Health Topics

How to Reduce Belly Fat and Tighten Loose Skin

2009-08-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Step 1

Lose belly fat by going on a low carbohydrate diet like Atkins for a few weeks. Gradually increase carbohydrate intake after your belly fat has shrunk by a few inches. When increasing carbohydrates, be sure to eat plenty of complex carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables. The Atkins diet should reduce your appetite as well. A high protein diet will help you burn fat instead of muscle, but it's also important to do cardio exercise and weight lifting a couple times a week to increase muscle tone to tighten loose skin.
Step 2

Get a prescription of Retin-A and apply it to your stomach once a day after your daily shower. Your stomach should be completely dry before applying. Make sure to wear sunscreen on your stomach to avoid burning while using Retin-A. You can purchase Retin-A online without a prescription or buy it when you are traveling abroad at most local pharmacies.
Step 3

Take supplements like leucine amino acids, calcium, and vitamin D to reduce belly fat and tighten loose skin. It's important to take supplements especially as you age for maximum reduction of belly fat.
Step 4

If you're losing belly fat and your stomach looks really bumpy and lumpy with little pockets of fat, consider getting Titan treatments. They are relatively inexpensive compared to tummy tucks. Titan works by increasing the amount of collagen in skin and helping it to contract becoming more smooth. Titan is non-surgical and safe. It's an infrared light and usually only needs to be done twice a year.

How to Reduce Waist Size

2009-08-10T11:45:00.001-07:00

Step 1

Decide that reducing your waist size is really important to you. Make it a priority in your life. Hang a pair of pants that don't fit well over the closet door for inspiration.
Step 2

Quit eating sugar and all refined foods entirely. Do not "cheat" at all. Read labels to make certain that NO sugar is in the food you are eating. Keep in mind that refined foods are anything that is not in its natural state. White flour, white rice, pastries, cakes, etc. are out.
Step 3

Have some Advil on hand, because sugar withdrawal can feel awful and give you headaches. Keep looking at those jeans that you want to fit into. Chances are, in two or three weeks, they will fit if you stick to this method of reducing your waist size!
Step 4

After all of the symptoms of sugar withdrawal have passed, step on the scale. You have probably lost several pounds. Try on the pants. You will see that the pounds came off of your waist. You reduced your waist size because eliminating sugar and refined foods from your diet will greatly reduce bloating, which shows up in the waist area first, and then usually the face.
Step 5

Enjoy a slimmer, healthier you!

How to Get Rid of Black Circles Under Your Eyes

2009-08-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Schedule a blood test with your physician. Establish whether or not this condition runs in your family. Dark circles are believed to frequently be hereditary. This doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about the conditions, but you should be prepared for minimal success actually trying to get rid of them. Dark circles under the eye may also, in fact, be light carbon deposits that result from incomplete protein digestion. Incomplete protein digestion may result from insufficient hydrochloric acid in your stomach that may be caused from a lack of primarily B6 and Folic Acid. About 30% of the population does not absorb regular B6 (pydroxine) or folic acid and need to take in these vitamins in a different form or another way.
Identify allergens. Allergies may be the most common cause of skin discoloration under the eyes. If allergies are the root of your problem, you simply need to treat them or remove the allergen (i.e., the thing to which you are allergic). Seasonal allergy problems such as the hay fever can frequently be effectively treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. For other allergies the best course of action is usually avoidance. If your dark circles or puffiness are constant, you may have an undetected food allergy or an allergy to a chemical in your home or workplace. Talk to a dermatologist for help determining what you may be allergic to. People with allergies also tend again to be deficient in B6, folic acid and B12 on occasion. Taking a multivitamin, if you don't already, may help with your allergies as well as black circles.
Bloodshot Eye

Get plenty of sleep nightly. It’s not entirely clear why inadequate sleep results in dark circles under the eyes, but we’ve all seen it happen either to ourselves or someone we know. For one thing, lack of sleep tends to cause the skin to become paler (thus increasing the appearance of darkness under the eyes), and it reduces circulation. It’s also believed that too little time lying down is a cause in itself. Determine how much sleep you need (it’s usually 7-9 hours per night, but varies throughout different people) and try to get that amount regularly for a couple of weeks to see if that helps. Remember that alcohol and drugs can adversely affect the quality of your sleep; abstain from these products or use only in moderation for best results. A lack of sleep, coupled with poor vitamin absorption also tends to reduce adrenal function. The less adrenal function you have the less B6 you tend to absorb, the less B6 you absorb, the less well your adrenal glands work and alas you end up in a vicious circle. Sleep, regular vitamins for those that need them, and good calcium/magnesium support in the form of milk or good mineral supplement restores adrenal function. So if you want to break the cycle and the black circles under your eyes, you've got to reduce your stress, sleep more and take the proper vitamins and minerals to support the adrenal function in general.
Treat your skin while you sleep. There are overnight facial masques available that may help reduce the appearance of puffiness or discoloration, but you can also make your own. Just before you go to bed, take a washcloth and wet it just a bit with cold water. Then squeeze out any excess water and place it over your eyes as you sleep. Treating your skin may help, but the real problem may also be that you have a poor vitamin and mineral absorption problem that must also be corrected. Seeing a naturopathic physician may help for those people who suffer other ailments such as miscellaneous aches and pains that come and go and a general run down feeling.
Cucumber Therapy

Apply cool tea bags, an ice cube wrapped in soft cloth, or cucumber slices to your eyes daily. The tannin in tea bags has been shown to reduce swelling and discoloration, and cucumber slices have long been used to reduce puffiness and refresh the appearance of skin around the eyes. Lie down, preferably in the morning, and leave fresh cucumber slices or cool, damp caffeinated tea bags (you can refrigerate them overnight so they’ll be ready) over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes. Keep your eyes closed.
Try to relax the space. You can do this by wetting a cotton swab and then freezing it for a little while. Then you should gently wipe under your eyes in the areas where the circles are occurring. When wiping, close your eyes and try not to flinch.
Apply an eye cream containing vitamin K and retinol. Dark circles may be caused by a deficiency of vitamin K. Regardless of the cause, however, recent research has shown that skin creams containing these two ingredients reduce puffiness and discoloration significantly in many patients. Long-term daily use seems to have the greatest effect.
Avoid rubbing your eyes. Usually rubbing of the eyes is brought on by allergies, but not always. Regardless of the reason, stop doing it. The rubbing irritates the skin and can break tiny capillaries beneath the skin, causing both puffiness and discoloration.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, take vitamins, and drink plenty of water. A whole host of cosmetic problems can be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Dark circles and puffiness are often attributed to lack of vitamin K or inadequate antioxidants. Also, a deficiency in B12 (usually anemia-related) can result in dark circles. Be sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables—especially cabbage, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables—and take a daily vitamin supplement if necessary. Get adequate fluids to improve circulation.
Reduce salt intake. Excess salt causes the body to retain water in unusual places, and this can result in puffiness under the eyes. Too much salt can also impair your circulation, and cause the blood vessels under the skin to appear bluer.
Quit smoking. Smoking causes vascular (blood vessel) problems that can not only threaten your life, but also make your blood vessels appear more prominent and bluer beneath the skin.
Cover the problem up with cosmetics. If all else fails, use a yellow or peach-toned concealer which will camouflage the problem under your eyes. The yellow/peach undertones in the makeup will help cancel out the purple, blue, and brownish colors of your undereye circles. Pink-toned concealers can actually make your circles more noticeable. After applying, set the concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder.

WEIGHT GAIN TIPS

2009-08-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Follow these tips for a healthy weight gain:

1. It takes time to increase muscle weight.

Most athletes can successfully gain ½ to 1 pound per week if they eat enough food to meet their calorie needs and train properly. Increasing calorie intake by 500 to 1000 calories per day can help supply the extra calories needed to gain lean weight.

2. Choose higher calorie foods from all the groups in the Food Guide Pyramid.

For example, choose a multigrain bread over white bread, or juices and milk over water.

3. Eat larger food portions.

Increasing the amount of food that you eat at one time will supply the calories needed to gain muscle weight.

4. Eat five or more meals a day.

Eat plenty of high calorie snacks throughout the day.

5. Drink plenty of fluids that supply calories like juice, milk, milkshakes, and sports beverages.

For example, drinking 1 ½ quarts of grape or cranberry juice supplies 1000 calories. 1 ½ quarts of 2% milk supplies 720 calories.

6. Set realistic goals.

Hereditary factors can play a large role in physique. You are not going to look like Arnold if your parents look like Pee Wee Herman.

The following are some examples of high calorie snacks:

A soft pretzel with cream cheese or peanut butter
Milkshakes made with whole milk and ice cream plus powdered milk
Dried fruit
Bean and cheese burritos
Bagel and cream cheese or peanut butter
Baked potatoes with sour cream, cheese, or chili
Granola and yogurt
Muffins
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Cheese and crackers
Blender drinks with fruit, milk, ice cream, or protein powders or powdered milk
High calorie granola bars or energy bars

10 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Take Years Off of Your Appearance

2009-08-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

wIth all of the makeover shows on television, new anti-aging cosmetics, and general obsession with staying young looking, its no surprise that people are willing to spend small fortunes on products and procedures to look and feel younger. But you don’t have to break the bank to look and feel your best. Here are ten easy and inexpensive ways to take years off of your appearance and keep it that way.

Keep those pearly whites white! You can use over the counter tooth whiteners which have become very popular (such as Crest Whitestrips Premium), or have your dentist help you out with professional grade options. Either way, everyone likes a brilliant smile.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times, moisturize! Dry skin looks dull and lackluster. So not only do you want to use a moisturizer on your face (including an eye cream) but also on your hands and body. And since your hands especially get a lot of abuse, and can show age almost more than your face, keep some hand cream handy at your desk or by the sink. There are plenty of great moisturizes for men out there but I have My Favorite Face Moisturizers for Men.

Always use sunscreen! We all know that the sun is the single most damaging thing to your skin, so make sure to protect yourself. I have compiled a list of Face Moisturizers for Men with SPF as well as My Favorite Sunscreens and Sunblocks for Men.

Maintain your brows! Be sure to keep your brows neat and trimmed, especially between the eyes! The uni-brow isn’t something to be proud of.

Say no to facial hair! Some folks like their beards and goatees and that okay, but if you want to look younger, shave it off since facial hair ages you. Here are 7 Tips for Getting the Best Shaving Results.

Nose and ear hair? Not! It’s an unfortunate reality for men as they age, but hair starts popping out from unwanted places, so you will want to keep that nose and ear hair in check. You can pick up an ear and nose hair trimmer at your local drug store among other places. They are simple and easy to use.

Wear color! Especially wear color that complements your skin and eye color. Check out my article 7 Tips Men Need to Know About Wearing Color.

Manage those dark circles under your eyes! There are products out there such as Hylexin by Bremmen Research Labs that can help alleviate this problem, especially if it is chronic or hereditary. It is also proven that you can combat dark circles by getting a good night’s sleep and eating well. And if you still need help, try an under-eye concealer for men. Yes, they do exist.

Lose the glasses! Contact lenses will help you go from studious to stunning!

