The juicy tonic combo that could cause ‘serious heart issues’ - potentially ‘deadly’

 By inhibiting the metabolism of enzymes in the body, some fruits may increase the risk of side effects from supplements and drinks.

Grapefruit juice has long been enjoyed for its sensory properties and low-calorie profile. Its popularity, however, was dented after scientists discovered it could have deleterious interactions with an extensive list of drugs. Some studies have suggested the fruit may also interact dangerously with tonic water when consumed by certain people.

The main problem with grapefruit is that it inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4, which metabolises more than 65 percent of all drugs.

“A considerable number of drugs are affected, but the most important causes of concern are probably some of the statins, extensively prescribed as cholesterol reducers,” explains Science Direct.

According to various bodies of research, mixing grapefruit with tonic water containing quinine - a naturally occurring substance - may spur similar effects.

“People who have a heart rhythm disorder should avoid taking grapefruit juice and tonic water together. That combination might worsen some heart conditions,” cautions Medline Plus.

“Also, don’t drink red wine and grapefruit juice together if you take any medications. This combination can make grapefruit juice interact with medications even more.”

Science Direct explains that the tonic and grapefruit combination is dangerous because the juice may inhibit enzymes responsible for the metabolism of quinine.

Thus, the concomitant use of grapefruit juice with quinine may increase concentrations of the nutrient in the blood, and increase the risk of quinine side effects.

In 2003, the American Journal of Medicine highlighted the risk in a report titled "Grapefruit and tonic: a deadly combination in a patient with the long QT syndrome".

Shoppers love 'amazing' supplements that help them get to sleep from the first use

 "I can honestly say that these made a difference from day one with me feeling more relaxed and being able to fall asleep again quickly"

Shoppers are flocking to buy an 'amazing' gummie supplement that they swear has them sleeping easier at night and works from the first night.

Yumi's Bedtime supplement is growing in popularity, with many people insisting that it helped them sleep throughout the night much easier and that it's aided them in feeling refreshed first thing in the morning.

The supplements come in a chewable gummie form and a passion fruit flavour, they contain 99mg of 5-HTP and 100mg of Griffonia Seed Extract.

5-HTP can help to raise serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate mood and behaviour, therefore, 5-HTP can have a positive effect on sleep and mood.

With over 290 five-star reviews, there's no surprise that the 'amazing' supplement is proving popular.

One shopper wrote: "I have struggled with sleeping for so long and tried so many ways to fix my sleeping pattern, nothing worked but these definitely did! I have been taking them for 2 days only and already noticed a massive difference. I fall asleep much quicker and easier than usual.

"I put my phone down and fall asleep straight away, sleeping through the night and waking up in the morning naturally. I struggled with getting up before 11am too and these gummies have fixed that. My mood has been so much better, waking up refreshed has really helped me begin the day."

A second penned: "No more puffy eyes! These are amazing, took a couple of days to get into my system but now I fall asleep within minute of going to bed and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead."

I can honestly say that these made a difference from day one with me feeling more relaxed and being able to fall asleep again quickly

A third added: "I didn’t think these would actually work especially as I’ve used other brands to no avail. But these little gummies are brilliant! Knocked me out had around 7 hours full uninterrupted sleep. Absolute bliss! Get them you won’t be disappointed! 10/10! And they taste YUMI!!!"

A fourth wrote: "I decided to try the bedtime gummies as I had trouble with waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to fall asleep again. I can honestly say that these made a difference from day one with me feeling more relaxed and being able to fall asleep again quickly even when I did wake up. Now after 2 weeks of taking these every night I sleep without waking up at all until the alarm goes off and in the odd occasion that I do wake up for some reason, I find it easy to go back to sleep without much trouble!"

Simple change women can make to 'burn more fat' in menopause - 'start now'

 A health and fitness expert exclusively told Express.co.uk how women going through menopause can lose weight once and for all.

One of the symptoms of perimenopause is weight gain, particularly around the tummy area. Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to Dean Zweck, Product Development Manager at Total Fitness, about how women can lose fat for good at this time of their lives.

Dean explained why perimenopause - when you start to experience symptoms before your period stops completely - can bring about excessive weight gain.

He told Express.co.uk: "As our natural levels of oestrogen drop, the body will adapt to increase fat stores. Fat produces a form of oestrogen called estrone, which combats the natural decline in oestrogen.

"To help achieve this, our metabolic rate drops during menopause meaning we burn less calories during the day.

"This is coupled with an increase in hunger. We are primed to move less and eat more – the perfect recipe to gain weight.

"With the drop in oestrogen and progesterone comes an increase in cortisol. Rising cortisol levels are associated with an increase in fat storage around the middle.

"This explains why we start to see a change in our body shape and increase in weight."

The expert told Express.co.uk his top five tips for effective weight loss during perimenopause.

