20 foods to keep your uric acid at normal levels - Article by Mitalee Doshi on Healthmeup.com & Times Of India

High uric acid levels in the blood stream can lead to a common form of arthritis called gout.

To prevent gout, it is essential to maintain good eating habits and have proper medication. To reduce the uric acid levels in blood, you may need to limit intake of alcohol, sugary foods and reduce purine rich foods like meat, poultry, seafood and pulses. Vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, peas and mushroom also contain a lot of purines. Digestion of purine leads to the formation of uric acid. If uric acid is not eliminated normally which is seen in gout sufferers, it can build up in the blood stream leading to joint inflammation and pain.

Water
Water flushes out toxins including excess uric acid from the body. Have at least 10- 12 glasses of water daily.
Cherries
Cherries have anti - inflammatory substances named anthocyanis that help reduce uric acid levels .It prevents the uric acid from crystallizing and being deposited in the joints. Cherries also neutralize the acids and help prevent inflammation and pain. 200 gms per day is very effective in bringing down uric acid.
Berries
Berries especially strawberries, and blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties so include them in your diet.
Apple
Malic acid in apple neutralizes uric acid and thus provides relief to the sufferers. You should consume one apple daily after a meal.
Lime
The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of the uric acid .The juice of half a lime squeezed into a glass of water should be taken twice daily.
French bean juice
Another effective home remedy for gout is French beans juice. The healthy juice can be consumed twice everyday for treating gout or high uric acid.
Celery seed
This is a popular home remedy to lower uric acid levels in the body. Have celery seeds extract to get best results.
Apple cider vinegar
Drink apple cider vinegar. Add 3 teaspoons of vinegar to 8 ounces of water and have it 2-3 times every day to treat uric acid.
Pinto beans
A diet rich in folic acid can help lower uric acid naturally. Folic acid rich foods like pinto beans, sunflower seeds and lentils should be included in your diet.
Vegetable juices
Carrot juice in combination with beet and cucumber juice is also very effective .100 ml each of beet juice and cucumber juice should be mixed with 300 ml carrot juice and taken daily.
Low fat dairy products like milk, curd help lower uric acid level.
Foods rich in Vit C
Include vitamin C rich foods & supplements in your daily diet to reduce uric acid in the body. It disintegrates uric acid and forces it out of the body through urine. Good sources of vitamin C are awla, guava, kiwi, sweet lime, oranges, capsicum, lemon, tomato and green leafy veg.
High-fibre foods
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adding foods high in dietary fibre may help lower uric acid levels in your blood. Dietary fibre may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary soluble fibers such as Isabgol, Oats, Broccoli , apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, celery, and carrots , barley .
Bananas are also beneficial in lowering uric acid
Green tea
Consume green tea on a regular basis to control hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) and lower your risk of developing gout.
Eating grains that are more alkaline such as jowar,bajra are helpful.
Tomatoes, broccoli, and cucumbers are some of the veggies that you need to start including in your meals. Tomatoes are one of the best vegetables that you could have for lowering uric acid. Fresh tomato is alkaline by nature and when it is exposed to the blood stream it increases the alkalinity of the blood.
Dark chocolate, cocoa
"According to health insurance company Bupa, theobromine is an alkaloid that is similar in structure to caffeine. It is found mainly in the cocoa bean and is at the highest levels in dark chocolates. Theobromine also can relax the bronchial muscles of the lungs and according to a small study, was more effective than codeine in relieving coughing. According to Dr. Shmuel Halevi at Acumedico.com, theobromine has the highest concentration of uric acid per gram of food than any other substance", as reported by Livestrong.
Raw vegetables like potatoes or corns are effective to reduce uric acid in the body. Have them raw or steam these vegetables.
Omega 3
Essential fat Omega 3 from flaxseeds, walnuts, fishes like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines reduces inflammation and swelling.

Timesofindia.com - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/20-foods-to-keep-your-uric-acid-at-normal-levels/articleshow/20585546.cms

Healthmeup.com - 

http://healthmeup.com/photogallery-healthy-living/uric-acid-20-foods-to-keep-your-uric-acid-at-normal-levels/22138

MUST Read for all the people who become victims of FALSE claims & marketing by so called weight loss/inch loss/tummy tuck centers. At the end, fundamentals & body basics matter & we strongly believe in it.

