Which Protein Is Best For You?

If you are physically active and taking supplements but still cannot seem to get the energy back in your body and brain, then it’s time to look at how much and what kind of protein you are getting. Even though dieters have been using high-protein diets for years, many are unaware of how much protein they actually need and how critical it is to their overall health. Low-protein diets can be lacking greatly in a lot of essential nutrients such as zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, copper, and others. This deficiency can cause illness and fatigue. Protein deficiency leads to difficult recovery from exercise, feeling tired, frequent colds, poor hair or nails, and a cessation in menstrual period for women, which may sound pleasant but is potentially dangerous. People of all ages are not aware of how much their protein needs change as they increase exercise. As your activity increases, so does your protein needs. Protein is important in your body because every single cell in the body is made up of proteins. Protein is also essential for muscle building, producing red blood cells, the production of various enzymes and hormones, and good hair, nails, and skin. Our immune systems are almost all protein based, so providing our body with protein means that we can fight colds and other infections better. Proteins are also needed in our body to repair muscle damage that occurs during mild exercise. Protein is made from a chain of amino acids and our body cannot make some of these amino acids, which means that they need to be found in our diet. There are eight amino acids that our body cannot make and must be found in our diet every day. These include: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Although it is nice to know which amino acids are essential, it is even more important to know where you can find these amino acids because your muscles and body need them on a daily basis. Since proteins are constantly being broken down, it is necessary to get some every day. It is suggested that women aged 19 to 70 need 46 grams of protein per day, while men of the same age need 56 grams. Now that you know that protein is essential to your life, what kind of protein is actually needed? Even though protein can be found in a good diet by simply eating meat, nuts, eggs, and other foods, many of us with busy lives need a quick and convenient source of protein. At a health food store, your choices are soy, casein, whey, and egg. Although the classic protein source is whey protein, the problem is that even though it has a high amount of useable amino acids, some people don’t like it or have a hard time taking it. Other proteins like soy and casein don’t have the complete amino acid content that your body is looking for. With all the different forms of protein available one might wonder which is best? Egg white is the perfect protein source. Egg whites contain more than half the protein of an egg and are also rich in chlorine, niacin, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, selenium, vitamin K, and sulfur. Additionally, egg whites have a high amount of protein but exclude the cholesterol and sodium found in the yolk. Egg white protein is considered almost perfect because human requirements for amino acids and the amino acids contained in eggs are almost identical. Eggs are also one of the well-tolerated proteins, as over 90 percent of the protein of eggs is digested into the individual amino acids that your body needs. Egg white protein is one of the few products on the market that taste good without the added artificial flavors, colors, or additives.

Breast Pain Happens To More Women Than We Realize

It is very common for those experiencing breast pain to be concerned that it is a symptom of breast cancer. Of course this may be the case, but there really is no need to be concerned, the best thing to do is to get it checked by your doctor as soon as you can, and get a mammogram done. This will help your doctor to know if there are any lumps in your breast that do need to be checked out.

When talking with your doctor about any breast pain you might be experiencing, it is important to be very specific. When you have these pains you should make mental notes on the source of the pain, the intensity of the pain, the duration of the pain, and the level of the pain. To ensure that you can remember as many details as possible, it is advised that you write them down for accuracy.

If you are having breast pain don’t feel as though you are alone. It’s been shown that 1 in 10 women have pain in their breast, ranging from moderate to severe, more than five days in a given month. It can last all the way through a woman’s menstrual cycle. This type of experience happens mostly among younger women but can be experienced by women of any age.

As you might expect, many women who experience breast pain fear that they have may have developed breast cancer. It is wise to have regular breast exams by your physician to set your mind at ease. You can also do a self-assessment, in which you check your breasts for any abnormalities yourself. You can learn how to do this by checking online or asking your physician to show you.

The positive news is that pain in one’s breast hardly ever means cancer. There are many reasons why you may have breast pain. The most likely culprit pertains to the reproductive hormones. Your monthly menstrual period can bring with it breast tenderness and/or soreness. This kind of pain usually affects both breasts.

It is evident that breast pain can have a variety of causes. If you have consulted with your physician to be sure that the pain is not the result of any serious condition, there are a few things you can do to relieve breast pain. The easiest thing to do is to take a non-prescription pain medication. Often this will resolve the problem. Possibly a bra that offers more support would be helpful too.

