What are the Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods?

Your body uses inflammation as a natural defense mechanism against environmental toxins and stress. Foods containing hydrogenated fats and sugars increase inflammation in the body, which leads to overactivity of the immune system. According to a 2004 study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, trans fatty acid consumption increases inflammation, damages health and has a strong relationship to heart disease. The addition of anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, reduces inflammation, lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer and may provide benefits for conditions such as osteoporosis, age-related memory loss and macular degeneration.

Monounsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and fall into two categories -- monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to Mayo Clinic.com, anti-inflammatory foods containing monounsaturated fats improve cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart disease and, because they help control blood sugar, they may provide benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. Anti-inflammatory foods containing monounsaturated fats include avocados, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, olive oil, peanut oil and canola oil.

Polyunsaturated Fats

Both types of unsaturated fats provide health benefits, but adding a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fats to your diet provides better protection for your heart, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Walnuts, flax seeds, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil and flaxseed oil are high in polyunsaturated fats. Fish, such as salmon, halibut, sardines and herring are high in a type of polyunsaturated fat known as Omega-3 fatty acids. Besides lowering the risk of sudden cardiac death by reducing inflammation, Omega-3 fatty acids may also lower the risk of cancer and arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Vegetables and Fruits

Plant-based foods provide the highest dietary amounts of antioxidants and phenolics, substances, which give plants their anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory plant-based foods include vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, garlic and onions. Anti-inflammatory fruits include blueberries, apples, oranges, strawberries, avocados, kiwi, papaya, raspberries, tomatoes and lemons. The American Chiropractic Association recommends the Mediterranean diet for its high content of plant-based foods.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices not only add to the flavor and enjoyment of your food, they also protect your health with their anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs and spices, such as cayenne peppers, cinnamon, cloves, basil, ginger, rosemary, parsley, mint, thyme, oregano and tumeric enhance the anti-inflammatory protection of your meals.

Drinks

Anti-inflammatory drinks include water, white tea, green tea, oolong tea and diluted fruit juice.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Saturated fats and trans fats are found in partially hydrogenated oils, fried foods, butter, whole milk, full-fat dairy foods, such as cheese and ice cream, red meat and poultry with the skin left on. Limit saturated fats and choose mainly unsaturated fats, avoid trans fats, eat low-fat dairy, limit red meat consumption and replace it with beans, skinless poultry and fish.

Other pro-inflammatory foods include sugar, coffee, alcohol, refined carbohydrates found in foods such as bread and pasta, and high-glycemic foods. Substitute low-glycemic load carbohydrates, such as brown rice and whole grains for refined carbohydrates. WomentoWomen.com recommends taking a multi-vitamin daily to supplement any dietary deficiencies in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Foods Not to Eat on the No White Diet

There is no exact definition of a No White diet, but the premise is simple. Remove all white foods from the diet for 2 to 4 weeks, and kick the craving for carbohydrates and sugars. Proponents believe that modern diets contain far too many simple carbohydrates, which increase the body's production of insulin. This over-production of insulin in turn increases hunger and the craving for more sugar, making it difficult to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

What are White Foods?

The white foods that should be eliminated from the diet include sugar, white flour, white rice and potatoes. These foods are simple carbohydrates that increase insulin production and cause cravings for more carbs. Eliminate salt from the diet, as well as milk, and any foods made from these products. It is also necessary to eliminate fruit and fruit juice from the diet for 2 to 4 weeks. Fruit juices often contain added sugars, but even the natural sugars in fruit will keep sugar cravings alive. Avoid carbohydrate mimickers during the initial phase of the plan as well, since they may trigger cravings. These mimickers include sugar and salt substitutes.

What Foods Can be Eaten?

Most types of vegetables can be eaten, with the exception of any type of potatoes. Eat fresh vegetables whenever possible, but if fresh vegetables are unavailable, choose frozen vegetables with no added sauce or seasonings. Canned vegetables tend to be high in sodium.

Seafood, chicken and lean meats are allowed foods. Keep cholesterol levels low by substituting nuts and beans for animal proteins. Add variety by including black beans and lentils in addition to the usual pinto or navy beans. Almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower, pumpkin and flax sides are all healthy choices, but choose raw or plain roasted nuts.

High-sodium seasonings should be avoided. Whole grain pastas and breads are allowed, but eat them in moderation. They are healthier than their counterparts made with white flour, but they have just as many calories.

How Long to Remain on the No White Diet

Eliminating this many foods from the diet may seem extreme, but it is expected to be a starter plan for healthier eating, not a long-term effort. Reintroduce foods like fruit and fruit juices into the diet after 2 to 4 weeks, but avoid juice drinks or juices containing added sugar. Add skim milk and plain yogurt back into the diet at this stage. Use Splenda or stevia as sweeteners after the initial phase. Agave nectar or honey may be used as well, but only in very small amounts. Remember that these sweeteners are sugar based, and will affect insulin levels. Continue to read labels carefully, especially watching for ingredients that end in "ose" which are sugar-based sweeteners.

The Best Quick Weight Loss Diet

To lose weight extremely fast, you must dramatically reduce the calories you consume so that they are far fewer than the calories exerted. This will force the body to burn stored fat. A popular method of losing weight quickly is to consume a liquid diet of extremely limited calories. There are several companies that make this type of diet, such as Slim-Fast, or you can use a popular detox-style liquid diet, like the Master Cleanse, which provides all needed calories while also flushing you out.

Weight Loss

Liquid diets are an easy way of meticulously keeping track of calories so you can be sure that you are only getting a designated number. Do not cut too many calories or your body could go into starvation mode, which would slow down your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight. For most people, this number is around 800 calories a day, according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Master Cleanse

One of the most popular liquid diets is the Master Cleanse. This diet has been around since the 1970s but is still considered a fad by many people. It has gotten a lot of attention, as many celebrities, including Beyonce, have used it for rapid weight loss as well as detoxing.

The protocol for the Master Cleanse is as follows. Every day of the cleanse you limit your intake to 1,200 calories of a lemonade mixture. The lemonade is made up of lemon juice and maple syrup mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper in a couple liters of water. This drink is all you will consume over a 10-day period. You also drink a laxative tea or a salt water flush that helps wash out your colon. After 10 days of this combination of diet and flushing, you eliminate all residual waste from your colon. The secondary effect of this diet is that you are also completely cutting out other substances, such as caffeine and alcohol.