If you think that belly fat is just an issue for people who are overweight, think again -- even people who are at a healthy weight and exercise regularly can have it. There's no such thing as a "perfect" body, so what's the big deal if your stomach isn't flat? It isn't just a problem of aesthetics.
There are two types of fat: visceral and subcutaneous. Visceral fat is the kind that lies far below the surface, surrounding your organs. Subcutaneous fat is just below the skin and can be easily grabbed. You can spot visceral fat via an MRI or CT scan, but there's a simple test for it at home: If you have a large waistline or you're apple-shaped, you likely have visceral belly fat.
While neither type of fat is good, visceral belly fat carries some serious health risks. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you're at risk if you have a waistline greater than 40 inches if you're a man and 35 inches if you're a woman (a lower threshold of 35 inches for men and 31 inches for women has been recommended by the World Health Organization for people of Asian ethnicity). We aren't entirely sure why, but belly fat is linked to increased insulin resistance, which can result in type II diabetes. It can also lead to heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, sleep apnea and premature bone density loss, and there's even evidence that it may be a factor in developing dementia.
So what causes belly fat? Heredity is one factor. Belly fat has often been called "middle-aged spread" because as you age and your metabolism slows down, extra pounds tend to accumulate across the stomach. This is probably due to changes in levels of hormones such as cortisol, which is made in the adrenal glands and helps the body process glucose, regulate metabolism and manage stress. Speaking of stress, it can raise levels of cortisol, so it might lead to increased belly fat, too.
While it can be tough to do, there are ways to get rid of belly fat -- and not just plastic surgery -- but there's no magic pill. Read on for tips.

Blast That Belly

Plastic surgery such as liposuction can remove subcutaneous fat but not visceral fat. Researchers in Brazil have discovered that if you have lipo to remove the former, your body could compensate with an increase in the latter unless you have a diet and exercise regimen going.
You can't do anything about aging or heredity, but if you have developed belly fat, you can still work to combat it. A lot of people think that exercises targeting the stomach area, such as sit-ups or crunches, are the way to go. These types of exercises tone and tighten muscles, but they can't do anything about fat. Instead, focus on losing fat overall via vigorous aerobic exercise -- preferably 30 minutes or more most days of the week. Start slow and build up. You don't have to run to get good cardio; brisk walking, dancing and bicycling all count, too. Strength training, meaning lifting weights, may also help get rid of visceral belly fat. Building muscle raises your metabolism so you can burn more calories. You might also consider incorporating core-strengthening exercises like planks.
What you eat also makes a difference. To reduce belly fat, avoid foods that contain trans fats, a type of fat found in many prepackaged cookies, crackers and baked goods, as well as some fried fast foods. Not only can trans fats pack on the pounds, but research conducted at Wake Forest University has also shown that they can add fat specifically to your belly and even redistribute fat there from other areas of the body.
Sugar also increases belly fat. Eat whole grains as well as lots of fruits and vegetables. Foods high in fiber not only keep you full longer but they also lower insulin levels and may shrink fat cells. A diet rich in healthy monounsaturated fats like olive oil, avocados, almonds and peanuts may also cause fat to break down. Your best beverage is always going to be water. It flushes out fat and keeps down bloat, and drinking lots of it keeps you from thinking you're hungry when you're actually thirsty.
The final key to losing belly fat is to de-stress. Easier said than done, right? One way to lower stress is to get enough sleep, ideally eight hours each night. Find ways to diffuse stressful situations -- through yoga, meditation or journaling.
While there's no one way to lose belly fat, that's no reason to give up. It has nothing to do with how you look in a swimsuit and everything to do with staying healthy.

Lots More Information

Author's Note: Is there a real way to lose belly fat?

When I found out that I'd be writing about getting rid of belly fat, I joked that I could make it a short article by answering the question with "plastic surgery." But in all seriousness, I know from personal experience that there's no easy way to lose fat and keep it off in the long term. The diet industry is a multi-billion dollar one for a reason; we want there to be a special secret to it, when in reality eating well and exercising are the tried-and-true methods. I knew that in general there are plenty of health risks that come with being overweight, but belly fat is especially worrisome. All the more reason to keep fighting the good fight.

SOURCE & CONTENT - howstuffworks.com

HOW TO AVOID JUNK FOOD

 1. Wait about half an hour and try to busy yourself in the meantime. Studies show that intense food cravings only last 15-20 minutes.

2. When you’re experiencing a craving, write it down in a diary. Write down the time of day and how you’re feeling. Knowing what time of day and during what emotional state you usually get cravings can help you beat them. Find your triggers!

