Your Dot Name

Archive for November, 2010

Health and Nutrition are the most commonly used words today, almost becoming synonymous with our well being.

But are we really clear in our concepts about what really is a nutrient and how do they actually provide nutrition to our body??

Yes, nutrient is something which helps to nourish our body, gives us energy to carry out your daily activities and aids in proper growth and development of our body. And Nutrition is all about the study of food and how our bodies use food as fuel for growth and daily activities.

But what are they and how do they help us?

Nutrients are basically of two kinds-
a. The macronutrients, or “big” nutrients which include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
b. The micronutrients, or “little” nutrients which are the vitamins and minerals that we need to be healthy and to carry out important ant body functions.

Macronutrients

“Macro” means big, so the macronutrients are the big nutrients, better known as protein, fats and carbohydrates. Whatever we put in our mouth, except water and zero calorie foods, contain these nutrients, though in varying quantities. All of these macro nutrients are vital for the functioning of our bodies and are needed in appropriate amounts on a daily basis. Drastically reducing or skipping any of them is not recommended and is bound to lead to unhealthy conditions sooner or later.

1. Carbohydrates include sugar, starch and fiber and are the energy providing nutrients, needed to carry out daily activities of walking, sitting, eating, working and playing. The starches or complex carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes or pulses, low sugar fruits and vegetables) are longer chains of glucose molecules and hence take slightly longer duration to get broken down than the simple carbohydrates( maida, potatoes, white sugar). Since the digestive enzymes work harder to break the chains into glucose molecules (in case of complex carbohydrates), this slow digestion and subsequent absorption provides us with a steady supply of energy , controls quick blood sugar fluctuations and also limits the amount of sugar getting converted into fat and stored as adipose tissue. This is precisely the reason why intake of complex carbohydrates is a preferred choice over simple ones, especially for diabetics and weight watchers.

2. Proteins are large organic compounds (macro molecules) made up of amino acids which are joined together by peptide bonds. Proteins are necessary for building the tissues in your body including all of the muscles, organs, skin and the parts of the immune system. Proteins are integral part of most of our enzymes, hormones and even genes. The stored protein (especially those as muscles) may be used as a fuel, particularly in starvation condition to support life. Dietary sources of plant proteins include pulses(dals), nuts, soybean and animal protein include eggs, fish ,chicken ,milk and milk products.

3. Fats are chemically composed of fatty acids and glycerides and may be solid or liquid at room temperatures, depending on their structure and composition. Fats play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell functions, including those needed for normal brain and nerve functions. Fats act as source of fatty acids in the body and are needed to digest, absorb and transport vitamins (A, D, E and K) across body tissues. They also serve as energy stores and just like proteins, the extra fat (stored as adipose tissue) can be used as fuel for the body. Dietary sources of fats can be classified as saturated fats (those in egg yolk, red meats, cheese and butter) and unsaturated fats (vegetable oils, edible oils, nuts, seeds, etc).

Micronutrients

“Micro” means small so the micronutrients are the nutrients that we need in small amounts. These include the essential vitamins (grouped as water-soluble or fat-soluble depending on whether they can dissolve in fat or water) and minerals (major minerals and those required only in trace quantities) that we need every day.
Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the seven B-complex vitamins and fat-soluble ones include vitamins A, D, E and K .They are needed to maintain a state of growth and good health and any deficiency of these vitamins can result in poor health.
Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, potassium and sodium. These minerals are needed to maintain healthy bones, teeth, muscles and fluid balance in the body. The trace minerals are chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, selenium and zinc. Eating a healthy well balanced diet with optimum intake of fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, whole-grains, lean meats, chicken, fish and dairy products would provide us with all of the essential micronutrients. However, there are people who may need to take additional dietary supplements, such as during pregnancy or menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis or people with history of deficiencies. Always consult your physician and understand the needed dosages, before starting with any vitamin supplement.

Phytonutrients

“Phyto” refers to plants and as is evident are found only in plants and plant derived products. Most of these natural chemicals are found in the colorful skins and flesh of fruits and vegetables. Some of the best known phytochemicals are the carotenoids, such as beta carotene( carrots, pumpkin, spinach), lutein( dark leafy vegetables), lycopene(tomato) and zeaxanthin and flavonoids such as quercetin and anthocyanins ( straw berries, cherries, pine apple, mango, oranges).
Phyto nutrients are potent antioxidants that protect the cells in our bodies from free radical damage and fights infections. The exact requirement for each is yet not known, though it’s evident from extensive researches that they are available in ample amounts in fruits and vegetables, particularly the deep colored ones.

When you eat a food, you don’t eat just a carbohydrate, fat or protein. You eat a piece of apple or a bowl of soup or a plate of salads. Most of the foods you eat are made up of varying amounts of all of these nutrition components.

