james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&rss null's blog en-us Sat, 19 May 2012 16:36:20 PDT Sat, 19 May 2012 16:36:20 PDT http://someurl.com http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=BF139484186792F1E040A8C0AC007209  Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Patients Complimentary therapy is receiving more emphasis in cancer treatment since preliminary studies have shown several amazing benefits. Doctors once took it on faith that nothing a patient could do would have any effect on treatment outcomes, but this notion is being laid to rest at clinics across the world. Research has proven healthy eating plays an important role in symptom management and treatment efficacy. Proper nutrition can also reduce the risk of recurrence and help in preventing other chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis, which are associated with certain types of treatment. The University of California San Francisco Medical Center lays out nutritional guidelines for patients entering cancer treatment. They point to management of side effects as a primary reason for making healthy dietary choices. Some studies have found a diet tailored to the individual's nutritional profile can speed recovery from surgery and significantly reduce hospital stays. The experts at UCSF specifically point to the patient's need to maintain strength, immune function and energy levels. Despite a general knowledge about vegetables being good choices and heavily processed carbohydrates being poor choices, most individuals have received contradictory information. Becoming familiar with good nutrition is the first step. This understanding will need to be further informed by each individual's nutritional profile. Treatment puts stress on the body and causes damage specific to individuals, and the specificity in damage requires a corresponding need to match the diet to needs. Eating for Variety Every type of food contains differing amounts of vitamins, minerals, ancillary compounds, and micronutrients. Some constituents will be easier to absorb in certain foods. A good example is whole grains. Whole wheat naturally contains compounds that inhibit digestion of the nutrients. This is a protective feature of the grain, which is simply a seed. Sprouting the grain destroys the inhibitory compounds and makes the micro-nutrients of the seed readily available to the body. The general rule is to not avoid any single food group while striving to get a mixture of foods from each group. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits should make the bulk of the diet, and these should not include additives, such as chemical preservatives and flavors. Processing is also an issue because it tends to destroy the more volatile, beneficial constituents, including omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Protein sources should vary a great deal, and fat may play an important role in maintaining optimal function. Staying Hydrated the Right Way Water is the best source of hydration, and it is important for patients to drink to thirst. Other common liquids that contain caffeine, sugar, sodium, and alcohol should be avoided. These will either put excessive strain on the body or contribute empty calories. All patients have different needs. A mesothelioma patient in symptom management may require a high-fat diet to maintain body weight. Breast cancer patients may need to avoid excessive carbohydrates and fat for the same reason. Each individual needs the help of a nutritional profile in order to use food to their advantage during treatment and recovery. 2012-05-14 14:26:01 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=BE95519D9D408F10E040A8C0AC001FFE Research Into Cancer-Fighting Foods The role of diet in preventing and fighting cancer is becoming clearer, with many studies strongly suggesting that certain foods contain potent cancer-fighting substances. Let's take a look at some of the foods that are being studied for their ability to combat cancer. Carrots Carrots have lots of beta carotene, which seems helpful in reducing the risk of developing a large range of cancers, including mesothelioma, cancers of the stomach, throat, breast, bladder, and intestines. The ingredient in carrots that may help the most in fighting cancer is called falcarinol. Cancer seems to grow slower when it is exposed to falcarinol. However, in order to get the benefit of this substance, the carrots must not be cooked since cooking destroys it. Broccoli Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage all have a chemical ingredient known as indole-3-carbinol that fights breast cancer by transforming a hormone that fosters cancer into one that fights it. Broccoli also has sulforaphane, a phytochemical that helps prevent some forms of cancer like rectal and colon cancer. It also promotes the formation of enzymes that can disarm carcinogens and free radicals. One thing to keep in mind is that the precursor to sulforaphane, glucoraphanin, varies widely in how prevalent it is in broccoli. You may get one plant that contains a lot of it, and another with very little. It seems that the bitterest broccoli also contains the most glucoraphanin.  