Information on Lymphedema

Lymphedema, also spelled lymphoedema. Lymphedema is the chronic swelling or feeling of tightness in the arm or hand due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissue of the arm. The condition arises when lymph vessels, which normally carry excess fluid out of the limbs and back into central circulation, have had their flow interrupted. Lymphedema is a common complication of cancer and cancer treatment and can result in long-term physical, psychological, and social issues for patients. Lymphedema may be inherited (primary) or caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels (secondary). Lymphedema is most often seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which harm to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of cancer, most eminently breast cancer. Lymphedema may also be associated with accidents or certain diseases or problems that may inhibit the lymphatic system from functioning properly. In tropical areas of the world, a common cause of secondary lymphedema is filariasis, a parasitic infection. It can also be caused by a compromising of the lymphatic system resulting from cellulitis. Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb. Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for comprise: a full sensation in the limb, skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. Lymphedema is aggravated by prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, hot weather, and the menstrual period. Treatment for lymphedema varies depending on the severity of the edema and the degree of fibrosis of the affected limb. The most important aspect of treatment is learning how to care for your health. The most common treatments for lymphedema are a combination of complete decongestive therapy, compression bandaging, and the employ of solidity garments. Lymphedema is also treated by physical ways and with medication. Physical methods include supporting the arm or leg in a raised position, manual lymphatic drainage, wearing bandages or custom-fitted clothing. Prevention is better than cure. Maintain your ideal body weight. Eat foods high in fiber such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you require.

IUD is the short form of Intra Uterine Device. It is one of the most effective and safer birth control methods. It is a small and flexible T shaped device, normally made of plastic and having a thread that hangs down into the upper part of the vagina. It is placed inside a woman’s uterine cavity through her vagina to prevent pregnancy.

How does it work?

It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperms from contacting with an egg. There are two types of IUD. One is Copper IUD and another is Progesterone IUD. But copper-bearing IUDs are widely used. Copper IUD works effectively for about 10 years and after that it must be replaced. Likewise, hormonal IUDs (progestin-releasing IUDs) must be replaced every 5 years.

Effectiveness

If it is placed and maintained properly, its effectiveness rate is more than 99%. It is very rare that an accidental pregnancy occur while using an IUD. It is pertinent to mention here that only a trained doctor or nurse can insert and remove the IUD.

Care for IUD

Only thing you have to care is to check the string inside the vagina. At the time of your menstrual period, you can check the thread by inserting a clean finger into your vagina. If you do not feel the thread or IUD itself, it means the IUD is not in the right place. At this moment you must consult your doctor or the clinic where you have got the IUD fitted. It is recommended that you should have yearly check up by your doctor. However once the IUD is fitted you can exercise, swim and have sexual intercourse right away.

Advantages

• It starts working immediately.

• It is very effective birth control method.

• Once it is fitted, you need not to do any daily attention, like, taking pills etc.

• If you want your doctor can remove the IUD at any time.

• Your sexual life will not be affected any way. It is very private to you. Even your partner cannot feel it.

• It is not expensive.

• It is long lasting. Once it is fitted it can work for more than 5 years.

• No restriction of age. Women of the age of 20 years and more can use it.

Disadvantages

• IUD does not give you protection against AIDS or any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

• You cannot place the IUD by yourself. It requires a trained doctor or nurse.

• While inserting IUD uterus can be injured but it is very rare.

• After insertion of IUD you may feel backache or cramps for some time.

• It may tend to cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

Points to remember

• If you have more than one sexual partner, you have greater chance to be infected while using IUD. These infections can be more serious as IUD does not protect you from STDs.

• If you are pregnant, you should not use IUD.

• If you miss your menstrual period, you must consult your doctor.

Overall, if an IUD is inserted and maintained properly, it can certainly be a very effective method of birth control.

