What’s Sluggish Liver

The liver is the largest organ in the body which performs different bodily functions, but if gets over burdened by various toxins, it shows symptoms of being a sluggish liver that we normally fail to recognize.
The liver is a vital body organ present below the diaphragm in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It performs a wide range of functions like detoxification, protein synthesis and production of biochemicals essential for digestion. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which helps in digestion through the emulsification of lipids. Liver also performs and controls different high-volume biochemical reactions involving highly equipped tissues for synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules. Some other functions performed by the liver are:
1. Generation of fats emulsifying substances
2. Glucose to glycogen conversion
3. Manufacturing of amino acids
4. Removal of toxic substances from the blood
5. Storage of vitamins and minerals
6. Maintaining proper levels of glucose in the blood
Causes for a Sluggish Liver
Causes for a sluggish liver can be due to different types of liver pathologies like:
Excessive accumulation of fat within the liver cells due to alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, drugs (like corticosteroids, tetracycline and aspirin) or elevated serum triglyceride levels can lead to impeding liver function.
Another cause is intrahepatic problems which occur due to over exposure to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc.), heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum), and other toxins.
Viral infections of liver like hepatitis, inherited disorders like Gilbert’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, consumption of anabolic steroids/estrogens/oral contraceptives are some other factors that can restrict the bile flow in the liver and cause impaired liver function.
Lack of physical activities, poor nutritious diet, aging, etc, are some other common causes for a sluggish liver functioning.
Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver
Here are some signs or indications that may help to identify if the liver is sluggish or not functioning properly.
For an average person approximately 80% of the cholesterol is generated by the liver. Therefore, if the liver is not functioning well there will be abnormalities in the level of fats in the blood stream like elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol.
A sluggish liver leads to poor digestion which causes elevated triglycerides (lipids containing three individual fatty acids bounded together in a single large molecule). The person may also experience bloating or gassiness and flatulence (a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal), especially after the meals.
Since the liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body and maintaining the efficiency of the body’s immune system, skin irritation or skin allergies is also considered as the first sign of liver damage. A person can be prone to develop rashes, psoriasis, eczema, boils or acne if the liver is removing the toxins out through the skin.
The liver also helps regulate blood sugar levels, hence signs that the liver is not maintaining blood sugar levels may include, loss of appetite, weakness or dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
The liver filters out mutated hormones, therefore the symptoms in women may include heavy or clotted menstruation, irregular periods, fibroids in breast or uterus, hot flashes, cysts on ovaries, mood swings or any menopausal problems.
Chronic fatigue, headaches, fever, constipation, jaundice, gallbladder disease/gallstones, hair loss, etc., are some other common sluggish liver symptoms. However, the best ways to avoid impairment or sluggishness of the liver is to clean it up with a detox, and eating diet low in fat and high in fiber and water. Avoiding alcohol and processed or foodchem junk foods and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet along with lean protein foods like fish, tofu, legumes, etc., will surely minimize the risks of having any kind of liver infection/disorder.

