18M Filipinos have fatty liver disease—are you one of them?

18M Filipinos have fatty liver disease—are you one of them?

November 27, 2022

MakatiMed says that positive adjustments in your lifestyle can help make all the difference 

Our liver is one of the most hard-working organs of the body. It produces bile that aids in digestion, converts food nutrients into energy, makes proteins our body needs, stores iron, helps blood clot, and flushes out bacteria and toxins from our system. In addition, our multi-tasking liver is very resilient. Did you know that it’s one of the few organs capable of regeneration? Even if up to 60 percent of the liver is damaged, a normal liver can repair itself. 

And yet, our liver has its limits too. This explains why an estimated 18 million Filipinos are either suffering from or are at risk of fatty liver disease. Defined as the buildup of excess fat in the liver (or when fat makes up more than 5% of your liver’s weight), fatty liver disease, when unresolved, can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. The progressive form of fatty liver disease called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH is the leading cause of liver transplantation worldwide. While liver transplantation is possible, it is costly, and will set you back by millions of pesos.

How did fatty liver disease reach such silent epidemic proportions in the Philippines? Unhealthy diets, a sedentary lifestyle and the rising number of people with diabetes and obesity are mostly responsible, says Madalinee Eternity D. Labio, MD, a Hepatologist and Head of the Liver Unit, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Having excess body weight and diabetes puts you at high risk for developing fatty liver disease,” she points out. “Although fatty liver can also result from excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages and certain medications, more Filipinos are being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) owing to a diet rich in fat and sugar; a sedentary lifestyle; and the increasing incidence of diabetes among Filipinos.”

NAFLD is a silent condition with symptoms showing up only when the disease is far advanced making early diagnosis challenging. “By then, a patient shows signs of liver failure - such as jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin, lethargy and mental confusion; fluid build-up in the abdomen called ascites and vomiting of blood,” Dr. Labio shares. “These symptoms are red flags that signal advanced liver disease or liver cirrhosis due to complications brought about by fatty liver disease.” 

Doctors diagnose NAFLD and its progressive form NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) through an ultrasound of the liver, a blood test revealing abnormal liver enzymes (ALT and AST), a special imaging test called transient elastography (FibroscanTM); or a liver biopsy. Because there are no medications to treat fatty liver disease, keeping your liver healthy through diet and exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, are the best ways to prevent fatty liver from progressing to liver cirrhosis. 

“Making positive lifestyle changes improves not only your liver but your overall health,” Dr. Labio points out. “If you have diabetes, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fat in the blood), and have excess body weight, see your doctor regularly and have yourself checked if you have fatty liver.” 

Adopt a healthy lifestyle and your liver will do what it normally does. “If diagnosed early enough, it is possible to decrease the fat in your liver, resolve liver inflammation and even reverse liver damage,” Dr. Labio said. “Staying healthy and having your liver checked regularly prevents this silent condition from getting worse.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

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3 natural ingredients that help Filipinos stay healthy

3 natural ingredients that help Filipinos stay healthy

December 06, 2021

There are many factors that influence our health and well being. Some of these can be controlled or modified such as diet and lifestyle, while other factors are caused by age, gender, and genes. And these affect how we perform every day, which may result to a prolonged impact and prevent us from living life to the fullest. The National Nutrition Council has pointed out that Filipinos are following diets high in fat and simple sugars and less of fruits and vegetables, which may have harmful effects to our heart. It added that typical Pinoys lack physical activity, which may have been worsened by common conditions like joint pain or rayuma.

LifeFood, a line of food supplements with natural ingredients derived from plants or marine life, can help. It offers products that have been carefully curated to support the specific health needs of Filipinos like maintaining cholesterol levels for a healthier heart and helping with inflammation and pain so we can move more. Here are some LifeFood-approved natural ingredients that can help with health issues that affect many Filipinos: 

Curcumin. Primarily found in turmeric or luyang dilaw that’s commonly added to adobong dilaw and ginataang manok, curcumin can be used for managing general inflammation to help address osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that both cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It also helps provide pain relief from these conditions as well as muscle aches and back pains. LifeFood’s Curcumin contains Meriva®, a branded ingredient that provides 29x better absorption compared to other curcumin supplements.

Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, which gives seafood like salmon and certain algae its red color, is said to be one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, which are substances that can help prevent or slow down cell damage. It contains strong anti-aging molecules that are 500 times stronger than Vitamin E and 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C. LifeFood’s Astaxanthin contains AstaReal®, naturally derived from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis, and has the highest dosage available in the Philippines at 12mg.

Citrus peels. It’s been known that citrus fruits have multiple beneficial nutrients. In fact, citrus peel can help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. LifeFood offers Sytrinol®, a proprietary blend of citrus peel (Citrus sinensisL.) and palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis) extracts, that helps manage cholesterol levels without the adverse side effects of commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs—and also backed by 12 years of research. 