Good nutrition means getting the right balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, plus the required vitamins and minerals. Great nutrition means getting a lot of the phyto chemicals and antioxidants, too. The key is to eat everything in moderation and not label foods as good’ or bad foods.

The problems occur when you eat too many of one, or if the ingredients in the food are devoid of any nutrient (empty calories as in carbonated beverages)

Good Nutrition leads to Good Health

A well balanced diet will give our body the right amount of energy, enough raw materials and nutrients needed to stay healthy. Good nutrition will also provide phyto chemicals and antioxidants that will help keep us feeling young, looking great, and perhaps even disease-free. A lopsided mono diet, on the other hand will give you too many or too few calories, not enough vitamins and minerals, and will actually make you need more of the antioxidants that you aren’t getting.
Now that you have a better idea of why your body needs food, the next step is to learn more about a healthy pyramid to maintain a lifetime of good health.

Those who have taken their love for the discipline of yoga, and turned it into a profession, report a remarkably high level of job satisfaction. Whether you want to start your own business, or simply want to teach a few yoga classes per week, quality training is essential.

The number of yoga schools, and courses available, is staggering. It’s often confusing in trying to decide which one is the best. To get started on the road to yoga certification, it helps to understand how yoga instructors are certified.

In order to receive yoga certification, as an instructor, a prospective student completes a minimum of 200 hours of training. The 200 hours are divided between a number of areas. Much of the training focuses on the various techniques, positions, and principles, of yoga.

Several hours are also spent on aspects, such as the philosophy and history of yoga, anatomy and physiology, teaching methods, and ethics. Since different yoga schools often have a slightly different focus, flexibility is allowed – with several hours given to a more intense study of the school’s specialty.

One of the most important components of the training is the practicum aspect. Students must spend several hours observing, and training, in designing lesson plans for actual yoga schools/classes. Upon successful completion of 200 hours of training, the student is granted Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) status.

Students, who wish to pursue their study of yoga, and yoga teaching, can go on to complete another 300 hours of training. This level of training covers more intensive study of anatomy and physiology, and a deeper look at the different branches of yoga. It also includes a study of the yoga scriptures (such as the Bhagavad Gita). Additionally, it incorporates student teaching and observation of teaching methods in a yoga class setting.

There are myriads of other training courses offered for yoga instructors. However, not all of these courses lead to yoga certification. If you are thinking of taking a course, make sure you understand what your qualifications will be once you’ve completed the course.

Many courses offer a deeper study of a particular aspect, or branch, of yoga, such as Iyengar, Kundalini, Bikram, and others. These are valuable sources of information for those who are considering the path of yoga teacher certification, but desire to focus on one particular discipline.

Finding a yoga teacher training school, with a professional teacher trainer on the staff, is one way to ensure your success as a yoga instructor.

Sufficient water intake is needed by the body throughout the day, especially after a good workout. It makes sense, being that 70% of our body is comprised of water. Individual organs raise that estimate even higher, such as the brain which is approximately 80% water. If you are concerned about adding water weight, remember: water weight does not come from drinking water! Instead, omit soda, alcohol and other high calorie beverages from your diet.

Here’s a list of some great foods. Just adding a few of these to your shopping list is a hobby in itself!

Vegetables o Asparagus o Avocado o Broccoli o Brussels sprouts o Cabbage o Cauliflower o Celery o Collard greens o Cucumber o Eggplant o Garlic o Green beans o Green peas o Mushrooms o Olives o Onions o Parsley o Romaine lettuce o Spinach o Squash, summer o Squash, winter o Swiss chard o Tomato, fresh o Turnip Greens o Beets o Carrots o Potatoes o Yam Seafood o Cod o Halibut o Salmon o Scallops o Shrimp o Snapper o Tuna Fruits o Apple o Apricot o Banana o Blueberries o Cantaloupe o Cranberries o Fig o Grapefruit o Grapes o Kiwifruit o Lemon and Limes o Orange o Papaya o Pear o Pineapple o Plum o Prune o Raisins o Raspberries o Strawberries o Watermelon Low Fat Dairy o Cheese, low-fat o Cheese, soy o Egg Whites o Milk, soy o Yogurt, low-fat Beans & Legumes o Black beans o Dried peas o Garbanzo beans o Kidney beans o Lentils o Lima beans o Miso o Navy beans o Pinto beans o Soybeans o Tempeh o Tofu Nuts & Seeds o Almonds o Cashews o Flaxseeds o Olive oil o Peanuts o Pumpkin seeds o Sesame seeds o Sunflower seeds o Walnuts Grains o Barley o Buckwheat o Corn, yellow o Millet o Oats o Quinoa o Rice, brown o Rye o Spelt o Wheat Herbs & Spices o Basil o Black pepper o Cayenne pepper o Chili Pepper, dried o Cinnamon o Cloves o Coriander seeds o Dill weed o Ginger o Mustard seeds o Oregano o Peppermint leaves o Rosemary o Sage o Thyme o Turmeric Poultry & Meat o Beef, lean organic o Chicken Breast o Turkey Breast Sweeteners o Blackstrap molasses o Cane juice o Honey o Maple syrup Other o Green tea o Soy sauce