Slim-Fast

Slim-Fast is a diet designed around drinking a nutrition shake at mealtime instead of eating. These shakes are balanced to provide all the fiber, protein, fat, and calories needed daily, as recommended by the FDA. The amount of calories can be tailored to the individual by drinking more or fewer shakes each day. As the diet continues, some of the shakes can be replaced with small meals you make yourself or that are personalized for you by Slim-Fast. The shakes come in a chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and cappuccino flavors to keep you from getting bored with the same thing every day.

How to Make Low Carb Breakfast Casserole

Whether you are following the South Beach, Atkins, Slow-Carb or any other diet that recommends restricting your intake of carbohydrates and increasing your consumption of protein, making a low-carb breakfast casserole is one easy option to make breakfast for a whole week. Once made, the casserole will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Every morning simply cut a slice of the casserole and reheat it in the microwave for an easy, tasty low-carb breakfast. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a glass baking dish with butter or olive oil using a paper towel and set aside.

2

Crack a dozen eggs into a large bowl. Whisk them together.

3

Fry strips of bacon, ham or Canadian bacon; links of sausage or ground beef in a frying pan over medium-high hear with some olive oil. Pat the excess oil off with paper towels. Dice the meat and set it aside. For a vegetarian breakfast casserole, omit the meat.

4

Wash vegetables. This could include mushrooms, zucchini, tomato, green onion and bell pepper. Cut the undesirable sections off the vegetables, such as the stem and seeds of the bell pepper. Dice all the vegetables into uniform pieces.

5

Arrange the meat and vegetables in the bottom of the greased baking dish.

6

Add extra flavorings and ingredients to the greased baking dish to taste. You can add ricotta or cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese and dried rosemary for an Italian flavor. Or add chopped green chilies, canned and drained black beans, and chili powder for a Mexican flavor. Or add chopped olives, spinach leaves and crumbled Feta cheese for a Greek flavor. Or add cooked lentils and garam masala spice for an Indian flavor.

7

Pour the whisked eggs on top of the other ingredients. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, such as cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Put the baking dish in the oven.

8

Bake the casserole until golden brown on top. Take out of the oven and let cool before serving.

Healthy Foods for Liver Disease

The liver is an important part of the digestive process. Its job is to filter food to protect the body from toxins. The liver processes everything you eat. Once a doctor diagnoses liver disease, you must learn to change your eating habits. Some foods are toxic to the liver, and some are beneficial to your health.

Protein

Avoid red meat, even if it is lean. Eat lean fish and the white meat of chicken and turkey. Your daily intake should be 20 to 30 percent protein.

Carbohydrates

Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grain pasta and whole grain breads. Your daily intake should be 60 to 70 percent complex carbohydrates.

Fruit and Vegetables

Consumption of fruit and vegetables is not limited. You should eat a large variety of as many fruits and vegetables as you wish.

Fat

Because fat is hard to process, limit fat intake. Consider 10 to 20 percent of polyunsaturated fats.

Limit

Limit caffeine intake. Don't drink more than one to three cups of caffeine a day. Avoid large amounts of vitamins A, B3, and iron. Do not drink alcohol.

Healthy Foods for Ulcer Patients

Ulcers of any kind can be quite painful, so it is important to eat healthy foods that are not going to aggravate the condition. Paying careful attention to what you eat can make a big difference in your overall quality of life while you are dealing with an ulcer. An ulcer is a painful erosion of tissues inside the human body. Diet is so important because ulcers appear on the inner lining of the stomach, or small intestine where digestion begins. In most cases ulcers are caused by an infection known as bacterium helicobacter pylori, but other things such as drinking, smoking, or taking medications like ibuprofen or steroids can also cause them.

Eat apples daily to lesson the effects of ulcers

Significance

Eating the right diet is very important when trying to recover from ulcers. If you eat the wrong foods the ulcer could become irritated and get worse. An ulcer is very similar to an open wound that is very sensitive. Acidic foods can cause damage to the already delicate tissues of the ulcer which can impair healing. Eating a bland diet is very helpful, but it also vital to include certain healing foods in your diet as well as eliminating foods like soda, coffee, sugar, and other processed foods.

Healing Foods for Ulcers

There are many foods that can help the body heal from an ulcer. Raw carrots and apples contain fiber which will bind to toxins in the intestines without causing harm to the ulcer. Carrots and apples also contain beta carotene and vitamin C which assist the skin and tissues with healing, even from the inside of the body. Whole grains and oats have a calming effect on ulcers because these foods help to neutralize acid. Other soothing foods are also beneficial for ulcers such as bananas, cucumber, sprouts, melon, and spinach. Other healthy food choices for ulcers are salads, sunflower seeds, and peaches.

Healthy Fats

Foods that contain healthy fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids are also very good for ulcers. These foods reduce inflammation in the body and speed the healing process. Healthy fats can be found in various oils such as olive oil, fish oil, salmon oil, cod liver oil, and flax seed oil. Rather than eating ranch, add olive to your salads. You can also buy healthy oils at your local health food store or online. (See resources below to buy cod liver oil.)

Super foods for Ulcers

Super foods are also very beneficial for ulcers. Super foods contain high concentrations of nutrients like vitamin A, E and C, to speed healing. Spirulina is a super food which will help to give your body additional nutrients needed to aid the healing process. Spirulina is a blue green sea algae. People who suffer from an ulcer should take spiraling in powder form. Mix up some spiralina powder in a glass of water and drink slowly. See resources below to read more about spiralina.

Considerations

While trying to heal there are some considerations you should make. For instance, be sure to never drink water with your meals. Instead drink water at least one hour before or after a meal. Chew your food slowly and take your time eating. Eating too much food at once, regardless of what type of food, can aggravate an ulcer. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

How to Lose Weight With a High Alkaline Diet

People who are overweight diet to lose the extra weight, but tend to gain it back once they go back to a "normal" diet. High alkaline diet, as opposed to acidic diet, keeps the weight off because it's a diet that gradually makes your body healthy. These steps are guidelines toward a high alkaline diet and a healthy body.

Instructions

1

Maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. Ideally, you should consume 80 percent alkaline foods and 20 percent acidic foods. Your body achieves optimum benefits when you eat high alkaline food such as fruits and vegetables.

2

Make a list of high alkaline fruits and concentrate on eating them. Lemons, limes and grapefruit are acidic but turn alkaline in the body.

3

List out high alkaline vegetables and concentrate on eating just them. Spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, snap peas, celery, parsley and cabbage are some high alkaline vegetables.

4

Limit the amount of salt intake, or use Celtic Sea Salt, available in most health food stores, as it is higher in alkaline compared to regular table salt.

