I cried when I read this:
January 22, 2008, 4:42 pm
Heath Ledger, Actor, Is Found Dead at 28
This amazing actor and incredible man, who was the same age as I, is dead? This is just not right.
Rest in peace Heath.
One of your fans, Cassandra
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Probiotics may ease stress-related gut problems
As a firm supporter of friendly bacteria (probiotics), I was happy to read this new report:
1/18/2008 - Gastrointestinal problems associated with stress may find relief from probiotic supplements, reports a new study from Lallemand.
Using a proprietary blend of probiotics, researchers report that abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were reduced by the supplements, according to results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study published in the journal Nutrition Research.
The research, in collaboration with scientists from Savoir-Faire & Cie and Proclaim, adds to the science behind Lallemand's Probio-Stick preparation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175. "The results indicate that Probio-Stick can provide a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by individuals affected by chronic stress," wrote lead author Laurent Diop.
According to background information in the article, stress plays a key role in the development of symptoms linked to disease, including physical, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms. Diop and co-workers recruited 75 volunteers aged between 18 and 60 and randomly assigned them to receive either the daily probiotic or a sensorially identical placebo for three weeks. At the end of this period, the researchers report that abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were significantly reduced in the group receiving the probiotics, compared to the placebo group. On the other hand, no benefits were observed for other measures of stress, including dry mouth, loss of appetite, swallowing problems, rectal pain, cardiovascular, sleep problems, and the broader symptoms, such as social, psychological, or emotional problems.
"The human microflora is a complex ecosystem that contributes to the equilibrium of different gastrointestinal functions," explained Diop. "The potential beneficial effects of probiotics are due to the modulation of intestinal flora, modification to the mucosa to prevent the adherence of pathogens, and modulation of the immune system. "However, the researchers could not identify the key mechanism or mechanisms, and called for future studies to elucidate the precise modes of action.
"This probiotic supplement could act on the residual intestinal microflora, the epithelial barrier, and the immune system to improve such stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms as abdominal pain and nausea or vomiting," they stated. "The consumption of probiotics can contribute to regulating gastrointestinal functions to restore the normal gastrointestinal equilibrium. "
Source: Nutrition Research (Elsevier)Volume 28, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 1-5 "Probiotic food supplement reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial"Authors: L. Diop, S. Guillou, H. Durand
To get your own quality probiotics, containing these two researched bacteria, check out NSI's Probiotic 15-35.
1/18/2008 - Gastrointestinal problems associated with stress may find relief from probiotic supplements, reports a new study from Lallemand.
Using a proprietary blend of probiotics, researchers report that abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were reduced by the supplements, according to results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study published in the journal Nutrition Research.
The research, in collaboration with scientists from Savoir-Faire & Cie and Proclaim, adds to the science behind Lallemand's Probio-Stick preparation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175. "The results indicate that Probio-Stick can provide a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by individuals affected by chronic stress," wrote lead author Laurent Diop.
According to background information in the article, stress plays a key role in the development of symptoms linked to disease, including physical, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms. Diop and co-workers recruited 75 volunteers aged between 18 and 60 and randomly assigned them to receive either the daily probiotic or a sensorially identical placebo for three weeks. At the end of this period, the researchers report that abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting were significantly reduced in the group receiving the probiotics, compared to the placebo group. On the other hand, no benefits were observed for other measures of stress, including dry mouth, loss of appetite, swallowing problems, rectal pain, cardiovascular, sleep problems, and the broader symptoms, such as social, psychological, or emotional problems.
"The human microflora is a complex ecosystem that contributes to the equilibrium of different gastrointestinal functions," explained Diop. "The potential beneficial effects of probiotics are due to the modulation of intestinal flora, modification to the mucosa to prevent the adherence of pathogens, and modulation of the immune system. "However, the researchers could not identify the key mechanism or mechanisms, and called for future studies to elucidate the precise modes of action.
