Lost and Found – a Novel by Ron Rink

Nutrition and Weight Loss

So far in our series about “healing foods” and how they are so vital to our nutrition and weight loss program, we have discussed whole grains and cherries. Be sure to look at those articles if you missed them.

Today we’re going to take a look at an old standby — Yogurt.

Yes, yogurt — what people call the “Immunity Booster”. It has become common knowledge among nutritionists that probiotics, the “friendly” bacteria that, when eaten, will help to fight off illness and disease.

Okay, so what are “probiotics”? According to Wikipedia — Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria. Foods may also contain probiotics in therapeutic amounts, for example yogurt “with live cultures.”

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body’s naturally occurring flora within the digestive tract to reestablish themselves. They are sometimes recommended by doctors, and, more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for candidiasis. (Oops! Another big word — Candidiasis is commonly called yeast infection or thrush.) Many probiotics are present in natural sources such as lactobacillus in yogurt and sauerkraut. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system.

Yogurt is the most popular food containing probiotics and may, in fact, be the most beneficial as well.

For example, there were a couple of recent studies that found that eating yogurt could significantly improve a person’s ability to fight off pneumonia. As mentioned above, doctors will often encourage their patients to eat yogurt when they are taking a course of antibiotics. When people take antibiotics, those antibiotics, in addition to knocking out the bad bacteria that is making us ill, will also kill off the flora (the good bacteria) in our digestive, or GI tract. The probiotics in yogurt will help to reestablish the healthy flora.

The digestive tract is where we all communicate with the outside world. It’s where you absorb all the good and necessary nutrients that you need to keep your body healthy. The digestive tract is such an important area of our body’s health system — it’s our biggest immune system fighter.

That prompts me to say that we really need to pay attention to what we’re doing to this part of our nutrition and weight loss program. What you eat will always work its way to your digestive tract. If we put unhealthy food in there, we are taking huge risks with our health. The need to maintain a healthy balance of flora in our digestive tract can’t be overemphasized. Not only will this be vital to our digestion, but it will also prevent constipation, reduce insomnia and, it is believed, have highly beneficial impacts on stress-related illnesses.

And, a very important point — if you eat the right foods and keep a healthy, normal digestive tract function, you will also help to reduce the risks of colorectal cancer.

So, the recommendation for today is to eat yogurt every day. You will want to make sure that the brand you buy contains “live,” or “active,” cultures, as the bacteria (or, rather, the probiotics) can’t do any good if they’re dead before you ingest them.

As always, remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet. And do whatever you can, within your doctors recommendations, to keep up with the exercise part of your program. The benefits are priceless. And also, be sure to keep putting only “healing foods” into your body. Here again, the benefits are priceless.

Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my nutrition and weight loss program. These have helped me more than I would have ever imagined. I’m not kidding. Click on the links in the box below — you won’t be sorry!

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

And give the South Beach Diet a try. That’s what I follow and it sure has worked for me. Here’s where to go to learn more:

Shanti,

Ron
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Nutrition and Weight Loss

Here we are again with some more information about some of those “healing foods” — the kind of foods that we should all be incorporating into our diets to help us with our nutrition and weight loss programs.

Today we’re going to look at cherries — and especially Bing or black cherries.

(I should probably clarify that Bing cherries are not truly black in color. The Bing Cherry is one of the finest commercial sweet cherries and it is the most famous sweet cherry variety. It produces a very large, delicious cherry that ranges in color from a deep garnet to almost black. The skin is smooth and glossy and the flesh firm and sweet. Bing cherries are good for cooking as well as out-of-hand eating. The flesh is very solid, reddish-purple in color, and is flavorful and juicy.

The true “black cherry” is also not really black. It is a dark purple color. It is also known as the “rum” cherry because the old settlers in the Appalachian Mountains used to brew a potent liquor out of the cherries.)

From the time I was a small child, I was told by many adults that black cherries were something you should eat if you had pain. I got to thinking about that as I was starting the research for this series of articles, and was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

I discovered that for some time now as scientists were studying the link between diet and disease that one of the things they look for is a marker in the blood called C-reactive protein — or CRP. If you’ve ever been under a doctor’s care for arthritis, you probably were made aware of this. CRP is produced by the body in response to acute inflammation, like that experienced by arthritis sufferers.

