With the lifestyles we lead and our dietary habits, piling on pounds as we grow older, is inevitable. Some of us even tend to take it easy, having gotten used to carrying all that baggage around.

I was browsing a weight loss forum the other day and read a post by a woman who is overweight and loves it – because her face looks healthy and glows when she is plump and it doesn’t look as attractive when she loses a few pounds.

What can you say to such people? The reason for this line of thinking is because most people don’t really know the numerous problems that excess fat in the body causes.  For most, it is just an appearance issue.  What they don’t seem to understand is that overweight is a medical concern and can seriously affect their health.

We read of the many health problems associated with overweight.  They are arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, sleep apnea, asthma, high blood pressure, gallstones, mood, depression and energy levels, all of which impact the quality of life.

If you’re thinking, you know it all, you cannot be more wrong.  I thought I knew everything until I read an article in the news.  I always worried about gaining weight and the possibility of diabetes, which could lead to kidney failure or some such horrible problem.

But what I read was scary and it is sure to motivate you to keep the bulge at bay from now on.

Scientists who are involved in researching problems associated with weight are of the opinion that there’s something more dangerous and critical happening inside our body; especially in one of the main organs of our body – our brain.

They have found that excess of body fat can lead to shrinkage of the brain, making us much more vulnerable to cognitive problems, and possibly dementia.  Such people are at increased risk of memory problems, visual or sensory disturbances, inattention, problem solving, gait problems or speech difficulties among others.

In our society, the incidence of Alzheimer’s has been on the increase for many years and this is attributed to the stress we encounter in every aspect of our lives, at home and at work.  Mental health decline is by and large the scariest as it leaves people at the mercy of others.

As part of the study, 94 elderly people who did not have dementia or other cognitive impairments were followed for five years.  It was seen that the brains of overweight people looked eight years older and those of obese people were 16 years older when compared to their leaner peers.  People with a larger body mass index had smaller brains because they had less brain tissue.  Most of the lost tissue was in the frontal and temporal lobes, which are important for planning and memory.

It’s early days yet to really know whether this would surely lead to dementia, but a smaller brain is indicative of destructive processes and there is the increased risk of Alzheimer’s, according to researchers.

Scientists say the reason for the shrinkage could be because excess body weight increases the possibility of clogged arteries, thus reducing blood supply to the brain cells, resulting in brain cell death and shrinkage of the brain.

According to a professor of neurosurgery and director of the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair in Tampa, “We all lose some tissue as we get older and they’re saying this is being accelerated.”

This is said to be the first study of its kind showing physical evidence in our brains that links obesity and overweight with cognitive decline.

Unfortunately, we are part of the “obesity epidemic,” and this is a problem that affects all age groups, including kids. Statistics reveal that more than 60 million Americans are now obese, while another 36 percent come under the overweight category.

It’s time to understand that obesity affects every organ of our body and everything within our body is linked.  We are what we eat.

We’ve ravaged our body and all it has to offer, and the time for reparation is now. What happened to the concept of balance in everything?  Yes, including food.

Haven’t we seen our grandparents and parents suffer from Dementia? I hope we learn the lesson while we still can.

Unlike our ancestors who used their muscles for everyday activities and lived a physical lifestyle, our lifestyles are comparatively sedentary. Body fat is accumulated in unwanted places and the perfect body shape is a dream. Getting rid of the fat seems an almost impossible task. Fortunately, with the advancement in science, there are ways we can do something about that.

Just like sculpting a figure, body sculpting is the new term used to describe cosmetic surgery that is intended to change a person’s body contours to achieve a perceived perfect physique.

It is most natural for fat to deposit in specific areas of our body and can impact an otherwise perfect physique. These localized fat deposits often are hereditary, such as in the neck, chin, arms, abdomen, breasts, flanks, knees, thighs and buttocks.

There are a couple of popular methods available for us to get rid of these deposits and shape our bodies the way we want; liposuction and lipolysis.

Liposuction was first performed in 1974 and has advanced over the years. It is now considered as one of the safest body shaping and contouring surgeries that helps in removing unwanted fat from specific areas. Fat cells are taken out from under the skin using a vacuum-suction cannula (a hollow instrument that looks like a pen) or with the use of an ultrasonic probe that breaks up the fat into small pieces and removes it with the help of suction.