5

Eat high alkaline grains. Barley, millet, brown rice, buckwheat and spelt are excellent choices. Sprouted grain bread and tortillas add variety to a high alkaline meal.

Low-Fat, Low-Sugar Diet

Doctors often recommend low-fat, low-sugar diets to treat a wide variety of conditions from diabetes to heart disease. Besides improving diagnosed health problems, eating less fat and sugar often helps overweight individuals shed unwanted pounds that could ultimately lead to serious health concerns. Whatever your reason for trying to eat a diet low in fat and sugar, you'll need to make some conscious choices about exactly what you should eat every day.

Breakfast

You've probably heard that it's a good idea to eat breakfast. In fact, you shouldn't skip any of your meals since your body needs a certain amount of fuel to run effectively. What you need to make sure is that you're not eating things like doughnuts, bacon, eggs and other fried foods. If you're attempting to stay on a low-fat, low-sugar diet, you should eat things like whole-grain breads and cereals. If you are having whole-grain toast or bagels, don't slather them with butter, jelly, or cream cheese. Instead, try eating them plain. If you absolutely must have something on them, try spreads made with 100 percent fruit and no added sugars, but use only a minimal amount. Some good whole-grain cereals are Total, Grape Nuts and Shredded Wheat. If you aren't sure about a cereal's fat or sugar content, check the label to see how much of each you will get from one serving. Also make sure that you are using 1 percent or nonfat milk on your cereal.

Another good option for breakfast is oatmeal with cinnamon. You could also try either low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese with a piece of fruit such as a peach or plain yogurt with some berries mixed in. If you absolutely must have something to sweeten your yogurt, try stevia. Just a few drops will go a long way. As far as drinks go, both coffee and hot tea are naturally fat- and sugar-free drinks as long as you're not adding any cream or sweeteners to them.

Lunch

For lunch, you can have a wide variety of types of foods. Popular lunch items are soups, sandwiches and salads. Watch out for soups because many cream type soups are high in fat. Also tomato soups made with whole milk can have lots of fat in them. Check the labels on cans at the store before you purchase soup. And if you are thinking about ordering soup in a restaurant, talk with your server about what is in the soup before you order it. Homemade soups are a good way to go, especially since you know exactly what you put in them.

Sandwiches can be a great lunch choice. Just make sure your sandwiches are made of whole-grain breads and lean meats. Lettuce, tomatoes and pickles are fine, but watch out for high-fat salad dressings. You can either skip the dressing altogether, have mustard or use low- or no-fat mayo.

Salads are another good lunch choice as long as you make sure any meats in them are lean. Be careful about having things like bacon, ham and fried chicken strips on your salad, since all these are high in fat. Also think carefully about what type of dressing you choose. Go with no-fat or low-fat dressings, and use them sparingly. If you are at a restaurant, consider getting your dressing on the side. That way you can control how much you have on your salad. As far as drinks go, try squeezing some lemon in your water to make sugar-free lemonade.

Dinner

When thinking about dinner, go with small portions (3 to 4 ounces) of lean meats, poultry or fish that are grilled, roasted or baked. Along with your meat, have lots of vegetables. Good low-sugar, low-fat vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, cabbage and mushrooms. But other vegetables can be beneficial. Just be careful about eating too many starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn and green peas. Various types of beans can also be good as long as you eat them in moderation. If at all possible, skip dessert. But if you absolutely must have something, try a baked apple topped with a little cinnamon. Unsweetened tea is a good drink choice as long as you don't add any sugar to it.

Snacks

When eating a diet low in fat and sugar, you will find yourself being hungry quite often. So it's a good idea to eat two to three snacks during the day to help curb your appetite. Raw veggies such as carrots, celery and cauliflower are good choices as are apple or orange slices and a wide variety of berries.

Diet Foods for Gallbladder

What Foods Contain Healthy Fats?

"Healthy fats" generally refers to monounsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats. Some of the healthiest fats are polyunsaturated fats that contain essential fatty acids, or EFAs. There are two types of EFAs, omega-3 and omega-6, but Westerners, especially Americans, tend to consume far too many omega-6 fats, which come from red meat, poultry and dairy products. To maintain a healthy dietary balance, shoppers should know which foods provide omega-3s and which provide monounsaturated fats.

Seafood

Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3. All fish contain omega-3, but they are more concentrated in fattier fish. Sardines and anchovies are one slimy, salty option but certainly not the only one. Lovers of salmon, bluefin tuna, mackerel, halibut, herring, and other coldwater fish will also reap the cardio-protective rewards of these essential fatty acids. Crustaceans, such as crab, mollusks and shrimp, also provide omega-3.

Vegetables

Many beans and leafy greens are storehouses of omega-3. Among beans, kidney, pinto, mungo and soybeans contain some of highest amounts of omega-3. As for leafy greens, there's spinach, Chinese cabbage (bok choy), purslane, kale and leeks. But that's not all. Broccoli, cauliflower and winter squash all contain high amounts of omega-3.

Oils

Certain oils provide omega-3. Vegetable oils such as soybean, corn and cottonseed oil burst with these EFAs; so does flaxseed, pumpkin seed and walnut oil. Take note, however, because of their low saturation, these oils will turn rancid if not stored properly.

Nuts and Seeds

Walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds are abundant in omega-3 fats. Their omega-3s fight high blood pressure with the same effectiveness as meat-based sources.

Fruit

Not many fruit supply omega-3, but some do. One choice is papaya; another is cantaloupe.

Enhanced Foods

Since many Westerners have omega-3-deficient diets, a number of food companies are enhancing their products. These enhanced foods include certain eggs, breads, yogurts and meats. In 2002, sales of omega-3-enhanced products totaled $100 million, but in 2006, that number reached $2 billion. (The long-term health effects of omega-3-enhanced foods is unknown.)

Monounsaturated Fats

Monounsaturated fats come from many of the same foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Rich sources of monounsaturated fats include a number of plant oils, especially olive oil, fruits such as avocados and olives, and nuts such as peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans.

How to Make Homemade Dog Food

What Foods to Eat on a Protein Diet

Protein is an essential nutrient for our bodies, especially if we wish to lose weight and/or have strong, toned muscles. Those who work out know how vital protein is toward keeping muscles from getting sore and damaged. Without this nutrient, it would be impossible to move the day after a workout. Protein can be received in many foods, and most bodybuilders put themselves on a diet of high-protein foods. Knowing what foods to eat on a protein diet will help you acquire strong muscles.