Ingredients and Directions Of Cleanse Lemonade Diet Recipe

Beyonce Knowles lost about 20 pounds with the Master Cleanse lemonade diet for her role in the movie Dreamgirls. To know more about this lemonade recipe, that not only helps in weight loss, but also detoxifies the body.
The diet that has taken Hollywood by storm since 2006 is the Master Cleanse lemonade diet which was developed by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. It is also known as the Lemon Cleanse Diet, Lemonade Detox Diet or the Maple Syrup Diet. Stanley Burroughs developed this diet in 1941 as a diet regime aimed at improving overall health by cleansing one’s body of toxins.
However, off late it has become extremely popular as a means of losing weight. Though it was developed a couple of decades back, its popularity soared after Beyonce’s interview at the Oprah Winfrey show about how she lost about 20 pounds in two weeks using the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet for her role in the motion picture Dreamgirls. This diet provides enough nutrients to keep one energized and also has all the food ingredients required to detoxify the body.
How to Follow the Master Cleanse Diet
The Master Cleanse lemonade diet should be carried out for 10 to 14 days. Intake of any form of solid food has to be stopped during this period. One should begin his day drinking laxative tea or a salt water flush that ensures that one passes solid waste even while solid food is not being ingested. The salt water flush should be made by mixing salt with 1 qt. of lukewarm water. One should drink 6 to 9 glasses of the Master Cleanse lemonade throughout the day or whenever one feels hungry. Before going to bed, one must drink a cup of herbal laxative tea. Regular exercise while following this diet plan is recommended to facilitate weight loss.
Master Cleanse Lemonade Recipe
Additional Ingredients
Sea salt
Laxative tea
Herbal tea
Lemonade Ingredients
8 oz. of purified water
2 tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice (approximately 1lemon).
2 tbsp. maple syrup (grade B)
1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper
Directions for Making the Lemonade
Take a 10 oz. glass and fill it with 4 oz. of purified water. Add the fresh lemon juice to it. If one is using a freshly cut lemon, then squeeze just half of this into the glass, taking care that the pulp and the seeds do not get mixed with the juice (use a lemon squeezer). Add maple syrup and cayenne pepper to the lemonade. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Add the remaining 4 oz. of purified water to the glass. Stir well.
Purpose of the Master Cleanse Ingredients
The most important chinafooding ingredients and probably the most overlooked one is pure filtered water. Make sure to use only filtered water, as bottled water or water from a local water treatment facility would either be chemically treated, or would not be processed under tight regulations. The best option is to use water from a good filter installed at home.
The ingredients used in the diet should be organic. Do not use lemon juice from the market as the preservatives used in their packaging removes the nutrients required for this diet. The diet plan is based on the theory that besides being rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, lemon juice also acts as an astringent. It contracts the tissues that squeeze out the toxins in them. Concentrated lime juice bought from the market is loaded with preservatives and sugar, that nullifies the cleansing effect of the diet.
Not only does the cayenne pepper add taste to the lemonade, it is also a rich source of Vitamin B and C for the body. It breaks down toxic mucous in the colon and improves blood circulation in the body.
The maple syrup should not be of the usual variety taken during breakfast. It should strictly be of the grade B variety.
Ensure that the sea salt is non-iodized or unrefined.
Importance of the Master Cleanse Diet
Years of eating unhealthy foods leads to the formation of a toxic mucous that deposits itself to the walls of the colon. This mucous keeps on increasing in thickness as we continue to eat junk food. Besides reducing the diameter of the colon, it also grabs the wastes as they pass through it. By holding the toxins back in our body and hindering elimination of the waste, the mucous leads to problems like fatigue, anxiety, acne, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive ailments. This diet helps the body get rid of the toxins and relieves an individual of the mentioned ailments.
It is very important to be focused throughout the lemonade diet regime and avoid being tempted to eat solid food. Initially one might feel weakness. However, it will go away in the subsequent days. Although following a proper diet regime is good for the body, it is always advisable to consult one’s physician and check on one’s health before starting with any diet plan. Be sure to introduce food slowly into the system post the diet period recommended, so that the body gradually accepts the reentry of solid food.

