Home Brew Digest

Jim Keayes asked:


The belly is the place we hate our fat the most isn’t it?

That’s where it starts and where it ends, that’s what we measure… you know the old question: “What’s your waist line”?

That’s what we see in the mirror after we shower and we can still see it when we put our clothes on.

That’s when people (or your mother) say complimentary things to you like:

“Gee you’re sure getting some belly fat on you”!

Maybe women don’t say exactly that to each other but men sure do. Men are cruel. We’re supposed to be tough and able to take it. But you get the point. It’s not complimentary and it hurts.

If we’ve got some girth on, our belly precedes us into the room.

No wonder we’d like to be rid of it!

But have you noticed this?

Every diet you go on… the belly is the last place you lose the fat. It seems to come on the belly first and leave last. That’s sort of backwards isn’t it?

I used to wonder about this. I’d grab a handful of my belly and think: “This fat isn’t on the outside… some how it’s on the inside. So how much weight do I need to lose to get it off the inside of my belly?”

Then I discovered what was happening…

You see the fat deposits around our organs because with the typical North American diet of processed meats, hamburgers, steaks, processed carbs and coke our system goes into acidosis… it gets too acidic. Our organs can be damaged by the acidity so the body coats them in fat to protect them from the acid environment.

And the fat deposits around our bellies because the same diet continually spikes the blood/insulin mechanism and puts our muscles into insulin insensitivity. Insulin’s job is to open the muscle cells to receive blood sugar, but that mechanism stops working. So the sugar gets stored first around our bellies as fat.

And what about a beer belly?

Well the sad truth is that it’s called a beer belly because it’s caused by drinking beer… not just alcohol but specifically beer!

You see the beer belly is a little different… it has an extra dynamic; there’s something in hops (the taste ingredient in beer) that distends the belly muscles and makes them sag… that’s how you get the gut.

So like it or not… if you really want to lose that “beer” belly you need to cut back on the beer!

Cutting back on the alcohol consumption would be good for your health generally but if you don’t want to do that then switch drinks… go to wine or scotch and water… or scotch and soda if you have to have some bubbles. But be aware that the carbonic acid in any carbonated drink is leaching the calcium from your bones to neutralize the acid, which leads to osteoporosis.

Cut out the hops and you can help the sagging muscles… what to do to lose the “fat” around the belly?

We’ve got to get the body into an alkaline state and we’ve got to get those muscles taking up the blood sugar again.

First… drink lots of alkaline water. Natural un-carbonated spring water is best if you can’t afford and ionizer.

Second… get off those highly refined carbs, cookies, pastries and pop. As soon as you do this the fat will start releasing from your belly like magic.

The first step in this process is to kill the carb craving!



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Kevin Pederson asked:


Dry hair occurs mainly due to heat, the use of excessive chemicals applied on your hair and also by not taking good care of your hair. Every person’s hair has a certain amount of moisture which preserves your hair and does not let it dry. When certain level of moisture goes down due to many of the common reasons then you have to take special efforts to maintain that moisture. One should keep in mind that excess experiments with your hair can cause problems and lead to dry hair.

Some of the common reason why many face this problem is the excessive washing of your hair. Your hair need not be washed daily as this washes out the nutrients from your hair leaving you ‘high and dry’. So washing is not an appropriate solution for your hair on a daily basis. Use of hot dryers, hot curlers or any of the things you use for stylizing your hair also leads to drying. Swimming in chlorinated water without a head cap makes your hair parched and even drier. By using some of the home based recipes you can make your last longer with a better look.

The use of mild shampoo is one of the initial steps to be taken when you are treating dry hair. Look for shampoos mentioned as ‘dry and damaged’ which would work in your favor. The use of conditioner is a must as this helps in preserving the lost nutrients and oil in your hair. This would give a beautiful look to your hair with the extra shine and bounce. Snipping off the end of your hair would help in preventing further damage to your hair. Exposure to sun can also cause dryness. You can use hair sunscreen to protect your hair.