A brand of Synnovate Pharma Corporation, the naturals division of Unilab, LifeFood goes through a meticulous process of choosing the best ingredients that are supported by clinical research to prove their efficacy and to ensure that consumers get all the value and benefits each of these products provide. They are also standardized and undergo stringent product testing following pharma standards, making these supplements extra safe for every consumer. 

Living our life to the fullest starts by taking good care of all aspects of our health. With supplements that are proven safe and effective and help with our specific health issues, talagang mas magiging buhay na buhay ang buhay! 

LifeFood Curcumin and Astaxanthin are available at leading Mercury Drug stores nationwide.

Follow @LifeFoodPH on Facebook and Instagram for health info and life-enriching tips. Get to know more about LifeFood at lifefood.com.ph. 

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Sore throat ranks as 2nd major symptom of COVID-19

Sore throat ranks as 2nd major symptom of COVID-19

November 11, 2021

With the continued spread of COVID-19 that has sickened more than two million Filipinos, many fear that their dry coughs and sore throats may be a symptom of the dreaded disease. And it is a cause for concern as these two are some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization. 

While there are no cures for COVID-19 currently, it is important to address symptoms as they come in order to recover faster. For sore throat, that means taking Strepsils lozenges at the first signs of throat discomfort. 

Lozenges offer considerable advantage over a gargle 

Results of a clinical study* suggested that among sore throat product formats, “lozenges offer considerable advantages over a gargle,” noting that lozenges offer faster, effective and longer relief for throat pain. 

The same study found that lozenges were more advantageous than gargles and the benefits were seen in terms of proportion of medicine delivered to and cleared from the mouth and throat combined. 

Lozenges offer faster, effective, and longer relief for throat pain vs gargles 

Unlike gargles which are expelled from the mouth, lozenges were kept in the mouth longer, providing a steadier supply of medicine to the throat. This results in greater activity in both the mouth and the throat for up to 20 minutes even after the lozenge is completely dissolved. Thus, the study conducted that lozenges provide fast, effective, and prolonged delivery of active ingredients beneficial for sore throat relief. 

2-in-1 defense against symptoms of sore throat 

Sore throats are a common symptom experienced by people with COVID-19. Strepsils, the tried-and-tested lozenge brand for almost 50 years, has been indicated for the symptomatic relief of sore throat including those caused by COVID-19. It provides 2-in-1 defense by killing viruses and germs in as fast as 60 seconds and provides deep down long-lasting relief that last two hours, unlike gargles. 

Get 2-in-1 defense at the first signs of sore throat with Strepsils 

So if you’re looking for immediate and longer relief for sore throat pain, take Strepsils to get symptomatic relief to help you feel better from the sore throat. Always follow the health protocols including wearing face masks, face shields, social distancing and hand washing, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. 

Strepsils offer a wide range of products for different sore throat needs 

• For mild sore and itchy throat – Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol + Amylmetacresol (Strepsils® Cool Sensation) Also available in other flavors Honey & Lemon, Orange, Sugar-Free, Extra Strong. 
• For moderate pain and irritated throat – Hexylresorcinol (Strepsils® Max) 
• For severe, inflamed sore throat – Flurbiprofen (Strepsils® MaxPro) 

Strepsils is available in all leading drugstores nationwide, Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit Strepsils Philippines Official Website.

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Experts weigh in: What should we expect in the next normal?

Experts weigh in: What should we expect in the next normal?

July 19, 2021

As a society, our progress against the pandemic isn’t as fast as one would hope, but we’re certainly budging. The vaccine rollout that we could only look forward to during the early days of lockdown is now underway, for one. And from there, we can finally count down the days until we’re able to move on to the next chapter of our lives. But, really, what’s in store for us on the other side of the fence? 

Harvard experts, as early as December 2020, have identified the things that would shape the post-pandemic future. Though they’re already here, their further acceleration is unquestionable: cashless transactions, widespread remote work, and reduced physical shops in parallel to the burgeoning of online stores. 

It’s also starting to be apparent how the use of personal protective equipment or PPE will remain, even long after the world is cleared of the pandemic. 

In fact, a discussion about the continued use of PPEs was discussed in a Facebook Live called Reframe Your Future: The Path to the Next Normal, which was hosted by Medtecs International Corporation Limited—a decades-old PPE supplier renowned both in and out of the country. 

There, William Yang, the company’s CEO and Executive Director, emphasized what health professionals have been saying, and what a lot of us probably already know: “Vaccines, no matter what brand, don't offer hundred percent protection. So even if you already have two jabs, you still need to wear [your] PPEs especially in private places or where ventilation is poor.” 

