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Why do I start shaking and get nauseous when I do my cardio?
By dotFIT experts
on December 15, 2009
You are describing symptoms common to improper pre-workout food consumption.
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Do excess carbs show up as fat in one area of the body and excess fat in another area?
By dotFIT experts
on November 04, 2008
While it is true that any food (carbs, protein or fat) can be stored as body fat when daily calorie intake exceeds expenditure, where the fat is stored is not determined by the type of food.
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If I work out every day (sometimes multiple times a day) am I doing myself any harm?
By dotFIT experts
on October 18, 2008
If you’re intensely working the same body parts with resistance training and not resting the minimum of 24-48 hours before working the same muscles (the more intense and voluminous the workout, the longer the necessary recuperation time), you are definitely holding back your progress.
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What’s an insulin response?
By dotFIT experts
on November 03, 2008
This is almost a trick question because insulin responds to virtually everything you put in your body. Its role in the body, after all, is to take amino acids, glucose and fatty acids and put them into storage for later use.
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What is insulin's role in weight loss and fat storage?
By dotFIT experts
on November 04, 2008
Insulin plays a major role in keeping us alive, but in short, this hormone is not responsible for weight loss or continuous body fat gains. Only we are in control of our weight.
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Why do men and women deposit fat in different places?
By dotFIT experts
on November 04, 2008
Gender & hormonal differences play major roles in the different fat storage patterns of men and women. Some researchers believe the historical roles of men and women in hunter/gatherer societies may have influenced this.
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Will eating after 7 p.m. result in weight gain?
By dotFIT experts
on November 18, 2008
No. Weight gain is a result of eating more calories than you burn on a regular basis, not when you eat.
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I am a 36 year-old slightly overweight male with low levels of testosterone. I am doing cardio & weights to get fit. Is there a way to naturally boost my testosterone levels?
By dotFIT experts
on December 15, 2008
You are on the right track by adding exercise and losing weight. In fact, that’s about the only non-clinical/medicinal solution that has been shown to work.
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I am not a member of any health club and I don’t own any exercise equipment. Can I use walking to reach my weight loss goal?
By dotFIT experts
on January 21, 2009
When walking is used in conjunction with an appropriate calorie diet, weight loss will occur.
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How often should I weigh myself?
By dotFIT experts
on January 28, 2009
According to recent scientific studies, the more the better...when weight is plotted over time, the trend is extremely accurate and indisputable at determining the body’s change.
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Is there any weight loss or nutritional benefit to doing a colon cleanse?
By dotFIT experts
on March 17, 2009
The only weight loss benefit resulting from a colon cleanse is the weight removed from your intestines. In other words, the number on the scale may go down immediately after you cleanse, but unless you are “dieting” that number will return to normal soon after.
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Is it good to fast occasionally to detoxify the body? Will it help me lose weight?
By dotFIT experts
on March 17, 2009
No and no. Some religions call for occasional fasts, and some people derive satisfaction from fasting. But a fast won't "cleanse" your body of "toxins" in any way.
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Can a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) be healthy?
Yes as long as the person is declared “healthy” after a physical examination. Muscular athletes often have high BMIs but are healthy
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Will fitness help me deal with the daily stresses I face?
Yes and in more ways than just being fit. Eating healthy and exercising regularly, even if it’s as little as daily walking
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How can I figure out the amount of calories I need?
Your dotFIT program will do it for you. For a general estimation, use the following:
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How can you eat healthy when dining out?
Almost all restaurants will make meals the way you like. Meaning, you tell them how you want your meal prepared or
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Should I eat before I workout?
Yes, you should always eat before a workout, but the timing and size of your meals and snacks will depend on your goal and
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Can exercise make you smarter?
In general, yes, and it can certainly help keep you from getting “less smart”, meaning exercise has been shown to be the most powerful
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How can I lose weight if my health keeps me from exercising?
The good news for you is 2-fold: 1) you don’t need traditional exercise to lose weight and 2) “exercise” can be as simple as moving
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What type of fish oil should I take?
Capsules containing mercury-free omega-3 fatty acids from fish with 600 mg of omega-3s made up of 240 mg of EPA and 360 mg of DHA
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Are mega-doses of vitamins safe?
Generally, no. Continuous mega-doses of vitamins or minerals can cause short and long-term adverse events
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What is the difference between Flax and fish oil?
Fish oil from fatty fish contains higher amounts omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, the 2 fish oils that provide health
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What is the benefit of taking fish oil capsules?
Fish oils are fats found in fatty fish (e.g. mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon) that have been shown to have many potential benefits
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What are the benefits to consuming fish and fish oil?
Over 20 years of published studies have demonstrated that people consuming at least 2 to 4 servings per week of fatty fish have many
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Is acai good for your health and reducing fat?
