Many of us know at least one older person whos been diagnosed with dementiaaka a loss of cognitive function, including thinking, remembering, and reasoning, that interferes with daily life. Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia, and rates of the disease have been on the rise over the past 20 years in the U.S. In fact, Alzheimers disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death here, affecting some 5.8 million Americans each year.

While an aging baby boomer population is partly accountable for these numbers, rising rates of insulin resistance, diabetes, and high blood pressure in the U.S. are also likely contributing factors, since these conditions increase dementia risk. More disease means more cumulative trauma [to the brain], says Dean Sherzai, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist and the co-director, along with his wife Ayesha Sherzai, MD, of the Alzheimers Prevention Program at Loma Linda University.

Although certain genes impact a persons odds of developing dementia, Dr. Sherzai notes that only 3 percent of people carry two copies of a pair of genes that mean theyll be diagnosed with Alzheimers no matter what they do. The rest of us, he says, can significantly reduce our risk of cognitive decline through the lifestyle choices we makeso much that that he believes 80 to 90 percent of premature dementia cases can be prevented.

Dean and Ayesha Sherzai met 17 years ago volunteering as medics in Kabul, Afghanistan. Both brain researchers and neurologists by trade, the pair quickly discovered they each had two grandparents who died from Alzheimers. They dated for a year before marrying and moving back to the U.S. to take on dementia.

In his work at Georgetown University and the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Dean Sherazi was dismayed that billions of dollars worth of research and drug development wasnt making any progress in the battle against Alzheimers. It was the same thing over and over again. We were doing nothing, pill after pill, study after study, he says. He says a myopic approach to the chronic disease of aging failed to see the big picture.

The pair decided to pursue their research at Loma Linda University in Northern California as the co-directors of the universitys Brain Health and Alzheimers Prevention program. They chose Loma Linda specifically because a local group of 9,000 Seventh-day Adventists, who are vegetarians and dont drink or smoke, make up the only Blue Zone in the United States; research has found that they have significantly lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than the general U.S. population.

Dr. Dean Sherzai says his and other research over the years consistently shows that those with the lowest rates of dementia live a healthy lifestyle. He and Dr. Ayesha Sherzai synthesized this lifestyle into what theyve coined the NEURO method for brain health:

They say these five steps, along with not smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption, are proven to improve brain health and reduce the risk of dementia, in part by reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Best of all? The NEURO plan is free, and its something everyone can apply, Dr. Sherzai says.

The brain is nourished by nearly 400 miles of arteries and capillaries and continuously needs energy, even while you sleep. (In fact, although it weighs just 3 pounds, or roughly 2 percent of your total body weight, your brain consumes roughly 20 percent of the calories you consume.) The brains outsized dependence on your cardiovascular system means its even more susceptible to toxins and environmental assaults than the rest of your body, Dr. Dean Sherzai says. And damage to arteries appears to age the brain. Fatty, sugary foods damage the lining of vessels, so it damages the neurons fed by those capillaries, he explains. Eating healthy fats and slow-releasing complex carbs, on the other hand, supports arterial health, which helps build the connections between neurons to keep your brain running at full power.

There is no one-size-fits-all brain diet, although Dr. Sherzai says the Mediterranean and MIND diets are good examples of healthy, brain-healthy eating plans. Whatever you call it, at its core its plant-based, says Dr. Sherzaii.e., rich in fruits, grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which help stave off free radical damage; they also provide much of the B12, choline, and protein your brain needs to do its job without having to take a supplement. And by focusing on fresh, whole foods, youll reduce your intake of processed foods and nutrients like saturated fat and sugar that can harm brain health.

Study after study suggests exercise supports brain health. Physical activity not only increases blood flow to the brain (which builds brain volume and clears out the arteries), but its also been shown to increase a chemical in the brain called BDNF, which Dr. Dean Sherzai calls a fertilizer for neurons. It increases the connections between neurons, which is a main factor of cognitive growth, he says.

Exercise doesnt have to mean back-to-back digital HIIT classes in your living room; research has found that simply walking reduces the risk of dementia. One 25-minute brisk walk increases the very structure of brain and blood supply, Dr. Dean Sherzai says. Ideally, try to do some form of moderate exercise like walking for at least 30 minutes, five times per weekand supplement that by getting up and moving throughout the day.

Stress can be good for you, helping you to accomplish goals and move forward in life. But the wrong kind of stress creates a metabolic storm in the pituitary gland, says Dr. Sherzai, releasing a storm of chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline that impact your thyroid, insulin levels, immune system, and brain health. By age 60 all your systems are overwhelmed, he explains. Chronic stress affects the body more than we can imagine.

Its important to identify the persistent, negative stressors in your life (like a job that you hate or a toxic personal relationship), then delegate, reduce, or eliminate them. Engineer your life toward the parts you like, he says. And bone up on stress-reducing techniques to practice regularly. And while mindfulness meditation isnt a magic cure, Dr. Dean Sherzai says it can help you to feel calmer and more focused, which ultimately supports brain health. Whether its yoga or breathing exercises, find time to practice mindfulness and de-stress every day.

Sleep is massively important for brain health, says Dr. Dean Sherzai. When we sleep, our brains consolidate memories and clean out waste accumulated throughout the day. Its important to get a full seven to eight hours per night involving cycles of deep sleep. The best spa you can have is a planned sleep environment, with no noise or light, he says.

How can you sleep better? Try to avoid eating for one-and-a-half to two hours before bedtimeespecially high-energy sugary or fatty foods. Digestion gets slower with age, and it will run into and interfere sleep, Dr. Dean Sherzai says. The brain likes reliable patterns, so try going to bed around the same time every night to prime it for sleep. Avoid your phone, TV, and computers for 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime if possible, since blue light turns on the circadian part of brain that wakes you up. And try this cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) hack if you cant fall or stay asleep: Write your worries on a sheet of paper by your bed as they come to you. After a couple of months, your brain disassociates worry from sleep, he says.

Learning is possibly the most important strategy to battle cognitive decline, but when people retire, theyre less mentally active, says Dr. Dean Sherzai. From the nun study to the London taxi driver study, tons of research shows that challenging the brain protects brain health. Your brain needs purpose-driven challenge. [Without it], the brain goes down significantly in size, he says. Each neuron can make a couple or as many as 30,000 connections. As we get older they fry
away, which is why you need to challenge your brain. That level of protection cant be fathomed by a vitamin concoction.

Try to keep your mind challenged at a high levellearn a new language, pick up a hobby like chess, or play a musical instrument. Set a specific, measurable, time-bound goals, like learning to learn to play Hey Jude on the guitar in the next month. Your brain will thank you for it.

More:
The NEURO method is the neurologist-approved way to protect brain health - Well+Good

Buddha might have taught about dieting hundreds of years ago. Raised in luxury, the young prince Siddhartha had a taste of decadence before he lived as a wandering ascetic, starving himself nearly to death. The insights of food restrictions Buddha gleaned from his quest can be enlightening for the modern dieter.

And you dont have to be Buddhist to try it. All you need is a clock, an open mind, and the willingness to endure it.

Deepika Wadhwa, a practitioner of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism says, During his lifetime, the Buddha concentrated on defining the basic principles or premises according to which people should live and left it to his adherents to consider exactly how these principles were to be carried out. The principle of oneness of mind and body teaches that a healthy body can only be achieved if the mind is kept strong and vice versa. Hence, a strong belief in leading a healthy lifestyle is as important as incorporating healthy foods and exercise in ones life. Eating at the right time and in right quantity is the Buddhist way of healthy nourishment.

Like many religions, Buddhism has food restrictions and traditions and is based on three dietary aspects- vegetarianism, alcohol restriction and fasting. Buddhist philosophy condemns any killing as every being has right to live. Manish Khatri, a follower of Buddhism says, Dietics, under the Buddhist tradition, is based on the principle of non harming. One of the moral percept in the Buddhist noble eight fold path is right conduct, which puts an onus on Buddhist adherents to refrain from harming or killing any living form. Thus, any individual who is treading the Buddhist path, a vegan diet is a must.

