Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) can cause obesity???

I come from a small village where most of the peoples are still close minded, especially in terms of food selection. My parents, for example, will not add MSG in our foods because they believe that MSG is toxic for the body. The sad thing is, they also didn't allowed us to consume food that have MSG in it. Of course I don't agree with them. For me, food without MSG is tasteless. But, one thing I realize is, my parents look younger than people that younger than them. Even my aunt (my dad's sister) looks older than my father. My aunt try to discover why my father looks younger, then she finally made a conclusion that it is because they don't consume MSG. I don't know wether it is true or not, but may be we can read this article to find out more about MSG;

If fried snack chips had a warning printed right on the bag that said, "Warning: these chips will make you obese," would you still buy them? Would you still eat them? Well, in a sense, you do see that warning on chips; just read the ingredient list. Research suggests that monosodium glutamate causes obesity, making unhealthy snacks even unhealthier than you may have suspected.

I'm sure you already know that tortilla and potato chips aren't health foods, right? They're made with fried fats, they almost always harbor hidden toxic chemicals (acrylamides), and if they're flavored, they usually contain monosodiun glutamate (MSG). This is basically a recipe for obesity.

But how does MSG cause obesity? Like aspartame, MSG is an excitotoxin, a substance that overexcites neurons to the point of cell damage and, eventually, cell death. Humans lack a blood-brain barrier in the hypothalamus, which allows excitotoxins to enter the brain and cause damage, according to Dr. Russell L. Blaylock in his book Excitotoxins. According to animal studies, MSG creates a lesion in the hypothalamus that correlates with abnormal development, including obesity, short stature and sexual reproduction problems.

Based on this evidence, Dr. Blaylock makes an interesting point about the American obesity epidemic, especially among young people: "One can only wonder if the large number of people having difficulty with obesity in the United States is related to early exposure to food additive excitotoxins, since this obesity is one of the most consistent features of the syndrome. One characteristic of the obesity induced by excitotoxins is that it doesn't appear to depend on food intake. This could explain why some people cannot diet away their obesity." As an increasing number of elementary school students bring snack-size bags of chips to school in their lunch boxes, the MSG-obesity link demands parental caution.

Instead of passively watching modern society become obese and then commenting on it, we need to change it at the start. That begins with you, the consumer. By avoiding foods with MSG, you are not only protecting your health and your family's health, you are also protecting society's health by not supporting companies that use MSG. Use your buying power to show that you don't accept manufactured foods that use MSG or any of the other hidden forms of MSG such as yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins and autolyzed proteins.

The experts speak on MSG and obesity:

Olney, J.W. "Brain Lesions, Obesity, and Other Disturbances in Mice Treated with Monosodium glutamate." Sci. 165(1969): 719-271.

Humans also lack a blood-brain barrier in the hypothalamus, even as adults. It is for this reason that Dr. Olney and other neuroscientists are so concerned about the widespread and heavy use of excitotoxins, such as MSG, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and cysteine, as food additives. In his experiments Dr. Olney found that high-dose exposure to MSG caused hypoplasia of the adenohypophysis of the pituitary and of the gonads, in conjunction with low hypothalamic, pituitary, and plasma levels of LH, growth hormone, and prolactin. When doses below toxic levels for hypothalamic cells were used, he found a rapid elevation of LH and a depression of the pulsatile output of growth hormone. In essence, these excitotoxins can cause severe pathophysiological changes in the central endocrine control system. Many of these dysfunctional changes can occur with subtoxic doses of MSG. One can speculate that chronic exposure to these neurotoxins could cause significant alterations in the function of the hypothalamus, including its non-endocrine portions.

Excitotoxins by Russell L Blaylock MD, page 263

"Consuming MSG leads to obesity"

Early exposure in life to high doses of glutamate, or the other excitotoxins, could theoretically produce a whole array of disorders much later in life, such as obesity, impaired growth, endocrine problems, sleep difficulties, emotional problems including episodic anger, and sexual psycho-pathology.

