The symptoms of a Prolapsed hemorrhoids are as follows: a second degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid retracts of its own accord, a third degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid is one that can be manually reinserted, while a fourth degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid is one that remains externalized and cannot be reinserted.  In the most extreme cases, a fourth degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid becomes either Strangulated or Thrombosed, in addition to its resistance to being manually reinserted into the anus, after which it spontaneously remerges.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Symptoms may include mild itching or burning, slight to temperate bleeding, or in more extreme cases, produce severe pain by virtue of its becoming an inflamed mass of externalized tissue.  Other common prolapsed hemorrhoid symptoms include either red blood in the stool or residual red blood on toilet paper, or an inability to complete a bowel movement.  It should be noted that blackened stool or actual pain caused by the act of defecating is not typically symptomatic of a hemorrhoidal condition.  In the presence of these last two symptoms, a doctor should examine the individual suffering the symptoms forthwith.  Essentially, all masses of tissue that are externalized outside of the anus are regarded as external hemorrhoids, with the exception being the prolapsed hemorrhoid, which originate as an internal condition but extend outside of the rectum as they progress.  Prolapsed Hemorrhoids have a variety of causes.  Straining during bowel movements (caused by either diarrhea or constipation) is a typical culprit, as is hypertension, obesity,  pregnancy, and cigarette smoking.  Each of the foregoing causes has specific explanations, which are as follows:

Straining during a bowel movement places pressure on the walls of the anus, thereby weakening the rectal tissue of the anus and making it susceptible to a hemorrhoidal breach.

Constipation during pregnancy is often the result of water retention, which can induce strenuous bowel movements and thus weaken the walls of the anus, in addition to causing hypertension, which is not an uncommon condition during pregnancy.

Obesity can be a factor in causing Hemorrhoids due to an increase in the amount of pressure exerted on rectal veins, in addition to attending symptoms such as reduced muscle tone and poor posture, all of which also put additional stress on rectal veins.

Cigarette smoking during bowel movements have been linked to not only an increased risk in producing Hemorrhoids, but are also believed to be responsible for causing severe bleeding of the veins in the anus and the rectal area.

Causes and Prevention of Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids are caused by a myriad of reasons, and thus their prevention varies.  However, there are standard preventative measures that are typically suggested as a means for either reducing the risk of developing them, or treating them should they occur.  These measures include consuming more fluids and dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals or muffins that are high in fiber, in addition to taking fiber supplements).  The consumption of fiber and fluids reduces the strain that occurs during bowel movements, which in turn act as agitating factors that can either cause or prolong the condition.  Reducing the time and duration of a bowel movement is also a means of reducing the risk of developing Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, and is a practice that can also assist in the healing process.  Elsewhere it has been suggested by doctors, and reported by patients, that tight undergarments can be a contributing factor to irritating the condition, as can the presence of weak muscle tone in the anal region.  Additionally, women frequently report an increase in the development of Hemorrhoids, or Hemorrhoidal irritation during periods of menstruation, which may be alleviated by washing the affected area with cool or warm soapy water, which can also assist in reducing itching and irritation, and possibly stave off a general worsening of symptoms.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, which are distinguished by an external lump of inflamed tissue protruding from the anus, can be treated with a variety of interventions, depending on their severity.  Inflammation can be reduced by bathing in warm water, which assists the blood vessels in the rectal area to relax.  Steady use of medicated ointments and creams during the initial onset of symptoms can also achieve some relief, and may be a deterrent against increased inflammation or a worsening of the condition.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment is typically handled surgically because of the inherent severity of the condition and the nature of its symptoms. In such cases, where the hemorrhoid has externalized, a Hemorroidectomy may be performed.  The procedure consists of surgically excising, or removing, the hemorrhoid, and is noted for the long duration of its recovery time and the severity of pain that accompanies it.  The hemorroidectomy is only recommended for grade IV Hemorrhoids, and has been linked with cases of incontinence later in life.  A Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure whose objective is to resect the tissue that is in proximity to what is referred to as the dentate line (the dentate line is the region in the anal canal  that resides above the area where an individual experiences pain).  The Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed tissue, thereby starving the hemorrhoid.  It is a less painful procedure than a Hemorrhoidectomy, and is favored treatment by doctors and patients because of the shorter recovery time that is necessary to otherwise treat a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid.

