will aid a higher level of endurance, and an increased caloric output. You may energize the body and increase your metabolism even more by using Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.
A good diet should also be followed to support this holistic weight loss system. You should try to eat foods that are rich in fibre, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, while eating less high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all matters concerning your diet. variety is good, as is modest consumption.
A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Do not expect results to be spectacular and immediate, but this is one of the best long term weight loss methods available. In addition to weight loss, you can also benefit from an increased protection against adverse factors through your improved immune system and sense of well being. Hopefully, too, you will feel an inner peace that will assist you in losing weight without succumbing to all the pressures and temptations
Practicing yoga will increase your metabolism. An increased metabolism leads to an increase in the calorie burning process, so combining yoga with a calorie burning program may bring you excellent results. Of course, the use of yoga is no rapid weight loss method. Used over a period of time, though, it can bring good results. If you keep to the rigours imposed by yoga discipline, you should gain a holistic, long term solution to balance your life style and help you reduce and prevent any surplus weight. In addition to losing weight, you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, higher resistance to stress factors, and overall a healthier way of life.
Your metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component of the endocrine system. The thyroid is responsible for the chemical processes in your body that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism. This in turn burns more calories, and reduces your body weight. Improved local blood circulation is another direct effect of the use of yoga postures, which leads to a healthier, more energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the calorie output, your body will start burning fat cells to acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong metabolism takes this process even further, and you may well see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.
To stimulate metabolism, various back bends and forward bends are used. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid gland is situaed, are particularly helpful if the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand. Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the process. To those who are well overweight, some of the bends may prove to be a difficult. If you fall into that category, don't despair. You should gradually increase the difficulty of the postures until you have the confidence to go to more complex exercises. This is not a test or a competition; you need to be relaxed and at ease, and just do what you can. Each time, you will probably find it that much easier, and you can do a little more.
To strengthen muscles, you use standing poses, such as the warrior. The use of standing poses will aid a higher level of endurance, and an increased caloric output. You may energize the body and increase your metabolism even more by using Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.
A good diet should also be followed to support this holistic weight loss system. You should try to eat foods that are rich in fibre, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, while eating less high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all matters concerning your diet. variety is good, as is modest consumption.
A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Do not expect results to be spectacular and immediate, but this is one of the best long term weight loss methods available. In addition to weight loss, you can also benefit from an increased protection against adverse factors through your improved immune system and sense of well being. Hopefully, too, you will feel an inner peace that will assist you in losing weight without succumbing to all the pressures and temptations
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Yoga, Mindfulness, and Weight Loss
Being mindful of what you eat is a point that the masses have lost. Eating nutritionally dense food, in moderation, and being mindful at the dinner table is a recipe for a lifetime of weight control.
Meals should be for nutrition, bonding, and thanks. Meals should not be ?wolfed down,? while watching television or while driving in the car.
One of the aspects of Yoga, which is covered in a typical Yoga class, is that of mindfulness in every part of life. You become more conscious of your breathing, posture, speech, what you eat, and much more. Through steady Yoga practice, you learn to live life in the present moment and to appreciate what you have.
Making the most out of simple pleasures is living life to its fullest potential. So, instead of ?shoveling? your food away, Yoga students should take the time to enjoy the finer things in life. This is not to say that we should engage in gluttony, but instead to connect with your inner being at mealtime and be mindful of everything. Eat with your family, when possible, and make it a pleasant experience, together, at the kitchen table.
Your inner self or self is sometimes called ?atman? or ?jiva.? This is the ?creature? imprisoned within all of us. We all enjoy eating and want to savor every earthly pleasure to its fullest, but mindfulness makes us aware of much more than consumption of food and earthly pleasures. Therefore, mindfulness can be a natural dieting tool at mealtime.
When you see food - give thanks and tune into your senses. You do not have to give thanks verbally, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, but you should make it a mental exercise, before every meal. This will help your spiritual health and slow the pace of eating down.
The senses of sight, and smell, come into play long before your first bite, so take the timeto be mindful of them after you have given thanks. Eat for the right reasons. Those reasons should be: your health and your life.
Eating should be nutritionally dense, in moderation, and in the best possible frame of mind. Be mindful of every bite, your digestive process, and all your senses. This pace will slow you down.
Thoroughly chew each bite and sip water during your meal. Yogis, and Yoginis, learn to pace their breath in Pranayama practice. Therefore, you should pace yourself in regard to eating and breathing at mealtime. You should not be short of breath while eating. If you are, you make eating into a stressful situation. You learn to breathe in Yoga class, and you should continue proper breath control at every possible moment.
If you work in a company that doesn?t allow time for eating, eat small nutritionally dense snacks, and look for another job. Companies that function, in this way, are killing their employees with stress. This is not a harmonious atmosphere, and the stress will get you too.
Lastly, remember that weight control is not a mathematical formula. There are many intangibles that ?fly under the radar.? Science cannot yet accurately measure the power of your mind, commitment, and spiritual health.
Yoga is much more than an exercise class. At present, Yoga is the most complete health system known to humankind. Yoga encompasses mental, physical and spiritual health.
There is so much to learn about Yoga that none of us will be able to learn everything in one lifetime. The results of regular Yoga practice, and the lessons in mindfulness taught by a competent Yoga teacher, will help you control your weight and so much more.
Meals should be for nutrition, bonding, and thanks. Meals should not be ?wolfed down,? while watching television or while driving in the car.
One of the aspects of Yoga, which is covered in a typical Yoga class, is that of mindfulness in every part of life. You become more conscious of your breathing, posture, speech, what you eat, and much more. Through steady Yoga practice, you learn to live life in the present moment and to appreciate what you have.
Making the most out of simple pleasures is living life to its fullest potential. So, instead of ?shoveling? your food away, Yoga students should take the time to enjoy the finer things in life. This is not to say that we should engage in gluttony, but instead to connect with your inner being at mealtime and be mindful of everything. Eat with your family, when possible, and make it a pleasant experience, together, at the kitchen table.
Your inner self or self is sometimes called ?atman? or ?jiva.? This is the ?creature? imprisoned within all of us. We all enjoy eating and want to savor every earthly pleasure to its fullest, but mindfulness makes us aware of much more than consumption of food and earthly pleasures. Therefore, mindfulness can be a natural dieting tool at mealtime.
When you see food - give thanks and tune into your senses. You do not have to give thanks verbally, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, but you should make it a mental exercise, before every meal. This will help your spiritual health and slow the pace of eating down.
The senses of sight, and smell, come into play long before your first bite, so take the timeto be mindful of them after you have given thanks. Eat for the right reasons. Those reasons should be: your health and your life.
Eating should be nutritionally dense, in moderation, and in the best possible frame of mind. Be mindful of every bite, your digestive process, and all your senses. This pace will slow you down.
Thoroughly chew each bite and sip water during your meal. Yogis, and Yoginis, learn to pace their breath in Pranayama practice. Therefore, you should pace yourself in regard to eating and breathing at mealtime. You should not be short of breath while eating. If you are, you make eating into a stressful situation. You learn to breathe in Yoga class, and you should continue proper breath control at every possible moment.
If you work in a company that doesn?t allow time for eating, eat small nutritionally dense snacks, and look for another job. Companies that function, in this way, are killing their employees with stress. This is not a harmonious atmosphere, and the stress will get you too.
Lastly, remember that weight control is not a mathematical formula. There are many intangibles that ?fly under the radar.? Science cannot yet accurately measure the power of your mind, commitment, and spiritual health.
Yoga is much more than an exercise class. At present, Yoga is the most complete health system known to humankind. Yoga encompasses mental, physical and spiritual health.
There is so much to learn about Yoga that none of us will be able to learn everything in one lifetime. The results of regular Yoga practice, and the lessons in mindfulness taught by a competent Yoga teacher, will help you control your weight and so much more.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Benefits Of Yoga for Weight Loss
Physical Benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and strong body...yes, it helps to build muscle which will also help to improve your metabolism. It also promotes cardio and circulatory health.
