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Exogenous Ketones: What Are They and What You Should Know Before Taking Them?

07/17/202109/08/2022 Javier Reynolds0 comment

The exogenous ketones are external substances produced to achieve the same results and benefits of the ketogenic diet. They are ketone bodies that come from outside. These external substances are found in food supplements that should lead to rapid weight loss when consumed, as they bring the body into a state of ketosis.

Ketosis is a metabolic condition that consists of an accumulation of ketones in the blood. It occurs when in the absence of blood sugar (glucose). The body starts to burn fat to derive energy. It occurs during a prolonged fast or a prolonged carbohydrate deprivation, the basic principle of the ketogenic diet. They are available in two different types: ketone salts and ketone esters.

What Are Exogenous Ketones Used For?

The goal of taking exogenous ketones is to cause an increase in ketone bodies in the blood, and if consumed, they should be beneficial and keep the user’s body in a state of ketosis.

A condition of ketosis achieved with the increase of ketones in the blood is not comparable to the state of ketosis that occurs with a reduction in carbohydrates provided for by the keto diet. Therefore, it is not certain that the same situation can be recreated by taking ketones exogenously.

Therefore, there are different aspects between the two conditions of ketosis, one physiological and one obtained with exogenous ketones, as presented below:

The physiological ketosis has as its results: a high concentration of ketones, a reduction in insulin production, and a high concentration of free fatty acids.
The ketosis with exogenous ketones has some characteristics: a high concentration of ketones, a production of slightly elevated insulin, and a reduced concentration of free fatty.

What Are the Effects of Exogenous Ketones?

The intake of these external substances does not give the same results that a ketogenic diet can bring. Some of the main effects include:

Reduction in blood sugar
Reduction in the production of glucose by the liver
Reduction of the activity of some enzymes essential for the oxidation of carbohydrates
Reduction of the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue. This reduction occurs because the body senses a high increase in ketones in the blood and becomes alert, and to defend itself, it reduces the consumption of fatty acids.

As for effect on weight loss, following a normal diet and taking exogenous supplements does not lead to the desired results in two respects.

The first aspect is linked to consuming these external substances, which are used as energy sources mainly by the heart, muscles, and brain. Consequently, there is a saving of sugars and fats that will accumulate at the adipose tissue level; another important aspect is that in exogenously induced ketosis, a situation is created that leads to a reduction in the use of fat reserves.

Therefore, you will not have the same effects on weight loss that can be obtained with a low-calorie diet and with the exact condition of ketosis created and allows you to use the body’s fat reserves.

It is good to be very careful when deciding to take this type of supplement, which is a valid help to refuel energy, but if you ignore what you eat or do not follow a diet correctly, they do not give many results.

The Different Types of Vaccines You Should Know

12/22/201707/23/2020 Javier Reynolds

Since the discovery of the first vaccine in 1796, thousands of lives have been saved. Diseases such as Smallpox which claimed millions of lives during the middle ages are no longer a threat to human beings. The following are the different types of vaccines you should know.

Various types of vaccines

Attenuated vaccines

This involves introducing weakened live bacteria or viruses in the body. Even though these microbes are not capable of causing disease, they trigger a counter-reaction from the immune system. This will strengthen the body’s line of defense and will protect a person from contacting the disease in case of future attack. Attenuated vaccines are closely interpreted as a natural infection and spur a strong antibody reaction guaranteeing lifelong immunity.

However, because they involve the use of live microbes, there is a chance albeit a slim one that they may mutate or change to become active again. If this was to happen, it could lead to a serious bout of the disease. For this reason, these vaccines are not suitable for people with a weakened immune system such as people carrying the AIDS virus or people who are undergoing chemotherapy. Some of the common vaccines here include measles, smallpox, and yellow fever.

Inactivated vaccine

Instead of introducing live microbes into the body, these vaccines involve the use of inactivated or killed pathogens. Just like with live bacteria or viruses, inactivated microbes can still spur a defense reaction from the immune system. However, this reaction is milder as the body does not recognize them as a serious threat. As a result, they do not offer protection for a long period. Because the microbes used are inactive, they cannot become disease-causing making them safer for people with poor immune systems. The common types of this vaccine include the flu shot and polio vaccine.