Alternative Treatments for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids can also be treated with a variety of alternative remedies, which include both preventative practices (usually dietary), as well as medicinally holistic treatment measures.  For example, consuming bulk fiber products like psyllium seed husk and plantain is believed to produce softer stool, which is easier to pass and thus less likely to induce new Hemorrhoids or inflame preexisting ones.  Adopting a squatting position when making a bowel movement is thought to ease stress to the anal walls and aid in easier defecation.  For Individuals whose poor circulation is the cause of their hemorrhoids, doctors sometimes recommend using a pillow to raise the legs while sleeping to assist in eliminating altogether the presence of external hemorrhoids. The use of soothing compounds and substances such as Witch hazel, Cranesbill, Aloe Vera and honey are advocated and favored by some patients because they are regarded as natural or more organic than compounds such as Preparation H, and provide relief for some of the symptoms associated with the condition.  Prolapsed Hemorrhoids have also been reported to respond to certain dietary interventions, such as Butcher’s Broom, Horse-Chestnut, as well as bioflavanoids.  Because compounds such as Butcher’s Broom contain naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents such as ruscogenins, they are often sought out by patients who wish to try an organic approach to addressing the symptoms that attend Prolapsed Hemorrhoids.

Written by, David Gilbert

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

What Is Your Stool Telling You about your health? Nobody likes to talk about bowel movements. As a Clinical Nutritionist in practice for over 15 years I was taught many years ago that your stool can be an invaluable source of information about what may be going on in the body. It’s a standard question in my initial consultation with every client and I usually have to come right out and ask as most people leave that section of the health history form blank. It’s not the easiest subject to bring up and I wasn’t crazy about asking my clients in the early years but I quickly learned how important it is diagnostically. Many poor health conditions stem from poor elimination in some way.

Since checking out your stool is a free and easy way for a person to figure out what may be going on with their digestive health – and most people do take a peek and probably are wondering what it means, for example, when they have a greasy yellowish stool. Well, it can be a sign of pancreas dysfunction, pancreatitis or an inability to absorb the nutrients in your foods.  I decided to write an article on stool testing to educate the public and to take the “weirdness” out of it, replaced, with the ” importance” of  it.

First of all, for healthy digestion and elimination a person should have a bowel movement 1-3 times a day. Yes, a day. I’ve had clients come to me and say that they have “normal” digestion and that they go 2 times a week regularly. That is not normal under any circumstances. It’s constipation. Some people say they go every hour and that isn’t normal either, it’s diarrhea. Ideally a person should have a bowel movement shortly after each meal. Normal transit time is about 12 hours. Most Americans don’t eliminate as often as they should.

A healthy bowel movement should be light to medium brown, shaped like a small banana but without the curve, light enough to float and not drop to the bottom of the toilet bowl, it should be formed (not liquid or runny) and easy to pass with no pain or straining. If this sounds like your stools, you are doing well. If not, maybe you recognize some of the issues below.

• Stools that are too large can be a sign of lactose or casein intolerance. Both casein and lactose are found in dairy products like cheese and milk and can cause digestive pain and symptoms in many people.
• Stools that are hard and pebble like can be a sign of poor liver and gallbladder function and or a lack of digestive enzymes. Both large and hard stools as well as diarrhea can lead to straining and possibly hemorrhoids.
• Thin stringy or flattened looking stools can be a sign of a polyp or other obstruction that causes a narrowing of the elimination pathway. This is also present with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.) and spastic colon.
• Stools that are greasy, fatty and messy and leave a film or grease in the toilet can be a sign of pancreas dysfunction, pancreatitis or an inability to absorb the nutrients in your foods.
• Pale, grayish or light yellow colored stools can indicate liver and gallbladder problems.
• Dark black stools could mean bleeding in the digestive track. Stools with blood or mucous can be sign of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids or even colon cancer.