This reality prompted Medtecs to come up with products—outside of face masks and coveralls— that can help protect individuals as we navigate our way to the next normal. The new lineup is called the Medtecs Shield Collection, which includes the following antiviral products: 

● Phone case 

● Screen protector 

● Stylus 

● Air purifier necklace 

● Bottled spray 

● Weekly disposable antiviral mask 

The slightly complicated duty of PPE makers 

Fact: Millions of PPEs are being disposed of every day. And this certainly poses the question of how we can possibly find the middle ground between protecting ourselves without hurting the environment. 

Yang was upfront about the reality that it isn’t sustainable to recycle used PPEs, even on the grounds of reducing waste. Who would be at peace with the idea of using recycled and pre-owned PPEs, anyway? 

He explained, “We’re trying to figure out a way to recycle these used PPEs but it’s actually very difficult. First, it’s very cheap [to produce PPE], so it’s not economical to recycle. And second, after use, people would have concerns whether it’s safe to gather these used PPEs. 

“It’s very difficult, which is why we try to use the alternative way to do it: We try to prolong the life cycle of these products instead of one-time use,” he added. 

For example, there’s the reusable isolation gown from Medtecs’s flagship line. Another solution is the weekly disposable antiviral mask from the Medtecs Shield Collection, which is treated with cutting-edge nanotechnology that allows its wearer to use it for up to seven days without odor and with the same filtration power. 

There’ s no way to tell how soon we can transition to a post-pandemic world, but we can definitely prepare for it as we continue to live out the current reality where masks and PPE continue to provide the most cost-effective protection against the spread of the viruses. 

Watch the full live discussion, Reframe Your Future: The Path to the Next Normal, on Medtecs’ Facebook page here. 

For more information, visit medtecsphilippines.com.

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SunPIOLOgy Xone: A decade and a year of healthy lifestyle for Filipinos

SunPIOLOgy Xone: A decade and a year of healthy lifestyle for Filipinos

September 30, 2019

The first time I joined a fun run was a SunPIOLOGY event two years ago. It was a very fulfilling experience and finishing the 3K run was an achievement for someone like me who isn't the athletic type. 

Sun Life Philippines and its long-time ambassador Piolo Pascual are once again partnering for SunPIOLOgy, a sporting event that aims to encourage more Filipinos to live healthier lives.

Celebrating its 11th year, the SunPIOLOgy keeps getting better and more exciting. This year's event includes Sun Life Virtual Run, Sun Life Cycle PH, and Sun Life Resolution Run.

“Sun Life aims to offer Filipinos more avenues to pursue their health goals. With SunPIOLOgy, we are able to make the pursuit fun and engaging through a variety of sporting events, while the charity component makes it more meaningful and memorable,” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said. “We are thankful that as we mark 11 years of SunPIOLOgy, we continue to grow our community and effectively promote the importance of living healthier lives.”

Sun Life Virtual Run: Run anytime, anywhere

I have already signed up with the Sun Life Virtual Run.  This is a new long-distance race event  that participants may complete anytime, anywhere. Participants from different parts of the country may challenge themselves to complete an accumulated distance of 50 or 125 kilometers which can be spread over 30 days. 

This way, runners can pace themselves and freely strategize in accomplishing their target distance within the prescribed period. Progress is tracked using a GPS watch, a fitness band, a running app on a smartphone, or by taking a photo of the progress on the treadmill and submitting it via www.takbo.ph.

Registration for Sun Life Virtual Run is ongoing at www.sunpiology.com and will be open until October 14, 2019. The run period will be from October 15 to November 15, 2019.

Sun Life Cycle PH: Family bonding on wheels

Nurturing the Filipinos’ growing love for cycling, Sun Life Cycle PH is back to take cyclists on fun and exciting routes that will run from Bonifacio Global City to Pasay City. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome to join. Categories for the Sun Life Cycle PH are: Tricycle Ride (100 or 500 meters) designed for children ages two to five; Kids Ride (30-minute Solo or Family Ride) for children between the ages six to 15; Short Ride (20 kilometers) for participants 10 years old and above; and Long Ride (40 kilometers) for participants 14 years old and above. With partially closed roads and kid-friendly biking paths, the event can be a chance to bond with the entire family. It may also serve as an introduction to races for cycling enthusiasts.

Sun Life Cycle PH will take place on November 23, 2019. Registration is ongoing at sunlife.cycleph.com and will be open until November 22, 2019.

Sun Life Resolution Run: Race to fight diabetes

An exciting and energizing way to kick off Sun Life Philippines’ 125th anniversary in 2020, the Sun Life Resolution Run is a race that aims to get everyone into a healthy mindset as the year starts. Also hosted by Sun Life in select Asian countries, increasing awareness in diabetes prevention and management is one of the company’s advocacies that is especially crucial in the Philippines, as the disease has been declared as an epidemic in the country.

