Medical Information

Incredibly most Americans buy from a fast food restaurant at least once a week and latest figures suggest there are more than 82,000 fast food establishments. Wherever you are in the Western world a similar statistic is our reality. Industry research even shows an astonishing 86 per cent of meals taken home from restaurants are fast-food.




What is the result of all of this? Well, with supersize sodas and fries, many high fat breakfast choices, and overall poor choices, our waistlines have grown and our cholesterol levels continue to increase at alarming levels. However it is good to see some popular establishments such as McDonalds and Burger King world wide produce many more healthy eating choices.



Here is a list of easy ways to make healthier, better choices whilst out at fast food restaurants so you do not punish your waist line.



Tip1: Buy some kind of fruit and/or vegetable with every fast-food meal.



Best way to do this is to make salads part of your buying experience. Nearly all fast food places will have this option so why not put lettuce, tomato, zucchini etc etc a staple part of all these meals. Especially easy to do this when purchasing burritos, tacos or sandwiches, for example.



Tip 2: Every Time Say "No" to the Sauces



Most sauces on offer are overflowing in calories and fat and are shocking for our waist lines. So just learn to say NO.

Best options for chicken, fish or burgers are olive oil and vinegar (in moderation), or consider mustard which has heaps of flavour and no calories. Or how about hot sauces or rep pepper spreads. Even ketchup is ok as it has no fat but a fair amount of sweetener. Worse possible choices are mayonnaise or butter.



Tip 3: Just ask for extra onions, tomato and lettuce wherever you can



Imagine if every sandwich you choose you make it healthier by adding in these 3 classics. It helps give you close to your daily vegetable intake and these three together are yummy in virtually every sandwich. Of course say no to mayonnaise, cheese and any other sauce at the same time.



Tip 4: A kid's meal just might be enough for us adults



Many times I have chosen a kids meal and it was perfectly adequate in size and nourishment for my adult needs. Sure this might not always be the case with all fast food restaurants but it is worth considering where practical.



Tip 5: Say no to cheese as you don't really need it do you?



The average cheese is 50 calories, 40 grams of fat and 2 grams of saturated fat. But you know what? You don't really need this. A plain hamburger without cheese is usually just as nice and saves your waist line from punishment.



Imagine making these simple changes to your life and consistently utilizing the power of better food choices. Long term make better health a part of your daily routine.



Brian has been writing articles online and off for 10 years now. Brian specializes in researching and writing about the best exercise techniques, healthy eating, fitness and strategic business planning.



Come visit his latest website over at [http://businessplansmallbusiness.org/] which helps people find the best business plans [http://businessplansmallbusiness.org/] and information for your small business or organization.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Jackway

Let's face it: arthritis is such a difficult condition. It is painful and uncomfortable, it is permanent, and can set it anytime. There are actually over a hundred types of arthritis, but it is generally safe to assume that arthritis is an inflammation or swelling of the joints, and causes an insurmountable amount of pain and immobility to the joints.




It has been found that omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can provide tremendous relief from arthritis, especially if you are suffering from rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Before we move onto finding out how these omega 3 acids help, let us familiarize ourselves with these dietary fats and the connection between omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil and arthritis.



There are actually two kinds of polyunsaturated fats that play significant roles for inflammation: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It has been found that most people, especially those who suffer from arthritis, get too much of omega-6's in their diet than omega-3's. The abundance of omega-6 has been found to be detrimental to arthritis sufferers.



You see, omega-6 fatty acids help produce inflammatory agents called eicosanoids or prostaglandins. These compounds have significant roles to play in the body and are linked to important functions, including the relaxation and contraction of smooth muscles. Getting just enough of omega-6 in the diet (sourced from vegetable oils, sweets, crackers and even junk food) can be helpful, but higher doses are not and can lead to many health problems, including the production of pro-inflammatory agents - those that enhance inflammation rather than prevent them.



Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, richly found in fish oil, are also converted into eicosanoids. The interconversion happens at a much slower rate, and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (not the "pro" ones) are involved. The chemicals released by omega-3 alleviate inflammation and stops it right at the very core.



Fish oil for arthritis: better than NSAIDs



For the longest time, NSAIDS have been the only relief available for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Sure, they work, but compromise health because it brings about higher risk for heart attack, stomach bleeding, among many others. Intake of NSAIDs for a prolonged period of time actually lead to more harm than good. As an alternative, fish oil supplementation does not only reduce your pain naturally, but also brings you a multitude of health benefits as well: including promotion of heart and brain health, better focus and memory, and overall better health.



Fish oil naturally stops inflammation



Omega-3 fish oil can effectively heal the pain of arthritis sufferers. Since these essential fatty acids also encourage better cardiovascular function, which means that systemic inflammation is not just reduced, you can have a shot at permanently waving your pain goodbye. For arthritis sufferers, fish oil does not only offer alleviation from the pain and the swelling, it does so naturally that there are no unwanted side effects to expect.



Get your free report about fish oil health benefits at www.PureConcentratedFishOil.com. For natural relief from pains and discomfort of arthritis, make sure to try pure fish oil supplements.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Goodwin