See your physician right away if there’s blood in your stool. While some of these issues are diet related and should be discussed with an experienced nutritionist, many more could be serious health concerns and you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Make that priority number one.

A healthy stool should not be extremely strong and foul smelling. The worse it smells the higher degree of bowel toxicity is present. Poor diet alone can cause odor problems but other health issues can contribute. The odor may signal a lack of the healthy bacteria like acidophilus and bifidobacterium (also called probiotics) your gut needs to stay balanced and to assist in the digestion and assimilation of the foods you eat, or you may have an overgrowth of unhealthy yeast or bacteria such as Candida Albicans. If you are having an issue with serious odor or chronic diarrhea or constipation a stool test from a specialty lab like Genova Diagnostics can give you a credible report of what is going on in your gut. Your Physician or Nutritionist should be able to get the testing done and interpret the results for you. Either way – take a look at what’s going on, and if you have one of the on the list go see a health specialist and get it checked out.

If you would like me to perform your stool test follow the directions below. Until next time…best of health to all and remember to listen to “What Your Stool Is Telling You.”   – Juli !

E-mail me at jknutrition@earthlink.net or juli@julikeene.com letting me know you are interested in testing. I will e-mail you a health history and symptom assessment to help determine which test would be most helpful for you.

I will have you pay by check or credit card using Paypal. See each test for prices.

I will have the test kit and instructions sent directly to you.

When you receive the test kit, you will follow instructions to collect the stool sample/s.  You will FedEx it to the lab via the pre paid envelope. Be sure to keep your testing box as it will be sent back to the lab with the samples inside of it. Write your name and Juli Keene on the test kit box somewhere on the top of the outside.

The lab will analyze your stool specimens and send the results to the office. The results are sent to me and we will schedule your 30- minute phone or e-mail consult with Juli Keene, CN to review the results and your options. You will receive a copy of test results and a printed summary of your consultation.

The testing takes about 14-21 business days from the day the lab receives your sample kit for us to receive the results and contact you for a consultation.

The complete costs are listed next to each test. Cost includes the test kit, lab services, a printed copy of lab results and interpretation, and a 30- minute review of findings with Juli Keene, Licensed Clinical Nutritionist and a printed summary of our consult and your plan.

Juli Keene B.Sc, CN is not a physician.  She does not diagnose or treat disease. This information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to provide medical advice.  For medical advice, always seek a physician. This information is intended solely as a sharing of knowledge and information based upon the experience and research of Juli Keene, CN and Nutrition Solutions

by Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN,
Licensed Clinical Nutritionist

julikeene@earthlink.net

Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN

© Hemorrhoid Information Center  2009

Heartburn is that burning sensation behind the breastbone which can radiate up to the throat. But when you reached for that second helping of lasagna or onion rings or whatever tasted so good, it didn’t enter your mind. Heartburn or acid reflux begins it churning and burning after you have left the dinner table. Heartburn can even cause a chronic cough, created by the acid reflux entering the lungs. If you have heartburn only occasionally, it shouldn’t be a concern. Just learning what you can eat and not eat, and exercising will power will be enough to subdue the symptoms. But if you ignore the symptoms and begin to experience heartburn two or more times a week, you can develop serious medical conditions.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is the result of the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to keep the stomach’s contents in the stomach. This muscle acts as a valve at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, opening when food is swallowed and closing again. When the lower sphincter muscle (LES) malfunctions, the gastric acid from the digestion process enters the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus. The stomach’s lining is meant to produce and handle the gastric acid, but the more delicate lining of the esophagus is burned. Part of the gastric acid consists of naturally-produced hydrochloric acid, which you may remember from chemistry class as a highly corrosive compound that has major industrial uses. After all, it isn’t easy breaking down ingested food into the nutrients needed by your body. Although the condition is called heartburn, it has nothing to do with the heart, except for being located close to it. Heart problems can also cause a burning sensation, but it would be completely unrelated to acid reflux. Chest pain should always be evaluated by your doctor.