Food List Of Gluten Free

Some people require a gluten free diet; this is mainly because they suffer from celiac disease. Celiac disease or Coeliac disease as it is called, is an autoimmune disease of the small bowel. This disease is one that is genetically predisposed and can occur in people of all age groups. When a person suffers from Celiac disease there are some symptoms like diarrhea and fatigue. Celiac disease occurs as a result of a reaction to gliadin, which is a gluten protein that is evident in wheat. When the body is exposed to gluten, the enzyme tissue called transglutaminase changes the protein and causes a reaction in the bowel area, which results in inflammation. This inflammation causes flattening of the small intestine lining and affects the absorption of nutrients, and the only way to treat this is with a gluten-free diet.
A gluten free diet is one that is completely free of ingredients containing gluten, these could be cereals made of wheat, barley, rye, oats and triticale. Though most people can digest oats, it is quite controversial. Though it may sound impossible to live a life that is gluten-free, it isn’t as difficult as it is made out to be. But you need to make sure that the foods you eat and indulge in are gluten-free. The best ways to make the change easier is to start going easy on the processed foods and eat more of the whole food products. This is safer as whole foods are made from the original ingredients of land and water, be it fruits, veggies, nuts or fish. Processed foods contain food additives, preservatives and fillers that could contain gluten and this is detrimental to your health.
Gluten Free Food List
Acacia Gum, Acorn Quercus, Adipic Acid, Adzuki bean, Agar, Alcohol of certain types, Alfalfa, Algae, Algin, Alginate, Almond nut, Amarnath, Annatto, Annatto color, Apple cider vinegar, Arabic gum, Arrowroot, Artichokes, Aspartame, Aspic, Ascorbic Acid, Baking soda, Balsamic Vinegar, Hyacinth bean, Lentil bean, Mung bean, Chickpea, Benzoic acid, Buckwheat, Additive free butter, Calcium carbonate, Calcium caseinate, Calcium chloride, Calcium phosphate, Calcium silicate, Camphor, Canola oil, Carob bean, Carob flour, Casein, Cassava manihot esculenta, Castor oil, Cheese, but check ingredients, Chestnuts, Chlorella, Citric acid, Corn, Cornmeal, Corn flour, Cornstarch, Corn syrup, Corn sweetener, Cortisone, Cotton seed oil, Cowitch, Cowpea, Cream of Tartar, Demineralized Whey, Distilled Vinegar, Eggs, Elastin, Ester gum, Fresh Fish, Flaked rice, Flax, Fructose, Fruits – dried and fresh, Gelatin, Glycolic acid, Gram flour, Corn grits, Guar gum, Hemp, Herbs, Honey, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Invert sugar, Kasha or roasted buckwheat, Keratin, Kudzu Root starch, Lactic acid, Lactose, Lanolin, Lecithin, Lipase, Locust bean gum, Magnesium carbonate, Maize, Waxy maize, Malic acid, Masa, Masa flour, Masa harina, Meat – fresh, Milk, Millet, Milo, Mineral oil, Mineral salts, Musk, Nuts except wheat, rye and barley, Oils and fats, Paraffin, Peas, Pea flour, Pepsin, Peru balsam, Petrolatum, Pigeon peas, Polenta, Potassium citrate, Potassium iodide, Potatoes, Potato flour, Prinus, Quinoa, Ragi, Rapeseed, Rennet, Rice, Rice flour, Rice vinegar, Rosin, Royal jelly, Sago palm, Saifun or bean threads, Scotch whiskey, Seaweed, Sesame seed, Sunflower seed, Soba only if 100% buckwheat, Sorghum, Sorghum flour, Soy, Soybean, Spices only pure, Succotash, Sucrose, Sweet chestnut flour, Tallow, Tapioca, Tarrow root, Tartaric acid, Tea, Teff flour, Urid beans, Urid peas, Vinegars except malt, Vanilla extract, Vanilla flavoring, Vitamin A, White vinegar, Wine, Wild rice, Yam flour, Yogurt only plain and unflavored.
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Uses of Sodium Alginate in Other Industries

