Sources with the CSIC, the work has been published in the journal Obesity and suggests that the intestinal microflora contributes to energy intake and body composition influences the regulation of body weight.

This new research on the relationship between specific components of the intestinal microflora, lifestyle and body weight regulation may be “key” to advance the development of new strategies for nutritional intervention to prevent obesity and associated metabolic diseases through modulation of the composition of the flora.

So says researcher Yolanda Sanz CSIC, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, who has participated in the study where 36 adolescents with obesity or overweight have been subjected to a treatment based on reducing energy intake and increased physical activity for ten weeks.

The research highlights the differences in the response of adolescents to the treatment applied, as most experienced a significant weight loss, more than four kilos, after treatment, but it was not in a subgroup of thirteen teenagers who lost less than two kilos.

The study suggests that these differences in response may be due in part to the specific composition of the intestinal microflora of individuals.

Thus, the group that experienced a significant weight loss had a higher proportion of Bacteroides and clostridia minor (types of intestinal bacteria) the group that did not experience a significant reduction in weight before and after the intervention.

The analysis of energy intake and diet composition revealed no significant differences between groups, but the total energy detected in the faeces was higher in adolescents who did not experience significant weight reduction.

According to some sources, these data suggest that the gut microflora influences the development of obesity and energy intake contributes to the body.

The research is a collaboration with research groups in EVASYON project, coordinated by researcher Mark Ascension of Cold-litanic Institute (CSIC), and intended to establish a multidisciplinary educational program (diet, physical activity and psychological profile ) for overweight adolescents and obesity.

This project recently received the NAOS prize awarded by the Ministry of Health and Social Policy.

By tapping the wellspring of tradition, the Shadow yoga differs from others by a very structured practice is enriched by a knowledge of theoretical texts. More than gymnastics health, it is a meditative practice in motion in question. According to Emma Balnaves, founding partner of Natanaga Zhanda, it seems to have a goal: show us the way to a spirit of light in a slender body.

Natanaga Zhanda, the guru of Shadow Yoga!

Shadow yogaNatanaga Zhanda, Hungarian emigre in Australia is introduced to yoga by his father at the age of 6 years. “Devotee of traditional texts, with their deep study and understanding, he becomes aware of certain deficiencies in education today and hopes to remedy by reviving some ideas shelved or neglected” says Emma Balnaves.

It then develops the shadow yoga, taking account also of Indian medicine (Ayurveda and Siddha), areas of energy (marmas) and martial arts (the Kalaripayat).

The specific principles of Shadow Yoga

“In ancient texts, we read that our body called” rude “, include many areas of shadow (shadow), as so many layers, limited memory included” explains Emma Balnaves. The practice of different sequences designed to traverse them to dissolve.

The body frees the deadlock to release the spirit of its packaging. It is recommended to better assimilate the practice of reading the ancient texts. “One feeds the other,” adds Emma. Thus yoga, particularly complete.

According to Indian philosophy, “he would get rid of marmas (entry points of energy), which then allows to observe the course of nadis, channel energy, then only the vayu, the wind can move” .

Good for what?

Practiced regularly, yoga is a real gymnastics health: it invigorates the body, raise the blood circulation and strengthens bones, while providing deep relaxation. The practice brings a sharper body awareness, which can have repercussions on both our food and our thoughts. A key, better management of stress and emotions. Tip: Persevere! The shadow yoga is probably the most demanding of yoga, even if Emma Balnaves supports the opposite … So we cling!

Developed in 1995 by a certain Barry Sears, a former researcher at the prestigious MIT (Institute of Technology Massachusetts), diet The Zone has the wind in its sails. The book by B. Sears, “Enter the Zone diet” has been published in various languages. In France, we are now in paperback under the title “The diet of Stars”.

Principles of The Zone diet

The zone objective diet “the balance” is to maintain stable the blood sugar through diet low in carbohydrates and calories. To achieve an ideal balance, the theory of Dr. Sears calls for regulation of two hormones: insulin, secreted by the pancreas after ingestion of carbohydrates to regulate blood sugar levels and eicosanoids, hormones produced by all cells and are involved in fat metabolism.

To keep them in an ideal area for health and thinness, Barry Sears recommends not only regular meals (three meals a day and two snacks) but also the precise relationship between different dietary energy molecules. Thus, when we ingest 4 g carbohydrate, it must provide 3 grams of protein for each gram of protein ingested should eat 0.4 grams of fat! … Similarly, each meal should not exceed 500 kcal and snacks should be kept below 100 kcal!

The Zone diet in practice

The plan includes menus with 5 daily food intake. They must take place at regular intervals of not more than 5 h, and 30% of energy intake should be in the form of protein (chicken, fish, egg white, soy …), 35% as fat ( only unsaturated fats from vegetable oil, almonds, lawyers …) and 35% as carbohydrates (bread, fruits, legumes …). To simplify the lives of followers of the diet, Dr. Sears has developed a system of equivalence between the portions of food and various reports to comply. The hand of the individual “system” is then used as visual cue for the portions of meat, cereals, fruits …

Although the “Zone” prohibits any food, some are considered less good for health or the balance between the two types of hormones (insulin and eicosanoids) all refined sugars and white flour, juices and sodas (even light), alcohol, caffeine-rich drinks, bananas, figs, grapes, potatoes, carrots, peas and corn are avoided.

There are menus in the book, like: for breakfast, whole meal bread with cheese and a scrambled egg, snacks, a yogurt, an apple and almond paste; lunch, a fillet of Sole mustard with green lentils and beans, snacks, sticks of raw vegetables dipped in mayonnaise with olive oil; dinner, a chicken breast with steamed broccoli. There is also a web site offering American products stamped “The Zone” with the composition of the molecules is adequate energy plan: boxes of cereal, energy bars, flavored, milk, protein powder, as well as kits with menus ready to follow the diet for 30 days!

Effectiveness of The Zone diet

The author predicts a loss of 500 g to 1.5 kg per week, which is true the first few weeks. But very quickly, the weight is stagnant and there is a yo-yo, this “diet” not inconsistent with the rule!

Advantages and disadvantages of The Zone diet

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
Advantages: This system creates a calorie deficit and thus allows a weight loss the first few days, which is motivating. Some principles seem equally interesting, such as leaving a fairly consistent place to proteins. The latter make it possible to feed the muscle that prevents fatigue. The scheme also proposes to drink plenty of water throughout the day, including a glass before dinner. This phenomenon, coupled with the fiber contained in whole foods often cited, can be fed fast enough. Make five “small” meals a day is also good to avoid the compulsions or cravings, and it also promotes digestion. Finally, foods often recommended are actually interesting to health (fruits, vegetables, foods rich in omega 3 fish …).

Disadvantages: This system really does not stick to official nutritional guidelines that suggest 50% to 55% of calories from carbohydrates, 15% to 20% as protein and not more than 30% as fat. There is also no dietary rehabilitation. It does not take sufficient account of tastes and it is not really suited to working life. Binding, this system requires a lot of calculations and planning: no improvisation or invitation is possible, which can cause frustration. After stopping the program, the weight gain seems inevitable.

In conclusion, this scheme is for people wanting a taste of what must endure Bratt stars as Cindy and Demi to be svelte … But beware, it causes too much stress and frustration.