Lifestyle Choices

The number of calories needed per day depends upon the body’s metabolic rate (MR), which, in turn, depends upon such factors as age, sex, size, muscle mass, glandular function, emotional state, climate, and exercise.

Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the basis for your caloric needs. The higher the BMR, the more calories you burn at rest. Your MR is a combination of your BMR and calories expended in normal daily activities. The MR is usually higher in males, young people, large people, lean and muscular people, and in nervous people; in cold and hot weather; and during exercise. (more…)

I do encourage you to use complementary techniques to optimise your condition and augment your healing. But always consult your doctor first, and even if he or she does not believe in the therapy, just make sure that no harm can be done. These therapies may give you support, comfort or may aid your healing. You may choose to learn meditation, practise guided imagery, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, reflexology Ayurvedic or Chinese medicine or follow a sound nutritional plan. Steer clear of any practitioner who tells you there is only one way to heal from cancer and that is with his/her therapy, or anyone who advises you to forego the treatment advised by your doctor. This is extremely dangerous. (more…)

It is worth mentioning cholesterol here, while we are talking about fats. Often people think that if something is cholesterol free, it is fat free, but this is not the case. Cholesterol is a complex fatty substance that your body manufactures on a daily basis. It is used to manufacture cell membranes and provide a base for the synthesis of hormones (sex and adrenal), Vitamin D and bile acids. Your body produces about three-quarters of the cholesterol it has in the blood on its own in the liver; the rest comes from your food. Cholesterol from your food does not instantly become cholesterol in your blood. When you eat food high in cholesterol, such as egg yolks, liver, kidneys and shellfish, your body makes less from its own resources or gets rid of more. (more…)