How Coca Cola Affects Your Body In 60 Minutes

We all know Coca Cola is laden with sugar and that, at a push, you could use it to clean your toilet. But it's a bit of a mystery as to what it does to your body.

Now, thanks to Niraj Naik, we have the answer to that question.

The brains behind website The Renegade Pharmacist has revealed exactly what a refreshing can of Coke does to your system within the first hour of drinking it. And it's not pretty.

First 10 minutes

10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don't immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavour, allowing you to keep it down.

20 minutes in

Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)

40 minutes in

Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.

45 minutes in

Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centres of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.

60 minutes in

The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.

After 60 minutes

The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.

As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.

On his site, Naik writes: "I discovered that a trigger factor for many widespread diseases of the west such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes could be closely linked to the consumption of one particular substance found in many processed foods and drinks – fructose in the form of high fructose corn syrup.

"High fructose corn syrup is found in pretty much all processed foods such as ready meals, fast foods, sweets and fizzy drinks and most people are totally unaware of its danger."

The Renegade Pharmacist tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle that he was inspired to teach people about their dietary choices after managing to heal himself of a chronic auto-immune condition.

"I used a combination of different techniques that I discovered by researching others who had healed themselves," he explains.

"My method combines self hypnosis, meditation, special breathing exercises based on Himalayan monks, having a very low-carb diet that's free from factory based foods and taking a special supplement called Colostrum."

When Naik worked as a community pharmacist, he says he was able to successfully wean people off longterm medication - particularly for health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

"Many of them would consume fizzy drinks on a daily basis," he says. "A few, on several medications, would consume between two and three cans a day. In one case a guy was on every heart drug under the sun and taking big doses."

Naik went through the patient's diet and found that he was drinking up to 15 cups of coffee a day with 2/3 spoonfuls of sugar in each cup.

"I was even more shocked to find out his doctor had not asked him about what he ate or drank and just stuck him on strong meds for life," he says.

So, the pharmacist created his own system to help patients overcome their conditions.

"My first piece of advice to them would be to do a simple swap," he explains, "replacing fizzy drinks with water and fresh lemon or lime juice.

"In many cases just doing this would have a dramatic effect on their health.

"This indicates to me that fizzy drinks and sugar are big issues relating to blood pressure and metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease."

Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/07/29/how-coca-cola-affects-body-infographic_n_7895304.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-health

Lose Weight And Keep It Off!

Besides winning the lottery, there may not be a more universally shared goal than losing body weight and keeping it off.1 If this is a goal you are after, you may not want to read the rest of today’s piece! That is because brand new research has pointed out that the odds of going from obese to a normal weight and staying there – are vanishingly slim.2, 3 For men, the odds are 1 in 210, and for women the odds are 1 in 124. That’s less than 1% – no matter what gender you are.

So how do we beat these (very depressing) odds? Quite simply, by following a Paleo diet! By consuming foods that are high in satiety and nutrients, we keep hunger at bay, and our body and brain happy.4, 5, 6, 7 Satiety and nutrition are both absolutely vital if long term, sustainable weight loss is one’s goal. As has been seen in scientific studies, a Paleo diet works better than even condition-specific diets (like those seen in patients with diabetes).8 One study sums it up thusly: “The Paleolithic diet might be the best antidote to the unhealthy Western diet.”9

Combining a great diet with a smart exercise routine (like CrossFit) is a great recipe to start stacking these odds in one’s favor.10 As the CrossFit Games are in full swing, we get to see professional athletes at their absolute peak – hopefully inspiring us to spend less time on the couch and more time at the gym. But you do not need to be a CrossFit Games competitor to enjoy a healthy exercise routine. If you are sedentary, just start walking around your neighborhood every day after work. Get your head in the game with baby steps, you’ll feel the difference.11 Once you’ve mastered that, you can progress to higher feats of fitness.

Erickson, Kirk I. et al. “Exercise Training Increases Size of Hippocampus and Improves Memory.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 108.7 (2011): 3017–3022. PMC. Web. 27 July 2015.

And even more than exercise, make sure you get plenty of sleep! This overlooked factor allows many to work extremely hard, eat right and still not keep the pounds off. Scientific researchers have known this for years.12 Sleep is an important modulator of neuroendocrine function and glucose metabolism.13Both are usually disrupted when a person becomes obese, so getting them back in line requires eating well, exercise, and plenty of shuteye!

Sleep loss has also been shown to result in metabolic and endocrine alterations, including decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased evening concentrations of cortisol and increased levels of ghrelin.14 Bottom line: With all of this at play, our chances of losing weight and keeping it off are very slim! We want our body to be insulin sensitive, cortisol lower in the evening, and to express low levels of ghrelin (a key hunger hormone).

