Doctor Digestion

The Benefits of Slow Food Over Fast Food by Harry Young

Fast food is a phenomenon that most people in the world are familiar with. However, slow food is less well known. The name slow food is slightly deceptive as it is much more than the opposite of fast food. The slow food movement advocates more than just care and attention to what we eat. It offers an alternative to fast-paced modern life by encompassing the philosophy behind why and how we should eat by providing information on sourcing produce, methods of cooking and the positive social aspects of eating and sharing a meal.

What is Fast Food?

To understand what slow food really is, we need to understand what it is the antidote to: fast food. Typically, the term fast food refers to quickly prepared food with low quality ingredients and preparation that is served in disposable packaging at franchised restaurant chains, independent outlets and kiosks. It is often over-priced, low in nutritional value, and eaten “on the run”.

It is frequently manufactured in an industrial environment, pre-packed, and then shipped to retailers where it can be reheated or cooked quickly. While some fast food is healthy, such as sushi, quick fried or grilled fresh meat and vegetables, baked potatoes, salads, fresh sandwiches, most is not. Common fast foods such as burgers, french fries, fish and chips, pizza and kebabs are often highly processed and contain large amounts of additives, are high in calories, trans fats, sugars and salts, and come in relatively small portions.

What is Slow Food?

Slow food is a system of values that is designed to combat the detrimental effects of fast food. Its whole ethos centres on the idea of “living an unhurried life, beginning at the table.” The Slow Food Movement was formed in Italy in 1986 and has grown to around 83,000 members in 122 countries.

Among the key values it promotes and encourages are the extensive use of regional and local produce, traditional farming and cooking methods, and sharing the enjoyment of carefully and slowly prepared and cooked foods in the company of others all of which nurtures a healthy mind and body.

However, its remit also extends to the preservation of regional and cultural foods and ingredients such as plants, seeds, and domestic animals through programmes such as taste education, and offers support to those who wish to source and promote traditional, local high quality food that is more nourishing and tastier than fast food.

Health Benefits

By eating and adopting the social attitude of slow food, both bodily and mental health can be improved much more so than a fast food diet. Fast food providers, especially in the US, urge consumers to buy “Supersize” which has contributed to the problem of obesity, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, blood diseases joint problems.

Fast food is often eaten fast, which is often anti-social and bad for digestion. With slow food, a meal is made into a special event. During preparation of the food, people take time to relax and share a conversation, which extends well after the meal is finished. Because slow food is made from the freshest, local ingredients and produce (often organic, hence free from manmade chemicals), diners have peace of mind knowing where their food came from and that it provides high nutritional value.

Many people are surprised to learn that slower eating aids weight loss. The conditioned behaviour of eating until we are full is a complex process that depends on how many times we chew, how long we eat for and the amount of food we eat. If we chew and eat more slowly and spend more time at the table, most people find that it takes less food to feel full.

Lifestyle Benefits

In addition, eating is made more enjoyable because of the sharing. Mealtimes have traditionally been a time when people can come together and not just share a meal, but bond. This makes for closer relationships with friends and family members that are happier because of the sharing.

Eating more slowly enables us to taste more. Fast food is designed to be eaten quickly, which is why it has concentrated flavours. However, the taste doesn’t last long and is ultimately unsatisfying. Slow food on the other hand, is made with the best ingredients and produce which is packed full of natural flavours. When we eat slowly in relaxing surroundings, we experience more flavours, textures and aromas, and will gain new appreciation of our food.

Harry Young works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of An Lochan Country Inn. For award-winning, homemade, slow food cooked with fresh, local ingredients and produce such as Highland beef, wild boar, and heather and wild flower smoked salmon, visit 4 star An Lochan Country Inn, near Gleneagles

Article Source: The Benefits of Slow Food Over Fast Food

Medications for Diabetes - Their Effects and Possible Side Effects by Alvin Hopkinson

A large amount of the food we consume is transformed into glucose (sugar) during the digestion process. The glucose travels in the bloodstream and is expected to be absorbed by the body to provide sustenance and energy for the body.

If the pancreas fails in its insulin production, the glucose level will rise and will eventually lead to diabetes.There will now be a need for medications for diabetes.

The medication to be taken will address the following issues:

- Non-production of insulin
- Insulin resistance
- Too little insulin produced , there is too much glucose unabsorbed
- Too little glucose is absorbed, there is too much insulin unused

The basic treatment of diabetes mellitus including gestational diabetes require a well-planned diet and exercise.The matter concerning the kind of medication to be administered will now differ according to the type of diabetes being managed.

The medication for diabetes type 1 is through in insulin injection in as much as the body needs glucose absorption as soon as possible. Hence, the insulin supplement should enter the bloodstream directly to allow for immediate glucose absorption.

Oral medication is inadvisable in as much as this type of medication will have to pass through the digestive system before it reaches the blood stream. Taking too long will render the diabetic patient weak or worst, lead to his death.

The medication for diabetes type 2 and gestational diabetes are the oral medications, in as much as glucose absorption still takes place but too little to sustain the normal amount required by the body.

