Menopause and Weight Loss

Menopause occurs due to a complex series of hormonal changes in the body. It is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for over 12 months. The process of menopause does not occur overnight, but rather is a gradual process and this transition period is a different experience for each women.The average age of menopause is 50 years old, but menopause may occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s. There is no reliable lab test to predict when a woman will experience menopause.

 

Symptoms of Menopause include abnormal vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal and urinary infection, and mood changes.

Complications that women may develop after menopause include hot flushes, osteoporosis, weight gain and heart disease.

 

Weight Gain During Menopause: 

Many women experience weight gain during and after menopause. However, losing weight during and after menopause can be challenging because a woman’s metabolism begins to slow down. Even so, if menopausal women are serious about losing weight during and after menopause, it can be achieved as it is possible to lose weight during and after menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause affect the way 

fat is distributed throughout the body, which means this weight is likely to accumulate around your stomach. On top of the increased health risks, the extra pounds creeping around your middle section could result in health issues, from cardiovascular ones to self-esteem problems. The best way to fight these feelings is to confront weight gain head-on with a lifestyle overhaul. A series of positive, healthy changes will help you lose weight during menopause, and keep it off.

Losing Weight During Menopause

• Exercise: Exercise is important to boost the slow metabolism. Working out twice a week for about 30 minutes, which is a combination of fast walking and running is suitable for a menopausal woman to keep off the weight. No matter what type of aerobic exercise you do, you can add high intensity intervals to it.
• Weight Training: Women lose muscle mass for years, but more after the age of 50. Muscle burns more calories than fat every second of the day, so if your lifestyle is sedentary, one need to add weight lifting to their weekly routines to help replace the muscle they are losing. Be sure to learn how and what to do from a trained professional.
• Eating Fibre Rich Food: Boost fibre. Most of us need to work hard not to gain weight during and after menopause. Fortunately, eating fibre-rich foods can help: fibre helps us feel full on less. Aim to eat between 25 and 35 grams of fibre each day.The best sources of fibre: whole grains like quinoa (1/2 cup = 3 grams), barley (1/2 cup cooked = 3g) and air-popped popcorn (3 1/2 cups = 4g). You can also get fibre from lentils (1/2 cup cooked = 8 grams), fruits (for example, 1 large apple = 5g or 1/2 cup raspberries = 4g) and veggies (for example, 1 cup cooked spinach = 4g).
• Deal with the Sugar Addiction: Try avoiding or limiting the intake of sugar and sugar products like sweet dishes, muffins, cakes etc. Replace them with healthier options like fruit smoothies, fruit salad to curb sugar cravings.

• Fluid Intake: Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish so you move less, which doesn’t help with staying slim. As we age the dryness in the body also increases so one need to keep themselves hydrated. It is advised to drink at least 10 glasses of water and keep sipping in between green tea and lemon tea.
• Sleep: Menopause can sure mess up the joys of sleep. Lots of research has shown that staying up late increases levels of the hormone, ghrelin, which increases carbohydrate cravings. 
• Eliminate Chemicals from your life: While it’s true that for your metabolism to function optimally you must balance your hormones, the best way to do this is with clean living. Toxins in our food, water, cosmetics, cleaning products, and so on are filled with chemicals that throw our weight and overall health into a state of havoc. The simple solution is to go natural. Use olive oil as a moisturiser instead of the expensive face cream loaded with chemicals. Eat as clean as you can and go organic whenever possible to avoid pesticides, preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics in foods.
• Avoid Crash Diets: Skipping meals or following extreme diet plans that cut out vital nutrients, like carbohydrates, are not sustainable or healthy. These also cause a decrease in the hormone leptin – which regulates fat distribution by controlling appetite and metabolic rate – and force your body to burn muscle tissue instead of fat. This ultimately may slow your metabolism, making weight gain more likely once you start eating normally again.
• Ease Bloating: Cutting the amount of salt and processed carbohydrates in your diet, as they can make you retain water. But don’t skimp on whole grains, which are rich in heart-healthy fibre, as well as fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of fluids to ease bloating which will also aid in weight loss. 
• Eat Foods Rich In Phytoestrogens: Certain foods contain a phytochemical called phytoestrogen, which for various reasons either encourages estrogen production or strengthens the body’s estrogen-receptors. When there’s more estrogen around, the body doesn’t have to hold on to those estrogen-filled fat cells and you can start to lose those few extra “impossible” pounds!
• Natural Supplements: Very often taking a natural supplement that helps keep the body’s systems in balance can assist women who are trying to lose weight during and after menopause. Natural supplements usually have little or no side effects and make women feel more energetic and healthier.
When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s easy to get frustrated if the results of your efforts are not immediately noticeable. Be patient; just as the extra weight didn’t appear overnight, it won’t disappear straight away, either. Gradual, steady weight loss at a rate of around one pound a week is advisable for losing weight and keeping it off. Rather than a quick fix, you are making a permanent lifestyle change that will help you maintain a healthy weight in the long term. 