Hit the gym or take a walk! Even if it is just to walk on the treadmill, exercise will help you maintain good posture, alleviate stress (which causes wrinkles), and increase blood flow (which keeps your whole body well oxygenated), not to mention that it keeps you fit!

Helpful Tips To Reduce Wrinkles (Reasons and Remedy)

2009-08-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Wrinkles on anyone’s face are sign of aging. Problem is that due to wrinkles we often mistake the other person to be old, but it is not so. Wrinkling is a fact of life that affects all people and today’s certain lifestyle choices have made wrinkles appear sooner, e.g. hectic work schedule, night shifts , exposure to drugs at very young age, use of various cosmetics, etc . Besides, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or the use of tanning beds is a major cause of premature aging of the skin. In addition, doing this can cause malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Infact recent research has made it clear, that stress and tension is also one of the main reasons of increasing the wrinkles and skin related problem. Reducing wrinkles is a major concern for both women and men. Taking all this point in concern we are providing tips , which you can follow to reduce your wrinkles and have a healthy skin.

Tips to reduce your wrinkles:

1) Gradually reduce smoking, because it is one of the main reasons of aging the skin. Infact reducing smoking is good not only for skin but also for health of the body as a whole.

2) 2^nd best thing to reduce wrinkles is to increase the intake of healthy diets, which included fresh fruits and vegetables. These intakes help in keeping the skin firm and tight.

3) Drink plenty of water as it helps in hydrating the whole body as well as your skin. Dehydration is also one of the main reasons in increasing wrinkles. Have at least 8 glass of water daily

4) One should avoid intake of alcohol, as skin go limp due to this. This is the reason whoever drinks a lot alcohol are having older looks than that of who don’t drinks. Never drink before going to bed if you want to have young skin.

5) Be cool; never take much tension in your life. Try to find out the ways in your life to reduce stress in your day to day life. This can be meditation, yoga, prayer, playing with kids, have good time with your family, etc. Stress is becoming one of the great danger for good skin.

6) Always sleep on your back, not with face towards bed, because it increases wrinkles.

7) Don’t use hard chemicals for make up, better try for home remedy. Though these cosmetics give instant good look but in long run it is harmful for your skin.

8) Wash your face twice or thrice a day. Use mild soap because as mentioned above chemicals in the water and soap can harm the skin.

9) Never use very hot water to wash your face as it dry the skin , which is also the reason to increase the wrinkles.

10) After washing your face, pat dry and use a moisturizer.

WHITENING COMPLEXION

2009-08-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

The herbal way for those of us, who have not been blessed with a fair complexion, here are a few recipes to help to lighten your skin tone. The paste made out of sandalwood and rose water may be plied everyday.

Turmeric paste combined with sandal wood paste makes your skin noticeably fairer.

Cucumber juice is considered to be an excellent whitener. Coconut milk combined with equal quantities of cucumber juice may be applied as often as possible.
Gently massage coconut water all over face and neck to lighten skin tone.
De seed and mash grapes, it may be applied liberally over face and neck. This helps to make your skin fairer.
Almonds ground to a paste using rose water or milk is said to make your skin fair.
Make a paste using red sandalwood and rose water. This preparation not only whitens your complexion but also helps to fade away scars and blemishes on the skin’s surface.

Natural Tips for Fair Complexion

2009-08-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Few very good masks to lighten the skin tone and add a glow to the complexion. continue to care your skin is always important to maintain your skin and look fresh all the time.

Mix 1 table spoon of milk powder, 1 table spoon of honey, 1 table spoon of lemon juice, and ½ table spoon of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan.

You can do a fairness massage easily at the privacy of your home. Soak four almonds overnight. In the morning remove their skin and grind them fine. Make a paste by adding one teaspoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of milk and four drops of limejuice. A regular massage with this paste will assure a long lasting fairness to you.

For 15 days, apply a paste of gram flour (besan), milk (2 teaspoon) and lime juice(3-4 drops) on face and neck for 15 minutes and wash with water. You complexion should improve. Repeat every 2 weeks.

SANDALWOOD:

This is best home remedy for dark skin. Sandalwood is one of the most expensive, most exotic, and most aromatic plants known to humans. Sandalwood has a use in treating most skin problems. It is a cooling agent, stimulant, and blood purifier. It protects skin from the sun's rays, acts an anti-aging agent, and keeps skin smooth and aromatic. Sandalwood is extremely effective on pimples, prickly heat, skin erruptions, itching, rashes, spots, freckles, and swellings.

Mix oatmeal with yogurt and tomato juice and apply on the face. Wash it with cold water after 15 minutes.

Apply a mixture of 3-4 drops of lime juice and a grated tomato on face and neck for 15 minutes for 15 days. Wash with cold water.
Mix almond, neem leaf , turmeric, sandlewood and poppy seeds.
Blend this mixture into a fine paste using milk . Apply this paste on face and allow it to dry. remove the dried mask by massaging your face in circular motion and wash your face using luke warm water.
Wheat germ scrub:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oatmeal powder
1 tablespoon wheat germ (powder)
1 tablespoon skimmed milk powder
1 teaspoon sandal wood powder.

Rose:

This is a popular herb for dark skin. Rose oil is a cooling agent and is excellent for tired skin. It is a good source of vitamins C and E. Rose oil has a very pleasant fragrance to it. It removes dead cells from the skin, and provides relief from burns. It slows the aging process and balances the skin's chemistry. Rose oil is used for cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and nourishing of the skin.
Mash the cucmber with the skin still on to get the juice. You may then need to squeeze the juice out with your hands. You can use lime juice with haldi and besan, and scrub your face with this to try and remove the tan. However. simply applying lime juice and cucumber will help lighten skin over time.

Fair look, dry skin:

Apply a mixture of equal amounts of cucumber juice and honey on the face and whole body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off.

Fair look, oily skin:

Apply a mixture of equal amounts of lemon and cucumber juice on the face and whole body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off.

Natural Skin Care Tips

2009-08-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

During the long cold winter months, many people suffer from dry skin more often, because of low humidity in their homes and the cold weather outside, so are often looking for natural skin care tips. Some of the symptoms of dry skin are itchy, flaky skin and scaling, when the outer skin layer visibly peels. Using harsh soaps and showering or bathing too often contributes towards dry, rough skin. There are many great natural skin care tips available to help people in their fight against dry skin. Here is several natural skin care tips that will help you avoid or cure dry skin itch.

• The cause of dry skin is not lack of oil in your skin but lack of water. Immediately after taking a shower or bath, apply moisturizes to help trap the moisture in your skin.

• Other natural skin care tips include using a humidifier in your home and at work, if possible, during the winter months. If your skin is itching, apply cool compresses, which is a simple, natural approach that works well.

• Natural skin care tips for dry skin include eating foods that contain essential fatty acids every day. Also, eat snacks that are high fiber such as figs, dates, dried fruit, raw seeds, and raw nuts.

• People with dry skin often experience wrinkles and fine lines prematurely, so use moisturizers and bath oils that contain coconut oil.

• Use a natural cream moisturizer daily for dry and normal skin. For people with sensitive skin, use a moisturizer without lanolin or perfume for best results.

• Shampoos containing harsh chemicals often remove the natural oils on your scalp causing the skin to become irritated and dry. Repeated scratching or rubbing often causes small scratches or wounds, which could become sore or infected. Natural skin care tips that help prevent this include switching to a natural shampoo that contains no harsh chemicals. Look for a natural shampoo that has tree tea oil. This oil has great anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties that help prevent infections and sooth the itch.

• After applying warm water or a warm cloth on your face to open the pores, spread honey over your face. Rinse this off after twenty minutes using warm water followed by cooler water. A honey facial once a week will keep your skin looking younger, feeling great, and the best part is it only costs pennies.

Tips For Glowing skin

2009-08-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.

Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
Take 1/3-cup cocoa, three teaspoons of heavy cream, 1/3-cup ripe papaya, 1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder. Mix it all together. Apply on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water. This is best for oily skin
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.
Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This will refresh your face. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil .This mixture is a good moisturiser for dry skin. Apply this mask for 10 minutes.
Apply the mixture of honey and milk on the face . This will make your skin glow.
Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
For removing facial hair.. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling oily shine.
For supple skin, apply a ripe smashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
For a fair skin, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and wash off.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of tomato juice and honey on the face and neck , wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply the mixture of carrot juice and basin. Leave it till it dries and wash the face.
Add two teaspoon of tomato juice with 4 teaspoon of curd and apply on the face.
Add a pinch of yeast with 2 teaspoon of cabbage juice and apply.
Mix 1 table spoon of barley powder with half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Mix vinegar and rose water in equal quantities and apply.
Mix curd and cucumber juice and apply it on the face.
Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice.
Make a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of milk powder, 1/4 teaspoon of egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on the face.
For dry skin, Make a paste with egg yolk, olive oil and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck and face, wash it out after 10 minutes.
For oily skin, take a mixture of oatmeal and egg white and apply it on the neck and face
For glowing skin, use basin or green gram powder mixed with milk instead of soap.
Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. It will make your skin fair.
Apply the mixture of honey, basin, cream of milk and olive oil as a face pack.
Apply the paste of fenugreek with milk on the face and let it dry. Wash off with luke warm water.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.

* Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin.

Acne Cure

2009-08-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

The following information can help you understand factors that may contribute to skin problems. An alteration or two in diet or lifestyle or treatment methods may significantly improve the health of the skin and body, which will help in the control of acne and related problems. This following information will assist in making educated decisions.

Stress: Stress has a strong relationship to acne and a profound impact. When under stress the body produces hormonal steroids, such as cortisol (a corticosteroid hormone frequently called hydrocortisone). Like other hormonal steroids (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, etc.) these chemicals target the skin in a disruptive manner and acne flare-ups may coincide with increased stress.

While it is easy to suggest the avoidance of stress, this is not likely to be accomplished. Begin recognizing stress levels and potentially stressful events or situations. During these times, cleanse very thoroughly, or cleanse three times a day rather than two. Increase the use of some products from once daily, for example, to twice. Use the Green Tea Poultice more frequently. In short, step up the daily skin care regimen to offset the skin's response to stress. When the stressful situation passes, return to the normal daily skin care regimen.

Coffee: Research suggests that coffee (with or without caffeine) stimulates the production of cortisol (see the above section on stress) and acts just like stress. Coffee may be a promoter of acne and its consumption should be limited. Green tea or white tea are healthier beverage selections. When stress levels rise, it may be wise to reduce coffee consumption and achieve a reduction in cortisol levels which promote acne.

Diet: A good diet is an effective tool in controlling acne, especially fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, combined with adequate protein. A healthy and well-balanced diet affects the health and efficiency of the body and that includes the skin. Every organ in your body relies upon the same vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function. Since the skin is at the end of the food line, it suffers greatly from an improperly balanced diet. Foods with high antioxidant content (colorful fruits and vegetables) are very helpful in promoting the healing of acne infections.

Wheat: People who have tried numerous prescriptive and non-prescriptive acne treatments without success will probably succeed with Skintactix products. If not, the problem may be wheat-induced acne, which makes any acne treatment unsuccessful. Skintactix products and diet modification successfully achieve control of wheat-induced acne in almost all cases. For more information on this subject please see the Acne & Wheat page.