"This probiotic supplement could act on the residual intestinal microflora, the epithelial barrier, and the immune system to improve such stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms as abdominal pain and nausea or vomiting," they stated. "The consumption of probiotics can contribute to regulating gastrointestinal functions to restore the normal gastrointestinal equilibrium. "
Source: Nutrition Research (Elsevier)Volume 28, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 1-5 "Probiotic food supplement reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial"Authors: L. Diop, S. Guillou, H. Durand
To get your own quality probiotics, containing these two researched bacteria, check out NSI's Probiotic 15-35.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Protein enhances weight loss
This week, Australian researchers published a long-term weight loss study in healthy adult (49 + or - 9 years) overweight women (BMI initially ~32).
In this study, they followed 79 women for more than a year (64 weeks) to see how protein influences weight loss and compliance to a dietary program.
The women were placed on one of two diets: A energy-reduced high protein (HP) diet with 34% of energy from protein, 20% of energy from fat, and 46% of energy from carbohydrate, or a energy-reduced high carb (HC) diet with 17% of energy from protein, 20% of energy from fat, and 64% of energy from carbohydrate. For the first 12 weeks of the study, the women saw a dietitian very four weeks to ensure they were following the plan. Then for the remaining 52 weeks, they were asked to follow the same regimen as during the short-term study if they could, but those consuming the HP diet could substitute chicken, fish, or pork for red meat, whereas those consuming the HC diet could omit biscuits and substitute them with more bread, potatoes, or rice. During this time, they only saw a dietitian every 3 months.
As you probably guessed, not every woman was compliant with the program when they were left to do it on their own. During the free-living 52 weeks, when the results of all the women were analysed, it appeared that there was no difference in weight loss or fat loss(about 10 lbs on average and 6 lbs of fat). However, when the women were seperated into those that actually ate the HP diet and those that actually at the HC diet, there was a significant difference: Women who followed a HP diet lost MORE weight and more fat than those that ate the HC diet. Protein intake was inversly related to weight and fat loss such that for those that are more protein lost an average of 14 lbs and 10 lbs of fat compared to those that ate less protein (and more carbs) who lost 7 lbs and 5 lbs of fat over the course of a year.
Body composition was measured my DEXA, the gold standard for body comp assessment. After 64 weeks, body fat was higher in those that ate more carbohydrate and lower in those that ate more protein. The same was seen for belly fat - more belly fat in those that ate a higher carb diet compared to the higher protein diet.
Bone health was also assessed in response to the diets: Overall, decreases in the 24-h urinary bone turnover markers—ratio of dexoypyridinoline to creatinine and the ratio of pyridinoline to creatine were not different between diets and there was no relation with weight loss or any dietary components. Calcium excretion was also not different from week 0 to week 64 in the two dietary groups.
Overall, as you can plainly read here, eating more protein to help a woman lose weight and fat is more beneficial than eating more carbohydrates and less fat.
Now, there are differences among women such that some women will lose more weight and fat with less dietary fat, but on average, for the majority of women out there, bumping up your protein with fresh meats, fish, poultry, and dairy can help you be a bigger loser :)
In this study, they followed 79 women for more than a year (64 weeks) to see how protein influences weight loss and compliance to a dietary program.
The women were placed on one of two diets: A energy-reduced high protein (HP) diet with 34% of energy from protein, 20% of energy from fat, and 46% of energy from carbohydrate, or a energy-reduced high carb (HC) diet with 17% of energy from protein, 20% of energy from fat, and 64% of energy from carbohydrate. For the first 12 weeks of the study, the women saw a dietitian very four weeks to ensure they were following the plan. Then for the remaining 52 weeks, they were asked to follow the same regimen as during the short-term study if they could, but those consuming the HP diet could substitute chicken, fish, or pork for red meat, whereas those consuming the HC diet could omit biscuits and substitute them with more bread, potatoes, or rice. During this time, they only saw a dietitian every 3 months.
As you probably guessed, not every woman was compliant with the program when they were left to do it on their own. During the free-living 52 weeks, when the results of all the women were analysed, it appeared that there was no difference in weight loss or fat loss(about 10 lbs on average and 6 lbs of fat). However, when the women were seperated into those that actually ate the HP diet and those that actually at the HC diet, there was a significant difference: Women who followed a HP diet lost MORE weight and more fat than those that ate the HC diet. Protein intake was inversly related to weight and fat loss such that for those that are more protein lost an average of 14 lbs and 10 lbs of fat compared to those that ate less protein (and more carbs) who lost 7 lbs and 5 lbs of fat over the course of a year.