The Power of Wheat Grass Juice

Wheat Grass is a form of grass which is grown by planting wheat kernels in the soil. The parts above the ground, rhizome and roots are used for medicinal purpose. Wheat grass is a concentrate source of nutrients. It is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, iron, magnesium, calcium and many amino acids. It contains a pigment called chlorophyll which has a close resemblance with hemoglobin.

Wheat grass can be used in the form of juice, powder and fresh leaves. Juicing can be done at home easily by planting the wheat kernels in the mud pot. Wheat grass juice and wheat grass powder can easily be procured from the nearby super market.

Although there isn’t much scientific evidence about wheat grass its benefits and side effects it is still used to treat many health conditions. There are certain benefits and few side effects of wheat grass juice, these are listed below:

Benefits of Wheat Grass Juice

• Stimulates the Thyroid Gland and Aids Weight Loss: Wheat grass has a property to stimulate the thyroid gland so it is beneficial for the people having hypothyroid. The compound found in wheat grass stops the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) from binding to its thyroid receptor sites, slows or even quells the uptake of iodine by the active transport sites on thyroid cell surfaces. Consuming wheat grass juice daily can even reduce the doses of your thyroid medicine and also aid weight loss in hypothyroid patients.

• Powerful Detox: Drinking a cup of wheat grass juice before meals can detox your body in an amazing way, try it with a fruit detox diet before a wedding party or a holiday and see yourself drop down by a size and rejuvenate your skin making it look flawless, fresh and radiant. 

• Improves Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells: Some health experts have discovered that the chlorophyll of wheat grass is identical to the hemoglobin of the human blood. Because of these close similarities, the human body is able to synthesize hemoglobin from the chlorophyll of wheat grass with an ease. Which is addition serves to increase the number of Red Blood Cells so as to deliver other nutrients and oxygen to the body cells more efficiently.

• Improves Digestion: Because of its alkaline nature wheat grass is helpful in improving digestion related issues like, hyper-acidity, flatulence, relieves the symptoms of peptic ulcers, treats ulcerative colitis, relieves from constipation and diarrhea, and also improves other gastrointestinal disorders.

• Lowers Blood Pressure: It is known that people who include lot of fresh green leafy vegetables in their diet tend to have normal blood pressure. Wheat Grass is a vegetable which is low in sodium content. Wheat grass can provide 4% of an adult’s daily requirement of fiber, this can help to control the blood pressure.

• Slows down Aging: Wheat Grass is loaded with antioxidants and contains all Vitamins and Minerals which are good for skin and hair health. These antioxidants neutralizes free radicals in the body there by slows down the aging process and reveal a more youthful vitality and vigour.

• Immunity Booster: As wheat grass has the ability to increase the red blood cells that is why it is very effective in boosting immunity.

• Treats Skin Diseases: Skin disorders like Eczema and Psoriasis can be treated with Wheat grass. Freeze wheat grass juice in ice cube tray, and rub the cubes across blemishes on your skin as well as on any scars or damaged areas. Alternatively, you could mix a cup of wheat grass juice or wheat grass powder into a warm bath and soak your body in the bath for at least 30 minutes. Your body will be cleansed and will be odor-free.

