Dr. Phil Hariram's Health Blog

According to a recent joint study by American and Canadian scientists, nearly 90 percent of all children in the United States and Canada may be omega 3 deficient. This is a startling number, particularly given that in children omega 3 plays a critical role in brain development, autoimmune development and eye sight. In addition, it is thought to impact the emotional state of some people as well.

As you can see from the results of this study, it is actually pretty safe to assume that if you live in the US or Canada, then your child probably is not getting enough omega 3. However, if you do not want to rely on the study alone, here are some indicators that your child may not be getting enough of this vital nutrient in their daily diet:

* They are easily distracted
Omega 3 deficiencies often lead to trouble with focus. In fact, many children who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD actually are suffering from severe omega 3 shortages in their systems. Of course, all children are fairly easy to distract, so you might want to consult with a dietician or observe your child in conjunction with other children to determine if there is an actual problem.

* Chronic breathing problems or headaches
Omega 3 deficiencies often manifest themselves in minor health issues, including asthma, headaches, stomach aches, ear infections and skin conditions. While all children will experience some of these issues over the course of their childhood, if you feel that the occurrences are too frequent, ask a doctor about a pediatric omega 3 supplement.

* Behavioral problems at school
Often the minor health issues and the focus issues detailed above manifest themselves in an extremely practical symptom: the child gets in regular trouble at school. Of course good behavior should be a requirement, but if your child appears to be misbehaving chronically, then it might be worth considering that there could be a nutritional issue at the heart of the matter.

Learn more about fish oil, fish oil health benefits and how it can impact your child’s health and yours at www.omega-3-us.

While there are plenty of reasons to make sure that you have plenty of omega 3 in your diet (resistance to senility, heart health and avoiding clinical depression are just a few of them), you may not have fully made the move yet from thinking about taking an omega 3 fish oil supplement to actually doing it. After all, humans are creatures of habit, and we generally do not change our habits unless something happens to cause enough of a stir in our daily lives to warrant it. In fact, many people know that they should take an omega 3 supplement every day, but simply never get around to it.

If you are currently reading and nodding your head, then this article could be just the wakeup call you need. There are some very common symptoms of omega 3 deficiency that many people think are just part of growing older. If you are experiencing any of these telltale signs, then you must consider adding an omega 3 supplement (or a heck of a lot of salmon!) to your daily nutritional intake.

1. Lack of focus
If you notice that it takes you longer than it used to when you are trying to get things done, then a lack of omega 3 may be at the root of the problem. In fact, many children and adults use omega 3 to help them manage their ADD or ADHD.

2. Memory lapses
As we age, our reference memory – the part of your memory that recalls fact, names, faces and places – deteriorates. The information is still there, but it is harder to find. Omega 3 has been proven to improve memory and recall, which not only makes life much easier, but it can also dramatically decrease stress levels at work and home.

3. Sagging skin
Your skin is one of the best places to start when you are looking for signs of omega 3 trouble. Skin that is healthy and covering a body with enough omega 3 will be firm and resilient. However, if you are not getting enough omega 3, even when you are fully hydrated you will notice sagging and  your skin will not immediately spring back into place when pinched.

To learn more about fish oil, omega 3 and how to repair any omega 3 deficiencies, as well as omega 3 benefits access www.omega-3.us.

If you follow dieting trends at all, then you are probably aware of the many fish-based diets out there. These diets are promoted as both heart healthy and a great way to lose weight. In addition, they are viewed by many as a solution to a nutritional problem: a shortage of omega 3. However, if you are considering adopting some of the more extreme versions out there (such as some version of the Inuit’s cultural diets which consist nearly entirely of fatty fish like tuna and mackerel) then you may want to think again. While it’s a great source of omega 3, the accompanying increase in mercury levels could make you more susceptible to strokes and heart attacks.

In an October 2009 study, the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed new finding that indicate that Inuit from Nunavik are highly exposed to environmental mercury because of their diets, which consist mainly of fish1. As a result, thanks to all that mercury they are far more likely than most to suffer strokes and heart attacks due to their high blood pressure.

Now, I know that you are not likely to eat mackerel or tuna – no matter how delicious – for breakfast, lunch and dinner unless you have no other choice. However, the results of this study do bear consideration if you have recently started taking an omega 3 supplement (many of which are made from tuna or mackerel) or if you are attempting to increase the amount of fish in your diet for health reasons. As a result, you may be exposing yourself to some of the same mercury issues.

