For most of us, dropping those extra pounds is life’s mission.

We are always seeking ways to tone our bodies and get fit. Different diet plans and exercise regimes can help us do that. Among the recent trends, the ketogenic diet has gained quite a popularity these days.

It is a low-carb, high-fat diet that presumably offers many health benefits. The concept is that your body can acquire more calories from fats and proteins and fewer from the carbohydrates. It means you will have to cut back on carbs like white bread, soda, sugar, and cakes.

A study by Oxford Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism found that people on a ketogenic diet lose three times more weight than those who are on a diet recommended by Diabetes UK.

How does it work?

This diet aims to force your body to use a different kind of fuel. Rather than relying on sugar that comes via carbs, keto relies on ketone bodies.

It is a type of fuel produced by the liver from stored fats. This process of making the liver produce ketone bodies is quite tricky.

It requires you to consume less than 50 grams of carbs each day. Typically, it takes a few days before you reach the ketosis state. But if you consume proteins (more than the recommended) during the plan, it will interfere with ketosis. At this point, you must address the fact that a keto diet is a short-term diet that aims for weight loss more than any other health benefits.

The growing popularity of this diet has raised many questions among health experts. People wonder whether it is a hundred percent beneficial routine or whether there are flaws attached to it. Below we discuss some good and bad aspects of the diet.

The Benefits of Keto

• Weight Loss

Unlike hunger and extreme exercise routine, the keto diet focuses on the consumption of healthy food portions.

It helps you to lose more weight in the first three to six months than any other diet plan. This is because the low-carb diet gets the access water out of your body. It lowers the insulin levels and leads to rapid weight loss in the first two weeks.

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine compared low-carb and low-fat diets. It discovered that people controlling their carbs were two to three times more likely to lose weight without being hungry.

• Reduces Acne

Many things trigger acne, and one of those is the high consumption of sugar. When you eat a diet that contains refined and highly-processed sugars, it alters gut bacteria. This causes a dramatic fluctuation in blood sugars and creates a negative impact on your skin.

According to the registered dietician Suzanne Dixon, “Higher levels of insulin and related hormones can worsen acne, and the ketogenic diet lowers insulin levels.” Apart from this, Alisha Temples point out that when you are observing a keto diet, you eat plant-based foods that are beneficial for your skin. So there are fewer chances of skin breakout.

• Protects Brain Function

We all know how glucose is dire for effective brain function. Yet it is also true that a large part of our brain can also burn ketones. Our body produces and transmits ketones to the brain when we are observing the low-carb diet. Many studies prove the neuroprotective effects of keto. According to one study, the children following the ketogenic regime showed improved levels of alertness and better cognitive functionality. Hence, when you begin the keto diet, you will notice that you are more alert and can focus on things better.

• Protection against Diseases

The keto diet has recently proven to be effective for many health conditions. Some research suggests that it lowers the risk of heart diseases and high cholesterol. It also reduces your risk of getting cancer. This is because insulin production is lower, and it leads to slower growth of cancer cells. Another disease that it helps to shield from is the flu virus. In 2015, Dixit’s group proved that keto diet blocks an inflammation pathway triggered by a protein complex that plays a role in an autoimmune disorder.

The Risks of Keto

There is a considerable difference among nutritionists on the positive impact of the ketogenic diet. Some of them are highly concerned about the risks that tag along. Long-term implementation of keto in your diet plan can have adverse consequences for your health. These include:

• Severe weight loss
• Muscle degeneration
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Low blood sugars
• Liver problems
• Mood swings

Not to forget, the nutritional deficiency that comes with keto regime is also an essential factor of concern.

Kathy McManus, the director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says if you are not eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, you will end up having deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B and C, etc.

However, many companies have realized this loophole. They are beefing up their menu so that people get a variety of veggies integrated with keto. Nashville Tv Stations recently reported how Chipotle started rolling out keto, paleo, and whole 30 diet menus.