Essential Fatty Acids: People who have tried numerous prescriptive and non-prescriptive acne treatments without success will probably succeed with Skintactix products. If not, and you have multiple whiteheads and/or blackheads, you may have a deficiency of linoleic acid (omega 6). This condition makes acne treatment unsuccessful because of excessive follicular congestion. Skintactix products and diet modification successfully achieve control of linoleic deficiency-induced acne. For more information on this subject please see the Acne & Essential Fatty Acids page.

Milk: A smaller segment of the acne population may react to milk and/or dairy products. Milk contains hormones which can promote the potential for acne infections. Hormonally induced acne frequently follows the chin and jaw line. If milk is a factor in the promotion of acne, you have probably tried numerous prescriptive and non-prescriptive acne treatments without success. You will probably be successful with Skintactix products because the products reduce the skin's volume of dihydrotestosterone and sebum. If control is still difficult to achieve, limiting daily intake can be helpful. For more information on this subject please see the Acne & Milk page.

Antibiotic Dangers: Taking an antibiotic may be an easy method of controlling acne, when it is successful, but there can be a huge downside. Science has known for years that frequent or extended use of antibiotics can damage the body's natural immune functions. Research published in February 2004 by the University of Washington in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute was more specific. Of the 10,000 females studied, it was found that those who had used antibiotics approximately 500 days or more at any time over an 18 year period were twice as likely to contract breast cancer than females at large. The association between antibiotics and cancer was dose related, revealing the higher the total dosage (or volume over time) the greater the risk. While this study involved females, the antibiotic and cancer linkage would seem to be equally as applicable to males as well.

Long-term use of antibiotics to control or maintain control of acne may involve risks that should be considered in making decisions about acne treatment. Skintactix has given particular attention to providing effective treatment with no dangers and no side effects.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cautions: Benzoyl peroxide (BP) generates free radicals in the skin. Its effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. The redness of the skin (erythema), caused by sun exposure and BP, is the result of free radicals causing to the skin. Repeated sun exposure or BP use generates free radicals that damage the skin's structure and cellular DNA, resulting in premature aging of the skin. The extent of the damage and aging from BP is determined by the concentration of BP, the frequency of application and the duration of its use.

Use of benzoyl peroxide to control acne may involve side effects and risks that should be considered in making decisions on acne treatment. Skintactix has given particular attention to providing effective treatment with no side effects and no benzoyl peroxide. For additional information on this subject please see the Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Damage page.

Premature Skin Aging: As you will learn from the Acne and Skin Damage section of this website, free radicals promote the aging of skin. Acne infections require huge volumes of chemical processes to control the infection and repair and replace all of the skin components that are damaged or destroyed in the process. This generates volumes of free radicals that in general promote the speed of skin aging. People with moderate to severe facial acne tend to develop facial lines and wrinkles at an earlier stage than the population in general and may require an early skin anti-aging strategy. The control of acne is the first step in slowing the aging process. People with moderate to severe acne who have treated their skin with benzoyl peroxide tend to present skin aging at an even faster rate. For additional information on this subject please see the Acne & Premature Skin Aging and the Free Radical Damage pages.

Smoking: A German study published in 2001 showed acne is 62% more prevalent in active smokers than in non-smokers. Additionally, a significant dose-dependent relationship was observed between acne severity and daily cigarette consumption.

Hormone Supplementation: The development of adult onset acne following the initiation of hormone supplementation or significant modification of an existing program may be caused by the dosage. Speak with a physician about this subject and modifying the dosage so it does not promote acne.

Sebum Production Cycle: The skin produces its greatest volume of sebum and oil at approximately 1 to 2 o'clock in the afternoon and its least volume in the middle of the night. Therefore a thorough skin care regimen performed in the late afternoon or early evening is pivotal to effective acne control. Cleanse thoroughly.

Heredity: Acne appears to have genetic linkage and people may get a better understanding of the possible extent of their condition by discussing this subject with their parents. Ask questions about the severity of their acne and the duration.

Menses: Like stress, there is a relationship to acne. The body increases its production of hormones, which indirectly stimulates the production of sebum and the subsequent chemical reactions that promote acne. Three to seven days before the cycle, step up the daily skin care regimen and return to the normal regimen at the end of the period. Use the Green Tea Poultice twice daily as per the instructions. If needed, consider reducing the consumption of milk and/or dairy products for the week just prior to the cycle.

Oral Contraceptives: In some instances oral contraceptives may reduce the severity of acne and in other cases they can trigger skin problems, including acne. If an oral contraceptive is contributing to acne, speak with the physician about "low-profestin" contraceptives or other options. Changing to low-profestin contraceptives has shown to reduce acne in some cases. An oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may provide benefits for moderate acne.

Linens and Headgear: Washcloths, towels, pillowcases, hats, sweatbands, etc. collect bacteria and return it to the skin each time the item is used. Change washcloth, towels and pillowcases every two to three days while achieving control of acne. Make sure headgear is clean and/or avoid the use of unnecessary items.

Hairline or Forehead Acne: A pattern of acne that basically follows the hairline may be caused by sebum and free fatty acids that are generated in the scalp and migrate onto the forehead. The condition can be reduced or eliminated by shampooing more frequently and/or selecting a shampoo specifically developed for oily hair. While hair may not be oily, this type of shampoo can reduce the sebum and fatty acids in the scalp. Glycolic Cleanser can be used as an oil reducing shampoo. Antibacterial Cleanser and Septicide Cleanser perform this function and kill P. acnes as well.

Sun Exposure: Rumors about unprotected sun exposure being beneficial in reducing skin oiliness and thereby reducing acne are ill-founded. Photons of sunlight produce free radicals within the skin, which promote acne and reduce the skin's ability to heal and repair. People with acne should avoid sun exposure and use an effective UVA/UVB sunscreen

Tips on How to Lower High Blood Pressure

2009-08-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for ways of how to lower high blood pressure perhaps we should first talk about what causes high blood pressure in the first place. Well the truth is that there are many different causes ranging from, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress and hypertension. High blood pressure that is left untreated can lead to other more serious conditions, including stroke and heart attack. Having some knowledge of what causes high blood pressure will help you to avoid the risks.

Changing your diet and watching what you eat and drink will greatly help reduce high blood pressure. One of the major causes of high blood pressure is cholesterol. People with high levels of cholesterol are almost certain to have higher blood pressure when compared to someone with a healthy diet. Cholesterol causes fatty deposits to coat the artery walls. Over time these fats form into a hard plaque that reduces the size of arteries and blood vessels making them smaller and smaller. Your body still needs to pump the same amount of blood through these blood vessels, and this is what causes high blood pressure. Another great way of how to lower high blood pressure is to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. We all like our sweets and desserts but here again simply by lowering your sugar intake can really help reduce high blood pressure. Eating high amounts of sugar or sugary foods causes your blood to thicken due to the glucose. If your blood is thicker than it normally should be it is again harder to circulate and so causes high blood pressure.

Another good way to help reduce high blood pressure is to cut down on other things that have been shown to be causes of high blood pressure. These include nicotine which is in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been proved to increase the risk, so by lowering your alcohol intake it will also help reduce high blood pressure, as will cutting down on the amount of caffeine in your diet.

Exercise has also been shown to greatly help reduce high blood pressure, but always consult your Doctor or a medical professional before taking up any strenuous exercise programme, as the wrong type of exercise could make your symptoms worse. Weight lifting is something that should be avoided because this can be very stressful on the heart. Highly intensive cardiovascular workouts are also not good for people with high blood pressure as this type of workout greatly raises your blood pressure.

Moderate exercise is the best way, and over a period of time you will lower your cholesterol, your weight and therefore your blood pressure. Things like Yoga and slow movement exercises are especially good to help reduce high blood pressure as they are very heart friendly. Always practice warming up and cooling down exercises before, and after your main exercise as this slowly raises and lowers your blood pressure rather than causing dangerous spikes. By using these simple tips on diet and exercise you will be well on your way to achieving a more normal range blood pressure level and also help reduce high blood pressure in the future.

8 Tips to Prevent High Blood Pressure

2009-08-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Are you overweight? Lose weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight (see your doctor about this) will help prevent high blood pressure.
Getting back to a healthy weight is not as hard as it sounds. You can start by limiting the portion size of your meals and snacks, and cut way back on high calorie foods.
If you eat as many calories as you burn each day, you’ll maintain your weight. Eating fewer calories than you burn will help you lose weight. And losing weight will help lower your blood pressure.
When you plan meals, think of your heart.
Choose a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Keep total fat low and avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Having a healthy heart will help prevent blood pressure.
Eat less salt and sodium.
Salt and sodium can increase blood pressure, so it’s important to read food labels. The U.S. guidelines suggest limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,400 mg, or about 1 teaspoon of salt each day.
If you eat canned, processed, and convenience foods, buy the brands that are lower in sodium.
If you salt your food at the table, try using less, or none. It may take a little while to get used to the new flavors, but you may find that food tastes better when you use less salt.
Fast food can contain a lot of sodium, so if you eat fast food choose items that are lower in salt and sodium. Reducing your salt intake will help to prevent high blood pressure.
If you drink alcohol, practice moderation.
The U.S. guidelines recommend that men have no more than 2 drinks per day, and women have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day.
Increase your physical activity.
Exercise is a key factor in preventing high blood pressure.
If you get very little exercise now, start slowly and work your way up to at least 30 minutes of a moderate-level activity, such as brisk walking or bicycling, each day. If time is a factor, you’ll still benefit by breaking the 30 minute daily exercise periods into 10 or 15 minute sessions.
Stop smoking.
Research shows that smoking increases your chances of developing a heart disease, stroke, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and several forms of cancer.
Talk with your doctor or health care professional.
Learn what your blood pressure reading means to your health, and if medication is recommended for you to treat or prevent high blood pressure.
If your doctor prescribes medication, take it.
It’s important to understand:
- what your blood pressure medication is expected to do for you
- how to take your medication, and when
- if your blood pressure medication has any side effects
- if the blood pressure medication is safe to take with any other prescriptions or vitamins you are already taking
If you have high blood pressure and treatment is prescribed, don't be afraid to ask questions or get another medical opinion. Once you understand why you’re taking the medication, follow the recommended dose.
But the best way to treat high blood pressure is to prevent high blood pressure from becoming a problem. These 8 tips, plus advice from your health care provider, can help you keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. If you would like more information on blood pressure, how it's measured and what the measurements mean, see Blood Pressure 101: Why Are Those Numbers Important?.

5 Sure Fire Tips to Reduce Cholesterol

2009-08-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

Tip # 1-Lose weight

I know what you are thinking. "That's easier said than done." I agree, but if you follow tips #2 through #5, you will lose weight and it won't be as difficult as you think. Many medical studies have proven that cholesterol levels decrease as weight is lost. Personally, my average cholesterol came down over 20% when I lost 30 pounds.

Most of us need a structured diet plan in order to be successful. I recommend a diet that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and includes a large variety of vegetables.

