For a long time exercise scientists have argued if swimming is a good exercise if weight loss is your primary goal or if you should be participating in land activities such as walking or running. Everyone agrees that swimming is good for the body as general exercise to increase fitness. The problem is that there have been different studies that say swimming is great for weight loss, has no bearing on weight loss and even makes you put on weight.

In order to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you take in. The body is designed to eat for the purpose of energy. If we don’t use the amount of energy that we eat, then this energy is stored and we put on weight. If you want to lose that weight, you need to expend more energy that you eat. It is simple maths if you want to lose weight.

A study by Gwinup published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that walking and cycling were great exercises to help people lose weight but swimming was not. The study, which analyzed a group of moderately obese women, showed that the participants that walked lost 10% of initial weight, those that cycled lost 12% and those that swam actually gained weight slightly. Not the sort of thing you want see if you are getting in the pool with the aim of losing your tummy fat.

On the other hand a study completed by the University of Utah found that there was no difference when comparing swimming and walking when it came to weight loss. The participants completed in a 13 week exercise program where they exercised for 45 minutes 4 days per week. 1 group swam breaststroke, backstroke and sidestroke while group 2 walked on land and the final group walked in the shallow end of a pool. The results showed that each group lost the same amount of weight.

So what do we believe? Many people struggle to get out there and walk or run due to injuries or the weather, but you don’t want to waste your time if there is no benefit or it is going to actually make you put weight on. Well there is another study that may explain why there is a discrepancy in the literature. A study completed in Florida by White et al (2005) tested the affect the water temperature had on post exercise energy intake. The reason subjects put on weight after swimming in the study mentioned earlier was because they actually ate more after the exercise. In the University of Utah study, subjects didn’t eat as much after their exercise, hence they lost weight.

In White’s study, there were subjects that swam in water temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius and others that swam in temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius. This actually had a major impact on how much the subjects ate after the exercise. Those that swam in the colder water actually ate more than they burned off in the exercise session. Those that swam in the warmer water ate less and as a result lost weight. This puts the other 2 studies into perspective as study 1 was completed in colder water and hence why the subjects put weight on. Those in study 2 were in warmer water which resulted in weight loss.

As you can see, swimming can be an excellent part of your exercise routine if you are looking to lose weight. All you need to do is ensure that you swim in a heated pool to get the full effects of your exercise. If you cannot swim in warmer water but still want to swim, simply be careful about what you eat after your session. This will result in a slimmer waist line. It doesn’t matter which stroke you do. You can be a breaststroker, backstroker or freestyler; this is not important. What is important is that you exercise and preferably do it in warmer water.

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John Mitchell is an experienced exercise professional and swimming coach. He is known for writing on his swimming blog at http://breaststrokezone.com

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Obesity is also a major health hazard all over the world today. The national health objective to reduce adult obesity by less than 15% in the US by 2010 failed; and current statistics show it is actually on the rise. Adding to this calamity is the horrible fact that, the percentage of teen agers among the age of 16 to 19, over 9 million, comprising 16% of the population, who are overweight have tripled since 1980.

While it is easy to gain weight, it is difficult to shed this unwanted weight, mainly because our lifestyles have changed. Some of the major hurdles that hinder this battle against obesity are:

 1) Busy schedules – Many a times we miss our morning breakfast, opting to have some fast food on our way to work. We have little time for the earlier healthy family meals, and do not consider the unwanted calories we consume today. Added to this is the modern day stress factor.

2) Sedentary lifestyles – Today we are never into regular physical exercise. After a long day doing our desk jobs, we come back only to complete further work on a computer or just sit and watch television.

3) Consuming more food – With the habit of heating out, restaurants lure more families by offering them more portions than necessary. We then become unaware of the quantity of food we eat per day, there by consuming more than the required calories.

4) Poor nutrition – The white flour products, we love to eat are not fibrous, processed foods and red meat are all termed fatty foods, leading to high cholesterol resulting in heart attacks or death. 