• Stabilizes Lipid Levels: Wheat Grass juice can help improve the lipid levels, which means it is a good tool to manage dyslipidemia.

• Fights Depression: The vitamin B present in wheat grass is effective to overcome anxiety and achieve a better state of mental health. Wheat grass juice also helps to keep the iron levels stable, which is particularly important for women as Iron deficiency is linked to apathy and depression.

• Reduces Fatigue: Low immunity leads the body to become fatigued frequently. Chlorophyll present in wheat grass juice helps to increase the supply of oxygen to the body cells and tissues and regenerates the tired cells, which heals the body and reduces the symptoms of fatigue.

There are many other health benefits of wheat grass juice which include removing of drug deposits, heavy metals, and cancer-causing agents from the body; and for removing toxins from the liver and blood. It is also useful in premature graying of hair and improving skin health. Wheat grass is also used to treat various disorders of the urinary tract, including infection of the bladder, urethra, and prostate, kidney stones etc.

Other uses include treatment of respiratory tract complaints, including the common cold, cough, bronchitis, fever, and sore throat; gout; liver disorders and joint pain.

Side Effects of Wheat Grass Juice

Although Wheat Grass is a store house of health benefits it does possess few side effects also. 

Some of the most common side effects of wheat grass juice are listed below:

• Headaches and Nausea: In some cases continuous consumption of wheat grass often leads to nausea. Sometimes nausea is also accompanied by headache and dizziness, this is basically in response to the rapid detoxification using wheat grass juice. 

• Constipation and Diarrhea: Too much( Excess of Wheat Grass )consumption of wheat grass juice in a short span of time leads to indigestion as body is not able to digest it properly, diarrhea or constipation can be the one of the symptoms depending on how one’s body react to wheat grass. Everybody’s body responds differently so the best way to introduce wheat grass is in small quantities and gradually increasing the doses so that the body can adapt to the change slowly.

• Fever: Mild fever can occur during the first few days of consumption of wheat grass juice due to a sudden chemical shift in the bloodstream as the purification process commences.

• Allergic Reaction: The most serious consequence of consuming wheat grass can be an allergic reaction. Signs of allergic reaction include facial swelling, skin rashes, tightening of throat or difficulty breathing. Stop the use of wheat immediately if you experience these reactions.

• Gluten Intolerance: Although wheat grass is a leafy shrub and it is free of gluten but it can be contaminated with gluten while harvesting or processing of wheat grass juice.

How to Use Wheat Grass and Doses

Wheat Grass juice can be mixed with lukewarm water and taken early morning on empty stomach. Wheat grass juice can also be mixed with other fruits and vegetable juices and consumed, it can be added to smoothies, milk shakes and energy drinks. Most appropriate time to consume wheat grass juice is early morning, on empty stomach, after freshening up.

Doses: 50-60 ml (10-12 tea spoons) of wheat grass juice is safe to be taken on a regular basis, in case you get any of the above mentioned side effects discontinue the use.

Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. Here’s a list of some of its amazing benefits, this ancient elixir heals you from your brain to your belly: 

 

Weight loss 

"Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories," 

Diabetes 
Green tea apparently helps regulate blood glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes.

Heart disease 
Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.

Healthy teeth 
Green tea can kill bacteria, which improves dental health and lowers your risk of infection. The catechins in green tea have other biological effects as well. Some studies (including a study recently published in the Journal of Period-ontology)show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of caries. "Another awesome benefit of green tea, multiple studies show that it can reduce bad breath,". So, the catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. 

Brain function 
Compounds in green tea can improve brain function and make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the 'jittery' effects associated with too much caffeine.

Blood pressure 
Regular consumption of green tea is considered to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Depression 
Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.

Skincare 
Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. 

Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.