Diet Theories

Low Carbohydrate Diet: In the past decade, there has been a surge in low carb popularity. People on this diet avoid all foods containing carbohydrates, such as breads, pasta, potatoes, etc. Though it is helpful to keep carbs down, the amount should never fall below 70-80 grams per day. The human body needs the energy that carbohydrates provide in order to perform daily activities. The brain also requires a sufficient amount in order to function properly. For a person who exercises, they should consume even more grams of carbohydrates each day. Another concern is that people on this diet are told they can eat whatever else they choose. To make up for the lack of carb-rich foods, they might overcompensate by eating a 16oz steak. The levels of saturated fat and cholesterol are more dangerous in red meat than in whole wheat bread.

Vegetarian/Vegan Diet: Albert Einstein once said “Besides agreeing with the aims of vegetarianism for aesthetic and moral reasons, it is my view that a vegetarian manner of living by its purely physical effect on the human temperament would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind.” Higher levels of animal protein can result in mood swings, but studies show that protein found in vegetables (such as soy) has a less severe effect. Too much soy can be binding and disrupt the digestive track at work. Consuming soy in moderation is best. Eating products such as soy nuts, which are smaller in portion, are easier for stomach acids to break down. The benefits of increased fruit/vegetable intake can aid in weight loss, vitamin optimization and better hydration. In contrast, vegetarians tend to lack the B complex vitamins which can only be found in animal foods. Supplements can be taken, but B vitamins still come from animals. Some vegetarians (called Octo-ovo) may eat eggs and dairy, thus solving the B complex deficiency.

Low Fat Diet: For addressing cardiac health concerns, there is no better method than consuming low levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. The vegan diet is particularly useful here, but those who eat from animals should be aware of potential health concerns. Avoiding read meat is a plus. Ground beef prepared 90% lean can easily be found and excess fat can be sliced off. Eating chicken breast without the skin is also beneficial. Fish, such as salmon, contain less saturated fat and cholesterol, but also provides essential fatty acids that your body uses to function properly. Fats contain 9 calories per gram, which is the highest of the macronutrients.

Avoiding fast foods can be the most beneficial piece of advice you can give someone!

Allergy Diet: Many people suffer from various food allergies (i.e. lactose intolerance, migraines, etc). For some, the scent of peanuts from the other side of a room can result in an allergic reaction in the skin. Another person can eat chocolate and receive a horrific migraine. Others cannot eat dairy without the repercussions of stomach pain. Besides abstaining from these foods, there are methods such as the Rotational Diet, where vitamin C is increased along with the bioflavinoid quercetin. On the first day, the person is expected to fast and each following day, certain foods are added back into the diet; hence the process of elimination. Many people are unaware as to what they are allergic to, so this method truly helps.

FDA Food Pyramid: The Food and Drug Administration provides a 5 level triangle chart that lists all food groups and suggested daily portions. Where this guide is limited in nature (serving sizes tend to vary with each individual food company, making it hard to calculate correct portions), it is still the official government standard. At the bottom tier are the breads and grains (6-11 servings). The next level up consists of fruits/vegetables (3-5 servings for veg./2-4 fruit). Above this is meats and other proteins (2-3 servings). Fats and other “junk” foods cap off the pyramid at small quantities.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Your dog has certain nutritional needs to stay healthy. If its food does not give him all the nutrients he needs then nutritional supplements might be needed. But all dog food is not the same. Some are better than others. So if you find the one you have been using is lacking in the basic nutritional needs for your dog either switch food or give your dog nutritional supplements.

Various vitamins and minerals are often added to dog food. However, sometimes your dog might need something extra because of its age or health condition. In addition, you might just want to make sure your dog is getting what it needs for its overall health. You can find supplements in tablet, liquid or even disguised as treats.

Below are some important vitamins and minerals your dog should have:

Vitamin A is good for healthy hair and skin. It is also good for other parts of the dog’s body.

Vitamin D helps with good bone and nerve development. It is also good for the muscles.

Vitamin K is important for the blood to coagulate properly.

Vitamin E helps fats metabolize, production of hormones, and cell respiration.

