April 2013 – Health Crunch 360

Why Men Gain Weight

For most men when they approach middle age, weight gain is bound to happen especially in the mid section. For some, “having a belly” is a form of respect and authority, figuratively and physically speaking. Now, this can be true if you’re a New York mob boss but if you’re just an average joe then you need to reconsider. Knowing the causes of weight gain in men is crucial before losing those pounds. Weight gain usually starts in the 30s and will continue up until the mid 50s. During the said timeline, men lose ½ a pound of lean muscle a year and it is replaced by fat. Weight gain and having a pot or beer belly can be avoidable although several factors come into play during this time of a man’s life.

A slowed metabolism. As men hit middle age, the metabolism will start to slow down. The body burns fewer calories per day compared to a younger self with the same activity level. If this is ignored, it will surely expand the waistline. Also as mentioned earlier, muscle mass decreases and is replaced by fat. Muscles play a direct role in a person’s metabolic rate. Muscles burn calories even when a person is asleep that equates to a high metabolism. So a decrease in overall muscle mass will result to a lower metabolism.
Lack of sleep. This is another trigger for weight gain. A human body functions perfectly when well rested. When a person doesn’t get enough sleep and rest, a person will experience physical and mental stress. And for most men, to compensate for stress is to eat and drink more. Eating and having a bottle of beer before going to sleep will surely add calories which will not be burned efficiently because of a slowed metabolism. Having power naps during breaks will help refresh the mind and body. Try to read a book instead of a late snack. Take a warm shower to help you, whatever activity that you feel will help you the much needed rest, do it.
Reduced testosterone. A decrease in testosterone level is common among men when they reach middle age. Although this is a normal part of a man’s aging process, low testosterone levels will result in muscle loss, fatigue and weight gain. The traditional view was that obesity came first and a decrease in testosterone follows. But it is also proven that a decrease in level will also result in weight gain. Testosterone plays an important role in on how a a man’s body balance insulin, glucose and fat metabolism.
Lack of exercise. Low levels of testosterone and a slow metabolism in middle age can make any man feel tired all the time and the feeling of not having enough energy to work out, exercise or do any regular physical activity. A 30 minute cardiovascular activity 5 time a week and a 20 minute strength training 3 times a week will surely help in losing weight. The body will burn more calories, the muscles will be conditioned and will retain or even build more mass that will help pin enhancing metabolism.
Unhealthy diet . Alcohol consumption, an overall unhealthy diet and slow metabolism will surely result in weight gain and increase in abdominal fat. Excess sugar consumption and a high calorie diet are triggers of weight gain.

Man Boobs Demystified

Some women with small breasts dream of having a set of large and attractive breasts. For men, it’s the opposite. Man boobs, man breasts, moobs, man jugs or any term you want to call it, this condition is as embarrassing as being caught without an underwear…. in public. If you’re a boy or a man with an abnormally large breast, you can take some solace because the condition is quite common even though no man would want to have a bigger breast than a woman. The medical term for man boobs is “gynecomastia”. It is defined as the enlargement of breast tissue among males. It may manifest transiently in newborns almost half of boys during adolescent develop large breast during puberty. Signs and symptoms of gynecomastia includes swollen breast tissue, tenderness of the breast, increased areola diameter and asymmetry of the breast tissue. Man boobs are a serious cause of embarrassment among boys and men. And there are a number of causes that can be controlled or some may be treated by going through surgery.

Lack of exercise and obesity. Excess fat in men and boys can manifest in the midsection and the chest. Too much fat in the chest area will result to man boobs. Chest fat is usually difficult to lose even with some form of exercise. Consulting a professional trainer can help in planning the best workout that will eliminate fat in the midsection and the chest. Plus, too much fat will limit the body’s estrogen production spurring the growth of breast tissues.

Diet. An unhealthy diet is another trigger in developing man boobs. Too much sugar, carbohydrates and foods rich in fat will result to weight gain and weight gain can result in having man boobs.

