Many serious health conditions are a result of having excess abdominal fat.
These major health conditions include type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Therefore it is detrimental not to take care of your weight and avoid gaining unnecessary weight.
According to some studies, there is a strong link between cortisol, which is the stress hormone, and abdominal fat.
Studies on cortisol
A 2008 study published in Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers identified a strong relation between the cortisol levels of overweight girls and excessive abdominal fat.
In addition, a 2011 study published in Obesity investigated the way that stress affects the cortisol levels and visceral fat of Hispanic girls.
Results of studies
It was found that those participants who experienced high levels of stress at school, also showed increased levels of cortisol as well as abdominal fat.
Effective ways to reduce cortisol levels
According to Ehow, three ways of reducing cortisol levels have proved to be effective. These include, following a balanced and healthy diet, exercising regularly and performing meditation.
Source: Ehow
Following a balanced, healthy, diet is so important and taking supportive supplements to help balance cortisol can also be key. Find out more about a healthy lifestyle plan for your body and supportive products for cortisol balance. We work to create a healthy lifestyle and supportive system that is specific to your body. Talk with us at info@dedicatedtohealth.com
Grapes can make an excellent snack for weight loss, but have you ever wondered whether grapes are high in calories, because they are so sweet?…
Grapes come in several varieties, with the red and green ones being the most common and widely available. They are easy to carry wherever you go and only require a good wash before eating.
Number of calories in grapes
According to Livestrong, the USDA National Nutrient Database says that there are approximately 34 calories in 10 seedless grapes. Thus we can deduce that one grape has about 3.5 calories, which is low and thus a wonderful snack if you are trying to lose weight.
Nutrients
Grapes contain protein, a little fat and sugar, water and fiber.In addition, they also contain calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins.
Try to include some grapes in your diet, as the above nutrients promote good health.
How to include grapes in your diet
You could add them to your cereal during breakfast, or to your yoghurt as a snack. The best part, is that you can even consume them on their own, just as they are!
Sometimes, making small differences in what and how much you choose to eat, can have a huge impact in how much weight you gain or lose…
When we’re hungry or feeling peckish, we tend to order snacks or meals in much larger portions than we actually require. Think of the extra serving of chips or extra cheese that you ask for when ordering a burger. Ring a bell?
Upsizing increases calories
Upsizing meals actually increases your portion size and thus the number of calories you are consuming. According toReaders Digest, ordering a small non-fat latte and a small low-fat raisin or carrot muffin, instead of a large, full-cream latte and a chocolate cream-cheese muffin, could save you a whopping 340 calories!
Downsizing reduces calories
If you would like to prevent weight gain, rather try downsizing your meal when you order. Remember that the little choices we make, can make a big difference in how many calories we consume daily.
Many of us want to lose weight, or rather, need to lose weight! A key to weight loss could lie in preparing snacks in advance.
Snacking or having the urge to nibble on some form of food is bound to happen, so start planning in advance.
Air tight containers and plastic bags
Try storing healthy snacks in little containers to make sure that you don’t consume more than is necessary. Nuts and raisins store well in air tight containers, or even plastic bags and can make a great snack, anytime! Veggies and hummus, piece of fruit, spoonful of cottage cheese, hard boiled egg whites all make great easy snacks.
Pre-dinner snacking
Many people also gain weight with pre-dinner snacking. Try cutting up fruit or vegetables into little pieces, for you and your family to snack on, while you prepare the main meal. In this way, you will also be getting your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Mini tubs of yoghurt, or cottage also make excellent snacks, and are very easy to prepare. So stop looking for that bag of chips and reach out for healthy snacks instead!
FIND OUT ABOUT ULTRASOUND CAVITATION TECHNOLOGY! Combined with our Lifestyle programs, diet and exercise programs you have maximum results that are healthy and all natural. We do a full an evaluation to see how this technology and our lifestyle programs can work for you to have the most amazing results.
What can Ultrasound Cavitation do for you?
Help you lose inches in as little as 30 minutes without pain or downtime
Help you tone, tighten skin naturally with the technology of ultrasound
Change your shape without pain, without downtime. Change your lifestyle and add this to change your shape.
Contact info@dedicatedtohealth.com to prescreen if this is right for you.
Supporting CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPORTS — CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SEEING IF THESE THERAPIES CAN HELP YOU!
Introduction:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an injury caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. The injury causes pain and numbness in the index and middle fingers and weakness of the thumb. Carpal tunnel receives its name from the eight bones in the wrist, called carpals, which form a “tunnel” through which the nerve leading to the hand extends.