It is so amazing how salt derivatives and natural amylase carbohydrates contribute to a variety of industries all over the world. What are we talking about? We are dealing with a powerful compound known as sodium alginate.
Sodium alginate, derived from alginates which are found in the cell walls of brown seaweed, are very helpful compounds. It is not only popular in the medical, textile, printing, and food additives industries but other industries take advantage of it as well. It is so versatile that welding, casting, cosmetic, and papermaking industries benefit from it.
Used as ingredient for papermaking
Papermaking typically includes Rosin paper pulp. Sodium alginate has become a better and probably cheaper substitute. It functions to make the paper’s surface smoother and regulates printing ink and wax absorption. It can also make paper pliable and tough.
Used for making Cosmetic products
Some cosmetic companies take advantage of sodium alginate. They typically use it to help retain moisture in cosmetics. Shampoo companies use it too as a bubble stabilizer and thickeners. Skin care products use it as an emulsion stabilizer. Sodium alginate is also found in toothpastes as a bonding agent. Since sodium alginate easily absorbs waters many facial cosmetic products such as facial masks use it as a filmogen. It can help hydrate, soothe, and soften skin.
Used with electrode coating material for welding
Welding coating can be humidified when powder used for welding or electrode coating material is coated together with sodium alginate. The compound can endow the welding coating with the right plasticity while the extrusion process in ongoing. Moreover, it can also help minimize splashes produced while welding because the alginate makes it easier to decompose into ash.
Sodium alginate is without doubt a useful resource. Being used in a series of industries makes it an important ingredient in major processed food products, medications and other industries. Alginates can be purchased in powder or crystal form and can be ordered from many Asian companies. This light yellow water soluble compound is available in paper grade, pharma grade, textile grade, tech grade, food grade, and cosmetic grade.
Whatever industry uses sodium alginate they are surely satisfied with its amazing benefits. From health down to welding, it has greatly proven itself to be an effective component of the sea. Think about it – an amylase from seaweed can do wonders to the body!

Gum Arabic

Gum arabic is obtained from acacia trees. Also known as gum acacia, gum arabic is a natural gum. Why is it called natural gum? Well, because it is made using the hardened sap obtained from Acacia Seyal and Acacia Senegal, the two species of the acacia tree. Other than gum acacia, it is also known as meska, char goond and chaar gund. Although, West Asia and Arabia were the regions where the wild trees were cultivated for the production of gum arabic, it is now widely harvested in places including Senegal, Somalia, Sahel and Sudan. While it is produced in African Sahel in huge quantities for commercial purposes, it is still used traditionally in places such as the Middle East.
Gum arabic is a food additive and is edible as it is a mix of glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Gun arabic powder or Xanthan gum is mostly used in confectioneries as a stabilizer, thickeners or even for sugar crystallization. Food additives are identified with number codes called E numbers and the number code for gum arabic is E414. Not just gum arabic is edible but it has numerous other uses and it is used by a variety of industries other than the food industry.
Gum Arabic Uses
Food Products
As mentioned earlier, gum arabic has properties of a binder or a glue that is edible for human beings. This is because it is a mixture of proteins and saccharides. Now although it may be edible, it have a toxic effect which will be discussed later in the article while discussing the possible gum arabic side effects. To name a few food items in which gum arabic is used as a binder would include marshmallows, syrups and candies. Xanthan gum uses can also be referred to know more about xanthan, another type of food additives used in many products.
Photography
Similar to painting and printing, it is also used in a photography technique and the name of the process is gum bichromate photography. In this process to produce a colored photographic emulsion; gum arabic is mixed with other components including ammonia and pigment. As in case of the water paints, the pigment binds into the paper of the final print.
Painting
Gum arabic is a traditional binder used in making watercolors or water paints such as the gouaches. This is because gum arabic easily dissolves in water and gels well with the water and then in the process of drying, the color pigment binds into the paper surface. Heard of one of the methods of printing called lithography? Gum arabic is one of the main ingredients used in this ancient printing method.
Other Uses
Besides these, gum arabic is also used as a soluble binder in producing fireworks or in pyrotechnic devices, in inks, cosmetics, shoe polish, incense cones, postage stamps and of course glues.
While some research reports suggest that gum arabic can be used as an alternative medicine to lower cholesterol levels because of its properties, there are arguments that it does not due to inconsistent and strangely opposite results in certain cases.
Some of the gum arabic substitutes include guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan and gum tragacanth. Studies suggest that high dosage of dietary gum arabic is the possibility of resulting in any side effect such as stomach upsets or irritations. Although if the person is allergic to acacia they may experience skin reactions or even asthma attacks in certain cases. Many of the food products contain xanthan gum so you might be interested in knowing Xanthan gum side effects as well. I hope this article on gum arabic has given you substantial information on its nature, uses and side effects.