3. Eat a healthy alternative to your craving. If you’re craving something sweet, try a banana or another piece of fruit. Nuts are also a good option to help eliminate hunger.

4. Bring healthy, well portioned snacks with you to work or when you leave the house. Make sure you eat regularly to avoid the temptation of fast food when you’re hungry.

5. Make sure your fridge and pantry only has healthy snacks in it. Get rid of all comfort foods! Out of sight, out of mind!

6. Brush your teeth. When you have clean teeth, you won’t feel like eating something straight away.

7. Drink water and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sometimes you may just be dehydrated or lethargic. Water is also a great aid in curbing your appetite.

8. Remind yourself why you are trying to resist the food in the first place. If you are trying to get fit or to slim down, remind yourself how badly you want to acheive that goal.

9. Try eating green, leafy vegetables (such as lettuce, celery, cabbage and bokchoy) to get rid of the munchies. Remember to only add minimal low-fat dressing if it’s your weight that you are trying to target.

10. De-stress. Stress is one of the biggest causes behind food cravings. Any activity that helps you relax will help take your mind off food. Getting regular exercise or even just taking some deep breaths will also help.

11. Have small in between meals.Include fibre rich foods in your diet.This will kepp you full for a longer time and thus you will not crave for junk food.

12. Don’t be too harsh on yourself and your diet. The harder you have to force yourself to resist something, the more likely you are to fall off the rails and binge or pig out. Everything in moderation. Instead of cutting out your favourite food entirely, try to cut down and only indulge once a week and have in smaller portion. You can eat your favourite things here and there!

13. Exercise daily. This will convert body fat into blood sugar, which will help reduce cravings. Exercise also helps you maintain stamina, discipline and self-esteem, all of which helps you resist food cravings.

14. Before sticking something in your mouth, think about the long term effects. Is it worth eating a whole block of chocolate in one go? Is it worth undoing all that exercise and healthy eating you’ve previously done?

15. Keep busy. Sometimes, if you allow your mind to sit and wander, it will induce food cravings.

16. Reward yourself (with anything other than food!) when you resist the food you’ve been craving.

17.When you are tempted to indulge have any of the following –Cinnamon sticks,Saunf,Sugarless chewing gum.Your craving will pass away.

18.Have a balanced and Nutritious meal.Deficiencies of Nutrients also lead to cravings.

SUMMER INDULGENCES

   

Summers sap the energy out of you! The heat becomes unbearable and no matter how much water you drink you are always thirsty, similarly summers tend to take away your appetite. A lack of appetite means that you don’t eat as much food as you regularly would, which means that your body ends up lacking its regular nutrition quota.

        It is vital to maintain your body's water levels in the heat, not just by drinking fluids, but also choosing foods that contain a lot of water.Basically a summer diet consists of food that is high in water content, provides ample nutrition and cools your body down while keeping you from dehydration. Since the sultry heat of summer increases with each degree rise in the mercury, by rooting ourselves to nature's provision of healthful food choices we can experience the bloom of our health and vitality.

YOUR SUMMER INDULGENCES

When your body is losing plenty of water already, digestion of heavy foods depletes the levels of water further. The result is fatigue, poor concentration, light headedness and decreased metabolism.So opt for foods which are light in digestion , have higher water content and are low in fat.

1)      Curd - Intestinal infections such as cholera, typhoid, amoebiasis find it easy to surface during a warm climate. Eating curd helps increase the friendly bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria promote digestion and boost immunity. Curd helps you cool from inside and also it could be consumed in varying options. From chaas , to lassi to curd rice... just take your pick. Curd contains vitamin B which also helps soothe the ulcers, allergies and heat boils that tend to appear during summers, from within

2)      Coconut water - Due to sweating, water and many essential minerals are lost from the body which makes you feel tired and sluggish. Coconut water is packed with simple sugars, electrolytes, and minerals that replenish hydration levels. Coconut Water is rich in natural vitamins (especially the B vitamins), minerals & trace elements (including zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur & manganese). Vitamins are necessary for the enzymatic reactions your cells need in order to function.

3)      Sugar cane juice –It comes in handy for those who exercise or work out during summers. Containing only natural sugars, it not only cools the body but also energises with a high quantity of carbohydrates .The nutrients found in sugarcane are beneficial for the functioning of the kidneys, heart and the brain.