Signs and Symptoms:
Signs and symptoms of CTS include:
Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance
Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
A sense that fingers are swollen even though little or no swelling is apparent
Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things
Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder
What Causes It?:
The carpal tunnel is filled with tendons (bundles of collagen fibers that attach muscle to bone) that control finger movement. Tasks requiring highly repetitive and forceful movements of the wrist can cause swelling around the tendons, resulting in a pinched nerve and producing CTS.
Who’s Most At Risk?:
People working with small hand tools in manufacturing and those using a computer keyboard on a regular basis are especially at risk.
Women are 2 – 5 times more likely than men to develop CTS. It most commonly occurs in people ages 30 -60. CTS is associated with health conditions, such as Lyme disease, hypothyroidism, rubella, pregnancy, obesity, and menopause. High caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol intake are contributing risk factors.
What to Expect at Your Provider’s Office:
If you have symptoms of CTS, you should see your health care provider. Your health care provider can help you determine which treatment or combination of therapies will work best for you.
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and some simple tests to determine if there is a loss of sensation or some weakness in your thumb or fingers. Your health care provider may also perform more sophisticated diagnostic procedures ranging from a nerve conduction study to electromyography (EMG). X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to reveal the cause and the nature of the injury.
Treatment Options:
Your health care provider may put your wrist in a splint or brace to keep your wrist from bending, and to minimize or prevent pressure on the nerve. You’ll probably need to wear the splint full time for 3 – 4 weeks, then at night only. Putting ice on your wrist, massaging the area, and doing stretching exercises may also help.
Prevention
You can help prevent CTS or alleviate symptoms by making some simple changes in your work and leisure habits, such as:
Stretch or flex your arms and fingers before beginning work and at frequent intervals.
Alternate tasks to reduce the amount of repetitive movements.
Modify or change daily activities that put pressure on your wrists.
Modify your work environment. If you use a computer, have an adjustable keyboard table and chair, and a wrist rest.
Drug Therapies
Your provider may prescribe the following medications:
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness)
Corticosteroids, a type of steroid, injected at the site of the carpal tunnel to reduce tendon swelling
Diuretics, if needed
Surgical and Other Procedures
Patients who do not improve with medication and splinting may need surgery. Surgery provides complete relief in 95% of patients.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
A comprehensive treatment plan for CTS may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.
Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
Eliminate all suspected food allergens, including dairy (milk, cheese, eggs, and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives, and chemical food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:
A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, D, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 – 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful of oil daily, to help decrease inflammation. Fish oils may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals, such as those taking blood thinning mediations (including aspirin).
B-complex vitamin, 1 tablet daily, for symptoms of carpal tunnel. Some studies suggest low levels of riboflavin in the blood is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and other inflammatory diseases.
Vitamin C, 500 – 1,000 mg daily, as an antioxidant.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), 3,000 mg twice a day, to help decrease inflammation.
Resveratrol (from red wine), 50 – 200 mg daily, to help decrease inflammation and for antioxidant effects. Resveratrol may increase the blood thinning effects of blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and Coumadin.
Herbs
Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should speak with your health care provider before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 – 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 – 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 – 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 – 500 mg daily, for inflammation and antioxidant and immune effects. Use caffeine free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Bromelain (Ananus comosus) standardized, 40 mg 3 times daily, for pain and inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, 300 mg 3 times a day, for pain and inflammation. Bromelain may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals, such as those taking blood thinning medications, including aspirin.
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) standardized extract, 20 mg 3 times a day, for inflammation. Cat’s claw can intereact with certain medications, including blood pressure medications. Cat’s claw may worsen autoimmune conditions and Leukemia
Homeopathy
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider remedies for the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account your constitutional type — your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for you individually.
An experienced homeopath can prescribe a regimen for treating CTS that is designed especially for you. Some of the most common acute remedies are listed below. An acute dose is 3 – 5 pellets of 12X to 30C every 1 – 4 four hours until symptoms clear up.
Apis mellifica for joints that are red, hot, or swollen.
Arnica montana, 4 times per day, for a bruised, beat up feeling, soreness, achy muscles after trauma or overuse. This treatment may be especially effective if the gel or cream form is used topically.
Guaiacum for CTS that is improved by the use of cold applications.