The Causes of Heartburn

Just another reason to stop smoking !

The reasons are unclear why some people are more susceptible to acid reflux than others. But certain factors are known to contribute to heartburn. The list below are some of the most common causes of  heartburn:

• Obesity puts additional pressure on the stomach.
• Hiatal hernias allow acid reflux to enter the esophagus.
• Smoking irritates the lining of the stomach, increasing acid production while also relaxing the sphincter muscle.
• Tight clothing can exert pressure on the stomach.
• Lying down within three hours of eating.
• Eating a large meal.

Heartburn can be caused by certain foods:

• Spicy foods
• Tomato-based foods
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Caffeine or alcohol in drinks
• Mint
• Onions and garlic
• Fried foods

Symptoms of Heartburn

Heartburn symptoms include substernal pain or burning sensation in the upper chest area, often spreading into the esophagus and further to the upper back and shoulders and is usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus causing gastric reflux leaving a feeling of a lump there, sometimes lasting for days after the initial heartburn has ended.

Wikipedia differentiates between the symptoms of classic heartburn and related conditions: “The terms dyspepsia and indigestion are often used interchangeably with heartburn, though some sources emphasize a distinction. Dyspepsia is defined as a combination of epigastric pain and heartburn. Heartburn is commonly used interchangeably with gastroesophageal reflux disease rather than just to describe a symptom of burning in one’s chest.”

It’s also important to differentiate between simple heartburn and the life-threatening chest pains associated with cardiac disease, which are very similar. If you suspect this condition, please seek immediate help at the nearest hospital emergency room or call a paramedic.

A classic symptom of heartburn and attendant gastroesophageal reflux also includes a bitter taste in the mouth, the regurgitation of undigested or partially digested food. These symptoms are also associated with nausea with chest pains extremely similar to cardiac chest pains – often a prelude to congestive heart failure, or heart attack.

Heartburn symptoms are usually worse after eating, especially after fatty, spicy or acidic food – can be made worse by bending over or lying down, so no matter what treatment protocol is recommended, staying in an upright position until medication is administered.

Chronic or frequent recurrence is usually a sign that the patient may have gastroesophagal reflux disease (GERD). Although advanced states of this condition may have serious consequences, patients with heartburn and regurgitation issues rarely cause hospital admission or death.

Heartburn list of symptoms includes:

• Burning in upper chest, throat, breastbone, upper back

• Acid reflux

• Nausea/vomiting

• Halitosis

• Flatulence

• Abdominal distention

• Bloating

• Belching

• Incontinence

• Diarrhea

• Jaundice

There are other smaller and uncommon symptoms, but if this condition persists, as always a consultation with a doctor specializing in gastroenterology would be wise.

Treatment for Heartburn

Once that burning sensation begins, you will probably start looking for heartburn treatments.  Fortunately, the symptoms of heartburn can be relieved by several different types of treatment medications:

• Antacids subdue symptoms in mild cases. Tums®, Alka-Seltzer® and Maalox® are some well-known brand names which will neutralize gastric acids. However, they are only effective for a short time.

• H2 blockers can decrease acid production. Pepcid AC® and Zantac 75® are two brand names in this group.

• Foaming agents cover the stomach with foam and prevent acid reflux. Gaviscon® is a popular brand name of this type.

• Proton pump inhibitors stop the production of gastric acids and also heal damaged tissue in the esophagus. Prilosec® is an over-the-counter brand name and Nexium® is available with a prescription.