There are no east ways to lose weight. Everything depends on your commitment to burn our excess calories we consume. Long term changes in what you eat are important.

First avoid eating what you love to eat most, be it red meat, white flour, sugar and other processed foods that have harmful preservatives. Instead of red meat, pamper yourself with chicken or fish, adding many vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet. Whole grain is healthier than white flour, so replace this. Consume less sugar and salt.

Although these changes can help you lose weight, take care not to over eat. Even excess of healthy food will increase calorie intake.

Another important part of weight reduction is to have a daily 30 minute exercise regime. This will help lose excess calories and build muscle. This muscle acquired by exercise only aids in reducing calories, even while you rest. A cardiovascular exercise done daily for five days a week does wonders, as it raises your heart rate, to maintain a healthy heart.

Walking is one of the favorite and desired exercises for your heart and blood stream plus it builds muscles in the lower body. Only make sure that you walk at a pace that makes you sweat. Besides this exercise, a 20 minute physical exercise, done at least thrice a week, will help you look thinner, leaner but stronger.

All this change would actually make you hungrier than before. It is at this juncture that you must take more “functional foods” that appease your hunger giving you the required nutrition and the potential to speed up metabolism.

One of the things about fitness that has always troubled me is that amid all the different theories, techniques, programs, and tips (much of them extremely helpful), the big picture gets lost. We are told why this ab workout works, and how to execute a lift, and what to eat, but unfortunately this can sort of devolve into it’s own information library for the fit. This is the place where the already healthy go to trade information, while literally millions of people who would love to be in that position have no clue about how to get there.

The formula for speaking to the many who are wanting to go from out of shape to in shape on a permanent bases, is one that needs more work.  Unfortunately, I include myself in the group that ends up speaking more to the already fit and active more than those who are looking for answers to stop the cycle of being out of shape. The activity of reviewing fitness products and sharing fitness strategies online tends to ignore the big issues.

What are the LARGE issues that make getting fit so hard for people?  What are simple ways to turn those large issues around for lasting fitness which goes beyond the boom and bust of doing a program and than falling back?

Getting Fit is Hard because…..

1. Eating is a big determinant of what kind of condition we are in. We grow up eating a lot of processed foods that we think are actually healthy. They are often overrun with sodium and preservatives which tend to make us fat.  We simply don’t have an understanding of which foods promote staying thin and which don’t.

 A simple formula I used that turned it around for me is eat out of the ground or things that eat things out of the ground at least 80% of the time. The less ingredients the better. While we are at it, definitely stop worrying about calorie counting. Don’t count calories, because calories don’t count.

2. We are trained to do workouts rather than be active. Our bias towards general inaction in our lives is a big problem. We go around the parking lot as long as it takes to get the closest possible spot at the supermarket.  We join a gym and don’t use it rather than taking 10 or 15 minutes playing more with our kids or pets.  

A simple solution is to start looking for opportunities to get fit in all things. Stay on your feet for 20 minutes after you eat instead of hitting the couch. Ride your bike places, especially in the summer months. Try a walking lunch at work where you munch on a sandwich while you walk and talk with a co-worker.  This stuff all adds up. Many times gym memberships are simply another thing we feel pressure to use. They aren’t necessary, and neither are formal workout programs for that matter. The only programs I recommend are ones that keep you moving.  Eat right most of the time, and keep moving and you don’t need to worry about the rest of the specifics.

 About the Author–

Cheryl Boswell is a writer and researcher on home fitness and health products. You can save time and money by getting FREE in depth news, features, and reviews on home exercise equipment, workout programs, health, and nutrition, including discounts and best prices at http://bodyslimdown.com

Chronic heartburn typically is actually a more severe medical condition that should be treated with the help of a physician. More serious chronic heartburn consists of GERD, Hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, or esophagitis. Chronic heartburn in extreme and some unusual scenarios may turn into esophageal cancer or sometimes esophagus cancer.

To begin with heartburn occurs when digested food is blended with acid while in the stomach and the stomach acid simply leaves the stomach through the LES and contacts the esophagus lining. At this stage a burning sensation and painful sensation happens in the chest area.