Lipolysis on the contrary is a procedure where there is a breakdown of fat that is stored in fat cells, which means melting down of fat in the body through injections without any procedure. It works for spot reduction of fat. The fat cells are dissolved into liquid and eliminated from the body through urine and feces. It takes about two weeks for the results to be noticed.

Liposuction procedure works best for areas where stubborn fat deposits refuse to go away even with weight loss programs, such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, neck, face, back, arms or calves. Experts say that it is only to be used as a mechanism to get rid of localized fat and not as a weight loss measure. A liposuction procedure is usually done for more than one area at the same time.

Some men with gynecomastia also use this procedure to reduce their breast size or to remove lipomas but generally it is meant to be used for cosmetic body shaping purposes. The scarring is much less when compared to other plastic surgery procedures.

It is essential to have realistic expectations when considering liposuction. Although results can be dramatic, they may not be immediate. The success of this surgery depends on several factors, like the age, weight, general health and skin elasticity. This procedure is not advised for people with diabetes, heart or artery problems, history of blood clots or insufficient blood flow. A perfect candidate would be one with normal weight, healthy, good skin elasticity and troubled areas that do not respond to exercise or diet.

Licensed dermatologists or plastic surgeons perform liposuction surgery. There may be complications after a liposuction procedure even if it is performed by the most experienced physician. It has to be performed at a hospital, surgical center or a doctor’s office.

Lipolysis is performed by releasing free fatty acids into the bloodstream for them to circulate in the body. Small injections of Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) are administered locally, directly into the subcutaneous tissue. Multiple injections will be needed to cover an area. In that region, the local fat deposits are destroyed and the fat stored in the cell is released, which results in a reduction of body circumference in that area. It is said that women respond better to the treatment than men due to the difference in structure of the fat cells and connective tissue.

Phosphatidylcholine is a natural product in our body that helps emulsify fat and cholesterol. It has been used for its cholesterol lowering properties for a long time and it is said to protect the liver. Experts say that lipolysis is good for soft fat, while fibrous fat may be more difficult to treat, as the fat cells only weaken instead of bursting.

Lipolysis is considered to be mild when compared to other cosmetic procedures available; although, patients do experience soreness, mild swelling, bruising on the specific areas which lasts for a week or so. Some people have noticed small painless lumps in the area. There have been reported some uncommon side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and rarely infection and prolonged bruising. Doctors reveal that patients with cardiovascular diseases, malignant disorders, kidney diseases and blood disorders are advised not to undergo this treatment.

Whatever the treatment you undergo; whether it is liposuction of lipolysis, a follow up routine of exercise and a healthy diet is essential to maintain the weight that has been reduced as fat cells can grow fast if a conscious effort is not made to keep them off.

Obesity in childhood leads to obesity as adults. In spite of being aware of the health problems associated with obesity, the percentage of obese kids in America is increasing at an alarming rate. Studies show that one out of three kids is obese.

Most kids are not into exercising and spend most of their time watching TV, playing video games or using the computer. Today’s busy schedules and fast-paced lives give parents no time to prepare home cooked nutritious meals for the family every day.

Parents have a responsibility to prevent overweight in their kids and that means adapting the way the whole family eats and exercises. It is important to spend time together as a family and steer kids towards a healthy lifestyle. Leading by example is the only way parents can take care of their kid’s health.

The problem with obesity is not just an obese adult with fat hanging from the body, suffering from low self-esteem and getting bullied by peers. There are several other serious risk factors involved. Several health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, liver and gallbladder disease, depression, shortness of breath and restless sleep are not exclusively adult domain anymore – they affect kids too.

If you think that is scary, wait till you hear the rest. You should know what you are putting your kids through, for you to be able to take control over their diet and health.

Latest research shows that obese kids may be damaging their thyroids, in the process creating a vicious cycle of metabolism and overweight. Researchers say that obesity may cause inflammation that damages the thyroid, which secretes hormones to regulate metabolism. Any increase or decrease in the production of the thyroid hormone is dangerous for health.

As parents, you will be able to take better care of your child’s health if you understand how the body gets affected. Our bodies get their energy from food we consume through metabolism. This is the chemical reaction that takes place within the body cells that convert the fuel from food into energy we need for everything, right from moving to growing to thinking. It is a vital process that starts when we are conceived and ends with our death. People die when the metabolism stops functioning.