Find more information visit: http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/what-is-iud.htm

Causes and Cures For Hot Flashes

A widespread discomfort of perimenopause, hot flashes affect about 75 percent of menopausal women. These women report various experiences of the phenomenon, ranging from a glowing sensation to a burning heat, usually with some sweating, which may be particularly bad at night (night sweats). The frequency of the experience also differs greatly: some women have a few mild flashes a week for a short period, while others may experience up to 50 a day for many years. In very severe cases, they may occur 6 or 7 times in an hour.Manu women experience hot flashes well before their last menstrual period. Initially, these are infrequent and are on the face, neck and chest only. Over time, these flashes can become more frequent, last longer, and they may continue to occur, with occasional flash-free periods, for up to five years.What Causes a Hot Flush?The underlying physiology is complex, but the onset of a hot flash may correspond with an increase in the level of pituitary hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Significant changes in levels of FSH secretion are common as menopause approaches, and they appear to be a response to the shrinking of the ovaries and decreased estrogen secretion.The loss of estrogen itself makes the blood vessel muscles more unstable, hence the term “vasomotor instability”, which is sometimes used to describe a hot flush. Other internal secretions also surge during a hot flash. For example, there is a significant rise in the blood level of some of the adrenal hormones.More simply stated, a hot flash occurs because the brain decides your body is overheated. During menopause, your temperature regulating system changes. Your sweat glands may work less effectively than before because lack of estrogen changes the way they are programmed. Not only do your sweat glands not cool as efficiently as before, but there also appears to be a change in beam chemistry that affects the temperature control center in the hypothalamus. The temperature set point becomes lower than normal, and this triggers a dilation of blood vessels in the skin and sweating as your body attempts to reset it’s thermostat. The adjustments aren’t always smooth and your body often overcompensates, hence the hot flashes.To reduce the unpleasantness and potential severity of the experience, there are a number of self-help measures to try, including dietary and lifestyle changes, regular exercise, meditation and complementary therapies.

Birth Control Patch is one of the hormonal methods of contraception. It is a 4-½ Cm square plastic patch. This patch is placed directly on the skin of the woman, which in turn releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream in order to prevent pregnancy.

Function

Birth Control Patch works on the basis of hormones. Basically it contains two female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation. It does not allow the eggs to being released from the ovaries. So, if there is no egg, what sperm will fertilize, and that prevents pregnancy. It also thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm cannot reach the eggs.

Use

Like other hormonal contraceptives such as ring or pill, a birth control patch is also used on the first day of women’s menstrual period or the first Sunday after beginning of her menstrual period. Women place the patch once a week for 3 weeks at the same day to make it effective. There is no patch for fourth week to allow her menstrual cycle during this week.

Effectiveness

If the patch is placed correctly and consistently, it is effective for more than 99%. But if a girl weighs more than 90 Kilograms, it is less effective in preventing pregnancy.

Advantages

• If placed correctly, it is highly effective.

• You need not give any daily attention like taking pills etc.

• It is very easy to use. It does require any trained doctor or nurse to implant.

• It has very less side effects.

• It does not disturb your sexual life.

• It starts working immediately. But it is recommended that you must take a backup method of contraceptive for first week of the first month the patch is placed.

• While wearing patch you can take bath, swim or exercise.

• Fertility returns within 3 menstrual cycles after discontinuing this patch.

Disadvantages

• You require a doctor’s prescription to buy this patch.

• It does not give you protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS/HIV.

• You have to apply it weekly.

• It can increase exposure to estrogen that can cause other side effects.

• Main points to keep in mind

• While replacing your patch every week, place it on different location so that it does not harm your skin.

• If the patch comes off, replace it with another patch. If it replaced within 24 hours you need not any backup method of contraception.

• Once you placed the patch, it should not be moved for one week.

• You should not apply the patch over any kind of skin product like cream, powder, lotion etc.

• It is not recommended for the women who are suffering from high blood pressure, migraine, uncontrolled diabetes, depression, high risk of heart disease, liver disease and certain types of cancer.

You must consult your doctor if you feel any pregnancy symptoms, chest pains, and pain in your legs or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Overall, women weighing less than 90 kilograms and sexually active may consider the birth control patch as a good option to prevent themselves from pregnancy.