Read: Boost your immunity with a healthy diet, say experts

The mindful eating of Buddhist monks include green food only. Gurdev Singh, Shaolin Kung Fu disciple says, Once I asked my Shifu in Shaolin about the reason we were fed with only greens. He gave me an example of a lion who just eats flesh and an elephant who feeds on green vegetation. He said, A lion can fight for up to 3 hours continuously but gets tired soon. However, an elephant can fight continuously for 20 hours. Hence, green food has more power than flesh. Scientifically proven, a 100g non veg has less protein than 100g green food and it takes longer to digest. Thats why Buddhist people follow a green diet to keep their internal energy activated and immune system strong.

The Buddhist diet involves avoiding onions, garlic, fatty oil and poultry products. Trishant Srivastava, a a folower of Buddhism says, Its basically a kind of keto diet without any food high in calories. Some monks eat meat but only if its not sacrificed for them. In our diet plan we eat only at noon or night because earlier during the 5th century, monks or bhikshu could only go outside during that time. He adds, Another ethical teaching of Buddhism prohibits alcohol because it clouds the mind and lead you to break religious rules.

Read: Proper diet, sleep can treat asymptomatic patients

For those planning to switch to Buddhist dietary habits during lockdown, Nidhi Shukla Pandey, diet and nutrition consultant lists some benefits of it.

1. Buddhist principles believe in intermittent fasting as a practice of self-control. They abstain from food and drinks from noon until the dawn of the following day. This resembles the intermittent diet plan, which has been popular among health-conscious people. You may find fasting convenient and helpful for weight loss, if thats a goal of yours.

2. They eat their meals early which you should also try because it boosts metabolism and helps detox your body.

3. Avoiding food items like onion, chives, garlic, etc. is good because they aggravate the digestive system. It also calms the mind and body and Buddhists are strong believer of meditation.

5. They practice mindful eating which means whenever you eat you focus only on your plate because when you put your heart and soul into the food - it starts acting like a medicine. According to modern nutrition science, if you are distracted from your food, it would impact the digestive process adversely.

6. A Buddhist diet follows a primarily plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and beans which provides important compounds, such as antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and fibre and also benefit your waistline.

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More:
Is the Buddhist Diet the calm we need right now? - Hindustan Times

Maintaining a healthy mind and body is the key to finding balance as an entrepreneur. In order to achieve success, one must lead a healthy lifestyle.

There are different tactics for how to be successful in life, but the strategy that works best for you may depend on your view of success itself.

Roy Tabet, a successful entrepreneur from Lebanon says that success starts within.

A healthy mind and body will lead to a successful life. I believe we all perceive success differently. We each form different paths and the only true way to be successful is to accept yourself, know what youre capable of, and know when and how to push yourself, he says.

Roy Tabet is one of the prominent members of his family business where his contributions are the acquisition of new clients, public relations and upholding brand image.

Apart from being an excellent businessman, Roy is also a philanthropist and has been associated with various non-profit organisations since the past few years.He has been selflessly contributing a part of his earnings to various fields like education, healthcare, animal conservation, and many more.

Being an ardent traveller has also helped Roy in understanding various aspects of life. He says, Ive travelled a lot. I can say for sure that each and every trip has taught me something and has helped shape me.

Roy not only travels for leisure but also for work and philanthropic activities in various remote areas across the globe.

Roy was born in Beirut and spent the first 8 years of his life in the UAE. He is a graduate from the International University of Monaco with a Bachelors in Business Administration.

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Roy Tabet believes healthy mind and body lead to successful life - The Statesman

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I asked Anurag to ponder over where it all went wrong. There is always a moment in life we can point to and say that s where it all changed. For him, it was not one but two phone calls in a span of one week that changed the course of his life. The first was from his mentor, calling to congratulate him for bagging a much-anticipated promotion. He recalled that was a day of great joy and achievement for him. And, he wanted to share this special moment with his girlfriend. However, when he called her to convey the news of his achievement, the reaction was rather tepid to his surprise. Anurag said he would often have altercations with her and most of it had to do with his inability to spend enough time with her. However, he didnt pay much attention to her complaints until he got a call one dayand that was the second phone call that changed his life.

While he was still on a high, celebrating his success at work, his girlfriend decided to call off their relationship after having felt hugely neglected for days. This was a big jolt for Anurag as she was someone Anurag had dreamt of having a future with. The lady in question, however, felt his professional success would take him further away from her. And fearing that things would get worse, she decided to call it off.

Also Read: Africa has a new health care crisis obesity

And so began an all-new journey for Anurag Sinha. A journey that entailed gaining 30 kilos, spending unending hours at work over copious cups of tea and coffee and bidding adieu to the healthy lifestyle that he once followed so diligently. To make matters worse, after work, Anurag would stay up nights watching television and binge eat to kill the void in his life. He took to smoking as well. The laptop/computer and the mobile phone were the elixir for killing his empty hours.

His sleep patterns began altering. So, a man who would sleep at 12:00 am and wake up at 5:00 in the morning, was now sleeping at 3:00 am or 4:00 am and waking up at about 9:00 am, barely in time for office. even though he was still getting his 5 hours of sleep, his sleep would be disturbed and he would be getting up in the morning feeling groggy. Tiredness upon waking is a usual symptom for people who do not have a comfortable and sound sleep. The hours were getting erratic too. On some days he would sleep for about 4 hours, on other days he would sleep for even 12 hours. The break-up indeed brought a lot of changes in his life.

Someone rightly said, a broken heart can make you do a lot of things stare at the stars, binge on ice-creams, fight with best friends, cry endlessly and much more. You may think this can never happen to you, and be unprepared with the coping mechanisms. But, for all you may know, you probably have tried multiple methods to heal the pain already but are unaware of it. And in Anurags case, what followed should not be surprising for most of us. Anurag spent all his day at work, closeted in meetings and conference calls. He started eating, breathing and talking work. Did he actually eat anything? If you count occasional cheese slices, bread pakoras, snacks and sandwiches as food, then, yes, he ate.

Also Read: Heres how technology can help us end the scourge of modern slavery

Is this the life of a corporate slave? What happened to the daily jogging, I found myself asking him one day. I remember him smirking and saying, that ritual had been replaced by a treadmill that was now gathering dust in one corner of the house. The lack of physical activity, the non-existent social life, the emptiness without a partner and someone to care and share with, the erratic sleeping pattern and the monotonous work life had left him sapped of all energy. Mental exhaustion seeped into everything he did. The disregard for personal hygiene, the indifference towards his living conditions and the growing forgetfulness that now de ned his life went unnoticed by Anurag.

Six years after joining the company, an annual health check-up brought him back to reality. Most organisations provide a comprehensive annual health check-up to their employees. One of the major reasons for this is the growing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome and even cancer. Employee wellness programmes are gaining more importance as research increasingly shows how employee wellness adds to the growth of a company and vice versa. For instance, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) conducted a study in 2010 that suggested smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse play a large role in workplace absenteeism. Employee wellness programmes can help curb this absenteeism.

Studies by Indian Council for Research on International economic Relations (ICRIER) and Capital Line estimate that preventative healthcare costs a company about 0.28 per cent of its total income every year. On the other hand, lifestyle diseases can cost a company about 3.83 per cent of its total income. Therefore, the need for having policies that encourage annual health check-ups for employees.

Coming back to Anurag, the results from the annual health check-up made him sit up and take notice. The scale showed Anurag weighed about 107 kilos, his blood pressure had skyrocketed due to his obesity and this disconnect with his self had brought his confidence level down. No wonder so many of his subordinates/ colleagues disliked him now. How can anybody respect and like you if you do not like yourself?

The epiphany drove him to seek help to find the cause of all his problems and a way out. Though referred by another person, he soon realised how much help he seriously needed. He told himself, it was still not too late. And, that is what this book is trying to teach all of us. It is all about a process of self-realisation which causes the cascade of change to begin within. Sometimes it may happen organically when a sudden setback in health makes us realise that we need to pay attention and sometimes a concerned spouse, friend or co-worker may drag us into that process of self-realisation.

This excerpt from Stress Diaries: From the eyes of a Therapist by Rachna Khanna Singh has been published with permission from Bloomsbury India.

