Archive for the 'FITNESS NEWS' Category

Cholesterol is important for body as it is used in the formation of cell membranes, hormones and other functions. But, too much cholesterol in the blood, called hypercholesterolemia, is a major risk factor of heart attack and stroke.

Low density lipo-protein (LDL) is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. Too much circulation of LDL cholesterol in the blood slowly builds up in the artery walls feeding your brain and heart. When cholesterol combines with other substances, it can form plaque, which is a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries. Therefore, it contributes to atherosclerosis.

Blood flow to the part of the heart muscle is blocked when a clot or thrombus is formed near the plaque and causes heart attack. If blood flow to the part of the brain is blocked by the clot, it results in a stroke.

Fatty liver means build-up of fat in the liver cells. Fatty liver may lead to inflammation of the liver. Inflammation can cause scarring and hardening of the liver. When scarring becomes widespread, it is called cirrhosis.

Starchy foods or high glycemic foods such as white rice, white bread and breakfast cereals could be the link for fatty liver. High glycemic foods can elevate insulin and blood glucose, stimulate fat storage, exacerbate hyperactivity and reduce sports performance.

High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and diabetes are often associated with fatty liver. Therefore, there is a greater chance of developing hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Fasting is one way of losing weight. Fasting is simply going without food. When you do not eat anything or eat small amounts, your body loses weight.

Periodic fasting can be as good for the health as sharply cutting back on calories. With alternate day fasting, your life span, insulin sensitivity and stress resistance can be increased.

Alternate day fasting is a powerful process to recover from health conditions like asthma [Medication for Asthma], blood pressure, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, heart disease, chronic headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, uterine fibroids, benign tumors, adult onset diabetes, acne and eczema [Eczema Treatment].

Obesity has been related to many health problems including infertility. Infertility in overweight and obese teens is mainly related to ovulatory dysfunction. According to the studies, obese teens have irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular menstrual cycle increases the weight.

Irregular menstrual cycle is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity and increased levels of male hormones.

Health problems for mother and new born baby with overweight:

• If teenage girl is obese, it can affect her health and health of new born when she is pregnant and becomes a mother.

If you are planning your exercise sessions outdoors, be careful with the air pollution outside. In addition to temperature and humidity, air pollution can affect the person who is exercising, especially in densely populated areas where there will be more industries and traffic.

Different types of air pollutants that can affect the health of an exerciser:

Ozone: Ozone is an odorless and colorless gas formed from the mixture of sunlight, heat and various other chemicals, which are emitted from industry and automobiles. This ozone pollutant can cause eye irritation, nausea and breathing trouble.

Sulphur dioxide: This is a primary pollutant produced from burning coal which causes breathing problems.

If you are struggling with overweight, you are not alone. Many adults are overweight, which is growing concern since it is a risk factor of many health problems. Obesity is recognized as major risk factor for heart disease.

Reasons for risk of heart disease due to obesity:

• Obesity raises the levels of triglycerides and blood cholesterol.
• Overweight raises your levels of blood pressure.
• Obesity reduces the HDL or good cholesterol. Good cholesterol is associated with lower risk of stroke and heart disease. Reduced HDL raises the heart attack risk.
• Obesity can lead to diabetes. Diabetes can make other risk factors worse. Heart attack risk is more especially for diabetic people.

Being overweight harms not just heart and blood vessel system. Obesity is the major cause of gallstones and can worsen degenerative joint diseases.

Having an obese mother significantly increases the chances of child becoming obese as young, according to the study. The children from birth were regularly followed by measuring height, weight, body mass index, body fat, lean mass and waist circumference.

Child’s obesity is influenced by his mother even before the child is born. Child will be far more overweight at young age if his mother was obese or overweight before she became pregnant.

If the weight of the mother within one or two months before she became pregnant is more, then it will have a greatest impact on the weight of the child. The child will be more likely to be overweight three times by age seven compared to the child whose mother is of normal weight.