Malnutrition and starvation. It seems to contradict but when a human body is deprived of the right and adequate nutrition, the testosterone levels drop. Now the liver’s function to limit estrogen levels goes down thus causing a hormonal imbalance. If there is too much estrogen than testosterone, the body will adjust and man boobs will show.

Medical and other health conditions. Any health and medical condition that shakes up the normal testosterone production or interfere the balance of the male-female hormone levels can also result into gynecomastia. Hypogonadism, tumors, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, cirrhosis and liver failure are some of the medical conditions that can contribute in the man breast development.

Medications and some types of drugs. There are cases that some medications and prescription drugs can cause man boobs. Regular use of anabolic steroids is known to cause man boobs. Excess testosterone from steroids will be converted to estrogen. Too much estrogen will make the breast enhanced and pronounced. Prescription drug such as Digoxin, Furosemide and Spironolactone increase the chances of a man developing gynecomastia.

Age. Decrease in skin elasticity, muscle mass and body fat can result to gynecomastia. An aging obese person will likely have the condition for a long time.

Getting rid of man boobs can be simple as doing some form of exercise and any regular physical activities. Any weigh loss activity will surely help to eliminate the condition plus get the benefits of having a healthy and strong body. A good physical routine plus adopting a healthy diet are some of the best steps in preventing or eliminating man boobs. Once you have reached the goal of getting rid of this embarrassing condition, make it a point to not to go back to the old lifestyle. It should be a complete lifestyle change and not a short term goal only.

A Natural Approach To Cellulite

Women around the world will agree that cellulite is one body problem they want fixed or eliminate. Liposuction is one of the most popular and fastest ways of getting rid of cellulite and unwanted fats. But if liposuction is not your cup of tea, then there are natural ways of eliminating cellulites. But first understanding what cellulite is and its causes will help in developing an effective plan in eliminating cellulite.

What is cellulite? It is a condition where fats push against the connective tissue beneath the skin and making the surface look dimpled and with a lumpy appearance. It is usually common on the thighs and buttocks and can occur after puberty. The condition is classified through three grades:

Grade 1 cellulite. There is no clinical symptom but through microscopic examination of the cells, anatomical changes in the underlying area will manifest
Grade 2 cellulite. The skin will have less elasticity and will show pastiness in lower temperature. Anatomical changes will show through microscopic examination.
Grade 3 cellulite. It will give the cottage cheese look and visible dimple like skin will show along with all the grade 2 signs.

Causes of cellulites include:

Hormonal factors. It plays a dominant role in cellulite formation. Almost everyone says that estrogen initiates and aggravate cellulite although there has been no concrete clinical evidence or proof to support the claim. Insulin, thyroid hormones, proclatin and catecholamine adrenaline are all believed to trigger cellulite formation.
Genetic factors. The angiotensin converting enzyme and hypoxia-inducible factor 1A are traced to trigger cellulite forming.
Lifestyle. A stressful lifestyle will automatically trigger an increase in the level of catecholamines, which is associated in cellulite formation. Some diet practices can also diminish of such chemicals. This in turn will decrease body fat and helps reduce the chances of cellulite formation.
Predisposing factors. A number of factors have been proven to affect the development of cellulite. Factors such as subcutaneous fat distribution, race, sex, biotype, predisposition to lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency are proven to contribute to cellulite development.

How To reduce Cellulite Naturally?

Reducing cellulite the natural way is one of the best ways of beating the problem. Plus it will have no dangerous side effects, there are no need for any invasive surgeries, it will cost you almost nothing since most of it can be done with at home or by any physical activity or change in lifestyle.