4)      Fruits - There are a variety of seasonal fruits that can be consumed which will cool you from within this summer such as grapes, apples, bananas, pears, pineapple and melons. Even citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are excellent choices of fruits for consumption this summer.They not only rehydrate the body but also provide the essential vitamins and minerals to keep up the energy levels .

5)      Vegetables - Light to digest, water-based vegetables are recommended for the summer. Stockup on doodhi, turai,parhwal and pumpkin as they are full of fibre and easy to digest. Other water rich vegetables that can be included in your diet include cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, spinach , bell peppers and ice-berg lettuce. These prevent urine from being acidic in the summer. Eating these foods may assist your body's own ability to release heat so the hot weather doesn't make you feel overheated or exhausted. Avoid boiling or steaming them for too long, as this depletes them of their water and nutrient content. Vegetable juices have healing and restorative properties and make simple natural ways to enhance health and vitality.

6)      Lemon juice -A lemon and honey drink combination has the power of instantly replenishing your body's lost water and also work as energizers.Lemon is rich in vitamin C stimulate the release of enzymes in the body and help release waste. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning will help to balance out the acidity of foods we've consumed as lemons are alkaline-forming. Lemon juice helps detoxify your body,rejuvenate your skin and boosts immunity.

7)       Nonveg -Fish meat is preferable to chicken.You should try and avoid red meat .These fish are not only are cooler on consumption as compared to the red meat or chicken but also have high amounts of fatty acids such as Omega -3 and Omega – 6.

8)      Dryfruits and Nuts -While dry fruits such as figs and raisins can be eaten without worry, cashews and pistachios should be avoided as they are 'heaty' in nature and difficult to digest.

9)      Aam Panna - Boil raw (green) mangoes and extract juice from them and add salt, water,jeera and jaggery .It is an excellent preventor of heat and heat stroke.

10)  Green tea - If you get burnt, seek relief by sipping on green tea. Green tea is a potent source of antioxidants that can neutralise cellular damage caused by the sun's rays.

11)  Sabza (tulsi seeds) in your drinks -- this has very cooling effect on the body. It relieves indigestion,reduces nauseous feelingand controls vomiting , helps in treatment of sore throat ,cough ,Asthma and headache.

12)  Herbal teas,Kokam sherbet ,Saunf sherbet  are not only refreshing but also nutritious.

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs from your Kitchen

Turmeric
This golden spice, used in almost every meal in India is very valuable.It is a very powerful healer. It prevents growth of cancer cells and thus can prevent cancer. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduces swelling caused due to pain.It is also said to prevent alzhiemers and said to reduce severity of pain caused due to arthritis. This spice also acts as an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

Cinnamon
Often used in coffees and other desserts, cinnamon is said to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels .This spice contains antioxidants that help lowering levels of bad cholesterol. More good news for women- including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

Ginger
Good ol'ginger candy has always been an instant cure to motion sickness or has curbed a feeling of nausea. The spice does more than that."It improves your digestive process and prevents stomach disorders like flatulence. It is also said to regularize blood flow, thus maintaining your blood pressure.

Basil
Holy basil or tulsi is said to be a great de-stressor as it reduces levels of serotonin. Try a tea made of basil leaves and ginger for relief from indigestion, headaches and fever. Chewing on leaves of basil could also reduce symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic
This condiment lowers your chances of getting cancer. Other than that,it helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure in control. It also has anti viral properties and helps in clearing your sinuses. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your body against damage from free radicals.

Cumin
Cumin powder in water with salt and lemon is probably the best way to curb a diarrhea attack .It also acts as a blood purifier and is an excellent remedy for stomach cramps. Due to its cooling properties, it is added to most drinks and juices during summer.

Mustard
Mustard seeds is said to curb the growth of cancer cells .it also has anti inflammatory properties and is said to restore normal sleeping patterns in women with symptoms of menopause. It also reduces severity of asthma and lowers high blood pressure.

Saffron
Saffron is a powerful antioxidant too .It is said to be an anti-depressant and can cure bladder, liver and kidney disorders . A li'l saffron in your tea can relieve you of a cold too. Saffron also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Rubbing saffron on sore gums can provides relief.

Cardamom
Known as elaichi, this spice is also effective in curing stomach cramps. It is also said to cure other stomach disorders like flatulence and acidity .It also improves your circulation to your lungs. Boil water and add mint leaves and cardamom to it and have it to cure hiccups.

Mint
Mint or pudina is known to ease symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Mint oil when rubbed on your forehead soothes headaches too. Mint paste while applied on pimples and acne can cure it.