He encouraged women to get their strength up, telling them to start "lifting weights".

Dean explained: "Lifting weights builds muscle, muscle increases your metabolic rate, and a faster metabolism burns more fat.

"As we age, we naturally lose muscle which further affects your appearance.

"If you aren’t doing so already, start now. Exercises that target many muscles at once such as squats, lunges and deadlifts may give you the most bang for your buck."

But not all exercise has to be rigorous in order to be effective: "A large proportion of the calories you burn over the whole day is from activities like walking, not through exercise.

Women can have a 'completely new body' with anti-ageing 'low impact' exercises

 An expert shared her top anti-ageing exercises exclusively with Express.co.uk.

Looking younger isn't all skin treatments, makeup and wearing the right clothes - sometimes it's as simple as exercise on a mat. Pilates instructor Abby McLachlan spoke to Express.co.uk about the best workouts mature women can do to look and feel better fast.

Pilates focuses on spinal alignment and the small muscles around the spine and is also considered a "mind-body practice, matching breath to movement".

The expert explained that Pilates has both physical and mental benefits - the exercises will make you look and feel "youthful".

The "low intensity, low impact" aspect of it means that it's accessible to almost anyone, regardless of ability.

However, it's always best to consult a qualified Pilates teacher beforehand and be signed off by a health professional, particularly those with any injuries or postural issues, or who are pre or post natal.

Abby recalled a quote by founder Joseph Pilates himself: "If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30 you are old; if it is completely flexible at 60 you are young."

Practising Pilates regularly can totally a person's body shape, burning fat and transforming it into lean muscle.

Indeed, Joseph Pilates said: “You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.”

Abby shared her top anti-ageing Pilates moves for looking and feeling better in no time.

Anti-aging Pilates workouts

Back Health

Glute bridge

Abby instructed: "Think of your spine as a pearl necklace - you must pick your spine up, bone by bone, by curling your pelvis and pressing up with your bum until your body is in a straight line at the top.

"Then melt back down, ribcage first, still squeezing your glutes until you have landed your pelvis. These are great to do just after waking up, when your spine is still relaxed and malleable."

The expert explained that glute bridges "strengthen your bum and stretch your lower spine all at once".

She continued: "Second, try the hip twist. Lay flat on the floor with your arms out wide, palms down. Stabilise your core and bring your legs into table top.

"Keep your back as flat as you can and twist your hips up and over to one side, then up and over to the other side, keeping your knees together."

Pippa Middleton 'manages her weight' despite 'family life and motherhood' - here's how

 Pippa Middleton has always been a keen sportswoman but shared that since becoming a mother, has admitted that fitness has taken a backseat.

Pippa Middleton, 39, has some very intense future plans in the pipeline regarding her diet and fitness. The younger sister of Kate Middleton has shared how her focus on fitness has shifted since becoming a mother.

Speaking to activewear brand Hoka about how her focus has shifted since becoming a mother, Pippa said: "Family life and motherhood has consumed much of my spare time.  "Running and fitness still form part of my weekly routine but not to the level it was before.  "I suppose, my running has been more after babies and toddlers than crossing finish lines, which I’m fine with — for now!"  Kate's sister went on to share how she stays slim, explaining: "Being active with son in the park or playground, transporting him on the back of my bike, and buggy running when he was a baby have been ways in which I have been able to include outdoor exercise whilst being a hands-on mummy.

"It's helped manage my weight, is time efficient and gives us both the chance to enjoy the fresh air and explore the great outdoors."  Despite fitness having more of a family focus at present, Pippa shared that she has some goals in her sights for the future.  "I still have goals for the future and challenges I'd like to embrace so I've kept them on my bucket list to return to when the time is right, this includes the London and New York marathons, the Coast-to-Coast multi-sport event in New Zealand, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc MCC (the 40km race) and the Cape Town Cycle Tour," she listed.  Pippa, who is married to Spencer Matthews' brother James, shared that she'd eventually love to get her children involved with her challenges.

Woman loses three stone in weeks after she 'couldn't fit into clothes' - 'I'm happier now'

 Weight loss was something Theodora Turner felt she needed as she started to feel unhappy in her body. After trying every fad diet out there, the 36-year-old eventually found a meal plan and exercise regime that worked for her. She quickly started shedding the pounds.

With the help of her local branch of F45 Training, Theodora lost a huge 19.6kg, or three stone. This was 11.3 percent of her body fat. But how exactly did she do it?

Theodora, a graphic designer based in Manchester, was "unsatisfied" with the lifestyle she was leading when it came to fitness and nutrition.

At 91.8 kg, or 14 stone, she was a notorious "yo-yo dieter" and binge eater, and her only method of exercise was walking her dog.

She said she was "finding myself constantly disheartened when not being able to fit into my clothes", and minor exercise would leave her "completely breathless".

