A Guide to “Everything in Moderation”

PGX-blog-A-Guide-to-Everything-in-Moderation-20151216

A Guide to “Everything in Moderation”

When you know you’re doing something healthy, it’s easy to get carried away. But more is not always best, even when it comes to diet, exercise, and work. Find your balance and get the most from your actions with this guide to “Everything in Moderation”.

Nutrition

No matter what the latest diet trend suggests, your body needs fat, carbohydrates, and protein to be healthy. Cutting one of these groups from your diet can hinder vital functions, such as vitamin absorption, mental focus, and hormone production. Similarly, foods such as fatty fish, coffee and tea, dark chocolate, and alcohol offer health benefits when consumed at moderate levels, but too much can put your health at risk.

Guide to Moderation: Eat a balanced diet of 20-35% fat, 45-65% carbohydrates, and 10-35% protein [1]. Enjoy all foods in their recommended serving sizes.

Dieting

Does your “diet” involve cutting out entire food groups or skipping meals? No matter your weight, this is not a healthy or sustainable way to lose it.

Guide to Moderation: Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all food groups in moderate portion sizes. Build healthy, fiber-rich snacks, such as PGX®* Satisfast® Whey Protein Drink Mix, into your meal plan to maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.†

Exercise

Regular exercise offers countless benefits, including improved fitness, stress reduction, a trim waistline, and better overall health. But when the intensity or frequency of your workouts becomes too high for your body to recover properly, your health can suffer.

Guide to Moderation: To maintain your current weight and cardiovascular health, 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week is recommended. And don’t forget to include strength training in your routine.

Work

No matter how much you love your job, you sometimes need to leave your work, well, at work.

Guide to moderation: Find a work/life balance that includes time for family, friends, exercise, and relaxation—without your phone or laptop.

Sure, moderation is not always an option—like when you’re training for a marathon or pushing through a big project at work. But that’s okay. The key is moderation over the long term.

*Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®.

† This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to  diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References:

[1] Health Canada. “Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide – A Resource for Educators and Communicators.” Food and Nutrition. Web. 18 October 2015.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Why You Crave Sugar

PGX-blog-Why-You-Crave-Sugar-20151202

Why You Crave Sugar

Practically everybody knows that sugar is bad for our health, so why is it such a challenge to give it up? What is it that makes many of us crave sugar so relentlessly, and how can we conquer those cravings? A wealth of research suggests four considerations that may affect sugar cravings:

  1. Stress
  2. PMS or Menopause
  3. Microbial imbalance in the gut
  4. Thyroid health

These issues can all overlap, feed each other and make sugar cravings that much harder to overcome.

1. Stress

Someone who has a diet high in sugar typically has a higher risk of occasional sleep problems, erratic energy levels, and less  concentration. This can make it harder to get through essential tasks and to manage emotions. This then leads to stress, which can prompt sugar cravings, and so on. It’s a cycle that’s all too easy to get stuck in.

According to a study published in the journal Appetite, 77% of women who had high levels of stress reported sugar cravings, compared to just 31% of women who were relaxed. The women who felt stressed also had significantly larger waists and higher levels of leptin, a hormone involved in appetite control.

For some people, finding new ways to relax or allotting for sufficient downtime in their schedule could be key to conquering their sugar cravings. Taking up a new sport, social activity or simply finding the time to take a bath may be just what you need to skip the sugar.

2. PMS or Menopause

PMS and menopause normal life stages can influence the activity of insulin, making cells more resistant to its effects and thereby increasing the likelihood of sugar cravings. Ensuring a healthy, balanced diet that is high in vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals and healthy fats and protein from fiber-rich plant foods can support hormone levels and stable energy release, helping to combat sugar cravings. Taking a high-fiber supplement such as PGX* can also help with appetite control by slowing down the release of carbohydrates from food and maintaining a feeling of fullness for longer.

Anyone who is having a hard time cutting back on sugar and who is approaching menopause, or who experience alterations in appetite around the time of their period, may find it helpful to talk to a physician or qualified naturopathic doctor. Other signs of PMS or menopause can include mood swings, changes in libido, occasional lack of sleep and fatigue and hot flushes.

3. Gut Bacteria

A high-fiber diet is also a great way to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut which, in turn, helps reduce the likelihood of yeast overgrowth. Anyone who has recently taken broad spectrum antibiotics or who is on long-term antibiotic therapy is at a higher risk of dysbiosis, a state of microbial imbalance in the gut, where the blanket eradication of bacteria (good and bad) can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria and microbes, like Candida albicans, that cause yeast infections.