A number of us experiences that burning sensation occasionally but when it takes place 3 or more times a week then you might be struggling with a chronic situation of heartburn. This may also turn into a warning that you have troubled with GERD a far more serious medical condition.

Let’s look at a couple of conditions which will play a part in the main cause of chronic heartburn. The first aspect to think about is that it is gender associated. It really is well recognized that chronic heartburn is discovered in a lot more women than men. It’s because a women’s lower esophageal sphincter appears to not work properly more often than men. During these moments those stomach juices within the stomach has a opportunity to splash back into the esophagus.

Expecting mothers are often more prone to develop chronic heartburn. This happens because as the baby grows the tummy enlarges putting pressure around the stomach. The pressure squeezes the contents of the stomach, such as acid, up inside the esophagus.

Obesity is yet another factor that plays a part in chronic heartburn. What takes place when a individual is overweight is their fat belly places more pressure on the stomach. This pressure can cause acid within the stomach to be moved into the esophagus leading to that burning sensation.

Genetic and race are contributing factors as well. Research has shown that Caucasians and Hispanics are often more likely to frequent heartburn when compared with races, such as African Americans and Asians.

Utilizing over-the-counter antacid is OK if you’ve got a mild condition of heartburn however for chronic heartburn antacid probably will not provide relief. You need specialized medical aid to address chronic heartburn. There are many prescription drugs they will often encourage, such as proton pump inhibitors, metoclopramide, histamine 2 blockers, and ranitidine. In some acute cases, the specialist might even recommend more than one of these drugs to take care of or treat the chronic heartburn situation.

The biggest thing that must definitely be done to treat heartburn for good is to make adjustments to your way of life. This has to consist of keeping away from the foods that induce your heartburn, reduce a couple pounds if you’re over weight, quit smoking, eliminate drinking alcohol, and try ingesting 4 to 6 smaller meals during the day as opposed to 3 large meals.

We’ve made an effort to share triggers and some of the treatments that are available today for chronic heartburn. Should you be having intense pain due to heartburn three or more instances a week for a few straight weeks, you should consider contacting your personal doctor. You could have a critical medical problem that should be treated with medical help.

Larry R is a writer on the subject of what causes heartburn, heartburn remedies, heartburn triggers, foods that cause heartburn, and remedies that give heartburn relief…

There are many different medicines which are given to help treat RA. The aim of the drugs used are twofold. Some help to relieve symptoms whereas others are effective at slowing down the progress of the disease. As rheumatoid arthritis sufferers experience differing severity of symptoms, it can take time to find a treatment program that is effective.

Painkillers are usually given to help reduce the amount of pain that an individual may feel as a result of RA. The most commonly used painkiller is paracetamol. In severe conditions codeine and opiate-based medications can be prescribed.

Your family doctor may recommend that you use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help control the inflammation that is a primary symptom of this condition. There are two main types of NSAIDs that are given today, and each works in a slightly different way. The traditional NSAIDs are naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, whereas the second grouping, known as coxibs, include celecoxib and etoricoxib. NSAIDs can also help to relieve pain as well as lessening inflammation, but they do not have an impact on the progression of the disease.

Your doctor should discuss with you what type of NSAID you should be taking, as well as highlighting the particular benefits and risks of each option. It should be noted that NSAIDs are not usually given to people who have asthma, peptic ulcers, angina, or who have a history of cardio-vascular problems. If you are given NSAIDs, you may also be prescribed medication to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Self-medication should be avoided as this can result in unwanted side effects.

Another class of drugs which may be prescribed are corticosteroids. These help to reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain. They can be had in tablet form or are sometimes administered as an injection into the muscles close to affected joints. They are typically recommended when NSAIDs are not found to be providing relief.

Corticosteroids are usually given on a short term basis because prolonged usage can lead to serious side effects. Osteoporosis, weight gain, easy bruising, thinning of the skin, and muscle weakness can all arise due to excessive use of corticosteroids. Diabetes and glaucoma may worsen if present.