Poultry

Chicken and turkey are the best sources of protein among meats. They offer more lean cuts, which means you can have a solid amount of protein with less saturated fat. White meat is a better choice than dark. A 3.5-ounce chicken breast will yield approximately 30 grams of protein.

Seafood

Fish and other seafood is also an excellent source of protein. They contain very little fats as long as they are not fried or breaded, which makes them an excellent choice when increasing your protein intake. A small 6-ounce can of tuna can give you 40 grams of protein. Lobster, crab and shrimp are also beneficial sources of protein.

Beef

Though beef gives you a large amount of protein, it is also the fattest meat. Therefore, it should only be eaten in moderation, and only the leanest cuts should be consumed. Ground beef should be 93/7 on the fat ratio. Other cuts from the round and sirloin is OK as long as the visible fat is trimmed away.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds make a large amount of protein, making them a popular snack for bodybuilders. These do contain some saturated fats, which are healthy in moderation. Two tablespoons of peanut butter will give you about 8-to-10 grams of protein, while 1/4 cup of other nuts and seeds contain 3-to-10 grams (See resources for full list).

Beans and Soy

Beans and soy are often eaten as an alternative to meats, especially for vegetarians. They offer lots of protein, as well as substantial amounts of fiber and other nutrients. One cup of most cooked beans will give you about 17-to-20 grams of protein. Soybeans contain 28 grams of protein per cooked cup. Tofu, a chosen meat alternative, yields about 40 grams per cup.

Eggs

Eggs can be cooked in many ways and added to almost every meal as a protein supplement. One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein. Therefore, they are recommended to be eaten along with protein-rich meats and vegetables.

How to Lose Weight Fast With the Stewardess Diet

What Are the Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Men?

Testosterone is the natural hormone that is dominant in males. A hormonal imbalance in men is created when a man has an overabundance of estrogen, the female hormone, in his system. It can cause urinary problems, lower sex drive, prostate issues and depression, along with many other serious health concerns. There are a variety of ways that a man can develop a problem with estrogen dominance.

Steroids

Steroids are synthetic male hormones. Doctors sometimes prescribe steroids in men who have extremely low testosterone levels. But when steroids are abused, they can create a hormonal imbalance that causes a negative reaction in men. Men can also experience dangerous side effects, such as high blood pressure, kidney and liver issues, uncontrollable anger and even a decrease in the size of the testicles.

Environment

Pollution is a bigger immediate concern than most people think. The many toxins in the air can negatively affect hormone secretion. So if you live in a major city that has a lot of pollution, you can end up having a hormonal imbalance. The petrochemical pollution in the environment can cause testosterone levels to decrease.

Diet

The food that a man eats can have a huge effect on his hormonal balance. Many of the foods we eat on a daily basis contain hormones (estrogens), including chicken, beef, fruit, milk and eggs. Farm animals are pumped with synthetic estrogen hormones in order to fatten them up. Fruits are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that contain these same synthetic estrogens. The only way to avoid this consumption is to buy organically grown foods. Check the packages of meat and milk that you buy to be sure that the company did not use hormones in the animals, or else the hormones will eventually be passed into your system.

Aging

As a man ages, he will experience a hormonal shift due to the fact that less testosterone is being produced in his body. At the same time, he is still taking in foods and environmental influences that increase his estrogen levels, causing a potentially significant hormonal imbalance later in life.

Combating the Problem

If you want to build up your testosterone levels, change your diet to healthy foods, preferably those that are rich in soy, which has been shown to improve testosterone levels. You can also take synthetic testosterone and participate in hormone replacement therapies, but you must consult with your doctor about these supplements and solutions.

What Happens If I Stop Taking My Hormone Replacement?

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a regiment of synthetic hormones that imitate natural hormones in the body. HRT is most commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause. It was also used to prevent other diseases such as osteoporosis and heart disease in women, however the Women's Health Initiative studies conducted in 2002 question whether the benefits outweigh the risks associated with HRT. The risks found to be associated with HRT included an increase in risk for breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. A doctor can help you assess whether HRT would be beneficial or harmful to your overall health.

What does HRT do?

HRT is a combination of synthetic hormones estrogen and progesterone taken to replace, or elevate a woman's decreasing hormone levels during and after menopause. The decrease of these natural hormones can cause many of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Low estrogen levels can also cause changes in urinary and vaginal functions, leading to pain and infection.

Estrogen and Progesterone normally work together to regulate menstrual cycles, ensuring the lining of the uterus is adequate for a successful pregnancy. When used as a form of birth control, estrogen continuously lines the uterus, altering the shedding (bleeding) portion of the the menstrual cycle by over-riding natural estrogen functions and continuing to create the uterine lining.

While synthetic estrogen continues to perform that function, the progestin found in HRT is used to prevent an overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus, which could lead to uterine cancer. HRT is most effective in regulating hormonal changes in the early stages of menopause, when the ovaries are shrinking and unable to maintain a stable hormone production level, but can also be useful after menopause in decreasing bone loss in women.

What will happen if I stop HRT?

You should expect withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking HRT at once. Your body has been trained to identify and accept they synthetic hormones, thereby cutting back natural production. Your body will need time to reestablish its hormone-producing sites to augment the low levels being produced by your ovaries.

When you discontinue HRT, you should expect your menopausal symptoms to return, sometimes worse than before you began HRT. This is called the "rebound effect" and is associated with many prescription medications. Additionally, the type, length of use, and strength of your HRT are factors in determining the intensity of withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you suddenly stop.

If you are considering stopping HRT, you should consult with your doctor to determine if tapering off will reduce withdrawal symptoms. Also discuss whether natural HRT supplements will help minimize your symptoms and how changing your diet can aid in the transition off synthetic hormones.

Desserts for Diabetics

Diabetics often struggle with craving tempting treats. However, they may still enjoy some desserts if they change some ingredients or choose desserts that focus on fresh fruit versus sugary syrups. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fruit

Diabetics should try to eat more fresh fruit, especially in the summer when it is in season. Mix melon, grapes, strawberries and pineapple together for a fruit salad, and then drizzle with honey or dip into low-fat vanilla yogurt.

Sugar-free Jell-O Products

While not everyone likes the taste of sugar-free Jell-O or pudding, some diabetics do not notice the difference and like the chocolate and vanilla pudding.

Strawberry Shortcake

Diabetics may still enjoy a version of this summer favorite by letting the strawberries marinate with Splenda instead of sugar. Then ladle the strawberries over low-fat angel food cake, instead of shortcake biscuits. While angel-food cake does have sugar, diabetics may make it healthier by baking the cake with Splenda.