Physical Medicine
Contrast hydrotherapy — alternating hot and cold water applications — may offer relief from CTS symptoms. This approach decreases inflammation, offers pain relief, and enhances healing. Immerse your wrists fully in hot water for 3 minutes, followed by 1 minute in cold water, and repeat three times. Do this 2 – 3 times daily.
Castor Oil Packs — Apply castor oil to a cloth, loosely wrap around wrist, and then cover with Saran Wrap. Apply a heating pad for 1 hour, or without using a heating pad, sleep with the application on the wrist. Do this for 4 – 5 nights per week until improvement occurs.
Acupuncture
According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture may help treat CTS. Studies suggest that acupuncture restores normal nerve function and can provide long term relief of pain associated with CTS. Acupuncturists treat people with CTS based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In the case of CTS, acupuncturists will often target the liver, gallbladder, and kidney meridians.
Chiropractic
CTS is commonly treated by chiropractors. The methods most chiropractors use to treat CTS include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports. Two studies support the use of chiropractic treatment for CTS.
In the first study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment. Most of these improvements were maintained for at least 6 months.
A second study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.
Massage
Massage may help prevent or relieve symptoms, especially in combination with rosemary or St. John’s wort oil.
Prognosis/Possible Complications:
Most people’s symptoms clear up within a few months with conventional treatment. If left untreated, CTS in advanced stages can become quite serious, involving a loss of sensation, muscle deterioration, and permanent loss of function.
Following Up:
If your wrist is placed in a splint or you receive corticosteroids, you’ll need ongoing evaluation by your health care provider until treatment is completed. If you have surgery for CTS, you may need only a single follow up visit.
Reviewed last on: 6/17/2010
Reviewed by Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Supporting Research
Aufiero E, Stitik TP, Foye PM, Chen B. Pyridoxine hydrochloride treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a review. Nutr Rev. 2004;62(3):96-104.
Allampallam K, Chakraborty J, Robinson J. Effect of ascorbic acid and growth factors on collagen metabolism of flexor retinaculum cells from individuals with and without carpal tunnel syndrome. J Occup Environ Med. 2000;42(3):251-9.
Banner R, Hudson EW. Case report: acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome. Can Fam Physician. 2001;47:547-549.
Baur JA, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of resveratrol: the in vivo evidence. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006;5(6):493-506.
Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea–a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(2):79-99.
Davis PT, Hulbert JR, Kassak KM, Meyer JJ. Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(5):317-326.
Di Geronimo G, Caccese AF, Caruso L, Soldati A, Passaretti U. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with alpha-lipoic acid. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2009:13(2):133-9.
Ferri. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2010, 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, An Imprint of Elsevier; 2009.
Gonclaves C, Dinis T, Batista MT. Antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins of Uncaria tomentosa bark decoction: a mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemistry. 2005;66(1):89-98.
Hale LP, Greer PK, Trinh CT, James CL. Proteinase activity and stability of natural bromelain preparations. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005;5(4):783-93.
Holm G, Moody LE. Carpal tunnel syndrome: current theory, treatment, and the use of B6. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2003;15(1):18-22.
Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006;14(3):286-94.
Labinskyy N, Csiszar A, Veress G, et al. Vascular dysfunction in aging: potential effects of resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory phytoestrogen. Curr Med Chem. 2006;13(9):989-96.
Raimbeau G. Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. Chir Main. 2008;27(4):134-45.
Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.
Skibska B, Jozefowicz-Okonkwo G, Goraca A. Protective effects of early administration of alpha-lipoic acid against lipopolysaccharide-induced plasma lipid peroxidation. Pharmacol Rep. 2006;58(3):399-404.
Wang HK. The therapeutic potential of flavonoids. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2000;9(9):2103-19.
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Yoon JH, Baek SJ. Molecular targets of dietary polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Yonsei Med J. 2005;46(5):585-96.
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Aging takes a toll on the body and and a decline in optimal health can occur at any age from your stress out 20′s of taking finals new home, new career, to change of life to mid-life and beyond. Weight gain, hair loss, fatigue and low libido are just a few examples of the common symptoms of aging that should not be brushed off as a simple “fact of life.” They are a response to changes in hormones that are designed to compensate for the stresses placed on our bodies and often we don’t have enough due to genetics, lifestyle, and these high personal demands. A Natural Provider’s approach to optimal health is through personalized fitness programs, customized nutrition plans, pharmaceutical grade supplements, herbs, and natural hormone supports. Our comprehensive solutions and personal attentive solutions will allow you to experience renewed energy, balance of body, and live a longer, quality of life that you should feeling great each day that you wake up.
