Balanced Hormones and Health » healthy living http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com Restoring your wellness and rejuvenating your spirit. Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 In the News: Study Looks at Fat and Sleep http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/in-the-news-study-looks-at-fat-and-sleep/ http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/in-the-news-study-looks-at-fat-and-sleep/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:01 +0000 tracyg http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/?p=882 How did you sleep last night? We’ve heard all our lives about how important sleep is to our overall health and energy levels, but recent studies also indicate that sleep — or the lack thereof — can have an impact our on waistlines as well.

A study released today by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that the lack of sleep could lead to an increase in fat accumulating around vital organs, resulting in higher rates of metabolic diseases.

The results showed a connection between getting six or fewer hours of sleep and unhealthy visceral fat. The study also showed a connection in those who slept more than eight hours a night, though more slight.

“We put a lot of stock in diet,” said Dr. Kristen Hairston, an assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism and lead author on the study. “But this study brings up some interesting questions about the way we live.

“We may need to start looking at other behaviors — besides daily food choices — that could be contributing to the obesity epidemic in younger age groups.

]]> http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/in-the-news-study-looks-at-fat-and-sleep/feed/ 0 First Lady Launches “Let’s Move” Campaign http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/first-lady-lets-move/ http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/first-lady-lets-move/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:49:52 +0000 tracyg http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/?p=870 First Lady Michelle Obama this week announced the details of her “Let’s Move” initiative in an effort to battle childhood obesity.

This campaign is the latest step in her efforts to bring better nutrition to the forefront.

“One-third of American children are overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other illnesses. Billions of dollars are spent every year treating obesity-related conditions. And public health experts say today’s kids are on track to have shorter lifespans than their parents.

“‘None of us wants this future for our kids,’ Obama said at the White House. ‘We have to act, so let’s move.’”

]]> http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/first-lady-lets-move/feed/ 0 The 411 on Vitamin D http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/the-411-on-vitamin-d/ http://www.balancedhormonesandhealth.com/the-411-on-vitamin-d/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:26:24 +0000 tracyg http://balancedhormonesandhealth.com/?p=741 (Note: Once a month, we’ve decided to highlight a supplement important to your health. If there is a particular supplement you’re interested in learning more about, please let us know in the comments section.)

Many times, when we think of vitamin D, we think about the sun. There are actually two major forms of vitamin D, a fat-soluble prohormone. The body gets vitamin D from food and supplements, as well as sun exposure, and then through two internal reactions, the vitamin D can be used.

Vitamin D is good for your bones. Without it, bones can become brittle or thin. Some studies have shown the positive, healthful impact vitamin D can have on some cancers, and research shows that it may play a roll in preventing and reversing some coronary and cardiovascular disease.

Some natural food sources of vitamin D include beef liver, some mushrooms, fish liver oils and some fatty fish.

As with all medicines and supplements, there is a risk of overdose. Contact us if you have questions about what vitamin D can do for your health!

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