Trim Your Waistline

You may be looking at your waistline as the target of your weight loss program because it is so prominent. It is what you notice the most as you watch your reflection in the glass windows as you walk through the mall. And it makes fastening your jeans a real challenge. But appearance isn’t everything. There are some real health dangers associated with having a large waistline.

Those dangers include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, sleep apnea, arthritis and back pain, to name a few. More than anything else, it is these dangers that should motivate you to trim your waistline.

You may be familiar with all kinds of online offers for losing belly fat. As with all the other quick weight loss schemes, be careful. If you want to lose the belly fat you have to lose the weight. That means committing to a program that requires improvements in the way you eat and making time for exercise.

How can you jumpstart the process?

First, make healthier food choices. Second, eliminate the sodas, chips, cookies, candy, cake and other sugary and high-fat foods. Third, skip the fast food and nightly pizza. And finally, get moving.
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Consult a Registered Dietitian. If you need help with creating a healthy weight loss program, talk to a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians are the healthcare professionals most trained and experienced in the art and science of nutrition for healthy weight loss. You can locate a registered dietitian by going to the American Dietetic Association website at www.eatright.org and searching to find a registered dietitian.

Health Benefits of Selenium

Overview
Selenium is a mineral with powerful antioxidant properties that help to protect the cells in your body from oxidative damage. Studies show that selenium is also important in regulating thyroid function and can help to boost the immune system.

Food Sources of Selenium

Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium. One ounce may provide as much as 544 micrograms. In fact, just two Brazil nuts can provide enough selenium to meet your dietary needs. Selenium may be found in much smaller amounts in tuna, beef, cod, turkey, chicken breast, pasta, egg, cottage cheese, oatmeal and a number of other foods.

Health Benefits of Selenium

Cancer. Studies show that supplementation with 200 micrograms of selenium could lower the risk of prostate, lung and colorectal cancer.

Heart disease. Studies suggest that selenium may help to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Arthritis. Preliminary studies suggest that selenium may help to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Recommended intake

The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for selenium is 55 micrograms per day for adults. Children require much smaller amounts. 

Selenium toxicity

Excessive intake of selenium could be toxic. Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine has established an upper limit of 400 micrograms of selenium for adults, with lower levels for infants and children.

Resources

Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet: Selenium

Cancer Chemoprotection by Selenium and Thioredoxin
Brazil nuts: An effective way to boost selenium status