Excitotoxins by Russell L Blaylock MD, page 89

The stress-induced abnormalities in blood-brain barrier permeability suggest differing MSG effects dependent on existing states of relaxation or stresses. The suggestive evidence for MSG-induced neuroendocrine effects is substantial, coupled with the observation of increased obesity in children.

In Bad Taste by George R Schwartz MD, page 39

With this enormous consumption of foods laced with MSG additives, it is no wonder that we have an obesity problem in this country, especially when you combine the hypothalamic lesion caused by MSG to the high-fat and -carbohydrate diets of young people. Of particular concern is the suggestion that MSG ingested by pregnant women may actually cause this lesion in children while they are still in the womb.

Health And Nutrition Secrets by Russell L Blaylock MD, page 180

This also means that, while pregnant, mothers of diabetic children also consumed very large amounts of these excitotoxin-containing foods. Also, many parents feed their babies table food from an early age—food often laced with large amounts of MSG. In addition, large numbers of babies are also fed formula, and many formulas are known to be high in excitotoxins such as caseinate. I have already cited studies showing that gross obesity is frequently linked to excessive MSG consumption in test animals.

Health And Nutrition Secrets by Russell L Blaylock MD, page 182

Particularly disturbing is the later obesity after MSG exposure during the neonatal and infant period even after only a short or limited exposure.

In Bad Taste by George R Schwartz MD, page 22

Apple Cider Vinegar

(Last time, my friends used to call me chubby because i was "a bit" obese at that time. Of course was upset. I was really felt iritated. Then, a friend introduced me this apple Cider Vinegar. He said, this Apple Cider Vinegar can help me to loose weight. At first, I didn't really believe that. Vinegar is acidic and I have gastric!!!!!! But because I really want to reduce my weight, I try as my friend told me to. Suprisingly, I loose 2 Kg in just 3 weeks. Now, I can maintain my weight eventhough sometimes I can't help myself to eat ice cream. So, I just want to share to all of you this article. Who knows, it will works to you as it works to me.)

I am sure we have all heard the old saying , “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This could well have a lot of merit. Apples are among the most health-giving fruits available to us. They contain a host of beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and many trace elements as well. And, they are the central ingredient in apple cider vinegar.

Cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying and purifying agent. It breaks down fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits within the body. By breaking down these substances it improves the health and function of the vital organs of the body, such as the kidneys, bladder and liver, by preventing excessively alkaline urine. It also oxidizes and thins the blood, which is important in preventing high blood pressure. This powerful potion also promotes digestion, assimilation and elimination, all the while neutralizing any toxic substances that enter the body. Cider vinegar has been found to neutralize any harmful bacteria that may be found in certain foods. When a mixture of cider vinegar and water is taken before a meal (particularly food served in restaurants or at picnics where the preparation or duration of food left uncovered and not refrigerated is questionable), it seems to prevent diarrhea or digestive upsets.

Apple cider vinegar contains a potent supply of potassium which researchers feel is helpful in easing the effects of common colds and allergies, including mucous formation, watery eyes, sinus and catarrhal problems. Cider vinegar can also be beneficial for symptoms such as tooth decay and splitting of the fingernails, which are symptoms of potassium deficiency. Potassium is essential for the replacement of worn-out tissues within the body. This mineral is also important to soft tissue repair, as calcium is to the bones and teeth. A deficiency of potassium within the body can produce callous formations on the souls of the feet, insufficient replacement of worn tissue, and hair loss.

Tests have proven that soil deficient in potassium will produce anemic and undersized plants, but when potassium is introduced into the soil, the plant becomes healthier and increases in size. When potassium, in the form of cider vinegar is fed to livestock their appearance improves and their stamina increases. This can also prove true on a human level for those who have potassium deficiency. A few teaspoons of cider vinegar taken with water each day has been known to produce amazing results. Cider vinegar can be taken alone or used in cooking. It can be used as a salad dressing, for pickling, in making mayonnaise or sprinkled on potato chips or French fries. It can used as a hot or cold beverage sweetened with honey. The best method of using apple cider vinegar is in its natural liquid form.

When the body is lacking certain minerals or salts, ill health can be the result. Toxic build-ups with the body can cause boils, blisters, acne, etc. Cider vinegar detoxifies and helps with the cleansing and clotting processes of the blood, by helping along the blood oxidation process.