• Prokinetics are a prescription drug which can help strengthen the sphincter muscle and move food faster through the stomach. This class of drugs does have drawbacks, such as depression, sleepiness, and fatigue. Also, physical movement may be affected.

In addition, home heartburn treatments include raising the head of your bed a few inches, sleeping with your upper body elevated on pillows, and eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of harder-to-digest large meals. Many people believe milk is a good antidote to acid reflux, but it actually stimulates more acid production and the heartburn returns, usually more severe.

Your best route to finding relief from heartburn is to use the proper medications and make some lifestyle changes. If you find that you are experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, you should consult your doctor to avoid developing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The price of overindulgence is too high when it comes to heartburn.

written by, Joy Seeman

© 2009 H.I.C

Sources:

Heartburn. (2009, June 23). Retrieved November 16, 2009, from Mayo Clinic:

Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). (2007, May). NDDIC.

Heartburn/GERD Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from WebMD:

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder brought about by society’s huge pressure on people to look good. What society has failed to do is explain that looking good could also be done by living a healthy lifestyle. This has affected some people psychologically that more often than not, they undergo shortcuts just to maintain a slim-body figure.

People who suffer from bulimia spend most of their time thinking about how to keep an ideal body image and weight. Symptoms of bulimia are similar to those suffering from anorexia nervosa. However, it is harder to detect people who suffer from bulimia because they show no outward symptoms like thin figures. People who suffer from bulimia, in fact, have a good physique and show no obvious eating or health disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

One of the major signs that a person might be suffering from bulimia are episodes of binge eating. This, however, is not easily visible and as most patients binge in secret. Changes in eating habits are mainly due to a person’s psychological condition. Feelings of guilt, shame, depression or self-contempt characterize the emotional state of the patient. This in turn forces a person to indulge in episodes of binge eating followed by vomiting in an ever-unconscious effort to maintain that ideal appearance. Here are some indications of bulimia nervosa:

• Going to the bathroom during meals.
• Preoccupation with body image and weight.
• Weight usually is within the normal range, but there are some who could be overweight or underweight.  However, the weight is not constant.
• Self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, and over-exercising as a compensatory behavior.
• Depressed or anxious.
• Foul-smelling breath.
• Using substances such as alcohol or stimulants.
• Dental cavities, and ragged or chipped teeth because the enamel of the tooth is destroyed due to the recurrent vomiting.
• Irregular menstruation.
• Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Factors that cause Bulimia

There are no definite reasons or factors which cause bulimia. Some studies suggest that this medical condition maybe genetic because incidents of bulimia increase with patients whose family members also suffer from this medical condition. Pressure from society and the huge value it places in outward appearance is believed to be the main cause for people suffering from bulimia.

This pressure affects the patient’s psychology that looking good is confused with feeling good. Depression, substance abuse, self-mutilation, and obsessive-compulsive behavior are also factors which may cause bulimia.  Athletes and those in the Entertainment Community also have a greater risk of acquiring this eating disorder.

Management and Treatment

People suffering from bulimia may suffer for years from this eating disorder before being detected. This has been a part of their lives for so long that they find themselves in denial that they are suffering from this medical condition. Like any type of psychological condition the first step of treatment is to help the patient realize that he is suffering from an eating disorder. Psychotherapy and consultation with a dietitian are the next steps in medical treatment.

Winning the patients trust is the first step for the treatment of Bulimia

Psychotherapy, family therapy and medications are the major types of treatments open for people suffering from bulimia nervosa. The most effective treatments are often those involving a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Winning the patients trust is, however, the first step in any type of treatment.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants; symptoms of bulimia are similar to anorexic patients where depression is one of the main symptoms of the eating disorder. Medications, however, must be closely supervised as they could lead to addiction or even suicides.

Psychotherapy

This type of treatment involves behavior conditioning and replacing unhealthy habits.  This helps the patient gain a more positive outlook and improves self-esteem.

