Food is the fuel that provides the body with energy, but not every diet is equally energy promoting. Some foods pep you up, while others drag you down.
Ironically, many of the foods we rely on for quick energy actually make us feel more fatigued. Energy bars masquerade as health food, but many of them are loaded with sugar. Sodas, too, provide a quick pick-me-up, but as soon as your body burns through the sugar your blood sugar level will dip, leading to a sharp drop in energy. Although coffee seems to offer an energy boost in the morning, that boost is fleeting. Caffeine tends to make the body crash a couple of hours later.
Complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein form the foundations of an energy diet. Carbohydrates are the body?s biggest energy source, but some types are better than others. The body burns complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains more slowly than it does simple carbs from white bread, cookies, and muffins, so complex carbs provide more consistent energy. These foods are also an abundant source of vitamins and minerals, which help the body use energy more efficiently.
When carbs have been used up, the body turns to protein and fat for energy. Lean protein from fish, skinless chicken, beans, and tofu provide a burst of energy without adding extra calories to the diet. The healthiest types of fat are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, found in vegetable oils, nuts, and fish. Iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and seafood are another important energy diet component. Iron transports oxygen to the tissues. Without enough iron, energy levels quickly drop.
Eating steadily throughout the day helps keep blood sugar levels stable and prevents energy dips. An energy diet includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few snacks in between meals. Each meal should incorporate elements from all essential food groups: fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Alternative treatment options can be a good adjunct to medication when it comes to managing arthritis symptoms. Some of the options address physical causes of pain, but don’t forget that chronic pain is complicated.
In arthritis, tissue inflammation, bone erosion, and nerve impingement can combine to “rewire” your nervous system, making … Read More
Have you ever been warned that you should cut bread out of your diet because it's full of carbohydrates, makes you gain weight, and is bad for your health? If you’re a bread lover, sourdough bread may be a great option.
Sourdough bread's health benefits make it an … Read More
Close your eyes and sit up straight. Take a deep breath while you count to five, then count to five again as you exhale. Go ahead and try it right now for six breaths. It feels good, doesn’t it? Here’s what happens when you do easy breathing exercises:
There are several reasons why certain foods are good for your cholesterol and your heart health. Some have direct effects on reducing LDL and/or triglycerides. Others are more filling and, if they’re low in calories, will help with weight loss. Plus, by filling up on these healthier options, you’re not … Read More
The “abs” get most of the attention in advertisements for strength devices, and a big waist is something almost everyone tries to avoid. But the first sign of weak core muscles is poor posture—both standing and sitting. Other signs are back pain and muscle weakness.
The American Physical Therapy Association … Read More
SIBO treatment (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is often needed for many people with chronic gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. (Find a full discussion of SIBO symptoms by clicking here.)
An increasingly recognized problem, SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally occupy the colon migrate to the Read More
As someone who’s had five surgeries in the past six years (a result of my hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), I know a thing or two about scars—namely, that they can be an eyesore. For years, I’ve struggled to find a scar treatment that works to minimize … Read More
A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first section of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Gastric ulcers can occur anywhere in the stomach, but are most common in the lower part (antrum). Duodenal ulcers occur in the first few … Read More
Other than the fact that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is a simple blood test, little else about this cornerstone of prostate cancer screening is simple. That includes the question of whether there are normal PSA levels by age. Generally, your risk of having prostate cancer increases … Read More
Pain behind knee can be caused by a variety of conditions, the vast majority of which are injury-related. Some systemic diseases, however, can cause pain-behind-knee symptoms, and some life-threatening diseases also can be a source.
Here, we take a closer look at injuries as well as diseases that might lead to … Read More