A lot of people with rheumatoid arthritis try out complementary therapies. Though the evidence which points to the effectiveness of such treatments is debatable, tens of thousands of individuals with RA claim that the benefits of such approaches are great. Acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy are but a few of the alternative therapies which are suggested to help relieve the symptoms of RA.

By the time you turn 50, you may have been one of the 50% of adults who experience this discomfort. It is difficult to deal with the itchy, painful symptoms of hemorrhoids. But, there are many useful treatments available which will help treat them. There are also home remedies and certain changes in your lifestyle that will help. This article provides you with many different ideas on what you should do to get them treated.

You mustn’t scratch your hemorrhoids, regardless of how bad they itch. Scratching can make your hemorrhoids become infected, and cause damage to your anus. If you really cannot bear the itch any longer, dampen a cloth and lightly pat the area, so that it is cleansed. The itching might be caused by not having the area clean enough, so cleaning the area may relieve some itching.

A donut cushion will come in very handy, if you suffer from hemorrhoids. This is designed for your bottom to give it the most comfort while having to sit down with hemorrhoids. Sitting on this cushion can help you to relax more than if you were sitting on other surfaces.

Good stool softeners can go a long way if you happen to suffer from hemorrhoids. If you have to push really hard when to pass bowel movements then you could be causing a lot of pain to yourself, and potentially cause yourself more pain and problems.

Excessive straining while moving the bowels is a major cause of hemorrhoids. Eating fewer processed foods and downing plenty of water can make it easier to pass stools. To avoid straining, you may also want to try squatting. Use a stool that is placed underneath of your feet when you are defecating. Hemorrhoids are not a common occurrence among places in the world where the people squat to produce a bowel movement.

Drinking water ensures that your body is hydrated; it also plays a role in helping you to avoid hemorrhoids. It’s essential to drink enough water so that you can have healthy bowel movements. Without enough water, your stool will be too hard to pass comfortably and this can cause hemorrhoids to form, or cause injury to existing ones. Drinking at least eight or ten cups of water daily can make your stool softer, simpler to pass, and a lot less likely to harm and irritate the hemorrhoids.

When consumed often, certain healthy foods lower your chances of developing hemorrhoids. These include products made with whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and unsalted nuts. A simple, balanced diet can also help to alleviate some of the symptoms of an existing hemorrhoids condition.

Avoid spicy foods and caffeine. These food items can cause irritation in your stomach, which in turn, could cause hemorrhoids to worsen. Extremely spicy foods can cause such irritation that the hemorrhoids begin to burn, even when not being touched. This should be plenty of reason to try to avoid these foods.

At the outset of this article, you discovered the basics about hemorrhoids and also learned that there is reason to hope. Most cases of hemorrhoids do not require surgery and can be effectively treated at home. Learning more about common causes and using home treatments can help people manage and reduce them.

Author: Pat Morgan
Pat has been writing for blogs and article directories for years now and specializes in diet, health, finance, saving money, internet marketing, family issues and cooking. He currently has a blog about Natural and Alternative remedies, where your can find up to date info on many illnesses and conditions.

Simple Tips Essential For Reducing Your Symptoms of Heartburn

Heartburn treatment first requires changing certain type of dietary and other habits.  These include avoidance of oily foods, chocolates, coffee, and carbonated drinks. If you are in the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol, you should immediately stop these bad habits. If you are overweight, try to reduce your weight. Weight should be your ideal weight. It will then keep you safe from lots of other problems such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus in addition to the heartburn. Try to find out those kinds of food which aggravates your symptoms of heartburn, in order to keep away from them. Always use small meals within an interval of 2 to 3 hours and never take a large meal just before going to a bed. These are simple useful tips regarding your lifestyle modification and also practical for alleviating your symptoms of acid reflux.