Use of some of the home made ingredients if properly blended can be very helpful. Beer seems to work wonders on your hair. You can spray your hair with beer once you have shampooed your hair. Mayonnaise is also a wonderful ingredient which brings life back to your hair as it is termed as an excellent conditioner.



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Mariet Smart asked:


For most spa goers, indulging in a treatment incorporating exotic mineral essential ingredients or visiting a spa in a unique location is about as exotic as things get. But for those in search of something truly unique, consider these 8 bizarre spa treatments, according to Forbes Traveler:

1. Snake Massage

In Northern Israel, therapist Ada Barak is a snake handler extraordinaire who performs a service for those knotted with stress and who are not faint of heart. According to Barak, knotted muscles find relief with her $70 treatment using six non-venomous serpents. Clients lie face down as Barak places the snakes on clients’ aching muscles. The slip and sliding motion down the spine supposedly relieves tension. For the remaining 98 percent who find snakes anything but relaxing, perhaps a good old Swedish massage is in order.

2. Perscentoelogy (or your toes are the window to your soul)

Phoenix-area spa goers who have “been there and done that” should seek out the services of Marie Bernat, toe reading expert. Plying her trade at various Phoenix spas, Bernat invites clients to kick off their shoes for a life analysis with perscentoelogy. Apparently, toes tell secrets, and Bernat is happy to read and share them. In fact, “…people laugh because they are surprised that I can tell more about themselves in 10 minutes than people who have known them their whole life,” said Bernat.

3. Nightingale Dropping Facial

For skin as beautiful as the geisha, Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa in Maui has the secret to flawless skin - nightingale excrement. It’s the tried and true beauty regime for Kabuki actors and geisha in Japan who smear the enzyme-filled excrement on their faces to keep complexions clear, white and smooth. The Diamond Spa begins all of their facial treatments with a layer of dehydrated and scent-free nightingale excrement, providing clients with flawless skin.

4. Cupping

A fave detox treatment for the A-crowd, cupping is a preferred treatment at JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. Who can forget Gwyneth Paltrow’s arrival at a movie premiere in a backless gown, a series of circular welts along her spine? Paparazzi images caught the unusual markings, creating a media buzz and sending spa-goers in search of this treatment whose powerful suction is created by glass cups lit with a flame. The ancient Asian practice helps boost circulation and promotes healing. Clients report feeling more energized and relaxed for several days following the service.

5. Beer Therapy

Relaxation is as close as the tap - but preferably at the spa rather than the local pub. Beer therapy indulges clients with a soak in heavenly hops at places such as the Chodovar Family brewery in Chodova Plana, Czech Republic. The onsite spa offers guests a dip in the dark beer bath while enjoying a pint. The bath is reputed to increase circulation and aid in detoxification (not to be confused with Hollywood’s favorite form of detox).

6. Cactus Massage

For a distinctly Mexican flair spa treatment, try a cactus massage at Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Punta Mita, Mexico. Clients enjoy a blend of nopal, a prickly pear cactus, and pulque, an alcohol made from the agave plant (predecessor to modern-day tequila) massaged into their skin using spine-free cactus paddles.

7. Booty Facial

For those seeking some real pampering, the Fanny Facial focuses the indulgence purely on the derriere at Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa in New York City. The treatment includes a three-step session of exfoliation, microcurrent and sunless tanning treatment created to better the backside. In fact, the service has become one of Smooth Synergy’s most popular, and bootylicious, treatments.

8. Caviar Facial & Body Treatment

A-listers (and those who like to live like they are) can now be coated from head to toe in a high-priced delicacy at Rome Cavalieri Hilton’s Grand Spa. The Caviar Facial and Caviar Body Treatment incorporate the beneficial and skin-firming properties of caviar extract. These edible eggs create younger-looking skin and make clients feel like a million bucks.