Cider vinegar is thought to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, as a beverage or with compresses soaked in hot vinegar applied directly to the joints. It is also thought to be helpful when used to treat asthma, nose bleeds, osteoporosis, cancer, candida, high cholesterol, colds, constipation, muscle cramps, colitis, diabetes, diarrhea, depression, dizziness, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, gallstones, kidney stones, hay fever, headaches, heartburn, hiccups, indigestion, insomnia, kidney and bladder problems, metabolism, nasal congestion, sore throats, stiff joints, ulcers and weight loss.

Please check with your physician before starting any new treatments, including dietary changes. Alternative or holistic health procedures are meant to be complimentary process to traditional medical practices, and not used in place of them.

The miracle of Green tea

"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:
a) cancer
b) rheumatoid arthritis
c) high cholesterol levels
d) cariovascular disease
e) infection
f) impaired immune function

What makes green tea so special?

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Other Benefits

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

Harmful Effects?

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.

A Diet That Works

Ok, so it's not exactly a diet, but follow the steps and you will lose weight. I've been battling with a few access pounds for years now and it seems to be a battle neither side wants to lose. I am a firm believer in the old Latin saying "In a healthy body resides a healthy spirit" meaning the state of our physical body is only a reflection of our soul, our spirit. So for me those access pounds had much more meaning then just weight.

I though long and hard how to go about losing the pounds. Do I cut back on my food? If I do how am I resolving the real issue? What is the real issue? How do I find it? Am I ready to acknowledge it? Asking those question I found myself traveling down a path I wasn't sure I understood. I decided to take a small step, picking a neutral path, where I wasn't attacking my issue directly, but at the same time working on more then just the physical aspect, hoping that as I go along everything will fall into place.

1) As you take your morning shower, visualize your body the way you desire it to be and say the following phase " I release myself from the emotional burden I am carrying. As the water flows down my body I feel my excess pounds disappearing down the drain. "

2) As you sit down to eat, ask your body if it is hungry, does the food you are about to intake agree with your body. Simply close your eyes and visualize the food before you. Imagine how you will feel after eating that specific meal. Will you feel full? Light? Healthy? Energized? Or will you feel drained, and heavy? Allow your body to guide you. I want you to really be in tune with your body. Take yourself to that place of feeling drained and lethargic.

3) Once a day dedicate 10-15 minutes to meditation. Find a comfortable place to sit, you may sit or lay down, what ever is most comfortable for you. As you begin to relax you will once again visualise your body in the form you want it to be, keep that image through out the duration of the meditation.

That's it, really. I know it sounds simply and it is. I have lost 7 pounds in 14 days following the above steps. One of my biggest tests was potato chips, I always find myself snacking on them. I went to grab a bag and then I thought about how I would feel afterwords. I visualized myself eating a handful and I can't say that I got a good feeling from the visual. My once favorite snack felt a bit stale, heavy, too salty and very negative to my body. I put the bag because I simply had no need for it anymore .All I did was listen to my body and that is all you have to do. Be aware of what your body needs, it will let you know. You may find yourself craving veggies or fruits, you may even discover you want something you've never tried before. Most importantly if you listen to your body it will guide you to a beautiful place where you will vibrant and energized.

Are you Anorexia??????

Eating disorders are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. As our fascination with slimness, dieting, and youth grows, more and more men and women are becoming caught up in the dieting cycle. Anorexia is a terrible eating disorder that affects millions of young women and even some men in our society. Refusing to eat, anorexics become dangerously thin and put themselves at risk for serious health related consequences. If you or anyone you know is suffering from anorexia, it is important to seek anorexia treatment as soon as possible.

The Signs of Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession for thinness and an extreme fear of eating. The disorder begins slowly, and may manifest through minor weight loss or fears of becoming fat or overweight. Eventually, the signs of anorexia become more obvious and include extreme weight loss, loss of body muscle and fat, and the growth of fine downy hair all over the body. Anorexics may become depressed, exercise obsessively, and retreat from normal activities. Eventually, anorexia can result in serious health problems, including heart palpitations, anemia and other vitamin deficiencies, and even heart attack or stroke.