If you want to avoid the risk of mercury entirely from fish oil, then most of your omega 3 fatty acids should come from Arctic salmon, which are less likely to contain mercury, or from a (WHO) World Health Organization-approved supplement made only from Arctic salmon and guaranteed tested and toxin free. Molecular optimization of your omega 3 supplement will also improve its effectiveness and eliminate other unpleasant side effects associated with fish oil, such as gas, nausea, and fishy body odor.

To learn more about fish oil supplements approved by both the WHO and representatives from the American College of Toxicology, access www.omega-3.us.

1http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/742_mercury_poison_in_country_food_could_lead_to_more_strokes_heart_attacks/

Seven Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

A higher metabolism helps you feel good with higher energy levels, keeps your body functions going at optimum, and becomes an automatic weight control mechanism for you. Listed are seven ways to help fire up your metabolism.

These tips will ensure fast fat burning for life:

1.    Eat your breakfast – If you don’t eat breakfast, you slow down your metabolism and send the body into survival mode, thinking it’s starving because you’re going a long period of time without food. It’s not wise to continue the fast you’ve been on since dinner. Go ahead and enjoy a balanced breakfast.

2.    Eat the majority of your food earlier in the day – Dinner should be your lightest meal. Your body wants and needs the fuel energy during the day when it is active – not at night when it is not.

3.    Don’t starve – Dropping your calorie intake below 1,000 calories a day will signal to your body that you are in starvation mode, and will slow down your metabolism. If your goal is to lose weight fast, then DO NOT starve yourself!

4.    Eat frequently and eat more – Eating smaller meals throughout the day prevents the body’s metabolism from becoming sluggish.

5.    Exercise – Creating a good exercise routine also gives your metabolism an all-day boost. Intensify your exercise with weight resistance for more calorie burning power!Muscle burns more calories than fat, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest!

6.    Hydrate yourself – The energy burning process of metabolism needs water to work effectively. Make water consumption a part of your routine.

7.    Get enough B vitamins – Energy is also fueled by Vitamin B-12. If you are not sure of your B vitamin intake, look into supplements. Your energy levels will rise, and along with, your metabolism too!

For best results to lose weight fast, don’t add everything at once. Add a step a week.

What is obesity and how does it differ from simply being overweight? Actually, not all fat people are considered obese. Obesity strikes when an individual’s body mass index or BMI exceeds to 30. As such, the person who is obese should already make dire efforts to correct his or her wrong lifestyle choices such as vices and wrong eating habits and of course, an inactive and sedentary lifestyle.

If truth be told, fighting off obesity is not impossible, but in order to combat this condition, we must first learn how to fight it not in its latter stage but in the present. Otherwise, it might be hard to get out of that condition. Indeed, studies show that being obese for a long time makes it harder for an obese person to lose weight. Our advice? Make the action now. Act and don’t allow obesity to ruin your life, especially at such a young age. Make the right decisions to stay fit: go for a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen.

Physical activities are important because these locomotor movements help the circulation of our blood to run more smoothly. Aside from this helpful aid in the blood flow, physical activities also help to release our adrenalin. Then of course, we also know that physical activities can aid us in weight loss.

For those people who are seriously making dire efforts to lose weight, the thing that they opt for is to make weight loss efforts through exercise. Often, their physical activity routines include sports that they enjoy, or even other activities such as going to the gym and the likes. But actually, exercise can be done even at the confines of your own home. You can opt to get your own exercise equipment or you can choose to run around, literally, when doing your errands. But the thing is that weight loss through physical exercise should be done regularly and it is also important to put in some sort of variety so that you won’t get tired of your routine.

There are various benefits when an n individual actively engages in physical activity routines. But actually, the benefit of exercise is not merely limited to health and weight loss. According to recent studies, exercise can also help those individuals who are having the triggering effects of diabetes and obesity.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be hereditary. But aside from the hereditary factors that contribute to this disorder, diabetes can be warded of through a healthy way of life: no vices, balanced diet and of course, a healthy round of physical activity routines everyday. Meanwhile, obesity is a condition that concerns the health primarily because it has effects on the other chronic disorders that an individual can beget. In fact, a large percentage of those who have diabetes and hypertension were said to be those individuals who are diagnosed as obese. Some people find it hard to exercise not only because they have no time to engage in such activities, but also because they are often too lazy with exercise routines. Our recommendation at this point is for these people to try not to make exercise boring by varying their routines. This way, their exercise regimen will really be something that they can look forward to everyday.

Charles Volcolatte is a health and weight loss researcher for http://www.skinnyasap.com/. He writes and researches actively on Healthy Weight Loss and shares his knowledge at http://www.skinnyasap.com/ where he works as a staff writer.