The acai berry may be a good source of antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats, but that doesn’t mean it’s a better choice than other fruits containing
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How can you get rid of a double chin?
If you have the true “double chin” it generally means you are carrying excess fat under the chin near the throat area. The fat tends to sag
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Should multivitamins be taken along with other supplements?
Sure, and they generally are consumed with other health supplements. Most people will take their health supplements
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What can be used to boost metabolism?
Anyone can boost their metabolism by simply consistently increasing their physical activities, including standing and moving in
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Are any supplements bad for your health?
Based on individual physiology, (we are all slightly different), most anything could be bad for one’s health, including shellfish, nuts, certain fruits, etc., among those with allergic
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Are there health benefits to the supplement astaxanthin?
Preliminary research conclusions suggest astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in algae and aquatic animals, has strong antioxidant properties
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What vitamins help boost metabolism?
Vitamins are not metabolism boosters in adequately fed people. However, vitamins perform important functions in almost all
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Are all vitamins created equally?
No, don’t expect much if you are using a cheap $3.00-5.00 per month product that is mass marketed. You cannot manufacture a multivitamin and mineral formula
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Does soy affect testosterone?
No, especially if you only consume normal amounts of soy once or twice a day. Earlier animal studies and poorly controlled
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Is there a link if 10 co-workers have low vitamin D levels?
Considering many people have below-optimal levels of Vitamin D the answer is there is probably no work environment related link unless
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Why am I so hungry in the evening after a workout?
The body naturally does an amazing job at balancing calories consumed and calories burned to keep your weight relatively stable daily. Therefore,
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Can calcium alone strengthen bones?
It can certainly help when the diet has very poor calcium content, but the body needs other nutrients simultaneously in order to
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Should I take vitamins or other supplements?
Everyone should take a daily multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement. Other supplements may be helpful under certain conditions as long
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What vitamins and minerals should be in a multivitamin?
You can only get so much in a single pill that is easily swallowed; the perfect profile for different groups is listed below. You will notice
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Will a multivitamin raise my vitamin B12 levels?
Yes, a properly formulated multivitamin and mineral formula (MVM) will raise your vitamin B12 levels. Make sure the B12 in the
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What are the benefits of nutritional supplements?
Nutritional supplements generally referred to as dietary supplements (DS) can deliver nutrition the diet often can’t to help improve health
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What are some of the best nutrition supplements?
Below displays the most common supplement programs used by exercisers and people concerned with maintaining and improving
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What precautions should I take with nutritional supplements?
Your best precaution would be to do your homework on the company responsible for the product and recommendations by making sure
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What nutritional supplements do men need daily?
Below displays the most common programs for male exercisers and/or men concerned with maintaining and improving their health
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Are calcium supplements beneficial for men?
Calcium supplements can be beneficial to almost everyone if their diet is not supplying ~1000-1200mgs/daily, which most diets
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Why is getting vitamin A from food safer than supplements?
Pre-formed vitamin A can be toxic at high levels (>10,000 IU or 3,000 mcg), thus, unless instructed by a qualified doctor, you would never
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Can DHEA slow aging in men?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be able to temporarily slow some aspects of the aging process but that might not be a good idea
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Why should I take vitamins if I am a vegetarian?
First of all everyone should take a multivitamin & mineral formula (MVM). Being a vegetarian you may have a greater need for a MVM than most non-vegetarians
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Should I take vitamins even if I eat right?
Yes because how do you know you are eating right? Do you know exactly what’s right, and can you check your foods to make sure all those “right
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How important are multivitamins to your health?
Multivitamin & mineral supplementation can be very important to health, especially if your diet is not regularly varied and
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What problems can arise if I don’t get enough micronutrients in my diet?
Micronutrients are needed by our bodies to function.
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What are three common vitamins that many people are deficient in?
The 3 common vitamins that have a higher potential for deficiency since they can’t be stored are vitamin C, B-complex and
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Is the effectiveness of a supplement for overall health validated?
Yes, supplements for deficiencies have all been validated to improve overall health. If you are anemic
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What is the role of micronutrients in the body?
The human diet requires both macronutrients (protein, fats & carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc,) to grow, develop and
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Are supplements safe?
Used properly, legal dietary supplements are very safe. This doesn’t mean they all work as claimed but there are relatively few
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Can vitamins and other supplements slow aging?
Vitamin and mineral supplements may not slow aging but may help you live better longer depending on your daily diet and other lifestyle choices,
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How do I lose weight in my 40's?
The same way everyone does, eat fewer calories than you burn until you reach your goal. Sometimes being 40 makes it less convenient or more difficult
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What happens when I reach a healthy weight?
The goal will be to maintain your healthy weight, which has been an elusive proposition for most dieters. The large majority of
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How much physical activity do I need to control my weight?
If you are watching and controlling your caloric intake, you can probably get away with the minimum recommendation of 150 min/week of what
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What are the characteristics of successful weight losers?
