Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are prevalent conditions that are treated by lifestyle adjustments that include weight loss, exercise and dietary modification. Spices such as cinnamon, caper, coriander, fenugreek, garlic and ginger can all help to minimize the effects of these conditions.
Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome is not only considered a disease in its own right, but is also a precursor to Type II diabetes and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is thought to affect up to 25% of the USA population most of whom are unaware that they have the condition.
American Heart Association criteria for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome are:
� Elevated waist circumference: Men over 42 inches, women over 35 inches
� Elevated triglycerides: Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL
� Reduced HDL ("good") cholesterol: Men � Less than 40 mg/dL,Women � less than 50 mg/dL
� Blood pressure over 130/85 mm Hg or use of medication for hypertension
� Fasting blood glucose over100 mg/dL or use of medication for hyperglycemia
One of the features of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance which is also the main pathology underlying Type II diabetes.
Before a cell will allow glucose through its protective membrane, its insulin receptor must be "turned on" by insulin or a chemical mimic. Insulin resistance occurs when the receptor develops a weakened response to insulin resulting in the cell's failure to absorb sufficient quantities of glucose from the blood. This results in energy deprivation for the cells and raised blood glucose levels.
The primary cause of this weakened insulin receptor response is the chronic over-production of insulin. Not only does too much insulin lead to receptor failure, but wide fluctuations in insulin levels are also known to be an important cause of this condition. A useful analogy is that of forcing an oversized key (high insulin levels) into a lock (insulin receptor). After a while, the excessive wear and tear caused by the large key results in damage to the lock making it increasingly harder to turn. If this continues for long enough, the lock wears out and fails to work. These oscillating insulin levels are closely associated with central obesity and a diet high in refined carbohydrate foods.
The primary treatment of metabolic syndrome is that of lifestyle changes. It is vital for those with this disease to lose weight by eating correctly and exercising more. High glycemic index foods should be eliminated altogether as these are the main culprits when it comes to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Another invaluable dietary tool for preventing and managing metabolic syndrome are the spices. These foods counter disease processes in several ways and can be tremendously helpful in countering both metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
� Cinnamon, for example, is a potent inducer of insulin sensitivity and the addition of as little as one gram a day to the diet can reduce abnormal blood glucose levels by a staggering 30 percent. It does this by enhancing the enzymes that increase insulin receptor sensitivity and inhibiting those enzymes with the opposite action. Cinnamon has the added benefit of lowering the abnormal lipid levels commonly found in metabolic syndrome and reducing the oxidative stress caused by lipid oxidation in these patients.
� Fenugreek is also highly effective at modulating glucose metabolism and can lower blood glucose by up to 45 percent. This spice both increases insulin receptor sensitivity and normalizes the imbalanced blood lipid levels of diabetics. The fiber contained in fenugreek also lowers the glycemic index of a meal, thus modulating the post-prandial blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of high glycemic index foods.
� Ginger and caper counter insulin resistance by increasing sensitivity to insulin.
� Capers, coriander and garlic mimic the effects of insulin on the cell receptors while coriander enhances insulin secretion by the pancreas.
� Metabolic syndrome is associated with oxidative stress therefore most spices can, with their rich array of antioxidants, help reduce the impact of free radical damage by reducing the oxidation of fats in these patients.
Spices possess an amazing potency and range of weapons in the fight against metabolic syndrome. In conjunction with vital lifestyle changes they can help to reverse the progress of this disease and its associated conditions.

