The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can help you burn more fat. Welcome to Keto 101! Check out our ultimate beginner’s guide to the ketogenic diet.

Did you know that obesity affects more than 35% of American adults while more than 34% are overweight? With statistics like this, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for ways to lose weight. If you’re one of them, you may have heard of the ketogenic diet.

Among other diet plans, it’s one of the most effective. But what does ketogenic mean and how does this diet work? What are the benefits and risks?

Read our keto 101 guide for everybody and anybody ready to make a lifestyle change. 

1. Keto 101: What Is the Keto Diet?

The keto diet or ketogenic diet involves the intake of proteins from a low-carb, high-fat diet. It has similarities with the Atkins diet and the low-carb diet. This diet promotes ketogenesis, which is a natural occurrence in the human body. 

Your body needs organic protein and carbs to function well. When your diet changes into a fat-heavy kind, your body will start looking for a new calorie source. This survival mode is what we call ketogenesis or ketosis.

Ketogenesis happens when you eat a very low amount of carbohydrates. Your blood sugar will drop and your brain will look for a glucose source. From the stored fats in your body, your liver creates ketones, which are a reserve energy source.

The keto diet is somewhat of a contrast to the Atkins diet. The typical Atkins diet involves getting 75% of calories from protein, 25% from fat, and less than 5% from carbs. Meanwhile, in the keto diet, you get 75% of your calories from fat, 25% from protein and less than 5% from carbs.

2. What Must You Eat on the Keto Diet?

For the keto diet to work, 60-80% of your calories should come from fat. Protein could provide around 20% of calories. For your carb intake, it should be 20-30 grams per day only. 

The keto diet has very strict control over carb intake and moderate control over proteins. Water is the best drink to have while on this diet but you can also have plain coffee and black tea. However, be careful about the fibers you eat and be sure to look for more info about it here.

You don’t have to follow the Atkins-opposite ratio above for this diet. Only remember this rule: very low carb intake, moderate protein intake, and high fat intake.

Of course, this isn’t keto 101 if we didn’t include an example meal plan for a day.

For your first breakfast, eat eggs scrambled in butter on a bed of lettuce and topped with avocado. Grab salmon baked in olive oil and asparagus with butter for lunch. Prepare a pork chop with cauliflower mash and red cabbage slaw for dinner. 

Whenever you feel hungry, snack on low-carb cheese and sunflower seeds between meals. If you need a new snack, try celery and pepper strips dipped in guacamole.

3. Who Should Take the Keto Diet?

This diet will work for certain kinds of people but not all. For starters, people who can’t stick to the diet won’t see any results from it.

Although it’s one of the most effective diets out there, you should be careful when trying it. 

There are other groups of people who should ask their doctors first if they’re considering this diet. The first group is people who take medication for diabetes like insulin. You’re still allowed to get the keto diet but you may need to lower your insulin doses by a lot.

The next group is breastfeeding mothers. It’s understandable that you want to get rid of the post-pregnancy fat as soon as possible. However, a low-carb diet may be dangerous for you and your child.

The last group is people who are taking blood pressure medication. The diet change can normalize your blood pressure but your meds can be too strong for your condition. Talk to your doctor about your plans as well as getting extra salt and bouillon. 

4. Benefits of the Keto Diet

Many doctors recommend the keto diet because it’s far more superior to the typical low-fat diet. Also, this diet is not only a quick weight loss solution. It’s also a treatment for epilepsy. 

If you have type-2 diabetes, a ketogenic diet can help you lose the excess weight well. It can even reverse your type-2 diabetes until you don’t have to medicate anymore. If you have type-1 diabetes, you can control your blood sugar levels with it.

The diet also helps treat several types of cancer and tumor growth. Avoid heart disease by reducing risk factors like HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Researches show that the keto diet also has benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

5. Does the Keto Diet Have Any Side Effects?

Now, you may think that the ketogenic diet is pretty solid. However, you might also think about any cons this diet has in store. As with most diet, your body will take some time to adjust to using much fewer carbs.

In the beginning, you may experience the “keto flu.” Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fogginess, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Stay hydrated and rested and you should be alright within the week.

Cutting down on carbs may affect your defecation as well. Note that your breath may stink too due to the acetone compound in ketones. To be safe, see your doctor for any recommendations or advice.

6. What Not to Do (and Eat) on a Keto Diet

Since ketosis happens when the majority of your diet involves fats, how do you know when you’re in ketosis? One thing’s for sure: maintaining it isn’t easy.  For one, you should have the self-discipline to avoid too much protein or too many carbs. 

Avoid sugary foods and almost all fruits. Reduce the intake of beans, legumes, root vegetables, and tubers. Grains, starches, and processed low-fat diet products have to go too.

Supplements are not enough to jumpstart your body into ketosis so don’t rely on them. Also, drinking alcohol can put you out of ketosis and back to square one, even on a cheat day. If you want, you can use an over-the-counter ketosis test to see if you’re in ketosis. 

Take the Keto Diet

That is Keto 101 for beginners. Remember that everyone’s regimen is as unique as their metabolism and body. The keto diet may work for you or it may not but it wouldn’t hurt to give it a go. Fasting schedule is the best option during the keto diet plan for maximum benefits. 