Sinus irrigation is a method of cleaning out the nasal cavity that has been used for centuries. It involves flushing out the nose with warmed salt water, sometimes with other ingredients added. This clears the nose of accumulated bacteria, debris and mucus and can help a person to breathe better and helps to fight allergies. Doctors are now championing the use of sinus irrigation to their patients who suffer from illnesses that stem from the nose. So why do doctor’s support sinus irrigation?

To begin with this irrigation does not involve the use of any medication. This makes it ideal for anyone who suffers from side effects from taking various allergy medication. Today, some doctors like to offer their patients an alternative to prescription drugs if possible.

Sinus irrigation is also quick to perform once a person has mastered how to do it. This means that a patient can treat themselves in their own home without the need to visit the doctor. Whilst rinsing out the nose can be tricky to start with after a few tries a person can do it with ease.

In addition to the above facts irrigation actually works well to reduce the symptoms of allergies. This is good news for anyone who has had limited success with prescription pills or medication for their allergies. People who suffer from dry and itchy noses can also get relief from sinus irrigation and this can make them feel much more comfortable.

Now you can see why doctors support sinus irrigation. It is easy to perform, works well to treat allergies and does not require visits to the doctor’s office to have it done. On top of all this it is also cheap and does not cost the patient a lot of money, so it is a great choice all round.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not seek to diagnose, advice or treat any health condition whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health condition, contact your primary care physician for diagnosis, advice and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any product mentioned in this article.

Jill St. Cloud writes about sinus and nasal irrigation for relief from allergy symptoms and chronic sinus problems.

If you’ve been wearing glasses for years, you’re probably fairly used to the gradual deterioration of your vision. After all, it’s something of a pattern: each year you visit the optometrist for your annual eye check up and you get new glasses or a new prescription for contacts. It’s so routine, you probably aren’t really even thinking about the real significance of the process“ that your eyes and your vision are slowly falling apart. 

If this sounds alarming, it should be! After all, macular degeneration, clinical or otherwise, can create major problems the older you get. Over time, it may prevent you from driving or even from seeing the faces of your loved ones.

Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to preserve your vision and delay if not avoid entirely the day when you have serious eye problems.

1. Follow all recommended procedures when dealing with contacts.

One of the biggest contributors to macular degeneration is poor eye hygiene when dealing with contacts. Failing to wash your hands or leaving contacts in for extended periods of time exposes your eyes to potential infections that can dramatically impact your vision over time. Remove your contacts and clean them every night, and always use clean hands and approved eye solutions.

2. Get plenty of exercise.

Studies by the American Academy of Opthamology suggest that getting regular physical exercise can decrease age-related macular degeneration (that’s the kind that just happens as you get older) by up to 70 percent.

3. Fortify your eyes with omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil are an essential nutrient found in fatty fish like salmon, is essential to healthy eyes. It not only makes them more resistant to infections, but it also prevents deterioration of the optic nerves and other parts of the eye over time.

You probably have heard that you should eat your carrots so you can see in the dark, but omega 3 actually has a much more significant impact on your eye health than beta-carotene. Don’t neglect the orange veggies, but also be sure that you are getting a healthy dose of omega 3 each day in order to shore up your vision.

When you’re selecting an omega 3 fish oil supplements, make sure that it is made from salmon oil to eliminate the risk of absorbing toxins like mercury into your system. Many supplements are made from tuna, which are allowed by the FDA contain low levels of contaminants like heavy metals and other pollutants. For more information about a safe, highly optimized omega 3 supplement that will provide you with all the omega 3 you need for an entire day, visit www.omega-3.us.

Whether you are an actual diabetic, or your doctor has just told you that you have pre diabetes which means that it could progress and you could end up with diabetes,it is important that you start yourself on a pre diabetic diet or diabetes diet now. Of course exercising is also very important here because you need to stay in shape and especially with a condition such as diabetes where it often causes the person to gain a lot of weight.

However, following a diabetic diet is always going to be most important because if you are not watching carefully what you are eating and making sure to avoid those foods that are no good for you, you are putting yourself in danger and possibly even could kill yourself.

Diabetes is a very serious condition than a lot of people seem to realize. A diabetic should be concerned about the seriousness of his condition and the danger from it. To stick to your diabetic diet, you are going to need to find some diabetic diet recipes and keep them around so that you can use them time and time again. These are special diabetic diet recipes that are going to give your body the sugar that it needs but without being fattening.

