One of the latest diet crazes is the South Beach Diet. Dr. Agatston, a leading cardiologist, created the South Beach Diet. His aim was to improve his patients’ heart health, but he discovered that as a “side affect” his patients were losing a lot of weight. He claims that it isn’t a low-carb or a low-fat diet, but a diet that focuses on eating the “right” carbs and the “right” fats. The South Beach Diet is based on the glycemic index. The diet restricts carbs in the first two weeks and then gradually re-introduces those carbs with a low glycemic index. He also recommends trading saturated fats with unsaturated fats.

The South Beach Diet generally follows the same idea as other glycemic index diets. First a little background; when we have eaten, the carbs are then broken down into sugar, thus raising the sugar in our blood. In response to the higher glucose level, the hormone insulin is released from the pancreas to remove the sugar from the blood.

If we eat foods that are rich in carbs, we get a rapid increase in blood sugar, then our pancreas releases a large amount of insulin to counter it. This in turn causes the blood sugar to drop rapidly and you feel a lack of energy, and then you crave more carbs and the viscous cycle continues. If it keeps up then you are likely to gain weight as a result. In addition, your body becomes resistant to the action of insulin. When your body reaches this point then your body becomes more effective in storing the fat.

So in phase one of this diet, most of the carbs are restricted, this gives you body a rest from the cycle. This is supposed to resolve the insulin resistance. The banned foods would be bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruit, milk, sweets, sugar and alcohol. The focus on the phase one part is to eat lean meat, chicken, fish and eggs. In this phase it is said that you can lose up to 14 pounds.

In the phase two part of the diet low GI carbs are gradually reintroduced. This would be most fruits, whole grain bread, cereals, pasta and skim milk. You are supposed to stay in this phase until you reach your target weight. In phase three, you can reintroduce a wide variety of foods. In this phase you are supposed to keep your weight steady. This phase is designed to be life long. In all of the phases there is no limit for portions, just eat enough to satisfy your needs. Actually snacking is advised, as long as you snack on the appropriate food in your phase.

The extreme carb restriction in the first phase requires some serious will power. You may feel weak. Also you won’t be getting your daily requirement of fruits and veggies so you may be missing out on vitamins and minerals. Also when you restrict all the carbs in this phase you are getting rid of a lot of good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. However nutrition experts are generally in favor of diets based on the glycemic index. Overall this diet generally follows the basic principle of healthy eating. The result should provide plenty of the nutrients one would need to stay healthy.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Weight Loss

The statistics for acne in United States alone include half the total population. Although temporary acne should never be underestimated for its ability to make life a misery, either by persisting as a problem or occasional outbreaks at a crucial time. The good news is that the market is teeming with acne products of all kinds to get rid of the unsightly presence from our faces. However caution is advised before giving any of these acne products a try to find out the root cause of the exasperating condition.

There isn’t any single factor behind acne. The belief of physicians is that when oil (sebaceous) glands strike on the onset of puberty, adrenal glands of both boys and girls are stimulated by the hormones they produce. The oil glands lie immediately below the skin in a constant secretion of oil through the skin openings. The purpose is to lubricate and protect the skin. Sometimes cells near the openings on the skin block the opening which leads to a buildup of oil under the skin. The omnipresent bacteria on human skin which is generally inactive, begin feeding on this oil before reproducing and causing inflammation of the surrounding tissues.

Acne is also caused by oil-saturated foods. However chocolate, poor skin hygiene and upset emotions have been ruled out for being responsible for acne, effectively scuttling time honored myths. Ironically enough, it is the most commonly used remedy to correct acne problems, camouflage cosmetics that are mainly to blame for worsening the condition. The mild skin alteration that most of them result in, intensifies the acne affliction. The sebaceous glands are also obstructed which hampers free drainage of excessive oils. This is frequently the case with supposed acne-prevention compounds as well.

Acne inflicted have two options, medicated and natural acne products. The medicated acne products use a low or high concentration of Benzoyl peroxide or Salicylic acid, while the content in natural acne products are herbs and natural oils like Tea Tree Oil which is antibacterial cum cleaner, Lavender Oil to counter acne and prevent oil and Rosewood oil a strong acne treating agent.

Natural acne products also include Actimine, AcnEase, Xian 100% acne treatment and 10-1E Acne Getaway which contain ancient Chinese herbs and essential ingredients capable of combating and keeping acne at bay.

Acne products in the form of cream, gel or lotion, are limited in their performance based on the medicinal concentration. Other influencing ingredients that require research and consideration the properties of quality exfoliation and pore cleansing, apart from safe antioxidants that act within the body.

Natural acne products and medicated acne products are available in the form of cleansers, scrubs, masks, gels, natural oils and herbal tablets. Totally natural, ZEN MED Derma Cleanse System contains cleansing gel to unclog and clean pores, and herbal capsules that ward off harmful bacteria as well as to replenish essential vitamins needed to combat acne inside the body. The presence of Aloe Vera, Vitamin A, E, D3, C, Pro-Vitamin B5, Allatoin and other vegetable ingredients has an enriching effect in tackling acne.

Not much can be done by an individual in terms of prevention of acne. However effective medical treatments are now available. But for maximum results, it is necessary to make use of them well before severe disfigurement has occurred.

There must be no confusion regarding the right acne products that suit your particular condition. Consult your doctor as well as friends and family who can help in zeroing in on the most suitable option.

Acne, or pimples to the younger crowd, is a persistent, painful and definitely frustrating condition that many people suffer. The afflicted can range from teenagers to seniors and all walks of life in between. Nearly everyone will suffer from some form of acne during his or her lifetime. However, for some, it can last a lifetime if not treated properly.

The approaches for treating acne differs widely today, and most are easily available. What might be effective for one might not be so much for another person. In fact, what works for one might produce no results whatsoever for the next guy. So there is a process of trial and error and guessing in regards to acne treatment. Some of the common forms of treatment involve skin cleansers. These skin cleanser are face washes and available over the counter. They deploy a variety of chemicals to combat acne. Benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the usual ingredients.

From my own experience, I prefer cleansers that use benzyl peroxide. It tends to work better for my condition. The trick is to find something that works and stick with it. At times, it can take days or weeks for progress to be shown. Be patient and you shall be rewarded. Remember that the actual physical deal of acne is sebaceous follicles that are clogged with your oil glance. So anything that is effective in removing oil from the surface of your skin should at least assist in your acne treatment quest.

Generally speaking, most forms of acne can be controlled with daily skin cleanser. But those times, there are forms of the disease that requires something more drastic for see effective results. Acne that is located on your back, for instance, is often resistant to standard skin cleanser. Then what can you do? Back or body acne can require additional medications that are too harsh to be used on the face. But might work for your back since the tissues there are much tougher. Glycolic acid is one form of harsh skin cleanser that has been found effective for body acne and back acne. It can also be used on upper arms and sometimes your legs.

If you case of acne is severe, then a visit to the doctor is in order. A prescription will be necessary to combat the most severe type of acne. These can be in the form of antibiotics, or drug made to reduce the oil glance, or sebum, production in the skin. There are other types of topical cleansers also.

There will be times when your acne may seem incurable. But take heart. There are effective acne treatments around. If you are an acne sufferer, know that information is widely available for you. Do act on some sort of treatment soon, if not, untreated acne can leave permanent scars.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in medical conditions of all types. For more information regarding adult acne treatment, please drop by at http://www.allacnecare.com