Dietitians

Doctors, psychologists and dietitians often work with each other in restoring the patient into full health. The major complication of bulimia are poor nourishment because of a poor diet. Patients are likely to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies which result in poor judgment or memory gaps.

Patients suffering from bulimia require continuous care because relapses of the eating disorder may cause major complications which pose a serious threat to the individual. Medications are often prescribed for treatment, but continuous monitoring is required as these medications have serious side effects. For patients who have a long history, scheduled visits and follow ups with their local physician are needed to monitor the patients progress.

Written by Ronald Uy RN

Sources:

Bulimia Nervosa. Retrieved November 9, 2009 from Bupa: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk

Bulimia Nervosa. Retrieved November 9, 2009 from HELPGUIDE.org: http://helpguide.org

© H.I.C 2009

Hair mineral analysis done with a reputable lab and an experienced nutritionist or preventative-health-conscious physician is good for anyone suffering from a chronic or acute condition with no explanation found from traditional routes as it opens up new options by recognizing your biochemical individuality. By measuring the mineral content in your hair, you are able to get a much more accurate level than serum (blood) test levels of specific minerals. It’s not as accurate as using a red blood cell test for each mineral, but the intra-cellular testing method is very expensive, and usually it’s used only for things like suspected serious metabolic disorders or severe deficiencies.  A comprehensive-blood-testing panel and nutritional blood analysis is an excellent starting point for any health or nutrition program. Hair-mineral testing is important when you need more information or you suspect mineral imbalances or heavy-metal toxicity.

Hair mineral analysis can be used to pick up deficiencies or excesses in specific minerals that could result in depression, hypoglycemia, hyperactivity, ADD/ADHD, headaches, hypertension, arthritis, hair loss, anemia, thyroid disorders that are either sub-clinical or unresponsive to medications, digestive disorders, blood sugar issues, cardiovascular disease, mood problems, allergies and autism.  Mineral imbalances found in hair-mineral analysis can lead to metabolic dysfunctions before any symptoms manifest. Even if you have no serious health problems, a baseline-hair-mineral analysis can help to prevent serious issues in the future.

Some physical signs of mineral deficiencies or imbalances

These indicators can be early signs of metabolic disturbances and may lead to serious problems if not checked. The test I use most often comes with comprehensive food, supplement and lifestyle recommendations designed to restore biochemical balance and health. A good nutritionist will combine the recommendations from the hair mineral test with the health history, symptom analysis and other tests (especially blood nutrient testing) to design a program biochemically unique to each clients’ needs.

Hair Mineral Analysis testing and analysis has never failed to offer answers to the complex biochemical puzzles that make up clients’ health issues.  A good nutritionist uses nutritional blood testing with almost every client to get a picture of general health issues and hair mineral testing for anyone with signs like the ones listed above, or as a deeper look into mineral levels; it is a good strategy for anyone needing a nutritional intervention, but not sure where to go next for answers. Just as with blood and stool testing make sure you use a reputable, reliable lab that has done hair-mineral testing and analysis for many years. A lab that specializes in this method of testing is preferable: Analytical Research Labs, Genova Diagnostic Labs, Doctor’s Data and Metametrix are all considered reputable labs. As always, your questions are welcomed. -Juli

Juli Keene Nutritionist

Juli Keene, CN

Licensed Clinical Nutritionist

(310) 376-5400

jknutrition@earthlink.net

www.JuliKeene.com

Whoever said that you can not have your cake and eat it too? Having a proper diet doesn’t mean starving yourself, but instead, it means eating the right types of food. The body needs its daily supply of nutrients, and going without proper nourishment can only make matters worse. A healthy lifestyle does not only consist of a healthy diet, but also keeping an active lifestyle. Exercise and brisk walks in the park could prove to be a better alternative to taking medications. Always remember that the best way to health is to keep everything natural.