Find more information visit: http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/birth-control-patch.htm

Ovarian cysts no more review

The causes of ovarian cysts vary, depending on the person and the cyst. Endometriosis is a disease that can create cysts, because the endometrial tissue is misplaced, and this tissue bleeds outside of the uterus during the menstrual cycle. Each time the menstrual period occurs, more bleeding is done by this tissue, and endometrial cysts form and continue to grow over time. These cysts can reach the size of grapefruits and become very uncomfortable. Some causes of ovarian cysts are unknown, and some are natural causes in cysts that are considered functional, like a follicle cyst or a corpus luteum cyst. A follicle cyst happens naturally during ovulation, and this cysts will normally dissolve within a few months, and a corpus luteum cyst is caused when the corpus luteum does not disintegrate, but instead fills with liquid and tissue to form the ovarian cyst.The causes of ovarian cysts are many, and can include both natural and other causes. If your menstrual cycles are not regular, this can cause cysts to develop, and the same is true if you start menstruating early, generally considered menstruating at age eleven or younger. These cysts may also develop because of an imbalance of hormones in your body, or a thyroid problem which causes lower levels of hormones in your body. If the fallopian tubes fill up with fluid, this can also contribute to the growth of ovarian cysts. Sometimes medications and drugs can also be the causes of ovarian cysts, and the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen is one of these. There is also a condition or disease called Polycystic ovarian syndrome, and in these cases one or both ovaries may develop numerous small cysts which grow into larger cysts. Ovarian cysts can also be caused if an abscess forms in or on the appendix, and this cause may require medical treatment or surgery to resolve. Ovarian cysts can be caused by a number of different factors, medical conditions, and circumstances.

Menopause – Causes and its Treatment

Menopause is not a disease or an illness. It is a transition between two phases of a woman’s life. Menopause occurs when a woman permanently stops menstruating (having periods). Many women experience a variety of symptoms as a result of the hormonal changes associated with the transition through menopause. Around the time of menopause, women often lose bone density and their cholesterol may worsen, increasing their risk of heart disease.Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period. Perimenopause means “the time around menopause” and is often used to refer to the menopausal transitional period. It is not officially a medical term, but is sometimes used to explain certain aspects of the menopause transition in lay terms.There comes a time in every woman’s life where she stops her menses. Known by many names; “Auntie Flow, the curse…” menstruation is when women battle with cramps, mood swings, feeling bloated or tired during that time of month when she is bleeding. These symptoms are known as PMDD- Premenstrual Dysphoris Disorder otherwise known as PMS.CausesAs part of the aging process the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This decrease signals the beginning of the end of a women’s reproductive years. Eventually the menstrual periods stop and it is no longer possible for a woman to become pregnant. Normally this transition progresses in two stages.SymptomsTechnically, you don’t actually “hit” menopause until it’s been one year since your final menstrual period. In the United States, that happens about age 51, on average. The signs and symptoms of menopause, however, often appear long before the one-year anniversary of your final period. Menopause is a natural process that happens to every woman as she grows older, and is not a medical problem, disease or illness. Still, some women may have a hard time because of the changes in hormone levels during menopause.TreatmentPerimenopause is a natural stage of life, not a disease or a disorder, and therefore it does not automatically require any kind of treatment. However when the bodily effects of perimenopause are severe and disruptive, they may be alleviated through medical treatments. Hormone replacement therapy or HRT, known in Britain as Hormone Therapy or HT, and the SSRIs appear to provide the most reliable pharmaceutical relief. However, adverse effects of one kind of HRT (equine estrogen combined with a synthetic progestin) are now well documented. See the section below on “Adverse effects of conjugated equine estrogens”.Regular exercise can help improve some symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes and night sweats, difficulty sleeping and mood changes. Physical activity that stresses the bones, such as running and walking, can slow down the loss of bone density. Physical activity can also help protect against heart disease and stroke. The recommended amount of physical activity is at least half an hour of moderate intensity physical activity on at least five days each week.

Birth Control Patch is one of the hormonal methods of contraception. It is a 4-½ Cm square plastic patch. This patch is placed directly on the skin of the woman, which in turn releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream in order to prevent pregnancy.

Function

Birth Control Patch works on the basis of hormones. Basically it contains two female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation. It does not allow the eggs to being released from the ovaries. So, if there is no egg, what sperm will fertilize, and that prevents pregnancy. It also thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm cannot reach the eggs.

Use

Like other hormonal contraceptives such as ring or pill, a birth control patch is also used on the first day of women’s menstrual period or the first Sunday after beginning of her menstrual period. Women place the patch once a week for 3 weeks at the same day to make it effective. There is no patch for fourth week to allow her menstrual cycle during this week.

Effectiveness

If the patch is placed correctly and consistently, it is effective for more than 99%. But if a girl weighs more than 90 Kilograms, it is less effective in preventing pregnancy.