Toxoid vaccines

Some bacteria cause diseases by releasing harmful chemicals or toxins. Such bacteria include Corynebacterium diphtheria and Clostridium tetani that are responsible for diphtheria and tetanus. This vaccine involves introducing into the body inactivated toxins similar to those caused by the actual bacteria but lacking in potency. As in the case, with inactivated vaccine, toxoid vaccines trigger an antibody response that helps the body fight a future attack.

Conjugate vaccines

These are made by combining an antigen to a bacteria coating to make it more discoverable by the body’s immune system. Many harmful bacteria possess an outer coating made of complex sugars called polysaccharides. Such coatings hide bacteria’s antigens and allow them to multiply in the body without being detected by the immune system. This is especially possible in infants and young children whose immune system is immature. Conjugate vaccines link a discoverable antigen from a microbe to the polysaccharide triggering a counter reaction from the immune system which helps the body to be prepared for such disease-causing organisms in future.

Subunit vaccines

This is a highly specific process that involves separation of antigens to include only the one that triggers the best counter reaction from the immune system. Subunit vaccines, therefore, omit unnecessary molecules from the microbes reducing the chances of adverse reactions. These types of vaccines are used for protection against diseases such as meningitis and Hepatitis B.

A Simple Look at the Ketogenic Diet

12/05/201707/23/2020 Javier Reynolds

The Ketogenic diet is widely known for its low carbohydrates intake. This diet has more people embracing the idea of this low- carb diet not just to lose several pounds but sticking to the Keto lifestyle to end, where they are healthier and leaner.

As a novice to the Ketogenic diet, making the switch to a low-carb diet is easier said than done. Jumping the gun right into this diet without having a plan at all can lead you to have a miserable experience and not reap the multitudinous benefits the Keto diet stands to offer.

The good news is, all you need is a good base knowledge on how the Ketogenic diet works, what you need to eat as well as what not to eat, as well as, determine if the diet is right for you plus how to get the most from this diet. Here is what you need to know.

Ketogenic Diet

Simply put, the Keto diet involves a high consumption of fats and low consumption of carbohydrates. The reduction of carbs intake induces the body into a metabolic state Ketosis. Ketosis helps the body become efficient in burning fat in the body to provide energy. That’s more; the liver converts fat into ketones. By raising ketones, insulin (the fat- storing hormone) is reduced.

Who the Ketogenic Diet is not for:

1. Any person who is on medication for high blood pressure

2. Any mother who is breastfeeding.

3. Any person on medication for diabetes.

Types of Ketogenic Diets

There are some versions of the Keto Diet including but not limited to Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD), Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD), High-Protein Keto diet, and the Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD).

The most common and extensively researched ketogenic diet not to mention, the most recommended is the (SKD).

What you need in your Keto Diet

The Keto Diet is not all about losing weight but more so, adopting a healthier lifestyle. A keto diet is very effective since it’s very strict on the low-carb diet.

The Percentage of the Caloric Intake for a Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD) includes:

Fat: 60%-80%

Proteins: 15%-35%

Carbohydrates: 0%-5%

What to Eat:

Fats: Saturated Fats, Butter, Nuts, Animal Fat, Coconut Oil, Mayonnaise, Salad Dressings, Ghee, Olive Oil, etc.

Proteins: Lamb, Poultry, Beef, Fish, Eggs, Pork, Bacon, Shell Fish, etc.

Carbohydrates: Cheese, Avocado, Spices, Leafy Greens, Herbs, Cruciferous Vegetables, etc.

What to drink are listed as below :

Water

Coffee

Tea

Red Wine

What not to eat are listed as below :

Fruits: Bananas, Pineapples, Oranges, Apples, Dried Fruits

Sugar: Agave, Honey, Maple Syrup, Chocolate, Candy

Tubers: Yams, Potatoes

Factory Processed Fish and Meat

Low-Fat Foods

Beans or Legumes

What Not to Drink

Sugary Alcoholic Drinks

Sodas

Juices

Helpful Ketogenic Resources

As we have already pointed out, starting the ketogenic diet is not a walk in the park. That said, Keto dieters often need to turn to various sources for information as well as, support and inspiration. Here are some invaluable resources on the Ketogenic Journey

1. Keto Connection Facebook Group

2. Keto Products (Online)

Wrapping Up

The Keto diet can be undoubtedly overwhelming at first. However, once a successful transition has been made, it turns out to be quite an empowering way of life. Achieving high ketone levels offers a myriad of health benefits not to mention increased energy, mental and physical performances plus weight loss.

