The Energy Drink Blog

The chance of suffering from an ischemic stroke can be reduced by consuming vegetables, research shows. An ischemic stroke can occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Symptoms including temporary paralysis can last from a few seconds to a few hours. This is the most common type of stroke that affects the population. 

Recent research has shown that diets rich in folate, or folic acid as it is otherwise known as, is an essential component in reducing the chance of stroke. Part of the B vitamin complex, folic acid is required for cardiovascular health as well as prenatal health. Folic acid is abundant in vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, beans and beets.

Compared with those people in the study who did not eat as many vegetables, those who had diets rich in vegetables were able to lower their risk by as much as 26 percent!   This research shows that eating healthy is the first line of defense in disease prevention.

Since many people are always on the go, they may feel as though it is hard to get the required vegetables in their diet. To supplement active lifestyles, consider adding a diet pill that contains B vitamins in the ingredients. Other non-vegetable sources of B vitamins that are similar to those found in vegetables are energy drinks.  Energy drinks that do not disrupt sleep at night nor cause a major energy crash after a spurt of energy can also be a convenient source of stroke fighting vitamins.

Other than diets rich in vitamins, diets that are rounded out with low fat dairy and lean protein are an excellent way to prevent stroke. Rather than bacon and eggs for breakfast, blending together a whey protein shake.  This is also a delicious way to achieve better health.

More than $50 billion a year is spent on bottled water. With this surge in popularity in recent years, it has left many to question the benefits of the drink. We all know that no form of life can be sustained without water. It is recommended that those who are trying to lose weight cut out other beverages and drink more water, but when it comes to bottled water are consumers getting what they are paying for? (more…)

Green tea was first discovered in China centuries ago and recognized for its disease fighting and immune strengthening properties due to the high amount of antioxidants it holds. Recent studies have shown that by consuming green tea each day you can drastically reduce the risk of several health issues.

One of the benefits of drinking green tea is that it reduces the risk of various cancers such as stomach, skin, breast, or prostate cancer because of antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. Polyphenols helps to neutralize free radicals that cause damage to cells and tissues which lead to cancer.

Green tea provides heart protection and prevents heart disease because it relaxes blood vessels and inhibits the formation of blood clots. It also improves cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL, which is bad cholesterol and increasing HDL which is the good cholesterol.

In various studies, phytoestrogens have been found in green tea leaves. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that can improve bone mass in individuals who are at risk of developing osteoporosis, especially women going through menopause. Drinking green tea can increase bone density and build strong bones.

Another common reason why people drink green tea is because of the weight loss benefits it holds. Studies show drinking green tea regularly can boost metabolism, reduce overall body fat, and help control appetite. It’s also a great way to stay energized throughout the day because of the natural caffeine it contains. Green tea contains about 14-37mg of caffeine per serving which is still much less than coffee and other caffeinated beverages. It provides a natural boost of energy for the body without hard crash like effects from high amounts of caffeine. Those that suffer from diabetes can benefit as well because it contains hypoglycemic agents that boost blood sugar metabolism more effectively and stabilize glucose levels in the body.

There are over 450 organic compounds found in green tea containing minerals, proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. By drinking 3 or more cups a day you can improve your health, prevent various diseases and slow the aging process significantly.

There are some people who believe that diet and exercise is the only way to lose weight. However, there are people who do not engage in regular exercise and they are able to slim down on diet alone. It’s important to understand that regular exercise has many health benefits aside from weight-loss alone.  But if you are unable to make it part of your daily routine, you can still achieve weight-loss through proper diet.

The quality of food you consume is very important when trying to shed excess weight. It’s nearly impossible to lose weight on a high fat, high carb, and high calorie diet. In fact, eating this way will increase your waistline very rapidly. Eating healthy must always be a way of life and not a fad. Choosing whole foods and lean sources of protein will help you eat balanced and reduce the amount of preservatives and additives you consume.  Preservatives and additives pollute the liver making it much harder to process toxins. Ultimately this leads to weight gain as your liver becomes clogged and can’t break fat down effectively.

Dietary changes will aid in weight-loss but taking in excess fat and calories regardless of healthy food choices will not. In order to lose weight effectively you must restrict calorie consumption. A calorie is a calorie regardless of its source. If you are consuming a high calorie healthy diet you will still gain weight no matter what. Eating healthy will definitely have other health advantages versus eating poorly. In general subtracting 600-800 calories from the total amount your body requires each day will help you lose weight without exercise. Simply put, when you eat too many calories you gain weight, when you don’t eat enough you lose weight.