Fruit Salad: One Of The Best Diabetic Diet Recipes

This is one of the easiest diabetic diet recipes that you can make. All you need for this diabetic diet recipe is to get a container of strawberries, three bananas, a pineapple, a container of blueberries, and some yogurt as a topping. Now you just mix all of the fruits together in a bowl and there you have it, your fruit salad. Now keep in mind that you can either store the leftovers if there is a lot left over, or you can just modify the amount of ingredients according to how much you want to make.

Veggie Burger: The Second Best Diabetic Diet Recipe

Another of the best diabetic diet recipes that you can try is for a vegetarian burger. This is a great way to feel as though you are eating a real burger only you are not getting any of the fat. You can have a lot of fun with this recipe too because you can mix and match the ingredients to your liking. The base prepared from whole wheat breadcrumbs, organic tomato and organic celery must be binding and hold together into a patty.

Acid reflux or GERD is a major health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.

Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.

Large volume of food in the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

Acid Reflux can be affected by certain foods. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

Some drugs can affect the LES and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.

Female hormones can affect GERD symptoms. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting proper discharge of food from the esophagus.

If you are on medication and you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop acid reflux symptoms.

If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.

These diabetic recipes were developed from long trials and retests and prescribed due to their effectiveness. Final data bears out improvement in 90 minutes. In extreme chronic conditions, allow for 1-3 weeks to demonstrate relief. Diabetic herbs and foods are contained.The recipes have been examined and utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for more than a thousand years.   

FOR WEIGHT LOSS

TOFU, CHICKEN and SEAWEED SOUP
(4 servings)

This soup strengthens the physical body with improved vigor while stimulating weight loss. The recipe
Enhances physical energy or potency, recovers lightheadedness at the same time eliminate systemic mucous.

1 pound (500 grams) tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 ounces (60 grams) chicken breast, cut into ½ inch cubes
Pinch of salt and 1-2 teaspoons of salt
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cooking wine
5 cups (1.25 liters) water
2 tablespoons (30 grams) seaweed
2 scallions, chopped

Cooking steps:

1. Place chicken in a medium bowl. Mix in the pinch of salt and cooking wine.
2. Place the tofu in a medium saucepan along with the water.
3. Boil the mixture.
4. When the water boils, add the chicken then allow to boil.
5. Reduce heat over medium heat for 20 minutes.
6. Mix in the remaining salt (1-2 teaspoon), chopped scallions and seaweed.
7. Turn off heat and serve warm, neutral or cool temperature.

FOR COOLING, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & WEIGHT LOSS:

CELERY SAUTE’
(serves 4)

This dish contains celery, which cools and removes moisture. The recipe cools and fortifies the liver, balances the blood pressure and promotes weight loss.

2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oil, water
5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2 cups (400 grams) celery, stalk only, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce or substitute
Salt and pepper to your liking

Cooking steps:

1. In a frying pan or wok heat the water or oil.
2. Add the crushed garlic then stir in the celery.
3. Combine the soy sauce and a little salt and pepper. Stir 1-2 minutes and cover.
4. Cook for 20 to 25 seconds over medium heat.
5. Remove from heat and serve.

FOR DIABETES & DEFICIENCY:

TOFU & SHITAKE MUSHROOM
(2 servings)

This dish is beneficial for diabetics, stomach and lung heat and builds the essence or yin side of one’s constitution.

5 shitake mushrooms
Water for soaking
2 tablespoons (30 grams) wood-ear mushrooms
2 tablespoons (30 grams) dry lily flowers
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oil, or water
4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
8 ounces (250 grams) tofu, cut into 1½ inch cubes
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
salt and pepper to liking

Cooking procedure:

1. Immerse the shitake mushrooms, wood-ear mushrooms, and dry lily flowers in different (1 hour) bowls of hot water. (24 hour soaking preferred)
2. Strain the soft shitake mushrooms saving the water.
3. Get hold of the Wood-ear mushrooms and lily flowers and draw off. Throw away their water
4. Slice all the mushrooms.
5. Heat the oil or water in a frying pan or wok.
6. When hot add the tofu and crushed garlic.
7. If you chose water, stir-fry for 1 minute. If you are using water, stir-fry for 4 minutes.
8. Add the mushrooms and lily flowers.
9. Mix in the soy sauce, add ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of shitake mushroom juice.
10. Put the lid on the pan or wok, over a low flame, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes
11. Season with salt and pepper to liking. Remove and serve.

These food medicine formulas work with high confidence when combined with diabetic Chinese herbs. Add exercize (TaiChi, Qigong and Yoga) that builds energy, not excessive, and nourishes the essence. 

Sources: “Longevity Mountain” and “Diabetic Chinese Herbs“