Exercise of any physical activity is a sure bet in beating cellulites. Cellulite are stored fats in the body, and these fats are stagnant energy. By doing exercises or any physical activity, it will burn the stored fats and convert it to energy. Fat loss due to exercise will result in a leaner and strong body plus it will enhance the body’s metabolism which will convert more fats into energy. Exercise also promotes good blood circulation and a stronger circulatory system.
A healthy diet together with a good physical regimen will also help in combating cellulite development. Minimize processed foods and go to a fiber-rich, vitamins and mineral rich and antioxidant- rich foods. If possible, go for organic foods. A healthy diet change will also flush out toxins out of the body.
Go for natural therapies like yoga and meditation. A stressful life can lead to cellulite development. For most women binge eating is one of their defense whenever they are stressed. For men, its beer or any type of alcohol. Attending therapies that teach an individual to relax and meditate will curb out these unhealthy habits. With the right attitude and knowledge, anyone can win the cellulite battle.

10 Tips For Cutting Down Smoking

Cutting down on cigarettes and the amount you smoke is not the ultimate goal if you want to go for a healthy lifestyle. Cutting down the cigarette habit is the ULTIMATE goal. But smokers will say that it’s better to cut on smoking than doing nothing. Well if it works for the individual to gradually minimize and cut the number of sticks per day then its good. Cutting on on smoking is good enough, quitting totally is better. Here are some tips on how to quit

Awareness is one key. If you’re aware of how much you are smoking a day then you’ll know how many sticks or packs and how much you’re spending for cigarettes. Try to keep a written record. Smoking without paying attention will make you smoke more. Try to have psychological and physical control and see long long you can have it.
It is not hard as you think. Smoking is an addiction and once you begin to be honest with yourself and knowing the effects of smoking to your health, it will be a life changing experience to cut down on this addiction. Try to analyze the benefits and side effects of smoking. Educating oneself with the pros and cons of tobacco will help in the road to kicking the habit.
Set effective and realistic goals. Set the cigarette to be specific, measurable, realistic and timely. Foe example, if you are smoking 20 sticks a day, try to cut it to 10 sticks a day. You can start by doing this twice a week until it progresses. This will ensure that you are focused on the target goal.
List down the reasons why you want to reduce your smoking. Make a list of the reasons why quitting smoking is good. Select the goals that matters to you and your family and write it down. Whenever you have the itch for a drag, take out the list and review it.
Don’t look at it as if you’re giving up something really important because it will seem like it’s a big loss. Remember that by doing this, you are tossing something out of your life that is harmful to you, your family and other people around you. Even though the people around may want to tell you to quit totally, you need to know that you are doing this for yourself.
Know the triggers and then deal with it. Some people feel the urge whenever they are doing something. Some habitually smoke after sex, while drinking, while watching tv, after eating, while having a break or while drinking coffee. Identify your triggers and eliminate or changing them will help. Try doing something different instead of smoking in response to your triggers.
Going “cold turkey” is a common and effective approach to quitting smoking for many smokers. It may be hard and you may make several attempts but it will raise the chances of stopping totally. Try to talk to someone who have done it or research over the internet to prepare and deal with known issues and withdrawals that comes with it.
A pack of gum, a bar of chocolate or a nicotine patch are good alternatives. It will take your mind out of smoking because you’re doing something that differs from the habitual smoking.
If you have cut down on your cigarette consumption, you will surely notice and feel the changes happening to you and your body. Your breath will no longer smell of cigarette, your smell and tastes are improving, your fingers will not smell and will not get the tobacco stains, you will not get the tired and sickly look and you will feel healthier that before.
Talk to ex-smokers and find out the ways they’ve done to completely quit smoking. Absorb the information and get all the help and advice that you need and then do it.

Why Is Back Pain So Common?

There are different triggers why back pain is common. Symptoms of back pains usually occur or triggered by a quick or sudden movement or several causes may have been building for some time. By definition, back pain is a pain that originates from the muscles, bones, joints , nerves and other structures in the spine. It can be a sudden fall or chronic pain. The pain can also manifest or affect the arms, hands, feet and legs and can include other type of symptoms. Symptoms can include numbness, weakness and inability to stand and tingling. This condition is one of the most frequent complaints by people around the world next to headaches. The human spine is made up of nerves tendons, muscle, ligaments and joints which are capable of giving pain to any individual.