Most disorders of metabolism are caused either because of abnormal levels or problems with the functioning of hormones or enzymes, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is caused due to an overactive thyroid gland when it releases too much thyroxine hormone. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland, where it releases too little thyroxine. This can result in excessive weight gain, slow heart rate, fatigue as well as constipation. Kids and teens need to be treated on time to avoid the risk of mental retardation and stunted growth. Now researchers have found that overweight can put the thyroid gland at risk.

Fatty food, prepackaged meals and lack of exercise are factors that contribute to kids being overweight, along with television and video games, which are the major culprits.

Experts say that the key to keeping kids healthy is to take the whole-family approach to obesity. Kids usually learn by seeing their parents. Bring about a change in eating habits and ensure everybody exercises. Get your kids and teens involved by planning healthy meals and making good food choices.

It is important not to fall into the most common food traps that parents usually fall into. The old fashioned idea of rewarding the kids with chocolates or treats for good behavior should be abandoned. However, favorite snacks and chocolates should not be completely forbidden as children tend to rebel and overeat. Then the most common clean-plate system where kids are supposed to finish everything on the plate can prove to be dangerous. Kids should be allowed to eat only as much as they wish to.

Most important is to make sure your child’s self esteem does not get affected and this can be done by letting them know that you love them whatever their weight. This is the first step to a healthy and happy child.

While we all think that Wall Street greed and the huge pay packets of “fat cat” speculators and bankers brought about the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, the actual cause is entirely different. This was said to be just the trigger of the real cause, which is US gluttony.

America has gotten used to stuffing itself. You would understand if you had seen the 2004 documentary, “Super Size Me,” by Morgan Spurlock. It conveys the consequences of gluttony.

What does supersizing mean? It refers to the American habit of “supersizing” all the fast foods and getting consumers to opt for the bigger sizes for reasons of “economy” or savings. You would have seen the pricing policy adopted by most fast food sellers. The bigger the size, the lesser you pay. This psychological trigger works wonders and consumers end up being the scapegoats opting for bigger sizes while the people selling them laugh all the way to the bank.

In fact, Morgan Spurlock, the film-maker practically tested this by surviving on a diet of three McDonald meals a day, for thirty days. The result was drastic – he ended up heavier by 11.1 kg. This weight gain was the least of his worries. He also developed all sorts of health problems; such as high blood pressure, psychological disorders and liver problems. Coming back to normal was a long and arduous task, which included a rigorous detoxification program for 14 months.

This experiment brings to light America’s insatiable appetite, not only for food but for everything, right from gas-devouring cars to climate-controlled condominiums. United States’ consumption levels far exceed its population, which is only 5% of the World population. America consumes 24 percent of the world’s energy. It is said that an average American consumes as much energy as 13 Chinese, 31 Indians, 128 Bangladeshis or 370 Ethiopians.

Statistics reveal that approximately, a total of 815 billion calories are consumed by America daily. According to nutritionists, this is 200 billion more than the required amount. This figure is without taking into consideration the huge amounts of completely edible food thrown away by Americans daily, which is around 200,000 tons. Experts are of the opinion, that very soon, the Earth will be bereft of resources and it will become necessary to create four new Earth-sized planets.

When will American consumers realize that the huge sodas and supersized fast foods that come cheap can cost them dearly in the long run?

America has become the land of the obese and statistics show that the number of obese adults doubled in the last couple of years. It has become almost an epidemic and about 300,000 Americans are said to die each year due to overweight. It is the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking.

People in the Public Health departments realize that obesity is a long-neglected problem and solutions need to be found. They say that obesity will very soon exceed the risks cause by puffing on butts.

It is important to know that obesity is not just storing fat in the body, but a cause for dreaded diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, sleep apnea and many others.

It would be interesting to note that the problem of obesity has created a controversial debate over whether it can be classified as a disease. While the National Institutes of Health say that it should be considered as a disease; the U.S. surgeon general is of the opinion that obesity is a condition. They say that obesity cannot be classified as a disease because people have control over it and it is in their hands to reduce weight.

It is a sad day indeed, because while others fight over the issue of classification of obesity, we continue to eat those huge burgers and drink gallons of cola and add on pounds.

We may get way with consuming more energy, because we may not be affected by it during our lifetime; but can we say the same about our health – about our lives? The saying, “we are what we eat” holds true. In order to be healthy and to keep physical and emotional suffering at bay as long as we live, we have to understand what our body needs – not what satisfies our palate.