When you start with keto, make sure you check out these food outlets and the scrumptious food combinations they provide so you can craft a diet chart that is fulfilling and enriched with nutrients.

Parting Thoughts

The final takeaway from this discussion is that keto may bring about significant results in the beginning, but over a long time, it can cause substantial deficiencies in your body. Also, the plan is tough to sustain after three or six months. But if you want to plan the keto regimen for a few months, you must recommend your dietician first. Discuss alternatives to dietary options for an extended period. You may have to switch the plan in a few months.

Did you find our blog useful? Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you have not been sleeping regularly and for the recommended amount of time, you may have a problem. Lack of sleep has been linked to several health and developmental challenges.  Constantly missing your bed time and sleeping only for a few hours a night can make you foggy, grumpy, and less productive. But, did you know sleep deprivation can have some severe consequences too?

Here are the top effects of lack of sleep

1- Sleep deprivation can kill your sex drive

Experts suggest that sleep deprivation can affect libido for both men and women. People who sleep less than the recommended minimums were less likely to show a normal level of interest in sex. Some factors, which could be attributed to their lack of sleep, have been noted as the key reasons behind this. They include sleepiness, low energy levels and a higher proneness to errors of judgment.

2- Lack of sleep could cause depression

6 Surprising effects of lack of sleep

Lack of sleep has repeatedly been linked with depression and other mental health problems. Different studies suggest a relationship between insomnia and depression. While it is considered one of the first signs of the condition, it also aggravates the symptoms. People with insomnia also stand a significantly higher risk of facing depression.

3- It ages your skin quicker

Have you ever experienced puffy eyes and sallow skin after one or two nights with very little sleep? The effect on your skin is significantly more severe over time. You may develop dark circles and loose, damaged skin over time, thanks to the action of cortisol. By failing to get enough sleep, your body will secrete the stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down the elastic collagen in your skin. You will also deprive yourself of important growth hormones which are released during deep sleep.

4- Sleep loss causes impaired judgment and brain function

Sleep will affect various cognitive functions such as learning and thinking. By getting less sleep, you could limit your capacity for problem solving and reasoning. You will also be less alert, which may affect your ability to pay attention and learn. Sleep deprivation will also affect your ability to store memory, with this being a key brain function during your sleep cycle.

Your ability to make sound judgment will also be impaired by sleep deprivation. You will be prone to rash judgment and poor decisions without the right quality and quantity of sleep. Poor sleepers are notorious for their poor judgment on sleep matters over time. If you get less sleep than recommended for a long time, your body may be less likely to show the effects of sleep deprivation. While this may suggest adaptability, your alertness, judgment and performance levels will continue to decline.

5- Sleep deprivation will affect your overall health

Sleep deprivation is a major risk factor for certain conditions. If you are not sleeping well, you run a higher risk of heart attack and other heart conditions. You could also be more likely to experience heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure. The correlation between sleep deprivation and poor health can be seen in people with insomnia. Research suggests they are more likely to have another health condition than regular sleepers. Sleep deprivation also increases craving for food with high fat and carbohydrate content, which may raise the risk of obesity.

• It could increase the risk of death

Alongside the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, persistent lack of sleep can increase the risk of death. Studies point to up to a 50% increase in the risk of heart conditions, with similarly higher figures for other major diseases.

6- How technology can help you sleep better

6 Surprising effects of lack of sleep

Technology is not all bad when it comes to affecting your sleeping habits. Many people are often distracted from a good night’s rest by their phone, television and computer screens. By managing the use of these devices, as well as developing and sticking to a secure sleep routine, you can leverage them to your advantage.

Trends in hardware and software development suggest a change of attitude towards tools to help people sleep better.  There are a few handy gadgets and applications that could help make your night better instead of cutting it short.