In a test done by researchers at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, California, volunteers were asked to eat a bowl of 45 fresh Bing cherries, after which the researchers measured the levels of CRP in each of the volunteers. After only three hours the level of CRP in the volunteer’s blood had decreased. It stands to reason then, that if the level of CRP went down, the inflammation had to be less than it was before the cherries were consumed.

That came as no surprise to Joseph Pizzorno, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and coauthor of The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods (Simon & Schuster, 2005). “One of the old-time therapies for gout [a very painful form of arthritis] was black cherries,” says Pizzorno. “Until recently, nobody really knew why it worked; they just knew that it did.”

Now, don’t get me wrong — I’m not recommending that you go out and eat a bowl of 45 cherries in one sitting (you’d probably be spending some extra time in a particular room of your house if you did), but if you do happen to have arthritis or some other type of inflammatory problem, you might want to add some Bing or black cherries into your diet a couple of times each week.

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at some more “healing food” to help you with your nutrition and weight loss goals.

I would love to hear from you. One of the advantages of using a blog to communicate is the fact that it’s not a one-way medium. At the end of each article there is a link where you can comment about what you’ve read. It’s a great way to exchange thoughts and ideas. So, let me hear from you.

As always, remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet. And do whatever you can, within your doctors recommendations, to keep up with the exercise part of your program. The benefits are priceless.

Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my nutrition and weight loss program. These have helped me more than I would have ever imagined. I’m not kidding. Click on the links in the box below — you won’t be sorry!

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

And give the South Beach Diet a try. That’s what I follow and it sure has worked for me. Here’s where to go to learn more:

Shanti,

Ron
_______________________________________________________________________________

Nutrition and Weight Loss

What do I mean when I talk about “healing foods”?

Over the past months I have mentioned “healthy eating” — “health foods” –”healthy diets” — “good fats and good carbs” — all of these relate to “healing foods” and are a vital part of your nutrition and weight loss program.

Healing Foods — what are they?

Well, first of all, they’re all natural — they have no side effects — and — they just might keep you healthy!

Way back about 2,500 years ago, a guy by the name of Hippocrates supposedly said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” As you may know, Hippocrates is the “Father of Medicine” — you’re probably aware of the oath that all doctors are supposed to take called the “Hippocratic Oath”. Well, the thing that old Hippocrates didn’t have when he was around was drugs or drug stores — so there wasn’t a bunch of pills people could pop to make them feel healthy. But it’s interesting that he was actually on the right track when he talked about food as our medicine.

Let’s face it, the food we eat can often be the difference between being well and being ill.

What we’re going to do for the next few articles is talk about some of the many foods that can help to keep us healthy — and if we’re sick to make us well again. One of the sure ways to stay healthy is to eat these whole, nutritious foods.

We’ll take a few of these foods in each article and see what the major disease-fighting components are in each of them. Needless to say, you shouldn’t take this information as a substitute of any conventional medicine prescribed by your doctor. By the same token, if you do include these foods in your diet, you may find that you’ll be able to spend less time reading about them in the magazines in the doctor’s office — and more time just enjoying eating them.

Whole Grain Foods

One of the things that I have always recommended is that you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If you do you are helping to protect yourself against heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

But there’s another player on the field — and that is whole grain foods. They have just as many of the same benefits as fruits and vegetables.

“Whole grains have this whole army of different phytonutrients that are doing just as much as fruits and veggies,” says Susan Moores, a Minneapolis nutritionist and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. (A phytonutrient is the name given to the parts of plants that have health benefits.) According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, eating three daily servings of whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease by 25 to 36 percent, stroke by 37 percent, and type 2 diabetes by 21 to 27 percent.

So how do you find whole grain foods? What are they?

The first thing you need to look for on the food labels to be sure that it is a whole grain food is the word “whole”. If you see the word “enriched”, then it’s not a whole grain food. You need to be particularly careful when choosing bread. Make sure the label says “100% whole wheat”. If it doesn’t say “100%” then there is undoubtedly a bunch of not-whole-grain flour in there as well.

Other types of whole grain foods are oats, bulgur and bran.