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Working all day and 107 kg. A health check-up was a wake-up call for this corporate slave - ThePrint

A new report from the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) peels back the curtain on just how much the nations preeminent public health institutions have pivoted to controlling lifestyle choices over preventing infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

CEI Senior Fellow Michelle Minton found that a vast majority of congressional funding allotted to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) went towards reinforcing public behavior while only a fraction of the agency budgets were targeted towards fighting emerging pathogens that have given rise to the public health pandemic today.

Of the roughly $7 billion granted to the CDC in 2019, just less than half went to infectious disease efforts where most went to fight existing viruses. More than $600 million focused on animal-related diseases, only a third of which was directed towards emerging threats. In other words, CDC resources for rising pathogens such as the novel Wuhan coronavirus, which is supposed to strike at the core of the CDCs mission, received far less concern than hyping a moral panic around vaping.

As its original name, the Communicable Disease Center implies, the initial purpose of the CDC was to assist the states in the control of infectious disease, Minton wrote, noting that it came to be from efforts to combat malaria. Since its creation in 1946 Minton wrote, he CDCs focus has expanded to include conditions and diseases not caused by the spread of dangerous pathogens, but by lifestyle factors such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

The FDA meanwhile, is no less guilty. With a broader role to play in protecting the nations public health, the agencys role in perpetuating healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet and proper nutrition is far more justifiable. Alas, its aggressive action propelling hysteria surrounding electronic cigarettes led by former administrator Scott Gottlieb remains far off from the FDAs goals or public interest and is killing smokers. Electronic cigarette use is the single most effective form of smoking cessation offering a lifeline to those trapped under addiction to combustible cigarettes which is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

A strong case can be made for the value of spending taxpayer funds to monitor and minimize non-infectious health threats, Minton made clear. Not only can this investment materially benefit the health of the public, but surveillance could result in better resource allocation, while research could increase the effectiveness of government policies.

Minton points out however, that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) already spends much of its $40 billion budget on nearly all of the non-infectious disease projects taken up by the CDC.

By now its been well-established that the governments initial response to the pandemic has been a disaster. While the FDA was conducting raids on e-cigarette manufacturers, the nation sat vulnerable to a pandemic. Testing capacity was woefully inadequate and the federal agencies actively prevented states and universities from pursuing tests of their own. To make matters worse, initial tests by the CDC didnt work, and the public was mislead on whether preventative measures like masks would work to slow the spread.

Read more:
New Report Unveils The Extent To Which CDC And FDA Lost Focus - The Federalist

[Opinion column written by Agathe Holowatinc]

Its summertime!

That means boat parties, raft ups, weddings and other celebrations, evenings out, live music and amazing DJs, beach parties, pool parties, and more! If you know me, I love to dance and to celebrate important occasions, and I feel that life is truly meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

However, for a lot of people, this brings up the question of alcohol. In fact, this time of year the most frequent questions I get asked are about alcohol. For instance, if you want to have the occasional alcoholic drink, should you stick to soda water based at all times?

So, heres my post to you with my recommendations, and Ive brought in a guest nutrition coach to also share her thoughts and tips.

Guests first, lets dive into what Kristin Peterson has to say on the topic of drinks:

Tips From Nutrition Coach Kristin Peterson

Such a big topic for one little post, but also such a big factor for some in their fat loss journeys.

When we drink, our bodies recognize alcohol as a toxin and, like any other toxin, turns its full attention towards processing it as quickly as possible to get rid of it. When this happens, our bodies actually stop or slow other vital processes, including metabolising our food. So, on top of adding calories in itself [even low-calorie drinks are typically around 100 cal/glass], it means that the calories you have already eaten arent being processed in the way they should be. For someone trying to lose body fat, this can really stall or stop progress [or reverse progress!] if its not being consciously managed.

Full disclosure: I drink. This pic was taken on my last day in the office back in March, as I transitioned to WFH. I love a glass of wine, but it is something I actively manage in order to enjoy it without derailing my own goals.

Tips [to mix and match depending on your goals and lifestyle]

Thank you to Kristin Peterson for these helpful tips! You can follow her Instagram at @kpnutritionbda.

My Recommendations

My highest recommendation is to stick to non-alcoholic beverages, like a juice [a clean one without sugar] with sparkling water, a Mojito without alcohol [my fave! especially when made with honey instead of sugar and syrups see photo below], sparkling water with fruit in it, or even a pina colada without alcohol [depends on what they make it with though! Best made at home with real, whole food ingredients, instead of sugary syrups!].

That way, youre hydrating your body and nourishing your cells, while enjoying a chilled beverage in a social situation.

And my biggest recommendation: bring the fun with you in your personality instead of inside a cup!

I would 100% avoid or greatly limit sodas like ginger beer, coke, sprite, etc.

If youre really into having an alcoholic beverage, the healthiest thing to do would be to stick to wine, beer or champagne. Three- servings tops, to keep it somewhat healthy, and remember to take water or something non-alcoholic in-between servings so that you stay hydrated and clear out those toxins efficiently!

I love Kristins tips about alternating drinks with water, and you can even ask the bartender to make your drinks half actual drink and half sparkling water, so that at 2 drinks, youre actually at 1 alcoholic beverage, and at 6, youre actually at 3.

However, even with 3 servings, its not healthy to enjoy that many every single day! I would say that maybe twice or three times a week max for alcohol intake. Max. And if you are currently taking any medications, be sure to check that drinking does not interfere with the effectiveness or cause negative side effects.

There are also new products out there that are lower in alcohol and even organic and using healthier ingredients that can be purchased in Bermuda at Miles or Lindos; for instance, Seedlip or social sparkling wine.

Seedlip: Seedlip is the worlds first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, solving the ever-growing dilemma of what to drink when youre not drinking. It is based on the distilled non-alcoholic remedies from The Art of Distillation written in 1651, and now repurposed to pioneer a new category of drinks. Seedlip is sugar-free and sweetener-free.

We carefully source and select herbs, spices, peels and barks, working closely with growers and fellow farmers including our own farm to find the very best ingredients that our master distiller can work with. Seedlip takes six weeks to make & involves bespoke maceration, copper pot distillation, blending & filtration for each individual ingredient.

It is then blended and bottled in England. We are transparent about our ingredients, but as we are the first people to make distilled non-alcoholic spirits, we cant share all the details of our methods!

It comes in three flavours but I have not tried them yet; it may be something to check out. It meets a lot of my criteria for what I would drink. You can find it at Miles. Here is their FAQ. As always, be careful to not mix it with sugar-laden juices or pop.

SOCIAL claims to be the cleanest alcohol available, organic, sulfite-free, low in calories, as noted on their website: SOCIAL is one of the most innovative and fastest growing alcohol brands today and were here to help you live your best life! While other canned wines contain an average of 150 calories, 10g of sugar, and 9g of carbs in a 12oz. can, SOCIAL scores big at only 88 calories, 1g of sugar, and 4 carbs.

Plus were the only USDA certified organic canned wine on the market and our alcohol is from fermented brown rice instead of sugar. Compare us to the other guys and see why were the cleanest and tastiest choice! The % alcohol seems to run at about 4%.

Another new item is called White Claw Hard Seltzer by Made Pure but it has sugar, natural flavours and runs at about 5% alcohol. The highlight is that its just 100 calories a serving. This is not something I would select though, even though its mostly sparkling water.

If you must have spirits, well, I am 100% not in favour of that for anyones health. That said, it is a bit better to have a spirit with soda water instead of a mix of sugary juices or soda pops, yes [to answer the question sent to me that I posted above].

However, alcohol is a toxin nonetheless, even when taken with sparkling water, spiking blood sugar levels, hijacking your metabolism, dehydrating your skin, wreaking havoc on brain function and health, harming the liver and affecting other systems in the body negatively. Again, if you choose to have spirits, then I recommend 2 to 3 max, with healthy, nourishing, hydrating beverages in-between servings.

Too much alcohol also really kills body composition goals, messes with hormones, negatively affects sleep, deflates peoples motivation to exercise, it causes people to eat foods that are super bad for the body and make decisions otherwise that are not healthy overall [impaired driving, unsafe sexual health practices, etc.].

I always just try to bring the fun with me to the beach, boat or party by checking in with myself and getting my physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health to a high vibration before I head out to be with others; there are lots of activities that enable us to do that.