Supersized America has to think of the children who are going to suffer the same fate tomorrow. After all, children learn by following their parents. Time to realize that the colas you so lovingly give your children are harming them.

Obesity is a problem most adults of today face. Some give up trying to reduce weight thinking it’s hereditary and others get discouraged when nothing seems to work. There are some people who are happy with themselves and what they are.

Agreed, we do not have to bother about what others feel about us but we have to be concerned about our health. Obesity as we all know leads to all sorts of health problems. Lack of exercise only aggravates the situation.

Researchers have time and again drilled it into us that exercise helps burn fat. Results of another recent study reveal that just a single bout of exercise helps obese people boost their fat-burning rate and improve their metabolism.

This is great news and should motivate all those obese individuals who have given up taking care of their health. According to a researcher from the University of Michigan, “This means that exercising, even without losing weight, can benefit individuals in terms of metabolic health. By exercising to increase their ability to burn fat and store fat as triglycerides in muscle, which is beneficial, people reduce their insulin resistance and their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.”

They also found that obese women’s fat burning rate had reduced when they overate and did not exercise.

To appreciate the immense value of these research results, it would help to understand what metabolism is and how it works.

Metabolism refers to the many chemical processes that go on continuously in our body, which are the root cause of our life and functioning. All these processes need energy from food. The amount of energy (kilojoules or kj) our body burns is regulated by our metabolism. The only way we can get our metabolism to work is through exercise.

Metabolic rate is the rate at which the energy is burned. There are three components to this:

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – It is the amount of energy the body needs to maintain itself. It contributes to about 50-80 percent of total energy used. Muscle mass is responsible for BMR, and anything that reduces muscle or lean mass reduces BMR. Since the BMR accounts for so much of the energy used, it is important not to lose muscle mass when trying to lose weight.

• Energy Used During Physical Activity – This is the amount of energy burned during physical activity. The energy used during exercise is the only form of energy that can be controlled by us. Normally, the rate of energy expenditure is only about 20 percent of the total energy used, but with strenuous exercise, the rate may go up 50-fold or even more.

The following list should help you understand how much energy is used for various activities.

o Sitting – 1.7 (kj)
o Writing – 1.7
o Standing in a relaxed manner – 2.1
o Driving – 3.8
o Vacuum cleaning – 11.3
o Fast walking – 14.2
o Running – 29.3
o Swimming (4km/hr) – 33
o Rowing in a race – 67

• Thermic Effect of Food – Our BMR rises after eating because we use energy to eat, digest and metabolize the food consumed. It rises as soon as we start eating and peaks after a couple of hours. This rise in BMR can vary a lot between 2-3 percent and 25-30 percent, based on what is eaten.

Here are the foods that contribute to the rise in BMR:

o Fats – BMR rises by 4 percent
o Carbohydrates – by 6 percent
o Proteins – by 30 percent
o Hot spicy foods – Foods containing mustard, horseradish and chilli can have a thermic effect.

This is the reason, we are told to eat more protein rich foods and less fatty foods.

You must note the importance of muscle tissue in our bodies. Muscle tissue has a monstrous appetite for kilojoules. The more muscle mass you have, the more energy you will burn. People usually put on weight as they age and this is because they slowly lose muscle. Researchers believe that the reduction in muscle mass as a person ages could be more due to being less active. They believe that strength training and resistance training can help reduce or even prevent the loss of muscle.

Now that you know what foods to eat and what activities to perform in order to boost your metabolism and increase the energy you expend, start following the basic steps first. Initially, you can begin with going for a slow walk, increasing the speed gradually. Next step is to concentrate on the food you eat, without depriving yourself. Just replacing part of the fats with protein is a good way to start. A good exercise and food regimen is a wonderful way of kick-starting your life again.

You no longer have to worry even if you do not seemingly lose weight, as long as you are being health conscious and you know your body is happy.

Death begins in the colon! That may sound a little extreme but it is a fact that a troubled colon leads to all sorts of diseases, some more serious than the others. Colon cleansing is one of the best ways of cleaning an unhealthy colon that is severely out of balance. While it is necessary to learn about different methods of cleansing, it is of utmost importance to understand that several mishaps can occur if colon cleansing is not performed properly.