Successful weight losers would be defined as people that lose weight and keep it off for at least 3 years. Successful weight losers/maintainers never
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Why is the number on the scale a very limited health indicator?
The number on the scale only tells you your weight, and while weight compared with height (your body mass index or BMI) can be an indicator
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Why is it important to realize exactly how much I eat?
If you don’t know how much you’re eating, you won’t know when to stop, making you unable to control unwanted weight gain. Knowing how many
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Why do you gain weight when you're stressed?
Not everybody does; in fact it’s quite common to lose weight when highly stressed. Stress affects everyone differently and that includes how
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Why does a high-fat diet cause more weight gain than a high-protein diet?
In very simple terms, a high-fat diet cannot satisfy your appetite as well as a high-protein diet when the calories are equal in both. This
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How do I gain weight?
To gain weight you need to eat more calories than you burn so that the extra calories are deposited into your body tissues, with the majority
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Does all DHA come from fish?
No, DHA can also come from other sources such as seeds, eggs and some plants, but in much weaker concentrations than in fish. Also
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Should fruit be eaten on an empty stomach?
For most people eating fruit on an empty stomach poses no problems. Others may end up with a slight stomach upset and
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Does cocoa powder break down plaque buildup in arteries?
It’s certainly too early to say ingesting cocoa powder might “breakdown” plaque buildup. However, much evidence exists to support the
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Is sea salt better for you than regular salt?
No, they both have the same basic nutritional components thus the same effects on your health. Sea salt comes from the evaporation
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Can you maintain the acid/alkaline diet long term?
From a health standpoint, if you are getting all your necessary nutrients from the allowed foods and you supplement anything you may be
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Is decaf coffee bad for your health?
No, unless you have been diagnosed by a doctor to have some kind of disorder or allergy when exposed to some component of the coffee
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What supplements do I need if I don’t have a thyroid gland?
Probably nothing you didn’t need before the removal of your gland based on your dietary shortcomings. The difference would be
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Are there any health benefits to taking Coenzyme Q10?
Although not conclusive for everyone, there may be a cardiovascular health benefit for certain people especially as we age. Coenzyme Q-10
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Can I prevent dehydration without drinking excess fluids?
Yes, you don’t need to drink in excess, you simply need to make sure you start your activity completely hydrated and replace
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How should vegans increase the DHA in their diets?
Without supplementing with a plant source DHA supplement, it’s a little difficult to get the amount of DHA that has associated
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Is omega 3 safe for someone with severe allergies?
Depends on your allergies, meaning you would discuss with your allergy care doctor first. It would be unusual to have an allergic reaction to
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At what age can my child have beets?
Most pediatricians will say at about 10 months you can introduce beets into your baby’s diet. Steaming beats for easy mashing into a
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Do farm-raised fish contain good fatty acids?
Yes, they do but not equal to their wild counterparts. Wild fish contain more of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids, per pound (or certainly per calorie)
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How do humans digest beef?
The same way all foods are digested. Digestion actually starts in the mouth from chewing and secreting digestive juices that begin to
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When taking omega 3 supplement do I need to eat fish with it?
No, in fact that’s generally why people take an omega-3 supplement – because they aren’t eating fish. Also keep in mind that not all omega
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Which omega oil is best for concentration?
No specific omega oil has been called out specifically for “concentration” but evidence does exist showing that certain omega-3 fatty acids may
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How much sodium should an adult get daily?
Most adults should take in less than 2,300 mg (~1 tsp of salt) of sodium per day and that’s combining the sodium content of everything you
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Do you get the same hydration if you mix water with Kool-aid?
The quick answer is yes because the vast majority of the mixture would be water and the small amount of Kool-Aid (KA) mix would be fairly insignificant
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Do you get the same hydration from coffee as you do water?
Yes, or at least very close. Coffee, as I am sure you know from making it or watching it being made, is almost all water and it enters the body
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What are the best options to improve Vitamin D levels?
The safest and most practical way to increase the body’s level of vitamin D is by taking a daily multivitamin mineral formula (MVM) that contains
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How much coffee and alcohol should you drink daily?
There is no “should” drink recommendations for either coffee or alcohol, but health benefits have been associated with moderate alcohol
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Can coffee and tea count towards my water intake?
Yes. Coffee and tea, as I am sure you know from making it or watching it being made, is almost all water and it enters the body just like a glass
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When is the best time of day to take vitamin D?
The best way to take vitamin D is with a meal and it doesn’t matter what time of day. Ideally you are getting your vitamin D from
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Are expensive vitamins better than cheaper ones?
Often yes, at least when it comes to a complete multivitamin and mineral formula (MVM) but if you are purchasing singular vitamins like vitamin C, E, D, etc.
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How can I get calcium and omega oils with a seafood allergy?