When the pandemic hit, like many others, Theodora turned to food for comfort and ended up putting on more weight.

Simple change women can make to 'burn more fat' in menopause - 'start now'

A health and fitness expert exclusively told Express.co.uk how women going through menopause can lose weight once and for all.

One of the symptoms of perimenopause is weight gain, particularly around the tummy area. Dean Zweck, Product Development Manager at Total Fitness, explained how women can lose fat for good at this time of their lives.

It was at this time, when she reached the peak of her unhappiness, that she knew it was time to make a change.

She had tried and tested all the popular diets, and was on the search for something that would educate her about nutrition, as well as transform her lifestyle entirely.

"I knew I was unhealthy, but I was starting to worry about the long-term impacts it was having, and knew drastic changes needed to be made," she explained.

The 36-year-old signed up to her local F45 studio in August 2021, shortly before embarking on her first F45 Challenge.

5 Simple Weight Loss Tips for 2023

 With the new year in full swing, many of us have already decided on some positive changes to make in 2023. Whether these resolutions are about our work, personal life or health journey, finding New Year’s resolutions that are achievable and manageable is the key to maintaining them throughout the year. For those who are looking for ways to slim down, check out these five simple tips to help you reach your target weight this year.

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Don’t let hunger get the best of you

It’s tempting to give up on a diet because you aren’t feeling fulfilled by the foods or portions you’re allowed. When you eat less than normal, your fat cells release more hunger hormones, increasing your appetite. Rather than give up on the diet, substitute common snacks and treats with foods that fit within your diet. For example, replace carb-heavy foods like bread, muffins and chips with foods high in protein and fiber such as Greek yogurt, eggs or granola.

Make healthy behaviors a priority rather than weight loss goals

If your sole purpose of dieting is to lose a specific number of pounds, it’s likely you will have a hard time sticking to that diet. Rather than focusing on the numbers on a scale, focus on establishing healthy eating and exercise habits. For example, instead of aiming to lose 1 pound each week, strive for something more attainable such as exercising 20 minutes each day or eating 1 cup of fruits and vegetables with each meal. A journal or daily log is a great way to track your progress, as you can write down your meals, weight and exercise habits to review each week and see what is working and what is not.

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Plan your meals

When you’re on the go, it can be easy to mindlessly grab a snack or pre-made meal that may not be the healthiest option. By planning your meals, you can take the stress out of knowing what you’re eating that day and ensure you’re sticking to your diet. Planning your meals also gives you time to prep ingredients, such as buying vegetables for a side dish or taking meat out of the freezer to thaw so you are ready to cook when mealtime comes.

Leave room for something sweet

Rather than think of foods as either “good” or “bad,” focus on portions. If you stick to your diet, exercise and leave a little wiggle room for a sweet treat every now and then, you are far more likely to stay with your new health routine than if you make sweet treats completely off limits. When you label certain foods as strictly taboo, you are likely to want to eat them more. Putting an emphasis on portioning and rewarding yourself with a treat every so often is healthier in the long run.

All calories are not created equal

If your previous diet consisted mostly of carbs, saturated fats and salty foods, you will have likely developed an appetite for high-calorie foods that offer little to no nutritional value. These foods cause weight gain and make you feel hungry more often. Replace them with high-protein foods, healthy fats and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and yogurt. By prioritizing these kinds of foods, you will feel satisfied, lower your calorie count and maintain a healthier weight over time.

Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. By sticking to a diet, getting regular exercise and establishing healthy habits, you will not only lose weight but lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Are Your Thoughts About Your Body Holding You Back From Success ?

When someone joins my personal coaching program, one of the first things I ask them to do is to describe exactly what their body is going to look like once I help them reach their goal weight. I ask them to do this in writing – not over the phone, and here’s why…

Deeply imbedded negative thoughts are what cause us to have difficulties in any weight loss or health enhancement program – in fact, our past failures can almost always be traced back to negative thoughts that we didn’t even realize we had.

 

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Most of our negative thinking comes out when we write things down on paper (or on the computer).

I challenge you to write out 10 brief descriptions about how your body will look in 30 days if you were coached by someone like me – someone who knows exactly how to transform the human body no matter what stage of the game you’re currently at.

Go ahead, take a moment and write out what your face would look like, what your arms would look like, what your legs and your butt would look like – would your skin look different, would your muscles be tighter, would you be leaner – detail everything, then come right back.

Did you do it?

Make your list now before reading any further – I want you to walk away with some profound knowledge of yourself when you’re done reading this article.

OK, now that you have your list, let me show you something that you can use to judge whether or not you’ve been causing yourself to fail in your attempts to lose weight and keep it off.

Here are some examples of statements that a good friend of mine used to have before he and I began working together – statements that were literally holding him back from success:

Face-more chiseled features, no double chin, no doughy jowls or puffy cheeks, no bags under the eyes.