Another food you need to be careful with is rice. Make sure you’re getting “brown rice”. It’s hard to find, but if you look, you can find it. Brown rice is the whole rice kernel. Most rice has the outer portions of the rice stripped away — and it’s in those outer portions where all the good nutrients are located. If you happen to order “Chinese” for dinner, it’s very rare that you’ll be able to get brown rice. Get a package of brown rice and make your own and ask the restaurant to “hold the rice” when you order you Kung Pau Chicken dinner.

That’s enough for today. Tomorrow we’ll continue on with a few more “healing foods”.

I would love to hear from you. One of the advantages of using a blog to communicate is the fact that it’s not a one-way medium. At the end of each article there is a link where you can comment about what you’ve read. It’s a great way to exchange thoughts and ideas. So, let me hear from you.

As always, remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet. And do whatever you can, within your doctors recommendations, to keep up with the exercise part of your program. The benefits are priceless. And look for whole grains when you shop.

Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my nutrition and weight loss program. These have helped me more than I would have ever imagined. I’m not kidding. Click on the links in the box below — you won’t be sorry!

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

And give the South Beach Diet a try. That’s what I follow and it sure has worked for me. Here’s where to go to learn more:

Shanti,

Ron
_______________________________________________________________________________

Nutrition and Weight Loss

A subject that I haven’t done a lot of writing about here is that of food supplements. I’ve avoided it because I do market food supplements and I didn’t want to make it look as though I was keeping this blog only for the purpose of reaching into your pockets and purses. My only goal with these articles has been the promotion of your nutrition and weight loss program and to help you reach your health goals.

With that in mind, the subject of food supplements is one that needs to be talked about, especially in a forum like this one.

So, the question is this: “Do we need food supplements?”

Perhaps you’re being good and you eat healthy food — you exercise regularly — you read this blog every day for inspiration and motivation — and yet you still wonder, “Could taking a food supplement make me healthier?”

From all the surveys that I have checked out lately, they all show that more than half of American adults take food or dietary supplements to boost their daily nutrition. Sometimes people take them because they lack — or think they lack — certain vitamins and minerals. Other people want to improve some part of their health, like their immune system.

Vitamins, minerals, and herbs are the more popular food supplements. They come as powder or liquid that you can take as a pill or mix into food or drinks.

There is no question that many doctors will tell you that if you eat a healthy, balanced diet you don’t need supplements.

If you’ve been reading this blog for any time at all, you know that I am consistent in my advocacy of eating good food. I know that a healthy diet has to be low in fat and sugar — and high in plant foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

I also know that no matter how good you or I try to be, we don’t practice what we preach anywhere near enough. Our overall diet will be lacking in nutrients over the long term — and in many cases even over the short term.

Sometimes, changes take place in our lives and bodies that can make it harder to eat right. For instance, a sad event, such as losing a loved one, could cause us to lose interest in food or eating right. Health and dental problems or some drugs can ruin our appetites or cause other eating problems.

Some people, as they age, begin to avoid certain foods, like milk. That’s because the sugar in milk gets harder to digest. This could cause them to not get enough calcium, which the body needs for strong bones.

It’s always smart to double-check with your doctor. They can do tests to determine if you are lacking in any nutrients. It could be that you may need to supplement with calcium — or you may need to take a multivitamin/mineral supplement. Also, be sure to do your homework to see if there are certain things you should avoid if you have an illness or take medicine.

Here are some additional tips from the American Dietetic Association:

* Beware of false claims. Supplements that claim to help you stay young, grow back hair, lose weight, or cure cancer could be false. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

* Watch for double standards. Even though herbs are often sold for having the same effect as certain drugs, they aren’t controlled the same way. Find out about the herbs you want to use. Are there side effects? Could taking large doses be dangerous? How long have the herbs been used for treating your condition(s)? Have medical studies been published on their effectiveness?

* High doses of some supplements might be harmful. There are guidelines for the amounts of vitamins and minerals you should take to stay healthy, but not for herbs. Some herbs could be harmful in large amounts. So could very large doses of vitamins and minerals.

* Natural doesn’t mean safe. Just because a supplement is natural or comes from a plant doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many times, herbal products don’t include warnings about harmful side effects.

Remember, if you want to try a food supplement, be your own best health advocate. Assess your diet first; do some research; and talk to your health professional. Then you can make the best choice for your health.

Obviously, based on the resource box at the end of all of my articles, I am a firm believer that the supplements I take have done wonders for me.