If you can’t get your calcium from a non-seafood/shellfish diet (i.e. non-tainted dairy or vegetables), which most people do not, simply look
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Is there a flavonoid supplement I can take?
Yes but unfortunately too many, and most with misleading claims or dubious recommendations due to high doses being potentially problematic
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Should I take my Vitamin D with Vitamin C?
Yes, and that’s the best way to take it. The generally recommended supplemental dose of both vitamin C and D should easily be
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Why should one prefer taking a good multivitamin without iron?
There is a very small percentage of people who should not take a multivitamin and mineral formula (MVM) that contains iron because of a condition
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What are the most important supplements to take?
Our first recommendation is to make sure you are consuming a healthy diet; good examples include the meal plans provided in the dotFIT
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Does everyone need supplemental vitamin D and calcium?
Probably not everyone, but certainly the majority of the population does. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), most Americans
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Should seniors take a multivitamin with iron?
Yes, but not too much or not at all if advised by their doctor because of a specific condition where iron may be contraindicated.
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What do you think about vitamin water? Are the vitamins able to be absorbed? Is this just another advertising gimmick?
We, and anyone understanding basic biochemistry, think very little of vitamin water or other “vitamin-spiked” foods or fluids, primarily because
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How much calcium do I need after parathyroid removal?
The answer must come from the surgeon who removes the gland. Everyone is different and especially based on age. Before surgery you will
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What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our body’s important molecules such as proteins,
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Who should take vitamin B7?
B7 also known as biotin is something everyone should get through diet and their daily multivitamin and mineral formula (MVM) for added insurance
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What are vitamin recommendations for men & women over 40?
Men and women up to age 50 would use formulas based on diet, activity and gender. After 50, for the majority of the population, the formula
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How many vitamins and in what amount should I be taking daily?
Men and women up to age 50 would use formulas based on diet, activity and gender. After 50, for the majority of the population, the formula would
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Why are carbohydrate recommendations higher than protein?
Carbohydrates are pure energy foods that you continually use to keep your body alive and in motion. Protein is used primarily to maintain
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Can weight gain or being overweight lead to disease?
Yes, there’s more at stake than just the way you look. Recent studies show that approximately 65 percent of Americans are overweight. And,
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Why do men and women deposit fat in different places?
Hormone differences distribute fat in different places. Females need fat in breast and hip areas as an aid to birthing and caring for offspring. Additionally
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Why are RDIs for carbohydrate higher than for protein?
The body uses carbohydrate to produce energy and convert other nutrients, such as fat, to energy, thus the body has a much larger need
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What’s an insulin response?
This is a tough question because insulin responds to virtually everything you put in your body. But we will briefly describe insulin’s functions:
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What's the Zone diet? Why do some people say it's the only thing that works?
Simply because they probably liked it and they were likely at a point in their life that any basic healthy diet, better than they were previously consuming,
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Why do I care about my heart rate when I work out?
If you have health problems related to heart disease or being very overweight, measuring heart rate can be a prescription number to make sure
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How do I make sure I'm not burning muscle when working out?
You need to use the bodybuilding formula of feeding the muscle while starving the body fat. Meaning, eat correctly and enough including protein intake
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Why is it important to understand the difference between fat loss and weight loss?
Losing muscle is not generally healthy, slows our metabolism and can be debilitating in the long run when it comes to daily functioning. Therefore the
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Since I started working out more I am craving more carbohydrates than usual. Is my body asking for more carbs because I am exercising more? Do I satisfy this carb craving or do I hold out?
The right answer is to restructure your diet but within the total calories appropriate for your overall body composition goals (e.g. weight/fat loss, or muscle gain).
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What's the largest calorie deficit I can be in and still avoid the starvation mode?
What you mean is what is the biggest deficit you can be in and not lose muscle/lean body mass (LBM). We say this because there is no starvation mode
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When measuring body fat how do a woman's breast figure in? If you have very small to no breasts will your fat % will be lower? How does all this figure into getting to the correct % of body fat?
Wow, three questions in one. First of all, there is no ideal body fat that you should as long as you are below an unhealthy amount, which is
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Are artificial sweeteners such as Splenda healthy?
According to the FDA, yes, and most other nutritional scientists agree. They have no DIRECT health effect, good or bad (no matter what you read on
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What happens to a person's metabolism when they consistently eat too little?
Contrary to popular belief, nothing truly significant happens to your metabolism at anytime except in severe starvation when your body fat would be EXTREMELY low
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Is there an advantage to eating more meals daily including having one soon before bedtime?
Once you know how many calories you are allowed daily to achieve your goal, you want to spread them out as much as you can.
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Are there tests to determine if I need to take vitamins?
Yes, there are, and if you think you have symptoms of vitamin deficiency such as iron or vitamin D, then you see your doctor (not the internet) for a
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Is lots of coffee and alcohol drinking good for body?