Do not believe anyone that says colon cleansing is free from any reactions. It is common to have physical reactions to the colon cleansing process. These reactions may include headaches, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea or dizziness. For all the discomfort, this is actually a sign that the process is working and that you are actually eliminating toxins from the body. Although, these symptoms may not be considered as serious, if they do occur, you may need to temporarily cut back on your cleansing procedure.

You must learn not to confuse cleansing supplements with laxatives. Laxatives are not considered to be a good alternative, despite the fact that many health professionals recommend them. According to colon hydrotherapists, laxatives only stimulate the muscular movement of the colon. They can also cause dehydration and do nothing to loosen and remove the colon’s false lining. Laxatives may also weaken the colon by irritating and over-stimulating it, and it is best to stay away from them.

Colon cleansing should not be attempted without taking into consideration all the health factors. Those recovering from substance abuse, alcoholics, diabetics, people suffering from eating disorders, and individuals who are physically weak or have a hypothyroid or hypoglycemic condition should not undergo any form of cleansing or detoxification without strict medical supervision. It becomes inevitable to consult a physician before venturing to clean the colon, even when going in for alternative colon cleansing treatments using herbs.

We know that a colon cleansing program begins with the intake of adequate amounts of fiber among other things. However, increasing your intake of dietary fiber too rapidly can cause unpleasant side effects, such as gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. Someone in a state of ill health and gastrointestinal dysfunction cannot rush into a detoxification program. In people whose systems are deeply imbalanced, the body lacks the energy and proper organ function to run the complex processes of detoxifying itself. To avoid any of the unwanted side effects, fiber consumption should be increased gradually. Many people rush into it because they decide they need to get their health right immediately, and in the process suffer unexpected health problems.

Colon cleanses can be done at home too but the danger is of overdoing it. With colon cleansing, too much too soon can prove to be harmful. If attempting to do an enema at home, the equipment should be sterilized properly. Any negligence can easily lead to bacterial infections that could turn serious. It is also important to be gentle so as not to damage the intestinal wall.

Total fasting is bad for health too. Yes, there are many colon cleansing programs that stress on fasting but when you fast without consuming anything, your liver has to exert itself to flush out toxins. These toxins can easily get into the colon and then into the body. They eventually come back to the liver, putting a lot of load on the liver. There has to be intake of fresh organic juices, raw vegetables and lots of water to ensure that toxins are flushed out and do not recirculate.

According to the Department of Health, there have been cases where colon cleansing has caused severe illnesses and even death due to contaminated equipment, perforation (puncture) of intestinal walls or electrolyte (salt and mineral) imbalance. People at higher risk for a bowel injury include those that have ulcerative colitis, severe hemorrhoids, rectal or colon tumors, diverticulitis or those recovering from bowel surgery. People with heart failure or kidney problems may experience electrolyte imbalance. Since the colon walls can absorb substances, there is a chance that it can cause allergic reactions with the possibility of irreversible complications.

Although, colon cleansing in itself is not dangerous, the way it is performed has a big impact on the outcome. All these mishaps can be avoided by taking by ensuring it is done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

By now you know that it is not possible to “live” with a toxic colon because it will not let you live. Yes, it can get very bad if neglected and lead to a host of debilitating health issues, including obesity, severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, gum disease, food allergies as well as recurring depression. But, how do you know if you are a victim?

You will certainly know when you cannot see your knees anymore – due to overweight. That sounds scary but it is a fact.

There are other ways of finding out the condition of the colon. One obvious sign is difficult and painful bowel movements. According to Robert Gray, a nutritional counselor, “Few people have any inkling as to how much old, hardened feces are chronically present within their bodies.”

Transit time can also be used to measure the health of a bowel, with the optimal transit time being 18-20 hours. Other symptoms of a toxic bowel are bloating and gas, weight gain, lower back pain, headaches, fatigue, depression, dark circles under the eyes, sallow complexion, abnormal body odor, tender abdomen and bad breath.

While observing the symptoms is essential, nutritionists also advise undergoing tests to get more detailed information about the colon condition. These tests may also help determine the treatment that is needed.

Testing The Transit Time – A simple procedure that can be done at home is to test the food transit time. Begin by eating a test food, such as corn on the cob, beets, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or any other food that is visible in the stool. The time of ingestion of the test food should be noted and then it should be carefully watched to see the material appear in the stool, identifying the food in the stool by undigested seeds, kernels or the dark red color from the beets. The time between the ingestion of the test food to the appearance in the stool is the transit time.