Mental Benefits: Helps you relax and handle stress more easily. Teaches you to quiet all that chatter in your mind so you can focus on how you want to direct your energy. Encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance. This alone can do a lot for those emotional/stress eaters out there.
Spiritual Benefits: This is a nondenominational value that helps to build awareness of your body, your feelings, and the world around you. It also helps you to learn patience, forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. We all could use some regular reminders of this!
Yoga is probably not an obvious choice of activity when it comes to weight loss but despite the speed of the movements it is deceptively effective and here's why.
1. Yoga strengthens and streamlines your muscles
During yoga practise you work your whole body, stretching and toning your muscles, streamlining and firming them. This gives you a lean firm body shape as opposed to the bulkier, short muscles you might get from weight training. With yoga you build strong lean muscle tissue which burn calories even while you are at rest.
2. Yoga calms you and clears your mind
If you are someone who eats due to stress and tension, then yoga will help you reduce comfort eating. The slow stretching movements and deep breathing in every yoga movement calm and relax you. The balance postures in particular necessitate that you clear your mind of all your every day cares and worries and use all your powers of concentration and focus. With regular yoga practise you will find that you become naturally more relaxed and able to cope with everyday problems.
3. Yoga normalises sluggish glands
The toning movements in yoga work not only on the muscles but also on the internal organs of the body stimulating them and normalising their function. Twisting poses, forward and backward bends and inversions are used to stimulate the endocrine system and postures like the shouder stand and the fish help regulate the mechanism of the thyroid gland in the neck, all of which help boost your metabolism.
4. Yoga gives you energy and increases flexibility
By calming you and gently working on your muscles and increasing the levels of oxygen in your blood and to your brain, you finish a yoga practise (once you are used to the movements) feeling more energetic than when you began. This means that you tend to put more energy and movement into your day rather than sitting around feeling exhausted. And you build flexibility in your muscles and joints so that you enjoy a full range of movement your whole life. Witness the difference between the movements of a young girl and a stiff 80 year old woman. The young girl is bound to move so much more because muscles and joints are less restricted.
5. Yoga uses calories
This is where people believe that yoga is not helpful when it comes to weight loss and it's true that aerobic exercise may very well burn more calories. However you will still use about 240 calories in an average 1 hour classic hatha yoga class and burn many more (about 400) with some highly physical forms such as astanga yoga. And you can practise yoga every day without over-exercising your muscles which is not the case for many forms of aerobic exercise.
6. Yoga offers psychological benefits.
Yoga strengthens and streamlines your muscles. During yoga practise you work your whole body, stretching and toning your muscles, streamlining and firming them. This gives you a lean firm body shape as opposed to the bulkier, short muscles you might get from weight training. With yoga you build strong lean muscle tissue which burn calories even while you are at rest.
2. Yoga calms you and clears your mind
If you are someone who eats due to stress and tension, then yoga will help you reduce comfort eating. The slow stretching movements and deep breathing in every yoga movement calm and relax you. The balance postures in particular necessitate that you clear your mind of all your every day cares and worries and use all your powers of concentration and focus. With regular yoga practise you will find that you become naturally more relaxed and able to cope with everyday problems.
3. Yoga normalises sluggish glands
The toning movements in yoga work not only on the muscles but also on the internal organs of the body stimulating them and normalising their function. Twisting poses, forward and backward bends and inversions are used to stimulate the endocrine system and postures like the shouder stand and the fish help regulate the mechanism of the thyroid gland in the neck, all of which help boost your metabolism.
4. Yoga gives you energy and increases flexibility
By calming you and gently working on your muscles and increasing the levels of oxygen in your blood and to your brain, you finish a yoga practise (once you are used to the movements) feeling more energetic than when you began. This means that you tend to put more energy and movement into your day rather than sitting around feeling exhausted. And you build flexibility in your muscles and joints so that you enjoy a full range of movement your whole life. Witness the difference between the movements of a young girl and a stiff 80 year old woman. The young girl is bound to move so much more because muscles and joints are less restricted.
5. Yoga uses calories
This is where people believe that yoga is not helpful when it comes to weight loss and it's true that aerobic exercise may very well burn more calories. However you will still use about 240 calories in an average 1 hour classic hatha yoga class and burn many more (about 400) with some highly physical forms such as astanga yoga. And you can practise yoga every day without over-exercising your muscles which is not the case for many forms of aerobic exercise
6. Yoga offers psychological benefits
Through yoga practise you tend to retune into your body and increase your self-acceptance and self-esteem. You build positive body confidence and help quiet any negative messages that may arise in your mind. Yoga teaches us to respect our bodies and this helps us when choosing our food and avoiding junk food and alcohol.
7. Yoga is for everyone
Most people can take up yoga even if they have been inactive for a while although you should always get your doctor's approval before beginning an exercise program if there is any doubt about your health. While jogging and working out at the gym might seem too much to contemplate you can start wherever you are with a yoga class and make steady progress.
Through yoga practise you tend to retune into your body and increase your self-acceptance and self-esteem. You build positive body confidence and help quiet any negative messages that may arise in your mind. Yoga teaches us to respect our bodies and this helps us when choosing our food and avoiding junk food and alcohol.
7. Yoga is for everyone
Most people can take up yoga even if they have been inactive for a while although you should always get your doctor's approval before beginning an exercise program if there is any doubt about your health. While jogging and working out at the gym might seem too much to contemplate you can start wherever you are with a yoga class and make steady progress.
Mental Benefits: Helps you relax and handle stress more easily. Teaches you to quiet all that chatter in your mind so you can focus on how you want to direct your energy. Encourages positive thoughts and self-acceptance. This alone can do a lot for those emotional/stress eaters out there.
Spiritual Benefits: This is a nondenominational value that helps to build awareness of your body, your feelings, and the world around you. It also helps you to learn patience, forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. We all could use some regular reminders of this!
Yoga is probably not an obvious choice of activity when it comes to weight loss but despite the speed of the movements it is deceptively effective and here's why.
1. Yoga strengthens and streamlines your muscles
During yoga practise you work your whole body, stretching and toning your muscles, streamlining and firming them. This gives you a lean firm body shape as opposed to the bulkier, short muscles you might get from weight training. With yoga you build strong lean muscle tissue which burn calories even while you are at rest.
2. Yoga calms you and clears your mind
If you are someone who eats due to stress and tension, then yoga will help you reduce comfort eating. The slow stretching movements and deep breathing in every yoga movement calm and relax you. The balance postures in particular necessitate that you clear your mind of all your every day cares and worries and use all your powers of concentration and focus. With regular yoga practise you will find that you become naturally more relaxed and able to cope with everyday problems.
3. Yoga normalises sluggish glands
The toning movements in yoga work not only on the muscles but also on the internal organs of the body stimulating them and normalising their function. Twisting poses, forward and backward bends and inversions are used to stimulate the endocrine system and postures like the shouder stand and the fish help regulate the mechanism of the thyroid gland in the neck, all of which help boost your metabolism.
4. Yoga gives you energy and increases flexibility
By calming you and gently working on your muscles and increasing the levels of oxygen in your blood and to your brain, you finish a yoga practise (once you are used to the movements) feeling more energetic than when you began. This means that you tend to put more energy and movement into your day rather than sitting around feeling exhausted. And you build flexibility in your muscles and joints so that you enjoy a full range of movement your whole life. Witness the difference between the movements of a young girl and a stiff 80 year old woman. The young girl is bound to move so much more because muscles and joints are less restricted.
5. Yoga uses calories
This is where people believe that yoga is not helpful when it comes to weight loss and it's true that aerobic exercise may very well burn more calories. However you will still use about 240 calories in an average 1 hour classic hatha yoga class and burn many more (about 400) with some highly physical forms such as astanga yoga. And you can practise yoga every day without over-exercising your muscles which is not the case for many forms of aerobic exercise.
