7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips health blog healthbiztips keto diet ketogenic diet

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

9:01 AM

7 Facts about Keto Diet

Keto or ketosis diet has gained popularity over the last few years. Here are some facts you should know about this diet.

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
1. When you follow a standard ketogenic diet, you have to cut down your carbohydrate intake to less than 5%.

2. School taught us that we have 3 main energy source -- carbohydrate, protein, and fat. If you remember, it is emphasized that our main energy source should be carbohydrates. We'll, ketogenic diet is a diet that directly opposes that teaching. Instead of getting much of our energy needs from carbohydrates, ketogenic diet focuses on a diet high in fat while keeping carbohydrate intake minimal.

3. Did you know that glucose metabolism promotes inflammation? Whereas, when your body turns to ketones for energy, it helps prevents this damaging inflammatory response.

4. Ketogenic diet is a popular diet to loose weight, prevent and manage inflammatory diseases like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

5. Since keto diet limits carbohydrate intake, the body is forced to turn into ketones as an energy source which induces the body into a state of ketosis (high ketones in the blood).

6. Ketogenic diet is claimed to benefit people suffering from diabetes as it brings blood sugar level down, however caution should still be taken to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency in which ketone level in the blood reaches a dangerously high level, which turns blood acidic and interferes with the normal functioning of vital internal organs.

7. Ketogenic diet reduces cravings while it increases the amount of time you feel full.

Another good reason to cut on carbohydrate intake is it's positive effect of lowering triglyceride level in the blood. On the other hand, did you know that shifting to a low-fat diet can drastically increase triglyceride level?


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What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips health blog healthbiztips keto diet ketogenic diet

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

8:57 AM

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective?

If you're trying to cut down your fat intake so you can loose weight faster, your might cringe at ketogenic diet's theme of increasing fat intake while limiting carbohydrate consumption. Is it effective?

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
There are several reasons why ketogenic diet appeals to a large number of person. For a start, it's a reputedly faster way to loose weight. By severely depleting the body's glucose source, we consequently enhance fat metabolism.

Numerous studies strongly support ketogenic diet's effectivity in loosing weight.

Let's look into several advantages of adapting a ketogenic diet:

• Reduces appetite
• Reduces cravings
• Enables the body to burn more fat
• Reduces the formation of new fat cells
• Lowers inflammation
• Lowers glucose (blood sugar)
• Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

As convincing as keto diet's potential, it is not a diet that suits everybody. A good example of this is among diabetics who are taking anti-diabetic medication in which the potential for an occurrence of a life-threatening ketoacidosis is higher.

Ketogenic diet is not tailored made for everyone. Knowing about your own health condition is crucial to avoid unnecessary risks this diet can pose to you.

It is not advisable to adapt a ketogenic diet if you are currently pregnant or lactating, or if you have problems involving your kidney, liver, or pancreas.


Related blog posts:

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips health blog healthbiztips keto diet ketogenic diet

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

8:46 AM

What is Keto Diet?

Keto diet (short for ketogenic diet) is a diet that focuses on fat as the body's main energy source. So, in keto diet, you basically eat more fat but less carbohydrate.

What is Keto Diet? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Ketogenic diet lies in the principle that when an individual consume less carbohydrate, glucose availability as an energy source is markedly reduced, so the liver then turns fatty acids into ketones as as an alternative fuel.

Glucose is the main fuel that drives our day to day function, however, in it's shortage, our body turns into ketones.

We'll you see, glucose metabolism does have it's downsides like  the fact that it promotes inflammation. But, don't get me wrong, inflammation is crucial to our survival as it helps clear off harmful foreign substances and facilitate healing, however, when inflammation is uncalled, it can do more harm than good. In fact, inflammation is a culprit of many chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Keto diet markedly increase the body's ability to burn fat and decreases cravings, which is desirable for people who want to loose weight faster.