Bacterial Breath Test – This test will determine if bacteria has taken over the small intestine, by measuring the levels of hydrogen and methane in the breath after the intake of a specially formulated drink that contains non-digestible sugar (lactulose). If there is bacteria in the small intestine, the levels of both methane and hydrogen will increase.

Iridology – This is an alternative medicine technique that can be used to assess the health of the colon. This diagnostic tool studies the iris of the eye. Iridologists have amazingly mapped the entire body in the iris and will look for black spots, tiny yellow clumps, white circles or speckles on the surface of the iris to detect any disease in any part of the body. James D’Adamo, N.D., a naturopath says that when the colon is toxic a ringed formation will appear on the iris.

Urinary Indican (Obermeyer Test) – This test reveals the amount of indican, which is a bacterial waste product in the urine. A high level of indican reflects a colon filled with putrefactive bacteria.

Tongue Analysis – Traditional Chinese medicine has used the tongue to diagnose a host of internal diseases. To perform a tongue analysis, no food should be eaten after 5 p.m. on the previous day, and also no meat should be included in the last meal. Upon waking up the next morning, the tongue should be checked to see if there is a coating, which if existent, can be an indicator of a clogged colon. The thicker the coating, the worse the problem.

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – This involves a physician performing almost two dozen tests on a stool sample. These tests will reveal the level of digestion of food, how efficiently the nutrients are being absorbed, the proportion of friendly bacteria in the intestine when compared to unfriendly bacteria, whether fats are being absorbed, whether yeasts such as Candida are present and also whether the diet contains sufficient fiber. This is considered to be one of the best ways to gauge into the colon and observe its functioning.

After identifying the toxicity of colon by performing any of the above mentioned tests, a colon cleansing is commonly recommended by health practitioners as part of the detoxification program. It is important for everyone to understand their bodies well enough to be able to see the symptoms of colon disease and take appropriate action. As they say, self help is the best help.

It is said that hundreds of years ago, the intestinal “transit time” was much shorter than it is now, which is the interval from the time the food entered the mouth until it was excreted as feces. In those days, this was believed to be between 15 and 20 hours; whereas now it is anywhere from 50 to 70 hours.

The reason for this drastic increase is that our diets now consist of less fiber from fruits and vegetables. Since fiber is indigestible, it gives the stools bulk, making them soft and flexible. Another factor that determines the transit time is the modern lifestyles, antibiotics, stress, and certain foods that form acid, such as eggs, meat, sugar etc. These things cause a thick and sticky mucus formation in the intestinal tract.

Food remains longer in the intestinal tract, putrefying the stool, letting harmful microorganisms flourish and toxins develop and poison the body. The perfect transit time should be about 18 to 20 hours, with 24 to 48 hours being acceptable. Ideally, just like babies do, even adults should have unforced bowel movements about 20 minutes after every meal.

The sign of a healthy colon is stool that is soft but formed, and consists of 70% water but has enough bulk to respond to the muscular contractions of the bowel.

Unhealthy intestinal functions have a major impact on the body weight. People who have a toxic colon tend to overeat, since they cannot absorb the nutrients they are consuming. Human body goes into a nutritional crisis and metabolic shock waves travel to every cell in the body, when the bowel fails.

Nutritionists say that more than 90% of the people metabolize less than 55% of what they eat. Many even happen to consider it normal to have a bowel movement once a day or even every few days. It is easy to understand how all this works, if we question what is happening to all the food that is eaten, where is it all going, if there is only one bowel movement everyday or every other day.

It is not only the weight of the fecal material that contributes to weight gain. Even toxic byproducts from the colon can lower metabolism and drain the body of energy. They also put a lot of burden on the liver and kidneys. The main reason why toxins from the colon need to be cleansed is to remove those byproducts from getting back into other parts of the body. Once the colon is clean, the metabolism should work as it has to, and with that the main obstacle to weight loss is eliminated.

There are several factors that harm the colon:

Acid diets: Sugars, processed grains, meat and eggs contribute to intestinal plaque formation. They reduce the electrolytes in the body, which help in preventing bile from becoming too acidic. The result is acidic bile that cannot help with digestion. Overeating during a meal also causes an increase in acid in the intestines.