When To Check In With Yourself

If you feel the pull to drink too frequently, contact me and Ill send you a self-assessment for alcohol usage to determine if you should maybe slow it down or cut it out entirely. No obligation to sign up for my nutrition coaching sessions or anything. Its my gift to you.

Also, if you find youre too stressed with life overall and feel you need to drink, its time to reassess your life overall career, family, relationships, home environment, purpose, spirituality, physical activity, nutrition, etc, for where toxicity exists and/or you feel massively undernourished or completely over stressed.

You may be in a state of what is known as adrenal fatigue. Contact me for a free consultation to see if I can hel
p you make positive changes towards wholeness and happiness without the use of substances like alcohol. Bonus: Im writing about combating adrenal fatigue in my next email look out for that.

I can also assist if youre thinking of going off alcohol and want to do a nutritional detox or liver cleanse to rev your body systems up to where they havent been in a while.

Interesting Video: Things That Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol For A Month

This is a fun video, super easy to watch, I found it a few days ago and its hardly scientific but very accurate nonetheless. An easy watch, it offers some food for thought, including how you increase your net worth when you quit drinking and you have an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Final Thought

Remember: Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle Jules Robson

Hope this helpful feel free to forward this message to someone you care about.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

- Agathe Holowatinc is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, co-founder and director at FUELLED Bermuda Ltd., published author, health food private chef and health industry entrepreneur. She is a passionate advocate of real food, holistic approaches to health and communicating big ideas in a simple way. Visit fuelledlife.com or call or WhatsApp on 532-0426.

Opinion columns reflect the views of the writer, and not those of Bernews Ltd. To submit an Opinion Column/Letter to the Editor, please email info@bernews.com. Bernews welcomes submissions, and while there are no length restrictions, all columns must be signed by the writers real name.

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Column: What's A Healthy Drink Limit & Type - Bernews

Healthy eating is a bedrock of healthy living. It can help people maintain a healthy weight, ward off diseases and boost energy.

Could a healthy-eating habit reach a point where it's an unhealthy obsession?

Experts are increasingly looking at a disorder known as orthorexia, or an obsession with healthy eating, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

It's not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders, but experts say it's becoming more common. Orthorexia starts out as a focus on healthy eating, but morphs into an unhealthy fixation on food quality.

The focus on food quality sets orthorexia apart from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, which tend to have more of a focus on quantity of food consumed.

While it begins as a healthy trend, those with orthorexia can become so restrictive in their choice of food that it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and lowered quality of life.

People with orthorexia can get frustrated when their eating plan is thwarted, feel guilt and self-loathing when they go off their strict schedule, and spend a significant amount of time planning meals and researching food.

Watch for these warning signs of orthorexia:

Social media and the "clean eating" trend can push people toward orthorexia. It's a difficult-to-diagnose disorder, as those with it appear to be living a healthy lifestyle. Some with orthorexia focus on eating only organic foods. Some eliminate all sugar, fat and salt. Often the person eats an increasingly restrictive diet.

A combination of therapy and education can help people recover from orthorexia.

Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is known throughout the Chicago area for its comprehensive eating disorder services, which provide group therapy, individual/family therapy, nutrition education and exercise counseling to help individuals address complex psychological issues while treating physical and dietary needs. For more information, visit http://www.EEHealth.org/services/behavioral-health.

For updates on COVID-19, check EEHealth.org/coronavirus.

More here:
When healthy eating becomes unhealthy: orthorexia - Patch.com

The key to living longer could be to eat a healthy, balanced diet - including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day - as well as regular exercise. But you could boost your life expectancy by avoiding red or processed meats, it's been claimed.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a well-rounded diet is crucial to prolonging your lifespan.

You could also boost your lifespan by doing regular exercise. Its the miracle cure weve all been waiting for, according to the NHS.

Making some small diet or lifestyle changes could help to increase your life expectancy and avoid an early death.

One of the easiest ways to lower your chances of an early death, and bowel cancer, is to avoid red or processed meats, it's been revealed.

READ MORE: How to live longer - the supplement that could help boost your life expectancy

People that regularly eat the meats are more likely to develop bowel cancer, said dietitian Juliette Kellow and nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer.

Everyone should avoid processed meats altogether, while limiting themselves to just 500g of red meat each week, they said.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed in the UK.

Most cases arise from polyp growths in the bowel, and around 40,000 new cases are diagnosed every year in the UK.

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The digestive tract is designed to extract all the goodness from our diet, they said in their book, Eat Better Live Longer - Understand What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy.

Each part of the gut is functionally different and responds better to certain foods.

Fibre-rich foods and probiotics promote gut health, while refined foods are linked to disease.

Limit red meat to no more than 500g a week and avoid processed meat altogether. Both are linked to a higher risk of bowel cancer. Processed meat has also been shown to increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Meanwhile, you could also lower your risk of bowel cancer by eating more nuts, added the nutritionists.

Everyone should aim to eat a single serving of nuts every day - about the equivalent to around 28g.

They contain minerals, phytochemical and essential fats that keep the heart healthy and protect against bowel cancer.

Its hugely important to speak to a doctor if youre worried about the signs or symptoms of bowel cancer.

Regular exercise is a crucial aspect to improving overall health, and helping you to live longer.

People that do regular exercise are up to 50 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and some cancers, said the NHS.

It may even slash the chances of coronary heart disease and stroke by up to 35 percent.

All UK adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

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How to live longer - the dinner 'you should avoid' to protect against an early death - Express

Keeping a healthy BMI, maintaining your exercise and not drinking too much can give you more than 70 years disease-free and healthy, the study found.

NEW ORLEANS With Covid-19 a major player in the health care arena immune modulation, diagnostic testing, comorbidities (concurrent health issues), social distancing, masks, gloves, and so forth the controlling factor to a best outcome is to develop a healthy lifestyle.

JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Internal Medicine published in April 2020 an original investigation Association of Healthy Lifestyle with Years Lived Without Major Chronic Diseases which sought to estimate the association between a healthy lifestyle and the number of disease-free years.

It was determined that four basic lifestyle characteristics smoking status, body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), physical activity level, and alcohol consumption would be compared to the number of years between 40 to 75, without chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In order to assess the disease impact on healthy years, the study evaluation included 116,043 people from a multicohort European population (Working Populations Consortium), who had a mean age of 43.7 years - with 70,911 women (61.1%) represented in the sample.

Participants were included in the analyses, if they were free from the 6 chronic diseases at baseline and had information available on sex, age, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors (weight, height, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption), and follow-up for chronic diseases. Study baseline ranged from August 7, 1991, to May 31, 2006, and data analysis was conducted from May 22, 2018, to January 21, 2020, as noted in the study methods.

A scoring system was established based on recognized standards. Heres how the parameters were established - directly taken from the JAMA paper.

BMI: < 25 optimal, 25-25.9 intermediate, and > or = to 30 poor; smoking: never optimal, former smoker, intermediate, and current smoker, poor; leisure-time physical activity: meeting world health organization recommendations of > 2,5 hours of moderate weekly activity or > 1.25 hours of vigorous weekly activity was optimal, activity between optimal and poor was intermediate, while no or very little moderate /vigorous leisure-time physical activity was labelled as poor.

As for total, weekly alcohol consumption (1 drink = 10 grams of ethanol), 1 to 14 (women) or 1 to 21 (men) weekly drinks was classified as optimal, no alcohol was intermediate, while > than or = to 15 drinks for women and 22 for men was poor.

The researchers then, computed an overall healthy lifestyle score by aggregating responses for the 4 individual lifestyle factors: optimal (2 points), intermediate (1 point), or poor (0 points). This scale resulted in a healthy lifestyle score ranging from 0 (lowest healthy score, highest risk) to 8 (highest healthy score, lowest risk).

It was determined that, all of the 4 lifestyle profiles that were associated with the highest number of disease-free years included a body-mass index less than 25, and at least 2 of the following factors: never smoking, physical activity, and moderate alcohol consumption. Participants with 1 of these lifestyle profiles reached age 70.3 to 71.4 years disease free, depending on the profile and sex.