The Resolution Run will feature the “125 Xone,” where runners will pass through “xones” aligned with the diabetes prevention theme. Moreover, 125 lucky runners will also get to win electronic gift cards worth P1,250, which they can redeem in various partner stores.

Attended by some of the country’s brightest stars, the run will double as a charity event that will benefit the Hebreo Foundation, Noordhoff Foundation, and Star Magic scholars.

Sun Life Resolution Run will take place on January 18, 2020, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Registration will begin on November 15, 2019, at www.sunpiology.com and select Toby’s Sports Stores until race kit supplies last. Race categories and further details will be released soon.

Race freebies await participants in the SunPIOLOgy Xone events.

“What sets SunPIOLOgy apart is the community it has built through the years,” Pascual said. “Each event is fun and exciting, and now, we are bringing the SunPIOLOgy brand of wellness to the virtual world so that we can motivate even more people. With this, I’m sure more Filipinos will experience what it means to live healthier and brighter under the sun.”

For more about Sun Life's health and wellness initiatives, follow @SunLifePH and @GoWellPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Healthy Digestion, Healthy You

Healthy Digestion, Healthy You

September 28, 2019

To keep your digestive system running smoothly, focus on fiber, fluids and regular exercise.

If more people really thought about how much their digestive systems do for them every day, they might be more inclined to take better care of their digestive health. Your digestive system has a huge job - it breaks down the foods that you eat in order to make nutrients and energy available to the body, and it is responsible for steering unwanted waste out of the body, too. On top of that, your digestive tract is a key player in immunity – the cells lining your digestive tract help protect your body against bacterial and viral invaders that could make you sick.

And, your brain and your digestive tract are in constant communication with one another. An incredible amount of information travels between your gut and your brain – so much so, that the nervous system that resides in your digestive tract is often called the body’s “second brain”. This system alerts the “first brain” if you’ve eaten something you shouldn’t have, and also keeps tabs on your hunger level and your mood.

And yet, many people abuse their digestive system – by filling it with highly processed foods, or eating too much, or eating too fast – and pay little attention to it until something goes wrong.

Key Components to Digestive Health

In the most general sense, what you eat and the way you live your life influences the health of your digestive system. A nutrient-rich, balanced diet helps to nourish all of your body’s cells, including those in your digestive tract. Fiber, fluids and regular exercise all help to keep you regular, and taking care of your “second brain” by keeping your stress levels in check can also help to promote digestive health.

Fiber and Fluids Support Digestive Health

Perhaps one of the most important dietary components for digestive health is adequate dietary fiber.

Most people think of fiber as the substance that helps to keep the digestive process moving. And certain fibers do just that. But not all fibers function exactly the same way, which is why we often talk about two types of fiber – insoluble and soluble fiber – both of which contribute to digestive health, but in different ways.

Insoluble fiber – sometimes called “roughage” - isn’t broken down by the body but it absorbs water, which adds bulk. This type of fiber - found in vegetables, bran and most whole grains - helps to speed the passage of waste through your digestive system, which helps keep you regular.

Soluble fiber– found in foods like apples, oranges, oats, barley and beans – thickens and swells up when it comes in contact with liquid. So, when you eat these foods, they swell up in the watery environment of your stomach and help to fill you up. But another important feature of soluble fiber is that it functions as a prebiotic – which means that it encourages the growth of the good bacteria in your digestive tract.

Your digestive system houses tens of trillions of microorganisms - made up of thousands of species – taken together, this bacterial colony is sometimes called the “gut microbiome”.

These bacteria help your body extract nutrients from your food, they help with the production of certain vitamins, and they protect the health of the digestive tract by keeping out dangerous foreign invaders. But this mini ecosystem residing in your gut appears to do even more – there is evidence that your gut microbiome may also influence your body weight, memory and mood, too. So, it’s important to provide these bacteria with their preferred source of fuel – in the form of soluble fiber.

You can also introduce beneficial bacteria into your system directly – in the form of probiotics found in certain foods. Fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir, pickles and sauerkraut, miso paste and olives are all-natural sources of beneficial bacteria.

Since soluble fibers dissolve in water – and insoluble fibers trap it – it should come as no surprise that adequate fluids are important in keeping your digestive system running smoothly. But you also need water to produce saliva and digestive juices, and to transport nutrients to your cells, so taking in adequate fluids every day is vitally important to your digestive health.

Exercise and Stress Reduction Support Digestive Health

Regular exercise also supports digestive health in a couple of ways. As your muscles contract and your breath deepens during activity, the natural contractions of your intestinal muscles are stimulated, too, which helps to move food through your system. Exercise is also a well-known stress reducer, so it can help reduce digestive upsets that can occur in response to negative emotions.

The connection between your brain and your “second brain” in your digestive tract is something you’ve probably experienced in the form of a “gut reaction”. When stress or anxiety strikes, your brain sends a signal to your gut - and the next thing you know you’ve got a churning stomach.

