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By HealthWatch, June 25, 2011

So one of the most common misconceptions when people visit fast food restaurants is that its the main food items that are the cause of their weight gain….i.e. the big macs, the whoopers, the burrito supremes, when in fact the slow killer that has remained somewhat dormant in the news is that it’s really the sugar content found in the diet coke and potato products that lead to the slow gain of weight, especially when people who try to stay “healthy” yet are under a time crunch opt for the salad or more “healthier” options when visiting these fast food restaurants. This primarily is seen in mothers trying to satisfy their children’s craving for their happy meals while at the same time stay healthy themselves. Want to really lose weight? Go for the water or non-soda option on your salad. While at it, skip the fries, and with that all other potato-based products, especially potato chips.

According to a recent report by the New England Journal of Medicine, just one extra serving of french fries resulted in an average of 3.35 extra pounds gained every four years, accompanied by the findings that even just an extra handful of potato chips each day could potentially add 1.69 pounds in the same time period. So next time you’re thinking about a quick snack, don’t reach for the bag of chips, try opting for something more healthy, like carrot sticks, celery, etc.. The same exact advice that you’ve been given to keep your children from becoming obese before it’s even up to them to make their own dietary decisions.

In the same report, they also tracked sleeping habits of the participants. Those who had a decent amount of regular sleep (mind you by decent I don’t mean too much) were also prone to lose weight rather than gain it. That was defined as:

People who slept between six and eight hours per night gained less weight over time than people who slept fewer than six hours or more than eight.

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Now if you’re practicing a balanced diet that includes proper amounts of vegetables and other essential nutrients, that also has been shown to counter-act the occasional ‘binge’ at the fast food counter. It’s those that live hectic lives, i.e. having to take care of children and/or work, that sometimes will go without that natural balance which displaces the starch/sugar/carbohydrate levels in your body and results in the additional weight gain.

So as I said, next time you’re at the drive-through, think twice about ordering that diet coke and large fries…..the salad won’t counter-act the effects they’ll play on your body in the long run.

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By HealthWatch, February 24, 2010

Are you using anti aging products and treatments that may harm your skin? Look at this list of harmful ingredients and make sure to avoid them. They are not only risky but also useless for anti aging, so avoiding them is a win-win deal.

1. Acrylamide

This is an ingredient found in many products like face creams and hand creams. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the studies say it may cause breast tumors.

2. DEA, MEA, TEA

These are often used to adjust the PH of skin care products, but they are actually restricted in Europe because of their known carcinogenic effects. TEA can cause dryness, allergic reactions and can be toxic if absorbed into the body regularly.

3. Dioxane

This is a widely used synthetic derivative of coconut, which often contains high amounts of 1,4-dioxane – which is easily absorbed into the skin. 1,4-dioxane is toxic and considered by the state of California to cause cancer.

4. Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances should not be in your anti aging products and treatments because you never know what they are made of. There are more than 4000 different ingredients it can be made of, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic.

This is not healthy to rub into your skin so instead look for a fragrance-free product or one with natural essential oil scent.

5. Petroleum By-Products

Ingredients like mineral oil, liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum are all from the same source as the petrol for your car. They clog your pores which may cause irritation and acne, and they strip your skin of its natural oils causing premature aging.

6. Parabens

There is no conclusive proof that parabens are a health threat, but recent scientific studies say they may cause cancer. A lot of people avoid this unnecessary risk by choosing paraben-free skin care.

The easiest way to avoid all of them at once is to choose completely natural anti aging products and treatments. Natural products with proven effective ingredients are some of the most effective ways to get smoother and healthier skin.