Tires

Brad Howard asked:


Establishing clear expectations while working out often can be the difference between success and failure. Too many people try to do too much and get frustrated. Instead of “lasering” in on a few great strategies, they try to do as many things as possible. As they say, “Jack of all trades, master of none” applies here.

To help renew your spirits of why proper diet and exercise is important for the New Year, I’ve compiled a somewhat comical list. See how many apply to you:

• Because it costs you (or your loved ones) over 5 million pennies in future health care if you aren’t

• Because feeling better tomorrow starts today

• Because torture is a bad persuasion technique

• Because studies show that fit people make more money

• Because if you don’t, you suck

• Because movie stars do it

• Because performers do it

• Because everyone that is cool in your life, does it

• Because you CAN commit 1.5 hrs/wk out of 176

• Because avoiding a wheelchair is a good thing

• Because hugs are better when you can actually wrap your arms around someone

• Because your kids really don’t want to put you in a rest home

• Because no matter what you keep telling yourself, thick is not sexy

• Because feeling grandpa’s muscles at Thanksgiving can be a yearly ritual

• Because cottage cheese is for fruit

• Because squeezing into a size 6 means you’re not a size 6

• Because love making is much more fun without the extra rolls

• Because being able to see your toes……hmmmm

• Because bigger clothes cost more money

• Because shopping for smaller clothes raises spirits

• Because hitting the State Fair and observing everyone shouldn’t be the only thing that puts a smile on your face

• Because having the woman in your life open a stuck jar of pickles for you is embarrassing

• Because no matter what anyone says, women are always in competition with each other. You do want to win, right?

• Because you had to ask your 10 year old son to take out the trash…..after all you couldn’t lift it

• Because beer makes everyone else look better while making you look worse

• Because weight training makes you look better while making everyone else look worse (see competition in women)

• Because yelling at the gym is a lot better than yelling at work (unless you are a cheerleader)

• Because “Shut your mouth or I’ll kick your ___,” now actually has meaning

• Because being told you look 40 when you are actually 60 does something strange to self confidence

Again, make sure to renew your sense of self worth this holiday season and strive to become a healthier you. Great information is always key but watch out for the dreaded “information overload.” Get equipped and make ‘07 the best year of your life.



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John Kaduwanema asked:


ARTICLE SUMMARY

Are you worried about your blood pressure? Do you intend to start managing your blood pressure? Are you thinking of purchasing blood pressure monitors, first aid kits, medical equipment, travel first aid kits or stethoscopes? Do you suffer from hypertension? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then this article can help you understand basic techniques for measuring your blood pressure and advice on how to control your blood pressure such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and relaxation. It also provides you with information about First Aid Warehouse, the UK’s premier supplier of first aid kits, blood pressure monitors, medical equipment, travel first aid kits and stethoscopes.

How do I measure my own blood pressure?

The process of measuring your own blood pressure is simple. There are just a few basic rules that need to be followed:

· Try and keep the conditions fairly constant when taking your measurement. This includes the time of day, and any medication that you may have taken.

· Take your measurement in a relaxed state, preferably in a sitting position.

· Allow half an hour to have passed since your last cup of tea, exercise or since you were in a stressful situation.

· If in doubt seek medical advice as to when the optimum time for measuring your blood pressure should be – this should take into account your daily routine.

The process of taking your blood pressure is almost always done by placing the cuff around your arm (usually the left) and positioning it on a level with your heart. Follow the particular instructions that are specifically given relating to your blood pressure monitor. You also need to note down the measurement.

What happens if I have hypertension?

There is no fast rule because everybody is different. However if hypertension is detected and treated before it causes other complications, then the chances of recovery are good. If you require medication then you must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. If no medication is required, there are still many things that you can do to lower your blood pressure and these in turn will help you to feel better overall.

Diet

A sensible approach to your diet can help to reduce your blood pressure. You should try and have a well balanced diet which is also low in calories. Your diet should also contain plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. You should avoid animal fats and salt wherever you can. Remember that salt is often hidden in sliced meats, cheeses and ready to serve meals, so wherever possible you should try to avoid them.