Mushrooms Some mushrooms seem to help in fighting cancer and stimulating the immune system. The ones that help are ones that contain polysaccharides like Lentinan. They also contain Beta Glucan, and have lectin, which fights cancer by attacking the cancer cells and preventing them from multiplying. Some mushrooms also can promote the release of interferon. Mushrooms that fit this category include Shiitake, reishi, maitake, Coriulus Versicolor, and Agaricus blazei Murill.  Berries Berries are loaded with phytonutrients- substances that fight cancer. One berry in particular, black raspberries, have extremely high concentrations of anthocyanins- phytochemicals that retard the progress of pre-malignant cells and prevent the formation of new blood vessels forming that feed a cancerous tumor. They, in effect, cut off its blood supply. Garlic Early studies from The National Cancer Society suggest that eating garlic helps in reducing the likelihood of developing some forms of cancer, particularly gastrointestinal tract cancer. However, it is unknown at this time how much garlic you would need to eat to gain its cancer-fighting benefits. It also appears that garlic can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. A San Francisco Bay area study showed a 54 percent reduction in pancreatic cancer risk among those eating large amounts of garlic, versus those who ate smaller amounts of garlic. 2012-05-14 14:23:22 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=BF13946E26FC5282E040A8C0AC007207 The Nutrition Connection to Cancer No one knows exactly what causes the cell damage that initiates cancer and sadly, there is still no known way to cure it.  The chain of events that lead to cancer is quite a complex one, involving genetics, lifestyle, environment and behaviors.  For example, the rare form of cancer mesothelioma is known to come from asbestos in the environment. There is hope, however.  Certain nutrients and vitamins contain inhibitors, which are known to slow the process of normal cells turning into abnormal ones, and those abnormal ones becoming cancerous.  Here are a few nutritional supplements that may improve your quality of life, boost your energy, enhance your immune system and protect your organs. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your body from free radicals, the atoms that cause damage to cells and impair the immune system. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant made naturally in the body that improves cellular oxygenation.  According to The National Cancer Institute it was first identified in 1957 and was first used as a possible cancer treatment in 1961 because it was discovered that many cancer patients have a low level of Coenzyme Q10 in their blood, especially patients with myeloma, lymphoma, and cancers of the breast, lung, prostate and others. Other powerful antioxidants include melatonin, which can also help you to sleep restfully, methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM and vitamin A.  Those with cancer require higher levels of vitamin A than normal, and the emulsified forms are best.  Vitamin E is another antioxidant.  The D-alpha-tocopherol emulsion form assimilates better in the body.  Flaxseed oil and grapeseed oil are also effective antioxidants. Cancer patients also need a huge immune system boost.  Supplements that would be helpful in that regard include colostrums, garlic capsules, shark cartilage and large doses of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate is best). Certain types of mushrooms can give a huge immune boost.  The maitake mushroom contains D-fraction form of isolated beta-1, 6-glucan, a substance that prevents carcinogenesis and inhibits tumor growth.  Other helpful mushrooms are shitake and reishi.  All are available in extract form, so they are really easy to take and obtain adequate amounts daily. Certain herbs can be helpful to the cancer patient, as well.  Cayenne pepper, ginger, cardamom, rosemary, turmeric and others have anti-cancerous properties.  Cat's claw and olive leaf extract are known to enhance the immune system. Green tea has been a well-known cancer-fighter for decades.  It contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg), which has been found to cut off the blood vessels that feel tumors.   Although vitamins and minerals may seem innocuous, some may not mix well with medications.  Your doctor should always know what alternative treatments you decide to try out. You should also eat the best possible diet you can, including fresh vegetables, fresh fish and lean meats daily.  Foods such as raw almonds, fresh cherries, tomatoes, onions, beets, carrots and all greens all help to fight cancer and protect cells.  Top off supplements, herbs and healthy diet with regular exercise and soon enough, you may be feeling a lot better.     