Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Choose healthy carbohydrates

Feeling rundown, stressed out, and always catching whatever cold is going around? You may want to consider taking a daily tonic. Also known as adaptogens, these nontoxic, plant-based substances help to bolster your body's natural defenses and increase its ability to cope with daily stress. When taken long term, tonics may help boost energy levels,

If you have been feeling sluggish or fatigued, you may want to consider the traditional Chinese mushroom cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis). Long used in China as an energizing tonic for people debilitated by age, illness, or injury, it more recently has been used by athletes to help increase aerobic capacity and endurance. Cordyceps can help you to overcome general weakness and fatigue, and acts as a tonic for physical stamina and mental energy.

Wild cordyceps grows on the larvae of certain moths, and the preparation commonly used in China is the whole, dried mushroom attached to a mummified larva, often simmered in soup. In the United States it is available in tincture, powder and as a liquid extract - look for liquid or powdered extracts grown on grain, not grown on caterpillars. To address general weakness or fatigue, adults can take 1-2 capsules per day (or follow dosage advice on product); for health maintenance, take 1 capsule once or twice per week. Children should not take cordyceps.

As we age, our metabolisms slow down, which can lead to gaining extra, unwanted pounds. But small dietary adjustments can help minimize weight gain. Try these suggestions:

  1. Eat small meals throughout the day. This encourages steady caloric burn and a consistent metabolism.
  2. Choose healthy carbohydrates. Replace refined, high-glycemic-index carbs with unrefined, low-glycemic choices. The latter do not cause the spikes in blood glucose levels that encourage the storage of fat.
  3. Use spices. Capsaicin (the compound that gives chili peppers their bite), black pepper and ginger all boost the generation of heat in the body, leading to more calories burned.
  4. Drink green tea. The main antioxidant polyphenol in green tea, known as Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, stimulates the body to help burn calories. I recommend drinking a few cups of quality green tea every day.mild depression

Wednesday, August 19, 2009