Ice Cream

Diabetics may also still savor some of their favorite frozen treats by selecting no-sugar-added ice cream or novelty bars.

Low-Sugar Oatmeal Cookies

Diabetics can alter the original recipe by using whole-wheat flour and sugar substitute. The cinnamon, nutmeg, oatmeal and raisins all assist in adding flavor to the cookies.

What Are the Foods That Are Allowed on the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins Diet, developed by Dr. Robert Atkins, relies upon restricting the amount of carbohydrates a person consumes in order to encourage his body to enter a ketogenic state, in which his body's fat stores metabolize quickly. The Atkins' dieter will count the grams of carbohydrate present in each food item and will choose foods that are higher in protein and lower in sugar, based upon each of the four phases of the Atkins Diet.

Starting Out

The Induction phase of the Atkins Diet calls for severely limiting the number of carbohydrates the dieter eats in one day to no more than 20 grams. This phase lasts for two weeks. During this time, you may eat as much red meat, chicken, fish, bacon and eggs as you please, as long as these items do not have additional breading or sauce. Also permitted are turkey, Cornish game hen and quail, as well as lobster, salmon, shrimp and crabmeat. It's important to drink lots of water during this phase.
The dieter may also eat up to three cups of fiber-rich salad greens or fresh vegetables per day. Choose from lettuce, mushrooms, celery, cucumber, parsley, peppers and chives. Some vegetables are slightly higher in carbs, such as cabbage, onion, kale, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli and tomatoes. You may include these, but limit to one cup per day during the first two weeks of your diet.
Add spices to suit your taste as long as you avoid anything that contains sugar. By varying spices, you can add variety to your meals during the Induction phase. Try cilantro, basil, garlic, rosemary and tarragon to spice up your fare.
While milk is forbidden during this phase of the Atkins Diet, you may eat up to four ounces of aged cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, parmesan or blue cheese.
Avoid other foods and count the number of carbs to make sure you stay below the limit.

Later Phases

Once the two-week Induction phase is over, you may have a wider variety of foods, but you may must still limit high-carb items. During the Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL) phase, you may eat more of the vegetables from the induction list but only up to 5 grams of additional carbohydrates per day, putting your maximum number of carbs for this phase at 25 grams. At this point, you may also eat a few berries, seeds or nuts and a small amount of whole grains as long as you do not exceed a total of 25 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Remain in the OWL phase until you are within ten pounds of your weight goal. You may then shift to the Pre-Maintenance phase in order to lose the remaining weight gradually. During this phase, you may increase your carbohydrate intake to 50 grams per day at the rate of five extra grams each week, as long as you are still losing weight. Along with the foods from the Induction and the OWL phases, you may now add more nut varieties, including almonds, cashews, macadamias and pecans. You may also begin eating carrots, peas, beets, lentils, black beans and yams, but only in amounts that do not exceed your carbohydrate limit.
A small amount of fruit is acceptable now, so choose a few cherries or strawberries or a small amount of watermelon or cantaloupe.
After reaching your weight goal, you may add additional foods as you choose, but keep in mind that a diet rich in high carbohydrates may result in weight gain. Dr. Atkins suggests eating anything you like now, but limiting portions of bread, milk and other starches. An occasional small sweet treat isn't out of the question, but make it a rare treat. Weigh yourself weekly, and if you gain five pounds more than your ideal weight, return to the Pre-Maintenance phase until you lose those pounds.

How to Keep the Cardiovascular System Healthy

The cardiovascular system is quite possibly the most important system in the body. Not taking anything away from the other systems, but if your blood's not flowing, then you are not living. That is why it is of paramount interest to keep the cardiovascular system healthy and kicking. This can be dome by following a well balanced game plan that involves some lifestyle changes, some dietary adjustments and a little bit of exercise thrown in for good measure.

Instructions

1

Avoid bad foods. Eliminate deep fried foods, processed foods, refined foods and foods that are high in saturated fat. These can all elevate cholesterol levels which can in turn lead to heart disease.

2

Eat the right foods. Eat foods that are nutrient dense, low in fat and high in fiber. Some of these foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes.

3

Avoid smoking. Smoking deprives the body of valuable oxygen. It is also a stimulant and it causes blood pressure to rise.

4

Get some exercise. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. This doesn't have to be at a really high intensity and it can also be broken up into increments. It can be something as simple as three, 10-minute walks throughout the course of the day.

5

Cut down on the stress. Being stressed out all the time can cause an elevated heart rate. Take time to relax and do things that are enjoyable. Some examples would be attending yoga or meditative classes, or going for long, peaceful walks.

6

Eat good fats. The good fats in this case are Omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Mayo Clinic, Omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent heart attacks and irregular heartbeats. Some sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include cold water fish, flax seeds and walnuts.

How to Pick the Best Low Carb Foods

Whether you're diabetic or just trying to lose weight, you may decide to turn to a low-carb diet. Learning how to pick the best low-carb foods can be challenging. Follow these simple steps and you cant go wrong. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Check with your doctor. Most have a low-carb diet plan available. Another great place to check for low-carb diet plans is your local library. Read up on the foods listed and pick your favorites.

2

Find out the nutritional value of each food you chose. Just because you are eating low-carb doesnt mean you should load up on fat and forget everything else. You need to make sure you are eating a well-balanced low-carb diet that includes fiber and other nutritious components. Your diet will be higher in fat, but it should be the good fats such as polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and fish oils. To get more fiber in your diet, add flax seed. It may be necessary to take vitamins and supplements to get the required nutrients. There is nothing wrong with this. Do whatever it takes to be healthy while following the low-carb diet.

3

Go to the grocery store. Often, one of the quickest and easiest ways to shop for a low-carb diet is to simply go around the outside aisles of the store. Most produce, meat and dairy sections are on the outside aisles, and these are the ones you will shop from the most. There will be a few things such as flax seed and vitamins that may be on the inside aisles, but not much else. Most starchy processed foods are on the inside aisles, and you won't need any of those!

4

Stick to the diet. The best advice for picking low-carb foods and sticking to a low-carb diet is to pick foods you actually like and will cook. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with fresh produce and meats that you enjoy. Keep oils and spices on hand to add flavor. The foods that you like and are easily prepared are the best low-carb foods for you!

Cheap Diets That Work

Countless books have been published on dieting. While most people find it difficult and expensive to follow strict dieting regiments, there are simple diets that you can follow to help you lose weight without spending too much money.

Cost

There are always risks when it comes to choosing a diet to follow. You can spend money and a lot of time on a diet plan or program without ever truly achieving your desired results. In some instances, it could work if executed properly and if the program is a reliable one.