Vitamin B complex is for maintaining energy production in the body.

Copper is needed for the cells, tissues and bones to form correctly.

Phosphorus and calcium both are needed for the blood, nerves, muscle functioning along with bone growth.

Glucosamine has been proven to help maintain the health of the joints.

Iron helps the red blood cells transport oxygen.

Iodine helps the thyroid function properly and the metabolism work right.

The above are just some of the vitamins and minerals your dog should have. You can see the importance of giving your dog all of these nutrients. You also need to examine what is in the food you are feeding your dog. Make sure that it is made of quality ingredients.

The dry food for dogs is normally made up of protein, fiber, moisture, and fat. As you read the labels it should say poultry or meat first on the ingredient list not by-products of them. You want whole meat not the leftovers of what we won’t eat such as the feet or beaks. Beef, chicken, lamb, or even turkey should be listed first.

Your dog’s total nutritional needs will depend on their age and size. Puppies will need more fat and protein than adult dogs. Pregnant dogs or dogs that are nursing will also need more fat and protein than ones that aren’t. Check with your veterinarian for the exact food amounts your dog should be eating each day.

Your dog’s health is in your hands and only you can insure your dog’s nutritional needs are provided each day. So know what the food that you are feeding your dog contains. Add vitamins and minerals to supplement if necessary. This will help your dog be healthy and energetic like he is meant to be. Your dog, remember is an important part of your family and like the rest of the family deserves to be taken care of properly.

Physical therapy websites are developed with the key intention to serve the physical therapy community and keep consumers and healthcare professionals connected to the physical therapy community. These sites are designed to provide useful and practical information for the awareness and advancements in this field. Overall, these websites provide useful links, general information, promotional information and exercises.

A number of informative articles are available on physical therapy websites, covering a wide range of related topics such as pediatrics, acute rehab, neurology, cardiopulmonary, sports and orthopedics, geriatrics, inpatient care, and hydrotherapy. Mostly, these article sites are the best resources for research information and practice.

Most of the websites offer physical therapy services and a catalog of physical therapy equipment used. The information specified on these sites help you to find the best service and equipment providers. As marketing is the key role of such sites, the well-written content in these sites

o Increase target traffic
o Increase sales and leads

Certain interactive websites are available on the Internet that teach and advise patients/professionals about the common musculoskeletal disorders and corresponding treatments. These physical therapy web sites contain information regarding psychological, emotional, physical and social well being, which is useful for people who experience a great deal of pain after surgery. There are general wellness websites with updated information for both new and current patients to develop, restore and maintain maximum movement and functional ability.

Accredited and non-accredited learning programs are cited in various physical therapy sites. These sites are useful for students interested in this field. Browsing through the website, you can obtain information regarding the various physical and therapeutic modalities. Besides this, there are numerous job websites with career information and job postings, which help jobseekers and employers get the best professional solutions.

Having effective and unique physical therapy websites will help therapists to establish their unique online identity and gain massive exposure as experts in their field. The general information provided on a standard site is useful for dancers, athletes, patients, lecturers and more.

Physical therapy assistants work in the medical field and their jobs is to work alongside healthcare providers and offer their assistance. Since the position is within the increasingly popular healthcare sector, more people are becoming interested in becoming a therapy assistant. It is a good idea, however, to get more information before jumping into training programs.

What a Physical Therapy Assistant’s Job May Entail

Physical therapy assistants operate under the direction of a licensed physical therapist to provide various treatments to the patient. This can include exercises, massage, balance training, and offering guidance to the patient. However, these may only be a few of duties of a physical assistant. The extent of what he or she is allowed to do will depend on the scope and policies of the individual practice as well as the rules and regulations of the state medical board.

Physical Therapy Assistant Education

Before beginning your career you will have to attend and successfully graduate from a program at a physical therapy assistant school. This is usually a two year degree program, but other types of approved programs may be available. Although vocational schools may offer physical training programs, many potential employers and various states may require some form of degree.

Hands-on Training

One of the many aspects of becoming a physical assistant is through hands-on instruction. To complete an approved therapy program, there is a certain amount of clinical experience necessary. During clinical time, the student actually works in the field with direction from the instructor. Clinicals can be in a variety of facilities such as a nursing home or a hospital. The exact number of hours will vary by local laws and the learning institution.

Prerequisites and Requirements for Training Programs

To enroll in physical training programs, a high school diploma or GED is required. In addition to this, some programs may also have selective admission criteria. Prerequisites for the program may vary by the institution but generally consist of core classes in math, English, and similar subjects. The student should consult with his advisor to obtain this information.

If you’re interested in becoming a physical assistant, you should look into schools in your area. By enrolling in a training course you are taking the first step towards starting a career as a physical assistant!