A human spine is divided into four regions known as the cervical region, thoracic region, lumbar region and the sacral region. The spine is known to have two weak points – the cervical region and the lumbar region. The lumbar region or the lower back area carries at least half of the body weight thus it bears the stresses and strains the body gives. Every joint in the spine has a maximum functional position. Any departure from the functional position will increase the chances of pains and strains. Muscle, nerve and joint strains will lead to an overall imbalance in the spine structure over time. Some common causes of strain and back stress are poor posture, incorrect lifting, weight, sleeping on an overused or sagging mattress, incorrect sleeping position and overtraining. A sudden or wrong sort of movement and inactivity can cause simple back pain. Inactivity will make the back muscles go weak thus making the back more vulnerable to pain and damage when too much stress is applied or too much movement is made. Sitting in one position for long periods can also result into spasm and pain. Stiffness and inflamed muscle fibers will result to swelling, neck pains and lower back pains. Chronic back pain is one of the most common type of back strain. The most common causes are poor posture, a bad fall, sudden lifting of weights, fatigue or pregnancy.

Physical fitness and exercise are effective in preventing recurrences of non acute or chronic back pains. The rest is another effective way of relieving acute back pain from minor back traumas and strain. A cold compress or an ice pack can be helpful or any anti-inflammatory drug. Liniments and ointments can also soothe cramped back muscles. For acute pain, the goal is to restore the normal function while reducing pain. The condition is not serious and the recovery can be aided by slowly resuming to normal activity as soon as possible within the pain limits. Doing any physical activity within the pain limits can also aid in the recovery of the individual. Too much bed rest (rest for more than 2 days) is considered non productive. Going through a physical therapy program will increase the chances of a fast recovery. Therapy can include massage, hot and cold compress, electrical stimulation, stretching, aerobic and strength exercises. Din exercises to restore the natural motion and the strength of the back is beneficial in pain relief and prevention of future onsets of back pains.

20 Facts About Headaches

A headache is the most common pain complaint any individual experience every day. By definition, a headache is a result of pain signals due to the interactions between the blood vessels, the brain and the surrounding nerves. The pain comes from the agitated nerves that surrounds the skull, head muscles and blood vessels and not from the brain as many believe. Primary and secondary are the two types of headaches known today. A primary headache is an actual clinical condition and not a symptom of another disorder. This includes cluster headaches, migraine and tension headaches. A secondary headache is one arising to a condition known to cause a headache or is due to other medical conditions such as allergies, dental disorders, sinuses, head injury or brain tumors. Whether any person is plagued with regular headaches everyday of only get once in a while, here are 20 facts about the dreaded headache that you may not know yet or already know.