The Food Pyramid

This famous food pyramid gives a good visual presentation of the amount and type of food that should be eaten daily. It is shaped like a pyramid and divided into compartments representing a specific food type. This serves as a basic guide on what type of food is good, and what recommended amount should be taken for better health.

MyPyramid

Click here to visit the USDA website

The US Department of Agriculture has released the latest food pyramid, depicting a more accurate and clearer description of how much and what type of food should be taken daily. This is different from traditional food pyramids, which only showed approximate recommended daily consumption amounts. Food types are divided into 6 different colors contained in 6 triangles of varying sizes making up the food pyramid. The new pyramid represents the recommended proportion of food-type intake. Unlike the old pyramids, the new pyramid is not based on a 2,000 calorie daily intake. The new pyramid is represented in this format to allow more flexibility in planning individual diets.

• Orange represents grains. Grains should provide 6 ounce-equivalents (1 ounce-equivalent means 1 serving), half of which should be whole grains.
• Green for vegetables. Vegetables should provide 5 servings or 2.5 cups.
• Red represents fruits. Fruit groups should provide 4 daily servings or 2 cups.
• Yellow represents oil. Oils should provide 24g or 6 teaspoons
• Blue for milk products. Milk should provide 3 cups/servings
• Purple represents meats and beans. Meat and Beans Group should provide 5.5 ounce-equivalents or servings.

The new food pyramid represents a new look in how a person chooses his diet. Additional calories may be taken if all guidelines have been met. An additional 267 calories of solid fats and sugars may be consumed once all requirements are met.

Fat Fighting Foods and Drink

Another good way of eating your way to better health is by choosing better foods to eat. Eating considerable amounts of certain types of food could significantly lower undesirable fat in your body. Below is a list of fat fighters that could help you burn those unwanted curves:

• Oranges–these citrus fruits contain flavones, which help burn and drive away those fatty deposits in your body.

• Sweet potatoes–higher in fiber content compared to their white siblings, sweet potatoes keep insulin levels in check, keeping those unwanted curves at bay.

• Almonds–rich in alpha-linolenic acids which speeds up fat burning, almonds could prove to be a good substitute to chips in passing those idle hours.

• Soybeans–they are not only a good source of protein, but soybeans also save you from fat deposits. They contain choline, a compound that not only burns fat, but also stops fat absorption.

• Swiss cheese–not all cheese is created equal; cheese is a good source of calcium, which limits fat-producing enzymes. Some cheese, however, contains fat, so stick with low-fat cheese and milk products.

• Berries–eating berries could help you lose those flabby thighs by providing energy for those workouts. Not only are they a good source of vitamin C, berries will give you that extra boost  in the gym.

• Red wine–a glass of red wine after dinner does not only refresh, but is also a good way of burning those fats. Studies have shown that red wine helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Good and the Bad

Modern living with all its amenities has certainly made life a little bit easier. But along with the good things that technology bring comes their negative effects on health. A short stroll to the grocery stroll is replaced with a quick ride in the car. Physical exertion does not only build a strong physique, but also helps burn those unwanted fats. Even traditional values such as home-cooked meals are being replaced by quick calls to the nearest Chinese or pizza fast food restaurant. The truth is that life is moving so fast today that everything seems to be a blur.

America is one of the richest and most technologically-advanced countries in the world today. One simple question is shouldn’t America be one of the healthiest places in the earth, too? Obesity is one of the growing health problems in the country today. A quick glimpse of the people in the streets or at the office could prove this undeniable truth. Prevention through information and education of simple healthy habits could spare future generations from suffering the same health problems we face today.

Written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

New Food Pyramid. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Sampaguita Children’s Learning Center:  http://sclc.i.ph

8 Foods That Fight Fat. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Yahoo! Health:  http://health.yahoo.com

Low Fat Cooking. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from About.com: http://lowfatcooking.about.com