6. Yoga offers psychological benefits.
Yoga strengthens and streamlines your muscles. During yoga practise you work your whole body, stretching and toning your muscles, streamlining and firming them. This gives you a lean firm body shape as opposed to the bulkier, short muscles you might get from weight training. With yoga you build strong lean muscle tissue which burn calories even while you are at rest.
2. Yoga calms you and clears your mind
If you are someone who eats due to stress and tension, then yoga will help you reduce comfort eating. The slow stretching movements and deep breathing in every yoga movement calm and relax you. The balance postures in particular necessitate that you clear your mind of all your every day cares and worries and use all your powers of concentration and focus. With regular yoga practise you will find that you become naturally more relaxed and able to cope with everyday problems.
3. Yoga normalises sluggish glands
The toning movements in yoga work not only on the muscles but also on the internal organs of the body stimulating them and normalising their function. Twisting poses, forward and backward bends and inversions are used to stimulate the endocrine system and postures like the shouder stand and the fish help regulate the mechanism of the thyroid gland in the neck, all of which help boost your metabolism.
4. Yoga gives you energy and increases flexibility
By calming you and gently working on your muscles and increasing the levels of oxygen in your blood and to your brain, you finish a yoga practise (once you are used to the movements) feeling more energetic than when you began. This means that you tend to put more energy and movement into your day rather than sitting around feeling exhausted. And you build flexibility in your muscles and joints so that you enjoy a full range of movement your whole life. Witness the difference between the movements of a young girl and a stiff 80 year old woman. The young girl is bound to move so much more because muscles and joints are less restricted.
5. Yoga uses calories
This is where people believe that yoga is not helpful when it comes to weight loss and it's true that aerobic exercise may very well burn more calories. However you will still use about 240 calories in an average 1 hour classic hatha yoga class and burn many more (about 400) with some highly physical forms such as astanga yoga. And you can practise yoga every day without over-exercising your muscles which is not the case for many forms of aerobic exercise
6. Yoga offers psychological benefits
Through yoga practise you tend to retune into your body and increase your self-acceptance and self-esteem. You build positive body confidence and help quiet any negative messages that may arise in your mind. Yoga teaches us to respect our bodies and this helps us when choosing our food and avoiding junk food and alcohol.
7. Yoga is for everyone
Most people can take up yoga even if they have been inactive for a while although you should always get your doctor's approval before beginning an exercise program if there is any doubt about your health. While jogging and working out at the gym might seem too much to contemplate you can start wherever you are with a yoga class and make steady progress.
Through yoga practise you tend to retune into your body and increase your self-acceptance and self-esteem. You build positive body confidence and help quiet any negative messages that may arise in your mind. Yoga teaches us to respect our bodies and this helps us when choosing our food and avoiding junk food and alcohol.
7. Yoga is for everyone
Most people can take up yoga even if they have been inactive for a while although you should always get your doctor's approval before beginning an exercise program if there is any doubt about your health. While jogging and working out at the gym might seem too much to contemplate you can start wherever you are with a yoga class and make steady progress.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Yoga For Weight Loss
Yoga was invented to bring the human being to the same goal of achieving fitness as by cardiovascular methods through a different approach. The word Yoga means joining in Sanskrit. The science of yoga aims to join the disparate body, mind and spirit into an integrated human being who is better able to interact with the outside world in a more efficient manner. The practice was invented in India, 5000 years ago and was developed into a science by observing the effects of various body and mind states on the overall human being. In yoga, one must be focussed or the effects are simply not there. The mind acts on the physical body and it responds in turn. In order to improve the state of the being, then, both body and mind must be focussed or joined to an integral viewpoint.
The beauty of yoga is its absolute dependence on nothing but the human being. No external equipment is necessary. However, it is important to focus the body and mind in an integrated way. Ultimately, ones spiritual energy is awakened. The person is better able to interact with the world in a more efficient way. This is the goal of yoga.
Yoga is very low impact - in comparison to many aerobic exercise routines, and can be practiced for longevity. Your knees, spine, hips, and shoulders, will thank you for the condition Yoga will keep them in. Many of today?s ?standard? forms of exercise do not have the same ?bragging rights,? as Yoga.
It is much more likely that the positive factors of yoga and meditation have on your mind and body impact your self-image, nutrition choices, and overall stress level which are major factors in weight control.
Stress not only results in unhealthy binge eating and poor nutritional choices, but actually has physiological impacts on your body that often result in craving foods that can result in greater weight gain such as sugars, starches and carbohydrates
Interestingly, though yoga is a great weight loss measure, it?s also used to treat girls with eating disorders such as anorexia. There are several reasons why that approach is effective. First, anorexic girls feel anxious if they can?t exercise, as many of them used over-exercising as a means of weight control. Once they are in treatment, of course, they can?t be allowed to jog or do other exercise that might prevent them from making progress with weight gain. Gentle yoga is different, though. Practiced in a low-impact setting, it can provide some exercise without making an already emaciated girl thinner. Yoga also eases the anxiety of these girls, and it makes them more conscious of their bodies.
In fact, it does the same thing for people with the opposite type of eating disorder ? binge eating or compulsive overeating. As a matter of fact, that condition and anorexia are not as different as you might assume. Yes, one causes overweight and the other can bring on starvation, but both stem from a fundamental discomfort with the body and underlying emotional issues. Yoga can help with all of these issues, and if you are looking to lose weight, it can be a great choice for you.
With respect to eating, take the time to identify hunger and cravings. You will notice that they are not the same thing. Being a chocolate lover, it is much better to eat a piece of chocolate, now and then, than to buy a dozen chocolate donuts. This is not to justify, or surrender, to chocolate, but to eat it in moderation, and not every day.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
How Acupuncture Helps To Lose Weight
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been around for about 5,000 years. It is the practice of inserting very thin needles to stimulate pathways or meridians in the body to treat many illnesses and diseases especially to relieve pain from chronic disorders.
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners or TCM physicians claim that acupuncture can help you to lose body fat by making you feel full and so will eat less. This curbs excess caloric consumption in the patient treated with acupuncture and is a great help in the patient?s weight loss program.
When coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, acupuncture is an effective weight loss agent. Acupuncture facilitates the weight loss process in three significant ways:
- Acupuncture regulates appetite and tames cravings.
- Acupuncture gently adjusts the body?s metabolism to initiate weight loss.
- Acupuncture, when locally applied to targeted fat deposits, increases blood flow in the area. This increased vascular activity carries away deposits from clusters of fat cells. Targeting fat deposits of specific areas can help to actually reshape the body.
It is important that acupuncture modulates a responsible regimen for weight management to prevent the negative effects of dramatic weight loss on the body?s immune system, muscle strength and tone. Acupuncture can control cravings, so whichever diet you choose, it will be easy for you.
Acupuncture treatment raise your metabolic rate and help you to burn more calories to speed up weight loss. Some Chinese medicine practitioners say that acupuncture stimulates the production of a hormone called endorphins and this hormone helps to lower body fat, insulin and lipid levels in the bloodstream thus less insulin is converted into body fat.
Acupuncture can help you lose weight by strengthening your digestive system. Doing this helps control your appetite and therefore weight loss is achieved. Some theories suggest that acupuncture improves metabolism causing you to burn calories at a faster rate.
Acupuncture for weight loss involves poking the skin with thin stainless steel needles that are moved by hand or by electric stimulation. Sometimes the needles are combined with lasers. The needles are left in place for about 30 minutes.
You can expect to feel heat, tingling and perhaps numbness. In addition to the weight loss that can be achieved with acupuncture, you can also regulate your menstrual cycle, alleviate mood swings, and eliminate fatigue.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been around for about 5,000 years. It is the practice of inserting very thin needles to stimulate pathways or meridians in the body to treat many illnesses and diseases especially to relieve pain from chronic disorders.
