|
|
|
A Mediterranean Diet - How to Lose Weight Safely
Copyright 2005 Roy Barker
If you are looking for a way to lose fifteen pounds in two weeks, a high protein diet, a low carb diet, a fruit diet, a no fat diet, a blood type diet, a juice fast, a diet named after a place in Miami, a grapefruit...
Aging Gracefully: Skin care in your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond
Skin care is important at any age. However, as we get older, our skin's micro-anatomy and physiology. The steps you need to take to adjust your skin care regime are outlined in the following article. You can have great looking skin at any age and...
Hair Loss - The Top 7 Causes and What You Can Do About It
Hair loss is always something people do not want to deal with. Perhaps seeing extra hair in the shower or on the brush is what alerted them to their hair loss. Or, maybe a friend or family member has made a comment as to how thin the individual's...
Medicinal Treatments for Balding Men
The most commonly used drugs that are available to treat balding
are Minoxidil and Finasteride. Unlike Minoxidil, which is a
topical product, Finasteride is an orally taken prescription
drug. It Is to be taken once daily. Both medications have...
What Is The Role Of Minoxidil (Rogaine) In The Treatment Of Hair Loss?
Minoxidil is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Originally introduced as a medicine to treat high blood pressure, it was noticed that users began to grow extra hair. It is...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Atkins & Low-Carb - Part 6
In this series of articles we have focused on low-carb dieting.
Is it right for you? We have looked at some of the concerns with
low-carbing, we've examined the diets of bodybuilders, and we've
explained exactly how carbohydrates react in the body. In this
final article on the topic of carbs, we will attempt to answer
the million dollar question: should you start a low-carb diet?
* THE EXPERTS:
First and foremost, please understand that the majority of
physicians in the United States will not recommend a no-carb
diet. By and large, doctors are going to follow the generally
accepted health practices, and those practices require us to
partake of all four food groups. Citing the fact that there are
no long-term studies available on the effects of carbohydrate
deprivation, the American Heart Association does not recommend a
no-carb approach.
On the other hand, there are some doctors who look at the
results achieved on low-carb or no-carb diets and say (like some
of us have): you can't argue with results!
* THE RESEARCH:
Both sides in the low-carb debate have doctors and studies to
back up their claims.
The Atkins group has well-done studies proving that their diet
results in weight loss and lower cholesterol. The South Beach
folks can quote even more studies. Both groups also do a very
good job of trotting out some very convincing before-and-after
pictures of people (just like us!) who have seen results on the
low-carb diets.
On the other hand, there is no shortage of research proving that
low-carb diets are unsafe and ineffective. A study by Linda van
Horn of Northwestern University in Chicago assessed more than
4,000 people in the United States, Britain, Japan and China,
asking them to write down everything they had eaten over two
24-hour periods. "Lo and behold, what we did find is that
without exception, a high complex-carbohydrate, high-fiber, high
vegetable-protein diet was associated with low body-mass index
(the standard measure of healthy weight)," Van Horn said. The
more animal protein a person ate, the higher his or her weight,
she said.
It's easy to see that the research conflicts on this issue, as
it does on many topics.
* THE ROLE MODELS:
In a previous article we examined the diets of professional
bodybuilders and (female) fitness models. Almost without
exception, we found that these extremely healthy people did not
eliminate all carbohydrates from their diet. Again, almost
without exception, these folks did strictly limit the intake of
'garbage' carbs (donuts, cake, cookies, etc.).
Bodybuilders and fitness models get their carbs from quality
sources including brown rice, vegetables, fruit and yams.
* PHONE A FRIEND!
Yikes! The experts don't agree and the research doesn't agree!
What to do? Let's phone a friend.....
Most of us have a friend or family member that has lost weight
on a low-carb plan. Sometimes they've even lost a significant
amount of weight. All that anecdotal evidence can't be wrong,
can it?
As we learned in a previous article on this topic, low-carb
diets will help you lose weight! There's enough research and
evidence out there now to fully support that claim. But is it
the 'right' weight, and is it 'safe' weight?
Especially during the first two weeks on a low-carb diet, much
of the weight loss is attributable to water loss. Falling off
the diet, or introducing carbohydrates back into the body, will
result in faster-than-normal weight gain from replenished
glycogen stores.
Another huge concern with low-carb weight loss success is
whether or not it is 'safe' weight
loss. We're not talking about
heart health or cholesterol levels, but right now we're
discussing fat loss vs. muscle loss. After all, nobody wants to
lose muscle, do they? When we talk about wanting to lose weight,
it's just understood that we want to lose fat! On a low-carb
diet, it is very possible to lose far too much weight from
muscle and not enough weight from fat.
So although our friends and family may have experienced weight
loss on a low-carb diet, that fact alone is not enough to
convince us to try it too.
* CAN WE STICK WITH IT?
As we've said time and time again, no diet is going to work for
you if you can't stick with it. The Idaho Press Tribune ran and
interesting article in defense of low-carbing (3-25-04, LeAnn
Coffelt, Your Health section), where some of the challenges of
low-carbing were disclosed: carb withdrawal (compared to
nicotine withdrawal), hair loss, etc. Perhaps the most
intriguing quote of the story was "One of the silliest things
I've ever heard is that you will put the weight back on after
you stop the diet. Well, of course you will."
Before attempting to lose weight on a low-carb (or any) diet,
you simply must ask yourself 'Can I stick with it?'. If you love
pasta and pizza, then the answer is probably no.
* THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION:
Okay, okay, enough talk about the pros and cons of low-carb
life! Should you or shouldn't you 'go low carb'?