Cancer 
Antioxidants in green tea may lower your risk of various types of cancer.  It is well known that oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer and that antioxidants can have a protective effect. Green tea is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, so it makes perfect sense that it could reduce your risk of cancer, which it appears to do: Be it breast, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer. Green tea can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them. It is important to keep in mind that it may be a bad idea to put milk in your tea, because it can reduce the antioxidant value. Bottom Line: Green tea has powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer.

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.

Stress 
The thiamine in green tea has been shown to produce a calming effect. The only thing is that in order for you to feel less stressed you might have to drink 5 cups of it a day. This decaffeinated green tea acts as a perfect substitute for coffee.

7 Myth Busters of Weight Loss

Weight loss is surrounded by myths and gimmicks. So much is said about losing weight that it can be hard to sort fact from fiction. Here's the truth about 7 common weight loss myths. 

Myth 1 - Snacking Is Always a Bad Idea

The good news is you don't need to starve to lose weight. "The idea that you shouldn't eat between meals is a myth,". When your stomach starts rumbling, you probably hear a little voice in your head telling you not to ruin your appetite. But having snacks in between meals might actually help you eat less, and stave off the urge to overeat or binge later. In fact, I would recommend that you have five smaller meals a day, instead of eating your calories all in one sitting.

Myth 2 - Carbohydrates are All Bad

It's a myth that all carbohydrates are bad. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to learn from low-carb diets. Carbs are not all created equal, and you want to avoid processed carbohydrates that are often high in sugar and white flour. Instead, enjoy beans, whole grains -- eat brown rice and whole grain breads -- and don't forget fruits and vegetables, which provide a host of nutrients and fiber, are low in calories, and can help reduce the risks of several diseases.

Myth 3 - Certain Foods Makes you Burn Calories

There is conflicting information about whether or not certain foods can increase your metabolic rate, making you burn more calories. While different foods offer different health benefits, people are often left wondering if calories vary from one food to the next.

"A calorie is a calorie, regardless of where it comes from,". There are no foods that increase your metabolic rate, or help you burn calories. Even if certain foods do increase your metabolism, the amount is too insignificant to make it a magic bullet.

Myth 4 - Grain products such as bread, pasta, and rice are fattening. I should avoid them when trying to lose weight.

 A grain product is any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain. Grains are divided into two subgroups, whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel—the bran, germ, and endosperm. Examples include brown rice and whole-wheat bread, cereal, and pasta. Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins.

People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet may lower their chances of developing some chronic diseases. Choose 100 percent whole-wheat bread instead of white bread, and brown rice instead of white rice. To lose weight, reduce the number of calories you take in and increase the amount of physical activity you do each day. Create and follow a healthy eating plan that replaces less healthy options with a mix of fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein foods, and low-fat dairy:

• Eat a mix of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
• Limit added sugars, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and saturated fat.
• Eat low-fat protein: beans, eggs, fish, lean meats, nuts, and poultry.

Myth 5 - Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight

Skipping meals is not a good idea. To lose weight and keep it off, you have to reduce the amount of calories you consume or increase the calories you burn through exercise. But skipping meals altogether can result in tiredness, poor nutrition and slow metabolism. You will also be more likely to snack on high-fat and high-sugar foods, which could result in weight gain.

Myth 6 - Foods labeled 'Low Fat' or "Reduced Fat"are always a healthy choice

Be cautious. Foods labelled "low fat" have to meet legal criteria to use that label. Labels such as "reduced fat" do not have to meet the same criteria and can be misleading. A reduced-fat snack should contain less fat than the full-fat version, but that doesn't automatically make it a healthy choice: it could still contain a lot more fat than, say, a portion of fruit. Low-fat foods also sometimes contain high levels of sugar.

Myth 7 - Slimming pills are effective for long-term weight loss

No, they're not. Slimming pills alone will not help you keep the weight off long term. They are basically Appetite Suppressant; drugs containing diuretics, to remove fluid from the body; and drugs that help you to burn fat and calories. When one stop taking these drugs, the weight will rapidly return to way it was before. Moreover, long-term use of weight-loss medicine will have a negative effect on the nervous system, the heart and blood vessels, and kidney. So far, there is no such medicine to lose weight without a negative effect.