Advantages

• If placed correctly, it is highly effective.

• You need not give any daily attention like taking pills etc.

• It is very easy to use. It does require any trained doctor or nurse to implant.

• It has very less side effects.

• It does not disturb your sexual life.

• It starts working immediately. But it is recommended that you must take a backup method of contraceptive for first week of the first month the patch is placed.

• While wearing patch you can take bath, swim or exercise.

• Fertility returns within 3 menstrual cycles after discontinuing this patch.

Disadvantages

• You require a doctor’s prescription to buy this patch.

• It does not give you protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS/HIV.

• You have to apply it weekly.

• It can increase exposure to estrogen that can cause other side effects.

• Main points to keep in mind

• While replacing your patch every week, place it on different location so that it does not harm your skin.

• If the patch comes off, replace it with another patch. If it replaced within 24 hours you need not any backup method of contraception.

• Once you placed the patch, it should not be moved for one week.

• You should not apply the patch over any kind of skin product like cream, powder, lotion etc.

• It is not recommended for the women who are suffering from high blood pressure, migraine, uncontrolled diabetes, depression, high risk of heart disease, liver disease and certain types of cancer.

You must consult your doctor if you feel any pregnancy symptoms, chest pains, and pain in your legs or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Overall, women weighing less than 90 kilograms and sexually active may consider the birth control patch as a good option to prevent themselves from pregnancy.

Find more information visit: http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/birth-control-patch.htm

When Am I Most Likely to Become Pregnant?

The process of becoming pregnant varies greatly from couple to couple. While some couples try for years to conceive, others become pregnant without even trying. A woman may become familiar with her body’s fertility cycle in effort to prevent pregnancy or to determine the most fertile time if she is trying to conceive. Every month, a woman’s ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tube during a process called ovulation. If the egg remains unfertilized, the uterine lining is shed and normal menstruation occurs. If the egg is fertilized by sperm in the fallopian tube within an approximate 24 hour time period, conception occurs. Within a few days, a fertilized egg will move into the uterus, attach to the uterine wall and begin developing into a fetus. Though many fertility experts recommend having intercourse throughout your cycle if you are trying to get pregnant, recognizing when you are most fertile can also be helpful in increasing your chances of conception. The time period when a woman is most fertile is during ovulation as well as the five or so days leading up to it. Women who are trying to conceive should have sex every day if possible during this time period, while women who are trying to avoid pregnancy should abstain from sex or use backup methods of birth control prior to and during ovulation. For some women, ovulation is accompanied by a pain or ache near the ovaries, a recognizable sign that ovulation is taking place. Other women may not experience any pain at all. Breast tenderness is another sign of ovulation some women experience. By being aware of some of the changes that take place around the time of ovulation, many women can predict the signs of ovulation in their own bodies. Generally speaking, ovulation occurs between the 11th and 21st day following the first day of the menstrual period. Women with very regular cycles may chart their cycles using a calendar to predict ovulation fairly accurately, though the timing of ovulation can be affected by many factors and it is best to monitor a number of signs in attempting to predict ovulation.One common method of detecting ovulation is tracking basal body temperature. Basal body temperature is simply the body’s temperature when at rest, which is slightly higher right after ovulation. A woman can track her basal body temperature by checking her temperature with a thermometer daily before getting out of bed. Body temperature increases are usually very slight, though they follow a pattern that can help predict ovulation. A common pattern is a slight drop in temperature just prior to ovulation, and an increase just after. Predicting ovulation by tracking basal body temperature is most effective when temperature data can be collected over multiple months. Another way a woman can detect ovulation is by noticing changes in cervical mucus. Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle in color and consistency. During ovulation, mucus is abundant and particularly clear, slippery and stretchy. This clear mucus plays an important role in conception by helping sperm survive. After ovulation, the quantity of mucus is reduced and it becomes stickier and less clear. Monitoring changes in cervical mucus is another way to help predict the time of ovulation naturally.Over the counter ovulation kits are also readily available that can help predict ovulation. Be aware that all such kits are not created equal. The more expensive ones are in fact more sensitive and better able to detect when a woman ovulates.As each woman’s cycle is unique, the most effective methods of determining when ovulation occurs vary from woman to woman. Usually a combination of methods helps predict ovulation with the most accuracy. Prior to attempting to conceive, it is advised to consult with a physician for an assessment of your health.