Processed foods: Any foods made from white flour that is bleached, such as cakes, pastries, white bread etc. help intestinal plaque to build-up. The problem with these foods is that they contain absolutely no fiber and also because the nutrients have been bleached out, they contain no nutrition and enzymes. Enzymes help in breaking down food and helping the body absorb. Without these, the food starts putrefying in the intestines rather than being digested and absorbed.

Stress: Stress can cause excess amounts of acid in the intestine, which causes plaque to form. Tension also constricts the walls of the bowel and sphincter muscles, which restricts the passage of the fecal material.

Allergies: Mucous may be produced by the intestines due to food allergies. Any food can be an allergen and cause cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms. Whole wheat and wheat bran, which are usually consumed for their fiber content are also said to increase the problem if there is an existing allergy.

Parasites and Yeast: Digestive problems are also caused by parasite and yeast infestations in the colon. These parasites enter the body through contaminated water and food. Intestinal parasites can cause many reactions, such as asthma, joint swelling and weight gain.

Antibiotics: Physicians prescribe antibiotics to alleviate an infection by killing harmful bacteria. However, the problem with these drugs is that they do not have the capacity to distinguish between the friendly and unfriendly bacteria in the body and even the friendly bacteria get killed. When this friendly bacteria is not replaced with the use of supplements or through diet, the intestines become a playfield for the unfriendly bacteria and this causes buildup of toxins.

Carbohydrate Intolerance: Starches, which are a form of carbohydrates, also cause intestinal problems. When carbohydrates in the small intestine are not digested properly, this attracts the bacteria from the large intestine and they take over the small intestine and multiply quickly. This bacteria destroys enzymes in the small intestine and reduces the body’s abilities to digest food and absorb carbohydrates.

The way to cleanse the system of all these toxins is to undergo colon cleansing and to ensure that a proper diet is maintained for a healthy colon, keeping all the above factors in mind.

Years of abusing our bodies with poor diet, stress, medications, and other factors can cause chaos in our intestines and throw everything out of balance, causing several illnesses as well as weight gain. All those colas and burgers we so enthusiastically reach out to, are no good.

Alternative medicine provides gentle and effective methods that restore the intestinal health and at the same time facilitate weight loss. All health problems, such as depression, fatigue, obesity, chronic constipation, acne, gas and lower back pain are also alleviated with cleansing and healing the intestinal system.

The idea of cleansing a colon may seem weird to some, but people should understand that most of the illnesses arise from problems with the intestines. Most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place in the small and large intestines and keeping them clean is vital to maintaining good health.

At birth, the inner lining of the intestines is clean and supple; however, over a period of time, toxins cause the intestines to become swollen, caked with debris and stagnant. While the stomach and small intestine also are impacted with food debris, the colon is where the most severe buildup occurs. This accumulated debris often contributes several pounds to the weight of the colon. There are people who lose about seven pounds as well as their tummy bulge with colon cleansing.

Fecal material stored in the colon can cause a lot of health issues. There are several colon cleansing programs available to help scrub the hardened fecal matter and other toxic materials from the intestines. However, it is never good to rush into a colon cleansing (detoxification) program right away. A person must be prepared for cleansing in stages. The body as well as the mind of a person is deeply buried in a ruinous lifestyle and they need to wean themselves off all the harmful dietary habits, such as cola or diet soda addiction etc.

There are certain basic steps that are the foundation of any colon cleansing program:

The person should first start eating fresh vegetables and fish. Flaxseed oil also helps assist in digestion and Aloe Vera juice is said to be excellent too.

Prior to the cleanse – Even before getting a colon cleanse done, it is important to start on a healthy diet, with adequate intake of fiber and water.

Diet – The diet during a colon cleanse should be high in fiber, fresh raw vegetables and fruits, and low in acid forming foods that encourage the intestines to secrete mucus.

Fiber – The main cause of obesity is a diet deficient in fiber. Fiber does the job of a sponge, absorbing water as it goes through the stomach and small intestine and reaches the colon full of moisture. Diets low in fiber cause fecal material to become dry and hard to expel. However, insoluble fiber such as wheat, corn bran, nuts and legumes can also irritate the colon, if it is already in a bad shape. Soluble fibers are good for the bowel and they are found in vegetables and fruits, barley, oat bran, beans and peas. Intake of foods containing these fibers stimulates bowel movements and decreases appetite, which leads to weight loss.