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners or TCM physicians claim that acupuncture can help you to lose body fat by making you feel full and so will eat less. This curbs excess caloric consumption in the patient treated with acupuncture and is a great help in the patient?s weight loss program.
When coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, acupuncture is an effective weight loss agent. Acupuncture facilitates the weight loss process in three significant ways: - Acupuncture regulates appetite and tames cravings. - Acupuncture gently adjusts the body?s metabolism to initiate weight loss. - Acupuncture, when locally applied to targeted fat deposits, increases blood flow in the area. This increased vascular activity carries away deposits from clusters of fat cells. Targeting fat deposits of specific areas can help to actually reshape the body. It is important that acupuncture modulates a responsible regimen for weight management to prevent the negative effects of dramatic weight loss on the body?s immune system, muscle strength and tone. Acupuncture can control cravings, so whichever diet you choose, it will be easy for you.
Acupuncture treatment raise your metabolic rate and help you to burn more calories to speed up weight loss. Some Chinese medicine practitioners say that acupuncture stimulates the production of a hormone called endorphins and this hormone helps to lower body fat, insulin and lipid levels in the bloodstream thus less insulin is converted into body fat.
Acupuncture can help you lose weight by strengthening your digestive system. Doing this helps control your appetite and therefore weight loss is achieved. Some theories suggest that acupuncture improves metabolism causing you to burn calories at a faster rate.
Acupuncture for weight loss involves poking the skin with thin stainless steel needles that are moved by hand or by electric stimulation. Sometimes the needles are combined with lasers. The needles are left in place for about 30 minutes.
You can expect to feel heat, tingling and perhaps numbness. In addition to the weight loss that can be achieved with acupuncture, you can also regulate your menstrual cycle, alleviate mood swings, and eliminate fatigue.
Here is how it works:
1. A doctor gives you an herbal prescription that is to be taken weekly.
2. You visit the doctor for a series of treatments. After the fourth treatment the electric stimulation is increased. The doctor may revise your prescription.
3. After a few treatments, you should begin to feel full more quickly than you used to.
4. After the 10th treatment you should take a two-week break to focus on your diet and exercise plan.
It takes time for the body to adjust to acupuncture for weight loss. But patients have reported that with patience, food cravings and overeating do disappear.
The cost for weight loss acupuncture treatment varies. Your first visit can cost between $50-$125. Subsequent visits range from $30-$80. Physicians charge more than general practitioner and not all insurance companies cover treatment.
Common side effects from acupuncture weight for loss include dizziness, headaches and nausea.
TCM physicians often stress that to achieve good weight loss results from your program and maintaining your weight, acupuncture treatment alone is not enough. To lose weight effectively and keep the fats off permanently, acupuncture treatment must be combined with healthy eating habits and regular exercises.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Acupuncture Treatment Procedure and Points for Weight Loss
The exact mechanism by which acupuncture works is unknown but we know that acupuncture needles inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear release endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect that makes it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and bingeing on fattening foods. Also endorphins affect the digestive and hormonal systems so acupuncture can help rebalance the organ systems that are running too fast- or in this case too slow?i.e., the metabolism and the will power.
The Acupuncture Treatment
In order for the acupuncturist to choose the correct points for you, you must first come in for a consultation to discuss your particular pattern of overeating, and let the practitioner know in your intake form if there are any real digestive difficulties. Then the acupuncturist would check your pulse to discern the general state of your energy and measure the health of your stomach energy in particular, and then they would look at your tongue to check for cracks, peeling or puffiness on the stomach area, or a suspicious yellow or thick white coating that might indicate troublesome heat or coldness in the stomach and would provide some clues as to why the person was gaining weight.
The Acupuncture Points
Then the acupuncturist would devise a treatment protocol using a combination of ear and body points. Although the Chinese developed the system of auricular (ear) acupuncture a long time ago, as one of the various Microsystems of the body containing all the points relating to the major organs and body parts, a Frenchman by the name of Nogier, discovered many more acupuncture points on the ear that pertain to Western medicine such as points called Adrenal, Pituitary, FSH, Ovary, Thyroid, etc.
Many of the points from both ear acupuncture systems that are important for weight loss treatments are:
Mouth - for the impulsive eater who may also smoke a lot and talk a lot
Stomach - for the person who eats even after they're full or who's constantly nibbling
Hungry - for general appetite control
Lung - for food addicts, and people who love chocolate, sweets
Shenmen - a calming point, for the psychology overlay for anxiety, anger, frustration, insecurity
Endocrine - for water retention that's responsible for some of the weight gain
Adrenal and Ovary - if weight gain is due to menopause or P.M.S.
Spleen - for sugar imbalances and hormonal disturbances
Kidney - for water retention, and nervous system and hormonal imbalances
Thyroid - for slow metabolism
The practitioner chooses two or more of these points for each treatment depending upon the patient's problem and personality profile regarding overeating.
Next, body points would be selected.
During the first few treatments, most likely the Four Gate points (LI 4, Liver3) would be used to circulate the energy throughout the body and calm the nervous system. Ren 12, the front collecting point of the stomach energy would be chosen for many treatments, as would Stomach 36, three inches distal to the eye of the knee that tonifies the energy and helps circulate oxygen and blood of the whole body and of the stomach in particular. Then, based on the diagnosis, the practitioner may add Stomach, 40, the master point for mucous, or Kidney 7 or 10 for edema or water retention.
The acupuncturist may use electro stimulation on some of these acupuncture points to increase the endorphin release and stimulate the metabolism. The needles would be kept in place for around thirty t forty-five minutes depending on how much support was needed for the patient, and after the needles are removed, ear tacs with adhesive on them are often placed in the same spots on the ear to continue the stimulation between treatments. The way it works is this: when the patient feels an urge to eat, s/he applies mild pressure to the point or rubs it back and forth for about 20 seconds. This type of acupressure stimulates the point, causes a mild endorphin release, relaxes the patient and helps them to regain their willpower or resolve about resisting the temptation to eat. The patient removes the tacs at home after three days and throws them away or takes them out sooner if there is any irritation or discomfort. It is a good idea to also remove oneself from the location, person or food that triggers the resistance to the diet or contributes to the breakdown of willpower. For example, one might want to stay away from the kitchen and refrigerator between meals.
The Treatment Plan
The number of acupuncture treatments necessary depends on the patient's goals for losing weight, the speed at which they want to lose, and their commitment to keeping the weight off. If the overeating is severe, a treatment every day for the first five days is appropriate and can then taper off the second week to every other day and the third week to every three days. For the average patient who wants to lose between five to ten pounds, one treatment every three days or twice a week until they reach their goal is appropriate, and then a booster treatment once every two weeks is optimal. After a few booster treatments, the patient and practitioner will mutually decide when to terminate frequent treatments and then can aim to meet approximately four times a year at the change of seasons when energy levels are unstable and tonification and harmonizing of one's system is appropriate for everyone.
Nutritional Counseling and Lifestyle Changes
The acupuncturist can help with nutritional counseling and can discuss a diet regimen that the patient can live with and maintain for the long term. A diet that is high in fiber and low in fat, with moderate amounts of low-density carbohydrates and low-fat protein is usually the best choice to adopt. With this type of a diet program, the patient can avoid the pit-falls of yo-yo dieting or the tendency to lose weight and then regain it. Other important tools that can aid in weight loss are stress reduction techniques and a moderate exercise regimen. The acupuncturist can suggest various stress reduction methods that may include breathing exercises, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation or biofeedback. And since the goal of a weight program is not only weight loss but the maintenance of that loss, an exercise program that the patient likes is the best one to choose. The patient could try starting a program that includes brisk walking three times a week for forty minutes. After a few weeks when stamina is increased, they could try walking five times a week. After that more aerobic exercise can be added such as the treadmill, stair climber or aerobics classes, cycling or whatever from of rigorous exercise the person enjoys and can maintain for the long term. It is a good idea to use free weights beginning with three pound weights and practicing just two to three sets of arm curls three times a week. Moderate weight training builds lean body mass and helps to reduce body fat as well as strengthen and build bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Pressure Points
Last but not least, three pressure points on the body may be stimulated daily for two minutes each that will promote the general health as well as aid digestion, elimination and relaxation. These points are: Large Intestines 4 (HEGU); Pericardium 6 (Neiguan); and Stomach 36 (Zusanli). The points should be pressed with strong continuous pressure for approximately two minutes each and may be said to comprise a self-healing treatment.
