Winning The Battle Against Obesity

The obesity problem is considered by the US Department of Health and Human Services as "the single biggest threat to public health in this century." it is a major health concern because it contributes to many serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

There are many factors cited to have helped contribute to the obesity epidemic but two of the most major ones are the over consumption of foods and beverages that are high in calories, and the lack of physical activity.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, which was prepared by the US Department of Agriculture and Dept. of health and Human Services are calling the young and the old to cut back on sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seafoods.

Here are some of what the report recommends :

1. Eat more plant-based diet.

2. Cut back on saturated fats, trans fats, and minimize consumption of sugar.

3. Limit sodium consumption.

4. Get regular physical activity.

Fasting And Weight Loss

So you would like to fast because, you believe fasting is an effective  way to slim down? Before you start to skip your meals, read what this medical doctor has to say on the potential health implications of losing weight by fasting.

“Prolonged fasting may cause changes in the acid-base and electrolyte balance of the body, and make the blood relatively “acidic” due to the toxins produced by the fasting itself,” wrote Dr. Rafael R. Castillo on what happens to the body during fasting.

Prolonged fasting can be dangerous because it weakens the body’s immune system, thus making one prone to infection. It may also cause muscle tissue breakdown, the good doctor wrote. Since the level of sugar and nutrients in the blood declines sharply with fasting, a breakdown of muscle and other protein tissue for energy occurs. This produces weakness, fatigue, irritability, marked thirst and an overall sick feeling.