The signals travel in the other direction, too – from gut to brain. When something in your digestive system isn’t quite right, an alert is sent to your brain, often before you even notice anything is wrong. Either way, this brain-gut connection suggests that keeping your digestive system in tip-top shape is vital to your sense of well-being.

The diet and lifestyle steps you take to keep yourself healthy are the same ones that promote digestive health, too. A diet that includes plenty of fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains, adequate hydration, and regular exercise are all key factors. And take time to enjoy your meals – you’ll be more relaxed, and less likely to overeat, too.

An article by Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD, FAND, Herbalife Nutrition

About Herbalife Nutrition:

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. The Company has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products and programs - since 1980. Herbalife Nutrition offers high-quality, science-backed products, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent member, and a supportive community that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Herbalife Nutrition’s targeted nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available through its independent distributors in more than 90 countries.

Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists community organizations focused on providing good nutrition. Herbalife Nutrition is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe.

Herbalife Nutrition has more than 8,300 employees worldwide. To learn more, visit IAmHerbalife.com.

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Eat Bread Without the Guilt

Eat Bread Without the Guilt

September 14, 2019

When I was diagnosed borderline Type 2 diabetes almost a decade ago, my endocrinologist ordered me to cut down carbohydrates and sugar intake. She also suggested that I become more conscious in choosing the food I eat and look for a healthier alternative. 

I'll be turning 43 in a few days and I am aware that my metabolism is slower compared to 10 years ago. Knowing I am prone to diseases brought about by high carbohydrates and sugar, I am doubly careful with my diet. I know that most people don't like the wheat bread because TBH it doesn't taste as good as the white bread. Well, bread lovers need not sacrifice on the taste just to have bread. A group of young entrepreneurs have decided to develop bread alternatives for those whose dietary requirements needs special attention. Evan Dykimching and Vicson Ngo are the people behind Hearty Bread, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free.

A breakfast staple for Filipinos is the pandesal. You may think that all pandesals are created equal because that photo of pandesals looks the same as your ordinary bread. But that is Hearty Bread's Moringa Sourdough Pandesal. It is gluten-free and sugar-free. But what makes it more interesting is the lactobacillus protectus (probiotics) in the ingredients.

I love white bread. But I was told I should eat wheat bread because it's healthier. Well, Hearty Bread's Ezekiel Bread Loaf uses almond flour. Would you believe it only contains 1 gram carbohydrates? And it tastes better than your regular white bread. Ezekiel bread loaf is also gluten-free and sugar-free.

My instant favorite is the Pumpkin Carrot Sourdough Loaf. It has pumpkin seeds, carrot, lactobacillus protectus, uses gluten-free flour, and is also sugar-free. 

The Banana Sourdough Loaf uses saba banana so the taste and smell don't come as strong as the banana bread we are familiar with. 

The Charcoal Cheesy Almond Loaf was the most interesting for me because I don't know what to expect. The carbohydrates is only 1.3 grams (a bit less than the Ezekiel Bread Loaf). It also uses almond flour but there's an activated charcoal in the ingredients. If you are concern eating something with charcoal, it can actually do you good than harm. It helps rid the body of unwanted substances. It also good in lowering the bad cholesterol level in your body. 

Hearty Bread started out as supplier for some of the major hospitals in the Metro. They cater to doctors and in-house patient with conditions mentioned above. Evan recounts “When one of our family member got confined in the hospital, we were surprised that the price of our bread were quite high due to several administrative fees." With the company’s desire to promote affordable and quality health, they created the brand “Hearty Bread” to make healthy breads readily available and affordable to the general public.

Why you should adapt Gluten-free diet

Hearty Bread Menu

People usually think that it is very expensive to have a healthy diet. It is true that Gluten-Free/Sugar-Free breads in the market are usually selling at 500php to 600php per loaf.  Hearty Bread invested in research & development for 2 years in order to come up with bread that are double the size and sell them at half the price.

Where to find Hearty Bread

For more information, visit www.heartybreadph.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @heartybreadph

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Signs You Might Be Suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy

Signs You Might Be Suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy

September 03, 2019

When I turned forty, I noticed the changes in my body because of aging. I can no longer do the general house cleaning in just one day. I get tired easily. There are also simple daily tasks that I find frustrating to perform. I've lost count the number of times I accidentally dropped the plate I was washing because I can't seem to firmly grip it. Playing the piano used to be an enjoyable past time too but I'm having difficulty when it comes to fast songs. My fingers feels rusty. I attended an event hosted by Neurobion and I learned about the signs I might be suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

Signs You Might Be Suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy

• tingling sensation in the hands or feet (tusok-tusok)
• feeling of numbness in the hands or feet (pamamanhik)
• a weak or heavy feeling in your arms or legs (pangangalay)

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when the nerves are damaged or destroyed and can no longer function properly. Naturally, nerves can regenerate or repair when damaged, but only for a certain time. Once 50% or more of the nerve tissue is damaged, the nerve reaches the “point of no return,” which means that the nerve damage is permanent. That is why Neurobion wants Filipinos to take necessary action to prevent neuropathy, and those people who are already experiencing the symptoms should consult their doctors immediately.