Beccuti, Guglielmo, and Silvana Pannain. “Sleep and Obesity.” Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care 14.4 (2011): 402–412. PMC. Web. 27 July 2015.

Patel, Sanjay R., and Frank B. Hu. “Short Sleep Duration and Weight Gain: A Systematic Review.” Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) 16.3 (2008): 643–653. PMC. Web. 27 July 2015.

Finally, sleep loss leads to decreased levels of leptin (one of the main satiety hormones) and increased hunger and appetite.15 So, the longer you go without sleep, the hungrier you get. Stop the cycle by hitting the pillow earlier.

With our world in an ever-increasing obesity pandemic, think of all the healthy ways you can lose weight and keep it off.16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Put your mind to it, don’t let anything stand in your way, and you’ll be on your way, to a leaner, healthier you!

Article Source: http://thepaleodiet.com/lose-weight-and-keep-it-off/

The Brazilian Food Guide – Revolutionizing The Way We Look at Food

Last year the Brazilian Ministry of Health did something pretty radical: they created a food guide that actually reflects healthful eating habits. 

The new guide offers a holistic, comprehensive, and ethical approach to diet, and the result is an incredibly refreshing (and quite radical – more on that later) manual for living a healthy life. Rather than dividing foods into subgroups in the typical Western, reductionist manner – carbs, protein, veggies, fruit, protein – and recommending what, in the Canadian context at least, feels like a simultaneously restrictive and unattainable number of servings to consume each day, Brazil’s guide breaks down foods in a much more natural way. Their four food categories are:

1. naturally or minimally processed foods;
2. oils, fats, salt and sugar;
3. processed foods (these include bread, cheeses, cured meats and pickles); and
4. ultra-processed foods.

Foods from the first group are to be consumed the most, foods in the last group the least or not at all. By basing the categories on type of processing rather than specific ingredients, the new guide promotes autonomy in the kitchen and leaves space for the needs of the individual. Everyone will be healthier if they eat natural, minimally processed foods. Not everyone (or even most people) will feel good if they eat 2-3 servings of dairy a day, or 6-11 servings of breads and other carbohydrates.

Given the public’s increasing awareness of healthy eating practices, it may seem that avoiding processed foods is a pretty commonsensical suggestion, but considering that the Canadian Food Guide has been created under direct influence from the food industry, Brazil’s stance becomes significantly more subversive.

Even more surprising, however, is their position on advertising. The guide blatantly warns people against heeding food advertisements, noting that the purpose of these ads is to increase sales, not improve public health – a bold move indeed, and one which seems unimaginable in the current corporatocracythat is the North American political climate.

What I love most about this new guide, however, is its emphasis on the culture and climate of eating. Eating is intimately tied to social activities, family, and tradition, and for good reason. We are more likely to take our time with eating, and eat freshly prepared, home cooked meals when we eat in company with others. Moreover, meals automatically become healthier as a result. This in turn contributes to sustainable modes of food production, which is better for the environment and the people whose hard work leads to that food appearing on our tables. When we prepare meals at home, we keep our cultural practices alive and pass on those traditions to our children, teaching them valuable lessons about family, nutrition, and general wellness in the process.

Truly, the Brazilian Food Guide represents a return to a more natural way of eating and being. It is a return to our roots. And it’s beautiful to see.

Since the guide is quite long, they have broken down the essential elements into ten easy to follow steps. I think we could all benefit from following these simple rules. Enjoy!

Brazil’s 10 Steps to a Healthy Diet

1. Make natural or minimally processed foods the basis of your diet.

Natural or minimally processed foods, in great variety, and mainly of plant origin, are the basis for diets that are nutritionally balanced, delicious, culturally appropriate, and supportive of socially and environmentally sustainable food systems. Variety means foods of all types — cereals, legumes, roots, tubers, vegetables, fruits, nuts, milk, eggs, meat — and diversity within each type — such as beans and lentils, rice and corn, potato and cassava, tomatoes and squash, orange and banana, chicken and fish.

2. Use oils, fats, salt, and sugar in small amounts when seasoning and cooking natural or minimally processed foods and to create culinary preparations.

As long as they are used in moderation in dishes and meals based on natural or minimally processed foods, oils, fats, salt, and sugar contribute to diverse and delicious diets without making them nutritionally unbalanced.

3. Limit consumption of processed foods.

The ingredients and methods used in the manufacture of processed foods — such as vegetables in brine, fruits in syrup, cheeses and breads — unfavourably alter the nutritional composition of the foods from which they are derived. In small amounts, processed foods can be used as ingredients in dishes and meals based on natural or minimally processed foods.