Tip # 2-Increase your fiber intake

You can find dozens of foods and supplements on the internet that are said to reduce cholesterol. They range from red rice yeast to gugullipid to soy. But the most effective natural ways to lower cholesterol are the tried and true. It has long been known that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol. There is no question about it. The American Heart Association recommends adding both soluble and insoluble fiber to your diet. Some of the best sources of soluble fiber are oat and rice bran, fruits, and green vegetables. Nutritional supplements that include flax and psyllium also have a proven positive effect on cholesterol.

Tip #3-Cut back on saturated fats

In western cultures, the major sources of saturated fats are red meat and deep fried foods. For individuals who want to reduce cholesterol, it is recommended to limit red meat consumption to one meal each week and avoid deep fried foods like fried chicken completely.

Snacks such as potato and tortilla chips are also very high in saturated fats, but by substituting baked varieties it is possible to cut back on the saturated fats. Baked tortilla chips and salsa makes a very satisfying snack.

Tip #4-Exercise

Yes, everyone knows they should be getting more exercise, but few follow through with it. If you are serious about using natural ways to reduce cholesterol, this should be part of your plan. I recommend increasing your exercise little by little. Park further away when shopping so you have to walk across the parking lot. Walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Having said this, the truth is that you will need to work up to regular aerobic exercise before it will help reduce cholesterol. Twenty to thirty minutes, 3 or 4 days a week of moderate exercise is what it will take.

Tip #5-Nutritional Supplements

While cholesterol can be lowered with only dietary changes and exercise, you will find that one of the best natural ways to lower cholesterol is with nutritional supplements. In fact, unless you are able to dedicate several hours each week to exercise, you will receive more benefit to reduce cholesterol levels from nutritional supplements than from exercise. Just don't make it a reason not to exercise.

Now it's time to start putting these natural ways to lower cholesterol to work. You will be amazed to see how quickly you reduce cholesterol. At the same time you will begin to feel better and have more energy

Diet and Meal Plans

2009-08-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

Your personality type will then form the basis of an entire eating plan - beginning right from when you subscribe. (Note that you can redo the survey at any time). The meal plans are good... quite do-able - they even include some fast food options as well.

Sample Meal Plan - Remember this diet is completely tailored to your personality type AND other factors like weight and age. This sample is not necessarily how many calories you might consume - but gives you an example of the kind of food (and recipes) available.

BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Waffles, Bacon & Fruit 2 whole grain toaster style waffles 2 tbsp reduced-calorie syrup 2 tsp light margarine 2 slices turkey bacon 1 small banana or ½ large 8 oz water 348 calories	On the Go: Wendy's Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich 1 small diet soda 1 small peach (pack with you) 16 oz water 338 calories	Salmon & Roasted Veggies 6 oz baked salmon with fresh squeezed lemon and chopped dill Directions: Squeeze ½ lemon over salmon and sprinkle with fresh dill. Cook salmon in aluminum foil at 350 degrees until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes. Roasted Veggies: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place 5 spears of asparagus, 1 sliced yellow squash & 1 minced garlic clove in the dish and drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil. Bake with salmon, putting veggies in first for about 25-30 minutes or until easily pierced with a knife. 16 oz water 431 calories
SNACK	SNACK
10 baby carrots ½ red bell pepper, sliced 2 celery stalks 4 tbsp hummus 3 Ry-Krisp crackers 8 oz water 260 calories	1 cinnamon graham cracker sheet spread with 1 tbsp light cream cheese & topped with ½ C sliced strawberries 8 oz water 88 calories

Heart Patients Seven Day Diet

2009-08-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS FOR BASIC FAT BURNING SOUP


6 large green onions	2 green peppers
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes	1 bunch of celery
1 large head cabbage	1 pkg. Lipton Soup Mix

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut vegetables in small to medium pieces and cover with water. Season with salt, pepper, parsley, and if desired add curry, bullion or hot sauce. Boil fast for 10 minutes. Cut to simmer and continue cooking until vegetables are tender.

This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. This SOUP will not add calories. The more you eat the more you will lose. Fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during the day. If eaten alone for indefinite periods, you would suffer malnutrition.

DAY ONE:
All the fruits except bananas. Cantaloupe and watermelon are lower in calories than most fruits. Eat only the soup and fruits. For drinks unsweetened tea, cranberry juice and water.

DAY TWO:
All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with all the fresh raw, cooked or canned vegetables. Try to eat leafy veggies and stay away from dry beans, peas and corn. Eat along with the soup. At dinner time on this day, reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Do not eat any fruit.

DAY THREE:
Eat all the soup, fruits and vegetables you want. Do not have a baked potato. If you have eaten for three days, - as above, and have not cheated, you will have lost 5 to 7 pounds.

DAY FOUR:
Bananas and skim milk. Eat as many as 3 bananas and drink as many glasses of water as you can on this day along with the soup. Bananas are high in calories and carbohydrates and so is the milk, but on this particular day your body will need the potassium, the carbohydrates, proteins and calcium to lessen your craving for sweets.

DAY FIVE:
Beef and tomatoes. You may have 10 to 20 ounces of beef and a can of tomatoes or as many as 6 fresh tomatoes on this day. Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water this day to wash away the uric acid in your body. Eat the soup at least once this day.

DAY SIX:
Beef and vegetables. Eat till your heart’s content of the beef and veggies this day. Be sure and eat the soup at least once.

DAY SEVEN:
Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juice and vegetables. -Again stuff yourself. Be sure to have the soup at least once. At the end of the seventh day, if you have not cheated on the diet, you will have lost 10 to 17 pounds. If YOU have lost more than 15 pounds, stay off the diet for two days before resuming the diet again for day one.

This seven day eating plan can be used as often as you like. As a matter of fact, if correctly followed it will clean your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well—being as never before. After only seven days on this program1 you will begin to feel lighter and have an abundance of energy. Continue this plan as long as you wish and feel the difference. Because everyone’s digestive system is different, this diet will affect everybody differently. After day three you will have more energy than when you began if you did not cheat. After being on the diet for several days, you will find your bowel movement might have changed…………eat a cup of bran or fiber. Although you can have black coffee with this diet you will find that you don’t need the caffeine after the third day.

DEFINITE NO-NO’S

Bread, alcohol, carbonated drinks (including diet drinks). Stick with water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, unsweetened fruit juices, cranberry juice and skimmed milk. The basic fat burning soup can be eaten anytime you feel hungry. Eat as much as you wish remember the more you eat, the more you lose. No fried foods or bread. You can eat broiled or baked chicken instead of beef but absolutely not the skin of the chicken. Any prescribed medication will not hurt you with this diet. Continue this plan as long as you wish and feel the difference both mentally and physically. If you prefer you can substitute broiled fish for the beef on one of the beef days. You need the protein from the beef the other days.

Diet Plan For Preventing Re-Attack

2009-08-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

Diet Plan For Preventing Re-Attack

A well designed diet can help prevent a heart attack or avoid it from recurring. Heart patients must eat a lot of whole foods and keep a vegetarian diet, consisting of vegetables and fruits, nuts, and whole grains.

Raw vegetables and fruits are extremely helpful. If necessary, cook very slightly in order to preserve the enzymes.
Take several small meals which are low in salt in the first week following the heart attack. Do not use cold liquids. Vegetables such as cauliflower and carrots are very good as they are low in salt, easily accepted, and carry essential minerals and vitamins.
Avoid red meat and processed food. Red meat has saturated fats where as processed foods contain trans fatty acids. Both are major causes of a heart attack. Consume omega-3 fatty acids as they are believed to reduce blood cholesterol level.
Eat foods that contain magnesium such as wheat germ, potatoes, broccoli, and spinach. These will help regulate the heart activity.
Consume garlic in your meal as it lowers the blood pressure, reduces cholesterol and prevents the formation of thrombus, or a blood clot.
Onions have antioxidants and are beneficial for your heart.
Drink fresh vegetable juices. These will provide you with energy and important vitamins and minerals, besides improving the health of your heart.
Cayenne pepper is good for lowering your cholesterol level, increasing the flow of blood and preventing platelets from assimilating.
Honey is known for its curative powers. One teaspoon of honey, taken two to three times a week will help strengthen your heart.
Walnut reduces the risk of a heart attack dramatically.
Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol, caffeine products, and carbonated drinks.
Use two egg whites instead of single whole egg.

Diet Plans For Heart Patients

For heart patients, a diet change is usually prescribed before medicines. The National Cholesterol Education Program of the National Institute of Health recommends the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet to reduce cholesterol levels, the main culprit causing heart disease. The specific target of any diet plan for heart patients is to reduce intake of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol.

Basically the TLC diet aims to limit the amount of meat and dairy products a patient takes in. Animal fat is replaced by unsaturated fats, contained in olive, canola, or peanut. If you follow the TLC diet to a tee, you will be consuming less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day. This calorie intake will be just enough to maintain your desired weight and you will avoid gaining weight.

Here is what the TLC diet plan looks like:

Food group

Number of servings

Portion size

Lean meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, and dry peas

No more than 5 ounces total per day

5 ounces maximum per day of lean meat, poultry, or fish

Substitute ¼ cup dry beans or peas for 1 ounce of meat.

Eggs

No more than 2 yolks per week

1 whole egg. Egg whites or substitutes are not limited.

Low-fat milk and milk products

2 to 3 per day

1 cup nonfat or 1% milk

1 cup nonfat or low-fat yogurt

1 ounce fat-free or low-fat cheese (3 grams of fat or less per ounce)

Fruits

2 to 4 per day

1 piece fruit, such as apple, orange, or ½ a banana

½ cup canned fruit

1 cup berries or melon

¾ cup fruit juice

Vegetables

3 to 5 per day

1 cup raw leafy greens

½ cup cooked or raw vegetables

¾ cup vegetable juice

Bread, cereals, pasta, rice, other grains

6 to 11 per day

1 slice of bread

½ hot dog or hamburger bun, bagel, or English muffin

1 ounce cold cereal

½ cup cooked pasta, rice, noodles, or other grains

Fat and oils

6 to 8 per day

1 teaspoon monounsaturated oil, such as canola, olive, or peanut

1 teaspoon polyunsaturated oil, such as corn or safflower

1 teaspoon soft margarine (one that does not contain hydrogenated oils)

1 tablespoon salad dressing

1 teaspoon mayonnaise

2 tablespoons nuts or seeds

Sweets/snacks

Within calorie limit

Snacks that are low in fat or made with unsaturated fat.

Healthy Soup Recipes

2009-08-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

Healthy Soup Recipes

If you want to know about some very healthy soup recipes, here are some for you.

One whiff of a savory aromatic soup and appetites come to attention. The steaming fragrance of a tempting soup is a prelude to the goodness to come. An inspired soup puts family and guests in a receptive mood for enjoying the rest of the menu." ~ Louis P. De Gouy. This is so true isn’t it? I have always loved soups and soups do have the potential to make feel a little better, yes I do mean "clinically" not just "psychological" or "gastronomical". If you are suffering from cough and cold try one of these soups and you would feel it for sure.Here are some interesting soup recipes that you can try out yourself.