• Using sleep apps

Sleep apps are a popular choice for both iOS and Android users. They provide different experiences to help every individual enjoy a more fulfilling night. Meditation apps such as Headspace, Calm and Happier offer soothing dream and soundscapes to help maintain an uninterrupted sleep cycle. Some options may even feature voiceovers and stories for a great experience. Apps such as Sleep Cycle can help you track your sleeping patterns to help improve general sleep. The specific app even features an alarm designed to wake you up during a light sleep phase to make sure you start your day feeling refreshed.

• Using sleep gadgets

Sleep apps lack the output of sleep gadgets, which have fared very well. Gadgets offer the ability to monitor ad enhance every part of your sleep cycle. Some, such as the Dream Headband, can track your breathing, heart rate and brain activity. White noise machines will enhance your sleep environment, and allow you to fall asleep quicker. Comfortable wireless sound cancelation ear buds can come in handy when looking to minimize noise. Aside from sound machines, you could even consider special sleep-enhancing neon lighting. High end sheets and beddings, such as the Smart Duvet Breeze, will enhance airflow and comfort without compromising on warmth for a great night’s rest. Sleep tracking mats and mattresses could overhaul your sleeping experience and help you monitor your sleep vitals.  Some options can be high end, so you need to research your options thoroughly before visiting your mattress depot to shape up your bedroom.

Final word

Sleep deprivation is dangerous in the short and long term. Failing to get enough sleep can have knock-on effects that may lead to serious consequences. There are other significant effects of poor sleeping habits that we may not have covered. For instance, many drivers who may have been sleep deprived have caused accidents as a result of sleepiness. Getting enough sleep, and doing it consistently, will help you maintain great health as well as protect others around you.

If you’re loved one has recently undergone a knee replacement surgery, this blog can help you in understanding the essential caring tips. The recovery process after the surgery is quite long and crucial. And this process can become more challenging without proper help and care from the family members. For the majority of the patients, the first few days are quite complicated and painful. They might feel scared or frustrated. They need positive motivation to keep going on. So, if you are also looking for some tips that can help someone in getting back to their healthy life, we have summed up some useful points for you.

Tips for Faster Recovery after Knee Surgery

Make sure you are in constant touch with the doctor throughout the post-surgery process. However, here are some basic tips for a quick recovery-

• Straight Knee – Though it might be initially painful, the patient needs to keep his knee straight within the first few days of the procedure. While sitting, the leg should be held straight on the bed without bending the knee. The patient should not sit for more than 45 minutes at a stretch. The wounds are quite fresh and need proper rest for healing. Also, make sure the patient doesn’t step down without a wheelchair or crutches.
• Knee Braces are Important – At times, patients become reckless with their knee post- knee replacement surgery. But, you should understand that the knee braces play a vital role in strengthening the knee joint. Knee braces should be worn every time except while sleeping. Meet the surgeon to understand the benefits and usage of these braces. Keep motivating and reminding them to wear braces as much as they can.
• Exercise– Knee replacement surgeries are performed to offer the needed mobility to the joint. If you are in charge of taking care of your loved one after surgery, consult the doctor to understand the appropriate exercises that can enhance the mobility of the knee steadily. Avoid any strain on the knee at any cost. Simple activities like walking; swimming, extending, and bending should be started. Also, make sure that you do not introduce any exercises if the doctor has not approved for the patient yet! They understand the healing process better, and you too wouldn’t like to strain the operated knee.
• Physiotherapy– The doctor will suggest physical therapy sessions for the patient. Physiotherapy is a specialized treatment that is conducted under an expert. They will give the best-suited exercises for the tender knee joints post-surgery. You should ensure that the patient undergoes regular sessions for a better and faster recovery. You should consult 2 or 3 hospitals for comparing the knee replacement cost.

You see, the patient is quite vulnerable to infections and other injuries after a knee replacement surgery. Getting back to normal might not be easy immediately after surgery, but regular exercising and care can do wonders for your recovery phase. You should understand the complete after-care procedure to ensure the best care and support for your loved one.

