What Are Essential Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fats are produced in the leaves of green plants and algae in our oceans. These plants and algae are then consumed by shellfish and cold-water fish, which results in concentrations of Omega-3 in their fat. Omega-6 fats are found primarily in land-based seeds and grains, and are concentrated in the fat of the animals that eat them, such as cows, pigs and chickens. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are necessary for human cell membranes to function; however keeping the appropriate balance between the two is important, as they compete with one another for metabolic conversion. Because the typical American diet relies on food products made from soy, corn and the animals that feed on them, ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats in Americans tend to range between 10:1 and 30:1, with an average of around 15:1. As a result, unless you are following a very low fat diet, the ideal ratio of 1 to 1 between Omega-3 and Omega-6 is difficult to obtain.

Medical research suggests that excessive levels of Omega-6 fats increase the probability of many dieases, including cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended that only 5 to 10 percent of your diet be made up of Omega-6 fats. Conversely, increased consumption of Omega-3 fats, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. Of EPA and DHA, research suggests that EPA is substantially more effective in improving cardiovascular health, including through the reduction of triglycerides in the body. The most widely available dietary source of EPA and DHA is cold-water, oily fish, such as anchovies, salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines. Oils from these fish contain approximately seven times as much Omega-3 as Omega-6. Other oily fish, such as tuna, also contain Omega-3, though in lesser amounts. Consumers of oily fish, particularly larger species, should be aware of the potential presence of heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and fat-soluble pollutants like PCBs and dioxins, which accumulate up the food chain.

The AHA recently issued its first ever statement on triglyceride management, which includes recommendations for eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) intake that are based on an analysis of more than 500 international studies over the past 30 years. In conjunction with other important lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and weight loss, The AHA recommends a daily intake of 500 - 1,000 mg of EPA/DHA for individuals with borderline high triglycerides (150-199 milligrams per deciliter), 1,000 - 2,000 mg for individuals with high triglycerides (200-499 mg/dL), and 2,000 - 4,000 mg for individuals with very high triglycerides (=500 mg/dL). Optimal triglyceride levels are considered to be 100 mg/dL or lower. According to The AHA, more than 31% of the United States population's triglyceride levels are at least borderline high.

In addition to its recommendations regarding triglyceride management, The AHA has recommended that individuals with a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) consume at least 1,000 mg of EPA/DHA daily. CHD is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries over a number of years resulting in a hardening of the arteries, which is referred to as atherosclerosis. CHD is the most common heart disease in the United States and is the number one cause of death in both men and women. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack as a result of CHD, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. Elevated triglyceride levels have long been associated with CHD.

To obtain the AHA recommended 1 gram of Omega-3 fats per day and to help achieve the desired ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fats, you should avoid cooking oils that are high in Omega-6 fats, such as corn, soybean, sunflower and peanut, and consume foods that are high in Omega-3 fats, particularly cold-water, oily fish, at least two to three times per week. Commercially prepared fried fish such as that served in restaurants and fast food establishments, as well as many frozen, convenience-type fried fish products, should be avoided because they are low in Omega-3 and high in trans-fatty acids.

If you have difficulty consuming The AHA's recommended amount of Omega-3 fats through your diet, or if your health care provider has suggested that you consume a higher amount of Omega-3 than can reasonably be obtained through food, you should consider adding a pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 supplement. A pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 supplement will contain at least 1 gram of Omega-3 fats per standard size capsule, and will be predominantly made up of EPA and DHA with little or no saturated fat.

Try Ocean Blue® Professional Omega-3 2100™ http://www.oceanblueprofessional.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=700

Ever take fish oil because the doctor says so? Well, you might as well ingest a stick of butter instead because the amount of fat in fish oil is very high. Check the lables. You will see essential fatty acids like Omega-3 - a combination of DHA and EPA is availabe in professional grade products without a prescription at your local pharmacy or direct from http://www.oceanblueprofessional.com/. They also have samples you can order straight from their website. Order and get healthy!

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What Is Stevia? 5 Reasons Why You Should Consume It

If you are struggling with diabetes or obesity then you need to know the answer to 'What is Stevia'. This is tropical plant, native to certain parts of North and South America, which has become popular all over the world because of its sweet leaves. As a matter of fact, this plant is also sometimes known as sweet leaf or sugar leaf (in English and its equivalent in other languages).