There is nothing wrong with a glass of wine or beer, but like with most things if you consume alcohol in excess then this is harmful to your blood pressure. If you smoke, you should stop – there are many support organizations and helplines that can assist you. Taking 500mg of vitamin C a day has been shown to lower blood pressure. Fish oils and garlic are also helpful in keeping your heart healthy.

Exercise

In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can also contribute to lowering your blood pressure. Exercise is also important in helping you to combat excessive fat, reduce stress and become more energetic.

Everything should be done in moderation but regularly. It is much better to plan regular, moderate training schedule rather than undergoing a burst of over-strenuous activity followed by a period of no exercise. Whether you plan brisk walks, jogging, cycling or swimming they are all sufficient activities to put a medium load on the heart. You will need about 15-30 minutes of activity per day.

Strenuous sports should be avoided and if you are in any doubt as to what activities you should be participating in, then you should seek medical advice.

Relax

With the stresses and strains of everyday life it is important to consciously make time for rest. Relaxation reduces the strain on the autonomic nervous system. One of the key functions of the nervous system is to contract and dilate the blood vessels, which in turn affects blood pressure levels.

Relaxation can take on many forms. However the main aim is to try and slow your pulse rate, thus reducing the strain on the heart. You will know what activities you enjoy but techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises and self-hypnosis can also help.

Blood Pressure Monitors

First aid warehouse provides you with a wide variety of high quality and affordable blood pressure monitors, first aid kits, medical equipment, medical plasters, sport first aid kits, travel first aid kits and stethoscopes.

ABOUT THE ARTICLE

This article has been brought to you by First Aid Warehouse , UK’s premier supplier of medical equipment and accessories. A one-stop shop for high quality first aid kits , blood pressure monitors , medical plasters, sport first aid kits, travel first aid kits and stethoscopes.



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Vernon Hale asked:


Although beer is a drink that contains alcohol, the alcohol alone doesn’t make it dangerous to your health. Drinking beer excessively is what leads to hangovers, headaches, and the more severe healthy problems. If you drink beer in moderation and avoid getting drunk, you won’t experience any problems with your health.

One of the most common things people say about beer, is that it makes you fat, hence the term “beer belly”. As a whole, beer contains little to no fat, and there are plenty of beer diets out there that you can use to stay thin. The infamous beer belly is caused by consuming too much alcohol, which affects the body’s ability to burn fat. Even though beer can indeed lead to a “beer belly” if you drink too much of it, if you drink in moderation you should be fine.

Even though beer is low in sugar, it can affect your blood sugar levels. Beer contains alcohol, which can drop the natural level of sugar in your blood, leading to low energy levels. If you drink too much beer, you’ll get really tired and go right to sleep. Alcohol in beer will also lower insulin levels as well, which makes it perfect for non diabetics, as it will reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis.

In the past, research has linked beer with reducing the risk for heart disease. Beer contains no cholesterol, although it does have antioxidant qualities that can reduce LDL oxidation, with may help reduce your risk of heart disease. Beer is also an excellent source of fiber, stemming from the malted barley. Beer can also help to reduce stress, if you drink it in moderation.

To get the health benefits that beer provides, you should drink one beer a day. You shouldn’t drink any more than this, as it can easily lead to health problems. Alcohol will thin out your blood, which will protect your heart and reduce the risk of strokes as well. In the past, research has even shown moderate consumption of alcohol can help with improving your memory as well. Then again, if you drink it excessively, it can destroy brain cells - the adverse effect.

Beer is also nutritious, although it can destroy your levels of vitamin C as well. Beer is a great source of fiber, as well as other minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and several B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. Beer contains high levels of these vitamins, along with other minerals that are actually good for your body. Although it offers plenty of B vitamins and other minerals your body needs, it will also destroy your vitamin C - which is why you never want to drink too much of it.