Certainly not "lots" but moderate amounts of both coffee and alcohol have been associated with some health benefits. Keep in mind as you read
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Should all vitamins and supplements I take be USP approved?
It's not a bad place to start but it's certainly not a guarantee you are getting the best product. USP stands for The United States Pharmacopoeia. The USP
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What does drinking in moderation mean?
Moderate alcohol consumption is considered 2 drinks/day for men; 1 for women. One drink contains 14 grams of alcohol meaning: one 12 oz
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How can drinking alcohol affect my appetite?
Alcohol is notorious for leading people to overeat because of its physiological effect on appetite and because it is generally consumed in a social setting where
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What is moderate drinking?
Moderate drinking as it relates to alcohol consumption is considered 2 drinks/day for men; 1 for women. One drink contains 14 grams of alcohol meaning:
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What are best ways to avoid negative side effects after drinking?
Besides not drinking at all, drinking slightly less alcohol and/or spacing (at least an hour between drinks) your total consumption evenly throughout
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How true is it that drinking beer after liquor will not give me a hangover?
Not true. If you drink enough alcohol from any source (wine, beer, whiskey, etc.) you will get a hangover. So other than not drinking at all, drinking slightly
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What's the best remedy for a holiday hangover?
There’s lots of folklore around this topic. There is only one tried and true hangover reliever but you have to have your wits about you before you go to bed
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How do you treat a hangover?
Hangover cures are mostly wishful thinking or personal if someone feels that something works for them. There is only one tried and true hangover reliever:
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What are the health benefits of alcohol?
Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with the following health benefits: reduced risk of heart attack and stroke; increases HDL (good cholesterol)
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Is it true that alcohol can be good for you?
Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with some health benefits: reduced risk of heart attack and stroke; increases HDL
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How could alcohol be beneficial?
It's a slippery slope. Although there are health benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption, it's not clear if it's truly alcohol itself or the lifestyle
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What are the health benefits of drinking red wine?
Red wine consumed in moderation has been associated with improved heart health and reduced risk of related diseases such as obesity and diabetes
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Does red wine make my heart healthy?
It may help if you eat well and exercise regularly. It has long been thought that red wine confers protective effects against heart disease because
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Why is red wine beneficial to my health?
Red wine consumed in moderation has been associated with improved heart health and reduced risk of related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
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What are the health benefits of red wine?
Red wine consumed in moderation has been associated with improved heart health and reduced risk of related diseases such as obesity
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Does white wine provide the same heart benefits as red wine?
Maybe not all the benefits related to red wine's purported protection against cardiovascular disease, but white wine probably also delivers
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Do endurance athletes need more antioxidants?
Probably, and there is certainly no downside to adding higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are part of our body's antioxidant systems to your
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3. Will supplementation be necessary to improving fitness levels?
If you’re eat perfectly all the time and you get optimal amounts of exercise every day, then you can certainly improve your fitness levels without supplementation but the long term
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4. Can nutrition be a barrier to improving fitness levels?
Nutrition is almost always the barrier to improving fitness levels or breaking through plateaus. Poor nutrition means poor fitness and improper nutrition for your fitness goal equates to no progress
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What are some healthy snacks for football game time?
You asked the right person because first, we are big football fans as we all played growing up and our son is currently playing Division 1 at CU Boulder. Second, we love to eat
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How can I avoid drinking too much during the holidays?
Plan, record, dilute, pace, eat, leave, and remember (see below). The other part of the answer is to avoid a few of the functions where you know everyone will be drinking more
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What's the best way to treat a hangover?
Hangover cures are mostly wishful thinking or personal if someone feels that something works for them. There is only one tried and true hangover reliever:
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Is there any way to prevent a hangover besides abstaining?
Besides drinking slightly less alcohol and/or spacing (at least an hour between drinks) your total consumption evenly throughout the event so
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Is it okay to break my diet over the holidays?
Yes, as long as you make it up if you are striving to arrive at a weight loss goal by a certain date. Otherwise put your diet on hold and just maintain your weight
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How do I know if I'm well hydrated?
If you're an athlete, follow the guidelines shown below and you will be hydrated perfectly. You can't trust your thirst. The sensation of thirst occurs when the water deficit is ~2% of body mass. Performance can
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Should elderly people with low sodium drink less water and more salt?
If a blood or urine test administered by your physician has confirmed that you have low levels of sodium you have options. Depending on the severity they may recommend
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What are treatment options for headaches after exercising?
Exercise headaches occur during or after sustained, strenuous exercise. Activities most commonly associated with exercise headaches are running, rowing, tennis,
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What foods are good for high blood pressure?
Foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat and that emphasize fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products are good for high blood pressure
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What is the best way to detoxify my body?
You don't need to. The notion that fasting cleanses actually “clean” the body is more of a marketing ploy than sound science. The human body naturally expels toxins via detoxification
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How long can you store green tea bought from China?