Healthy Miso Soup

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups water
1 tablespoon light miso paste
1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons barley miso paste
2 ounces firm tofu, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 cup fresh spinach, washed and chopped

Preparation:

Take a medium saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Ladle out approximately 1/2 cup of the boiling water, and keep it. Add the tofu and reduce the heat to medium. Now cover, and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. Then you can add spinach or bok choy; simmer about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Remove soup from heat and blend white miso and barley miso into the reserved hot water. Stir into soup and ladle into bowls, with the garnish of scallion. Serve the soup immediately so that everyone can have it hot.

Japanese Onion Soup

Ingredients :

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons chicken stock
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh shiitake mushrooms
1 cup baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 carrot, chopped

Preparation:

Tke a large saucepan or stockpot and mix the celery, onion, carrot, ginger, garlic, along with a few of the mushrooms. Now add chicken stock, beef bouillon, and water and place the pot over high heat, and bring to a rolling boil. When the mixture boils completely, cover it with the lid, reduce heat to medium, and cook for about another 45 minutes. Place the remaining mushrooms into another pot. When the boiling of mixture is done, place a strainer over the pot with the mushrooms in it. Now strain the cooked soup into the pot with the mushrooms in it. Get rid of the strained materials and serve the broth with mushrooms in small porcelain bowls, and sprinkle fresh chives over the top to garnish. You can use Asian soup spoons to get an elegant effect.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

5 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup uncooked white rice
4 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
Take a wok and heat the oil over medium heat, and sauté mushrooms, onion, and celery or carrot in the oil for about 10 minutes. Now add chicken or vegetable stock, rice, and soy sauce to the mixture of mushrooms and celery. Bring the whole thing to a boil, and simmer for at least an hour. Then take the mushrooms, onion, celery and rice out of the soup. Now using a blender or food processor, blend the combination until smooth. Stir back into wok and season with salt and pepper, and serve the soup hot.

Low Calorie and Vegetarian Recipes - The Delicious Options

2009-08-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

It is common belief that low calorie and vegetarian recipes have to challenge your palate. The truth is, however, they can be just as delicious as your favorite dishes. Now, I am about to share with you two such recipes, and you can just give them a try to convince yourself.

1. Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers

To prepare this dish, you will need:

* 1 can of black beans

* 1/2 of an onion

* 1/2 cup of flour

* 2 slices of bread

* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

* 1 teaspoon of onion powder

* 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

* salt and pepper

Go through the following steps to prepare:

a) Dice and saute the onion for 4 to 5 minutes to make it soft.

b) Put the black beans into a large bowl and mash them until they are almost smooth.

c) To the large bowl, add the sauteed onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt.

d) Crumble up the sliced bread and add them to the mix.

e) Add the flour to the mixture, a few tablespoons each time. Keep stirring after each addition.

f) Pour a small amount of oil into a frying pan, and let it heat up.

g) Use your hands to scoop some of the mixture out of the bowl, and shape it into a pattie that is about 1/2 thick.

h) Fry the patties until they are firm.

Give it a try, and you will definitely love the taste of the burgers.

2. Tofu Scramble

If you have ever tried vegetarian diet, you will know that tofu is always used as a meat substitute. And, the tofu scramble which we are about to try can be served as a wonderful substitute for scrambled eggs.

You will need:

* 1 block of tofu, drained and press

* 1/2 yellow onion

* 1/2 green pepper

* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

* 1 teaspoon onion powder

* 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

* 1 tablespoon soy sauce

* 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

* 2 teaspoons oil or margarine

Follow these steps to cook:

a) Cut the tofu into one inch cubes, and crumble it slightly with a fork.

b) Dice the onion and bell pepper.

c) Add some oil or margarine to a skillet. Set with medium-high heat.

d) Add the onion, green pepper and tofu to the skillet. Cook for 4 or 5 minutes.

e) Add garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast to the skillet.

f) Cook the tofu scramble for 6 or 7 minutes, and keep stirring. After that, the dish is ready for serve.

You can also do with the tofu scramble whatever you may do with scrambled eggs, such as adding vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and carrots.

If you just give a try to these two recipes, you will be convinced that low calorie and vegetarian recipes do not have to be bland or boring. In fact, there are thousands of vegetarian dishes out there that are tasty, easy to make, and yet good for your health.

Are you now tempted to try these low calorie and vegetarian recipes? You can always visit our site to explore more about vegetarian recipes. You may also love to read this related article about vegetarian chili recipes

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2009-08-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera Orange Juice
Ingredients

3-5 Oranges
Aloe vera leaves
Fruit juice or water

Direction
Split the aloe vera leaves into halves and scoop the gel from the center of the leaves. In a blender, put the aloe vera gel and add oranges to it. Blend the mixture for about 2-3 minutes and strain the juice. Place the juice in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours and dilute the mixture with fruit juice or water. Serve chilled.

These aloe vera recipes are high in nutrition and low in calorie content. Aloe Vera is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These attributes make it one of the nature's healthiest products.

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2009-08-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera Apply Cucumber Juice
Ingredients

2 tbsp liquid aloe vera (extracted from leaves)
1 apple
1 cucumber
1 tbsp Lemon juice

Directions
Slice the cucumber and apple into small pieces and put in a blender. Add lemon juice and aloe vera to it. Blend well and serve chilled.

2009-08-01T03:03:00.000-07:00

.Aloe Vera Chocolate and Banana
Ingredients

1 serving chocolate flavor meal replacement formula
250ml skim milk, low fat chocolate milk or soya milk
1 serving protein powder
1 banana
15ml of aloe vera concentrate

Directions
In a blender, add all the ingredients and 3-4 ice cubes. Blend well and enjoy.

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2009-08-01T03:02:00.001-07:00

Aloe Vera Healthy and Heavenly
Ingredients

1 serving low calorie vanilla protein mix
30gms low fat cream cheese
1 serving strawberry flavor meal replacement formula
15-20ml aloe vera concentrate
125ml water

Directions
In a blender, add all the ingredients and 3-4 ice cubes. Blend well and enjoy.

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2009-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera Fresh and Fruity
Ingredients

1 serving vanilla flavor meal replacement formula
15-20ml aloe vera concentrate
3 dried apricots
100g (3slices) pineapple
100ml unsweetened orange juice
150ml water

Directions
In a blender, add all the ingredients and 3-4 ice cubes. Blend well and enjoy.

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2009-08-01T02:58:00.000-07:00

Healing Blueberry Aloe Smoothie
Ingredients

1 cup orange juice
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup aloe vera gel

Directions
Blend all the ingredients well and serve chilled

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2009-08-01T02:57:00.000-07:00

Green Smoothie
Ingredients

2-4 oz of aloe vera juice
1½ tsp maca
1 tbsp bee pollen
1 tsp 2000mg vitamin C crystals with Rosehips
1-2 tbsp glucosamine, chondroitin & MSM liquid
2 tbsp of ground flaxseed

Directions
Blend all the ingredients and serve chilled. You can also add variations to your smoothie by adding fruits like mango, pineapple, pear and banana.

Aloe Vera Recipes

2009-08-01T02:51:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera Recipes

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with various health benefits associated with it. It is well known for its medicinal properties, cooling and healing effects. So here are some aloe vera recipes that are not only tasty, but healthy also.

The Aloe Vera plant belongs to the species A.vera and originated in Northern Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. It grows well in arid climates and is commonly used in herbal medicines. Aloe Vera is the juice which is extracted from the leaves of the plant. It is rich in compounds like polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectin, which are helpful in treating diabetes and elevating blood lipids in the human body. It also helps clean out the mucous in the body and regular intake of aloe vera juice prevents constipation.

Aloe vera has amazing cooling and healing effects, especially for sunburns. It is commonly used by women as it helps smoothen out wrinkles and remove any marks. If applied on the scalp, it prevents dandruff and other such conditions. It gives your face a smoother, softer and radiant look.

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Exercise videos

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2009-07-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sugary Drinks and Sweets

It is natural to like sweets. And it is okay to enjoy them as an occasional treat, but it is vital to keep consumption to a minimum. Refined sugar is one of the bad carbs mentioned above. Not only does it cause problems with our blood sugar level, but it also uses up stored resources within our body (such as minerals and enzymes) in order to process the sugar. In addition there are many negative health effects that sugar contributes to including: hypoglycemia, suppression of the immune system, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, headaches, and depression.

Choose sweet treats that are home made or have naturally occurring sugar, such as fruits. Try making your favorite dessert with half or one-third less sugar than usual. Make dessert a special event once a week. Many foods have naturally occurring sugars, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Incorporate naturally sweet foods into your diet to help crowd out unhealthy sweets. Strawberries, apples, sweet potatoes or winter squash are all great options.

Avoid or severely limit sugary drinks – they are an easy way to pack calories and chemicals into your diet without even noticing it. One 12-oz soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar in it! And just because a soda is sugar-free doesn’t make it healthy. Recent studies have shown that the artificial sugar substitutes used in soft drinks may interfere with your body's natural regulation system and result in your overindulging in other sweet foods and beverages. Try water with a squeeze of lemon or water with a splash of 100% fruit juice.

Salt

Once again the problem with salt comes with the over-use and over consumption of processed salt most commonly used. It is best to limit sodium to 2,300 mg per day – the equivalent to one teaspoon of salt. Most of the salt in our diets comes from processed, packaged, restaurant, and fast food. Processed foods like canned soups or frozen meals can contain hidden sodium that can quickly surpass this recommended amount. Many of us are unaware of how much sodium we are consuming in one day.

Salt itself is not bad. A high quality sea salt can have up to 90 minerals, which are healthy for our body. Look for sea salt that has a reddish or brownish tint, has no coloring, additives, chemicals and has not been bleached.

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2009-07-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Dairy products and other sources for calcium and vitamin D

Dairy products provide a rich source of calcium, necessary for bone health. Most are fortified with vitamin D, which helps the small intestine absorb calcium. Calcium can also be found in dark green, leafy vegetables, such as kale and collard greens, as well as in dried beans and legumes.

Recommended calcium levels are 1000 mg per day, 1200 mg if you are over 50 years old. Take a vitamin D and calcium supplement if you don’t get enough of these nutrients from your diet.

Choose non-fat or low-fat dairy products that do not contain rBST (bovine growth hormone). If you're lactose-intolerant, choose lactose-free and lower-lactose products, such as lactose free milk, hard cheeses and yogurt.

Avoid full-fat dairy products or products from cows treated with rBST.

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2009-07-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Tofu: alternative sources for healthy proteins

Beans, nuts, nut butters, peas, and soy products are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Many of the foods in this group provide iron, which is better absorbed when a source of vitamin C is consumed with the meal

Choose: Black beans, navy beans, garbanzos, lentils, and other beans. Nuts like almonds, walnuts and pecans. Soy products like tofu, soymilk, tempeh and veggie burgers. All of these are great sources of protein for vegetarians.

Avoid: Salted or sugary nuts; refried beans.