4. Avoid consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Because of their ingredients, ultra-processed foods such as salty fatty packaged snacks, soft drinks, sweetened breakfast cereals, and instant noodles, are nutritionally unbalanced. As a result of their formulation and presentation, they tend to be consumed in excess, and displace natural or minimally processed foods. Their means of production, distribution, marketing, and consumption damage culture, social life, and the environment.

5. Eat regularly and carefully in appropriate environments and, whenever possible, in company.

Make your daily meals at regular times. Avoid snacking between meals. Eat slowly and enjoy what you are eating, without engaging in another activity. Eat in clean, comfortable and quiet places, where there is no pressure to consume unlimited amounts of food. Whenever possible, eat in company, with family, friends, or colleagues: this increases the enjoyment of food and encourages eating regularly, attentively, and in appropriate environments. Share household activities that precede or succeed the consumption of meals.

6. Shop in places that offer a variety of natural or minimally-processed foods.

Shop in supermarkets and municipal and farmers markets, or buy directly from producers or other places, that sell varieties of natural or minimally processed foods. Prefer vegetables and fruits that are locally grown in season. Whenever possible, buy organic and agro- ecological based foods, preferably directly from the producers.

7. Develop, exercise and share cooking skills.

If you have cooking skills, develop them and share them, especially with boys and girls. If you do not have these skills — men as well as women —acquire them. Learn from and talk with people who know how to cook. Ask family, friends, and colleagues for recipes, read books, check the internet, and eventually take courses. Start cooking!

8. Plan your time to make food and eating important in your life.

Plan the food shopping, organise your domestic stores, and decide on meals in advance. Share with family members the responsibility for all activities related to meals. Make the preparation and eating of meals privileged times of conviviality and pleasure. Assess how you live so as to give proper time for food and eating.

9. Out of home, prefer places that serve freshly made meals.

Eat in places that serve fresh meals at good prices. Self-service restaurants and canteens that serve food buffet-style charged by weight are good choices. Avoid fast food chains.

10. Be wary of food advertising and marketing.

The purpose of advertising is to increase product sales, and not to inform or educate people. Be critical and teach children to be critical of all forms of food advertising and marketing.

ARTICLE SOURCE: http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/07/17/the-brazilian-food-guide-revolutionizing-the-way-we-look-at-food/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Collective-evolution+%28Collective+Evolution%29

Lionel Messi benefiting from new diet - nutritionist Giuliano Poser

Former Argentina forward Claudio Caniggia is resting his hopes on Barcelona star Lionel Messi guiding the current crop of La Albeceleste to success at the Copa America.

Nutritionist Giuliano Poser has confirmed that he helped Lionel Messi change his diet, leading to the Barcelona star's outstanding 2014-15 campaign.

Messi scored 58 goals and contributed 23 assists as Barcelona won the Champions League, Copa del Rey and La Liga Treble, making him a huge favourite for the 2015 Ballon d'Or award.

This followed a disappointing 2013-14, which was disrupted by injury and saw Barca fail to win a trophy for the first time in six seasons.

Messi then started the World Cup impressively but appeared to tire and was unable to prevent Argentina from losing 1-0 to Germany in the final.

A number of reports put his upturn in form down to a new diet, with Blaugranatransfer advisor Charly Rexach revealing that Messi had "eaten too many pizzas" in the past.

The player was photographed meeting Poser in Italy during a break from action in April.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, picked up in AS, Poser, from Argentina, said Messi had taken a tip from his international colleague Martin Demichelis and consulted him.

"I am a good friend of Demichelis and he recommended he [Messi] visit me," Poser said. "After the World Cup, something changed. Messi had the intuition and humility to try and do something different in his professional life."

ESPN FC's Gabriele Marcotti elaborates on the ongoing Lionel Messi tax investigation, and thinks there is almost no chance of the Argentine going to jail.

The 59-year-old kinesiologist, whose methods reportedly include the use of Bach flower remedies, emotional therapy and a balanced diet, said the change from processed to natural foods had allowed Messi to train with greater intensity.

"He eliminated processed foods and replaced them with foods rich in vitamins -- cereals, vegetables, fish and olive oil," Poser explained.

"He had won everything, but wanted to continue this excellence for years and understood he had to change something. We are talking about a very intelligent and intuitive person."

Demichelis' Manchester City teammate Sergio Aguero is among other top players to have visited Poser at his base in the small Italian town of Sacile.

Article Source: http://www.espnfc.com.au/barcelona/story/2488255/lionel-messi-benefiting-from-new-diet-nutritionist

Top 5 Foods to Increase Athletic Performance

Article Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SBlO_o1B2s

5 Foods to increase your athletic performance

Why carbohydrates are so important for athletes

 

Carbohydrates are the best fuel for the body’s engine – more so than proteins or fats–and the right carbs, taken at the right time, are key to good athletic performance.