A double-walled stainless steel tea tin is the best way to keep your green tea fresh for up to a year. Green tea needs to be kept away from
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What are the health benefits of lemon juice in hot water?
Bioflavonoids contained in lemon have antioxidant effects and are thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects of lemon. Coumarins found in lemon appear to reduce free radical
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Can pink grapefruit cause breast cancer?
While the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, pink grapefruit would be a huge stretch to say it could be a culprit. There are certain risk factors that are linked to the disease (e.g. gender,
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What is a good substitute for nuts?
If you are allergic to nuts there are good substitutes such as olives, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and avocados and are all excellent sources of the nutrients, including unsaturated
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Is drinking urine healthy?
Urine is 95% water of which 2.5% is urea and 2.5% a mixture of minerals, salts, hormones and enzymes. The small amounts of toxins that are found in urine are not abundant enough
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Would bottled water be the best to drink?
In the US it's basically up to your taste buds; in fact tap water in many areas has been shown to superior to some bottled waters. And much of the bottle water we purchase came from
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Where can I find wild salmon?
If you are looking for wild salmon, check your local grocery store or specialty grocery store in your neighborhood. You can also find wild salmon in the wild. Just kidding, but true. Like wild salmon
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What is a good herbal cleansing plan?
While we don't necessarily recommend "cleansing" because it's more marketing than science, if you choose to do so here is some important information on herbal cleanses. Herbal formulas
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How do I know what qualifies as processed food?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a processed food is defined as any food other than a raw agricultural commodity and includes any raw agricultural commodity that
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What dried herbs can be used for a salt substitute?
All-natural herbs & spices like onion, black pepper, parsley & basil can be used as a salt substitute without sacrificing flavor. Mrs. Dash offers 14 different seasonings that are salt-free.
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Are there any side effects from eating cranberries?
Orally, cranberry is usually well tolerated and certainly at a normal intake of 1-2 cups/day. However, in very large doses, for example 12-17 cups/day of juice, cranberry can cause
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How long does it take for caffeine to leave your system?
The half-life, which is the time required by the body to metabolize or inactivate 1/2 of a substance activity, for caffeine (doses lower than 4.50mg/lb) ranges from 2.5 to 10hrs. Meaning, caffeine
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Is there some combination of raisins and gin that lowers cholesterol?
No. You may be thinking of the home remedy for decreasing rheumatoid. The golden raisin and gin cure is purported to reduce inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis. Gin is the
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Are wild meats like deer meat healthier to eat?
Generally yes because they have far less fat and calories than their penned in counterparts like cows or pigs that end up in the meat markets. Wild meats such as venison (which
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Is hot green tea better for you than cold green tea?
As long as you steep it long enough to release the antioxidants, you can drink it hot or cold and get the same potential health benefits. Research has shown
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What are the benefits of African Mangos?
Irvingia Gabonensis (IGOB131), the extract found in African Mango seed, has been studied both in petri dishes and humans (two studies to date). Referred to as “Dika nuts” by locals
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When making rum and raisins, do I use dark or golden raisins?
The raisin and “insert favorite liquor here” cure is purported to reduce inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis. Gin is the preferred liquor. Gin contains juniper berries, which give gin its
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What is the African Mango diet?
The African Mango diet is the newest diet/supplement on the market promising rapid weight loss by eliminating unwanted fats from the body. Eating a specific wild mango from
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Should I avoid soybeans with ductal carcinoma in situ?
Currently, there is no research to show that soy has adverse effects with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Soy isoflavones (found in soybeans) are currently being researched to help
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How should I take beta-sitosterol?
Beta-sitoserol can be found in various sources of the plant kingdom (i.e. cashews, avocados, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, corn oil and soy beans) and also in fortified margarine and
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What is the best way to clean vegetables?
Make sure that you are washing both vegetables and fruits separately from fresh cuts of meat, eggs, etc., in order to avoid cross contamination. Rinse fruits and vegetables with warm
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Which is better for you, oleo or butter?
Oleo is better known as margarine and is used as a butter substitute. Oleo is made from vegetable oil and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. Due to it needing to go through
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Could cabbage juice cure ulcers?
There is some compelling research that demonstrates that cabbage juice may assist with ulcers (ulcerative colitis). Since cabbage, being a vegetable, has other health benefits, it will
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What is suma herbal root?
Suma root is also known as Brazilian ginseng and is found in South America. Suma herbal root is used for many purposes but mainly as an adaptogen (helps the body deal with
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Is Mila effective in lowering cholesterol?
There is some compelling research that demonstrates that Mila (a botanical source, from the chia seed, of omega-3s and other potentially healthful nutrients) may be effective at
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What supplements should women over 40 take?
Below is our general health recommendation for all adult women up to age 50 years who are not trying to conceive, not pregnant or lactating.