While no guarantee may be given for acupuncture treatments for weight loss, the self-motivated patient who will take the time to practice most of the things outlined here will most likely be pleased with the results that she finds within a reasonable amount of time.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Weight loss by Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient study. It is a technique that has been done for hundreds of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of this procedure is to restore the well being and the health of the individual. While it may seem strange, acupuncture uses a method of inserting needles into specific points in the body. It should only be preformed by a skilled individual, one that has received training in it. Needles are a major factor in acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are not the large size syringes that people are familiar with from their doctor?s office. These are solid needles that are about the size of a dressmaker?s pin and smaller.Energy, or qi, flows throughout the body. Qi concentrates its flow through major pathways, called channels or meridians. On each channel are points where qi can be manipulated by a skilled practitioner. These are the places the acupuncturist chooses to needle.
Why It Works
Acupuncture points are located throughout the body. Today, stainless steel needles are used. They are about .01 to .02 in thickness. The procedure treats the body as a whole. It works to improve the function of several systems of function that are associated with several physical organs in the body. If there is a problem with the systems or a disease is present, acupuncture tries to address this by attempting to modify the activity of one or several of the systems of function. They do this with a combination of heat, needles, and pressure on the sensitive parts of the body which are called acupuncture points. They help to restore the body through a method of yin and yang.
There are six yin channels and six yang channels. There are three of each in each arm and three of each in each leg. There are yin and yang points throughout the body including the hands and the feet. The goal is to restore the balance of qi in the body. Qi is a term used to describe vital energy. This is the very foundation of being alive and functioning in Traditional Chinese Medicine technologies. If there are deficiencies of qui, there can be pain and illness. Pain is supposed to mean that there is a blockage or a poor flow of qi.
What Happens During Acupuncture
When you visit an acupuncturist, you will already have insured that the individual is capable of performing the procedure because they have been trained. This individual will determine which points to treat based on questions that they will ask you . They will then use diagnostic skills to determine and observe the left and right radial pulses. They will look at the tongue coating and notice if there are teeth marks around the edges of it. Through the choice of points to needle, a practitioner can balance the body?s qi and thereby alleviate the symptoms of disease or illness. In order to make lasting change, the patient must have a series of treatments. The body becomes habituated to certain imbalances and though the patient may feel better after a treatment to correct this, it is natural for the body to go back to its familiar way of being. This may explain why acute problems, such as an injury, generally respond more quickly to acupuncture treatments than long term ailments.
After the needles are inserted, the patient can expect to lie on the table with the needles for about twenty to thirty minutes. In some cases, this will be longer. During this time, there is rarely any discomfort. It can be a very relaxing time for the patient. After this rest, the acupuncturist will remove the needles and perhaps do a bit of massage if there is a painful area. They will make recommendations about when the patient should return and any other types of treatments that may be beneficial to the patient.Benefits and Side EffectsSome conditions in which acupuncture has been shown to show some benefits include tennis elbow, depression, headache, lower back pain, chronic heart failure, labor, menopausal symptoms, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. It is important to note that they don?t necessarily cure the condition but can help to relieve or benefit it in some way.
Acupuncture has few side effects and these are typically limited to bruising in the local area. Some patients will feel tired after a treatment but this is typically because they are in a greater state of relaxation than their body is used to. Some other patients feel energized. Most people feel a sense of well being, though there are those who feel little change after the first couple of treatments. Rarely does someone feel worse and often that is only a temporary worsening of symptoms and then greater relief sets in.
Acupuncture is an ancient study. It is a technique that has been done for hundreds of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of this procedure is to restore the well being and the health of the individual. While it may seem strange, acupuncture uses a method of inserting needles into specific points in the body. It should only be preformed by a skilled individual, one that has received training in it. Needles are a major factor in acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are not the large size syringes that people are familiar with from their doctor?s office. These are solid needles that are about the size of a dressmaker?s pin and smaller.Energy, or qi, flows throughout the body. Qi concentrates its flow through major pathways, called channels or meridians. On each channel are points where qi can be manipulated by a skilled practitioner. These are the places the acupuncturist chooses to needle.
Why It Works
Acupuncture points are located throughout the body. Today, stainless steel needles are used. They are about .01 to .02 in thickness. The procedure treats the body as a whole. It works to improve the function of several systems of function that are associated with several physical organs in the body. If there is a problem with the systems or a disease is present, acupuncture tries to address this by attempting to modify the activity of one or several of the systems of function. They do this with a combination of heat, needles, and pressure on the sensitive parts of the body which are called acupuncture points. They help to restore the body through a method of yin and yang.
There are six yin channels and six yang channels. There are three of each in each arm and three of each in each leg. There are yin and yang points throughout the body including the hands and the feet. The goal is to restore the balance of qi in the body. Qi is a term used to describe vital energy. This is the very foundation of being alive and functioning in Traditional Chinese Medicine technologies. If there are deficiencies of qui, there can be pain and illness. Pain is supposed to mean that there is a blockage or a poor flow of qi.
What Happens During Acupuncture
When you visit an acupuncturist, you will already have insured that the individual is capable of performing the procedure because they have been trained. This individual will determine which points to treat based on questions that they will ask you . They will then use diagnostic skills to determine and observe the left and right radial pulses. They will look at the tongue coating and notice if there are teeth marks around the edges of it. Through the choice of points to needle, a practitioner can balance the body?s qi and thereby alleviate the symptoms of disease or illness. In order to make lasting change, the patient must have a series of treatments. The body becomes habituated to certain imbalances and though the patient may feel better after a treatment to correct this, it is natural for the body to go back to its familiar way of being. This may explain why acute problems, such as an injury, generally respond more quickly to acupuncture treatments than long term ailments.
After the needles are inserted, the patient can expect to lie on the table with the needles for about twenty to thirty minutes. In some cases, this will be longer. During this time, there is rarely any discomfort. It can be a very relaxing time for the patient. After this rest, the acupuncturist will remove the needles and perhaps do a bit of massage if there is a painful area. They will make recommendations about when the patient should return and any other types of treatments that may be beneficial to the patient.Benefits and Side EffectsSome conditions in which acupuncture has been shown to show some benefits include tennis elbow, depression, headache, lower back pain, chronic heart failure, labor, menopausal symptoms, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. It is important to note that they don?t necessarily cure the condition but can help to relieve or benefit it in some way.
Acupuncture has few side effects and these are typically limited to bruising in the local area. Some patients will feel tired after a treatment but this is typically because they are in a greater state of relaxation than their body is used to. Some other patients feel energized. Most people feel a sense of well being, though there are those who feel little change after the first couple of treatments. Rarely does someone feel worse and often that is only a temporary worsening of symptoms and then greater relief sets in.
How to Drink More Water
Start your day with a glass of water. As soon as you wake up, gulp down a glass of cool water. Your body has been without fluids for 6-8 hours, so it's probably dehydrated. Drinking a tall, cool glass of water as soon as you wake up is a wonderful way to start you day. It also helps make you feel full, so you'll eat less for breakfast. Now, even though we have most of a day to suck back all that water, it is actually more difficult that you might think.