An imbalance in gut bacteria has been associated with altered energy metabolism and even alterations in neurotransmitter levels. The microbes in the gut produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and communicate with the central nervous system through the vagus nerve. Researchers have found that a diet high in processed foods and simple carbohydrates can dramatically reduce biodiversity in the gut, which could have a significant impact on cognitive function and appetite.

A prebiotic diet that includes fibrous foods like asparagus, artichokes and chickpeas can help to feed good bacteria, while a high quality multistrain probiotic formula can replenish lost beneficial bacteria.

4. Thyroid Health

Thyroid health is another  consideration where sugar cravings are concerned, and is best addressed with a qualified health practitioner.

In the meantime, it is important to ensure a good intake of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and lean protein from high fiber plant foods, in addition to cutting back on caffeine and sugar and ensuring you get adequate sleep. Eating sugary foods can increase stress on the body and lead to fluctuating energy levels, so avoid these foods and support your thyroid health.

You may find that simply increasing the level of fiber in your diet, staying hydrated, and getting a good night’s sleep make it much easier to keep those cravings at bay.

*Drink additional water (8 fl. oz.) after ingesting PGX®. If you are taking medications, take one hour prior to or two hours after taking PGX®.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

Balancing Your Life: Tips for Lightening the Load

PGX-blog-Balancing-Your-Life-20150708-Tips-for-Lightening-the-Load

Balancing Your Life: Tips for Lightening the Load

Coco Chanel is famous (among other things) for her fashion advice – especially this gem: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Coco, of course, was talking accessories, but her approach to getting dressed is rooted in philosophies of mindfulness and minimalism that can have far-reaching benefits in your life. In our busy culture, where overwork and overindulgence are supposed hallmarks of success, getting a few things off your plate, both literal and metaphorical, works wonders in bringing balance to your life.

Here are some signs you’ve taken on too much – and tips for lightening your load:

Occasional Fatigue

You’re tired. And not just long day at work plus the gym tired. This kind of fatigue isn’t cured by a latte or a good night’s sleep. No matter what you do, you don’t have the energy you used to. In the mornings, you’re groggy, and in the evenings, you’re too tired to socialise, exercise, or any other –cise.

Diet

You might have undiagnosed food sensitivities – wheat is often a culprit – and switching up your diet might give return that spark you’ve been missing. Eating too much can also make you feel sluggish and sleepy. Try a light elimination diet, where you avoid wheat and/or sugar for a week. Add in lots of fresh fruits & veggies and whole grains for a nutrient boost.

Lifestyle

Do you have too many commitments and not enough time for yourself? It might be time to start saying no. Prioritize work and social activities in terms of “must do”, “nice to have”, and “not necessary”. Say yes to the “must do’s”, of course, but find ways to ease up on the “nice to have’s”, and cut out as many “not necessaries” as you can.

We often commit to too many things in advance (like those three weddings in one week this summer that didn’t seem like too much to handle when you RSVP’d). Ask yourself – if this project or event were happening this week, could you handle it?

Occasional Sleeplessness

If you find your mind racing at night, obsessing over your to-do list for the next day, it’s time to find an outlet. Sacrificing a good night’s sleep for worry will only leave you more stressed.

Diet

Caffeine could be keeping you wired, so steer clear, at least post0-lunch. A shot of espresso after noon can still affect you come bedtime. If you feel your day dragging, try water or a light snack with protein. Chocolate lovers aren’t off the hook either – your favorite dessert does have enough caffeine to impact your sleep. If you need something sweet before bed, try a small bowl of granola.

Lifestyle

Here’s another chance to follow Coco’s advice and go minimal. Try to clear your schedule of nonessential tasks (easier said than done, we know). You might also find solace in creating a written to-do list and crossing off your achievements. The sense of accomplishment might be enough to quiet your mind.

Although this can seem overwhelming to someone who is already stretched thin, adding exercise and a calming deep breathing routine in the evenings will help you relax before bed.

Lackluster Skin and Hair

Have you noticed your hair doesn’t have the glossy shine it once did? Does your skin look dull or feel dry and irritated? Stress can put increased nutritional demands on your body; coupled with yo-yo dieting or a plate heavy on the processed foods, your skin and hair may not be getting the nutrients they need.

Diet

Swap the processed foods on your plate for fruits and veggies that are high in antioxidants. Vitamin A or beta carotene are requirements for normal growth and development of skin cells: try noshing on carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, winter squash, broccoli, spinach, peaches, and watermelon, just to name a few.

Vitamin C is another key vitamin for skin health. It increases production of collagen, which can help overall skin appearance. Add plenty of berries (especially strawberries), red peppers, dark, leafy greens, kiwi fruit, and of course oranges, to your daily routine. A vitamin C supplement can help ensure that you get optimal amounts of this skin health nutrient.