For my age (and I am no longer a young man) I feel, look and act like a man much younger. I feel good most of the time. I sleep great. My mind is alert. Sure, I live a healthy lifestyle — but I still find that the supplements I take have played a vital role in being to maintain that lifestyle.

Take a look at the pages referenced in the yellow box below. Then, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

It may be a couple of days before I will be back with another article. But, never fear, I will be back.

I would love to hear from you. One of the advantages of using a blog to communicate is the fact that it’s not a one-way medium. At the end of each article there is a link where you can comment about what you’ve read. It’s a great way to exchange thoughts and ideas. So, let me hear from you.

As always, remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet. And do whatever you can, within your doctors recommendations, to keep up with the exercise part of your program. The benefits are priceless.

Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my nutrition and weight loss program. These have helped me more than I would have ever imagined. I’m not kidding. Click on the links in the box below — you won’t be sorry!

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

And give the South Beach Diet a try. That’s what I follow and it sure has worked for me. Here’s where to go to learn more:

Shanti,

Ron
_______________________________________________________________________________

Nutrition, Weight Loss and Working Out

One of the questions that can arise in people’s minds when they’re working out as part of their nutrition and weight loss program, is what happens if they develop a health challenge of some kind.

How can they stay active and still deal with the challenge?

Sometimes health challenges can cause you to think about giving up on your physical activity.

Of course, you always need to check in with your own doctor to be certain, but in most cases there’s no reason to give it up. With a doctor’s okay and the right program, people with health challenges can enjoy many health benefits that come with being active. For instance, physical activity can boost your energy, lift your spirits, reduce stress, strengthen your muscles and bones, help you sleep better, and improve your balance and flexibility. It can also help relieve the symptoms of some chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

It wasn’t that many years ago when physical limitations would subject you to a life of inactivity. Thank goodness, those days are gone forever. More and more, research is showing that moving your body is good for your physical and mental health, even if you have a challenging health condition. Movement has replaced bed rest as the prescription for conditions such as back pain and recovery from heart and other surgeries. People with special needs are enjoying such activities as walking, skiing, cycling, swimming events, and even marathons.

Health professionals have now learned that they’ve been over-conservative in the way they were recommending physical exercise, according to Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

“Most people, unless they have some kind of silent, cardiovascular impairment, can safely begin an exercise program if they start out slowly and build up gradually once they see improvements.”

Sometimes, people with health challenges worry that physical activity might cause pain or make their condition worse. Getting the green light from a doctor first can help ease those concerns. It’s also important to make sure you do the right amount of the right kind of activities.

“Exercise arguably is a form of medicine,” says Bryant. “But it must be given in the proper dose.”

If you need help designing an exercise program, consider using a personal trainer or fitness instructor who is trained and certified to work with people who have health challenges. Some health clubs are now hiring instructors and trainers with the education to work with people with physical challenges. Be sure that you do some homework before joining a health club. Make sure they are capable of working with your particular needs.

Of course, the easiest way to get moving is to walk. You can start out slowly and build on your routine by going longer distances or walking at a faster pace. Just be sure to:

* wear safe walking shoes with good support and traction;
* drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise;
* be aware of the weather, such as extreme heat and humidity or cold and ice; and
* be alert to any warning signs, such as dizziness or pain, that might signal a problem.

Also remember to take your time. You can even break your activities into shorter sessions if a longer one is too much. For instance, do two 15-minute walks instead of one half-hour walk.

You’ll find that you don’t have to do a lot to experience some good results. If you’re wish is to continue with a good nutrition and weight loss program even with a physical challenge, then the chances are good that you can do it.

It may be a couple of days before I will be back with another article. But, never fear, I will be back.

I would love to hear from you. One of the advantages of using a blog to communicate is the fact that it’s not a one-way medium. At the end of each article there is a link where you can comment about what you’ve read. It’s a great way to exchange thoughts and ideas. So, let me hear from you.

As always, remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet. And do whatever you can, within your doctors recommendations, to keep up with the exercise part of your program. The benefits are priceless.

Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my nutrition and weight loss program. These have helped me more than I would have ever imagined. I’m not kidding. Click on the links in the box below — you won’t be sorry!

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

And give the South Beach Diet a try. That’s what I follow and it sure has worked for me. Here’s where to go to learn more:

Shanti,

Ron
_______________________________________________________________________________