Here are some tips to help you make sure you get your daily intake:
Drink a glass of water before you start a meal. Water helps make your stomach feel full, so drinking a glass before eating - or at the very least while eating - will help you eat less food. Have another glass of water while you're having the meal. Again this is another way of making yourself full so that you can actually rise from the table eating less but feeling full just the same. Instead of drinking it one gulp, take sips after each morsel. It will help the food to settle faster so that you get that feeling that you are full faster.
- Have a glass of water at every meal time. Breakfast, Mid-morning, Lunch, Mid-afternoon, Supper.
- Drink water prior and after exercise. Naturally if you are exercising more water will be required than the daily recommended.
- Make an appointment with your glass of water. Schedule certain times of the day to chug back 8 ounces at once. After you wake up in the morning, on your way to work, during a commercial, etc.
- Have a water race with a friend or family member. The extra competition will help motivate you.
- Before drinking that coffee or pop, force yourself to get another glass of water down. You will probably not even want anything else after that.
- When you go to the bathroom (and you will be going frequently at first), refuel yourself with another glass before going back to whatever it was that you wer doing. - Measure how much water you need in a bottle or measuring cup, then you can see your goal for the day.
Try to avoid caffeine
Caffeine increases body fat. But caffeine is in essence a diuretic and diuretics dehydrate. Caffeine may increase the heart rate causing few more calorie burns but leaves a negative effect on your muscles. So the best option is to leave caffeine.
Surely, eight glasses of water a day
For an average person, eight glasses of water a day is essential. The quantity doubles if he/she is overweight or suffers from obesity. Increase your water consumption during the day. Make a timetable to remember it and don?t allow your body to feel the thirst.
Cold water or warm water
Cold water is absorbed more quickly than warm water. But it is easier to drink warm water. You can note a decrease in appetite when you start drinking more water. And water certainly supports you to maintain a healthy body. Some say that drinking cold water also helps boost your metabolism slightly. Theoretically: Your body needs a tiny bit more energy to warm the water, thus it could use a fraction more energy when processing it.
Stay away from sweetened bottle drinks, especially sodas. Hey all those colas and fizzy drinks are sweetened with sugar and sugar means calories. The more you can cut out on these sweetened bottle drinks, the better for you. So if you must drink sodas, then stick to diet sodas.
Use these ideas, or come up with your own tricks to help you reach your goal. You will notice a difference right away.
Start your day with a glass of water. As soon as you wake up, gulp down a glass of cool water. Your body has been without fluids for 6-8 hours, so it's probably dehydrated. Drinking a tall, cool glass of water as soon as you wake up is a wonderful way to start you day. It also helps make you feel full, so you'll eat less for breakfast. Now, even though we have most of a day to suck back all that water, it is actually more difficult that you might think.
Here are some tips to help you make sure you get your daily intake:
Drink a glass of water before you start a meal. Water helps make your stomach feel full, so drinking a glass before eating - or at the very least while eating - will help you eat less food. Have another glass of water while you're having the meal. Again this is another way of making yourself full so that you can actually rise from the table eating less but feeling full just the same. Instead of drinking it one gulp, take sips after each morsel. It will help the food to settle faster so that you get that feeling that you are full faster.
- Have a glass of water at every meal time. Breakfast, Mid-morning, Lunch, Mid-afternoon, Supper.
- Drink water prior and after exercise. Naturally if you are exercising more water will be required than the daily recommended.
- Make an appointment with your glass of water. Schedule certain times of the day to chug back 8 ounces at once. After you wake up in the morning, on your way to work, during a commercial, etc.
- Have a water race with a friend or family member. The extra competition will help motivate you.
- Before drinking that coffee or pop, force yourself to get another glass of water down. You will probably not even want anything else after that.
- When you go to the bathroom (and you will be going frequently at first), refuel yourself with another glass before going back to whatever it was that you wer doing. - Measure how much water you need in a bottle or measuring cup, then you can see your goal for the day.
Try to avoid caffeine
Caffeine increases body fat. But caffeine is in essence a diuretic and diuretics dehydrate. Caffeine may increase the heart rate causing few more calorie burns but leaves a negative effect on your muscles. So the best option is to leave caffeine.
Surely, eight glasses of water a day
For an average person, eight glasses of water a day is essential. The quantity doubles if he/she is overweight or suffers from obesity. Increase your water consumption during the day. Make a timetable to remember it and don?t allow your body to feel the thirst.
Cold water or warm water
Cold water is absorbed more quickly than warm water. But it is easier to drink warm water. You can note a decrease in appetite when you start drinking more water. And water certainly supports you to maintain a healthy body. Some say that drinking cold water also helps boost your metabolism slightly. Theoretically: Your body needs a tiny bit more energy to warm the water, thus it could use a fraction more energy when processing it.
Stay away from sweetened bottle drinks, especially sodas. Hey all those colas and fizzy drinks are sweetened with sugar and sugar means calories. The more you can cut out on these sweetened bottle drinks, the better for you. So if you must drink sodas, then stick to diet sodas.
Use these ideas, or come up with your own tricks to help you reach your goal. You will notice a difference right away.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Water Retention and Kidney Function
It has been well documented that the liver is able to metabolize more fat if you help out your kidneys by drinking plenty of water each day. What is not often explained is water's relationship to salt and how to tell when you are drinking enough water.
Salt
First of all, let's take a look at how our bodies deal with salt! Salt (sodium, at least) is a necessary ingredient to regulate blood pressure and fluid volumes in our bodies. Additionally, it is a top notch preservative and it tastes good!
You've probably heard the warning to not drink salt water. This warning is true and must be heeded if you find yourself adrift at sea, or on a diet. The reason is that the body can only handle a certain concentration of salt.
Retained Water
If you eat a really salty meal, you may notice that your body will experience some swelling. This swelling is retained water which is being kept by the body in order to keep the salt in solution.
So how do you get rid of retained water? Well, believe it or not, the answer is that you drink water to get rid of water! That's right. It's counterintuitive, but true. By drinking extra water, it will allow your body to flush the excess salt out and to release the retained water.
Think of it this way, your body grows to expect a particular amount of sodium and a particular volume of water. It reserves water in your body knowing more salt is to come. When you drink a gallon of water over the course of the day, your body learns that you are providing plenty of water. Eventually it begins to trust that you'll continue doing so and it lets go of the surplus.
Water retention is an interesting issue because it is one of those issues that runs completely contrary to how we would imagine it would work. Water weighs about seven pounds per gallon, so its easy to imagine that we could shed a few quick pounds by losing some retained water.
The body has such a need for water that it retains extra water if we don't supply the right amount on a daily basis - and most of us do not. By getting into a habit, or regimen, of drinking more water than our body actually needs, our body becomes convinced that it doesn't need to hoarde extra water. Once your body is convinced that you are going to provide more than enough water to simply survive, it will let loose of the extra water it has stred up in your cells.
Kidney
Secondly, let's look at your kidneys. In order to do their job properly, your kidneys require an enormous amount of water. If the water is not supplied, your body goes to Plan B, which is to enlist the assistance of your liver. Because the liver is able to metabolize fat (turn it into energy), every second your liver spends bailing out the kidneys is a second it isn't burning stored fat. Drinking more water allows the kidneys to run at their optimal level and keeps the liver available to burn fat.
For dieters, there is an additional aspect worth consideration. Because we are attempting to burn EXTRA fat (not simply the supply of fat in our daily diet), we actually create an extra water deficit. It takes water to do the normal work of processing waste from our bodies, and it takes EXTRA water to process the stored fat and waste that comes from that job.
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Try to drink twelve (8 ounce) glasses of water each day when you are dieting, and at least eight when you reach your optimal weight. (These are guidelines that must be adjusted using common sense. There may be circumstances such as weather, type of work, body size, physical activity and many others that will require you to drink much more or less than this.) If you are more than twenty pounds overweight, you should drink an extra glass for every 20 pounds over your optimal weight.