Get rid of a stuffy nose with the help of these simple methods

04/16/201711/23/2023 Andrew Rowe

Introduction

Dealing with a stuffy nose can be a truly arduous challenge if you are not familiar with some of the best methods and techniques. These days, one of the most common ways people tend to rely on when faced with a stuffy nose, involves using antihistamines and other medical products.

However, when it comes to medicaments, you might find yourself worried about the potential side-effects. If that is the case, worry not, because there are a plethora of alternative methods and techniques that can help you with your problem. To learn more, you can check out this comprehensive list of ways to heal or continue reading this article.

Salt solution

One of the most effective, yet uncomfortable methods, involves using a salt solution to irrigate your nostrils. To do this, mix one tablespoon of salt and pour that mixture into a glass of warm water. Then, make sure to use a dropper, so as to put a few drops of the salt solution into your nostrils. Do not forget to inhale the water as deep as you can and make sure to repeat this process sometimes. Once you have done that, blow your nose forcefully, to remove any remaining water.

The salt in the solution will help with drying up the excess mucus, thus removing the only obstacle that can hinder your nostrils. To get the best results, you can repeat the process every 4 hours, but try not to overdo it.

Warm liquids

You can deal with a stuffy nose with the help of warm liquids, as well. You can do this by inhaling heated vapor or by compressing your forehead and head with a wet and warm towel

Balm products

You can also use special balm products, which are devoid of any potentially hazardous chemicals, to open your nostrils. For maximum effectiveness, these should be used every night, before going to bed. You can use a product such as this by rubbing it on your back and chest. If your kid has a stuffy nose, make sure to spread it thinly, or put it on a small piece of cloth and give it to your child to smell it. These products can be mixed with hot water, to inhale the fumes.

Drink plenty of fluids

Another effective way of dealing with a stuffy nose involves taking in more fluids on a regular basis. Remember that you need to drink at least eight glasses of water, or some other fluids when you are feeling sick, because that way, you can remove the excess mucus much easier. Even better, try to use warm beverages. You can greatly benefit from having a nice cup of hot tea with honey in the morning, or before going to bed. The tea will keep you hydrated, whereas the honey will relieve your throat.

Eat plenty of spicy foods

If you are dealing with a stuffy nose, spicy foods can be of great help, as they are known to cause a runny nose. This is mainly attributed to the fact that spicy foods contain capsaicin, which is known to cause increased production of mucus, as well as the inflammation of the nerves.

Therefore, if you suffer from closed nostrils, spicy foods will unblock them and relieve you of the symptoms of a stuffy nose. Various spices will not only provide your body with important nutrients but also with the heat, which can act as a natural decongestant.

Features Sea Lillies Knee Sleeves New Style

03/17/201707/23/2020 Andrew Rowe

Are you considering buying the new styles of the sea lilies knee sleeves for protection when you are doing you exercise? So set your worries aside because I will be talking about the new features that you will get when you buy the new knee sleeve. Whether you are athletic or someone who’s just working out to lose the extra weight a new knee sleeve will be so helpful in your workout in protecting you from injuries. The Sea Lillies new knee sleeve has so many features that have made it became one of the best in the market. The knie bandage has got lots of benefits to the users. These features include;

Features

They are durable

If you are among the so many people that work out daily then having a knee sleeve that does not wear off fast will be so helpful. With the new sea lillies knee sleeve, you will get the durability because it is made of neoprene. And it is soft, and the material is a synthetic rubber. It will also have a heavy duty construction that works to reinforce stretching.

It’s thick

With the understanding that the thickness of a knee sleeve it will depend on its purpose. The new knee sleeve is thick with different measurements from the 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. If you want the most adhesive of them all, then you should buy the 7mm knee sleeve. The 3mm once are commonly used by those people that are not doing very intensive workout used preferably for running.

It offers comfort

The new knee sleeve will make sure that you are comfortable when exercising by ensuring that it will not chafe the skin and make you feel itchy. Sometimes what make you not be comfortable with the knee sleeve is the fit. The new knee sleeve has come up with a 3-D design that will allow the knee sleeve to fit perfectly on your leg. And it won’t dig deep, so there won’t be any itching.

Excellent grip

For you to intensively workout without having to pull the knee sleeve up, you will want a knee sleeve that stays in place when you are doing your workout. The new sea lillies knee sleeve has a non-slip design that is in the inner layer that will make sure the knee sleeve will not roll down when you are exercising. Also, ensure that you get the right size of the knee sleeves because it will contribute to it staying in place.