We are living in a world where a beautiful smile is considered very important in our daily lives and one thing every perfect smile needs are beautiful teeth. Regular dental check-ups, teeth brushing and flossing are a good way to keep your teeth healthy and white but it is also necessary to be careful what you eat.

Here is a list of food and beverages that you should avoid in order to have a perfect smile.

1. Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker you should know that coffee is partly responsible for tooth decay. Large amounts of coffee can be bad for your teeth’s protective layer called enamel. The acidity in coffee can break down your enamel making your teeth vulnerable to disease and cavity formation.

Coffee can also dry your mouth and it is recommended that you drink or rinse your mouth with water after drinking in order to reduce the acidity in your mouth. The biggest issue with coffee is that most people add sugar to make it sweeter but more dangerous than its natural form.

2. Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol consumption is probably one of the biggest smile wreckers out there. Just like coffee, it reduces the saliva in your mouth which is important in removing plaque and bacteria. Apart from tooth decay alcohol can also create gum disease, mouth sores, and even mouth cancer. 

A study has shown that alcohol increases the risk of oral cavity cancer.

3. Potato chips

We all sometimes enjoy the tasty crunchiness of potato chips. The sad news is that potato chips are filled with starch that later on turns into sugar between your teeth. This is an ideal place for bacteria to form that can lead to cavities. So every time you’re watching a movie and eating chips, like most of us do, make sure that you brush your teeth and floss afterward.

4. Sticky and sour sweets

If you’re in a mood to eat something sweet, better go for a bar of chocolate instead and wash it down with water. Sticky and sour sweets take a long time to chew so they hold on to your teeth for a long time and that’s why they cause tooth decay more easily. 

Dentists always recommend these kinds of sweets to be avoided, especially for people with removable prosthodontics because they get stuck and can dislodge your teeth. Even if that happens, don’t panic, because professionals like Pindan Dental Laboratory can efficiently fix this. Sour sweets also contain a lot of different kinds of acids that can be tough on your teeth’s enamel. Always be sure to floss after eating.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

5. Bread

Most of us eat bread almost every day completely unaware of the impact it can have on our teeth. Bread, when chewed in combination with our saliva, breaks starches into sugar that can get stuck between your teeth and create cavities. 

So if you’ve decided to eat something with carbs go for the whole wheat bread. These kinds have a lot less added sugars and won’t be broken down that easily.

6. Meat

It may be the truth that our teeth are designed for an omnivorous diet, but sometimes you have to be careful. Hard pieces of meat like steak are tasty but are hard to chew and can dislodge your teeth.

Meat can also get really stuck between your teeth and if you don’t floss afterward it can rapidly start tooth disease. The best way to eat it is by cutting it into small pieces and chewing them slowly.

7. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks are probably one of the biggest enemies of your teeth. They are full of sugar and plaque bacteria uses it to create acids that are bad for your teeth’s enamel. It doesn’t matter if they have the word “diet” on them. Drinks like diet soda are full of acidity so it is clear they are just as devastating for your enamel. 

Another study has shown that carbonated drinks in large quantities are just as devastating for your teeth as crack cocaine and methamphetamine. If you are consumer try to drink them with water and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after because it can actually hasten decay.

8. Citrus fruit

Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash

It may be surprising but citrus foods like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits aren’t that good for your teeth. Although they are rich in vitamin c, these fruits contain acidity that can erode your tooth enamel, especially lemons and grapefruits. Although oranges make the least damage, you should be careful with your daily intake and make sure to brush your teeth or floss after.

9. Hard candy

Let’s get it straight, no candy is good for you. Some are bad and some are less bad but hard candy is the worst thing for your teeth. The biggest problem is that children are the main consumers of this type of food so you should be careful what kind of candy your child eats. Hard candy is full of sugar and that’s a part of what makes them so hard. 

They dissolve very slowly and this big amount of sugar actually feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. These harmful bacteria can produce plaque that can easily lead to tooth decay. Another big issue is that due to its hardness hard candy can damage or even break your teeth. 