Is Natural Hormone Support for You?
Contact a trained health care provider to Get Started
The aging process affects us all in different ways which is why we often feel totally alone as these symptoms emerge. Over the course of a lifetime, we are exposed to environmental and dietary toxins which effect our bodies. Along with the normal aging process, and our own genetics these toxins contribute to a natural and sometimes accelerated decline of hormones. The responses to these declines vary from person to person and occur at different ages from as young as teenage years to much later in life. Lifestyle choices such as personal habits, dietary intake and physical activity play a role in how well your body functions as you experience the change of life process. Uncomfortable symptoms and notable changes in the body around this process can be called or referred to as menopauseand perimenopause in women, and andropause in men.
This imbalance of hormones can contribute to other conditions like the following:
Adrenal fatigue
Thyroid disease
Metabolic Syndrome
Sexual dysfunction
As a result of hormone imbalance related to the above, you may be experiencing the following symptoms which many people think are just the classic symptoms of aging:
Weight gain
Change in Energy
Hair loss
Low sex drive
Depression
Hair Thinning
Mood swings
Anxiety
Sleeplessness
Poor concentration
Memory loss
Fatigue
The good news is that with a good balanced approached using Natural Methods we can move the body back to feeling great. You should wake up with good energy, focus, clarity of mind and sleep well. In order to move back into that direction a combination of good foods, nutrients, lifestyle changes and natural hormone supports are essential. We look at the whole body not just one area and assess all areas based on the individual and form a plan together for success. Contact us today for you free consultation for Nutrition and Hormone Balancing done Naturally. (626) 799-557 or info@dedicatedtohealth.com
Yes, It is safe, comfortable, non-invasive procedure with no known side-effects. The ultrasound energy only targets the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin and does not affect the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues.
IS ULTRASOUND CAVITATION PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
No, it is pain free. The only discomfort come from hearing a high pitched sound in your ears, which is simply the sound of the ultrasound waves resonating in your ears and the ultrasound head can sometimes get a little warm but never unbearable.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
20-40 minutes each area is recommended; Thighs (saddle bags), Abdominal (love handles), Hips (flanks), Buttock, Upper arm, etc…
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL CARE BEFORE OR AFTER TREATMENT?
The body continues to expel the liquefied fat cells up to 72 hours after treatment so plenty of water helps speed up the process along with vibrations, plate, lymphatic massage, lymphatic drainage supports, and liver supports.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?
Immediately, that is what’s great about the ultrasound cavitation. You may loose up to 2 inches after only one session around 20-30 minutes.
DOES IT WORK ON CELLULITE?
Yes, low frequency ultrasound generally works on cellulite by focusing on “cavitation effect” on the fat tissue and using compounds that help break up cellulite.
HOW ABOUT CHANGE OF LIFE AND HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
We don’t ever recommend a quick fix or the magic pill although it seems nice to lose a few inches before your big date or even wedding. For truly a change of health and wellness the ultimate is combing a device with a nutritional support program and lifestyle change which is where working with a trained health care professional comes in.
Find out more about what our Lifestyle Programs with Ultrasound can do to truly change you life and your body again Email for more information or an appointment at info@dedicatedtohealth.com.
Below are some actual patient sessions (results vary depending on number of sessions, genetics, health and lifestyle):
Here is 1 30 min session of a women who lost 25 pounds the second picture taken next day:
Consuming a fruit smoothie daily for breakfast is an excellent method of reducing cravings, restoring balance and promoting weight loss.
Reducing cravings
Food cravings can be limited by having fruit smoothies, as you will be including a variety of ingredients that will not only provide a variety of tastes, but also many nutrients that your body requires. Fruit smoothies are delicious and can even be consumed as a snack.
Example of a fruit smoothie
The following example of a smoothie that you could could create at home. Mix the ingredients below in a blender, until smooth:
• 1 cup of rice milk
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1 banana
• 4 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon of aloe juice
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil
Another example from Dr. King:
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder (Fit Food Whey or Vegan)
1 cup cherries
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon of flax seeds
4 ounces of spinach leaves
6 ounces of almond milk
The best part is that you can use any fruits that you like, or whatever is in season. Maybe try a different one on each day of the week for variety. Fruits are low in calories and should be included in your weight loss diet plan. You can add protein powder, flax seeds, chia seeds there are all kinds of combinations.
Many serious health conditions are a result of having excess abdominal fat.