Eating a bedtime snack can minimize morning headaches. Most morning headaches are caused by low blood sugar that occurs overnight. Having a light snack before going to sleep can help minimize morning headaches. A light snack will provide enough sugar for the body to use and prevent headaches from happening. Diced fruits with cottage cheese, a small bowl of cereal or a cracker and milk can offer relief.
Prolonged watching 3d images can cause headaches and brain strain. A study was made by the Northwestern University states that people exposed or watching 3d movies for long periods can develop a headache and nausea. The effect is due to the brain strain in processing 3d images.
Rebound headaches are caused by taking in many headache medications in a given time frame. The headache will not go away unless the individual stops taking all medications. Overdosing on pain killers will damage the kidneys, liver and can cause death. Check with a preferred physician for the right medication.
Over exposure to insecticides and pesticides can cause headaches plus dizziness, vomiting, nausea and breathing troubles. This is a serious case since dangerous chemicals are involved and can even cause death. Over exposure will require immediate medical attention.
High cholesterol can cause headaches. A study was made and linked migraine with aura (flashing lights and tingling sense) and high cholesterol in seniors. This is also linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.
Ancient Greeks and Romans drank chamomile, lavender rosemary and peppermint tea to treat headaches. This has been proven that drinking different kinds of tea and coffee provides caffeine that relieves pain as quickly as painkillers.
Migraines may be hereditary. People suffering migraines have at least one family member having the same condition. If a parent is suffering from migraine, there’s a 50% chance of one of the kids will have the same condition.
Most headaches are harmless although most of them are uncontrollable and disabling at times. Most can be cured by over the counter medications or just by taking a full rest.
Alcohol as a headache trigger is overstated. Some researchers believe that stress, fatigue and menstruations in women are some of the top triggers. Although too much alcohol in one night will cause a massive hangover and dizziness the morning after.
Sex can cause headaches. This, according to the American Headache Society, men are more likely to get these kinds of headaches than women. There are two types of headaches related to sex – a dull headache that happens as sex increases and a severe attack as orgasms nears.
Some headaches are caused by dental issues. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep are some of headache triggers. Checked with a preferred dentist for any dental issues and solutions regarding teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Fasting can cause headaches. As mentioned earlier, an individual with a low blood sugar lever will suffer from headaches. Fasting for a number of hours will lower a person’s blood sugar level.
Hormones and headaches are linked. Headaches and migraines are linked to hormonal spikes and fluctuations. This is true for women a few days before and during their periods.
An unhealthy lifestyle will trigger migraines and headaches. Too much smoking, lack of sleep, too much alcohol and an unhealthy diet can cause massive head pains.
Headaches due to tension can affect anyone. It is mostly caused by the neck and shoulder muscles going into spasms, in some cases lasting for days.
During the Neolithic period, it is believed that headaches are caused by bad spirits thus circular chunks of the skull were removed to let the bad spirits go out and escape. Be thankful that this practice is no longer is use.
Brain freeze. Gulping a large Slurpee or eating a frozen dessert as fast as your body can hold will surely give you a brain freeze. This pain is caused by blood vessel spasms caused by intense cold from foods. The spasms interrupt the flow of blood and causes the vessels to swell thus the brain freeze.
Acupuncture can help in stopping headaches. A study made by the University of Rochester found that acupuncture bolster a neurotransmitter called “adenosine” that has a numbing effect to nerve cells and bring natural pain relief. It is said that it is more effective in minimizing the frequency of migraines and headaches during the first 4 months of therapy.
Dehydration and temperature can trigger headaches. When dehydrated, avoid drinking sodas, coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages because it will worsen dehydration. Drink lots of water and rest. High temperatures and low air pressure will also increase the risks of headaches.
Some think that recurrent headaches are something that they have to live with, this is not true. Headaches can be managed with proper medical care, effort and education.

10 Reasons Why You Can’t Concentrate

Are you having a hard time concentrating or can’t even remember where you put the car keys? Are you easily distracted or even daydream during conversations? We all have days, weeks or even months that we can’t focus on anything. A minute you’re trying to do research over the internet and then the next minute your opening and reading emails while checking out your Facebook account. And before you can send the messages and get the important points for your research, your sending sms to your colleagues and getting notes for an important meeting. And by the end of the day, you feel that nothing is getting done and accomplished. Some of it is quite normal but when do you know that it can be a serious problem? In today’s technology laden world, there is a nonstop barrage and ruthless assault on everything that breaks one’s attention. It is not entirely your fault and concrete research states that there are actual causes such frustrations, and there are ways to improve and enhance one’s ability to pay attention.

Here are some of the most common triggers of mental distraction and head fuzziness.