Most of us are guilty of ignoring pain or feeling sick. Neurobion conducted a survey asking men and women how they deal with health issues. An alarming 53% admitted to brushing off symptoms of being sick; which means more than half of the population could already be feeling signs of neuropathy without them knowing.

Even more alarming is that 88% of the respondents admitted to feeling the exact symptoms of neuropathy. But because the symptoms appear to be negligible, they’re deemed less important than the task at hand, when they’ve already affected Filipinos’ daily lives.

Coupled with the fact that 84% say that not being able to do everyday tasks would be extremely frustrating, it’s very important that they address the symptoms of neuropathy, instead of simply brushing them off.

Can we treat or prevent neuropathy?

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is the first step to wellness. Sleep is very important in repairing your body. Have sufficient rest of 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Make sure that you are having a balanced diet and optimize your vitamin B1, B6, and B12 intake. Be mindful of your sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Nerve damage caused by diseases like diabetes is one of the most common forms of neuropathy.

Neuropathy awareness

One way for Neurobion to raise awareness on this matter, is to actually let people experience the frustration of those who have Neuropathy through the Sense Glove—a haptic glove that provides tactile and force feedback, enabling users to feel and interact with objects in virtual reality.

 Filipinos can experience this breakthrough technology that brings to light the effects of Neuropathy through the brand’s event series, Neurobion Feel to Win. With the aim to give importance to nerve care, Neurobion provided different challenges that test the strength of people’s nerves: the brand’s first-ever Sense Glove VR challenge that mimics the frustration and difficulty of a person with Neuropathy, the Nerve Twist challenge that reinvents the classic Twister game by using everyday poses that strain the nerves, and the Nerve Wobble challenge that utilizes a wobble board to test a person’s ability to hold a pose for extended periods.

In the launch event held recently in Eastwood Mall Atrium, Quezon City, media and other special guests were given the opportunity to be the first to try the challenges, with the assistance of celebrity Nerve Drill Instructors for the day, Gabby Concepcion, Sam YG and Suzy Entrata-Abrera.

“The activities are meant to familiarize people with the frustration of having undiagnosed Neuropathy – particularly not being able to do simple everyday tasks like commuting, cooking, standing for extended periods and picking up objects.” Said Ming Arroyo-Cunanan, Head of Marketing, P&G Health Care Philippines. “Among all the activities, the Sense Glove is particularly interesting. The use of breakthrough technology attracts people to try it and the virtual reality experience is an effective way to highlight how frustrating the symptoms of Neuropathy feels.” Cunanan added.

Experience the Sense Glove for yourself at the Neurobion Feel to Win event in Lucky Chinatown Mall Atrium on September 21.

To learn more, follow https://www.facebook.com/NeurobionPhilippines

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NutriWhite Glutathione + Vitamin C Review

NutriWhite Glutathione + Vitamin C Review

August 09, 2019

Whenever I get into a conversation about glutathione, people always ask me why I want to have  whiter skin. It seems the majority still think that glutathione is all about whitening. At 42 years old, I am more concern with the benefits of taking glutathione that is not skin-deep. I've been taking glutathione supplements on and off. The last bottle I consumed was two years ago. Taking into consideration my lifestyle, diet, and age, I felt the need to bring back the glutathione in my system. I was scouting for a new brand to try and the gluta fairy stepped in. I received an email from Nutrition.Ph asking me if I want to try the NutriWhite Glutathione + Vitamin C. In exchange, I'll be writing an honest review about the product.

It has been two weeks since I popped the first pill. To those who have no idea about glutathione, here are the things you need to know.

About glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body. As we age, the level of glutathione declines. Other factors such as poor nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle, and stress reduces the amount of glutathione in our system.

The natural way to increase the glutathione in the body is by eating food such as avocado, asparagus, broccoli, and even okra. Turmeric extract also helps in improving the glutathione level.

Increasing the intake of Vitamin C also plays a key role in maintaining the glutathione level. Vitamin C is  an antioxidant that protects the cell from damage. Studies revealed that people who take vitamin C showed an increase in glutathione levels.

Benefits of glutathione

• supports the immune function
• breaks down free radicals
• helps in normalizing fatty liver
• boosts male fertility 
• alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease
• aids in gastrointestinal disorders
• anti-aging
• prevents anxiety and depression
• helps with acne
• inhibits the production of melanin making the skin lighter

NutriWhite Glutathione + Vitamin C

I'm having issues with acne recently due to stress and lack of sleep. My skin condition has improved after taking NutriWhite Glutathione + Vitamin C 2x a day for two weeks. 