In some cases, the diabetic’s condition will worsen and oral drug medications will not suffice to allow for glucose absorption. Hence, the type 2 diabetic will now need both oral medication and insulin injections.

The five classes of medications for diabetes are listed herewith for the treatment of the disease:

1. Chlorpropamide. This was one of the group of drugs that was introduced in the United States (US) in 1955. It encourages the beta cell of the body to produce additional insulin.

This is effective in the cure of type 2 diabetes but works only on certain types of type 1 diabetes. Side effects are bloating, low blood sugar level, anemia, heartburn, weight gain, change in taste by about 1% to 3% and sensitivity to sun.

2. Metformin. In 1957, metformin and phenformin were developed. Unluckily, phenformin was pulled out from the market due to several deaths from lactic acidosis in the United States. Metformin was allowed to be used in the US for type 2 diabetes only in 1994 due to the mishaps brought by phenformin.

Its effect is to reduce the overproduction of glucose by the liver. Side effects are nausea, diarrhea, fullness, bloating, cramping, change in taste, lactic acidosis, agitation, headache and deficiency in vitamin b12.

3. Acarbose or Miglitol. Also known also as starch blockers since they delay the digestion of complex carbohydrates. Side effects are diarrhea, abdominal bloating, excess gas, nausea and abdominal pain.

4. Rosiglitazone or Pioglitazone. The first class medicine that reverses the resistance of type 2 diabetes to insulin. Targeting high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol.

Side effects are fluid retention, weight gain, swelling of legs, upper respiratory tract infection, muscle ache, headache, sore throat and tooth ache.

5. Repaglinide. This drug stimulates the beta cells to raise the level of insulin different from sulfonylureas by copying the first phase of insulin release after food is eaten by people without diabetes.

Side effects are vomiting, muscle ache, low blood sugar, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, joint aches, cold and flu like symptoms, diarrhea and back pain.

In all types of medications for diabetes, there is much emphasis on the importance of having a diabetic support team. They will educate and supervise the diabetic patient in monitoring the effects of his medication by constantly determining his blood glucose level.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and diabetes natural treatment. Discover how you can reverse your diabetes for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusdiabetes.com

Article Source: Medications for Diabetes - Their Effects and Possible Side Effects

Hemorrhoid Home Remedy - Try One at Home by Ryan Pham

Hemorrhoids can happen to anyone. The good news is you no longer need to pay a huge amount of money just to treat it. Nowadays, you can use home remedies that guarantee to help you deal with hemorrhoids. Here are some of them:

Change that diet Say goodbye to your high-calorie diet and put more fiber into your daily food intake. Constipation is a major cause of hemorrhoids and you can avoid it by eating beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This effective hemorrhoid home remedy can improve digestion and speed up your metabolism.

Drink plenty of water Water is a natural cure and drinking six to eight glasses will give you softer, bulkier stools which are easy to eliminate. Fruit and vegetable juices can also do the trick. However, you must avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks since they can make your body acidic and irritate hemorrhoids.

Keep it cool Another practical hemorrhoid home remedy that can soothe your pain is ice. Prepare an ice pack by crushing enough ice and place it in a plastic, sealed bag. Then, apply it in the affected anal area on and off for approximately 15 minutes. Do this five times a day to numb the area and reduce blood flow to the inflamed veins.

Clean it right The anus is a very sensitive part of the body that requires thorough cleaning. Always keep it clean by washing it with plain water or any mild natural cleansing products. Avoid using soap since it can irritate the affected area. After washing, keep the anus dry by sprinkling it with cornstarch or baby powder.

Break away from your bad habit If you are fond of sitting too long in the toilet, now is the time to stop. Avoid reading your favorite magazine or the days newspaper while you are in the toilet because prolonged sitting allows hemorrhoidal venous cushions to stretch. This can cause hemorrhoids to develop and worsen.

Eliminate properly If you feel the urge to go to the toilet, do it! Do not wait for a few minutes or prevent your stool from going out or you will experience reflex constipation. It is also recommended not to exert too much pressure or straining during bowel movement. Just relax and allow nature to take its course.

Exercise regularly Exercise will not only help you maintain or lose weigh but also improve your digestion. Walking is a great hemorrhoid home remedy which can speed up your metabolism and soften your stool for easy elimination. Avoid sitting for too long especially while at work. Take time to stand and walk for a bit to relieve your bottom. An effective hemorrhoid home remedy can greatly help you in your battle against hemorrhoids. Try one now at the comfort of your home and see the results.