Carbohydrates are the most important source of fuel in an athlete’s diet. And yet, some athletes experiment with popular low-carbohydrate regimens, believing (mistakenly) that these diets will somehow “train” the body to burn more fat for fuel, or that carbohydrates interfere with the body’s ability to burn fat. But carbohydrates are a critically important energy source during exercise – and, in fact, the body cannot use fat for energy unless carbohydrate is present.
 

Why Carbohydrates Are So Important for Athletes

Carbohydrates are the fuel that makes the body’s engine run, and athletes need plenty of carbohydrates before, during and after exercise.

While fats can be (and are) used as a source of energy, the main function of the carbohydrates you eat is to supply energy to cells.  This is particularly true for high-intensity exercise – the level at which most athletes train and compete.

The body generates energy from carbohydrates much more rapidly than it does from fat, and the brain and central nervous system rely exclusively on carbohydrate for fuel.

And, it’s often said that “fats burn in a carbohydrate flame” in the body.  What this means is that in order for fats to be broken down completely – which results in the release of energy – carbohydrate breakdown has to happen simultaneously.

This is because one of the products of carbohydrate metabolism is a substance called pyruvate.  Pyruvate plays a critical role in the release of energy from fat.  Without enough carbohydrate in the diet, pyruvate production drops  –  which impairs the release of energy from fat.

Eating enough carbohydrate is also important because it helps prevent the body from using protein for energy.  While your body can use protein to supply energy, the protein you eat supports many more important functions in the body – its primary role is to build body proteins such as muscle, bone, skin, hair, enzymes and hormones.

If you were to burn protein as an energy source, it would impact the body’s ability to perform these more important functions.
 

How Carbohydrates Fuel Activity

When you digest the carbs in the foods you eat, the end product enters your bloodstream in the form of glucose, or blood sugar, which is then transported to the cells to be used for energy.

Any glucose that is not used immediately can be converted into a storage form of carbohydrate – called glycogen – which gets stashed away in your liver and muscles where it can be tapped into during activity.

Working muscles require a steady source of fuel – which can come from both the bloodstream and from the glycogen that is stored away.   But there’s a limit to how much glycogen your body can store, and if activity lasts long enough, the glycogen stores can become depleted.  That is why it’s so important to fuel properly – and regularly.
 

Athletes Need Carbohydrates Before, During and After Exercise

For the average person, a well-balanced diet will usually provide enough carbohydrate to fuel daily activity.  But athletes who train hard know that they need to properly fuel up before starting out, and to keep the carbs coming in during activity and to refuel properly afterwards.

If your regular workouts are strenuous and longer than an hour or so, here are some tips to keep your performance at its peak:
 

Before starting out, it’s a good idea to ‘top off the tank’ with some low fat, high carb foods to help maintain blood sugar – particularly if you’re one of those who exercises first thing in the morning. The best choices are foods that are easy to digest like a smoothie, a carton of yogurt or a small bowl of hot or cold cereal.  Low fat and low fiber foods are best, to avoid any stomach upset.  (Foods with fat and fiber delay digestion time, so they’re better eaten after exercising.)  If it’s hard for you to eat much in the morning, start with something small and light – a few bites of banana or a slice of toast.
 

During activity, specially-formulated sports drinks can help keep your tank topped off.  In addition to providing much-needed fluid, sports drinks are designed to provide the amount of carbohydrate recommended during activity (30-60 grams an hour for the first few hours) – about the amount in a liter of a typical sports drink.  For longer events, some people also carry foods like low fat cookies, sports gels, gummy candies or cereal bars for an extra boost of carbohydrate.
 

Refueling after a workout is critical – most of the stored glycogen will have been used up.  Since your muscles are craving carbs, they’ll take them up readily and store them away for the next bout of activity.  Now is the time to load up on higher fiber carbs, since digestion time is no longer a concern.  A dab of protein helps repair muscles, too, so ideal recovery foods include both protein and carbohydrate. It’s also important to refuel within about 30 minutes after exercise to maximize the effects of protein and carbohydrate on muscle recovery.  Specialized recovery foods and beverages are convenient;  otherwise, work in plenty of healthy carbohydrates in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and dairy products.  A sandwich on whole-grain bread, a protein shake made with milk, or a bowl of lentil soup with a piece of fruit would all be great post-exercise meals.

 

Article Source: http://www.discovergoodnutrition.com/2015/03/why-carbohydrates-important-athletes/

Photo Source: www.youngandraw.com

 What’s YOUR view on carbs?