Stress and anxiety. These feelings will disrupt will surely disrupt your concentration and can also lead to forgetfulness. If you’re feeling stressed, take a breather. Take your mind out of the matter and relax for a few minutes. Drink water or a cold juice and read some funny anecdotes or comics. Take your mind out of the things causing the anxiety. Breath or have walking, this will refresh your mind and in most cases, a solution to your dilemma may pop up while you’re having a breather.
Technology and gadget overload. Your iPhone, blackberry, iPad, computers and any other gadgets compete for your attention. The human can only take as much information and too much multitasking will result in a harder time concentrating and focused on a single task. Try to organize things by writing down tasks and having a day planner can help solve such issues. Take a break from your gadgets. If you can set house rules about the times to use your gadgets. It can a gadget free period after dinner or before going to bed. Don’t get tied too much on your gadgets.
Lack of sleep. This is a no brainer. When the body and brain is too tired and worn out, it will result in lack of concentration. You will surely be irritable, will have difficulty managing daily tasks, dealing with a blank mind. A good sleep should be seven to eight hours every night. By getting enough sleep, you should be able to bring back your focus. If you or your mate is having sleeping difficulties and waking feeling tired, checking with a doctor is one of the best bets. You might have an undiagnosed sleep disorder and your doctor can give the necessary step to make a good sleep happen. There are also reports that lack of sleep can cause death.
Alcohol or drug use. A person dependent on alcohol or any other substance will have focus and concentration problems. The alcohol and drugs will cause the brain to function less than a normal person not using drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Some medical prescriptions will also have this effect. Check with your doctor to have it treated.
Hormone spikes and changes. Pregnancy and periods, as stated by some women causes forgetfulness and focus problems. Lack of concentration is a common complaint among perimenopausal women.
Prescribed medicine changes can also cause mood swings. Antidepressants can affect a person’s mood and concentration. Sedatives and other anti-anxiety medications can cause prolonged drowsiness and can cloud the mind. Sleeping pills are a big no for this one. Coenzyme Q10 can counteract the side effects.
Anemia is another trigger. Exhaustion and weakness can result to lack of red blood cell production and the much needed oxygen is not distributed and transported properly to the body. This can be treated by changing an unhealthy lifestyle and through nutritional supplements.
Head injury. An accidental hit or knock on the head doing work or sports can cause temporary confusion, temporary memory loss and dizziness. Any serious injuries can cause permanent damage that can lead to concentration issues and difficulties. An immediate treatment after an injury can lower the chances of any permanent damage.
Too little or no exercise. Studies have stated that regular exercise can keep the mind sharp and increase the memory and learning capacity of an individual. This is more helpful especially with people suffering from ADHD. Breaking sweat can also help in burning the extra energy that causes restlessness and help in getting better sleep.
Interest. Researches have found that concentration is driven by interest and interest is driven by attitude. If your attitude towards a specific work, projects or hobby swells with interest and passion. Concentration will be pretty easy.

How to Reduce Headache Pain

Reducing Headache Pain

Headaches can come and go at a moments notice. They are frustrating and can ruin your day (or even ruin your week if you do not treat it successfully).

Many people believe that headaches cannot be cured or should be left to heal on their own. However this has the potential to cause the headache to turn into a long lasting problem.

The main reason people get headaches is due to lack of hydration. Studies have shown that people who frequently drink water – as opposed to soft drinks – are less likely to have headaches and migraines. Water helps your body to regulate itself. It is important to consume enough water to keep your body and brain functioning as they should be.

The amount of water you should drink varies between different people and there are no solid numbers. However, you should aim to drink water every hour throughout the time that you are awake to reduce the risk of headaches. Headaches are not the only symptom of dehydration but they are the most common.

What most people do not realise is that headaches can be avoided.

If you experience frequent headaches it is important to go to a doctor to have a full check up to make sure it is nothing more serious.

Your diet can play a large role in the prevention (and cause) of headaches. Some foods trigger headaches for some people in a similar way to how allergies can cause a rash. Caffeine is a very common cause of headaches. People often drink more caffeine than they are aware of throughout the day.

If possible, cut down on the amount of caffeine you drink. You should also try to offset the amount of caffeine and sugar drinks you consume by always drinking water as well. If you have water at the same time this will allow your body to function – while still giving you the benefits of the caffeine. Caffeine is known to reduce headache pain – many prescription headache tablets include it. However, too much and too frequently will cause headaches.

Certain foods will cause the same effects but it is not easy to know which foods are causing the symptoms. If you believe food is the cause or you notice certain patterns (for example if you always have a headache an hour after eating) you may wish to eliminate certain parts of your diet.