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Dr Keith Scott is a medical doctor who has a special interest in nutrition and has written several books including the ground breaking, "Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices" and "Natural Home Pharmacy" Read more about the latest research into the medicinal properties of spices and download a free pdf copy of "Medicinal Seasonings"at: http://www.medspice.com


Benefits of Body Sculpting and Bodyweight Exercises for Women
Body sculpting and bodyweight exercises for women are getting more press time in these days of heightened health awareness. Because many fitness programs that are recommended can be expensive and sometime impractical for the everyday woman, these bodyweight exercises can be much easier to adapt into any life situation. By learning about the benefits of body sculpting and bodyweight exercises for women, you too can find out what all the fuss is about.
One of the first benefits of body sculpting and bodyweight exercises for women is that they are free to use. Once you have a program outlined for you, all you need to do is perform the exercises. These body sculpting exercises use your bodyweight; hence, there is no need for additional equipment besides a clean floor and the time to perform them. By learning the basics of the exercises, you will be able to perform them without having to make an investment in expensive exercise machinery that you've probably already pondered.
Another benefit of body sculpting and bodyweight exercises for women is the convenience. Because you don't have heavy equipment to lug around, you can do these exercises anywhere you have a clear floor space or other area. You can perform these exercises when traveling, when at home, or when you're out on the running trails.
Without having to be tied down by a piece of body sculpting equipment, you won't have any more excuses not to start getting into better shape. What's more is that body sculpting and bodyweight exercises for women can also be adjusted as your fitness level improves. While your bodyweight may be decreasing, you will still be able to adjust the exercises to be challenging � without adding any equipment. For example, doing a regular pushup on your knees will become easier as you do it more often, but when you change to doing that same pushup from your toes, you will increase the intensity. And even if you were to find those pushups to be easy, you can adjust the position of your hands to continuously advance your muscle strength.
Body sculpting and bodyweight exercises for women aren't just providing you with a new and exciting way to workout out � they're providing you with all of the ways to take your health into your own hands. By being budget-friendly, convenient, and easy to adjust, your best fitness tool may just be the body you already have.

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Machelle Lee owns and operates, The Invisible Gym in Santa Cruz, CA. Her mission is to inspire people to become physically active and enjoy the benefits of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. For more information and questions you can visit her website. http://www.the-invisible-gym.com/


Depression and Diabetes - A Bad Duo .
Why does depression cause diabetes?
The diabetes disease can be brought on by depression. Cortisol, a stress hormone can increase if you get depressed. This hormone can reduce insulin sensitivity. Once insulin sensitivity is compromised the diabetes disease can begin to flourish in your body. This condition of depression is more prevalent in older people. Depression is often undiagnosed. Loss of a loved one may be characterized as grief, a temporary issue instead of depression.
In the four states of Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina and Maryland 4,681 men and women were tracked with an average age of 73. This test was done in 1989. The Archives of Internal Medicine disclosed the following: In these three scenarios (single bouts of depression, chronic depression and depression that worsened over time) an increased risk of diabetes existed in all three cases when depression prevailed.
What to look for
Some signs for possible depression problems can show up physically or emotionally. Check for some of these symptoms so you can put yourself on a healthier track for yourself. The sooner you recognize any of these issues the quicker you can right your ship.
You just don't care. Enjoying things is not on your priority list.
Your sleep schedule has run amok. You have a hard time falling asleep or you often arise during the night. You wake up early and cannot get back to sleep.
Your have a change in your appetite eating more or less than you used to. Quick weight gains or losses occur.
You feel tired most of the time.
Your self esteem has gone down hill. You feel like you cannot do anything right and you worry about being a burden to people.
Mornings usually are the saddest time of the day for you.
You find it very difficult to concentrate as "other thoughts" keep getting in your way.
Nervousness, you always feel so anxious you can't sit still.
You have suicidal thoughts or you think about different ways to harm yourself.
Should you have any of these symptoms you can be hurting yourself mentally but you may compound the issue by bringing on type 2 diabetes as well. Let's break the combination of diabetes and depression by seeing a doctor or joining a support group so you can voice your issues and improve your condition.
Recognizing these issues is the first step to gaining a healthier lifestyle. If you have any concerns about diabetes or potential diabetes issues then claim your free ecourse. It will help you deal with diabetes in a safe and natural way.

If you would like to learn more about diabetes, diabetes diets and get other tips about treating your diabetes naturally then go grab your free e course. Go here right now www.diabetesnaturalsolutions.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2007