Did you know that the most reliable source of dietary information is available for free? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the best source of information for all the dietary guidelines you need in maintaining a healthy weight.

Diet

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the rules of healthy dieting are threefold: Make smart choices from every food group, find a balance between food and exercise, and lastly, get the most nutrition out of your calories.

Follow these three simple rules instead of waiting for the latest diet trend to hit the market. Remember that the internet is a convenient and inexpensive source of information on healthy eating, dieting and exercising.

When grocery shopping, focus on the fresh produce aisles; they are usually inexpensive. Also consider going to your local farmer's market, as it can help you reduce costs and stay on budget.

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products to your grocery list. You need to emphasize food items from this these categories instead of snacks, soda and junk food that are high in fat and cholesterol. Purchasing foods that have low nutrient value just translates to unnecessary spending.

You will also save money by purchasing frozen produce more often. It is inexpensive and you can store it for a while, reducing cost due to spoilage.
Limit your meat and sugar intake, as they should only take up a small portion of your diet.

Remember that healthy dieting should be consistent and does not need to be tricky, trendy and expensive.

Low-Cost Diet Programs

If you are looking to follow a more structured diet program, look for reliable sources online that can give you diet plans at no cost. With these programs, you control your own spending by shopping wisely while following the diet's recommended food menu.

Try iVillage's "Drop 10 Fast" diet plan by Lynn Grieger, who is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. This is a simple diet with meal ideas divided into three basic categories: on the run, family-friendly, and cheap and easy. The idea is to fit a diet plan into your lifestyle.

Another one that is worth looking into is the Diet Bites free weight loss program. This online diet guide is simple and aims at building a healthy diet that is filled with nutritious foods. The diet is based on calorie needs per day and it offers free diet menus. It also recommends moderate exercise for optimum weight loss.

How to Breed Pigeons

Pigeons have been bred for various reasons for centuries. Domestic pigeons are bred for their flying and homing abilities. Some pigeons have returned to their lofts from as many as 600 miles away -- at sustained speeds of 45 to 50 mph. Others breeds of pigeons, such as Trumpeters and Laughers, are known for their voices, while still others -- Fantails, Jacobins, Swallows and Wing pigeons -- are bred for their beauty and distinct colors. Breeding pigeons is a labor of love.

Instructions

1

Review your housing documents, particularly the deeds or covenants for your neighborhood, before you begin breeding pigeons. Make sure there are no restrictions against raising animals on your property.

2

A good size for a pigeon loft is 23 feet long by 10 feet deep by 8 feet high. If you'd prefer a smaller cage, try one that is 2 1/2 feet deep by 2 feet wide by 2 feet high with top and side coverings that will keep the interior dry. Place nesting materials inside the cage. Pigeons like pine needles and leaf stems. Include a nesting bowl where the female pigeon can lay her egg. Include a food bowl filled with a grit mixture that contains oyster shells, salt and minerals, and a fresh clean water bowl you replenish daily.

3

Purchase a male and a female pigeon of the variety -- homing, flying, show -- you want to breed. Pigeons cannot breed until they reach sexual maturity at 5 to 6 months of age. Keeping a male and female pigeon together that are at least that old will lead to continuous reproduction unless you interrupt breeding by placing wooden eggs in the nesting bowl. Deciding to interrupt breeding depends on what you plan to do with any pigeons you raise and how many you want.

4

Young pigeons fledge, or leave the nest to fly on their own, at about 35 days of age. However, the parents begin re-nesting 18 days after hatching a baby pigeon. Move fledging pigeons to their own cage and continue the breeding process, controlling the growth of your population to meet your needs.

Walnut Oil Health Benefits

Walnut oil has been the subject of numerous studies testing it's effects on heart health, cancer and other diseases. Walnut oil is available in most grocery or health food stores and can easily be substituted for other cooking oils to increase daily consumption and reap its healthful benefits. The oil has a shorter shelf life than some other oils, and should be used within six months.

Skin Care Benefits

Walnut oil contains linoleic acid which is good for dry skin, including for eczema and dandruff problems. It is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning that is does not clog pores, so it is appropriate for use even on facial skin and as a massage oil.

Sleep Benefits

Walnut oil contains melatonin, a hormone that helps promote natural sleep cycles. In turn, regulating the sleep cycle may reduce depression and enhance the immune system in some people.

Heart Disease Benefits

The omega-3 fatty acids in walnut oil help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve the function of blood vessels. Lower cholesterol and healthy blood vessels reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Walnut oil should be consumed daily to reap its full benefit on heart health.

Other Benefits

Walnut oil contains ellagic, gallic and malic acids. All are antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The American Cancer Society reports that promising but inconclusive studies on cell cultures have shown ellagic acid to slow the growth of certain tumors in laboratory animals.

Tips

Walnut oil is delicate in nature and it's efficacy does up high temperatures, so it is best used on foods after cooking (as a salad oil, for example). It imparts a rich, nutty flavor to foods and can easily replace olive oil in everyday use.

How to Substitute Smashed Cauliflower for Potatoes

Most people love creamy rich mashed potatoes but if you are diabetic or trying to loose weight this version of mock mashed potatoes is just what the doctor ordered!

Instructions

Mock Mashed Potatoes

1




Rinse and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Steam the cauliflower using an insert steamer till soft. You can boil or microwave the cauliflower but some nutrients may be lost that way. Frozen chopped cauliflower works well also. Just follow the directions for cooking them on the package.

2




Place cooked cauliflower into the food processor.

3




Add butter or margarine, sour cream, and just a dash of salt and pepper to taste.

4

Blend in processor until cauliflower is of a mashed consistency. You can add some shredded cheese if you'd like and process with above ingredients.

5

Remove from food processor and reheat till hot. If mixture is too thick add a splash of milk.

6

Place in bowl and serve immediately. These mock mashed potatoes will go with any dinner where you would serve real mashed potatoes.

Food List for the Elimination Diet

The food that you eat may be creating havoc within your body, and you may not even know it. Emotional and physical ailments have been known to be caused by a sensitivity to processed foods, such as gluten, corn syrup and dairy products. If you have a constant headache or feel sick and you cannot pinpoint why, cutting these foods out of your diet may be the solution. Elimination diets work to pinpoint the exact food causing the symptom by eliminating a specific set of foods for several weeks, then bringing them back in slowly to assess how your body responds. Many versions of the diet exist, but all contain the strict minimum in common for their food lists.