the Different Uses of Food Additives

The different uses of food additives include preserving freshness, intensifying flavors, altering certain food textures, binding ingredients together, and brightening food colors. Some kinds of natural additives are also sometimes applied to fruit, meat, and dairy products to prevent oxidation or early spoilage. Food additives are most common in processed foods that can be stored in freezers or pantries for long time periods.  Artificial additives can help increase the nutritional value of certain foods that would normally have smaller amounts of vitamins or minerals.
Preservatives, such as sorbic acid, are usually added to dairy products, baked sweets, and pickled vegetables to prevent harmful bacteria from thriving in these foods. Food distributors face frequent challenges in keeping their products as fresh as possible during the shipping process. Many types of food are transported over long distances to grocery stores, and a spoiled shipment results in lost money for both the distributor and the retailer. These types of chemical compounds also stop the growth of mold or fungus in products like bread and cheese.
The natural textures of certain foods are somewhat unappetizing to many people, and this problem can be solved with uses of food additives to smooth out or otherwise change these textures. Other artificial additives are designed to keep products like salt and grated cheese from clumping together. Compounds such as xanthan gum are mixed with puddings and pastry fillings during the production process to give them an even texture without ingredient lumps.
Some foods are rich sources of nutrition, but they are not normally known for having rich or interesting flavors. Specific uses of food additives can improve the taste of these foods and increase the likelihood of people buying them. Salt-derived chemical additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), are frequently added to snack foods like potato chips to intensify their taste. Popular flavor-enhancing additives include sugar, vanilla extract, and citric acid to make foods like ice cream and yogurt taste sweeter and richer.
Additional uses of food additives(foodchem) can keep blended ingredients from separating when some foods are packaged after the mixing process. Some of these additives, including lecithin, act as emulsifiers in foods, such as sauces and salad dressings. Food coloring additives can be found in products like yellow butter to make them look more visually pleasing. Other synthetic ingredients, such as carrageen, are thickening agents in some fruit jams or preserves.

Effects of Food Additives

Common effects of food additives include protection against many foodborne diseases, longer product shelf lives, and flavor enhancement. While these chemical ingredients have benefits, health experts also sometimes point out a few specific negative effects of food additives such as increased weight gain, possible malnutrition, and higher chances of developing food allergies to some of these artificial ingredients. Some types of artificial additives also add brighter colors to some foods. Many processed foods are made with large amounts of preservatives as a matter of convenience to consumers. These foods are often pre-cooked and frozen so that they can be heated quickly in a microwave oven.
Preservation is one of the key effects of food additives. Several different chemical ingredients such as sodium nitrate are mixed with some foods to stop the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent the products from spoiling after only a short time in storage. These additives are especially common in cured meats such as sausage and bacon. Various anti-microbial compounds and antioxidants are reported to lower the risks of contracting serious illnesses such as E coli bacterial infections. These types of preservatives are also considered economically sound measures that result in less food waste due to spoilage.
One of the more frequent effects of food additives is a more consistent texture in foods that contain several different ingredients. Separation can often happen in foods such as cakes and some salad dressings, which are prone to this problem if left to settle over time. Some additives known as emulsifiers prevent this problem and keep the mixtures even in these foods.
Enhanced flavors are additional effects of food additives, and many manufacturers add them to a wide range of products such as snack cakes and potato chips. One common additive is called monosodium glutamate (MSG) that some culinary experts report as the source of a fifth distinctive flavor called umami that is separate from natural salty, sweet, sour, or bitter tastes. Although MSG and similar additives can make many foods taste better, nutritionists often caution that these additives(foodchem) in large amounts can lead to weight gain and reduced ability of the digestive system to absorb needed nutrients.
Various dyes are added to processed foods in order to give them a more appealing look. Marketing experts often point out that the most appetizing-looking foods tend to sell more in both grocery stores and restaurants. Some studies have linked excessive consumption of certain food coloring to increased risks of cancer.