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After selling his text-to-speech technology to Amazon, the American giant moved its business to Poland. ukasz Osowski/Amazon

People change the world in many different ways.

Some do it through politics and rhetoric, others use their art to inspire others, while some keep their head down, work hard and create something that makes the lives of hundreds of millions around the world a bit easier.

It took six years to be recognized for their Text to Speech technology to be recognised as an industry leader and in 2011 the company changed their name from IVO software to IVONA, the name of the voice used in their software.Press materials

ukasz Osowski falls into the latter category. He is a humble man and blushes at the notion, but his hard work and innovation has not only affected the daily life of millions around the world but led Amazon to be Polands largest American employer, creating over 15,000 jobs.

He told TFN: As a teenager I was a fan of Space Odyssey 2000 and other sci-fi movies which have computers who speak with a nice, natural style. I first became interested in AI (artificial intelligence) and neural networks while studying at Gdansk University of Technology. That developed into applying neural networks in speech recognition and finally evolved into applying neural networks and other AI algorithms into Text to Speech software.

The technology was first used by Amazon in their Kindle tablets but soon Alexa emerged and now the software is a key part of over 100 million devices used around the world.Press materials

Born in Starogard Gdanski a small town about 50 km south of Gdansk, Osowskis first job after graduating in 2000 was with a large Polish media organization where he grew his department from zero to seven people within a year. He developed his first commercial TTS software which worked as an add-on to an internet browser. But he knew he wanted his own company and after gaining experience he established, IVO software, with two friends.

The 42-year-old said: While I was in my fourth year at university I did a psychological assessment test, the results showed I was a good candidate to run my own business. After gaining experience I established my own firm with two friends, Artur and Micha. We had no money and worked long days, desperate to succeed.

Alexa is the voice assistant from Amazon that evolved out of IVONA.Press materials

Due to the lack of funds at the beginning, one of the trio left to gain a steadier income. ukasz Osowski and Micha Kaszczuk stayed the course, working long days, in the belief that they could deliver something revolutionary. The duo had a steep learning curve when it came to running a business though, Kaszczuk had joined the company straight from university and while Osowski had managed a team before, he had the luxury of working in a large company with a departments to take care of the duties he now had to do himself.

These early challenges required a lot of discipline. It meant we had to learn new things, put ourselves in difficult, uncomfortable situations but it was a great challenge and we learnt a lot. Early in business it is very important to be frugal, to understand your budget and stick to it. A penny saved is a penny earned, he said.

The duo embraced the challenge, regularly working 12 hour days and even outside the office, while socializing their conversations always ended up back about IVO software.

For his new venture, Vika Life, Osowski has diligently assembled a team of experts in their field and with the help of these doctors and professors will create a free app that lets people know what changes they can make to enjoy more healthy years of life.Vika Life

We had a steep learning curve at the beginning. We had to learn everything about the market, management, business development, finding funds and this was all on top of the technical side of the software. This was our biggest challenge though, we wanted to build the best text to speech technology in the world. It took us six years to finally be recognized as the best Text to Speech technology provider but we did this and it was confirmed during the Blizzard Challenge when we beat industry giants Microsoft and IBM, as well as some of the most prestigious technology universities from around the world."

The company won the Blizzard Challenge in 2006, 2007 and 2009. In 2011 the company changed their name from IVO software to IVONA, the name of the voice used in their software. The voice is not a recording of a person but completely computer generated. This is also true of Alexa, the voice assistant from Amazon that evolved out of IVONA.

Osowski said: The decision to sell was one of the hardest decisions of my life. There were other offers, as well, but there were many factors to consider. In the end I am delighted with how things turned out. Micha and I went onto work for Amazon for over two years and created an Amazon Development Centre in Gdansk. Now some of the greatest innovations that happen at Amazon start in Poland.

Vika Lifes first product is a COVID-19 death risk calculator. It is a very simple tool that shows users how likely users are to die from the virus based on their age and pre-existing health conditions.Vika Life

The technology was first used by Amazon in their Kindle tablets but soon Alexa emerged and now the software is a key part of over 100 million devices used around the world. The smart speakers that are popular in the US and UK, with Alexa, help the owners play music hands free, order things online and find information about things such as the weather forecast and the latest news headlines.

Working for Amazon was an amazing experience. The work culture was very similar to what we had developed at IVONA, the culture we built at IVONA was, to a great extent, the basis for the Alexa team but obviously there were a lot more staff. Each day I had the opportunity to work with some of the best minds from around the world and of course, it was a great challenge to develop the voice assistant in new product category for me.

Osowski and Kaszczuk both left Amazon after a few years. They had achieved the goal they had set out to accomplish and went beyond that. After buying IVONA, Amazon started to invest in Poland. First they built a development centre, one of very few they have outside the United States and since then they have opened seven logistic centres, employing over 15,000 staff in the country and supporting many other local businesses such as logistic firms. Amazon is now the largest American employer in Poland. This is a great source of pride for Osowski but he is especially pleased about the development centre in Gdansk as it still produces some of the greatest innovation that occur at Amazon.

Osowski saw early success when in 2013 he received the Gold Cross of Merit from the then President of Poland, Bronisaw Komorowski.ukasz Osowski

After I left Amazon I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family. I have five kids now, two girls and three boys between three and twelve years old. These are important years and having the ability to be around them more, help teach them and watch them grow is a real pleasure. I also like to sail, Michal too, so we spent some time in Gdansk bay on our dinghies.

It was during these four years that Osowski had a chance to experience all the things he had missed out on. He didnt need to work twelve hours a day anymore, he was financially comfortable and able to put life into perspective.

It was when I had time to reflect, think about what is really important in life that I started to think more about health and well-being. There isnt much point having material things if you cant enjoy them because of bad health. In fact, you dont need the items that advertisers want to sell you but your health you do need. I put together a remarkable team
of experts to help people around the world out. Our goal is one million extra years of healthy life.

A keen sailor, Osowski says health and well-being are his new targets: There isnt much point having material things if you cant enjoy them because of bad health.ukasz Osowski

Despite being tight-lipped about his new project Osowski revealed a few key details exclusively to TFN. Osowski has diligently assembled a team of experts in their field and with the help of these doctors and professors will create a free app that lets people know what changes they can make to enjoy more healthy years of life. His co-founders, Tomasz Noinski has previously worked for Google and Dr. Piotr Wisniewski, an experience physician, researcher and teacher at the Medical University of Gdansk, feel that modern medicine places too little emphasis on prevention and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Vika Life have just released their first product, a COVID-19 death risk calculator. It is a very simple tool that shows users how likely users are to die from the virus based on their age and pre-existing health conditions.

The COVID-19 death risk calculator was only released last week and already over 200,000 people have used it, half of these are from abroad. It is not the goal of our new app. The app will be focused on helping people enjoy more healthy years of living. Healthy years of living are in decline in parts of the developed world and simple lifestyle changes can reverse that. The app will be released and accessible to all, you wont need to buy anything to use it and improve your health.

The Polish version of the Vika app will be available this summer with an update for a variety of languages coming before autumn. Osowski has already had a big impact on the daily lives of millions, his new app could ensure that those people can live healthier for longer.

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The Gdask man who brought US giant Amazon to Poland - The First News

Published June 3, 2020 by Mark Chandler

Fitness guru Joe Wicks is leaving Bluebird for HarperCollins, signing a multi-book deal for adult lifestyle and children's titles with the publisher.

Fitness guru Joe Wicks is leaving Bluebird for HarperCollins, signing a multi-book deal for adult lifestyle and children's titles with the publisher.

HQ executive publisher Lisa Milton and HarperCollins Children's Books executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtaghsnapped up world rights from Bev James at Bev James Media Limited.

The deal kicks off in 2021 with new lifestyle books published by HQ and a range of childrens titles including picture books and activity books for young readers published by HarperCollins Childrens Books.

Wicks said: I cant wait to start developing new adult books with HarperCollins and to create childrens books for the first time. Im on a mission to get the world fitter, stronger, healthier and happier. Books play a crucial part in that.

James added: With the HarperCollins teams, Joe has found his new publishing home. With their expertise and his talent, Joe can cement his position as a leading international lifestyle brand and launch his own range of childrens books.

