Dangers of Gluten Grains

Gluten is a substance that shows up in whole grain foods including wheat, barley, rye and other foods related to spelt and bulgur. Gluten doesn’t offer any nutritional benefits, but the whole grain foods that wheat gluten is present in include vitamin B, iron and much fiber. For this reason many people consider gluten a beneficial protein, and have no qualms eating it.

For a certain portion of the population however, wheat gluten may be very toxic and not helpful as part of a healthy diet. A portion of the population has sensitivity to wheat gluten, causing serious gastrointestinal complaints and problems that can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating and further illness if gluten is eaten on a regular basis. Some people may be so sensitive to wheat gluten that they break out in skin rashes and other skin symptoms when they eat even a small amount of wheat gluten.

For this population, gluten can be toxic, and thus gluten and products containing gluten, including oats much be avoided. 

Celiac Disease

Many stories and grocery chains now contain foods that are gluten free. This is because many people are gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease. Celiac causes people that are gluten sensitive or allergic to wheat gluten to become very sick if they eat wheat gluten or other products containing gluten. 

Over time, gluten can cause the lining of the stomach and intestines to break down, and can cause bacteria and other harmful substances to build up in the body. This can cause serious illnesses and inflammation to build up in the body. Some common chronic illnesses that form in people that are allergic to gluten or who have celiac include colitis, inflammatory arthritis or chronic fatigue. 

For this reason gluten becomes something that is toxic rather than merely a protein in wheat products.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a tool many individuals use to lose weight and improve their overall health. It is a method that many individuals use as part of a total weight loss plan or program.

Intermittent fasting has been popularized in many popular diet books. This concept is based on the idea that partial fasts and lower calorie diets or calorie restriction may help individuals maintain a healthier weight. 

Intermittent fasting works by alternating periods of fasting with periods of eating normally. Fasting may include periods of consuming relatively little or periods of consuming a very selective diet. Fasting may include eating water or fruits and vegetables, while normal eating periods may include a limited diet or healthy eating program.

Research suggests that intermittent fasting may help improve the health and total length of life or longevity of humans. Intermittent fasting may have health benefits that are similar to those of long-term caloric restriction. Caloric restriction involves reducing the total amount of calories that one eats. 

Caloric restriction has been shown to improve life span. Intermittent fasting is often referred to as dietary energy restriction, as has caloric restriction. Studies on intermittent fasting and caloric restriction have been carried out for more than a decade. They suggest that fasting one day out of three results in optimal life spans without retardation in growth, at least among animals.

What is good for animals may be good for humans. Among the health benefits that may be realized by fasting include reduced glucose and insulin levels, and reduced stress levels. Cardiovascular and brain function may also improve as a result of intermittent fasting. Blood pressure may also normalize, as may cognitive function. The idea is that by putting less strain on the digestive system, the body has more energy to place on other systems in the body. 

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

A ketogenic diet is a specialized diet that incorporates a high-fat diet. It may be used for many purposes, including treating seizures or losing weight. A high fat ketogenic diet includes eating heavy creams, oils, and butter to provide the necessary fat to maintain the diet. The diet eliminates sources of massive carbohydrates, including candy, sweets and desserts. Carbohydrate laden foods including potatoes, rice, pastas and breads are excluded from this diet. 

Ketogenic diets can help individuals with seizures. The diet has often been recommended for individuals with atonic and tonic-clonic seizures. The diet may be difficult to maintain for some individuals due to its strict protocols. Studies suggest that approximately 1/3 of children using a ketogenic diet have more than 90% control of seizures while maintaining a ketogenic diet. 

How Ketogenic Diets Maintain Seizure Control

Doctors and researchers are not entirely certain how the ketogenic diet maintains control of seizures. Many believes that the ketogenic diet produces metabolic changes in the body that affect brain chemistry. The diet may breakdown fat as energy rather than glucose. The diet results in ketosis a condition that is produced by eating just the right balance of foods, including fat, protein and a very minute amount of carbohydrates. 

The calorie level for individuals on this type of diet is based on the size, age and activity level of individuals on the diet. The diet can be calculated as four times as much fat as protein and carbohydrate levels combined. Each meal plan must be calculated exactly to result in the desired effect of ketosis. 

Most individuals following a ketogenic diet should be under the supervision of a medical practitioner or other healthcare provider if following a ketogenic diet to maintain control of seizure. The diet may prove beneficial immediately or effects may take several weeks or months to show results.

Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Skin

Everyone wants their skin to glow. Glowing skin is a sign of youth and vitality. Even at an older age you can look vital and healthy by having skin that glows. Certain vitamins and minerals can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Apart from eating right, you can get vitamins and minerals by taking a health supplement.

The first step to healthy looking skin is taking proper care of your skin by washing and cleaning your skin daily. Once you have done this, it is time to look into the proper supplements for healthy skin.

• Vitamin E – This has long been the most beneficial antioxidant for healthy skin. This vitamin prevents skin from prematurely aging, and protects skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. You can ingest it or apply it topically.
• Vitamin A – Good for the eyes and vision, vitamin A is also good for preventing wrinkles, and for repairing skin tissue. Because vitamin A helps reduce inflammation, it helps skin retain its plump looking.
• B Vitamins – The B complex vitamins help support healthy skin in many ways, including helping to form the foundation for healthy skin. B vitamins can also help skin to retain moisture.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It helps to fight free radical damage, and helps repair skin cells. It works very well as a topical cream, helping to fight wrinkles, to smooth skin and to repair skin firmness.
• Zinc – Zinc helps to repair skin, to heal skin, and to improve cell growth. Zinc can help restore all of the cells in the body, including those responsible for skin growth. It is also important for constantly renewing the skin and lubricating skin cells.
• Copper – Copper helps produce collagen, which is a basic building block for skin.