Is Stress Making You Fat?

Stress may actually be the eating trigger that causes the most trouble. Many of us have high levels of chronic stress, whether it’s from workload, relationship troubles or to-do lists that are too long. Our bodies respond to this stress the way our ancestors’ bodies did: triggering “fight or flight” chemicals in the brain that lead to calorie accumulation and fat storage.
Here are some products that can help with stress & hormones, Omni 4® liquid vitamins, Omnitrition's Charge®, & Omni Woman's Balance Cream®:
Here’s how the cycle of fat spins out of control: When you have chronic stress, your body steps up its production of cortisol and insulin. Your appetite increases, and so do the chances you’ll engage in “hedonistic” eating in the form of high-calorie sweets and fats. That, in turn, makes you store more fat, pumping even more of it as well as inflammatory chemicals into the liver. This creates a resistance to insulin, which makes your pancreas secrete more insulin to compensate. And that makes you hungrier than a muzzled wolf, continuing the cycle of eating because you’re stressed. When you try to combat stress with food, you activate the reward center of your brain. But after that initial feel-good system wears off, you’ll reach again for the same thing that made you feel good, calm and relaxed in the first place: more food. With emotions like stress and anxiety, it’s that much more difficult, neurochemically, to control your eating. Your goal: to keep your feel-good hormones level. That will provide a steady state of satisfaction so that you never experience those huge hormonal highs and lows that make you search for good-for-your-brain, bad-for-your-waist foods. The following tips will help. Foods have different effects on your stomach, your blood and your brain. Here are some that may help your hunger and the brain chemicals that affect it. 1. Turkey contains tryptophan, which increases serotonin, improving your mood and combating depression. It also helps you resist cravings for simple carbs. 2. Fish and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have long been known as brain boosters and cholesterol clearers. But they’ve also been shown to help with depression in pregnant women. Depression contributes to emotional overeating. And since many of us have low omega-3 intake, eating foods that contain the acids may help lift our spirits and keep us from reaching for a doughnut. 3. Green tea contains catechins, thought to inhibit the breakdown of fats as well as the production of an inflammatory substance that can trigger hunger. One study shows that drinking three glasses of green tea a day can help you reduce body weight and waist circumference by almost five percent in three months. The tea also increases metabolism.
Here is my favorite tea.  It has both black & green tea & more.  I no longer take medication for asthma or allergies.  Helps me lose weight, too.
4. Sleep Yourself Skinny- When your body doesn’t get the seven to nine hours of sleep it needs every night to become rejuvenated, it looks for other ways to compensate for your brain not secreting the normal amounts of feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine. How does it typically do this? By craving sugary foods that will give you an immediate release of these chemicals. The lack of sleep throws off your entire system. It can become an even bigger factor as you age. When you get older, the pineal gland in your brain produces less of the sleep hormone melatonin, resulting in subsequent cravings for carbohydrates. So make sure you get enough shut-eye. It can help keep you thin.
		Nite Lite® is what I take to help me sleep better at night.  Also, burns calories while I sleep.  What can be better than that?
5. Exercise- The root of a physical activity plan is a minimum of 30 minutes of walking a day, and then telling somebody about it after you’re done (yes, every day, no excuses). You’ll do it not only for the physical effects but also for the positive psychological effects, such as an increase in your self-esteem. Walk for 30 minutes — it’s easy, doable and maintainable. 6. Be Touched- On both a physical and an emotional level, seek out positive interactions with other people. (Remember the chat at the end of your walk.) Evidence shows that increased amounts of oxytocin (known as the “social bonding” hormone) may decrease blood pressure and lower the effects of stress. This raises levels of a substance that helps control your appetite. And research shows you can boost oxytocin levels through an increase in social interaction and touch. Even a massage may help. When you feel the urge to eat, sit and think about your life and what’s driving you to pick up a fork or open the fridge. Would you shove that stuff into a friend’s or a family member’s body? For some, meditation or prayer enhances your power to satisfy the subconscious drive you have. 7. See the Naked Truth- Stand naked in front of the mirror, without sucking in your belly. But we need to realize that healthy weight is where we want to be. If you’re going to eat something that’s bad for you, enjoy it. Savor it. Roll it around in your mouth. We suggest taking a piece of dark, 70 percent cocoa chocolate and meditating — as a healthy stress reliever and as a way to reward yourself with something sweet. It’s a small but effective way of feeling good. Bad foods are okay — once in a while.
Omnitrition's Extra Enhancers® helps with food cravings & balances your sugar levels!

7 Unhealthy Diet Foods

1.Diet soda

Though it has fewer calories and less sugar than regular soda, diet soda may actually keep you from losing weight. New research suggests that dieters who choose to drink diet soda may actually add weight instead of losing it.  Best to stick to water.

2.Smoothies

Although they can be packed with powerful nutritional benefits, smoothies can also carry loads of calories, fat, and sugar. Make sure your smoothie is filled with whole fruits and vegetables and low fat milk or milk alternatives. Skip smoothies laden with peanut butter, chocolate, or fruit syrups.