Wicks has been a publishing phenomenon since his debut Lean in 15 was released by Carole Tonkinson's Bluebird in 2015, going on to become the second bestselling Food & Drink title of all time at 1.37 million copies sold. In total, he has racked up sales of 3.2 million books for for 27.9m, up to 21st March through Nielsen BookScan. His most recent hit, Wean in 15 (Bluebird), went to number one in May, scoring Wicks his 18th week at the top.

The body coach's star has ascended even further during lockdown thanks to the success of his online PE lessons for pupils stuck at home and, often, their parents. In April, the Mirror reported he had been offered 1m by publishers for a range of children's books, though figures in his new deal havenot been confirmed.

Milton said: I couldnt be more delighted that Joe is joining us at HQ for his adult publishing. Ive been a massive fan since before he published his first book. He has already transformed the nation showing us how to lead a healthy lifestyle, and now hes leading the next generation. I cant wait to join him on his journey as he becomes a global star.

Joe radiates positivity and passion in everything he does and is a great inspiration for children, added Murtagh. His daily PE lessons have connected with families across the nation and I am thrilled that he has chosen us to launch his childrens books. I look forward to bringing Joes zest and energy to the childrens book world.

Bluebird publisher Carole Tonkinson, who launched Wicks' book career, said: "Joe is a legend and we wish him all the best. It has been such an adventure working with him at Bluebird. It started in 2015 with the hugely successfulLean in 15, which has now sold over 1.3 million copies, and over the course of eight books we have collaborated to establish Joe as the UKs foremost lifestyle coach. It is wonderful to be celebrating the current success ofWean in 15 - one of four Bluebird titles in this week's top 5 manuals chart. We are looking forward enormously to publishing Joe's next two books, out in December 2020 and June 2021, and to continuing his mission to help people adopt healthy habits."

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Joe Wicks moves to HarperCollins in adult and children's book deal - The Bookseller

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can be brought under control if you commit to a healthy lifestyle. That's because the primary threat posed by type 2 diabetes - high blood sugar levels, is kept at bay by healthy living. Diet holds the key to regulating blood sugar levels and certain rules must be followed.

As the NHS explains, there's nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you'll have to limit certain foods.

The main culprits to cut down on are starchy items, such as bread, pasta, rice, couscous, potatoes, breakfast cereals.

The reason for this is that starchy foods have a high carbohydrate content.

Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose relatively quickly and therefore has a more pronounced effect on blood sugar levels than either fat or protein.

READ MORE:Type 2 diabetes: Having an extreme sensitivity to this hot beverage is a lesser known sign

One particular non-starchy vegetable that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels is broccoli.

According to a study published in Science Translational Medicine, broccoli contains an ingredient that can help those with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar level.

A chemical found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and sprouts called sulforaphane is thought to be responsible for the blood sugar-lowering effect.

To identify the suitable compound, researchers used computer models to identify gene expression changes linked with type 2 diabetes, and then sift through thousands of chemicals that might reverse these changes.

The study found participants who took the equivalent of around five kilograms (11 pounds) of broccoli daily saw a reduction in their blood sugar levels of about 10 percent.

According to the study researchers, that reduction is sufficient to reduce complications in the eyes, kidneys and blood.

The finding is not surprising.

According to Diabetes.co.uk: "Vegetables are one of the most powerful defences against complications and a plentiful intake of non-starchy vegetables is highly recommended for all people with diabetes."

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Type 2 diabetes: The best leafy green vegetable to reduce blood sugar levels revealed - Express

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Published: May 15, 2020 5:30:59 pm The two-month lockdown has forced us to stay indoors and learn to live with limited resources. (Source: Milind Soman/Instagram)

The lockdown has forced most of us to stay indoors, altering our daily schedules, but also giving us an opportunity to spend quality time with our families. Doing just that was Milind Soman who was seen enjoying a terrace picnic with mother Usha Soman, and wife Ankita Konwar.

The family spent an evening on their terrace with delicious homemade food. Sharing a selfie of the trio, Milind wrote: Celebrated Mothers Day on the terrace. Everything homemade! Jaggery and ginger tea and cashew cookies by Ankita and sandwiches (including the mayonnaise) made by me! Banana walnut bread by Usha Soman a little terrace picnic.

It is no secret that the model-turned-actor promotes a healthy lifestyle, so the picnic fare also comprised a balanced palate. Brown bread sandwiches with homemade mayonnaise, banana walnut bread, ginger and jaggery tea and cashew cookies.

If you too wish to make banana bread, heres a recipe for you.

Ingredients

4 Bananas1 tbsp Baking powder1/2 tsp Baking soda1 1/2 cup Wheat flourAlmonds (roughly chopped)1 pinch Salt1 tsp Vanilla essence1/2 cup Sugar

Method

* Take the bananas and mash them until they become a thick paste. To it, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence and 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix it well.

* Keep the bowl aside.

* Take a fresh bowl and pour 1.5 cup wheat flour and add all the dry ingredients like baking soda, baking powder. Mix well, and at the end add 2 tablespoons of roughly chopped almonds for a nutty flavour.

* Mix all the dry and wet ingredients. Now grease the cake tin with butter and pour the batter. Level it with a spatula and gently tap it so there are no air bubbles.

* Top it off with grated almond flakes (optional).

* Then, in a pressure cooker that is pre-heated, place the tin and cook it for 40-50 minutes while it releases the pressure naturally.

* Once in a while, insert a knife inside the cake to see if it is cooked or not. If the knife comes out clean, turn off the stove and allow the cake to cool down.

* Transfer it to a plate and serve with a freshly brewed coffee or tea.

What are you baking this lockdown?

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Milind Soman enjoys terrace picnic with family; check out the menu here - The Indian Express

The key to living longer could be to eat a healthy, balanced diet - including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day - as well as regular exercise. But you could boost your life expectancy by regularly eating turmeric, it's been claimed.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a well-rounded diet is crucial to prolonging your lifespan.

You could also boost your lifespan by doing regular exercise. Its the miracle cure weve all been waiting for, according to the NHS.

Making some small diet or lifestyle changes could help to increase your life expectancy and avoid an early death.

Adding more turmeric to your diet could protect against some types of cancer, experts revealed.

READ MORE: How to live longer - the best drink for boosting your life expectancy

"Several spices have been linked to protecting against cancer, including ginger and black pepper.

"But the strongest evidence so far is for turmeric. Several lab-based studies show that curcumin in turmeric seems to be able to kill cancer cels, particularly in the breast, bowel, stomach and skin, plus it even seems to prevent more from growing.

Eating turmeric could also help to protect against dementia, they added.

Curcumin may prevent plaques forming in the brain, which are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimers disease.

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How to live longer - the spice you should add to your shopping list to prevent early death - Express

Weight loss can be a daunting journey for many and some may find that they are not losing as much weight as they should be. Many people find themselves mindlessly snacking because of certain emotions or situations like boredom. However an expert has revealed some snacking tips that people should be mindful of when they are trying to achieve weight loss.

Nutrition expert Dr Michael Mosley told theExpress.co.uk: At the heart of weight gain is the hormone, insulin. One of the main reasons why so many people struggle to lose weight is not because they are idle or greedy but because their muscles have become resistant to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. It controls your blood sugar levels, but it does far more than that. It also controls fat storage.

When you eat a meal, particularly one that is rich in sugary carbs, your insulin levels go up.

Also another reason why many people are not seeing weight loss results as quick as they wish to is because regular snacking builds up your calorie intake.

READ MORE:Top tips to lose weight by improving your digestive system

People often find themselves snacking without thinking because of certain emotions or situations like boredom.

Dr Mosely added: When you eat a bit too much and do too little exercise, fat builds up inside your muscles. This is why we strongly encourage people to also increase their activity levels alongside the diet and move more, as this will enhance the improvement in blood sugar levels.

He explains that there are a number of low calorie foods that can be used to increase your overall food volume.

It is also possible to find low calorie snacks (between 50-100 calories a serving) which means you can supplement your three small meals with a couple of extra snacks if you need something to keep you going throughout the day.

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Here are some low fat snacks that could help you last from meal to meal.