It is a well-known fact that you'll have to reduce your sugar intake in order to lose weight and also to bring your diabetes under control. There are no doubt many artificial sweeteners available in the market these days but they are not particularly good for the health. Once you find out what is Stevia and why it is so popular all over the world you too will want to use it.

- This is a completely natural product. Unlike products that contain aspartmine, for instance, Stevia extracts do not contain any artificial chemicals.

- Stevia extracts do not have any negative side effects. On the other hand, certain artificial sweeteners can only be taken in small quantities because of their negative effects. You can use this product to sweeten various foods and beverages that you consume on a daily basis.

- Stevia can be used during cooking. It does not break down under high heat and therefore does not ruin the taste of the food.

- It is versatile. This sugar substitute is available in powder, pill or liquid form which enables you to use it in any way that is convenient.

- The taste lasts longer than that of real sugar. This enables you to use limited quantities of it in order to get the desired effect.

You do need to be aware of the fact that Stevia does not taste too good if it is used in very high concentrations. This product also has a very unusual taste that most people take time to get used to. It is a good idea to try out different brands of Stevia extracts in order to find out which one suits your needs the best. You can also use it along with sugar; this enables you to get the desired texture and consistency of the finished product without increasing your calorie intake.

Now that you have found the answer to what is Stevia you should switch to using this substance immediately. You'll be able to get various health issues under control.

Find out what is Stevia and how it can help improve your health. Read about the different benefits offered by this natural sweetener.

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Using a Walk In Clinic May Benefit You

There are numerous benefits to using a walk in clinic for your health care needs. Many individuals turn to these locations as their first stop in getting the help they need. It could be getting over the flu or for health screening aid. The many functions of these facilities make them a go-to solution for virtually any need you may have. Though there are emergencies best left to the ER and standard ailments you should see your primary care physician for, everything in between may be handled at one of these nearly facilities.

Handling Health Needs

If you are ill or have a potentially broken bone, use a walk in clinic to get the help you need. These facilities will answer your questions and provide outstanding information to you. They can diagnose conditions including viruses and bacterial infections. They can help with muscle tears and strains. They provide service from broken bones. Most will also provide prescription medications as necessary. Many will handle virtually any type of non-threatening health ailment for you.

Screenings and Shots

Another reason to go to one of these clinics is to get the care you need for health screenings. Does your primary care doctor need you to get blood work done on a regular basis? Do you need to have x-rays, CT scans, or other diagnostic tools and want to do so close to home? You may need immunizations for your children to start school or others for traveling overseas. These are all services these professionals can offer to you at these facilities.

The Benefits

The benefits of using these facilities include having access to the medical care you need right away and paying less than going to an ER. Additionally, you will benefit from being able to get in and out without an appointment, which is often the hard part of using a traditional doctor's office. If you have a medical emergency that relates to life-threatening conditions, there is no better place for you than at a hospital. However, for just about any other need, make these clinics the place you go for first-hand help.

Walk in clinic options in your area may range significantly. Most do accept insurance coverage, but you will need to find out what the coverage is. Additionally, it is a good idea to determine who the providers are and ensure the location has a solid reputation. Once you do this, you can rely on these services repeatedly for any type of health ailments and concerns that come up. That can help you to breathe easier in overcoming that cold or help you to get answers to your health questions.

For residents of chula vista walk in clinic services can be a great benefit. If you are suffering from an illness or injury that is not life threatening, visit http://www.doctorsexpresssandiego.com/ for more information.

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General Dentistry - Does Your Dentist Ensure A Stress Free Procedure?

Are you one of the many people who have terrible but irrational fears of the dentist? If so, every trip to the dentist will be a stressful experience for you and you might even avoid getting your teeth treated. These fears generally originate in one's childhood and they never really go away unless the right remedial steps are taken. A really good general dentistry clinic will ensure that the procedure is nothing to be afraid of.

You need to start by selecting a really good general dentistry clinic to patronize. The latest dental equipment is designed to get the work done quickly and with the least possible trauma to the tooth and the surrounding tissue. Be sure to select a clinic that is equipped with the latest tools.