Once you've been on this regimen for a few weeks, you should notice some changes. Many people report that their skin looks and feels better, that headaches disappear, that they require less sleep and that they simply have more energy.
Biologically though, the best way to tell if you are drinking enough water is the color (rather the lack of color) of your urine. Many people think that color in their urine is due to waste being flushed out of the body, but it is, in fact, simply due to a shortage of water. Clear urine means you are drinking plenty of water.
Another benefit to drinking plenty of water is that your natural water alarm clock (thirst) will return. Your body will begin to signal to you that it is thirsty since it is no longer in the habit of hoarding water. Listen to your body and you'll continue to lose weight and burn fat.
Salt
First of all, let's take a look at how our bodies deal with salt! Salt (sodium, at least) is a necessary ingredient to regulate blood pressure and fluid volumes in our bodies. Additionally, it is a top notch preservative and it tastes good!
You've probably heard the warning to not drink salt water. This warning is true and must be heeded if you find yourself adrift at sea, or on a diet. The reason is that the body can only handle a certain concentration of salt.
Retained Water
If you eat a really salty meal, you may notice that your body will experience some swelling. This swelling is retained water which is being kept by the body in order to keep the salt in solution.
So how do you get rid of retained water? Well, believe it or not, the answer is that you drink water to get rid of water! That's right. It's counterintuitive, but true. By drinking extra water, it will allow your body to flush the excess salt out and to release the retained water.
Think of it this way, your body grows to expect a particular amount of sodium and a particular volume of water. It reserves water in your body knowing more salt is to come. When you drink a gallon of water over the course of the day, your body learns that you are providing plenty of water. Eventually it begins to trust that you'll continue doing so and it lets go of the surplus.
Water retention is an interesting issue because it is one of those issues that runs completely contrary to how we would imagine it would work. Water weighs about seven pounds per gallon, so its easy to imagine that we could shed a few quick pounds by losing some retained water.
The body has such a need for water that it retains extra water if we don't supply the right amount on a daily basis - and most of us do not. By getting into a habit, or regimen, of drinking more water than our body actually needs, our body becomes convinced that it doesn't need to hoarde extra water. Once your body is convinced that you are going to provide more than enough water to simply survive, it will let loose of the extra water it has stred up in your cells.
Kidney
Secondly, let's look at your kidneys. In order to do their job properly, your kidneys require an enormous amount of water. If the water is not supplied, your body goes to Plan B, which is to enlist the assistance of your liver. Because the liver is able to metabolize fat (turn it into energy), every second your liver spends bailing out the kidneys is a second it isn't burning stored fat. Drinking more water allows the kidneys to run at their optimal level and keeps the liver available to burn fat.
For dieters, there is an additional aspect worth consideration. Because we are attempting to burn EXTRA fat (not simply the supply of fat in our daily diet), we actually create an extra water deficit. It takes water to do the normal work of processing waste from our bodies, and it takes EXTRA water to process the stored fat and waste that comes from that job.
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Try to drink twelve (8 ounce) glasses of water each day when you are dieting, and at least eight when you reach your optimal weight. (These are guidelines that must be adjusted using common sense. There may be circumstances such as weather, type of work, body size, physical activity and many others that will require you to drink much more or less than this.) If you are more than twenty pounds overweight, you should drink an extra glass for every 20 pounds over your optimal weight.
Once you've been on this regimen for a few weeks, you should notice some changes. Many people report that their skin looks and feels better, that headaches disappear, that they require less sleep and that they simply have more energy.
Biologically though, the best way to tell if you are drinking enough water is the color (rather the lack of color) of your urine. Many people think that color in their urine is due to waste being flushed out of the body, but it is, in fact, simply due to a shortage of water. Clear urine means you are drinking plenty of water.
Another benefit to drinking plenty of water is that your natural water alarm clock (thirst) will return. Your body will begin to signal to you that it is thirsty since it is no longer in the habit of hoarding water. Listen to your body and you'll continue to lose weight and burn fat.
Benefits of Water
Weight Loss By Water -Benefits of Water
If you are eating the right food and exercising regularly but still can't get the result that you have expected, then it means that you are not drinking enough water. An essential part of the our body, water helps reduce weight in many ways. Here are just some of the reasons why everyone should be drinking at least eight glasses of water day.
Naturally suppresses appetite
Water is also a natural appetite suppressant, a glass prior to eating helps curb your appetite by filling your stomach and it can help you lose weight and keep it off permanently.Water is useful when we are trying for losing weight. Water suppresses the appetite and helps to reduce the body fat. When your stomach is full of water, you?ll feel full sooner. If you think you are hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes before eating something as you may just be thirsty. (However water should not be substituted for food, still eat your 3 meals per day and 2-3 healthy snacks per day).
Increases metabolism
There are many forms of metabolism going on in our body and one such is the metabolism of fat. The main function of the liver is to convert fat into energy. It also picks up the slacks of kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own. It affects the total productivity levels of the liver forcing the fat metabolism to take a back seat. This effect results in fat storage in the body.
Reduces stored fat deposits
Water aids in the burning of fat. To burn fat the fat cells need to first be free of excess water and toxins. One reason you may not be losing weight is your not drinking enough water so your body holds on to what water it gets for survival. Our metabolic rate is the rate in which we burn calories. Water is required for this process to function at its best. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.
proper kidney function
Water maintains and encourages proper kidney function, which increases the efficiency of the liver's fat burning ability. When insufficient water is drunk the kidneys cannot work properly and this has an effect on our liver. It is the livers job to convert stored fat to energy. If the liver needs to do some of the work that the kidneys should be doing, than the liver can not work as it should do to metabolize fat and therefore the fat is stored rather than broken down and used as energy.
Decreases fuid retention
Enough water helps reduce water retention. To get rid of excess water, one has to consume more water. This is because if not enough water is drunk the body goes into survival mode and stores water in extra-cellular spaces. This can show up as swollen feet, legs, hands.
Helps muscles maintain their tone
Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract more effectively. Muscle tone will prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss.Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. It can help you exercise longer and more efficiently and this alone would be enough to help you lose weight but water does more ? much more.
Aids in the prevention of sagging skin after weight loss
The best medicine for your skin, water clears skin dirtiness and helps maintain a fair glow on your face. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated. It also helps to improve the muscle tone. Water does wonders for your skin it leaves you with a clear, glowing complexion as impurities have been washed out of your system.
Rids the body of excess waste
Water nourishes your cells, flushes out toxins, prevents constipation and crankiness (no relationship between the two) and it can help keep your skin healthy, youthful and glowing. The key is to keep drinking water, or you will see the weight come back. For every 25 pounds you want to lose, drink an extra glass of water. Drinking other fluids may hydrate your body but you will need to consider the extra calories and sugar in them if trying to lose weight. Also it maybe time to learn to like to drink water due to the health benefits water provides. If water is not your thing, try flavouring it with a slice of lemon or start with mixing half apple/orange or cranberry juice with water.
If you are eating the right food and exercising regularly but still can't get the result that you have expected, then it means that you are not drinking enough water. An essential part of the our body, water helps reduce weight in many ways. Here are just some of the reasons why everyone should be drinking at least eight glasses of water day.
Naturally suppresses appetite
Water is also a natural appetite suppressant, a glass prior to eating helps curb your appetite by filling your stomach and it can help you lose weight and keep it off permanently.Water is useful when we are trying for losing weight. Water suppresses the appetite and helps to reduce the body fat. When your stomach is full of water, you?ll feel full sooner. If you think you are hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes before eating something as you may just be thirsty. (However water should not be substituted for food, still eat your 3 meals per day and 2-3 healthy snacks per day).
Increases metabolism
There are many forms of metabolism going on in our body and one such is the metabolism of fat. The main function of the liver is to convert fat into energy. It also picks up the slacks of kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own. It affects the total productivity levels of the liver forcing the fat metabolism to take a back seat. This effect results in fat storage in the body.