Other than improved facial shape, I really have no complaints at all about my face, hair, eyes, nose, ears.

Neck-no double chin or “wattle”

Chest-no gynecomastia (womanly breasts), muscular instead. Look, ma, I can see my ribcage and pectoral muscles instead of a soft mattress of flab.

Arms-hard sinewy curves instead of soft breadsticks. Seeing veins and muscles instead of smooth fat.

Abdomen-are there really abs hiding in there? They’ve never made an appearance in 50 years! It’d be nice to have a tight waist not uncomfortably sliced by too-tight underwear.

Legs-less of a conical shape, more elongated and solid. Although my calves have always been rather large and firm-my best body part, next to my brain.

Buttocks-less sag, more form

Back-could be a lot less hairy, would be nice to see a “V” shape instead of a truncated pyramid.

Can you see why he might have had a few troubles in the past reaching his goal?

But I’ll let you in on a little secret – this guy is in great shape now and enjoying life more than ever, and he’s a pleasure to speak with each week in our coaching calls.

Now here’s a list from a woman who recently completed one of my coaching programs – this list was written out after our first session together – watch how positive every statement is:

How Starving Your Body Can Make You Gain Weight

One of the things that makes people not get the weight loss results that they want is that they may occassionally be starving their bodies.

There are two basic ways that this can happen. One is for it to be done inadvertently—like when you just get busy and forget to eat.

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Another is when you purpose deprive your body of food to try and “speed up” your results.

Regardless of how it happens, either scenario in this case is equally damaging. Although you will decrease the calories that you take in which may lead to some short-term weight loss, the kicker here is that you will be slowing down your metabolism.

What this means is that after the starving is over, your body will hold onto the next meal you eat for dear life, expecting be be starved again.

If you allow starvation to become a habit, you will actually be contributing to your own weight gain in the future.

Therefore, make sure that you are keeping your meals no more than 4 hours apart. As long as you do this, you will be supporting the healthy metabolism that you’ll need to lose the kind of weight that you’ve committed to.

To Your Best Body,

Lawrence Cole

Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach

Diet And Exercising For Weight Loss

 

Obesity is now being called an epidemic in the health community. In fact, it will soon be the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, even ahead of cigarette smoking. Obesity leads to type two diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke and even an increased risk of cancer. With all of these health risks, as well as the general improvement in the quality of life that can occur, losing weight is one of the best things that you can do for yourself.

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No matter what we would like to believe, there simply isn’t a magic solution to losing weight. The body will shed excess fat when it needs more calories to function through the demands you place on it in a given day than the amount of calories that you feed it. It’s that simple. So, in order to lose weight, you need to decrease the number of calories that you eat as well as increase the amount that you burn.

There is a wide range of options to choose from when looking for a weight loss program. All of them often spend a lot of time explaining what to eat, in what amounts and even at what times or in what combinations. But few of them emphasize the importance of exercise – not just for losing weight, but for your general health and wellbeing. Exercise is vital when trying to lose weight for several reasons:

First, as you start to eat less, your metabolism will slow down somewhat. Exercising helps to elevate your metabolism back to an efficient level.Second, as mentioned, exercise burns more calories so that you can lose weight faster and stay motivated in your efforts.Third, exercise actually releases endorphins, chemicals that keep your mood elevated.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym or straining through exhausting workouts. In fact, in order for you to stick with it on the long run, exercising should be something that you enjoy. Start by increasing your activity level in an overall way. Take the stairs when you can. Park further from the mall door when you go shopping. Go for a walk in the park or through a neighborhood you love and bring a dog or a friend along for company. Take dance or martial arts lessons.

Once you become more active in general, you’ll find it easier and more natural to move into regular exercise. Which you’ll need to do eventually in order to get regular, noticeable health benefits. You need to raise your heart rate to a fat burning level and keep it there for at least 20 minutes, 3 times or more a week. However, if you don’t want to go to a gym, there are other options. Videos and DVDs are now available in all kinds of exercise types. That way you can change your routine whenever you want so that you don’t get bored with what you’re doing. Try a range of aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, or pretty much any activity you want right in the comfort of your own home.

If you have physical limitations that would keep you off from exercising, you can still find a way to increase your activity level. Water aerobics is a wonderful option for those who have joint problems or limited mobility because it relieves the pressure on your body that your weight provides. But you still get the resistance to challenge your muscles from the water. There are even classes and videos available that let you exercise in a seated position.

Whatever kind of exercise you choose, it’s important to stay motivated and keep it fun. Try gathering a group together to make it a social event. Or get a pedometer, a device that tracks how far you walk, and see how many miles you can walk a week. Make a competition amongst your friends or family members and treat the winner with something special (not food related!). Make the experience of exercising something that you look forward to, and it will soon become a regular part of your healthier lifestyle.

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