Miso soup

Dr Mosely said: At 21 calories a serving, miso soup is very nutritious, warming, tasty and comforting. It is a great way to fill up between meals. It is also very convenient to pop a sachet into a work bag - as all you need to do is add boiling water.

Chopped vegetable sticks

The nutrition expert explains how vegetable sticks are a great option to snack on.

He says: There are so many varieties to opt for too - so you could vary your snacks to avoid boredom. Try slices of a tricolour of peppers; carrot batons; celery sticks; or florets of cauliflower, and because they are fibrous too, they will make you feel fuller between meals.

Berries

Dr Mosely explains how a serving of 100g of blueberries comes in at around 57 calories but can satisfy a sweet craving.

They are also a superfood and have many health benefits like being high in antioxidants.

Nuts

Dr Mosely said: Nuts are a great source of protein and fibre. However, I would advise avoiding salted or sweetened nuts, which can be moreish. 2 almonds equals 28 calories while 7 walnut halves equal 90 calories.

Staying hydrated is really important when trying to lose weight, it will not only keep you hydrated but can also keep hunger at bay.

Dr Mosely also recommends brushing your teeth as soon as you have had your last meal of the day. He says it will help you keep away from all the snacks and it indicates that it is the end of the day.

When trying to achieve weight loss, many people often do it through a diet.

Dr Micheal Mosely founded the healthy lifestyle plan known as The Fast 800. There are three different lifestyle plans which he recommends trying to achieve weight loss.

The first way is known as The Very Fast 800. This involves eating 800 calories a day for a minimum of two weeks.

However it is important to consult a doctor or dietician before undertaking any major diet as everyones body is different and requires a different amount of calories. It may not be healthy for your body to have a sudden decrease in calorie intake so quickly.

One way is the 5:2 diet. This is known as intermittent fasting. For two days a week, you can eat 800 calories, these are known as fasting days. For the other five, you can eat what you wish, sticking to a healthy balanced diet.

One is the Way of Life. This involves eating a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. This doesnt involve calorie counting, just portion control. Portion control will help reduce your daily calorie intake while still eating the same foods.

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Expert reveals surprising snacking tips to fuel weight loss - Express

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Published: May 9, 2020 11:08:26 pm A handful of nuts are known to be beneficial for health. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Even while following a healthy lifestyle, snacking is something we Indians find hard to resist. But unhealthy snacking can lead to weight gain and lifestyle diseases in the long run. Almonds can be of help here. Instead of buying unwholesome or fried snacks, opt for almonds, as they are a healthier choice. They are light and easy to carry and go well with almost all Indian spices. Their nutrient-rich profile makes them an apt choice for any kind of snacking, whether its between meals, while travelling for leisure or work, watching television, midnight munching or even after a workout.

The lockdown has enabled people to step into their kitchen and fulfill their cravings in different ways. From baking cakes, to preparing momos to homemade paani puri, Dalgona coffee or the latest chapatti-pizza, people are truly experimenting these days. While we relish these yummy dishes, and continue to try our hand at newer recipes, its easy to get swayed and lose sight of ones health.

As most of us continue to stay home, and practice social distancing, its important to pay attention to our family, our lifestyle and diet. One of the easiest ways to make our diet better is by simply adding a handful of almonds to it every day.

Should you consume soaked almonds or raw almonds?

People often wonder whether to consume almonds soaked overnight or raw. The answer is easy eat them as you please. Soaked or raw almonds are both rich in nutrients. I usually recommend that soaked almonds be given to the elderly, as soaking makes the almonds easier to chew. However, if you wish to eat almonds, with the skin, thats fine too since it provides fibre, which is beneficial for the gut, suggests Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant.

We share some other benefits of almonds which will encourage you to add them to your diet, right away.

Weight management

To keep your hunger at bay between meals, add almonds to your daily diet. They are rich in plant-based protein, which keep one satiated. Also a good source of dietary fibre, which helps to facilitate proper digestion. Both these elements are important for managing weight. As per a recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who consumed 43 grams of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds every day experienced reduced hunger and improved dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated (good) fat intake without increasing body weight, explains Krishnaswamy.

Managing blood sugar

For people who have Type 2 diabetes, almonds can be a good addition. According to a study published in the Journal of Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, daily consumption of almonds may significantly reduce haemoglobin A1C, a clinical marker that indicates an improvement in blood glucose levels over time. The study also suggested that including almonds as part of a healthy diet may help improve glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors.

Skin health

Our skin health is largely determined by a number of factors the lifestyle we follow, the food we eat and the constant change in the environment. These factors might lead to various skin problems including acne, premature ageing and skin pigmentation. Cosmetics help to mask some of the skin problems but they are short-lived solutions, and maintaining a healthy skin requires a daily intake of foods that are nutrient-rich.

Maintaining heart health

For Indians who are prone to heart-related problems, almonds can be a welcome inclusion. Studies among the Indian population suggest that almonds can be beneficial in helping to manage heart disease risk factors. According to a recent systematic review that examined a variety of studies that were done in the past on almonds and blood lipid levels eating almonds regularly resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol, harmful LDL-cholesterol or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while helping to maintain beneficial HDL-cholesterol or good cholesterol levels, informs Krishnaswamy.

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This dry fruit is a healthy munching snack - The Indian Express

Were all working harder to make ourselves healthy these days, but with mixed messages out there about how to stay in peak condition. So how can we be sure that were doing the right things to keep well? Almost every week there seems to be a new trend emerging and different products are hitting the headlines regularly claiming to be the cure for all ills. So, it isnt too surprising that some people view CBD oil as just another fad. Yet, could it be something more? Could it really be the key to a healthy lifestyle?

CBD oil claims to offer a host of benefits. From improving training performance and maintaining focus, to combating inflammation. So, should we all be considering using it? Here, we take a closer look at why so many people are becoming convinced that full spectrum CBD oil is the way forward to be happy and healthy.

There are many misconceptions about CBD oil. All-too-often, people mistake it for cannabis. However, they arent the same thing at all. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, but it wont make you high. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the two major components of cannabis. It is the other main component, THC, that produces the high. CBD oil has little or no THC content and therefore wont produce any unwanted psychoactive effects. It is also non-addictive, and so it can be safely taken by anybody without any negative effects on their mental capacity.

The endocannabinoid system (or ECS) is a major component of any healthy body. The ECS is a neural network that is present through the bodys peripheral and central nervous systems with receptors spread through the body. These receptors are vital in controlling the regulation of most bodily functions. CBD is known to stimulate the endocannabinoid system and to positively interact with its receptors. This helps regulate appetite, manage pain and boost the immune system, among other benefits.

Apart from the other benefits that CBD oil offers, its also a rich source of minerals and vitals that are key in maintaining good health. These include:

CBD oil also offers a host of benefits for people who are working out and participating in serious athletic training. CBD is known to improve the environment needed to regenerate cells and aid a speedy recovery. The tissues and cells that function best, especially muscle, are those that are subject to minimal oxidative stress. Since CBD oil can reduce oxidative stress, its useful in detoxifying and energizing the cells and preparing the body to work out before an exercise session. As a nootropic, it also helps to boost cognition and focus, and after a workout, it aids cell regeneration when the muscles have broken down.

Inflammation in the body is a major problem, causing soreness and pain in the muscles and joints. CBD oil is known to be an anti-inflammatory, so it can help to reduce discomfort and pain, especially in those suffering from long-term painful conditions like arthritis.

Another known benefit of CBD oil is its anxiolytic properties. More people than ever before are suffering from mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. By taking CBD oil regularly, its possible to overcome these problems and to live a happier and healthier life.

If youre looking for a way to improve your overall health and well-being, you should certainly consider adding a CBD oil supplement into your life. Whether youre suffering from chronic pain, anxiety or want to boost your workout recovery, it could be just what you need to improve your lifestyle.

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Is CBD Oil The Key To A Healthy Lifestyle? - Longevity LIVE

There is still a whole lot we dont know about this novel coronavirus and the havoc its wreaking on the world. But we do know a few important things about COVID-19 that warrant our immediate attention well, almost immediate. First, lets review some recent history.