Medical Heartburn Treatment

The drugs which are used clinically to control this condition are grouped under following drugs groups;

Antacids
These are good drugs because they neutralize the stomach acid and therefore prevent symptoms. Drugs under this category include calcium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. These are available in the form of chewable tablets or in the liquid form. Though, these are quite effective but with long-term use various adverse effects arise such as imbalance of electrolytes, constipation or diarrhea etc.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)
The proton pump inhibitors are good drug for heartburn treatment. They suppress the production of hydrochloric acid by blocking proton pump. They are considered potent drugs and have also replaced H2 receptors inhibitors.  Drugs such as pantoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole esomeprazole, lansoprazole and dexlansoprazole are some of the useful drugs of this category. These can be used for a number of other gastrointestinal problems. Adverse effects caused by them include constipation, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, anxiety and rash. They have longer duration of action up to 24 hours.

H2 Receptors Inhibitors
These function via blocking of the histamine 2 receptors which cause production of hydrochloric acid that is responsible for heartburn. It was first considered the best option for heartburn treatment but is now replaced by PPI. But still these inhibitors are effective drugs. Cimetidine ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine are the drugs of this group. These medicines work for up to 12 hours.

Surgical Treatment
Occasionally a need of surgery occurs and may be performed to tighten the lower sphincter present between the esophagus and stomach. After this operation the acid reflux into the esophagus is reduced.  This type of surgery is usually performed in those patients who have failed to treat the probblem through conventional heartburn treatments.

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Larry R is a writer on the subject of heartburn remedies, what triggers heartburn, and remedies that give heartburn relief…

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This article will discuss the facts about the prostate and its relationship to male health, the identifying symptoms of BPH, and the all-natural treatment alternative Super Beta Prostate. If you are man around the age of 40 or older, then this article is written for you.

The Facts

Though many older men will take care of their health through exercise and diet, it is important to know that some problems related to age are not a result of neglecting these things.

Prostate problems, though rare in younger men, will affect 1 on 2 men by the age of 50. Nearly 80% of men will experience prostate related problems at some point in their lives. One of the most common conditions to occur is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, which is defined as the enlargement of the prostate.

Not to be confused with prostate cancer, which is screened for at your annual prostate exam, BPH is not a life threatening condition.

How It Happens

To properly understand BPH, and the reason the treatment is so effective, one must have some background knowledge on the problem itself.

The prostate is the organ in the male body responsible for the production of semen. Semen is the fluid through which sperm is transported from the testicles out of the body during reproduction. The prostate is located behind the rectum and surrounds the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries fluid from the bladder out of the body. The prostate is about the size of a golf ball, and usually weighs about 7-14 grams.

When BPH sets in, the prostate will swell in size. When this enlargement happens, the walls of the urethra are crushed inwards. It is this constriction of the urethra that is responsible for many of the symptoms that are often experienced by those suffering from BPH.

When It Happens

When the prostate enlarges, there will be several symptoms that are easily noticed. Due to the constricted urethra, the flow of urine will be slowed, sometimes even interrupted mid-stream. Difficulty emptying the bladder is often reported, as well as frequent trips to the washroom. Sleep at night is usually disturbed by having to go to the bathroom as well, sometimes several times a night.

Blood in the urine is also common, as the added stress to the walls of the urethra can sometimes cause tears in the lining, which can result in bleeding. A burning sensation also will be felt, as the acids in the urine will sting at the exposed tears in the urethra wall. These tears can also, if the problem is left unchecked for extended periods, result in urinary tract infections, and lead to other unpleasant complications down the road.

Sexual dysfunction, and reduced performance also occurs, as the swelling of the prostate causes an unbalance of hormones.

It is important to remember that, while these symptoms can be disheartening to contend with, and very often embarrassing to admit, the condition of BPH is entirely treatable. Recognizing the symptoms of BPH and identifying it for what it is will be a crucial step in seeking out the appropriate treatment.

What To Do

The first step should always be to consult a doctor. Knowing a few background facts about your health and symptoms, and asking about BPH will help your physician in confirming what exactly the problem is.