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Are butter alternatives healthy?
Margarine is made from vegetable oil, is low in saturated fat and is cholesterol-free. Due to it needing to go through a hydrogenation process so it can be solid at room temperature, it
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What is the difference between whole grain and refined grains?
Refined grains are grains that have been processed where typically the germ and the bran have been removed. This process removes nearly 80% of the nutrition from the grain and
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What is the nutritional value of halibut?
A 5.5 oz/155 gram (approximately 1Ž2 of a fillet) fillet of Atlantic or Pacific Halibut provides 220 calories, 42 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fat (no
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Can my body make all the amino acids I need?
No, our bodies only produce what is known as the non-essential amino acids (NEAA). The other amino acids, known as the essential amino acids (EAA), which the body cannot
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What healthy nuts should I keep in my pantry?
Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews and pecans provide a great source of protein, minerals, "good" monounsaturated fats and other nutrients and they are also good
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What are some healthy proteins I can eat for breakfast?
There are many healthy proteins choices for breakfast but it's a matter of personal taste. Eggs are most common and healthy as long as you don't eat too many. One whole egg daily
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What are some healthy proteins I can eat for lunch or dinner?
The options for a healthy lunch or dinner are increasing daily. You can have it all in your salad by adding your favorite protein like chicken, lean beef, fish, etc. This is a great choice
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What are lipoproteins?
Lipoproteins are the principal means by which lipids (fat) are transported in the blood. These lipoproteins are characterized by their density: high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density
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What is instant protein?
Instant Protein is a brand name for a powdered, protein supplement/replacement that is currently available on the market, but it is also a name people use for a quick and easy way to
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How does instant protein work?
Instant protein is a type of protein supplement/replacement that is used as a quick and easy way to replace or supplement their diet with additional or required protein in a quick and
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What are the side effects of instant protein?
Unless your doctor has diagnosed you with a condition where you need to avoid this type of protein or simply need to keep your protein level below a certain amount, there should be
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Who should not use instant protein?
Instant protein (also known as protein powders/replacements) should not be used by people with kidney disorders, Phenylketonuria or any other condition that does not allow excess
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Who should take instant protein?
Instant protein (also known as protein powders/replacements) is a quick and easy way to replace or supplement your diet with additional or required protein. Someone who is in need
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What is the maximum daily dosage of instant protein?
Typically, 20-25 grams of protein per meal for most individuals but no one, unless instructed by their physician, should consume all their daily protein needs from a supplement. Use a
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What type of fruit juice is the healthiest?
While 100% fruit juices are much healthier than sugary sodas, pomegranate juice was ranked #1 according to a UCLA study based on levels of antioxidants. Pomegranate
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Is Juice Plus+ worth the extra money?
It is recommended that we eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This task can be a chore to accomplish on a daily basis. It is always a good practice to do everything
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What diet should I follow after I have my gallbladder removed?
After Gallbladder surgery, many foods that were commonly eaten before the surgery now cause pain and discomfort. This is due to the body no longer being able to process certain
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Which artificial sweetener is the best?
There are a number of artificial sweeteners to choose from. It is difficult to determine which is the best, since they are all considered safe for the general population, when used at moderate levels.
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Will coconut oil rise your blood pressure?
Coconut oil is a very heat-stable oil thus it is suited to methods of cooking at high temperatures such as frying. Due to its stability, it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidity
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What is the amount of soy a person should have?
The issue of soy and isoflavone activity is in question today based on its potential effect on estrogen levels. Until more definitive research is available, 1 serving per day should be a
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What are some calcium alternatives?
There are a number of different delivery systems for increasing calcium in the diet. Obviously, the most popular and easiest/most convenient way to ingest calcium is from dairy
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What benefits does almond milk have?
Almond milk is derived from the processing of almonds and is a good option for people who are lactose intolerant. Almond milk provides ~60calories/cup which is much lower than
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Do we have toxic water in our bodies that prevent weight loss?
The short answer is NO. When our calorie intake consistently exceeds or matches our calorie burn, we do not lose weight. Period. Sources that claim toxins within our bodies cause
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What are good foods to eat that are low in phosphorus?
Low Phosphorus Fruits, (One Carbohydrate Serving (15 grams)) Apples, plums, tangerines one small fruit (size of a tennis ball) strawberries,
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What is the maximum dosage of B vitamins?
The B vitamins include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxamine), B7 (biotin) B9 (folic acid), and B12. They are together or separately
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Are some vegetables bad for my health?
No (other than how we may cook them, like french fries and onion rings). Our children at the dinner table may not think so but a diet high in vegetables has always been considered a
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Are peanuts harmful if you eat too many?
Unless you have a peanut allergy, eating a large amount of peanuts at one sitting will only add calories to daily your intake. Peanuts pack in calories and fat, but most of the fat is
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. Can eating beets prevent dementia or memory loss?
