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How to avoid common problems of popular diet plans.

One type of fat protects your heart, the other puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease. It's wise to know the difference. 

In our recent post, we made you aware about the various types of liver disease and how they are caused. Extra weight and insulin resistance are bigger risk factors for a fatty liver than moderate amounts of alcohol, warn researchers. It has long been known that large amounts of alcohol can cause fatty liver, which leads to cirrhosis – the most common liver ailment in the western world. However, recently research has shown that obesity and insulin resistance can also cause fatty liver, which in turn is closely associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. As per research, as little as over a glass of wine for men and just over half a glass of wine per day for women was sufficient to bring about a fatty liver condition, But more recent studies are now showing that moderate amounts of alcohol daily don’t cause fatty liver, reports the journal Annals of Medicine. In their study, 44 individuals participated and were randomized to either abstain entirely from alcohol or drink one glass of red wine per day for women and two glasses for men for three months. Before and after the trial, the subjects provided blood samples, and the fatty content of the liver was measured with state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).”It turned out that the amount of fat in the liver was linked with obesity and insulin resistance and was almost not at all affected by the red wine. Specifically, after three months, none of the wine drinkers had developed fatty liver or elevated liver transaminases,” liver specialist at the university. What’s more, the harmful LDL cholesterol was 16 percent lower at the end of the study in those who drank red wine compared with total abstainers. ”There is a strong correlation between moderate intake of alcohol and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease”. So, stay away from fatty food, get good exercise and if you drink, stick to moderate amounts for a healthy liver.

The Stress-Fat Connection Stress is like a steroid for fat cells. When the body is stressed, one of the substances it releases is a a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase, along with a number of other physiological reactions. It causes the release of fatty acids from fat tissues, and raises blood pressure. One other thing this molecule does is to unlock certain receptors in fat cells, allowing them to grow bigger than normal and also to multiply.

As if our hard-working feet don't hurt enough, some of us have to contend with cracked heels. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis of cracked heels.

The desire and need to lose belly fat is not just a matter of vanity, but also a necessity for staying healthy. Abdominal fat is linked to major health issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In fact, studies have shown that men with waists greater than 40 inches and women with waists greater than 34 inches have the highest risk of heart disease, especially if the fat is stored around the organs.

Perhaps researchers from Britain have tried to rephrase the famous quote of Shakespeare into the Diabetes arena-and probably with same confusing implications. According to an article published in last month in the British journal of Medicine-Eating a diet rich in white rice may increase your chances of developing Diabetes . As the researchers have themselves remarked- white rice may not be the only cause of developing Diabetes moreover in certain Asian subgroups – the Chinese and Japanese, but it does seem to be increasing the odds of developing diabetes. The reasons suggested are many-White rice has high glycemic index meaning- it is quickly absorbed and causes a surge in glucose levels after meals- thus increasing the stress on pancreas to produce more insulin in a short period of time. The other plausible factor may be that white rice has relatively poor nutrient content, especially of those which are helpful in warding off diabetes- like magnesium etc. 

Whether you prefer eggs, yogurt, or oatmeal, getting a healthy breakfast under your belt sets the tone for a day of weight control and fewer calories overall. In fact, research shows that people who start their day with breakfast make healthier choices and have a lower body mass index in general. The breakfast effect is even stronger for women than men.

While it may seem counterintuitive for quick weight loss, eating three meals a day is important when trying to shed pounds. Skipping breakfast can lead to excessive hunger, which can sabotage a healthy diet and cause you to overeat later in the day. Consider starting the day off with filling oatmeal or another whole grain cereal to keep you feeling satisfied longer. And don’t try to substitute a snack for a meal — your body will know the difference.

Oral glucocorticoids, a type of steroid, are often prescribed to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. But while they help these health conditions, they can also lead to type 2 diabetes. The drugs mimic the effect of the hormone cortisol, which influences sugar metabolism and increases blood glucose levels. Experts say that glucocorticoids should only be used when asthma can't be controlled by other measures, and that patients taking steroids should be alert to diabetes symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurry vision.