When it all comes down to it, beer may contain over 95% water, yet it is still a diuretic. Due to the fact that beer contains alcohol, it will always be a diuretic. When you drink beer, you should avoid drinking too much and never, ever, drink beer instead of water. Beer can dehydrate your body fairly quickly, which is one of the biggest cons to drinking beer. Although beer does have several health benefits, they can easily be hindered by drinking too much. To stay on the safe side and avoid headaches and other health effects of beer, you should always drink responsibly, never drink too much - and always drink a few glasses of water when you are drinking beer.



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Dr. Ken Woods asked:


It is a good idea to carry out detoxification of our bodies often. This necessarily may not mean swearing off hamburgers, French fries and beer for a couple of days. Our bodies accumulate waste and toxins that in due course of time will attack our immune system and other areas of our body hampering our normal healthy body functions. Most important is the fact that when burden of these toxins increases, they begin to rampage as free radicals, attacking the immune system and leaving our bodies susceptible to a host of opportunistic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal tract problems, MS and others.

Many of us assume that a few mega-vitamins and supplements will certainly take care of us and there is some truth to this assumption but, that is not all. Our bodies do need a tune-up occasionally. A detoxification cleansing is that tune-up that our bodies require at regular interval of time to allow our system to function optimally and keep it pure.

The foods to stay away from are processed foods, foods with artificial sweetener added to it, foods fried in oil, red meat, pork, chicken, and any other critters except fish. Also avoid the diet drinks, beers, whole milk, the cereal aisle at the market and stay away from munchies, for that period.

There are many detox diet recipes available. Recipe books and recipes on internet are readily available. In fact, given the right formulas, you too can use your creativity and master the art of preparing your own detox recipes and writing your own book too.

The basic dietary pool to choose from are unprocessed foods which are rich in fiber. This should definitely include fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, brown rice, oats, raw nuts, fresh fish, fresh fruit juices and plenty of water.

Out of all these foods that you are allowed to eat while consuming detox diet, make a list of your favorite foods, then start writing out your own recipes for each meal, so you ensure yourself delicious meals well in advance. This will help you continue with your detox diet plan more effectively and also help you to develop your taste for fiber rich nutritious food.

The Mediterraneans were always aware of healthy eating habits. Mediterranean diets are very popular because most of their meals are low in fat, low in carbohydrates. There are many Greek and Turkish recipes available online that will qualify as detox diets. Different recipes for preparation of several varieties of vegetable soup using combinations of fiber and nutrient rich ingredients can be accessed from wide choice of diet sites.

Cabbage soup is a very popular and included in detox diet . It is very satisfying and gives you a feeling of fullness. This is the best part of the fiber rich food. It is very satiating and always prevents you from over eating. So is Gazpacho. A Spanish soup prepared from tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber and fresh garlic clove.

This soup is served cold. Another great detox diet recipe is called “Dave’s Detox Surprise”. This detox soup is prepared from following ingredients. Firstly 2 quarts of water is brought to a simmer. Later add to it 2 finely chopped onions, one half of a garlic clove, finely minced, four stewed tomatoes (after removing the skin) and then diced. To this add two chopped carrots, 7 ounces of sliced mushrooms, 3/4 of a cup of brown rice and two beef bullion cubes. Let this soup simmer for about one hour on a low heat, then is best, served hot.

To add to the taste serve “Dave’s Detox Surprise” along with a boiled en tree of Red pepper, sprinkled with lemon juice and a side dish of fresh green beans with mushrooms and crushed almonds. This combination would certainly be a delicious mouth watering meal!