The last time we witnessed rampant deaths from a microscopic foe, it was AIDS. But it wasnt always AIDS. In 1981, the disease was called GRID gay-related immune deficiency. The Center for Disease Control then called it the 4H disease, because it targeted homosexuals, heroin users, hemophiliacs, and Haitians.

The epidemic was dismissed by large swaths of America as a gay disease. Some saw the devastation as retribution for what they considered unacceptable lifestyle choices. Thankfully, those moral judgements did not hinder the scientific work.

In September, 1982, CDC settled on the term AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The precursor to AIDS was not identified until 1983 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Once scientists could separate the virus (HIV) from the disease (AIDS), strategies to keep them apart began. Today, an HIV-positive person can lead a long and healthy life.

How can lessons learned in the 1980s help us today? Were facing a good news, bad news scenario. Good news: it didnt take scientists and medical professionals over two years to begin identifying precursors to COVID-19. The bad news is those precursors are correlated to lifestyle choices that society has not marginalized. AIDS struck them. COVID-19 targets us.

As of this week, Oregon has suffered 101 deaths attributed to COVID-19. One hundred all but one victims had identified pre-existing conditions. Italys National Health Institute previously analyzed that nations fatalities and determined that less than one percent of its victims had no serious chronic health conditions.

Pre-existing conditions are being exploited by the virus is ways that should terrify us.

Those with lung disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or hypertension are less likely to recover when COVID-19 strikes. Health officials have added old age to that list, but age itself may not be a factor, apart from this list of chronic conditions. More factors may be added to this list, but the point is already clear.

COVID-19 is attacking our lifestyle choices.

Charles Eisenstein summarized our dilemma this way: Americans, beset by obesity, diabetes and other chronic ailments, are at least as vulnerable as Italians. Should we blame the virus then (which kills few otherwise healthy people), or shall we blame underlying poor health? Millions of people in the modern world are in a precarious state of health, just waiting for something that would normally be trivial to send them over the edge.

Our societys inequities are being laid bare. Healthy lifestyle choices come more easily for many. Its tougher when you live in a food desert, playgrounds are not safe and you need two jobs to pay the rent.

Once scientists understood that HIV causes AIDS, they could chemically block that progression. We dont have a similar strategy yet. Until we do, COVID-19 will hunt for smokers, drinkers, snackers, hurriers and worriers.

Don Kahle (fridays@dksez.com) writes a column each Friday for The Register-Guard and blogs at http://www.dksez.com.

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Don Kahle: Corona conditions - Opinion - The Register-Guard

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Published: May 9, 2020 9:09:03 pm Here are some important facts to keep in mind that can help boost ones immunity. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock Images)

Many moms are now motivated to stay healthy for themselves to set a good example for their little ones. So if you are a mother working to become healthier, you are setting a great example to your family. Considering the lockdown, embark on a healthy lifestyle with some home exercises, preferably in the morning. Regular physical activity helps build muscle strength, balance and flexibility while also helping manage stress better.

While physical activity is important, the intake of nutritious food is equally necessary for overall well-being. It is recommended that we incorporate superfoods, which are considered a nutrient powerhouse providing large quantities of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins for small amounts consumed. These foods contain bioactive compounds that confer immense health benefits.

Here are some important facts to keep in mind that can help boost ones immunity:

Balance your plate

A balanced plate includes whole grains (whole wheat, unpolished rice, ragi) whole pulses and dals, vegetables, fruits, dairy and fluids. We cannot rely on any single food item for immune boosting. It is always a combination of foods that translate into a mix of required nutrients. The Indian thali, which is a combination of all food groups, is a perfect example of this.

Eat your protein

Protein is an essential building block of the immune system. Without enough content in the body, your immune system may not function as efficiently as expected. Protein can be obtained from different food items like all dals, whole pulses, egg, meat, milk and its products, nuts, etc. These food items can ensure that the body gets adequate protein, says Anushka Baindur, Senior Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore. Non-vegetarian foods naturally have complete protein in them. But even vegetarians can get complete proteins by combining cereals and pulses like rice and dal.

Get your micros

Micronutrients include vitamins and essential minerals. They play a major role in keeping the immune system in top shape. Vitamins ranging from A to E and minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium etc, all play an important key role. So, ensure to pile up your plate with a good amount and variety of vegetables. One can also consume fruit, nuts and seeds, eggs as a regular snack which will help to fill the gaps between meals, explains Baindur. You should also get 20-40 minutes of sunlight exposure regularly which will enable your body to produce Vitamin D (without breaking the current lockdown rules).

Strengthen your gut

Your gut forms a barrier for unwanted guests that can invade your body. For this, a good amount of fibre and probiotics is important. Fibre is present in vegetables like green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole cereals that include wheat, brown rice, ragi, bajra, whole pulses and lentils like green moong, whole masoor, horse gram, channa, rajma. Probiotics are foods that contain live good bacteria which can help keep the bad ones at bay. One can also consume natural probiotics that are homemade, like curd, buttermilk or even organic honey.

Superfood Virgin Coconut Oil

Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil (VCNO) is recommended for its myriad health benefits. It is obtained from the fresh and matured kernel of the coconut by mechanical or natural means, cold-pressed and non-refined. It is a rich source of naturally occurring Lauric acid and contains Vitamin E which helps to improve body immunity along with many other health benefits. Several studies show a positive association between virgin coconut oil consumption and how it helps in supporting people affected with Alzheimers. It also benefits breastfeeding mothers as the MCTs found in the oil are similar to the fats found in breast milk and have a similar nutraceutical effect. It is recommended to include two teaspoons of virgin coconut oil in the diet every day to maintain a healthy and holistic lifestyle, explains nutritionist Sheryl Salis.

The importance of folate or Vitamin B9 in women

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is another nutrient many women dont get enough of in their diets. Folate lowers the risk of heart diseases and certain types of cancer. It is also an essential nutrient for women of child-bearing age to reduce the chance of neurological birth defects. Mint, spinach, Bengal gram, black gram, green gram, red gram, gingelly seeds, soya bean are good sources of folate.

As you celebrate Mothers Day during lockdown, focus on personal health as a mothers health ultimately impacts her familys well-being.

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Is your mother getting her essential nutrients? Check here - The Indian Express

Dear Harriette: My son is 6 years old, and he recently started calling me by my first name. I am old-fashioned: I want him to call me Mommy. Its like one day he woke up and realized my name isnt actually Mommy, and he went around the house chanting it. The more I protest, the more he says my name. What should I do? I want to teach him to have good manners. When I was growing up, I would have gotten a spanking for calling my mother by her first name. I am not sure how to handle this. A Name

Dear A Name: Rather than fighting with your 6-year-old, give him a bit to claim your name. He is learning. It may be a source of fascination to him that his mother has a name other than Mommy. If you stop reacting so much and trying to control him, he will likely calm down all by himself.

When his fascination subsides, you may want to let him know when it is smart to use your proper name. I learned this the hard way when my daughter was about your sons age. She had somehow gotten outside when I was in the doctors office. The door self-locked, and she was calling out, Mommy! Mommy! Since I was certain that my child was playing in the waiting room, I didnt really hear her cries. The building manager rescued her, so all ended up well. What I realized is that in case of emergency, it is much better for a child to call out the mothers name rather than Mommy because every mothers name is Mommy. At that moment, my young daughter learned when to use what name. I hope you never have such a scare, but it is wise to tell your children that in time of need, call out your real name.

Dear Harriette: My friend, Jeff, was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He is single and apparently has not been taking good care of himself. Some other friends and I agreed that we are going to help him get healthy by taking turns making food for him. We all live nearby. I wish we could also teach him how to cook, but now that we have social distancing, it seems like an impossible task. What do you recommend? Healthy Tips

Dear Healthy Tips: Its wonderful that you and your friends are prepared to help Jeff get healthy. It will mean a lot to him, at least during these early days of learning to eat differently, if others are providing him with food. But you are right: In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, he needs to learn to do it for himself.

Consider teaching him to cook with Zoom classes. You can be in your kitchen, and he can be in his. You can read the ingredients with him and go step-by-step through the recipes. You can make dishes together, virtually, while maintaining a healthy distance. The bonus is that it should be fun!

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

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Sense and Sensitivity: Son calls mother by her first name - Eureka Times-Standard