Related blog posts:

Is Ketogenic Diet Effective? - Healthbiztips

7 Facts about Keto Diet - Healthbiztips

Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

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Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

7:04 PM

Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

Ophiocordyceps sinensis -- Caterillar fungus - Healthbiztips

By: Arlene Gentallan

Have you heart about this "caterpillar fungus" that's making buzz from it's motherland, the Tibetan Plateau, and hitting the global market in such a high price. By, the way, it comes in many names like Ophiocordyceps sinensis, dong chóng xià cao (in Chinese), and yartsa gunbu (in Tibetan) so don't be confused.

Can you believe it, in Beijing China, caterpillar fungus costs more than gold! Well, caterpillar fungus may be something that crawl out of a child's nightmare--it's literally a fungus that grows in a caterpillar's body (specifically, ghost moths) and sprouts a large stalk out of the poor creature's head. So yeah, infected ghost moths die before they have the opportunity to become months. It's terrifying. But, when you consider the prices involved in it's trade, we could just overlook the fact that it's horrendous and see it as a "gold mine".

Caterpillar fungus trade fuels a local economy which ironically is driving it's main fuel--the caterpillar fungus itself, into near extinction. Now, this is a big problem to the local people who strongly depend in harvesting this fungus as their main source of income. Some things just don't come flowing forever.

Besides, you can't just go digging out caterpillar fungus from your backyard, unless your backyard just so happens to be the Himalayan mountainside (the worst place to be a ghost moth). Finding fungal stalk in the plateau is hard work and it's as much as brutal that harvesting the caterpillar fungus should be done with utmost care, because if an uncareful collector accidentally decapitates the fungal stalk from the caterpillar's body then that also cuts it's cost!

How come caterpillar fungus be more precious than gold?

Good question. Is caterpillar fungus so much desirable that it beats gold's worth?

Caterpillar fungus is a traditional Chinese medicine use to treat many diseases like AIDS, cancer, and SARS. If you have any of those disease and you've heard about the rumors, you certain will want to get your hands on these fungal miracle. Just saying.

Caterpillar fungus is also an acclaimed immune system booster, aphrodisiac, performance enhancer, anti-aging miracle, and many other good stuffs.

But, the question is, do these benefits live up to the standard of this fungus' price? Well, that's a topic we can debate about but it seems the dwindling number of caterpillar fungus is bringing it's prices up even further.

You know what people do with expensive things? That's right, they use it as a status symbol! A way to tell everybody that they're supposed to be rich. I know, to someone whose naive, caterpillar fungus may not look like the type of something that can be brag as a status symbol, but believe me when I say that it is a huge status symbol, especially in China. Chinese emperor were served this stuff back in the days when only the elite class can afford it.

We'll, if you're having caterpillar fungus tea, I'll give you the benefit of doubt that you're a rich and respected person. Although, with today's purchasing power, some middle class can now afford this parasite.

The cycle of caterpillar fungus

The fungus specifically infects ghost months when they are still larvae or caterpillars. During this stage, the caterpillar burrows underground, feasting on plant roots. Fungal spores usually infects caterpillars during summer, then by fall and winter, the fungus slowly eats away the caterpillar's internal organs. By spring, the caterpillar crawls near the surface where it dies and the the fungus grows a stalk out of the caterpillar's head to send out it's spores. Imagine that, this stuff we're talking about here is something most people in the world can't afford and much worse, something that can be wiped out if we don't do something about us!

Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

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Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

7:56 AM

Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

Do you know someone who likes to eat their oatmeal uncooked? I know it may sound barbaric, however, eating plain raw oatmeal is actually a part of a health trend owing to the fact that uncooked oatmeal retain more nutrients. But, the question remains "Is eating uncooked oatmeal safe or dangerous?"

Is it Safe to Eat Uncooked Oatmeal? - Heatlhbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

You're not supposed to eat oatmeal in it's plain dry form. You have to first soak it in water or milk, because oatmeal contains phytic acid which can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins. I highly recommend to soak the oatmeal overnight to reduce it's phytic acid content.

Aside from poor nutrient absorption, eating raw dry oatmeal can have bad effects like bloating. Besides, would you like to munch on coarse and dry oats?

 Eating uncooked oatmeal is generally safe provided you dilute it in water or milk.