It doesn’t end here! There are other details to learn and more diets to discover. Don’t hesitate to explore our other posts for more guides like this one.

Medical misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose are considered medical malpractice. The statistics and common conditions missed by specialists are startling.

Did you know that an estimated 12 million Americans are victims of some form of medical misdiagnosis each year? Not only this, but a recent Mayo Clinic study suggests that more than 20% of patients suffering from serious illnesses were initially misdiagnosed.

Misdiagnosis is an increasingly common problem in the medical industry, and its consequences can be severe, ranging from delayed and improper treatment to severe injury and even death. Read on to learn more about medical misdiagnosis, how it occurs, and how it can be prevented!

What Is Medical Misdiagnosis?

At first blush, the term “medical misdiagnosis” might seem pretty self-explanatory. But it’s actually much more than just incorrectly identifying a patient’s illness, injury, or condition.

Medical misdiagnosis, in fact, refers to any error that results in an incorrect, missed, or delayed diagnosis of the patient’s condition. In other words, misdiagnosis is not just about the diagnosis you receive and treating you for Disease X when you really have Disease Y.

It’s also about a doctor or clinician telling you you’re perfectly healthy when, in fact, the clinical signs of your condition are there and yet not properly or promptly recognized by your care provider. It’s even about taking months to perform batteries of follow-up tests when there were adequate signs for a proper diagnosis from day one.

So, whether it’s a matter of improperly identifying a condition or of failing to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition, medical misdiagnosis is a form of medical malpractice that can cost you or your loved one precious time in getting the treatment you need.

How Does It Happen?

Let’s face it: the doctor/patient relationship is among the most important relationships you will ever have. Your doctor is the person you share your most intimate secrets with, private matters that you may not even share with your closest loved ones.

Your doctor knows you, literally, inside and out. In many ways, he knows you better than you know yourself. From the first day of your relationship with your doctor to the last, you are quite literally agreeing to put your life into her hands.

But did you know that the average doctor’s appointment in the United States lasts just twenty minutes? Or that patients generally get a mere 18 seconds on average to talk before their doctor interrupts them?

It’s little wonder, then, that misdiagnoses happen so often. In an increasingly burdened healthcare system, with high patient volumes and fewer and fewer clinicians to care for them, doctors all too often find themselves overworked and lacking for time.

The simple fact is that when a doctor encounters scores of patients each day recounting the same sets of symptoms, it can be tempting to jump to conclusions. It can be easy to listen to the patient, but without actually hearing her.

 And the consequences can be devastating, ranging from the simple progression of the disorder to injuries borne of improper treatment. It can cost the patient and the medical system thousands or even millions of dollars for treatments that could have been avoided. It can rob patients not only of their quality of life but also their peace of mind. It can take their function and it can take their life.

What Can Be Done?

In an already overtaxed healthcare system, where patients may too readily feel more like a number on an assembly line than a human being in search of compassionate care, it’s hard to know what to do to avoid misdiagnosis.

However, there are a few steps you can take to decreases the chances of it happening to you or your loved one.

Be Thorough and Clear

One of the most common causes of misdiagnosis is insufficient patient information. So make sure that you are communicating clearly and thoroughly with your doctor. Make notes and take a loved one with you to help ensure that you don’t miss any important details when communicating with your doctor.

Don’t Just List Your Symptoms: Tell the Story

Doctors are used to hearing the same list of symptoms repeated to them day in and day out. This can lead to a diagnostic error in which the doctor prematurely settles on a familiar and expected disorder while unconsciously ignoring signs that point away from that expected diagnosis.

However, when you tell the story of your symptoms, rather than just listing them, you’re helping your doctor focus on and better remember. Best of all, you’re providing the context that just might hold that vital clue needed to make the proper diagnosis.

It’s Your Time. Take It.

Remember what we said about the average doctor’s appointment lasting just 20 minutes? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. You are paying for that time with your doctor. You deserve her attention, even if that means you have to demand it. 

After all, it is your right and it is your health. Nothing is more important. Your doctor should be more than willing to sit with you, hear what you have to say, and answer your questions and concerns. If he isn’t, then it’s time to start looking for a new one.

Get a Second Opinion        

Yes, your doctor may have the training, but you have the experience. You’ve lived in your body your whole life. No one knows it better than you do. And when a diagnosis (or a failure to diagnose) just doesn’t feel right, pay attention.  Listen to your intuition.

That gut instinct is an evolutionary tool meant to ensure our survival. It’s maybe the strongest ally we have in determining what is right and wrong for us. So when your gut is telling you something is not right about your diagnosis or treatment plan, take action. Get a second opinion. Or a third or a fourth if need be. It may well save your life.

The Takeaway

Medical misdiagnosis is all too common in the American healthcare system, but that doesn’t mean you or your loved ones have to experience it. With the right strategies and a bit of support, you can protect yourself and those you love from becoming another statistic. 

Please keep browsing our website to read more about your health and how to make the most of it!