The Cause of Anorexia

No one is really sure what causes anorexia. Anorexia statistics show that the eating disorder is most prevalent in western societies, where the ideal of thinness and weight loss is the norm. The eating disorder may be perpetuated by the media, where pictures of anorexic women are often touted as beautiful. Anorexia in men may also be the result of cultural ideals. Anorexia may also be triggered by genetics or by particular events in a person’s life. Anorexia seems to be related to emotional trauma, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, and family issues that are internalized by young men and women.

Treating Anorexia

Anorexia must be treated in order to prevent serious health problems and death. Many anorexics suffer from extreme depression, and thus benefit from antidepressants and psychological counseling. Of course, eating is the only way to increase weight and eventually restore health. Without treatment, few anorexics are able to escape the clutches of the disorder, and many become life-long sufferers or die as a result of their disease.

All about diet

Everyone is on a diet these days. Whether it is the South Beach Diet, Atkins Diet, the Zone Diet, a macrobiotic diet, a raw food diet, high fiber diet, low fat diet, or the cabbage soup diet, everyone is trying something. While some people swear that these are just fad diets and not at all a healthy diet, others swear by their special diets.

Fad Diets

Are these diets really fads or do they actually work? Jennifer Aniston used the atkins diet to help her lose some weight while Gwyneth Paltrow has followed a strict microbiotic diet for many years. The south beach diet has also been gaining in popularity as has the zone diet along with a mediterranean diet. Many people have found some weight loss success by following a low carb diet only to find their weight increase once they go off the diet.
Of course, quick weight loss diets are often preferred over diets that take longer to show results. Diets like the 3 day diet, the grapefruit diet, and even the 3 hour diet, have been tried over and over again with few favorable, long-term results.

Diet Plans

Following a diet plan can make your attempt at dieting more successful. If you are using diet supplements, like diet pills or other types of diet products, you will usually be supplied with diet plans or instructions on how to take your diet supplement. Free Diet Plans can often be found on the internet and are useful for people following a diabetic diet, low cholesterol diet, a detox diet or pretty much any other type of diet.

Free Online Diets

Many websites also offer free online weight loss diets. Designed to help people on low carb diets, the Zone diet, using a diet pill, practicing the herballife diet or using some other type of diet weight loss supplements or plan. Finding a site geared towards the diet you are using will also help you find some meal ideas, like low carb and south beach diet recipes.

Pregnancy tips for new mom

For newly pregnant moms-to-be, here’s some great tips to help ensure you have a healthy, happy pregnancy.

Take Your Folic Acid
During your pregnancy, nutrition is of the utmost importance. Folic acid, sometimes called folate, is at the top of the list, right next to iron, calcium and protein. Folic acid is a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach, orange juice, legumes, nuts, avocado, liver and fruit. Folate is found to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida in your baby.

Taking 400 micrograms of folate before your pregnancy will reduce risks of neural tube defects by 70%. During pregnancy, make sure you get about 600 micrograms through eating foods rich in folate or by taking prenatal supplements. There are now many enriched grain, pasta and bread products that will help you reach your folate intake goal. Look for cereals that contain 100% of the recommended daily intake.

Most importantly, have fun while you’re trying to get your nutritional needs met. Take a cooking class or buy a cookbook written for pregnant women. You’d be surprised how easy it is to make simple, delicious, nutrient-rich meals. Remember, it’s better to eat many small nutritious meals rather than large meals throughout the day.

Add Flair to Your Style
It’s important to feel good about yourself during your pregnancy. For many women, feeling good starts with looking good. When your tummy starts showing, show some style in maternity clothes that keep you comfortable. Taking care of your appearance can help make you want to stay fit, which in turn helps your pregnancy and your baby’s health.

What should you look for?