When it comes to shampoo-commercial worthy hair, choose biotin-rich foods such as salmon, eggs, avocado, peanuts, and almonds.

Lifestyle

Your hair and skin needs more of two things – water and sleep – and less of one thing: stress. Managing your stress levels will set the stage for radiant skin and hair. First and foremost, make sleep a priority. Getting the rest you need will help your body cope better with the day-to-day stress of  busy life.

Just a few small changes in your diet and lifestyle can take your stress levels from overwhelming to smooth sailing. Just take it one step at a time, and visit us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips on healthy living!

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)

How Daily Meditation Supports Body and Mind

PGX-blog-How-Daily-Meditation-Supports-Body-and-Mind-20150525

How Daily Meditation Supports Body and Mind

For long-term practitioners of meditation, it’s pretty much a given that daily practice benefits both mind and body. Simply making time to meditate can significantly improve our ability to handle stress and cope with the pace of modern life.

Meditation is a great way to learn how to quiet anxious thoughts and create a sense of safety and empowerment that allow us to feel safe and positive when reflecting on past hurts. By practicing meditation regularly, we are better equipped to figure out how to move forward with peace and contentment. Experienced meditators have long recognized the practice of regular meditation as a great way to shield ourselves, to some extent, from the physiological impact of stress.

But how does meditation actually affect the body? Can learning to control our thoughts help to enhance our overall health?

The Benefits of Meditation

For many years the precise physiological effects of meditation have remained relatively elusive, largely because it’s difficult to monitor blood pressure, brain activity, and other factors without being obtrusive to the actual practice of meditation.

Now, thanks to new wireless technology, researchers in California have at last begun to describe the effects of meditation on mind and body, with the publication of a study in the “Journal Frontiers of Human Neuroscience” generating plenty of interest among long-term practitioners of the meditative arts.

The scientists behind this study devised discreet ways to detect the effects of meditation on the autonomic nervous system, the major mediator between mind and body. They recruited 20 experienced meditators, and 20 novices at a week-long wellness retreat and used non-invasive devices to collect data on heart-rate and brain activity during meditation and at rest.

Meditation and Cardiovascular Health

The majority of the volunteers in the California study had small, but significant decreases in blood pressure associated with meditation, despite most having normal baseline blood pressure. The effects of meditation on blood pressure were most pronounced in novices, with an average 3 mmHg decrease; experienced meditators had an average 2 mmHg decrease.

Earlier studies have also shown that practicing transcendental meditation regularly over the longer term can have significant benefits for maintaining healthy blood pressure already with the normal range (Brook et al., 2013), but this is the first time a study has successfully captured the immediate effects of meditation.

The Brain, Pain, and Meditation

The research in California also showed that even on their first day at the retreat novice meditators had significant changes in brain activity during meditation. Both novice and experienced meditators had significant changes in brainwave patterns, with the greatest effects seen in experienced meditators. Novice meditators had noticeable changes in brain activity between their first session at the retreat and their last session.

In one recent review, scientists concluded that meditation can help inhibit or relieve pain perception (Nakata et al., 2014). . Meditation is thought to modulate activity in areas of the brain associated with the perception of pain, including the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, and thalamus.

There is evidence of an association between long-term practice of meditation and anatomical changes in the brain that could influence the perception of pain.

Yoga’s Benefits for Mood Support

Meditation and yoga often go hand in hand, and scientists have recently reported significant psychological benefits of hot yoga (Bikram; a heated form of Hatha yoga). In this study, women who engaged in two 90 minute Bikram yoga sessions each week had greater decreases in anxiety and stress, scores compared to women assigned to a control group.

The California study involved 52 women, aged 25-42, who had slight elevations in anxiety, occasional depression, and high stress scores on a range of tests. None of the women had done any yoga or similar mind-body exercise over the 12 months prior to the study.

Interestingly, the most significant effects were seen in the 11 African American women in the study. Although the study group was small, this does suggest that yoga may be especially beneficial for African American women, where stress tend to be higher than in white women, and where access to and use of mental health resources is often poorer.

So, if you’re affected by stress and anxiety or are living with occasional pain, why not talk to your health care practitioner about the benefits of meditation and yoga?

References

Nakata, H., Sakamoto, K., Kakigi, R. (2014). Meditation reduces pain-related neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, and thalamus. Front Psychol, Dec 16;5:1489.

Steinhubl, S. R., Wineinger, N. E., Patel, S., Boeldt, D. L., Mackellar, G., Porter, V., Redmond, J. T., Muse, E. D., Nicholson, L., Chopra, D., Topol, E. J. (2015). Cardiovascular and nervous system changes during meditation. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015 Mar 18;9:145.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)