Avoid eating after 7:30 in the evening and consume all or most of your carbs during the day as they are burned off more effectively. Because your body begins to unwind at the end of the day so does your metabolism that’s why it’s crucial to restrict eating late in the evening.

Exercise is great for cardiovascular and bone health so completely eliminating it wouldn’t be wise. However, if you are unable to make time for it, it is possible to trim down and get healthy regardless. Just moving around during the day and doing things such as breathing, sleeping, digesting food, walking up stairs, or doing household chores are all forms of physical activity and will help burn calories.

Virtually everyone has suffered from a headache at one point or another. There are some that experience them frequently due to lifestyle factors such as high stress, poor diet, a decline in health, or lack of sleep. Whatever the cause, there may be a resolution for ending them once and for all. There are several types of headaches one can experience but generally categorized into four groups.

Tension headaches are generally brought on by stress and caused by tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, or jaw. They are usually the least offensive pain wise and generally go away in a short amount of time.

Migraine headaches are an unbearable type of pain that can make a person extremely sensitive to light and sound, or cause severe nausea. They can be debilitating and persist for more than a few hours. They are associated with high stress or hormonal changes and are more common in women than men.

Cluster headaches can mimic similar symptoms of a migraine but are considered to be more of a sudden piercing pain rather than a constant throbbing. Cluster headaches last as little as 15 minutes or up to 3 hours. They are extremely painful and generally persist in one area of the head. They are very much like clock work and often strike at the same time when they occur. Lack of sleep, poor diet, or too much alcohol can trigger these headaches.

Sinus headaches usually occur when the sinuses become congested and infected from an allergy attack or a cold. Common symptoms include pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead. Generally the symptoms of a sinus headache can be treated by medication for the sinus infection itself.

Although some people are affected on a regular basis by headaches there are easy solutions to help prevent the onset of one. For instance, one of the easiest ways to limit the occurrence of a headache is to simply get adequate sleep. Studies show that while you sleep the body releases specific hormones that support immunity and well being. Lack of sleep puts you at risk for unwanted pain and a decline in overall health.

Diet is another factor that should be addressed because consuming too much alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or sugar can trigger headaches. Staying properly hydrated is very important because the body is about 70 percent water and requires adequate fluid intake in order to keep all bodily functions working properly.  A headache can be the direct result of inadequate fluid consumption. Steer clear of certain preservatives or additives such as MSG which is a food additive commonly found in Chinese dishes. Artificial sweeteners such as splenda or aspartame should also be avoided as these are chemically altered sugars that are not digestible. The end result of consuming either is generally upset stomach or headaches as the body tries to process and eliminate them.

Chronic stress and anxiety can often trigger the onset of a headache. Engaging in calming activities such as meditating, hot baths, regular exercise, massages, or eliminating noisy activities can reduce regular episodes.

On rare occasions you should seek medical attention if you experience a headache that is out of the ordinary from trauma to the head, loss of consciousness, or if it comes on sudden and severe leaving you unable to function. For some people the use of over the counter pain relievers may sub side mild pain. The use of these pain relievers should be used on an occasional basis as they may cause stomach bleeding when ingested frequently.

Your metabolism is the key to burning fat and calories efficiently. As we age weight-loss can become difficult for a number of reasons but one of the most common reasons is due to a sluggish metabolism. Here are some changes you can make to help kick your fat burning furnace into high gear and keep it there.

Begin your day first thing in the morning with an intense workout of cardio.  It’s best to do this upon waking because you burn calories from stored body fat rather than calories consumed over the course of the day.  It’s also a great way to get energized for the day and keep your metabolism revved for hours.

Eat a healthy breakfast shortly after you workout but don’t eat a heavy meal. Choose sources of food that are high in fiber and protein as they will keep you satisfied longer and take longer to digest.

Eat small portions or snacks instead of sitting down to large meals. Eating frequently in smaller amounts is easier on the digestive system and prevents the stomach from being stretched. It also prevents binge eating later in the day.