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Article Source: ArticlesArticles.Net

Hemorrhoid Home Treatment Saves Embarrassment by Peter Bate

Moon-shy? Here’s some hemorrhoid home treatment options

All over the world, hemorrhoid home treatment is generally the preferred choice over visiting a physician, as having them does not really put a person’s life in danger plus treatment is easy and quite effective. But first, what exactly are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the rectum. They can either be external (occurring near the opening of the anus) or internal (those that occur inside the anal canal). To identify the best hemorrhoid home treatment for you, it is helpful to know the description of the types of hemorrhoids there are. External hemorrhoids, while painful, sometimes do not require medical attention, except when a clot develops. Internal hemorrhoids cause more discomfort than pain, they can cause a feeling of tightness in the anal area and makes cleaning the anal area quite difficult. The treatment of internal hemorrhoids vary based on the gravity of the condition. There are internal hemorrhoids that bulge only inside the anus, those that can extend outwards during bowel movement and gets back inside on their own after. There are also internal hemorrhoids that can extend outwards during bowel movement and need to be pushed back into the anus and there are those that extend outside the anus the whole time.

Hemorrhoid home treatment mainly involves a lifestyle alteration aimed at easing the passage of stool from the anus to relieve the swelling. This basically means having healthier bowel habits. A person can help keep hemorrhoids from worsening by wiping the anus gently after bowel movements with a paper towel moistened with water. There are cleansing agents and medicated pads used solely for this purpose. If you are suffering from this condition you should avoid vigorously rubbing the anal area, and refrain from using perfumed soaps when cleansing the affected area. The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be relieved by applying ice to the inflamed portion a number of times daily. You can also try to apply moist heat like warm and damp towels a number of times each day. Sitting in warm water or what is known as “sitz baths” is also an option for relieving the itching and swelling.

Your eating habits and physical activity play a major role in the occurrence and treatment of hemorrhoids. Eating healthier foods that are easy to digest and pass should be practiced. Constipation causes hemorrhoids and actually aggravates it. If you are constipated you need to drink plenty of fluids and increase your fiber intake. Some examples of fibrous foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber promotes the softening and bulking of the bowels making it easier to pass thereby easing the pressure on the swollen area. Exercise promotes proper digestion and improves the tone of the veins. Since hemorrhoids often recur, generally improving one’s lifestyle is the most effective hemorrhoid home treatment and hemorrhoid prevention.

Peter has 22 doctors in his family this does have its advantages-you can only too readily get 22 different medical opinions.
I was pleasantly surprised though when I showed my family what I had learn’t here http://www.hemorrhoids-gone.com and I think you will be to:

Article Source: ArticlesArticles.Net

3 Benefits Of Colon Cleansing by Darren W. -

Colon cleansing is becoming popular as a method of detoxification with more and more people taking natural methods to clean colon in order to lead healthier lives. There are many benefits of colon cleansing and most of us can take advantage of various natural methods in order to get rid of illness causing toxins that hamper our body’s day to day functions. Some of the major benefits of colon cleansing are as discussed below:

1. Overall Cleansing and Detoxification

Most of us know that we are overloading our body with toxins acquired from the environment and from food that is processed or grown in soil that is already polluted by toxic waste. Due to the large amount of toxin intake, our body is generally unable to get rid of all these harmful materials while performing its normal functioning and this leads to an accumulation of toxic waste in our organs, especially in the liver, lungs, skin, lymph nodes, kidney and colon. Some major side effects of toxin accumulation are lowered immunity, gastro intestinal problems, bad looking skin, headaches and sluggishness and irregular bowel movements or constipation. Therefore, it is necessary to perform internal cleansing of these organs especially the colon so that we can get rid of toxins and their side effects.

2. Freedom from Digestive Tract Problems

The most common and easily identifiable symptom of an unhealthy colon is constipation and irregular bowel movements. Stomach pains, heartburn, acidity, gastritis, flatulence and bloating are other major symptoms that point towards an unhealthy and clogged up colon. When you clean up your colon using natural methods, then all the waste and toxins clogging up the colon are flushed out, which helps your digestive system resume its normal functioning, thus making you healthy and free from all GI tract related problems.

3. Greater Energy and Vitality

As you keep stuffing your body with toxins contained in processed and overcooked foods and drinks, excessive alcohol, caffeine and nicotine as well as drugs and medications for all kinds of ailments, the organs in your body, especially your digestive tract, liver, kidneys and colon start requiring more and more energy in order to fight this waste and get rid of it. While your organs which are already weakened by all the trash that you consume and expose yourself to fail in performing their tasks properly, more and more energy is diverted towards getting rid of all the waste that is clogging them. As a result, you start feeling drained and sluggish right from the moment you wake up till the end of the day. When you clean your colon and other internal organs, then you can feel a considerable increase in your energy levels because of two reasons. Firstly, your GI tract starts performing better, leading to better digestion and absorption of the energy from your food. Secondly, lesser energy is involved in digesting food, thus leaving more energy to be spent on external tasks.

Some other benefits of colon cleansing that you get as a result of the effective cleaning of your colon are a better looking and problem free skin as well as an increased immunity and resistance to diseases. Most people also end up losing weight as a result of better digestion and lower rate of water and waste retention. These are only some benefits and you can definitely count on becoming healthier if you start following a regular colon cleansing regime.

Author is the webmaster of Colon Cleanse and Colon Cleansing. You may be interested in 6 Tips to Overcome Colon Cleansing Side Effects.

Article Source: ArticlesArticles.Net