Paleo diet foods list, Paleo diet Guidelines

Before there were packaged goods, processed foods, GMOs and an ongoing debate between organic or not, there was dirt, seeds, water and roaming animals. It may be hard to consider now, but the dawn of man produced hunters and gatherers and humans had to get their own food – not by heading to the supermarket.

There were no sprays to kill insects, no chemicals or genes added or modified. No extra-large tomatoes or vibrant yellow bananas. Food was simple. It was either found, picked or hunted. And although there weren’t doctors or research scientists to confirm the benefits of such eating, it seems that when it comes to dietary habits, eating like our ancestors has some merit.

Diets come and diets go, but one in particular seems to have staying power and for good reasons as well. It’s based on eating similar to that of prehistoric man and it’s being touted as one of the best way to eat. It’s called the Paleo diet.

What is the Paleo diet?
The Paleo diet was created by Loren Cordain, a now-famous author, speaker and professor of health and exercise science at Colorado State University, who specializes in disease and diet. The Paleo diet itself reflects food items and methods of eating similar to our Stone Age ancestors – that’s right, this diet is framed around eating like cavemen. Through scientific research and peer-reviewed studies, Cordain has uncovered many health benefits to eating the Stone Age way.

There are seven premise on which the Paleo diet guidelines are based:

High protein
Low carbohydrates and low glycemic index
High fiber
Moderate to high fat intake – monosaturated and polysaturated fats with omega-3s and 6s

High potassium, low sodium
Net dietary alkaline balances dietary acid – some foods produce acid (meat) and others are alkaline (fruits and vegetables). Eating a balance of both alkaline and acid foods can have positive health effects.

High intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant phytochemicals.

Can 5HTP Help You Avoid Antidepressant Weight Gain?

5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5HTP, is a naturally occurring amino acid used by the brain to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Mood, sleeping patterns, and the perception of pain and happiness are all regulated in large part by serotonin. 5HTP is itself the chemical precursor to serotonin, which means that without it, serotonin production does not occur. Taking a 5HTP supplement amounts to giving the brain more of the material it needs to make serotonin, and increasing serotonin levels is considered key in treating depression.

Prescription antidepressants and weight loss rarely go hand-in-hand. In fact, weight gain is a very common side effect of prescription antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Reports indicate nearly half of those taking these types of medications gain a moderate amount of weight. For those trying to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight and treat depression, this is an unfortunate state of affairs; prescription antidepressants and weight loss seem to be contra-indicated.

5HTP, on the other hand, is not only an effective antidepressant, but can actually aid in weight loss, according to studies conducted at the University of Rome. In the studies, researchers supplied a group of obese women with three doses of 5HTP daily, to be taken approximately half an hour before meals. The vast majority of the study participants lost significant amounts of weight.

Many reported being less focused on food than they were before taking 5HTP, making it easier to avoid binge-eating and resist the temptation to indulge in high-calorie, high-fat foods. Some noted craving carbohydrates less and being easily able to control portion sizes when taking the supplement. This research suggests that antidepressants and weight loss are not necessarily an impossible combination ? as long as the antidepressant is 5HTP.

5HTP is not only one of the only antidepressants which encourages weight loss, but it?s also associated with far fewer side effects than its prescription counterparts. In addition to frequently causing weight gain and making gained weight harder to lose, SSRIs and tricyclics are also associated with nausea and vomiting, inability to orgasm, dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, and agitation. 5HTP, however, is remarkably free of side effects. Minor gastrointestinal complaints have been reported by those beginning treatment with the supplement, but this normally subsides after a few days.

Most people take between 100 and 300 mg of 5HTP daily when treating depression. Some obtain better results while taking a lower dose, so it?s advisable to start with 100 mg and add more over time if needed. For maximum absorption, 5HTP should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of water. You should avoid taking more than 200 mg of 5HTP at once. 5HTP may not be medically indicated for everyone, and should not be taken by those using anti-Parkinson?s or prescription antidepressant medications. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a health care professional before beginning a 5HTP regimen is advised.

Do You Wonder If A Tummy Tuck Is Right For You?

You are getting a little older. You have grown up and have acquired some wisdom that comes with maturing. You still have a youthful look. You have had your babies, and you have gained and lost some weight over time. All in all, you have relatively young appearance, especially in your face. There is just one problem. That is your tummy. Most of us lose elasticity in our skin as we age. There isn’t much we can do about it. As a result, our skin doesn’t revert to its normal state after it is stretched by weight gain or pregnancy. We often end up with a little “pooch” in our mid section or sagging and drooping skin on our tummy.

Some folks are lucky enough that, through normal diet and exercise, their skin returns to normal after weight loss or pregnancy. For some people however this pooch or sagging skin is very difficult, if not impossible to control with conventional diet and exercise programs. Unfortunately, no matter how many sit-ups you do, you will not reduce sagging skin. If this is the case, you may want to think about having an abdominoplasty, generally referred to as a tummy tuck. This is a plastic surgery that eliminates surplus skin from the abdomen. The results are a smooth, firm, flat tummy, and a new, shapelier figure.

In a tummy tuck, the plastic surgeon makes an extended incision from one hip to the other, along the bikini line. Then he or she raises the flap of stomach skin. They repair the damaged or weakened abdominal muscles. At that point, the surgeon extends your skin down past the incision line and stitches your abdomen. Excess skin and tissue are cut away. Your belly button will likely need repositioning.

There is no replacement for a healthy lifestyle. This surgery is not a procedure for weight loss. If you are significantly over weight, you need to lose before the procedure. It is essential that you find a skilled surgeon to perform the surgery. A board certified surgeon that you can develop a rapport with, and who has the experience required to perform the procedure safely and effectively. They will typically consult with you for free, and they will help you decide if you need the surgery, and which procedure is best suited for you. You can look at their “before and after” photos and determine a great deal about their level of proficiency.

If you are looking for a Houston tummy tuck surgeon, call or email Memorial Plastic Surgery. Our chief cosmetic specialist and surgeon Dr. Patrick Hsu will be delighted to consult with you. Dr. Hsu is a leading board certified surgeon dedicated to providing the best possible outcome for his patients. His focus is to help you achieve your desired look and figure. Dr. Hsu will discuss all aspects of the surgical procedure with you, and accommodate each of your questions and worries. He will be happy to help you decide if a tummy tuck is right for you.