Try to consume only complex carbohydrates such as slow cooked oatmeal, brown rice, or whole grain bread instead of refined starchy carbs. Complex carbs offer a high source of fiber and satisfy hunger longer because they take longer to digest. The key with consuming carbohydrates is to eat them earlier in the day when your metabolism is at its highest so they are easily converted to energy and burned off. This means that a couple servings during the day would be ok while omitting them at dinner would be a better option.

Proper elimination is very important when it comes to having a healthy metabolism. If you are not going to the bathroom daily you may want to think about doing a colon cleanse. By cleansing the body you are eliminating toxins and chemicals that can slow your metabolism down. This is also a great way to increase your energy naturally, and clear up your skin. It allows the liver to process waste more efficiently which can help boost metabolism and weight-loss.

Make sure you are drinking enough water everyday because it is required for just about every bodily function. Water is also important for proper elimination and helps with regularity by drawing fluid to the colon for waste removal.

Get adequate sleep each night and you will continue to burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that lack of sleep not only attributes to weight gain, but it also slows the metabolism down and inhibits the lack of growth hormone which is necessary for  rejuvenating the body and burning fat more effectively.

As we get older it becomes harder to lose weight for various reasons. Keep these healthy tips in mind and you can burn calories effectively at any age.

Do you find that you run out of energy at the same time everyday? You get a respectable 8 hours of sleep each night and you feel fairly rejuvenated when you wake up. So why is afternoon fatigue a problem then?  Well, your body functions very much like a clock, in the sense that your brain can train itself to wake up at the same time each day and feel worn out at the same time as well. By implementing some changes in your day, you can prolong exhaustion until you are ready to hit the pillow at night.

One of the most significant ways to put off afternoon fatigue is to eat a healthy breakfast when you wake up. Studies show that the hormone leptin decreases while you sleep which in turn increases appetite. After sleeping for 8 hours the body’s natural response is to feel an increase in appetite when you get up. When you eat breakfast leptin increases which turns the hunger switch off and turns your energy switch on. By eating breakfast, you are fueling your body as well as your brain. Skipping this important meal can lead to overeating later in the day and increase afternoon fatigue very quickly.

Switching your workout program to the a.m. may provide better energy benefits than later in the day. One of the best times to partake in physical activity is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Not only do you burn fat more effectively, but you keep your metabolism revved for hours when you finish. The energy that a good workout provides to the body is a natural way to increase vitality without the use of harsh stimulants. Early exercise also increases the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which enhance mood and motivation. These are 2 very important things to get through a long workday.

Natural sunlight is a great way to feel rejuvenated when your mind and body are run down. Working in a dark environment can trigger the body’s natural sleep response to begin earlier in the day. Take a break whenever you can and get out in natural daylight or get up from your work area and stretch for a few minutes. If you are given a lunch break each day, take it. Use this time to wake yourself up and get refreshed by moving around or getting outside and giving your brain a rest.

Lastly, try to get yourself into the habit of going to bed at the same time each night and your body will get itself into a natural rhythm. Lack of sleep is a sure way to feel completely wiped out the following day which may cause you to over do it on caffeine. If you are use to watching TV or doing any kind of stimulating activities in the bedroom, this may be a good time to curtail this tendency and designate the bedroom for sleep only. You may find it helpful to try a natural sleep aid if you have difficulty falling asleep. Supplementing melatonin can help support your body’s natural production of this sleep hormone and keep you sleeping soundly through the night.

Even though we call it heartburn, the true definition of this disease is actually an irritation to the esophagus due to the stomach producing too much acid.  Where the stomach meets the esophagus, there is a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter or for short the LES.  The job of this muscular valve is to open to let food into the stomach then close. When stomach acid is released into the stomach, often times this valve can become relaxed and open up and cause stomach acid to climb upward into the esophagus causing extreme pain, burning sensation and heart attack like symptoms.  Occasional heartburn is common in about 30% of the American population, however chronic heartburn should be treated because it usually means there is a serious underlying health condition.

There are several known causes for heartburn the most common ones include
overeating which causes the esophageal sphincter to relax and open allowing acid to climb upward.  Pressure on the stomach from pregnancy or obesity can cause this valve to relax.  Certain foods such chocolate, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, and a diet high in fat as well as smoking, and a stressful lifestyle can all contribute to the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn.  So if any of this applies to you and you are wondering how you can treat and cure this issue naturally once and for all, here’s what you can do.