3.Artificial sweeteners

Research is still being conducted on the safety of artificial sweeteners, but some research to date has shown that they can actually make you hungrier than natural sugar. Look for foods that contain natural sugar, or little or no sugar at all, for dieting success.  Stevia is best for sweetening & what is allowed on Omni HCG Drops® program.

4.Light salad dressings

Though they carry less fat and calories than full-fat dressings, light dressings are often high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which are added for flavor. Look for natural dressings that don’t list sugar as the first ingredient. Or make your own healthy salad dressings easily with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, & oregano. Much better for you. Mustard is your friend.

5.Processed diet foods and snacks

Switching to a frozen diet meal from the freezer seems like a good choice when trying to lose weight, but often these foods are high in sodium and sugar. Check the nutrition labels on the foods that you purchase. Look for a short ingredient list that relies on whole foods, rather than ingredients you don't recognize.

6.Flavored yogurt

Yogurt is filled with calcium and protein that’s great for keeping your diet in check, but flavored yogurt can also carry loads of extra sugar and calories that sabotage your healthy eating. Try plain yogurt and adding in a small teaspoon of honey for sweetness. Better yet, use stevia to sweeten or do without or use fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, etc.

7.Baked chips

Although these are a good alternative to saturated fat-laden chips, baked chips usually have tons of sodium, sugar, and empty calories. If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, try snacking on a bag of fresh, raw veggies or plain rice cakes. Celery & apples are crunchy & good for you.

Do You Get Leg Cramps?

Most people experience leg cramps at some point in their life. This may be due to a diet lacking in certain vitamins or minerals. Even a slight lack in a vitamin or mineral can have noticeable impact on your well being. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for your cells to function properly. Potassium, calcium and magnesium are particularly important for muscle functioning, and inadequate dietary intake of these minerals can lead to leg cramps. Vitamin B-12 and D are also very important for preventing leg cramps. Leg cramp relief for those who are cramping due to lack of vitamins can easily remedy the problem by taking a multi-vitamin daily and eating a balanced diet. Some individuals may require something from a doctor. Certain medical conditions can cause poor absorption of vitamins – which can lead to leg cramps that we all have experienced and learned to loathe. Along with consuming enough vitamins, leg cramp sufferers can be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Vitamins need water to do their job, so always drink at least the minimum requirement of water so that your body can be at its optimum. Tips for Leg Cramp Relief: Be sure you get plenty of water and stay hydrated. This is key if you are vitamin deficient. Many diabetic individuals and those with thyroid disorder experience leg cramps because of improper vitamin use by the body. Always take a multi-vitamin and stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Exercise regularly to keep your muscles strong and less likely to cramp. Please know that individuals with more muscle mass are likely to experience leg cramps more often. However, people that are strong and healthy do not experience them as often. If you have any of the vitamin deficiency symptoms, such as changes in stool and urine, and brittle nails, see a doctor. They can help you recover so that you no longer experience leg cramps. Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps? Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). The role of deficiency of these vitamins in causing cramps is unknown. Low blood calcium, magnesium: Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous true cramps experienced by many older adults, as well as for those that are commonly noted during pregnancy. Low levels of calcium and magnesium are common in pregnant women unless these minerals are supplemented in the diet. Cramps are seen in any circumstance that decreases the availability of calcium or magnesium in body fluids, such as taking diuretics, hyperventilation (overbreathing), excessive vomiting, inadequate calcium and/or magnesium in the diet, inadequate calcium absorption due to vitamin D deficiency, poor function of the parathyroid glands (tiny glands in the neck that regulate calcium balance), and other conditions. Low potassium: Low potassium levels occasionally cause muscle cramps, although it is more common for low potassium to be associated with muscle weakness. Vitamin B-12 is a water soluble vitamin that is involved in a number of body processes. Researchers at Tapei Medical College in Taiwan found that vitamin B-12 was effective in treating leg cramps in 86 percent of people. Since vitamin B-12 is water soluble, the body is unable to store extensive amounts. A regular supply from the diet is thus essential. Meat, eggs, dairy products and fortified cereals are good sources of vitamin B-12. Calcium and magnesium have a special complementary relationship in the body. Specifically with muscles, calcium causes muscles to contract and magnesium causes them to relax. Maintaining adequate calcium and magnesium in the body is essential for both of these functions. For example, without sufficient magnesium, your muscles will cramp and be unable to relax. According to current research, current diets are getting adequate calcium but are low in magnesium. According to the recent book, "The Magnesium Miracle," on average, men only get about 80 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake of magnesium and women only get about 70 percent. Adding whole grains, seeds, nuts, leafy greens and beans to your diet will ensure you are getting enough magnesium. Potassium is an essential mineral for cell functioning. It has many roles in the body including allowing your muscles to function properly and grow. Inadequate intake of dietary potassium results in hypokalemia. Muscle weakness and cramping are one of the main symptoms of hypokalemia. Although calf cramps are the most common, cramping may occur in other muscles, as well. To ensure you are getting enough potassium in your diet, make sure to include potassium-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, nuts, raisins, bananas, sweet potatoes and peas. The American Cancer Society notes that a deficiency in vitamin B complex can cause muscle cramps. Taking the full range of B vitamins, such as B1, B2, folic acid and others, will boost muscle repair, resulting in less pain. Because muscle pain is caused by micro tears in the muscle tissue, the quickest way to repair this is through metabolism of protein which rebuilds the muscle tissue, so increasing vitamin B complex intake can help your body break down protein to repair muscles and relieve pain. Vitamin A According to Life Clinic, vitamin A deficiency has been linked to deterioration of the joints, which is a leading factor in muscle aches. Vitamin A can help to repair muscle tissue and make muscles stronger. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that helps prevent pathological muscle weakness. This is what I take to prevent muscle cramps & keep my body functioning well:
Omnitrition's Liquid Vitamin®- Full of Vitamins & Minerals Liquid so your Body can Absorb it Best.	Omnitrition's Charge®- Full of B Vitamins & More to Give You More Energy.	OmniTrim Extra Enhancer®- has Calcium, Magnesium, Chromium, & Potassium.  Joanna Smith from Stuart, FL takes it to Relieve her Leg Cramps & Stop her Food Cravings.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Are you experiencing joint pain or skin symptoms?  Up to 30% of people who have the skin condition psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, an immune disease that affects the joints. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, is commonly seen as red and white hues of scaly patches appearing on the top first layer of the epidermis (skin). Some patients, though, have no dermatological symptoms.