Women who are menopausal experience a drop in glutathione level. I am nearing that stage in my life and it's about time I start doing something about it.

I can't say that my skin has become lighter but I am certain I'll be benefiting from NutriWhite soon. What I have noticed is that my skin don't look dull anymore.

What I like

• NutraWhite has 500mg of Glutathione and 100 mg of vitamin C 
• It is affordable at PhP997 for 60 capsules (good for 1 month)
• My acne breakout has been controlled
• the product is 100% authentic and manufactured solely by Nutrition.ph
• it meets the USA FDA regulations
• you can check the authenticity of glutathione by doing the betadine test 

What I don't like

• currently, it is only available for purchase online 

Will I recommend NutriWhite Glutathione + Vitamin C?

Yes. I think the product is effective. Since the Vitamin C content is only 100mg, I still take 500mg of Vitamin C which I believe helps boost the glutathione. While the availability of the product is only online, waiting time is 2-3 days which is acceptable. 

If you wish to purchase,  CLICK HERE

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Dietitians share 10 tips for healthy eating to lose weight the smart way

Dietitians share 10 tips for healthy eating to lose weight the smart way

June 27, 2019

When was the last time you consulted a dietitian? If you’re like most people, you may turn to friends or family with questions regarding weight management, starting a new diet or your personal nutrition. But that may cause even more confusion and uncertainty surrounding the choices you make to maintain a healthy weight.

A Survey of Dietitians on Weight Management

As a global nutrition company, we consult with members of our Dietetic Advisory Board* (DAB) from around the world to stay ahead of the latest nutrition trends, and develop training materials for our independent distributors to help their customers make informed decisions about nutrition. But we wanted to dig deeper and understand the key issues and challenges facing many struggling dieters.

We recently surveyed dietitians who attended the 2018 annual meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics about their patient’s nutrition goals, diet-related misconceptions, behavioral hurdles, and challenges related to following a healthy meal plan. Highlights from that survey include:

• Nearly 57% listed “losing weight” as the most common goal among patients reported by their dietitians.
• Approximately 20% of dietitians reported “eating a healthier diet” as a goal or concern of their patients.
• Among patients, the most common misconception is that “a very low carb diet is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.” This was reported by 31% of the dietitians surveyed.
• Other common misconceptions include: “you should cut all forms of sugar from your diet” (24%) and “vegetarian diets are protein deficient” (20%).
• When it comes to staying on regimen, more than half of dietitians (51%) reported “lack of motivation to stay on the plan” as their patient’s biggest behavioral obstacle.
• Dietitians also observed that many of their patients struggled with the “inability to control portion size” (18%) and “inadequate time to prepare meals” (18%).

Practical Advice from Our Dietitian Nutritionists

To address these common dietary pitfalls, we asked our DAB members to share their top 10 tips to help you achieve your weight loss and nutrition goals.

Tip 1: Don’t just focus on weight loss. Focus on a healthy diet.

“People should not focus only on body weight; they should focus on health. Eating healthy and having an active lifestyle is the best way to achieve a healthy body composition. Keep your focus on eating a healthy balanced diet and working out to build or maintain your muscle mass – and keeping this healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life.”

Ana Cristina Gutierrez, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Costa Rica

Tip 2: Set and celebrate milestones during your weight loss journey.

“Celebrating every milestone is important to your weight loss effort because it keeps you looking at how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go. When it comes to weight loss, a slow and steady pace always seems to win the race, but that pace can feel frustrating at times. So, set plenty of little milestones along the way and find ways to reward yourself – you might want to buy a new article of clothing or treat yourself to a massage. Remember, you deserve it after all of your hard work!”

Aria Novitasari Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Indonesia

Tip 3: Don’t fall victim to fad diets or social influence – find a healthy, balanced plan that works for you.

“Fad diets may lead you to temporarily lose weight, but is not a healthy way to lose because you risk losing some of your hard-earned muscle mass, rather than body fat. Before falling for any social influence, remember the goal should not be only to lose weight, but to change your lifestyle for good with a healthy balanced diet and adequate physical activity.”

Sreyashi Moitra, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, India

Tip 4: Make sure you get enough protein.

“Protein is an essential nutrient that is important for optimal growth and development. It is also essential for helping build and maintain muscle mass. Protein plays an important role in weight control, because it helps with hunger control. Having adequate protein at meals and snacks, such as protein shakes or bars, helps to satisfy you.”

Alice Zhu, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, China

Tip 5: Incorporate healthy snacking.

“In today’s society, snacking contributes close to one-third of daily energy intake. But healthy, balanced snacks are an important part of a balanced diet. Taking in high-protein snack foods can help you feel satisfied, and may allow you to eat less at your next meal. Rather than feeling guilty about snacking, learn to incorporate healthy snacking into your day.”