First I would recommend making obvious changes such as proper diet, which means eating organic whole foods whenever possible, cutting out smoking, and doing whatever you can to reduce the amount of stress in your life.  These are all simple solutions that can wipe out heartburn symptoms for good.  However others may not be so fortunate and they may need a more aggressive approach of treatment.  Here are a few things you can do naturally and safely before you decide to go to your doctor. 

Getting in the habit of eating small meals or portions more frequently versus sitting down to three large meals is a great way to provide proper digestion for anyone.  Your digestive system can easily become stressed when large quantities of food are consumed at a fast rate.  This allows the LES to become relaxed very easily because there is too much pressure put on the stomach and large amounts of acid are required to digest bigger meals.  By eating less food you are able to keep acid production down and relieve your symptoms quicker.  Another solution is, try not to eat at least two hours before bed or before exercise so you can fully give your digestive system a chance to do its job.  If your symptoms are usually at night when you sleep prop your pillow up behind you so the acid doesn’t travel up the esophagus and drink a glass of cold water to dilute the acid in your stomach.  Another great solution is to eat crystallized ginger which you can buy at your health food store or drink ginger tea.  Ginger is very well known for aiding in proper digestion, neutralizing stomach acids, relieving upset stomach.  Another remedy for treating heartburn or acid reflux is to squeeze a fresh lemon into a cup and add 2 tbsp. of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar with 2 tbsp. of raw unpasteurized honey and drink before bedtime for 5 consecutive nights in a row.

Lastly, the most important thing to suggest is that by maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight you can decrease your chances of many health related issues and increase your overall wellbeing.  If your symptoms persist or they become worse always check with your health care provider.

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Arthritis can be one of the most debilitating diseases one can face.  It is considered to be an auto immune disease where it causes the body to attack its own tissue.  There are over 100 different forms of it but the two most common are Osteoarthritis which is inflammation of one or more joints or Rheumatoid arthritis which is also an inflammation in the body in response to an overactive immune system.  General symptoms of arthritis can be joint pain, stiffness, swelling, limited joint movement, and warmth to the area of pain.  Although some forms are too far advanced for alternative treatments, others can be managed by natural remedies.  Here are some of the top alternative treatments out there that can provide safe relief from pain without experiencing long term side effects from common conventional drugs.

·         Exercise is actually a great way to keep the pain at bay.  The more you keep your joints active the less likely they will become stiff.  Low impact exercising such as yoga, pilates, swimming, and fast walking are all great ways to provide proper mobility to your joints and reduce the symptoms commonly associated with arthritis.  It’s important to understand that if you are even slightly overweight even a few extra pounds can be too much for the joints to handle.

·         Diet is another factor that comes in to play with anyone suffering from this disease.  Too much bad fat in the diet especially the kind found in red meat or poultry can actually cause an inflammation response in the body.  Better choices would be to eat cold water fish such as wild Alaskan salmon or cod which contains a high content of omega-3 fatty acids.  This kind of fat in particular is extremely good for keeping joints lubricated and reducing inflammation.  Consuming fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, lemons, cantaloupe, spinach, and broccoli are good sources of vitamin-C and beta-carotene.  These are powerful antioxidants that reduce the inflammation response in the body and strengthen the immune system.  Always try to get at least 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

·         Supplements can be very helpful if you already live a healthy lifestyle and are still stricken with the pain of arthritis.  The top supplements found to be beneficial for treating inflammation and repairing damaged cartilage are Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg daily, Bromelain 1500mg daily, Ester-C 3000mg daily,  MSM 1000mg daily, Flaxseed oil or Fish oil 1000mg up to 3 times daily.  Most quality supplements can be found at your local health food store or Whole Foods.  One thing to remember when buying supplements is never to sacrifice quality for price.  There is a lot of truth to the saying “you get what you pay for”, so always choose high grade supplements that are pure and have no fillers or additives whenever possible. 

·         Water is a solution that can easily be overlooked when it comes to treating arthritis.  If you lead an unhealthy lifestyle then chances are your body is full of toxins and many of those toxins are stored in your joints which can create pain on a daily basis.  By drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day you can help to eliminate toxins built up in the joints by flushing them out of your system.

Living with arthritis can be very uncomfortable if not treated properly.  By doing your part and changing to a healthier lifestyle, you can manage your symptoms with these simple solutions.