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2009-07-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Putting protein into perspective

During digestion, protein in food is broken down into the 20 amino acids that are the basic building blocks our bodies use to create its own protein. Our bodies need protein to maintain our cells, tissues and organs. A lack of protein in our diets can result in slow growth, reduced muscle mass, lower immunity, and weaken the heart and respiratory system. Protein gives us the energy to get up and go –and keep going. Keep in mind that it is vital to eat healthy protein that is free of hormones and antibiotics. Also, the majority of people in the U.S. eat more protein than is necessary. So focus more on getting higher quality versus more quantity. Each person is individual and may need different amounts of protein depending on their body and activity level.

A complete protein source is one that provides all of the essential amino acids. Examples are animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, and cheese.
An incomplete protein source is one that is low in one or more of the essential amino acids.
Complementary proteins are two or more incomplete protein sources that together provide adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids. For example, rice and dry beans. Similarly, dry beans each are incomplete proteins, but together, these two foods can provide adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Do complementary proteins need to be eaten in the same meal? Research shows that your body can combine complementary proteins that are eaten within the same day.

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2009-07-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Vegetables and Fruits: Vitamin, antioxidant and fiber powerhouses

Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and are packed with vitamins, minerals, protective plant compounds and fiber. They are a great source of nutrients and vital for a healthy diet.

Fruits and vegetables should be part of every meal, and be your first choice for a snack. Eat a minimum of five portions each day. The antioxidants and other nutrients in these foods help protect against developing certain types of cancer and other diseases.

Greens: Dark leafy green vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet since they are packed with nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and Vitamins A, C, E and K. Greens help to strengthen the blood and respiratory systems. They are currently the most lacking food in the American diet. Be adventurous in your choice of greens: kale, mustard greens, broccoli, Chinese cabbage are just a few of the many options.

Sweet Vegetables: Naturally sweet vegetables are an excellent way to add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. Some examples of sweet vegetables are corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes or yams, winter squash, and onions.

Fruit: Eating a wide variety of fruit is another very healthy part of any diet. They provide us with beneficial properties such as natural sugars, fiber, Vitamins and antioxidants. Choose fresh or frozen, and focus on variety. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.

Go for the brights: The brighter, deeper colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Avoid: Fruit juices can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar per cup; avoid or dilute with water. Canned fruit often contains sugary syrup, and dried fruit, while an excellent source of fiber, can be high in calories. Avoid fried veggies or ones smothered in dressings or sauces – you may still get the vitamins, but you’ll be getting a lot of unhealthy fat and extra calories as well.

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2009-07-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates – food composed of some combination of starches, sugar and fiber - provide the body with fuel it needs for physical activity by breaking down into glucose, a type of sugar our cells use as a universal energy source.

Bad carbs are foods that have been “stripped” of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. They have been processed in order to make cooking fast and easy. Examples are white flour, refined sugar, and white rice. They digest so quickly that they cause dramatic elevations in blood sugar, which over time can lead to weight gain, hypoglycemia or even diabetes.
Good carbs are digested more slowly. This keeps your blood sugar and insulin levels from rising and falling too quickly, helping you get full quicker and feel fuller longer. Good sources of carbs include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, which also offer lots of additional health benefits, including heart disease and cancer prevention.

Whole Grains for long-lasting, healthy carbohydrate energy

In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart. Make whole grains an important part of every meal.

Make sure you're really getting whole grains. Focus on including grains that are in their whole form, such as whole grain brown rice, millet, quinoa, and barley in your meals. When you want to eat healthy grains in the form of breads or cereals be aware that the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran, don’t necessarily mean that a product is whole grain. Look for the new Whole Grain Stamp from the Whole Grains Council. If there is no stamp look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat,” and check the ingredients to make sure each grain listed is specified as whole grain. Some good sources are dark breads and toasted wheat cereals.

Avoid: Refined grains such as breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain.

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2009-07-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Eating smart: A keystep towards healthy eating

Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”. It's not just what you eat, but how you eat. Paying attention to what you eat and choosing foods that are both nourishing and enjoyable helps support an overall healthy diet.

Take time to chew your food: Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of what is in our mouths. Reconnect with the joy of eating.
Avoid stress while eating: When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or light candles and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Listen to your body: Ask yourself if you are really hungry. You may really be thirsty, so try drinking a glass of water first. During a meal, stop eating before you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly. Eating just enough to satisfy your hunger will help you remain alert, relaxed and feeling your best, rather than stuffing yourself into a “food coma”!
Eat early, eat often: Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating the majority of your daily caloric allotment early in the day gives your body time to work those calories off. Also, eating small, healthy meals throughout the day, rather than the standard three large meals, can help keep your metabolism going and ward off snack attacks.

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2009-07-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Eat enough calories but not too many. Maintain a balance between your calorie intake and calorie expenditure—that is, don't eat more food than your body uses. The average recommended daily allowance is 2,000 calories, but this depends on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity.

Eat a wide variety of foods. Healthy eating is an opportunity to expand your range of choices by trying foods—especially vegetables, whole grains, or fruits—that you don't normally eat.

Keep portions moderate, especially high-calorie foods. In recent years serving sizes have ballooned, particularly in restaurants. Choose a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything.

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes—foods high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low in fat, and free of cholesterol. Try to get fresh, local produce

Drink more water. Our bodies are about 75% water. It is a vital part of a healthy diet. Water helps flush our systems, especially the kidneys and bladder, of waste products and toxins. A majority of Americans go through life dehydrated.

Limit sugary foods, salt, and refined-grain products. Sugar is added to a vast array of foods. In a year, just one daily 12-ounce can of soda (160 calories) can increase your weight by 16 pounds. See suggestions below for limiting salt and substituting whole grains for refined grains.

Don’t be the food police. You can enjoy your favorite sweets and fried foods in moderation, as long as they are an occasional part of your overall healthy diet. Food is a great source of pleasure, and pleasure is good for the heart – even if those French fries aren’t!

Get moving. A healthy diet improves your energy and feelings of well-being while reducing your risk of many diseases. Adding regular physical activity and exercise will make any healthy eating plan work even better.

One step at a time. Establishing new food habits is much easier if you focus on and take action on one food group or food fact at a time

Healthy Eating

2009-07-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Tips for a Healthy Diet and Better Nutrition

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you.

Choose the types of foods that improve your health and avoid the types of foods that raise your risk for such illnesses as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Expand your range of healthy choices to include a wide variety of delicious foods. Learn to use guidelines and tips for creating and maintaining a satisfying, healthy diet.

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2009-07-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you realize you need to avoid saturated fat and trans fat… but how do you get the healthy monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fats everyone keeps talking about?

Dress your own salad. Commercial salad dressings are often high in saturated fat,unhealthy chemicals, and made with inferior, overly-processed, damaged oils. Create your own dressings with high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil, flaxseed oil or sesame oil and your favorite herbs.
What’s better: butter or margarine? Both have good and bad points. With margarine, choose the soft-tub versions, and make sure the product has zero grams trans fats and no partially hydrogenated oils. Regardless of whether you choose butter or margarine, use it in moderation and avoid adding it to other foods. Olive oil is a healthier substitute.
The meat of the matter. Beef, pork, lamb, and dairy products are high in saturated fat. Choose low-fat milk and lower-fat cheeses like mozzerella whenever possible; enjoy full-fat dairy in moderation. Go for lean cuts of meat, and stick to white meat, which has less saturated fat.
Don’t go no-fat, go good fat. If you are concerned about your weight or heart health, rather than avoiding fat in your diet, try replacing all the bad fats with good fats. This might mean replacing some of the meat you eat with beans and legumes, and using vegetable oils rather than tropical oils, which tend to contain more saturated fats.
Ask what type of oil your food is cooked in. When eating out, ask your server or counter person what type of oil they use in their cooking. If it’s partially-hydrogenated oil, run the other way. Otherwise, see if you can request your food to be prepared using olive oil, which mo

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2009-07-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you are have or at risk for Cardiovascular Disease or Diabetes

Do not change your diet without consulting your physician!

How much fat is too much depends on your lifestyle, your weight, your age and most importantly the state of your health. The USDA recommends that the average individual:

Keep total fat intake to 20-35% of calories
Limit saturated fats to less than 10% of your calories (200 calories for a 2000 calorie diet)
Limit trans fats to 1% of calories (2 grams per day for a 2000 cal diet)
Limit cholesterol to 300 mg per day

However, if you are concerned about cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association suggests a similar plan, but limiting saturated fats to less than 7% of your calories (140 calories for a 2000 calorie diet). You can figure out your personal daily fat limitations based on your body type and age here.

How do you go about implementing these recommendations? The simplest way to approach fats is to replace the saturated and trans fat in your diet with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. Use these percentages to your advantage by making sure the fat you do consume is healthy (monounsaturated or polyunsaturated).

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2009-07-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Damaged fat: letting good fats turn bad

A good fat can become bad if it gets damaged by heat, light or oxygen. Poly-unsaturated fats are the most fragile. Oils that are high in poly-unsaturated fats (such as flax seed oil) must be refrigerated and kept in a dark container. Cooking with these oils also damages the fats. Never use oils, seeds or nuts after they begin to smell or taste rank or bitter.

The worst fats: Trans fats (trans-fatty acids - TFA)

A trans fat is a normal fat molecule that has been twisted and deformed during a process called hydrogenation. During this process, liquid vegetable oil is heated and combined with hydrogen gas. No amount of trans fats is healthy - if your diet doesn’t contain enough good fat, your body will use the deformed trans fats instead, which could possibly contribute to major health risks from heart disease to cancer.

So why are trans fatty acids (TFAs) so prevalent in commercial foods? Partially hydrogenated oils (what comes out of the hydrogenation process) are more stable (less likely to spoil), can be transported more easily, and can withstand repeated heating, which makes them perfect for frying up those French fries and burgers at your favorite fast food establishment.

Trans fats may be found in foods like:

Baked Goods -- cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, pie crusts, pizza dough, and some breads like hamburger buns
Fried foods -- doughnuts, French fries, fried chicken including chicken nuggets, and hard taco shells
Snack foods -- potato, corn, and tortilla chips; candy; packaged or microwave popcorn.
Solid fats -- Hard margarine (stick margarine) and semi solid vegetable shortening.
Pre-mixed products -- cake mix, pancake mix, and chocolate drink mix.

TFAs tend to raise total LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good cholesterol). This can contribute to major health problems, from heart disease to cancer. No amount of trans fat is healthy, and should be kept below 1 percent of your total calories.

Be a trans fat detective

Use your own investigative skills to avoid trans fats:

When shopping, read the labels and watch out for “partially hydrogenated oil” in the ingredients. Even if the food claims to be trans fat free, this ingredient tells you that the product is a trans fat suspect.

When eating out, put fried foods, biscuits, and other baked goods on your “skip” list. Avoid these products unless you know that the restaurant has eliminated trans fat

Most states have no labeling regulations for fast food, and it can even be advertised as cholesterol-free and cooked in vegetable oil. Eating one doughnut at breakfast (3.2 g of TFA) and a large order of french fries at lunch (6.8 g of TFA) adds 10 grams of TFA to one's diet, according to the American Heart Association.