Sorry to disappoint you, but nobody can answer that question for
you. You, and only you, know if a low-carb diet is something you
can stick with for life. There is, however, a list of questions
you can (and should!) ask yourself before taking the plunge into
low-carb mania:
1) Have I discussed this with my doctor?
2) Do I have a family history of heart disease and/or high blood
pressure?
3) Do I have a family history of cholesterol problems?
4) Do I have a family history of cancer?
5) Do I think I can stick with it, even through the 'carb
withdrawal' phase?
6) Have I scheduled regular bodyfat tests to make sure I am
losing fat and not muscle?
7) Do I have a support system in place to help me stick to my
new lifestyle?
8) Have I taken the time to educate myself on the specific diet,
or am I simply following the advice of friends?
Low-carb (or even no-carb) dieting may be safe and effective for
you. Only your doctor can help you answer that question. In
addition, Low-carb (or even no-carb) dieting may be something
you can stick with for life. Only you can answer that question.
* OUR FINAL ANSWER:
You didn't really think that we'd conclude this article without
a reminder to exercise, did you? After all, exercise is the only
thing that all the doctors and experts agree on!
Melanie Polk, RD, is the Director of Nutrition Education at the
American Institute for Cancer Research. "We already know how to
lose weight and keep it off," said Polk. "It's not a secret: eat
less, exercise more. Instead of eliminating all carbohydrates,
choose whole-grain options and beans with the fiber to fill you
up and provide energy throughout the day. Add vegetables and
fruits while cutting back on animal protein and fat."
Doctors agree that exercise is critical to achieving a healthy
fitness level for life. Not just a healthy weight, but a healthy
fitness level!
About the author:
* Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a
30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health
and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit
http://www.letspickupthepace.com/ for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
| Hair Loss and Its Causes -- familydoctor.org |
| Information about hair loss from the American Academy of Family Physicians. |
| familydoctor.org |
|
| Welcome to Hairloss.com |
| Provides men and women with information about thinning hair, baldness, and hair replacement. |
| www.hairloss.com |
|
| Consumer Hair Loss Information & Support. What really works? |
| Find out how you can stop your hair loss today. The latest research, hair transplant info, b&a photos, forums, newsletter, info on Propecia and Rogaine and ... |
| www.hairlosstalk.com |
|
| MedlinePlus: Hair Diseases and Hair Loss |
| National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases The primary NIH organization for research on Hair Diseases and Hair Loss is the ... |
| www.nlm.nih.gov |
|
| MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hair loss |
| This is generally the least expensive and safest approach to hair loss. Hair pieces should not be sutured to the scalp because of the risk of scars and ... |
| www.nlm.nih.gov |
|
| Hair Loss |
| Hair loss treatment information including products such as Propecia, Avodart, Nizoral, Rogaine, nonsurgical hair replacement and hair transplants for ... |
| www.regrowth.com |
|
| Hair Loss |
| Article about how it grows, causes of hair loss, kinds of treatment, and tips to keep it healthy. |
| www.kidshealth.org |
|
| ahlc.org | The American Hair Loss Council | Welcome |
| The American Hair Loss Council is the nation's only, unbiased, not-for-profit agency, dedicated to sorting through this information, discovering what works ... |
| www.ahlc.org |
|
| Male hair loss |
| Male hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, ... |
| www.netdoctor.co.uk |
|
| AAD - Hair Loss |
| However, if you are concerned about excessive hair loss or dramatic ... The constant pull causes some hair loss, especially along the sides of the scalp. ... |
| www.aad.org |
|
| Hair loss - MayoClinic.com |
| Hair loss may result from heredity, medications or underlying medical conditions. |
| www.mayoclinic.com |
|
| Hair loss help - Hair Transplant Doctors - Hair loss product ... |
| Hair transplant doctor & hair loss treatments - hair loss forum and information on Rogaine, Propecia, Dutasteride. |
| www.hairlosshelp.com |
|
| American Hair Loss Association - Home Page |
| Provides consumer hair loss information. Devoted to finding a cure for hair loss and increasing worldwide awareness and understanding of this disease. |
| www.americanhairloss.org |
|
| Hair Loss Treatment & Product Reviews - Folica.com |
| Clinically proven to regrow hair better than any other topical treatment, Spectral DNC is the world’s most effective topical hair loss treatment. ... |
| www.folica.com |
|
| Hair Loss Treatments Ireland |
| Advice on how to combat thinning hair, baldness plus hair replacement. Also suppliers of the hairmax LaserComb. |
| www.hairloss.ie |
|
| Hair Loss and other health information |
| /Find Hair Loss health articles and videos and other Hair Loss health topics. |
| sciencedaily.healthology.com |
|
| Find hair-loss information and treatment options. |
| Male pattern hair loss can be treated. Read about this FDA-approved hair-loss drug. |
| www.propecia.com |
|
| Hair loss and Hairloss advice on all hair loss treatments ... |
| Information on hair loss and thinning hair as well as treatment details including propecia and minoxidil. |
| www.stophairlossnow.co.uk |
|
| Regaine® - Hair Loss Treatment for Men and Women |
| Hair loss affects 40% of men under 35. Regaine for Men is the only ... Regaine for Women is proven to help prevent further hair loss for 4 out of 5 women, ... |
| www.regaine.co.uk |
|
| Hair loss, balding, hair shedding. DermNet NZ |
| Authoritative facts about the skin from the New Zealand Dermatological Society. |
| dermnetnz.org |
|
|