Make sure the elasticized clothes you buy have plenty of room for expansion so that you don’t find yourself in sweatpants or muumuus during your last month. There should be front and side panels to accommodate the swelling of your belly.
Because you’ll most likely wear your maternity clothes for a while after you give birth, be sure to get tops that allow for easy breastfeeding.
Don’t buy spandex or lycra or other tight-fitting clothes. Cotton will keep you comfortable, cool and it won’t irritate your skin.
Luckily, pregnant women are finding that their styles are becoming available in maternity clothes. It might be that the host of celebrities flaunting their chic pregnancy wear are behind the movement of glorifying the pregnant woman’s body. Treat yourself to a pregnancy magazine subscription for some stylish tips. Then, come out of the shadow and show off that body.

Get Good Prenatal Care
Women who are more rigorous concerning prenatal care are found to have better deliveries. As soon as you discover you are pregnant, visit your doctor and keep subsequent visits frequent. The doctor will provide information and will monitor the health of you and your baby. During the examination, the doctor will check your blood pressure, weight gained or lost, fetal heart rate, the circumference of your belly and the fetus position. In general, prenatal care appointments are a good way to become familiar and comfortable with your pregnancy.

Take Time to Relax…try Yoga Nidra
Yoga nidra, also known as ‘psychic sleep,’ is a form of yoga in which extreme relaxation is targeted. It is said that one hour of yoga nidra is equivalent to four hours of sleeping. This makes it perfect for pregnant women who may be experiencing difficulties in sleeping or for those postpartum sleepless nights. While it may be more relaxing than sleep, it’s actually a state of heightened consciousness. Signing up for a class means keeping your body healthy and getting a good dose of r & r.

Exercise Away!
Exercise is recommended as an excellent way of boosting your energy level, keeping yourself fit and adding years to your life. During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to exercise! You may feel helpless as your body experiences changes more drastic than puberty; exercise will help give you a sense of control over this metamorphosis.

There are several challenges a pregnant woman faces when exercising. Hormones and pregnancy weight can make your joints ache. Loss of balance and increased heart rate are also setbacks. For these reasons, it is recommended that women engage in low-impact exercises such as yoga, swimming or cycling on a stationary bike.

The benefits of exercise are great. It helps you get better rest and diminishes aches, constipation, swelling, cramping and bloating. It’ll give you a chance to socialize or spend precious time by yourself. Most importantly, it will prepare you for the strain of labor and help get your pre-pregnancy body back sooner following birth.

Remember, you don’t want to prepare yourself for running a marathon. Exercise during pregnancy should be gentle and last no longer than 30 minutes. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

Do Your Kegels!
During pregnancy, the growing uterus places pressure on the bladder, making it easy to leak. To help prevent these leaks, you’ll want to strengthen your pelvic floor by practicing Kegels. To find those muscles, simple tighten the muscles of the vagina as if trying to interrupt the flow of pee. To stop anal leakage, tighten those muscles as you would while preventing the escape of gas. Hold those muscles for a count of five, then release. The good news is that you can practice these anyway. The even better news is that practicing Kegels will help tighten your vagina after birth.

Keep a Record of your Pregnancy!
Pregnancy and childbirth are certainly milestones within a woman’s life. Unfortunately, many women forget the emotions attached to this important transformation. Keeping a pregnancy journal is an excellent way to remember those moments, good and bad, that heralded the birth of your child. It’s also a good way to work out your feelings and allot some necessary "alone" time. If you want to share this special time with all your friends and family, then consider starting an online pregnancy journal.

Writing a birth plan is another way to proactively decide the way you want your birth to progress.

For Friends: Organize a Shower
Friends of pregnant women, lend me your ears! Want to organize an amazing baby shower? Make it a surprise (keep it hugger-mugger!), invite lots of friends, make food your pregnant friend craves and remember to think up lots of fun baby shower games!

Gifts can be invaluable to a first-time mother; there are so many hidden costs in having a baby, that between taking care of her newborn and trying to sleep, spending the bucks to buy all the necessities can make her eyes bug out. Help her! Remember to co-ordinate gifts so that she’s not getting any duplicates.

More importantly, a baby shower is going to show her that you guys care. Feeling loved and supported through this milestone will provide immeasurable benefits to a pregnant woman. It’s support that keeps a woman feeling proactive toward her pregnancy. (Speaking of support, don’t forget to help with the dishes!)