Your food selection for preparation of any detox diet recipes that you like will certainly test your creativity. Idea of being able to eat the food you can enjoy will motivate you to stay on track and not give up the challenge. The more variety of recipes that you can come up with, the easier your detoxification process will be. It is rightly said variety is the spices of life. There is a saying in Asian culture , “A cup of brown rice is worth a thousand recipes”. More on Detoxification Diets at http://www.mastercleanse-review.com



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John Gygax asked:


From long before the birth of Christ the medicinal qualities of wine have been appreciated. The Ancient Greeks used wine as a medium for the essences of herbs or spices known, or thought, to contain ingredients that relieved pain or sickness. The bitterness or unpleasant flavour of the medicine was masked by the wine and thus became more acceptable to the patient. This practice continued throughout the centuries. Indeed in most countries one can still buy wines containing health promoting additives. Usually described as tonic wines, they are frequently taken by the chronic invalid or the convalescent, as well as by the hypochondriac.

Antiseptic

The antiseptic quality of wine has long been known. It was common practice to wash wounds in wine before binding them, and it was accepted that this helped the healing process. It was not known of course that the acid and alcohol killed bacteria, because bacteria were not recognised as the cause of infection until the middle of the 19th century.

Anaesthetic

The anaesthetic qualities of wine and spirits were also known. Before an operation the patient would be made quite drunk so that the pain of amputating a limb, for example, could be endured. The blood pressure was lowered, too, although this advantage may not have been appreciated.

Healing

The beneficial qualities of various flower, vegetable and other wines may not yet be fully understood. It was once believed that celery wine was helpful to people suffering from rheumatism. Fig wine was thought to be good for people afflicted with chronic constipation. Elderberry wine is still considered helpful for those suffering from a cold or cough. Dandelion wine was supposed to be helpful to those suffering from a disorder of the bladder - and so on. Scientists may yet find that these old tales are not complete nonsense.

Tonic & Relaxing

Today, wine is widely regarded as a tonic, in the form of an aperitif, for the jaded appetite. It is also considered to be an aid to digestion. It is known that wine can relieve tensions and relax taut nerves. It reduces inhibitions and ensures sociability. Whilst beer and spirits are frequently forbidden to the obese or the sick, wine is only excluded during a fever. It is often prescribed during convalescence. Even the diabetic, for whom sweet food and drink can be a positive danger, is not forbidden a glass of dry wine.

Because wine stimulates sociability, it is not usually associated with alcoholism, a disease of the lonely or troubled who more often turn to spirits for relief.

How Much

Recent American research has reported that moderate consumption of alcohol - around half a bottle a day - leads to a longer, healthier life than that enjoyed both by those who drink none and by those who drink much more. Like many other matters, this is something that mankind has really been aware of for generations without being able to prove it in statistical terms!

Reveal the Mystery

There is no harm in giving a sip of wine even to babies, and there is much to be said for allowing young children a small glass of wine diluted with water. Because no prohibitions are made there are no secrets for the child to discover by surreptitious drinking. A glass or so at a meal for the young adolescent does no harm, improves the sense of belonging to the world of adults and is a step on the path of sophistication. The important advice to young people is the same as it is for ourselves - moderation. Amateur winemakers, usually with a substantial stock of wine available to them, tend to be moderate social drinkers. Whilst at parties they may drink their fill, it is extremely rare to see one ‘under the weather’.

Aphrodisiac

Some wines are said to have aphrodisiac qualities. Around the year AD 200 it was recorded by Atheneus ‘that wine from Heraea (a town in Greece) drives men out of their senses and makes women inclined to pregnancy/ Mead too has long been thought to be something of a sexual stimulant. The probability is more likely that the moderate and regular drinking of wine or mead helps to keep one well, dynamic and full of vitality. When the wine or mead is shared with an appropriate partner, tension is relaxed and inhibitions depart. There is no evidence that wine or mead directly stimulates the sexual senses.

Comfort

Elderly people benefit from a glass of wine taken regularly. It not only comforts them but has a warming effect at a time in life when they begin to feel the cold more than ever before.

There can be no doubt that in moderation wine is beneficial and health promoting to people of all ages, from the cradle to the grave. Those of us who have wine in abundance should be thankful for such a blessing when so many are under-nourished. Thanks be to God. Amen.



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