2012-05-14 14:20:30 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=BC1175AAC33D7E05E040A8C0AC00358A High intensity interval training can be done in a variety of different ways. The intense training can work wonders on getting rid of love handles, Love handle workouts   Here’s a wickedly-effective type of interval training: it requires no machines or fancy equipment, you can do it outside in the sunshine and fresh air, it develops killer conditioning, carves out legs like a sprinter, and burns calories at an accelerated rate… 1. Stair sprinting is a time saver. 2. Stair sprinting is engaging. 3. Stair sprinting is incredible for leg development. 4. Stair sprinting can be done outside Read more at http://love-handle-workouts.blogspot.com/2012/03/love-handle-workouts-stair-sprinting.html How to integrate stair running into your training program Sprinting up stairs is not for everyone. If you have a history of health problems or orthopedic issues, check with your doctor before doing any kind of high intensity training and of course, don’t train through the pain of injury. If you are significantly overweight, it may be a challenge just to walk up stairs, let alone run up, not to mention it might create undue stress on your joints. But as you get lighter and fitter, it’s a challenge you might slowly work toward.   2012-04-01 18:33:25 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=BB2BF287E5EAC03EE040A8C0AC002FCE   Alternatives to Treadmills, Exercise Bikes, and Elliptical trainers If you want maximum results, it’s all about your intensity levels and also your mind-body connection… and that all important mind-body connection is usually missing when it comes to elliptical and treadmill workouts, that most people do while watching TV or reading.  jumping rope - great mind-body connection - try speed jumping, crossovers, and double jumps once you get skilled at it.  An amazing metabolic exercise with one of the cheapest pieces of equipment available.  There’s a reason that every world class boxer uses this exercise! kettlebell training - nothing will get your heart pounding like high repetition KB swings and snatches or clean & presses (can be done with dumbbells too, but I prefer KBs).  Personally, I think one of the most intense body changing exercises ever invented are double kettlebell snatches (snatching both kettlebells at the same time overhead from the floor).  outdoor wind sprinting (the ultimate exercise for a rock hard ripped body… just look at the chiseled powerful bodies of world class sprinters, and compare that to the weakling withered physique of a typical marathoner… nuff said!  I generally do wind sprints 2-3 days a week during the warm times of the year, and I’ll do something such as 50 yards, 60 yards, 70 yards, 80 yards, 90 yards, 100 yards, and then repeat (with about 40-60 second rests between sprints).  By the way, for the international folks, a “yard” is just slightly shorter than a meter.  hill sprinting - yet another classic exercise for a rock hard lean and powerful body!  I like to do 30 yard sprints up a steep hill and then walk down and repeat a bunch of times for maybe 20-30 minutes.  Amazing workout. The rowing machine - ok, I don’t really lump this in as a “cardio” machine like treadmills and ellipticals… I think the rowing machine is actually a great full body workout that actually uses resistance… The best results come from using variable speeds and really pulling hard to challenge your body. Sprint style swimming workouts - a more muscular workout than steady state distance swimming… I actually love the upper body pump I get from sprint style swimming — this is the same concept as sprinting vs jogging but in a pool instead.  It’s all about intensity!  heavy bag punching / kicking workout, speed bag, rebound bag - all are great forms of training and much more interesting than boring cardio machines.  These exercises are also great examples of exercises that require an intense mind-body connection, which is missing in boring cardio equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines. shadow boxing - This is an awesome workout, but if you’re shy, this is best saved for your home workouts since you’ll get some crazy stares doing this at a typical gym from people who think they’re “too cool” for stuff like this. dumbbell circuits â€” This is a super metabolic type of workout that involves alternating between various full-body multi-joint exercises to get a crazy fat-burning workout in minimal time.  A good example would be alternating between dumbbell lunges, overhead presses, bent over rows, step ups, and squat presses all with minimal rest between. bodyweight training - bodyweight squats, pushups, lunges, jumps, bear crawls, mountain climbers and jumpers, planks, and the list goes on and on.  Another example of great mind-body connection and much more metabolic type of training than treadmills and ellipticals.  My fitness buddy, and world class trainer, Craig Ballantyne has alternatives to treadmills.   