If you forgot to soak your oatmeal overnight, you should at least consume it together with water or milk.

8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

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8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

2:46 AM

8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

8 Home Remedies for Acne - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Have you ever had a special day ruined by the sudden appearance of a pimple. It just pops out at the most important day of the month like some sort of devilish plot!

Acne plague most people, especially during their teenage years. Outbreaks are so annoying that even the tiniest pimple can have a huge impact to confidence and self-esteem. Why wouldn't acne be such a big issue when it threatens the essence of a beautiful and flawless skin.

Wouldn't it be awesome to find home remedies that you can easily find at a reasonable price. Some of these alternative treatments for acne could be just sitting in your kitchen counter all these years yet you have no idea that they have another purpose other than what they're intended for.

You may be tempted to pop that red angry acne that has suddenly erupted on your face, but you know it'll just make the matter worst. You see, popping a pimple makes it vulnerable to infection causing bacteria. It can lead to scarring.

Instead, why not try these alternative home remedies to get rid of your acne.


1. Toothpaste

Yep. That thing you pile on your toothbrush to scrub your teeth white. It might sound absurd, but apparently using toothpaste as a kitchen remedy for pimple works owing to the fact that it has antibacterial and drying effect.

Simply put toothpaste over your pimple and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

If you think about it, the manufacturer clearly indicates toothpaste to be a "toothpaste". You know what I'm saying. But, how come this thing works for zit. It's because toothpaste contains antibacterial ingredients like triclosan. Thus, reducing the scandalous bacterial inhabitants on your skin.


2. Apple cider vinegar

Here's another potent anti-bacteria that's a popular home remedy for a wide array of health ailments -- apple cider vinegar.

How to use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for acne?

Combine equal parts apple cider and water. If you have sensitive skin, you can further dilute the solution with more water. Next, cleans your face then dry. Apply the apple cider vinegar mixture on your face then let it sit for 1 to 5 minutes before cleansing with water and drying your face. Expect a stinging sensation on your face.

Using apple cider vinegar is beneficial to those with oily skin as applying it will lessen the production of sebum. That means, reducing clogging of skin pores that can potentially cause acne.


3. Honey

Honey is another common stuff found in a kitchen that can be used as a home remedy for acne. It's another antibacterial stuff that's effective against pimples.

After cleansing your face, simply dab raw honey on your face (like a home made face mask) then let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

You can choose to use plain honey or you can add other antioxidants like cinnamon and lemon to craft a more potent formula.


4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an antioxidant spice that's an effective home remedy for acne. It contains "cinnamaldehyde", a potent antimicrobial and fungicidal compound.

How to make cinnamon face mask?

Combine equal parts cinnamon powder and water to form a paste. Then, apply the paste over your clean face and let it stay for 15 minutes, afterwards you can rinse it off with water.


5. Green tea

Don't throw that tea bag! We're gonna be using it as a cheap but effective home remedy for those nasty acne on your face. Just make sure to save your tea bag before adding in milk and sugar so you don't contaminate it.

Green tea also has antimicrobial property which can help clear off acne from the surface of your face. To harness it's skincare benefits, let the wet tea bag cool off then gently massage it over your face. Let it stay for 5 to 15 minutes before your rinse it off with water.


6. Garlic

Home remedies are all about using stuffs we can easily find in a typical home. It's ingenious! Let's spice up this topic by adding garlic to this list of home remedies for acne.

I know garlic smells pungent but like those I've previously mentioned above, garlic contains potent antibacterial compounds that's effective in illuminating acne.

How to use garlic for acne:

Chop or crush a clove of garlic, then smudge it's juice over your pimples. Let it sit there for 2 to 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water.


7. Egg white

Egg white face mask dominates skincare because it's super cheap but highly effective. Aside from it's desirable property against acne, it has many skincare benefits like reducing the appearance of wrinkles and shrinking skin pores.

To make an egg white face mask, all you need is egg white. Massage it over your cleansed face, then let it dry for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

It's that simple! Do expect to feel a tightening sensation on your face as the egg white dries.