Proteins

Tuna is allowed on the Elimination Diet.

You can eat fresh fish such as trout, mackerel, tuna or cod, fresh meats such as chicken, lamb, turkey, veal, rabbit or lamb, lentils, and any type of bean. Any other meats may cause symptoms due to the proteins in them, including those in milk. Allowed proteins should be prepared with nothing but fresh sea salt, garlic, saffron or chives.

Fruits

Lemons can be mixed with fruits, or used as a spice for fish and meat.

You can eat lemons, grapefruits, pears or apples in their natural forms. The goal of the diet is to eliminate everything that may be causing a problem. If you eat these out of jars, cook them in sugar, or add whipped cream, you will end up bypassing the process. Find out what is causing the problem within your body.

Vegetables

Sweet potatoes are healthy and filling.

You can eat potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce, parsley, bamboo shoots, celery, cabbage and carrots. Prepare these boiled, baked, or sauted with sunflower or safflower oil. Flavor with garlic and sea salt.

Seasonings

Use chives as a seasoning.

Garlic, sea salt, saffron, and chives are allowed. Stay away from anything else. Seasonings normally contain many additives; these chemicals can skew the results of the diet.

Low-Fat Bland Diet for Dog With Pancreatitis

The canine pancreas is a gland that can become inflamed when the pancreatic juices attack the pancreas itself. This condition is known as canine pancreatitis. Canine pancreatitis may affect any dog, but is most commonly seen in middle-aged to elderly female dogs. During a pancreatitis attack, dogs are fed through intravenous fluids to allow the digestive system to rest and recover. After the attack, feed your dog a diet conducive to continued recovery and prevention of future occurrences of pancreatitis attacks.

Ingredients to Include

A bland diet restricts harder-to-digest foods, allowing inflammation of the digestive organs to heal. Carbohydrates are good foods to reduce the amounts of enzymes the pancreas produces. Rice is a simple carbohydrate appropriate for dogs with pancreatitis; use brown or white.

Once your dog is able to tolerate eating rice (remember, pancreatitis is a painful, serious condition that requires ample recovery time), try feeding easily digestible proteins such as boiled skinless chicken breast or even low-fat cottage cheese. Your dog may eventually be able to return to his previous diet. However, reintroduction of foods must be gradual and supervised by your veterinarian.

Low-Fat Diet

Some 43 percent of dogs suffering from pancreatitis are overweight, meaning obesity is a major contributing factor to canine pancreatitis. After an attack of pancreatitis, fatty foods also lead to further inflammation of the dog's pancreas. If your dog has pancreatitis, feeding her a low-fat diet is key to her good health. It is important to choose low-fat varieties of the foods you feed her, such as the low-fat cottage cheese listed above. Gravies and meat fats (pan drippings) are too high in fat and must be avoided in the diet of a dog with pancreatitis. Always cut the skin off any poultry you feed your dog, as it is also high in fat and aggravates pancreatitis.

Putting It All Together

Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for your dog with pancreatitis. Once your dog is off intravenous fluids, begin offering liquids orally. Your veterinarian will tell you which liquids are suitable for your particular dog. After your dog has accepted liquids orally, offer small amounts of cooked rice. Finally, introduce a full bland diet of small amounts of cooked rice combined with boiled skinless chicken.

Be sure to feed your dog several small meals throughout the day rather than two or three large meals, as this makes digestion easier on your dog. Commercial pancreatitis diets are available through your veterinarian and may be an effective way to control this disease in your dog.

Raw Food Diet & Polymyalgia

Polymyalgia is often mistaken with arthritis, since both involve inflammation of the body and systemic aches and pains. While living with polymyalgia is difficult at best, it can be made easier by sticking with a healthy raw food diet. A raw food diet can help lessen the pain of the condition brings by providing the body with the nutrients it needs to stave off disease.

Features of Polymyalgia

Polymyalgia is a disorder characterized by muscular aches and tightness throughout your neck, shoulders, and legs. Most commonly, symptoms appear gradually and escalate in intensity, but symptoms have literally developed overnight in some cases. According to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, the specific trigger of the disease is unknown, but it is suggested that genetics and age play some role in its development.

Treating Polymyalgia

According to the Mayo Clinic, polymyalgia is a disease that normally resolves of its own accord. The bad news is that this resolution might not take place for several years. In many cases, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to lessen the pain. Unfortunately, these medications often cause side effects such as hypertension, osteoporosis, and cataracts. This is where diet comes into play. Eating a well-rounded raw food diet during your tenure with polymyalgia can help to minimize complications.

Specific Raw Food Recommendations

According to Dr. Tom Cowan, a general practitioner operating out of San Francisco, the key to treating polymyalgia through diet is to incorporate raw, natural foods that provide the adrenal glands with vitamins A, B6, and C. Dr. Cowan recommends consumption of raw milk products to obtain both vitamins C and B6, and cod-liver oil or natural butter from grass-fed cows for vitamin A. Additionally, you will need to wholly eliminate your consumption of caffeine and nicotine. Dr. Cowan states that based on the fact that adrenal hormones such as prednisone are used in treatment, he believes impaired adrenal function somehow tied in to polymyalgia. Thus, in his experience bolstering your adrenals can help to mitigate some of the symptoms.

General Recommendations

According to the Mayo Clinic, beyond the items listed above, you should strive to eat a diet that is rich in raw fruits and vegetables. Sushi is also a good choice while on a raw food diet, as seafood contains plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Additionally, incorporate plenty of whole grains into your meals to ensure you receive adequate amounts of fiber. Limit consumption of salt, sugar, processed foods, and white flour to the bare minimum.

Recommended Supplements

The experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend supplementing your diet with calcium and vitamin D to ensure that your body has sufficient amounts of "bone-building" nutrients. Take at least 1,200mg of calcium each day, along with 800IUs of vitamin D. Dr. Cowan also recommends the use of ginseng and licorice root, two herbs that can help your body normalize its functions.

Quickest Crash Diets That Work

Low-Carb Foods

Low carb foods are those foods that contain little or no grams of carbohydrate per serving. There are a variety of options that can be considered low carb. Many people eat a diet focused on these foods to improve health, reduce the risk of disease and lose weight. Choosing fresh, naturally low carb foods is the best way to ensure you consume a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.

Types

Meats, eggs, nuts and seeds are the main foods that make up a low carbohydrate diet. Non-starchy vegetables considered low carb include lettuce greens, avocado, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, onion, tomato and eggplant. If a food contains sugar, either natural or processed, this is an indicator that it is high in simple carbohydrates. While fruit is high in natural sugars there are a few fruits considered low carb including lemons, limes, raspberry, blackberries and cranberries. Most grain products are high in carbohydrate although it is possible to substitute ingredients such as almond flour to make a lower carb product.