Certain dentists have a lot of experience in the use of anesthetics and anti-anxiety medication. It is best to get your teeth looked after by such a dentist. The right medications will ensure that any procedure, whether it is a simple filling or a complicated root canal surgery, is quite painless. In fact, if your anxiety is very bad then the dentist will prescribe you anti-anxiety pills to be consumed before you arrive at the clinic.

Many dentists ensure that their clinics have a very serene atmosphere because this helps to bring down the stress levels of patients. These clinics tend to have a lot of potted plants, fish tanks and piped music which give the place a peaceful atmosphere. The best clinics also have a water feature because the sound of running water is believed to be very relaxing. Your dentist might also install a television screen on the ceiling above the dentist chair so that you can view it when your teeth are being worked on.

Once you have had a couple of painless and stress free trips to the dentist, you will realize that there is absolutely nothing to be scared of. Your teeth will be in better shape because you will no longer look for excuses to not get them treated. The confidence levels are sure to go high up!

Be sure to select a really good general dentistry clinic where you can get a variety of treatments done in a very relaxing ambience. If you have kids then you ought to only take them to such a clinic so that they too do not develop this lasting fear of dentists.

Be sure to select a really good general dentistry San Francisco clinic to get your work done. Find out whether the dentist can give you a stress- and pain-free experience.

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Finding a Walk In Clinic to Use When You Need It

No one likes to wait for medical attention. Many people simply choose to forgo it in minor situations (and sometimes situations that aren't so minor) because they know it will entail an endless stay in the waiting room. And if the only alternative is to make a doctor's appointment, you're turning what might be a five or six hour wait into one that could take as long as several weeks. Thankfully, the doctor's appointment isn't the only alternative. In your area, you probably have several facilities that fall right in the middle: the walk in clinic. These places fill a much-needed gap between the ER and the doctor's appointment. Find one now so you can use it when the need arises.

Location
If you have a broken arm or a cold, you don't want to drive across town to get treatment. Therefore, it's important to find a walk in clinic that is conveniently located. Whether you would prefer to have one close to work or home is up to you, but these are considerations worth taking into account. If you have children, you may also want to consider the proximity of the facility to their school. A final thought: you may want to find one near the hospital. You never know when you might visit the doctor for a reason that is more serious than you first thought. If you need to go on to the ER, it helps if it is close by.

Availability
A walk in clinic can't do you any good if it's closed when you need it most. Unfortunately, many of these places keep hours that more closely resemble those of a bank than those of a hospital. Make sure you factor their open hours before making a decision. If you get comfortable with one of these facilities and then have to go to the ER anyway because happened to hurt yourself on a Saturday, what was the point? You're not going to find a place that is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, but you should look for the best combination of available hours and convenient location.

Insurance
An unfortunate reality in our modern health care system is that you have to choose a walk in clinic that will take your insurance. Going outside your network could send your prices skyrocketing. While you're unlikely to encounter the kinds of bills at one of these private facilities that you would at the hospital, the prices are still often too high to pay on your own. Make sure your insurance will be taken at the place you choose.

An edgewater md walk in clinic can be a great alternative to the ER or doctor's office. Visit http://www.doctorsexpressedgewater.com/ for a reliable source of medical care.

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Top Tips to Whet Your Appetite

While most of the world would prefer to feel less hungry, people who are underweight may want to increase their appetite so they can gain weight and achieve a healthy a size. Poor appetite has a multitude of causes, but some cause's can lie in the digestive tract and nearby organs. Almost every stomach and intestinal problem will disturb appetite, including constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion and ulcers. Disorders of the gall-bladder, pancreas and liver can be a source of slow digestion from a lack of enzymes, and this in turn can cause appetite loss. When you need to consume more calories, try some simple techniques to increase your desire for food.

Get cooking. Prepare as many meals yourself as possible. Chopping, preparing and simmering food create incredible aromas. It doesn't only make your kitchen smell lovely; it also kicks off the secretion of digestive enzymes. Touching, tasting and smelling food before you eat it will prepare the body for digestion and improve your psychological relationship with food.

Appealing taste is vital for a hearty appetite. Healthy foods don't have to be bland. Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavours and aromas in your foods.

Eat regularly. Eat at least every 4-5 hours. Our bodies need regular fuel to maintain blood sugar levels & metabolism but enough time to complete digestion before more food is eaten.

Be mindful not to unintentionally isolate someone who has no appetite. Meals are typically social times; not being able to participate in them can feel lonely.