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2009-07-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Omega-3 group: Super Healthy Fats

We should all be increasing our intake of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which we need for body functions like controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain. We’re still learning about the many benefits of Omega-3, but research has shown this fatty acid can have a positive impact on:

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD incidence (American Heart Association), by:

decreasing risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
decreasing triglyceride levels
decreasing growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
lowering blood pressure (slightly)

Liver cancer: omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective therapy for both the treatment and prevention of human liver cancers. (University of Pittsburg study)
Depression: Omega 3 fatty acid DHA reduces symptoms of depression probably because it increase gray matter in the brain (University of Pittsburg study)
Dementia - Eating fatty fish, high in omega 3, lowers the likelihood of developing “silent” brain lesions that can cause memory loss and dementia (University Study in Finland)

Types of Omega 3 fatty acids

The three key members of the Omega -3 family are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA);eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The best sources are fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, or sardines, or some cold-water fish oil supplements. Canned (albacore) tuna and lake trout can also be good sources, depending on how the fish were raised and processed.

You may hear a lot about getting your omega-3’s from foods rich in ALA fatty acids. ALA is the most common Omega-3 found in American diets and is found in abundance in flax seeds and flax seed oil, as well as walnuts, canola oil, and soybeans. While your body may be able to convert ALA into EPA and DHA, you can’t be sure – only some people have the ability to do so. Thus, to insure you get enough of these vital nutrients, it’s prudent to include fatty fish or fatty fish oil supplements in your diet. But, if you eat no fish or fish oil, getting just ALA is better than nothing - your cardiovascular protection may still go up, though not nearly as much as with fish oils.

Some people avoid seafood because they worry about mercury or other possible toxins in fish. Most experts agree that the benefits of eating two servings a week of these cold water fatty fish outweigh the risks.

Choosing the best Omega-3 Supplements

When choosing an omega-3 supplement, keep the following in mind:

One 500-mg capsule per day is sufficient – any more than that is extraneous and could even be detrimental to your health. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 1–3 grams per day of EPA and DHA. For certain medical conditions, higher doses of omega-3 might be beneficial, but make sure these are prescribed by a medical professional.
Choose supplements that are mercury-free, pharmaceutical grade and molecularly distilled. Make sure the supplement contains both DHA and EPA. They may be hard to find, but supplements with higher concentrations of EPA are better. A good ratio to look for is 3:2 (EPA:DHA).
Check the expiration date!

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2009-07-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

To understand good and bad fats, you need to know the names of the players and some information about them:

Monounsaturated fats

Are liquid at room temperature and turn cloudy when kept in refrigerator.
Primary sources are plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil, and olive oil. Other good sources are avocados; nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans; and seeds such as pumpkin and sesame seeds.
People following traditional Mediterranean diets, which are very high in foods containing monounsaturated fats like olive oil, tend to have lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Polyunsaturated fats

Are liquid at room temperatures as well as at cold temperatures
Primary sources are sunflower, corn, soybean, and flaxseed oils, and also foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, and fish.
This fat family includes the Omega-3 group of fatty acids which your body can’t make and are found in very few foods.

Saturated fat

Are usually solid at room temperature and have a high melting point
Primary sources are animal sources including red meat and whole milk dairy products. Other sources are tropical vegetable oils such as coconut oil, palm oil and foods made with these oils. Poultry and fish contain saturated fat, but less than red meat.
Saturated fat raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol that increases your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Trans Fats

Trans fats are created by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen gas, a process called hydrogenation. Partially hydrogenating vegetable oils makes them more stable and less likely to spoil, which is very good for food manufacturers – and very bad for you.
Primary sources of trans fat are vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Trans fat raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol that increases your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as lowering HDL, or good cholesterol.

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2009-07-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

The human body uses fatty acids to do everything from building cell membranes to performing key functions in the brain, eyes, and lungs. The functions of fats include:

Brain – Fats compose 60% of the brain and are essential to brain function, including learning abilities, memory retention and moods. Fats are especially important for pregnant women, since they are integral to fetal brain development.
Cells – Fatty acids help your cells stay moveable and flexible, as well as being responsible for building cell membranes.
Heart – 60% of our heart’s energy comes from burning fats. Specific fats are also used to help keep the heart beating in a regular rhythm.
Nerves – Fats compose the material that insulates and protects the nerves, isolating electrical impulses and speeding their transmission.
Lungs – Lung surfactant, which requires a high concentration of saturated fats, enables the lungs to work and keeps them from collapsing.
Eyes – Fats are essential to eye function.
Digestion – Fats in a meal slow down the digestion process so the body has more time to absorb nutrients, and help provide a constant level of energy and keeps the body satiated for longer periods of time. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can only be absorbed if fat is present.
Organs – Fats cushion and protect your internal organs.
Immune System – Fats ease inflammation, helping your metabolism and immune system stay healthy and functioning

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2009-07-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Myth: Eating a low-fat Diet is the best way to curb obesity.

Facts:

* The obesity rates for Americans have doubled in the last 20 years, coinciding with the advent of the low-fat revolution.
* In the 1960s, Americans ate 45% of their calories from fat – and only 13% of us were obese. Now, while most of us get only about 33% of our calories from fat, 34% of us qualify as obese!

Low–fat diets are essential to help you lose weight

Facts:

* Ironically, cutting fat out of our diets seems to have the opposite effect: while Americans have been eating less fat, we’ve been gettingfatter. In place of fats, many people turn to foods full of easily digested carbohydrates, or to fat-free products that replace healthful fats with sugar and high-calorie, refined carbohydrates.
* You need to cut calories to lose weight - fats are more filling, and curbing hunger can stop you from indulging in additional calories.
* The 2006 Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial showed that women on low-fat diets didn't lose any more weight than women who followed their usual diets.

Healthy Fats

2009-07-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Healthy Fats and Nutrition
How to Choose Good Fats and Avoid the Bad

Guide to Understanding Fats; Choosing Healthy Fats for your Diet

For over thirty years, fat in our diet has been considered the culprit in obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, the resulting “low fat” foods and diets haven’t resulted in most people controlling their weight or becoming healthier. In fact, the opposite is true.

It’s the type of fat that matters in addition to how much you consume. Reducing your intake of some types of fats reduces the risk of several chronic diseases, but other types of fats are absolutely essential to our health and well-being.

Sifting through all the conflicting information on fats can leave you with even more questions. What do you need to know about polyunsaturated fat, omega 3 fatty acids and other terms in the language of fats? Learn to incorporate the good fats into your diet while reducing your consumption of the bad fats.

How to Prevent Diabetes

2009-07-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

Maintain a healthy weight. The majority of people diagnosed with diabetes (usually type 2) are overweight. Excessive weight and body fat, especially around the middle, increases your risk of developing diabetes.
Step 2
Know your family history. Your chances of developing diabetes later in life increases if you have one or more family members with the disease. In addition, Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics have a high rate of diabetes.
Step 3
Stay physically active. Regular exercise can help to prevent diabetes by controlling weight and improving blood flow. Exercise is especially important if genetics put you at risk for developing the disease.
Step 4
Eat a balanced diet, low in fat and sugars. Since diabetes involves an impairment in the body's ability to either produce or utilize insulin to convert sugars into energy, it's important to restrict the amount of glucose and starches consumed.
Step 5
Get checked. Everyone over the age of 45 should schedule a blood glucose measurement test with their doctor every 3 years. However, if there are risk factors present, such as family history or obesity, regular testing should begin at an earlier age.
Step 6
Monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to reduce it, if applicable. Approximately 73 percent of adults with diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure.
Step 7
Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that bioflavonoids, the pigments that lend fruits and plants their color, may stimulate insulin production and inhibit glycation, the process in which damaged glucose molecules bind with proteins to create advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. While most AGEs are harmless, others disturb molecular functioning and contribute to organ and nerve damage. To better understand how this occurs, remember that glycation is what causes food in the oven to brown.

Dental Health Tips To Have A Fresh Breath

2009-07-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

Keep your tongue clean
Gradually brush it with a soft nylon toothbrush after you clean your pearly whites.
Drink More Water! The drier your mouth, the worse your breath gets.
Keep Calm: Stress makes your breath worse!
Dodge breath mints and / or gum that contain sugar. These basically make your breath worse.
Don’t try to exterminate the odour of dragon breath with another odour This is what the majority of the ‘Big Name’ oral care corporations want you to believe works.
Blow your nose more frequently. Your breath becomes worse when you have a cold, allergies, or post-nasal drip do not use mouth wash w / alcohol or toothpaste which has sodium lauryl sulfate do you have any concept how many oral care products contain these 2 ingredients?
Here is a hint, just about each one of them Drink masses of water when taking prescription medicines plenty of these drugs make your mouth intensely dry quit smoking it will give you halitosis in a nanosecond, but may only take twenty years to kill you! And eventually, the only way to get rid of & Stop Bad Breath?
Use Scientifically Proved Oxygenating Oral Products. – Regardless of public opinion, dog breath infrequently comes from the belly. – most of the people can smell folks’s breath, but have troublesmelling their own. So, if you suspect you have dragon breath, you could or you may not. The best and simplest way to find out is to ask an adult in your own family or a best friend.
Food waste, dead cells and postnasal drip can amass there, and the breakdown of the proteins by the resident bacteria causes foul odour. The second most critical cause is bacteria breaking down protein between your teeth. By the way, the gases and other molecules that the bacteria produce are poisonous and can injure your gums too. 2 reasons to floss each day ( if you do not trust me, smell the floss ) – halitosis often increases when the mouth is dry. Gnawing sugarless gum for 4-5 mins at a time can be beneficial.
Try gargling right before bedtime for most satisfactory results.Some analysts suggest alcohol-free mouthrinses.
Eating a good and sensible breakfast cleans the mouth and back of the tongue, gets the spit flowing, and is good for you.
Some folks ( perhaps 5-7% of the populace ) have experienced tiny crumbly ’stones’ in their mouths possessing a foul smell. These are called ‘tonsilloliths’. They are partly calcified, full of bacteria and develop in crypts in the tonsils.They smell pretty bad, but don’t always cause dragon breath ( again, you have got to ask somebody ).
In the massive majority of cases, dragon breath can be significantly improved or eliminated. However, if they develop unexpected offensive odour that seems to come from all over their body, ask the consultant to test whether or not they stuffed something up one of their nostrils.

Swine influenza

2009-07-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

Swine influenza is a type of an influenza pathogen present in pigs. Human infection is mostly unusual except among folk who work and live closely with pigs. The new strain is a hybrid of swine, human and avian influenza viruses and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) asserts it can spread from human to human but the level of virulence isn’t yet clear.Symptoms of swine flu are like regular influenza symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.Those symptoms may also be due to plenty of other conditions, and that suggests that you and your GP can’t know, just primarily based on your symptoms, if you have swine flu. It takes a lab test to inform if it’s swine flu or some other condition.You might pick up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they lately touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That’s the reason why you must make washing your hands a habit, even if you are not sick. Infected folk can start spreading influenza germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for as much as a week after becoming sick, according to the CDC.The swine flu pathogen can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.To protect yourself from Swine Flu;
Stay informed:Influenza is assumed to spread principally person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected folks.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the rubbish after you use it.
Wash your hands frequently with water and soap or alcohol based cleaners, particularly after you cough or sneeze.
CDC is recommending that you stay home from work or college and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Develop a family emergency plan for safety reasons. This should include storing a supply of food, drugs, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other necessary supplies.
There is no need to avoid eating pork.