So if you’re a candy lover make sure to wash your mouth, floss and brush your teeth afterward and lower your candy consumption to a minimum.

If your goal is beautiful and healthy skin all year round then taking special care of it during wintertime is crucial.

The transition from fall to winter can be pretty rough on our skin. Ideally, during this period you should up your skincare game. Winter is when our skin gets dry and sensitive due to the weather conditions. And even though Australia is known for mild winter temperatures, it’s always a good idea to take special care of our skin during the cooler months. 

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize…

Regardless of the type of skin you have, winter is the time to moisturize your skin more frequently than you usually would. During winter our skin becomes drier due to outside factors such as weather. Cold weather dries out the natural moisture from our skin and because of this, it’s really important that we hydrate our skin.

Luckily, restoring moisture to our skin is not difficult as there are many good moisturizers. Hydrating your skin during both day and nighttime is really important in order to help our skin produce that moisture it lacks during fall/winter times.

1. Choose the right kind of cleansers 

Cold weather is already a pretty powerful adversary to our skin during those colder months and it doesn’t need additional enemies like wrong kinds of cleansers. They are supposed to clean our skin and remove makeup, dirt, oils, and dead skin cells and not wreak additional havoc on it.

Cleansers, if they contain the wrong types of ingredients, can cause further dehydration to our skin. It’s crucial to avoid cleansers that are soap-based as they can irritate and dry out your skin. 

Choose soap-free cleansers as they are free of sodium lauryl sulfate and they do not dry out your skin. So, during fall/winter time, stay away from aggressive types of cleansers. 

1. Professional treatments for your skin

If you want to give professional skin treatments a try this year, there are some amazing estheticians and skin clinics in Sydney that offer some of the best skin treatments popular today.

Fall and winter are seasons ideal for facial treatments. Apart from needing a different kind of routine during these months, our skin also needs a bit more in order to recuperate its natural glow and that’s what professional facial treatments are for. They can stimulate the faster production of collagen.

Collagen is important to our skin and even more so during winter. It helps increase the production of hyaluronic acid, which promotes hydration which in turn allows our skin to retain more water. We could just say that collagen makes our skin look healthier and younger.

Additionally, your skin can reap many benefits if you decide to have a facial – one of them is faster results. Treatments such as microdermabrasion, microneedling or chemical peel are ideal fall/winter treatments because they can make your skin look as good as it does in summer and after a few treatments only.

Microdermabrasion is perfect for stimulating your collagen production by physically removing (exfoliating) dead skin cells. Your skin will look perfect and smooth in just a few visits to your beautician. 

Microneedling or dermapen is another treatment that is supposed to trigger faster production of collagen. This procedure involves puncturing the skin with needles and it’s supposed to slow down and reverse the signs of aging. If microneedling is what you want to go for, you can look for professionals who can effectively do microneedling in Sydney and go for a consultation.

Chemical peel implies putting a chemical solution on our skin in order to remove a dead skin layer from our skin, and thus stimulate the collagen production as well. 

Either of these treatments can be a great idea for fall and winter skincare routine.

1. Take care of your skin from the outside as well

Keeping our skin healthy during these colder seasons means taking care of it from the outside as well. This implies eating healthy food and sleeping enough. 

Eat foods that are good for your skin, food that is rich in vitamins and minerals that can keep your skin healthy and glowing. One such food is fish – salmon, herring, to name a few. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can keep our skin supple and moisturized. 

Vitamin C is the vitamin our body and skin need during winter times as vitamin C is known to increase collagen production.

When it comes to sleep, being relaxed and having a good nights sleep can also benefit your skin. If you lack sleep, your body creates larger amounts of the stress hormone cortisol which in turn increases stress and inflammation in our body. The inflammation affects our skins’ moisture levels. So, as you can see, sleep can also contribute to the health of our skin.

Every season brings different problems and benefits to our skin. During fall/winter months the temperatures are a bit lower and most skin types have problems with hydration. Because of this our skincare routine needs a little more boost.