Read food magazines or find our nutritionists' recipes on our website. Those are bound to whet your appetite!

Drinking during a meal can hinder digestion as well as appetite. Wait until sometime after the meal.

Add cinnamon to your food. Cinnamon stimulates your appetite naturally. Other spices that increase appetite are ginger, peppermint, fennel, clove, cardamom and anise.

B vitamins or a B complex can be taken instead of, or in conjunction with yeast. Many green foods, especially alfalfa, are highly nourishing and stimulate appetite.

Vitamin C deficiency can cause loss of appetite. Vitamin C can be obtained through eating fruit and vegetables. An alternative method of obtaining enough vitamin C is through supplementation. A good product like Mixed Ascorbates provides 1g of vitamin C with magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and manganese and around 4g of antioxidant-rich berry extracts. It makes a great tasting antioxidant drink when mixed with water.

Zinc appears to stimulate appetite; researchers have conducted numerous studies on zinc and appetite in relation to eating disorders.

Bitter herb juices taken half an hour before meals, are excellent for stimulating the appetite

Snacks between meals should provide proteins, the essential fatty acids omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. Some examples are avocados, nuts and nut butters, tuna and chicken.

Lactic acid fermented foods such as natural, unsweetened yogurt or kefir or probiotic supplements ( hyperlink Bio-Acidophilus) are also very beneficial to digestion and optimal absorption of nutrients because they create a healthy bacterial environment in the intestines.

Whole oats are very rich in proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and cellulose, which stimulates intestinal activity.

Food is such an important part of our lives, getting the right nutrients from it is integral to a healthy lifestyle. This isn't always easy for everyone to do, but sometimes a few small changes can make a big difference.

Chris Martin Sewell, Health Expert at Totally Nourish. Established since 2008, Totally Nourish is a leading UK online health store specialising in health supplements and vitamins, health foods, dietary supplements for the Low GL diet, skin care, beauty care and make up, Patrick Holford supplements and more. Fast dispatch and delivery available. Also available onsite is FREE confidential expert nutrition advice, health news and articles and also a low GL diet recipes section.

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What An Ophthalmology Specialist Can Do For You

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that is about the study, as well as the treatment, of disorders and diseases that affect the eye. When it comes to the health of your eyes, you may see a variety of eye specialists that start with the letter "o." There are ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. All of these professionals play an important role in keeping your eyes in good health. Each professional is different, however. It is important that you go to the appropriate provider for your specific condition, or for the treatment that is required.

An eye doctor is a physician who specializes in the field of ophthalmology. This doctor is known as an ophthalmologist. These eye care physicians can do many things, including performing eye examinations, prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, and performing a variety of eye surgeries.

Ophthalmology also has to do with scientific research. Many specialists in this field conduct research studies as they attempt to further the knowledge and technology associated with the eyes. They educate others about the causes and possible cures for various eye disorders and diseases. They also look further into what causes vision conditions to arise.

An individual who studies to become an ophthalmologist spends more years in school and has more training than optometrists and opticians. These people are licensed to practice medicine and to perform both complex and delicate operations on the eye. Those who study in this medical area spend four years in college and then from there, four years in medical school. They also must complete a one-year internship. There is also at least three years of residency to complete, which is training that is hospital-based. During residence, the student of ophthalmology learns about the diagnosis of eye problems and studies the medical and surgical treatments that are available.

After the eye care professional completes their requisite years of medical education and training, they then must pass a rigorous examination that is delivered in two parts. This examination is given by the Board of Ophthalmology. Once the person passes the exam, they can then look for their first job as a qualified professional.

A doctor who works with vision conditions can choose to become a subspecialist if they so choose. He can select a particular area of medical or surgical eye care. A fellowship will need to be completed, which will require one to two years of additional training in the select area. Common areas of subspecialty for vision care providers include pediatrics, glaucoma, cornea, retina and plastic surgery.

The optometrist you go to will send you to an ophthalmologist for an examination and evaluation if you have decreased vision (even if it is only temporary), distorted vision, or floaters in front of your eyes. There can be many reasons why you would be referred to such a medical practitioner.

If you need help with your vision, a Brooklyn ophthalmology specialist can help you. Visit the following for skilled care and cutting-edge technology: http://www.brightoneye.com/.

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