8. Lemon

Now, this is one fruit that's highly used in skincare -- lemon! While lemon juice has undesirable effects like stinging sensation on the skin, it's benefits can not be downplayed. It helps clear off excess oil, shrink pores, removes black heads, and reduces the appearance of acne and acne marks.

After washing and drying your face, lather with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Be careful not to put it on your eyes. Then, wash with water after 30 minutes.


There you have it -- 8 home remedies for acne. Remember that one home remedy can work for one person while it can bring havoc to another. Finding the right home remedy that'll work best to remove your acne can take experimentation, patience, and a reasonable amount of time.

12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

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12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

12:48 AM

12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

12 Home Remedies for Toothache - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Toothache. Yep, often when you're not taking good care of your teeth, they get back on you in a very painful way. While there are toothache that suddenly comes and goes like when consuming something too cold or too hot, most toothaches are there unless you get it fix by a dentist.

Let me make it clear that the home remedies for toothache on this blog post works as a symptomatic treatment, which means these are options designed to get a temporary relief from tooth pain.

Toothache can be a symptom of a more serious underlying dental problem like tooth decay, abscess, or infection. It's not a simple matter that goes away. In fact, if left untreated tooth decay can worsen, so you still will have to consult a dentist.


1. Water and salt

Gargle with good ol' plain salt and water is a traditional home remedy for toothache and sore throat. It's safe and effective in killing bacteria that's causing tooth decay and pain.

To make a salt water gargle, mix a quarter teaspoon salt with 1/2 cup water. Then, gargle for 30 minutes. Do not swallow the solution.

For a soothing effect, you can choose to use warm water to make the salt water solution.


2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a potent antiseptic that's easy to use--you simply gargle it for 15 to 30 seconds then spit it. It does taste sour, but it's generally safe and effective to gain instant relief from toothache.

After you gargle with apple cider vinegar, make sure to gargle with water to counteract it's acidity.


3. Tumeric

Tumeric is an all around home remedy that's both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. You can use fresh raw tumeric or tumeric powder as a home remedy for toothache.

To relieve your tooth pain, try any of the options below:

1. Put tumeric powder on your painful teeth.
2. Apply tumeric paste on your tooth. To make a paste, simply mix equal parts tumeric powder and water.
3. Chew raw tumeric roots.
4. Gargle with with tumeric tea.

4. Garlic

A lot of people don't like the pungent smell of garlic but it's highly effective in relieving toothache because it has germicidal property.

Crush a clove of garlic and put it on your painful tooth to get an instant pain relief.


5. Onion

A fresh onion is a potent antiseptic that's an effective home remedy to alleviate toothache. Chop and crush raw onion, then apply it over your painful teeth to reduce the pain on the area.


6. Ginger

Ginger has antimicrobial property which helps keep those harmful bacteria in your mouth at bay, thereby, lessens the pain in your tooth. You can choose to do it the old fashion way by chewing raw ginger roots or you can gargle with warm ginger tea to relieve your toothache.


7. Peppermint

Peppermint contains compounds that eradicates harmful bacteria in your mouth. It's a versatile home remedy for toothache because there are various options you can choose from to harness it's benefits:

• Apply peppermint oil on the painful tooth.
• Gargle with peppermint tea.
• Put a cold peppermint tea bag over your painful tooth or inflamed cheeks.

8. Thyme

Thyme is another herb that contains potent antimicrobial compound to reduce the bacterial count that's causing tooth decay and pain. To obtain pain relief from toothache, you have several options:

• Apply thyme oil on the painful tooth.
• Chew fresh thyme leaves.
• Gargle with warm thyme tea.

9. Clove oil

Clove contains "eugenol" which is desirable for it's antimicrobial and anesthetic effect. Apply clove oil on the painful tooth to numb the area.


10. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory property so it can help reduce the swelling and pain. Apply cayenne pepper on your painful teeth to obtain pain relief.


12. Ice pack

Toothache may be accompanied by signs of inflammation such as swelling and tenderness on the area. You can help decrease these symptoms by applying cold compress on the affected area.

You can use an ice pack or wrap ice cubes in cloth to numb the painful and swollen area over your cheeks.