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You Have Prediabetes – How Terrified Are You?
You’ve just been told by your doctor you have prediabetes. You’ve left his office armed with all the tools traditional medicine has to offer you. You have your test kit with your lancets so you can prick your finger twice a day and draw blood, your glucose meter and very likely a prescription for a drug like Metformin. Maybe this diagnosis explains why you’re fatigued all the time or why you’re suddenly drinking so much water or even why that cut on your foot just won’t heal. It could explain a host of other symptoms too like your blurry vision. You get home and get on the innerwebs to find…
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Diabetes and Prediabetes Symptoms
Did you know one of the most common diabetes and prediabetes symptoms is chronic fatigue? It’s true, and it’s because diabetes prevents your body from using energy properly. Instead, it stores glucose (your body’s favorite energy source) in your blood rather than letting it get to your cells where it’s needed. When you have diabetes, it’s common to feel as though you never have enough energy. Even after pounding back a few cups of coffee and getting lots of rest, you may feel exhausted after doing little or no even physical activity. Here are a few of the other more common symptoms of diabetes. Overweight and obesity Frequent urination You…
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Are You on Fire? What are the Different Types of Inflammation?
These days we hear so much about inflammation. Avoid it, reduce it, don’t do things that inflame your body and your mind. But, what exactly is inflammation; what are the different types of inflammation is it truly harmful to our health, and if so, why is it so harmful? Very simply put, inflammation is the body’s reaction to infection or tissue damage. Our bodies respond the invader to send agents to the offended/damaged site in an effort to eliminate the problem and to heal your body. Inflammation in its true and intended form is a good thing; in fact, it is a protective mechanism designed to protect you and save…
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6 Ways to Stay Focused On Sound Nutrition
Let’s just admit it, in our world, gas stations offer more snacks and sodas than they have fuel for your car! It also seems there’s a drive-thru fast food place on just about every corner. It sure can be hard to focus on good nutrition. The temptation is everywhere! Time is short and you’re tired and stressed. It’s easy for all of us to give in and get fast food. Let’s talk about some simple ways you can stay focused on sound nutrition without obsessing! Make a plan Plan in advance when you go out to eat. Almost all big chain restaurants will have a menu available online to show…
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Different Types of Diabetes
When someone is asked to describe their health relative to diabetes, usually they simply say they’re diabetic. Most people don’t mention whether they have type one or type two diabetes. With either condition, your body struggles with glucose storage and usage, so today, let’s take a look at the different types of diabetes. First of all, glucose is used by your body to create energy. If you are diabetic, your ability to collect the free glucose in your bloodstream is impaired. This starves your body’s cells of the energy is needs to function properly. The two main types of diabetes have many similarities, but they are different diseases. Let’s explore…
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Complications Caused by Heart Disease
If you have heart disease, your heart will be less efficient at pumping blood. The blood vessels throughout your body, which facilitate blood flow to various organs, may become damaged as well. Let’s talk about complications caused by heart disease. These conditions can have significant effect on your heart as well as your other organs. The harder your heart has to work to maintain the blood circulation to your body, the more likely it is that you’ll experience one of the major complications from heart disease. Heart Disease’s Major Complications Heart disease can cause serious health issues and events that affect your heart, events such as heart attacks and congestive…
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What Healthy Eating Means to You
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to healthy eating really isn’t developing new habits. Before you work on changing habits, it’s important to define what healthy eating means to you. The truth is it’s going to be different for everyone, so before you begin adding new healthy eating habits, it’s a good idea to understand what healthy eating means to you. What Are Your Current Eating Habits? To figure out what you want your healthy eating to look like, begin with where you are now. How and what do you eat on a daily basis? Write down what you eat in a typical week, not just one day.…
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Diet Tips for Metabolic Syndrome
When you’ve been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, your health care professional will likely prescribe a few lifestyle changes to get you heading in the right direction. He or she may also prescribe medication such as low-dose aspirin to help with blockages and cholesterol-reducing meds to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. I hope your doctor also suggests some diet tips for metabolic syndrome. If you want to avoid medications and reverse metabolic syndrome, you can try changing your diet. However, do listen to your doctor’s recommendations. Here are some diet tips for metabolic syndrome that may help you course correct: * Eat a Low-Fat Diet – You don’t…
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Exercise Tips for Metabolic Syndrome
If you’ve been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, more than likely, you have too much fat around your waist, high blood triglycerides, low HDL (good cholesterol), high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Here are some exercise tips for metabolic syndrome…to avoid it, that is! Exercise is always a plus, and it’s even more important if you are trying to back off from the damage metabolic syndrome has in store for you. * Try Aerobic Exercise – Aerobic exercise gets your blood pumping and requires you to breathe more heavily. This kind of exercise improves your lung capacity and increases your metabolism; it can even improve your blood glucose levels. Some…
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Eight Tips to Avoid Sedentary Behavior
Aside from making poor dietary choices, one of the worst things you can do for your health is to be sedentary. I am so guilty of this and have to stay on myself all the time. Being sedentary means that you spend most of your time sitting or lying down regardless of what you’re doing – whether it’s reading, gaming, watching TV, or working. Personally, I spend too much time sitting in front of my laptop. Training yourself not to be sedentary is probably one of the healthiest things you can. Let’s talk about eight tips to avoid sedentary behavior. 1. Get a Stand-Up Desk – If you work at…