Body composition was measured my DEXA, the gold standard for body comp assessment. After 64 weeks, body fat was higher in those that ate more carbohydrate and lower in those that ate more protein. The same was seen for belly fat - more belly fat in those that ate a higher carb diet compared to the higher protein diet.
Bone health was also assessed in response to the diets: Overall, decreases in the 24-h urinary bone turnover markers—ratio of dexoypyridinoline to creatinine and the ratio of pyridinoline to creatine were not different between diets and there was no relation with weight loss or any dietary components. Calcium excretion was also not different from week 0 to week 64 in the two dietary groups.
Overall, as you can plainly read here, eating more protein to help a woman lose weight and fat is more beneficial than eating more carbohydrates and less fat.
Now, there are differences among women such that some women will lose more weight and fat with less dietary fat, but on average, for the majority of women out there, bumping up your protein with fresh meats, fish, poultry, and dairy can help you be a bigger loser :)
Monday morning laughs
Joe Stankowski over at Morning Cup of Joe first posted this (that I know of), and I just had to post about it too.
Here's something from the blogworld that will have you laughing for sure: Monday Laughs
Now, until I get to writing a more creative post, you enjoy.
Here's something from the blogworld that will have you laughing for sure: Monday Laughs
Now, until I get to writing a more creative post, you enjoy.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
On the radio
This morning from 6 am to 12 noon, I spoke with several radio shows about my new book, Women's Health Perfect Body Diet
To hear one of the broadcasts with Dan Ramy of WBEX in Chillicothe, Ohio, click here
(Dan has SUCH a great radio voice! It was great talking with him!)
Enjoy!
To hear one of the broadcasts with Dan Ramy of WBEX in Chillicothe, Ohio, click here
(Dan has SUCH a great radio voice! It was great talking with him!)
Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Fat Loss Pros
This past summer I was brought on along with many notable experts on fat loss to speak about my tips for permanent fat loss success. Jen Heath put us all together on one DVD for you to enjoy.
Some of the experts on this project include:
Dr Lonnio Lowery
Scott Abel
Kelli Calabrese
Charles Staley
and... Alwyn Cosgrove (the Scottish Fat Loss Genious!)
I blogged about this last year when it first came out, but I wanted to bring it up again due to the wealth of information you'll get in one easy listening experience. Also, because this is the time of year that we're all looking to lose a bit of holiday flab.
To pick it up or check it out, click here
If you get it, let me know how much you love it!
Happy Fat Burning!
Some of the experts on this project include:
Dr Lonnio Lowery
Scott Abel
Kelli Calabrese
Charles Staley
and... Alwyn Cosgrove (the Scottish Fat Loss Genious!)
I blogged about this last year when it first came out, but I wanted to bring it up again due to the wealth of information you'll get in one easy listening experience. Also, because this is the time of year that we're all looking to lose a bit of holiday flab.
To pick it up or check it out, click here
If you get it, let me know how much you love it!
Happy Fat Burning!
Bench Hip-Pops - One of my favs
One of my favorite exercises (or movements, I should say) is this you see to the left.
It's called a bench hip-pop and it's great for tightening the glutes.
The reason I love it so much is because it really targets all the gluteal muscles and the hamstrings. I usually do it between sets of bench, or other heavy exercises as a way to keep my heart rate up and burn more calories while I'm waiting to do my next set.
Also, since mother endowed me with a nice full butt already, when I load these muscles too much, they grow more than I like.
With this exercise, there's only a small amount of load, but a lot of contraction - which still gets the muscles firing and burning energy, without stimulating a lot of growth.
So, what you do is lie at the bench like you see me doing here with one heel on the bench and the other leg out in the air in front of you. From the floor, bring your hips up until your hips are fully extended and your glutes are well-contracted. Then, lower and repeat that movement over again for as many reps and you like - I usually perform 12 to 15.
You can also do this just on the floor or on a swiss ball. Both are effective at waking up the butt and getting it ready to fire. :)
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