Vipada Sae-Lao, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Thailand

Tip 6: Don’t cut calories too far or skip meals in order to lose weight.

“Dieting is not about how much you eat but what you eat, since food choice affects calorie intake the most. Extremely low-calorie diets can slow down metabolism and inhibit weight loss. Dietary modification helps you continue your weight loss journey while diet mistakes – like cutting too many calories, or skipping meals – can stop you from being successful.”

Venus Yuen, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Hong Kong

Tip 7: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day.

“One of the benefits of regular exercise is that it helps to burn calories, which can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. And, regular moderate activity can also help release stress. Think of ways to work more activity into your day. For example, exit the subway or bus two or three stops before your final destination, and then walk the rest of the way on foot.”

HaNa Jang, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, South Korea

Tip 8: Learn ways to prepare quick, healthy meals.

“Planning ahead for your meals will help determine what ingredients you need to purchase, and help you to stock your refrigerator, freezer and pantry so you can prepare quick, healthy meals. Pre-preparing foods helps, too. Foods that require longer cooking times, such as beans and whole grains, can be cooked in large quantities and then kept in the freezer to be used at another time. Vegetables can be washed and dried in advance for use during the week. Eating healthy is a great start to living a healthier lifestyle, but cooking healthier is the perfect way to help you maintain this healthy living.”

Carolina Pimentel, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Brazil

Tip 9: Learn ways to practice portion control.

“Portion control is a key factor in weight control. If you learn to control portion sizes, you can reduce your total calorie intake. To reduce portions, try using smaller plates, glasses, utensils and serving spoons. It also helps to always put your portion on a plate or bowl, rather than eating directly from packages, which can lead to overeating.”

Clara Lucia Valderrama, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Colombia

Tip 10: Learn how to read food labels.

“Knowing exactly what you eat and drink is important when you’re watching your weight. Learning to read food labels helps, as it gives you information on calories, nutrient content and also serving size. This helps you with portion control and helps you make healthier food choices.”

Charlotte Lok, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Singapore

BONUS Tip: Start your day with a balanced breakfast.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A healthy, balanced breakfast can not only help you to manage your weight, concentrate at work or school, but it also helps you to stay focused on your activities. Breakfast should include a balance of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. If you have a busy schedule, consider making a healthy shake instead of relying on fast food or skipping breakfast entirely.” 

Chandra Lin, Member, Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board, Taiwan

This article is written by Susan Bowerman M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training

*Our experts are members of the Herbalife Nutrition Dietetic Board (DAB). While some members are employees of the company, others are compensated for their expertise. Source: https://iamherbalifenutrition.com/healthy-weight/lose-weight-dietitians-10-tips/

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A Gift of Healthier Liver for Dad

A Gift of Healthier Liver for Dad

June 20, 2019

The responsibility of ensuring that the family lives a comfortable life lies in the shoulder of the father.

Although there are a lot of working moms, traditional families have mothers role as the primary caregiver of the children. This comparison however does not mean one is more superior to the other, it just show the abstract of family roles in majority.

Fathers who spends most of their week in an office often claim the need to unwind with their friends every once in a while, this often lead to unhealthy lifestyle due to peer pressure. Bouts of drinking session with the barkada paired with pulutan can lead to a cycle that put men prone to Fatty Liver or worst, Liver Cirrhosis.

Fatty Liver Fatty liver occurs when too much fat builds up in liver cells. Although it is normal to have a small amount of fat in these cells as long as it does not exceed 5% of fat. While drinking too much may lead to the condition, factors such as the food we consume in the process of drinking can spell more disaster. 

A more serious condition is Liver Cirrhosis, this occur due to liver scarring and growth of fibrosis which severely impairs liver function.

Liver conditions can also affect other parts of the body and can lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Study shows that patients with liver disease have elevated sex hormone binding globulin and less albumin, which leads to decreased free testosterone levels.

Do something now to prevent these condition by taking supplements that are proven to benefit the liver. Liverguard have a proprietary formulation of Silymarin and Lecithin that is designed to promote the overall health of the liver. This natural herbal supplement combines the two herbs known for thousands of years to boost general liver function. 

Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans extracted from the milk thistle and has a long history as a medical plant that can treat liver diseases.

Lecithin, on the other hand is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body. It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks. Lecithin is taken as a medicine and is also used in the manufacturing of medicines. Lecithin is used for treating memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Supplementing with Liverguard helps detoxifies the body by repairing damaged liver cells and strengthens healthy liver function. It also helps in fighting Liver Cancer.

Liver Guard is distributed by Bewell Nutraceuticals. To know more about the product as well as healthy tips, visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/liverguardtheliverdefender/. Liver Guard is available in all Mercury Drug and leading drugstores nationwide.

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