Tips to a healthy life - The Probiotic way

Have you ever wondered what the probiotic supplements are ??? Bacteria in general are supposed to cause illness.  But some of them are good too.  We consume them in our daily diet  in form of yoghurt and fermented foods.  These are known as probiotics which help in treating certain illness.

Bacteria present in our intestines are essential for the body.   When we are being treated for a specific illness the antibiotics that we consume destroys both the good and bad bacteria in our system thus reducing the immunity.  This is when the probiotic supplement help us. These supplements helps grow the good bacteria and improves immunity.  Probiotics are widely used in the treatment of many diseases and is helpful in many ways.  The probiotics reduce the need for antibiotics.  Probiotics are used to prevent diarrhoea, especially in children,  Similarly, it is useful for patients who are in convalescence from severe fever.
With the younger generation being more health conscious, consumption of these probiotic products are growing.  Bacteria that is in the intestinal flora keeps harmful organisms in check and boosts the immune system.  Its perfectly right to go for a probiotic food supplement once in a while.  Probiotic supplements are good to treat the hyper acidity conditions caused due to stress. 
It is best to rely on probiotic obtained through diet modification instead of relying on supplements.  Foods such as bananas, wheat, beans, peas, tomatoes encourage the growth of healthy bacteria. The diet should be rich in fibre rich vegetables and fruits.

Courtesy : The chennai Times, 06/07/2009

Do not starve to become slim

People who want to slim down should never starve. Several days of starving increases the craving for food. To prevent over eating impulse the stomach must be filled and the body’s requirements of vital nutrients must be met.

The intake and choice of foods should not be restricted too radically because the rapid weight loss creates adverse effects. A basic slimming diet consists of vegetables, legumes, fruit, leafy greens, nuts, saltwater fish, lean meat, poultry and milk or dairy products. The diet should be balanced.

Slight changes in the diet will certainly help in burning the fat in a healthy way. Occasional indulgence in desired low fat chocolates/sweets is permissible. The weight loss should be gradual and should not cut down the metabolic rate.

 
 
Courtesy : The hindu, Wellness, 5/3/2012

Tips to ease mouth ulcers

Here are some tips to ease mouth ulcers:

Gargle frequently with a solution made of salt and warm water.  the saline mixture sterilises the mouth blisters.
Avoid drinking tea or coffee and spicy foods.
Rub a garlic onto the ulcer.  It may sting but the ulcer maybe gone in a while.
Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of water and gargle.
Mouth ulcers are due to lack of vitamin C.  Drink plenty of orange juice.
Much few raw onions as the sulphur in the onions are good cure  for ulcers.

Beneficial Junk Foods!!!!

Recent studies have proved that certain junk foods can also be beneficial.  Indulging in some of these junk foods of course limited quantities may impart goodness.

Popcorn

A desirable movie accompaniment helps to curb cravings a is very less in calories.

Processed Cheese

The anti-carcinogenic properties found in cheese is an effective antioxidant.

Baked snacks

These are the most recent introductions which contain very less oil and made of whole wheat and dash of spice.  Which is a delight for the taste buds and curb cravings. Whole wheat crackers that are available is the best example for baked snacks and is a preferred tea time snack.

Red wine

Resveratrol in the red wine helps prevent inflammations.  It is also rich in antioxidants that prevent heart disease and cancer.

Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolates help keep blood pressure under control. 

Courtesy: Times of India 7/10/2009

Did you Know??

Cashew has obesity and gallstone-fighting fighting properties.  Magnesium present in cashews ensures healthy bones and teeth.  The copper content in cashew increases the antioxidant defenses.  Cashew is rich in iron and calcium.

Watermelon is a good source of antioxidant lycopene.  This antioxidant travels throughout the body, neutralising the free radicals that cause fat-related health problems.  It also reduces the risks of prostate cancer.

The mucilage and fibre found in lady's finger helps adjust the blood sugar by regulating its absorption in the small intestine.  It helps in reabsorbing water and traps excess cholesterol, metabolic toxins and surplus bile and slips it through the stools.  It helps in propogation of the probiotic bacteria.