Though there are many treatment options available, such as invasive surgical procedures to cut out pieces of the prostate, a microwave therapy to cook portions of the prostate through the urethra walls, and regimens of prescription medications, there is also an effective all-natural method that should be considered first.

Super Beta Prostate is a supplement that uses Beta Sitosterol (a nutrient derived from vegetables and nuts) as well as a mixture of vitamins and nutrients to reduce the swelling in the prostate and return your body to its normal functionality.

The active ingredient, Beta Sitosterol, is already in wide use in a variety of medicines for the treatment of heart and liver disease. It is also used in many preventative treatments for the common cold, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis to name a few. Many athletes, notably runners, also use Beta Sitosterol to help reduce the swelling of muscles and aid in a reduced recovery time after periods of hard exertion.

Super Beta Prostate uses this, in combination with vitamins and minerals, to work with the body’s natural repair mechanisms, to reduce the swelling of the prostate and restore a proper balance that is conducive to lasting results. In this way, Super Beta Prostate treats the root of the problem, as when the swelling of the prostate subsides, the symptoms also subside.

So if you are one of the many men that is suffering from BPH, or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, I hope that this article has shed some light on the subject. Educate yourself on the topic, and understand all the options that are available out there for you, and make the choice that’s best for you.

Allergies are generally one of the primary factors that lead to a sinus infection. Suffering from a terrible cold or even the flu virus also makes a contribution to suffering from a sinus problem. Sinus symptoms can be extremely similar to cold signs or symptoms. This means finding out for sure if you have a sinus illness a fairly complex process.

One of the primary sinus infection symptoms may be the existence of darkish yellow color mucus. This mucus could very well be showing up when you blow your nose or maybe you’re coughing up this particular nasty yellow-colored mucus. The particular dark yellow color indicates you have a sinus illness. If you possibly can, it is best to stay clear of using over-the-counter drugs that can produce temporary respite, although will not heal the root contributing factor. The good news is this afflication can be addressed in the home applying natural remedies.

An additional sign you possibly have a sinus infection is usually a throbbing sinus headache. This by itself could be a warning sign associated with a cold. However, a number of people may suffer with a sinus headache whilst not being troubled with the sinus illness. A ‘sinus’ headache along with the appearance of yellow-colored mucus points out you have a sinus infection.

Sinuses can become clogged for the duration of contamination period, while the fluids which need to be expelled by your nasal passages, have no drainage route. Consuming a liquids regularly should help keep your body hydrated, which helps thin down sinus fluids to help sinus drainage.

A irritated throat is usually an indicator regarding sinus infection. Once more, an irritated throat is another one of the outward indications of a cold. Having a sinus issue typically means the sinus fluids moves along the back of the neck, rather than through your nasal passages producing discomfort in your throat.

An effective examination in order to assess if your current sore throat might be consequence of the sinus illness is:

1. Gargle utilising warm water plus some regular salt. You need to put around about half a tsp. of salt in a washed glass of warm water.
2. Now gargle over a bowl or sink for around 2 minutes.
3. If your sore throat disappears subsequently after five minutes, most likely you already have a sinus irritation in your throat rather than a tsore throat.

Swollen sinuses may well develop as a result of subjection to irritants in the air, most notably cigarette fumes, traffic fumes, airborne debris and even things that trigger allergies. The particular sinus cellular lining becomes swollen as well as mucus accumulation and build up. This may lead to sinus tension in and around the eyes and nose area. In addition, you may well suffer from sinus head-aches and a general feeling of low strength.

A large amount of sinus infections are the result of fungus. Antibiotics are unable assist with this type of infection. Medication may very well be prescribed by doctors, however, this tends to just eliminate bacterial sinus infections. A large amount of sinus infections should certainly go by themself inside of 3-4 weeks. A range of natural home applications can help combat non-bacterial sinus infections, and if caught in time can assist to eradicate the sinus problem

These are generally the most crucial sinus illness signs or symptoms that would show up during the course of being infected. If you identify two or more of the signs given above, then you should take the time to stop by at your local pharmacist or general practioner seeking help and advice on relevant medicines and treatment.