Features

Low carb foods are rated low on the glycemic index. This means that when eaten they do not cause a spike in blood sugar. This spike may cause complications for those with insulin resistance and some believe it can also lead to weight gain. Foods such as vegetables naturally contain carbohydrate, but also contain healthy fiber. When deciding if a food is low carb the amount of fiber is often subtracted from the total grams of carbohydrate.

Effects

Low carb foods are often lower in calorie than high carbohydrate foods. As a result those on a low carb diet typically consume fewer calories on a daily basis which can lead to weight loss. Initially this weight loss is due to the fact that eating fewer carbs causes your body to burn glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrate). Water is released in this process and excreted. There is also evidence that low carb foods keep you feeling full which may result in eating less. This is likely due to the protein and fat taking longer to digest than most carbohydrates. It is also important to note that the long term effects of low carb diets on health has not yet been fully analyzed.

Misconceptions

It is possible for a diet rich in low carb foods to be balanced and healthy if it includes fruits, vegetables and grains. The biggest mistake with low carb eating is to turn to packaged foods of standard high carb items made low carb. It is likely these foods have undergone processing to change their composition and they often contain excess additives and preservatives. It is best to choose from fresh, naturally low carb foods and make your own grain products with lower carb flours such as flax meal and oat bran.

Warning

Remember that "low carb" does not mean "no carb." While lower carb foods can be beneficial for weight loss, you should not eliminate carbohydrates from your diet completely. Carbohydrate is an important energy source for the body and is necessary for healthy body function. Also, many low carbohydrate foods are high in fat. While some of these fats are healthy such as the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats of nuts and seeds, saturated fat from meat products can lead to heart disease. Choose your low carb foods wisely when it comes to fat content.

The Best Liquid Diet

Vanderbilt University has done research and studies concerning weight loss through liquid diets and found that they can be employed to improve health conditions. Normal dieting results in slow, but steady, weight loss which indirectly can decrease health risks. But because most liquid diets consist of a daily intake of 400 to 600 calories, and the average American needs an intake of 1,800 calories, it is a method of losing weight that should be reserved for only those at serious risk of health. The following are some liquid diets that aren't too detrimental to one's health.

The Master Cleanse

The first, the Master Cleanse, is the most popular of all liquid diets today.

This liquid diet consists of mixing together 14 tablespoons of lemon Juice, 14 tablespoons of maple syrup, teaspoon cayenne pepper and two liters of water. This is your drink for the entire day. Take the two liters of lemon Juice and whenever you feel a pang of hunger, drink a cup of it and then chase it with some water. You can drink as much water as you like. This will give your stomach the illusion of being full while cleansing your palette, throat and stomach of the lemon, pepper and maple syrup.

In the evening, you're going to do what's known as the Salt Water Flush. Be within a few minutes of a restroom as your bowels will be ready to empty once you drink this solution. Mix in a full tablespoon of salt with a liter of warm water. Chug the entire contents. You should have to go to the bathroom within 30 minutes.

Not only does this help you lose weight, but the pepper and maple syrup, in addition to the warm salt water, helps to clean your stomach and intestines of any toxins left in there. You will start to feel lighter within two days of the Master Cleanse, as well as very dizzy. Don't worry. Your mind will begin to sharpen by day five or six. Don't try this diet for longer than 14 days.

Fruit & Vegetable Juice Fast

JuiceFasting.org, a website providing information on juice- and liquid-only diets, said a juice fast is the best balance between nutrition, health sustainment and weight loss.

In order to do a juice fast properly, you will need a juicer to cut up your fruits. This is to make sure that you are drinking natural juices and not juice loaded with concentrates and unnatural sugar. And you can also put more than fruits into the juicer. Tomato juice is loaded with antioxidants. Carrot juice has an incredible amount of Vitamin A. One cup of spinach juice has up to 500 percent of the amount of iron you'll need for the day.

Foods not included to be eaten during a Juice Fast include all animal flesh of any kind (fish included), eggs and dairy products. Honey is allowed in small doses for sweetening purposes. Try and stay away from artificial sweeteners as the point of a fast is for your body to get rid of toxins, not put more in.

The following Juice Fast is intended for two weeks and for beginners to the fasting process:

For breakfast everyday, juice up four tomatoes. Add a little hot sauce to the tomato juice(it's just like a Bloody Mary) and eat some almond paste (almonds are loaded with antioxidants and protein).

For lunch, put enough carrots in a juicer to get a full glass. With that, eat a cup of plain yogurt. Nothing solid should be in the yogurt.

For dinner, drink fruit juice. Pick fruits with low acidic levels to help your stomach while you sleep. Low acidic foods include apples, bananas and carrots.

What Food to Avoid in a Low Calcium Diet

Long ago, doctors believed that kidney stones were caused by diets rich in calcium. But an 18-month long study that started in June 1993 at the University of Parma disproved the benefits of a low calcium diet. These findings prompted a new stance from the medical community--a stance that supported the dietary recommendations made by the United States Department of Agriculture. Though low calcium diets have become increasingly rare, it is important to know what foods to avoid should you ever find yourself on this type of diet.

Dairy Products

Ohio State University has compiled a reference sheet that lists foods that are high in calcium. According to the OSU index, you should steer clear of the cheese tray during cocktail parties because just one ounce of swiss or cheddar cheese has more than than 200mg of calcium. Choose water instead of milk with your cookies and you will spare yourself from nearly 300mg of calcium. And within your usual morning parfait is a whopping 450mg of calcium, thanks to the non-fat yogurt hiding beneath the granola.

Soybeans

According to the National Soybean Research Laboratory, growing soybeans requires soil that is rich in calcium. In turn, healthy soybean crops provide a lot of calcium for the person who eats them. In fact, one cup of cooked soybeans provides the body with 175mg of calcium. Meanwhile, the soy milk that you purchase at the grocery store is often fortified with calcium, bringing the level up to 300mg per 8oz. serving.

Foods Fortified with Calcium

Soy milk is not the only product that is fortified with calcium. In fact, cereal, orange juice and breakfast foods such as waffles and pancakes often have astronomical levels of calcium. In January 2008, supermodel Heidi Klum promoted calcium-fortified mineral water. It is important to carefully monitor every food to ensure that it has not been fortified with calcium because just one cup of fortified cereal or orange juice contains 300mg of calcium.