Psoriatic arthritis shares some of its symptoms and its possible causes with other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Like those with rheumatoid arthritis, people with psoriatic arthritis may experience pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. In diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment are key as joint damage can occur early in the course of the disease. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment program may help to stop or slow progression of irreversible joint damage. Additionally, psoriatic arthritis patients may also have skin lesions similar to those seen in patients with plaque psoriasis. Those lesions appear as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup. For people with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, skin inflammation can become a significant problem in their everyday lives. Many patients with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or plaque psoriasis may remain undiagnosed or untreated. It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor right away if you have any symptoms associated with these conditions.

Enbrel is the rheumatologist's choice of treatment for this disease.

What are the possible side effects of Enbrel?

Enbrel can cause serious side effects including: New infections or worsening of infections you already have; hepatitis B can become active if you already have had it; nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes; blood problems(some fatal); new or worsening heart failure; new or worsening psoriasis; allergic reactions; autoimmune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome & autoimmune hepatitis.

Really? This is the best that pharmaceuticals & doctors can come up with? Take medication to cause you more & serious problems? That is why I take nutritional supplements from Omnitrition®. Omnitrition® has turned my life around. Take their nutritional supplements helped me to get off medication I took for asthma, allergies, & acid reflux, as well as, lose 90 #! Much of the weight I put on was due to side effects from medication I took & lack of energy. My friend, Trish Holland, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis & the medication she was taking was shutting her liver down! Thanks to Omnitrition she was able to get off these medications & get her life back! Her friend, Evelyn, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis & thanks to Omnitrition's Nite Lite®, Omni IV®, Charge®, Thermal Herbal Tea®, & Omni Sport® she was able to stay out of the wheelchair for 3 years. Kathleen Dearstyne was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as a child, & thanks to getting a drink of Omnitrition's "Tang with a Bang" she got started with their nutritional supplements & put her disease to rest for 3 years. Kristin Tucker was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a debilitating pain with fatigue & headaches. Within 5 weeks of taking Omnitrition® products, Kristin came off 6 prescription drugs. She no longer suffered from migraine headaches or took the anti-depressants & her energy level went up.

These nutritional supplements are not a cure, but can help you feel better & perhaps give you your life back, like it did mine.

Meditation for Better Health

(borrowed from Emily Listfield)
Mainstream medicine is finding that even brief stints of sitting quietly & thinking about your breath can improve concentration, lower stress, & maybe reduce your risk of disease. In a study from University of North Carolina, people who meditated 20 minutes a day performed 10 times better than their nonmeditating peers on a test that measured focus.

Here are some easy steps for beginners:
1) Start by practicing 3 times a week. Set a timer for only 5 minutes. Sit in any position that is comfortable, even sitting in a chair or lying down.
2) Close your eyes & take a few deep breaths. Concentrate on the feeling of your breath, letting other thoughts go. If you find your mind wandering, bring yourself back to the breath.
3) Build short meditation breaks into your day. Take a minute to simply breathe before your next phone call or meeting. If you're stuck in traffic or waiting in line, practice meditative awareness of your breath to settle your attention & calm yourself.

I would like to add that I control my breathing when I exercise, as well. This helps to control my heart rate better.

Meditation helps you to calm yourself before going to sleep at night. But if that doesn't help, try Omnitrition's Nite Lite®. I get a better night's sleep & burn calories at the same time.  Check out Omni4Me.com for Nite Lite & other great products from Omnitrition.