Other pages to look at: weight loss meal plans , turn you body into a fat burning furnace, with an ultimate weight loss meal plan Love handle workouts , helping to get rid of love handles and the spare tire 2012-03-16 18:05:59 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=A4C0172A7B4BB760E040A8C0AC004EE3 Strength Training is a very important part of losing body fat. Strength training, working out, lifting weights all the same thing. When you build strength you build muscle. When you have more muscle tone your body will lose fat. More muscle tone can help the body boost it's metabolism and then lose body fat more quickly. So if you add strength training into your daily exercise routine you will have an over all better health and physique. To learn more click Strength Training  Check out my other websites and blogs on health: Love handle workouts - strictly about love handles and belly fat Whey Protien - what is whey protein Healthy Living Blog - all about living healthy Liquid Nutrition - web page for liquid nutrition, replacing your nasty daily vitamins with a better tasting vitamin supplement   2011-08-11 18:50:40 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=94AB428244054932E040A8C0AC001F58   I remembered reading many years ago from a Dear Ann Landers coloumn about not losing faith in yourself. The article said in my own words "No matter how many bumps in life you may travel on never give up, eventually the road will smooth out." It took me forever to find this article because I clipped it and saved it and forgot where I put it. After reading it again I thought I would share. It is a list of failures from famous people. I hope this list motivates you to over come your bumpy road in life.  Whether it is finding a job, starting a business, or as simple as losing weight. Failure List "- Albert Einstein was four years old before he could speak. - Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school and was considered "unpromising" - Beethoven's music teacher once said "As a composer, he is hopeless" - When Thomas edison was a young man, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. He was counseled to go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality. - Winston Churchhill failed the sixth grade and had to repeat it because he did not complete the promotion test. - F.W. Woolworth got a job in a dry goods store when he was 21, but his employer would not permit him to wait on customers because he "didnt have enough sense to close a sale" - A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas" - Michael Jordan and Bob Cousy was cut from their high school Basket ball team. - Babe Ruth struck out 1300 times (a major league record) A person may make mistakes, but is not a failure until he or she starts blaming someone else. We must believe in ourselves and somewhere along the road of life we must meet someone who sees greatness in us, expects it from us, and lets us know it." The golden key to success is that person we meet is ourself. If you are a failure in something then at some point in your life you told yourself that.    2011-04-06 07:12:30 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=94AB3FF25872ED91E040A8C0AC001F60 Certain genetic conditions can predispose people to having problems controlling their weight, but don’t let fears of a family history of being overweight stop you from trying to lose weight. Many genetic predispositions are more risk factors than certainties. If your parents, and grand parents are overweight then you have a higher risk of being overweight. This however does not determine how you will look. When speaking about genetics, it is a map of how you should look if you do nothing about it. If your family tree has more than one large limb then you will have to work a little harder.  Regardless you do not have to be like your parents or grand parents. Dont give up on yourself, work harder and smarter, dont diet change the way you eat, find an exercise program the is best for you, and always stay motivated. 2011-04-05 10:29:56 http://james-woods.ws/StayFitandLiveHealthy&p=94AB40B29420423AE040A8C0AC001F5C   The formula for weight loss is simple: Energy expenditure must exceed energy intake. The calories you burn in activity and in maintaining basic bodily functions must exceed the calories you consume as food. While the formula is simple, however, putting it into practice generally requires hard work. Given how difficult it can be to lose weight and keep it off, it’s easy to be tempted by the latest diet book or television infomercial promising fast, easy weight loss if we eat (or don’t eat) certain foods or if we use a certain product. But while some of these methods or products may bring about short-term weight loss, few work over the long term, and some are even dangerously unhealthy. Indeed, when researchers examine which methods really bring about safe, permanent weight loss, the best way to lose weight still appears to be the tried-and-true recommendation to eat less and exercise more. 2011-04-04 17:22:52