Reduces stored fat deposits
Water aids in the burning of fat. To burn fat the fat cells need to first be free of excess water and toxins. One reason you may not be losing weight is your not drinking enough water so your body holds on to what water it gets for survival. Our metabolic rate is the rate in which we burn calories. Water is required for this process to function at its best. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.
proper kidney function
Water maintains and encourages proper kidney function, which increases the efficiency of the liver's fat burning ability. When insufficient water is drunk the kidneys cannot work properly and this has an effect on our liver. It is the livers job to convert stored fat to energy. If the liver needs to do some of the work that the kidneys should be doing, than the liver can not work as it should do to metabolize fat and therefore the fat is stored rather than broken down and used as energy.
Decreases fuid retention
Enough water helps reduce water retention. To get rid of excess water, one has to consume more water. This is because if not enough water is drunk the body goes into survival mode and stores water in extra-cellular spaces. This can show up as swollen feet, legs, hands.
Helps muscles maintain their tone
Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract more effectively. Muscle tone will prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss.Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. It can help you exercise longer and more efficiently and this alone would be enough to help you lose weight but water does more ? much more.
Aids in the prevention of sagging skin after weight loss
The best medicine for your skin, water clears skin dirtiness and helps maintain a fair glow on your face. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated. It also helps to improve the muscle tone. Water does wonders for your skin it leaves you with a clear, glowing complexion as impurities have been washed out of your system.
Rids the body of excess waste
Water nourishes your cells, flushes out toxins, prevents constipation and crankiness (no relationship between the two) and it can help keep your skin healthy, youthful and glowing. The key is to keep drinking water, or you will see the weight come back. For every 25 pounds you want to lose, drink an extra glass of water. Drinking other fluids may hydrate your body but you will need to consider the extra calories and sugar in them if trying to lose weight. Also it maybe time to learn to like to drink water due to the health benefits water provides. If water is not your thing, try flavouring it with a slice of lemon or start with mixing half apple/orange or cranberry juice with water.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Weight loss by Water
Water: Weight Loss By Drinking Water
It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained. Most people drink when they are thirsty, but usually not enough and certainly not when trying to lose weight.
Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. It can help you exercise longer and more efficiently and this alone would be enough to help you lose weight but water does more – much more.
The Liver
The function of your kidneys is to filter your blood (which is mostly water). And one of the functions of your liver is to metabolize fat. If you don't consume enough water, your kidneys can't function properly, so your liver starts to help perform kidney functions. So, if your liver is busy helping your ailing kidneys, you can't burn as much fat. Let me repeat that: No matter how much you exercise, if you don't drink enough water, your liver will not metabolize fat for you, because it is trying to help your kidneys.
Too Much Water?
Being hyper-hydrated (consuming too much water) is not in any way harmful , and actually helps your body metabolize fat. The greatest ill effect of excess water consumption is that you will visit the washroom more often. Consider it a chance to fit in a little more exercise into your daily routine.There have been a few cases of long distance runners who have died from drinking water to toxic levels, but this is extremely rare, and their situation is very unique, so it is nothing for a normal person to worry about.
Retaining Water
You may have a medical condition that causes you to retain water, probably because of excess salt (sodium) in your system. The solution is simple: drink more water. Your body retains water for the same reason it retains fat: your body thinks that it's hard to come by. If you teach your body that food is abundant, it will stop storing it. If you teach your body that water is abundant by drinking more of it, your body will stop storing it.
Other Benefits
The more water you drink the healthier your skin becomes, because it has to be moisturized from the inside and out It also contributes to joint lubrication, reducing the risk of injury in any activity. Water is the best cure for constipation, and should be your first choice, even before increasing fiber or taking laxatives.When you are active, you should drink even more water, especially on hot days, to replace what you lose in sweat. Do not wait until you're thirsty, because that is your body telling you that it is already under-hydrated. Try to keep yourself over-hydrated for best health.
Do Water Alternatives Work?
Juice will fill you up, and contains sugar which you should try to minimize in your diet. So, it's really not a substitute for simple, clear water. And even though coffee is made with mostly water, it does not count since it is a diuretic and actually strips water from your system. Colas are also full of that diuretic caffeine, besides their ultra-high sugar content, so soft drinks should be the first item to stop consuming if you're trying to lose weight. Replace those "alternatives" with a glass of water, and you'll feel better and start losing pounds and inches.
Who should drink water?
All of us of course, but pregnant women, nursing mothers, people wanting to lose weight and athletes should be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or humid, upping water intake is also wise.
Water can be especially helpful for people with a history of kidney stones because it dissolves calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. Among physicians, urologists are probably most likely to extol the virtues of water. And it has been documented that drinking water mostly before 6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood of nocturnal bathroom visits.
It is interesting to note also that water helps prevent urinary tract infections, both for men and for women. Dark-coloured urine often suggests you are not drinking enough water.
Here’s how to start drinking more water every day. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water with every meal, preferably with a glass during your meal and then add a glass between meals.
It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained. Most people drink when they are thirsty, but usually not enough and certainly not when trying to lose weight.
Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer. It can help you exercise longer and more efficiently and this alone would be enough to help you lose weight but water does more – much more.
The Liver
The function of your kidneys is to filter your blood (which is mostly water). And one of the functions of your liver is to metabolize fat. If you don't consume enough water, your kidneys can't function properly, so your liver starts to help perform kidney functions. So, if your liver is busy helping your ailing kidneys, you can't burn as much fat. Let me repeat that: No matter how much you exercise, if you don't drink enough water, your liver will not metabolize fat for you, because it is trying to help your kidneys.
Too Much Water?
Being hyper-hydrated (consuming too much water) is not in any way harmful , and actually helps your body metabolize fat. The greatest ill effect of excess water consumption is that you will visit the washroom more often. Consider it a chance to fit in a little more exercise into your daily routine.There have been a few cases of long distance runners who have died from drinking water to toxic levels, but this is extremely rare, and their situation is very unique, so it is nothing for a normal person to worry about.
Retaining Water
You may have a medical condition that causes you to retain water, probably because of excess salt (sodium) in your system. The solution is simple: drink more water. Your body retains water for the same reason it retains fat: your body thinks that it's hard to come by. If you teach your body that food is abundant, it will stop storing it. If you teach your body that water is abundant by drinking more of it, your body will stop storing it.
Other Benefits
The more water you drink the healthier your skin becomes, because it has to be moisturized from the inside and out It also contributes to joint lubrication, reducing the risk of injury in any activity. Water is the best cure for constipation, and should be your first choice, even before increasing fiber or taking laxatives.When you are active, you should drink even more water, especially on hot days, to replace what you lose in sweat. Do not wait until you're thirsty, because that is your body telling you that it is already under-hydrated. Try to keep yourself over-hydrated for best health.
Do Water Alternatives Work?
Juice will fill you up, and contains sugar which you should try to minimize in your diet. So, it's really not a substitute for simple, clear water. And even though coffee is made with mostly water, it does not count since it is a diuretic and actually strips water from your system. Colas are also full of that diuretic caffeine, besides their ultra-high sugar content, so soft drinks should be the first item to stop consuming if you're trying to lose weight. Replace those "alternatives" with a glass of water, and you'll feel better and start losing pounds and inches.
Who should drink water?
All of us of course, but pregnant women, nursing mothers, people wanting to lose weight and athletes should be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or humid, upping water intake is also wise.
Water can be especially helpful for people with a history of kidney stones because it dissolves calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation. Among physicians, urologists are probably most likely to extol the virtues of water. And it has been documented that drinking water mostly before 6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood of nocturnal bathroom visits.
It is interesting to note also that water helps prevent urinary tract infections, both for men and for women. Dark-coloured urine often suggests you are not drinking enough water.
Here’s how to start drinking more water every day. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water with every meal, preferably with a glass during your meal and then add a glass between meals.
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