Beets are a great source of healthy nitrates, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure. Researchers have found that ~25% of nitrates from beets are absorbed in the
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Is it healthy to drink only juice for a month?
The short answer is no. Juice does not contain adequate amounts of carbohydrate, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that your body needs on a daily basis to optimally perform its
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How much flavonoids should I eat per day?
Flavonoids consist of a large family of compounds found and made in plants called polyphenols. Scientists are interested in the potential health benefits of flavonoids associated with
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Should I take a daily multivitamin and if so, which one?
All persons of all ages should use a daily MVM to complement one’s best efforts to define and consume a proper diet. At a minimum, MVM supplementation is insurance against
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Are supplements necessary in a healthy diet?
If your diet fails to meet your nutrient needs, then supplementation is always a valid recommendation.
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Why do I need vitamins in my diet?
By their very definition, vitamins (and minerals) are essential nutrients. Essential substances, when discussing nutrition, are those that the body cannot manufacture at all or in
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How do B-vitamins affect my brain as I age?
Vitamins B6 and B12 are both involved in systems that keep the amino acid’s derivative homocysteine in check. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with higher risk of many
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What is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamins?
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake of a nutrient that is sufficient to meet the requirement of nearly all (97-98%) healthy persons. DRI’s have
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Does white wine have any health benefits?
White wine, like most alcohol products, has its impact on health. White wine has many of the same health benefits attributed to red wine, it just gets it done with different substances.
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Is it better to eat salad before or after your meal?
This appears to be more of a cultural issue than a scientific one. Many European countries customarily eat the salad after the main meal, while Americans tend to eat it before
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What foods should I eat if I have high cholesterol?
There are several simple dietary changes you can make to positively impact your cholesterol. For one, increase your soluble fiber intake. Foods high in soluble fiber include oatmeal
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Are wild caught fish from China safe to consume?
There are definitely concerns when it comes to seafood imported from China. Historically, they have been higher in unapproved
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What are the benefits of drinking soy milk?
Despite the belief that soy milk must offer a variety of health benefits, that is not accurate. It is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, but has essentially the same calorie and
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Does coffee have to be black to be healthy?
Coffee consumption may help prevent several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, mellitus, Parkinson's disease and liver disease (cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma).
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Is eating raw oatmeal harmful?
No, but most think it is a bit dry. Uncooked oats are in many cereals, like Meusli, and are often used by bodybuilders or others trying to gain weight. Keep in mind that a serving of one
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Can too much folic acid offset the benefits of other vitamins?
Excessive folate intake can mask B12 deficiency symptoms. For that reason the upper level (UL) of folic acid
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How is high iron level treated?
High blood iron, hemochromatosis, has two types: primary and secondary. Primary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition where too much iron is absorbed by the body and it builds
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Can vitamin B decrease the rate of hair loss?
There are eight different B vitamins. They are involved with a wide variety of metabolic and bodily processes. Folate, for example, is involved in cell division and growth. Certainly if
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What are specific benefits to taking D-ribose?
For a healthy person, probably none. However, it has been used for improving athletic performance, though this has not been substantiated in controlled studies. Additionally, it is used
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Can too much vitamin B cause hair loss?
Not likely. In fact, generally the opposite is experienced. Many people with poor diets notice an improvement in hair growth and quality when increasing B vitamin content in their diets
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What calcium supplements are beneficial for men?
If you are unable to meet your calcium needs through your diet, then any calcium supplement can be useful. The highest amount of calcium by weight is calcium carbonate, at 42%. It
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What is a good nutritional plan to follow?
There are as many options here as there are people to follow them. Ideally, it is one that nourishes your body and suits your likes and lifestyle. To help you in designing healthy menus,
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Does craving salt mean an imbalance in my body?
Not necessarily. There are a few instinctual, inborn cravings in humans, designed to help us when food availability was not as reliable as it is today. These include the taste for sweet,
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What is the treatment for low vitamin D?
Vitamin D, of course. Depending upon the degree of inadequacy and other factors, high-dose vitamin D supplements are often prescribed by a physician. Regular supplementation and
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What vitamins are recommended for women in their thirties?
What supplements, if any, one should take are affected not only by diet, but by one’s desired health outcome. Supplements, as the name implies, are just that, a supplement to one’s
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Does almond milk contain cholesterol?
None. Only animal products contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is synthesized in the body of living things.
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Is it better to take Probiotic pill or live culture yogurt?
Both ways are simply different delivery systems for the live cultures. Yogurt or live culture beverages are common in many countries. Probiotics, the live active cultures, exist in many
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Can the phytoestrogens in soy be harmful?
Soy and soy-based foods contain phytoestrogens and their consumption at high levels in many countries has occurred for decades with no problems. When the possibility of the
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