Water – Soluble fiber needs lots of water to carry it to the colon. When there is not enough water, the colon tries to absorb every drop of water from the food we eat, which results in the fecal matter becoming very dry. Adults need at least 8 to 10 cups of water a day. Do not be under the wrong notion that coffee, milk, tea, juice and soda can act as substitutes for pure water. Even if these liquids are consumed in large quantities, water is still required for the body.

Good bacteria – Whenever a person undergoes a colon cleansing program, all the bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly are washed out. Therefore, the intestines need to be repopulated with good bacteria. Cabbage is one of the best sources of good bacteria; either eaten raw or in juice form. There are other foods also that encourage the growth of good bacteria, such as onions, garlic, chicory, asparagus, bananas as well as yogurt.

In addition to the above basic dietary program, one should use a good cleansing supplement that contains nutrients, herbs, enzymes and toxin-absorbers. They get rid of the false lining in the colon and improve the digestion and absorption of food. Many of these supplements include ingredients that also cleanse the liver, lymph and gallbladder.

Once the colon becomes clean, people will soon find themselves shedding pounds. This is just the beginning and it is important to maintain the intestinal health and keep the weight down.

This can be done by inculcating the following dietary habits:

• Reducing the consumption of white sugar, white rice, white flour and fried foods.

• Making 50% of each meal raw, fresh and unprocessed foods.

• Chewing each mouthful 10 to 20 times.

• Not eating when one is emotionally upset.

• Eating one serving of protein daily, two different fruits, six different vegetables that include fresh sprouts and at least one serving of while grain; changing foods from meal to meal and day to day.

• Drinking plenty of water.

• Drinking liquids before and after meals but not during the meal.

• Cutting back or if possible totally eliminating stimulants such as coffee, colas, black teas, chocolate and alcohol as well as aspirin and nicotine.

A cleansing program should not be a one-time effort but a precursor for a healthy lifestyle.

Do you want to hear the good news first? There has been yet another breakthrough in the battle of the flab. Your fat cells or at least 10% of your fat cells die every year, irrespective of how your body behaved during the whole year, losing weight or gaining weight. This happens in individuals who are thin as well as those that are fat. That must make obese people happy. However, now comes the next bit of news.

Researchers have discovered that new fat cells take the place of the cells that die almost immediately. People eventually, end up having the same number of fat cells in the body all through the adulthood. When a person gains weight or loses weight, the fat in the cells dies and not the number of cells. That means that every person has a fixed number of fat cells in the body.

Researchers always knew that fat cells in humans die and are replaced, but they never know how long it took and they never expected it to be this fast.

This finding was revealed in the Nature journal. Researchers are perplexed with the number of questions this study raises, such as what determines the number of fat cells in a person’s body and if there is a way to reduce the number of cells by the time people reached adulthood. Another question is, if obesity can be treated by making these fat cells die faster than the new ones are born.

Obesity researchers say that this finding changes the way obesity is looked at. For now, although they have no answers to these questions, they are working on it, to reach the system that is waiting to be discovered.

Their study raises another most important question, why do some people who have always been thin, gain a lot of weight when they reach adulthood?

This study was specifically focused on people who had always been fat since their childhood, which is usually what happens with most obese adults. They feel that the situation may be different for people who got fat as they entered adulthood and were thin as youngsters. Such people may actually be growing new fat cells, since the ones they had were filled with fat and there was no place for more.

Another question is whether the fat cells removed with liposuction grow back. Swedish researchers are investigating both these questions.

Some researchers say that the solution lies in stopping new cells from forming that fast, but letting the old cells die at the same speed. This way, there will be a reduction in the total number of cells. By doubling the rate of death and halving the rate of new cell formation, fat mass can be significantly changed.

However, some are of the opinion that it is not as easy as that and even if they did find out how the fat cells in our bodies worked, it still remains to be seen how safe it is to treat obesity by intervening.

Lester Salans, an obesity researcher says, “I suspect that the body’s regulation of weight is so complex that if you intervene at this site, something else is going to happen to neutralize this intervention.”

They say that if fat in the body does not have enough cells to reside in, there is the danger of it wandering off to other places in the body and this could cause immense damage.

Although, this study brings to light a lot of facts that make the researchers excited, the questions that remain unanswered make it slightly disappointing and they continue to work on finding answers.

Meanwhile, if there is one thing that all experts do agree upon is that the best way to lose excess weight is to eat less and exercise more. Following this extremely simple and most well-known strategy, people may achieve their desired weight by the time we get some answers.