Start by reducing the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume. Sugars in foods often cause headaches and it is usually difficult to realise they are the culprit unless you cut them out of your diet altogether.

Exercise will help to fight the symptoms of a headache (provided you are well hydrated) as your brain releases endorphins associated with pain reduction when you exercise. Exercise will also help your body regulate its temperature – you will get used to exerting energy and your body will become more efficient.

Losing weight is often helpful if you have on-going headaches. Headaches are reported more and more frequently as the average weight of the population increases. It is difficult to show a study that shows this conclusively, but many doctors will recommend that you try to lose weight in order to relieve headache symptoms (if you are over weight).

Medicines are useful but should not be taken lightly. If no other methods work then you should only then consider taking medicines. Medicines relieve the symptoms but do not always help fight the cause of the problem. You do not want to become dependant on headache medication to function in day to day life, when the solution may be as simple as increasing your intake of water or changing your daily exercise routine.

All of the natural changes you can make to help aid in reducing headache symptoms also help you in other areas of health. Exercise will improve your physical and mental performance as well as your long-term health. The majority of people should drink more water than they do. And avoiding sugar based or fatty foods can prevent heart problems later in life.

To reduce headache pain you must try to identify the cause of the problem. Try to notice patterns in your weekly schedule and link them to when you experience headaches. Keep a log of all of your activities and write down how severe your headaches were. If your headaches are routine and often appear at a certain time of day you will know that it is very likely to be linked with something you have eaten or done in the hours prior to noticing the headache symptoms.

Reducing headache pain can be simple in some cases, but it is always important to consult with a medical professional in case there is a more serious underlying issue.

The Health Benefits of Krill Oil

When it comes to good health and wellbeing, we’re constantly bombarded with news articles about what we should and shouldn’t be doing to our bodies. Eating too much of this or too little of that will eventually lead to our demise; the latest must-have health supplements come and go like fashion trends, singing their own praises on cyber shelves till the trend runs its course.

The truth lies in a balanced, healthy diet. But of course if that were easy to achieve, there wouldn’t be a thriving, multi-billion dollar health supplement industry. But there are some essential elements that have been conclusively proven to benefit our health, and even prevent potentially fatal diseases. Top of the list are omega-3 fatty acids, scientifically identified as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Our bodies can’t produce these essential fats, so we need to look to our diet or supplements. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed the fact that fish oil and marine supplements as a source of omega-3 can directly contribute to a marked reduction in the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes and many other life threatening ailments.

Krill oil is fast becoming even more popular than fish oil as a preferred supplement because of its high EPA and DHA content. Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans which are part of the principal diet of whales, small fish and many sea birds. Some of the primary benefits of krill oil supplements:

Krill oil helps to lower high cholesterol
Controls blood sugar, which can help prevent and control the symptoms of diabetes
Anti-inflammatory properties can relieve rheumatoid arthritis and reduce joint stiffness
Helps prevent and treat osteoporosis by increasing calcium deposits and improving bone strength
Krill oil has been used to help treat ADHD with surprising results
Can reduce the symptoms of menopause and PMS

Krill oil contains the vitamins E, A, D as well as potent antioxidants, which help to combat toxic free radicals that attack our immune system. Scientific studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of krill oil are up to 48 times more powerful than fish oil.

As with any supplement, don’t expect to see radical changes in your health overnight. Krill oil supplements should be taken daily on an ongoing basis for the cumulative effects to become evident. After a month, those suffering arthritic complaints or joint pain should see a noticeable difference. Have your cholesterol checked before and during your course of krill oil to monitor how well it’s working. It should be said that those with allergies to shellfish should avoid krill oil supplements, and of course it’s always best to check with your health care professional.

Ideally, our nutritional needs should be satisfied through our daily diet, but with the ever-increasing pace of life, it’s becoming more and more difficult to stay healthy through diet alone. Adding krill oil to your daily nutritional regime could help increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.