Noopept was a synthetic drug initially developed in Russia in the 1990s. It was made with the primary purpose to help cure the problem of deteriorating cognitive abilities in the elderly. Scientists in Russia used Piracetam to develop Noopept during the 1990s, and it was ready for sale by 1996. Noopept was seen as the cheapest solution to the growing problem of social care for people in their old age. It was then realized that it offered far more benefits, for example, cognitive improvements, a sense of well-being, and more mental and physical energy, minimal negative side-effects. Here are more details about Noopept.

Effects of Noopept

This is a fast acting powder that as soon as its active components hit the brain, it will improve the movement of alpha brain waves, which are vital to cognitive performance. Furthermore, it increases two essential brain chemicals that is BDNF and NGF located in the hippocampus. Even though these two chemicals are mostly associated with long- term memory improvements, under the influence of Noopept, they increase in activity and number, thereby improving short-term memory.

Additionally, Noopept appears to increase the ability of receptors in the brain to work together with the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. This, in turn, enables faster transportation of the brain signals hence resulting in increased mental clarity and performance. Therefore, Noopept is a chemical stimulant of fundamental brain neurotransmitters which improves the mental functions like memory improvement, speed of thought and clarity, focus, enthusiasm and lastly positivity.

Noopept Dosage and Cycle

Noopept shared heritage with Piracetam that has made people think their dosage is similar. This is not the case as Piracetam requires a dosage of up to 500 mg, while 10 mg of Noopept is enough to trigger all the benefits one would want. You can click here to know the effects of Noopept, which are usually quick and short last, taking about 15 minutes onset and at most taking one hour for the effects to last.

Legality of Noopept

Noopept is legal but not in all states in the USA where it is not regulated thus not operated under any laws. Although it is not illegal, you are not allowed to advertise the drug for consumption by a human for medical purpose but as a general supplement.

Side Effects of Noopept

Noopept has minimal noted side effects that are short term and long term. The usual short term side-effect is headaches, which is usually at the beginning or when you take a high dose. The headaches can be counter-balanced by taking the dosage of Noopept with around 300 mg of Choline. Some of the long term side effects can be a dependency, due to the way the neurological receptors in the brain become dependent on the impact of the drug to function fully.

Conclusion

Since it is unregulated finding a place to buy a pure, good quality Noopept that fit the purpose is an issue. Therefore, you can click here to get genuine and good quality Noopept. Ensure you take the drug as recommended.

Using an electric toothbrush has its many benefits. Click here to learn all about why you should be using an electric toothbrush to brush your teeth.

So you’ve got a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart refrigerator, and who knows what else. But you’re still scrubbing the inside of your mouth with some neglected brush? 

Upgrading to an electric toothbrush will improve your dental health and hygiene considerably.

Read on to learn about the top 10 benefits of an electric toothbrush. 

1. Oral Health

So you’re young now and have a beautiful set of chompers. Done the line, however, you may wish you took better care of your teeth.

An electric toothbrush will keep your teeth clean and healthy for years to come.

2. Better Brushing

An electric toothbrush moves and vibrates in such a way that is superior to a conventional toothbrush. This makes it more efficient at cleaning your teeth.

3. Let Your Toothbrush Do the Work for You

The process is easier for the user. Instead of having to back and forth and up and down you essentially just leave the vibrating toothbrushes against your teeth and it does the word for you.

4. Fights Bad Breath

Since this method is superior at removing bacteria and food particles from places that normal toothbrushes miss, you can expect to have a fresher smelling breath.

5. Say Goodbye to Gingivitis

Gingivitis refers to an inflammation of the gums. It is a very common condition that leads to pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences.

An electric toothbrush cleans away the plaque and bacteria that cause gingivitis.

6. Cleanliness

Studies have shown that a typical toothbrush found in our bathroom contains about one hundred million bacteria.

Switch to an electric toothbrush that is easy to clean and replacing the head is a snap.

7. Works for Everybody

Some people can have a lot of difficulties using conventional toothbrushes. This can be due to pain, such as those with carpal tunnel syndrome, or due to mobility issues (broken wrist, Parkinson’s). It is very easy to teach someone how to use an electric toothbrush.

Self vibrating toothbrushes are easier for the user.

8. No More Plaque

Dental plaque is sticky biofilm around our teeth that is created by bacteria. The build-up of plaque can lead to gingivitis and other condition.

Electric toothbrushes are designed to get rid of plaque, letting your teet be as healthy as possible.

9. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Although purchasing an electric toothbrush requires an initial investment, the replacement heads are cheap and easy to replace. Plus, over time, improved dental health will translate to less dental visits and procedures, possibly saving you money in the long term.

10. Style

OK, so style points won’t actually make your teeth whiter or anything but electric toothbrushes are simply really cool and sleek looking. Also, it is possible to buy customized toothbrushes that match your bathroom.

The best electric toothbrushes of 2019 will certainly surprise you.

Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush: It’s Time to Ditch Your Old Brush

When you look at your old blue toothbrush compared to the benefits of an electric toothbrush, it’s really a nice brainer which one wins.

You certainly have many options. Whether you want to find a deal or simply want the best Sonicare toothbrush available, your mouth and teeth will definitely appreciate it.