Home Cures for Body Odour & sweatning

2009-07-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

Many people may not know this, but perspiration on it’s own is unscented. When sweat comes in contact with bacteria it gives out a sickening smell. With so many daily activities in our life we are sure to sweat. Over the top perspiration is perceived as hyperhidrosis and no perspiration is perceived as anhidrosis. Body odour makes reference to hair, feet, crotch, anus, skin, bazongas, armpits, genital and pubic hair.An individual’s odour fires by the diet one follows, which gender one belongs to, how good is your fitness, whether on medicines, sort of job one does and in what sort of mood you are. Due to adolesence sweat glands become more than active. Wearing clean loose garments common-or-garden keeps you fresh and dry. Having a bath under runny water helps you clean your body much simply.Wear natural garments which help your skin to respire, try and avoid foods like beef, onions, garlic, spices, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Ban tobacco and smoking as the smell comes not only from your mouth but also your skin.Home Cures for Body Odour Use tiny quantity of baking soda and squeeze some lemon on it. Use this mix for underarms and also the groin area.It proves to be very helpful during summer time. Rub potatoes slices on your underarms. See to it that your underarm is clean and dry. Rub it for quiet some time and wait until its dry. Apply your ordinary deodorant on this to make a change. In a spray bottle put three big spoons of vanilla extract, one cup water and one small spoon rubbing alcohol. Shake this mix sufficiently well to be sprayed all over your body and garments.Apply milk of magnesia under your arms with the help of wet cotton, after you had your bath. Apply peanut butter liberally under your arms each night before heading off to bed. This would help you seriously during high season. You may use alcohol, white vinegar or witch hazel as deodorant for your underarms. Applying apple cider vinegar rather than deodorants helps to fight the odour battle Gnawing parsley, alfalfa with other leafy veg helps to control the body odour. Make radish juice from two dozen radishes.Mix it with quarter tsp glycerin and use it as a deodorant if put in spray-bottle. Rosemary is an anti-bacterial. Put 8-10 drops of the rosemary oil in one oz. of water and use it on the necessary areas. Likewise you may use tea tree oil in the same fashion. Turnip juice minimizes underarm odor for 8-10 hours.When you have rasped turnip, squeeze it to get two tsp juice which should be applied under your arms in eleven proportion for each arm. Drink five hundred mg of wheat grass daily on empty stomach and wash it down with a drink of water. This assists in reducing body odour.Caution : The reader of this article should exercise all protective measures while following instructions on the home cures from this article. Elude using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

How To Get Some Relief For Nummular Eczema

2009-07-02T01:36:00.000-07:00

Nummular Eczema is a slight change from regular eczema, which starts with extraordinarily itchy patches or rashes on the skin, which develop into coin formed patches of rash. I’ve put together some tips here so you can try and stop it yourself!Clothing- A basic way to stop both nummular eczema and the regular kind is to be really particular about the clothing you have next to your skin. The incorrect clothing can actually make your eczema flare up. Try and stick to clothing that is terribly soft and one hundred percent cotton. Woolen items are a definite no-no, as is anything more even a little itchy.Also concentrate on the fit of your clothing. You do not need anything that is going to be too tight or clingy, as this may be just as bad as wearing the incorrect sorts of fabrics.Detergents- Perfumes, smell agents and the detergent itself can all have awfully hideous effects on regular skin, so Eczema sufferers should be additional aware. You can eliminate a lot of this by going with a natural detergent which is unperfumed. This is good recommendation for both clothing and also for any toiletries which come into vicinity to your skin.Bathing- Infrequently folk can say that they can stop Nummular Eczema or send it into regression by augmenting the quantity of baths or showers they take.This is a dangerous weapon. Yes, showering can reduce symptoms, as it will remove bacteria and microbes in the area that might at last cause discomfort-BUT the more that you wash, the more your skin dries out, which will make the eczema worse. The sole compromise is to moisturize Moisturize- as I pointed out, it can be useful to wash two times a day, but only if you moisturize Without delay after.Pat yourself down with an extraordinarily soft towel, and apply your moisturizer to damp skin, that may hopefully help you lock even more of the moisture within. If you do not you may wish to visit a dietician for some recommendation. There’s also a faster solution, which is to take kelp additions. The alkali in the kelp will help by neutralizing the acid in the food you eat

Physical & mental Fitness Tips

2009-07-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

Physical Fitness Tips:If you exercise on a regular basis, you are doing great things for yourself. If you don't exercise, resolve today to get moving. Start walking and get going. If you need a boost, a must read is this article which appeared in Parade magazine on March 18th telling you how to slow the aging process thrMental Fitness Tips:
Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. Crossword puzzles, word puzzles and Sudoku games offer challenges for mind fitness. Nothing But Software offers memory games for your PC. Click on the link below and go to Games, then choose puzzles. You will find crossword puzzles, word puzzles and Sudoku games for your computer.ough exercise

Anti-Aging Supplements

2009-07-02T01:27:00.000-07:00

After the age of 25 our bodies start to succumb to the effects of pollution and poor nutrition from processed foods in our diet. The result is a depletion of critical hormones, enzymes, and other vital chemicals that keep our bodies healthy. Because of this, supplementation should be considered as an important step to help rejuvenate our well being.Antioxidants known to provide protection against oxidative damage caused by free radicals which contribute to the aging process include vitamins E,C,K,A,B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, caretenoids, and selenium—a trace mineral that is among the most powerful of the antioxidant family.
Suggested anti-aging supplements include:
Cinnamon: Postpone the aging process with cinnamon. Insulin spikes in the blood produce an aging effect on the body, but cinnamon reduces the amount of insulin needed to handle high glycemic foods.
Ashwagandha: Known for its ability to counteract inflammation and to soothe stress.
Ginko Biloba Extract: Another memory enhancement technique involves boosting the energy output of brain cells. This extract improves blood flow, protects against free radicals, and is believed to improve memory. A scientific review found that ginko biloba is responsible for cognitive enhancement and anti-aging activity, including neuro protective effects. In a study of 236 Alzheimers patients, ginko biloba extract was found to stabilize dementia. Another study showed that treating rats with ginko biloba not only improved their brain function (learning and memory) but also significantly extended their lifespan.
Ginko Phytosome: binds standardized ginko biloba extract to natural soy phospholipids for twice the bio availability of conventional ginko extracts.
Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is an enzyme catalyst that is essential to creating energy within the cells. It is also an antioxidant with the very important work of protecting DNA within the cells. As we age, our ability to assimilate CoQ10 slows down. Supplementation of this vital nutrient can also help to protect critical organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Food sources with the largest amounts of CoQ10 include mackerel, salmon, and sardines.
Neptune Krill Oil: Neptune Krill oil provides all natural omega-3 nutrition that comes from an Antarctic tiny shrimp-like crustation. This oil also contains a natural antioxidant flavonoid which protect EPA and DHA from degradation and provides valuable free radical protection for the body. It has been shown to be beneficial for heart health, cell membrane integrity, healthy blood lipid levels, brain function and joint health.
R-Fraction Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): R-ALA is a super nerve and brain protector, encourages healthy cellular growth, protects the liver, maintains vision health, and supports healthy glucose metabolism.
Swanson Health Products also offers these multivitamin formulas:
Active One with or without iron
Century Formula with or without iron
Men's Prime Multivitamin
Women's Prime Multivitamin

Anti-Aging

2009-07-02T01:24:00.000-07:00

We feel it is important to understand a little bit about the aging process and what we can do to help keep ourselves healthy. The following information is offered in that regard and has been obtained from sources listed on the reference page.
What is aging?Aging starts when cell death starts. If we help to prevent cell death, then we are helping to prevent aging. After the age of 25 our bodies start to succumb to the effects of pollution and poor nutrition from processed foods in our diet. The result is a depletion of critical hormones, enzymes, and other vital chemicals which keep our bodies healthy. Oxidation damage also occurs at the cellular level from free radicals which impairs the immune system and leads to infections and degenerative diseases.
The anti-aging medical community has characterized aging into three categories:
Ages 25-35:Growth hormone levels drop around 14% by the age of 35 and cellular damage has begun from free radical formation due to diet, stress, and environmental pollution.
Ages 35-45:Growth hormone levels drop by more than 25% in this age group and signs of aging start to appear such as trouble seeing, graying hair, and decreased strength and energy. Cellular damage bt free radicals continue.
Ages 45 and over:The rate of hormone production decline escalates including DHEA and melatonin within the body. Illnesses such as hypertention may start to appear.
Dr. Lam, MD, a specialist in anti-aging medicine outlined five measures we can take in the fight against aging:
1. Exercise: (more about exercise...click here!)
Physical activity is considered one of the most crucial factors inachieving anti-aging results.
Exercise stimulates production of growth hormones and keeps muscles toned which help protect our bones.
Research has consistently shown those that exercise regularly live longerand happier lives and get sick less often.
An exercise program should include flexibility, cardiovascular, and strength training.
You should consult your doctor when developing this plan as it should be tailored according to your current physical conditions.Fitness and energy booster products are available from Swanson Health Products. They include:
High Energy Complex - helps boost mental and physical performance
100% Pure Ribose - sustain your workout and lessen muscle fatigue. This simple sugar helps the body boost cellular energy in muscles, the heart, and throughout the body.
Time-Release Energy Boost - a powerful formula to provide energy to pull you through the long day
Royal Jelly - a special mixture of pollen, honey, and enzymes that boost energy, supports a healthy immune system and promotes overall well-being naturally.
2. Diet:
The ideal anti-aging weight should be 5-10% lower than your ideal weight.
For men, figure your ideal weight which will be 106 pounds at 5 feet ofheight, then add 6 pounds for each additional inch.
For woman figure 100pounds at 5 feet and add 5 pounds each inch after that.
A balanced diet should consist of 50% carbohydrates from fruits andvegetables; 25% protein mainly from plant sources like beans and tofu;and 25% from fat sources like olive oil and nuts.
A more detailed list of good food choices is located in the cholesterol section.
TIP: Stevia Extract: an all natural sugar substitute that is high in fiber and 100% calorie free
Products available from Swanson Health Products include:
Stevia Extract - the all natural sugar substitute that is high in fiber and 100% calorie free
Ultimate Carb Control C-120X - this product blocks starch and carbohydrate digestion and is 120 times more concentrated than other carbohydrate blockers
LipoSan Ultra Chitosan - this all natural fiber soaks up dietary fats like a sponge for safe elimination so less fat is absorbed and stored in the body
3. Stress:
Mis-managed stress has harmful effects on the body including thereleasing of hormones from the adrenal glands. The most powerful ofthese hormones are adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol breaks down protein,fats, and carbohydrates into blood sugar for energy to respond to this“crisis”. If there is not enough protein in the bloodstream, cortisol extractsit from healthy muscle tissue which accelerates weight gain and the agingprocess.
Mis-managed stress also depletes the brain of chemicals such as dopamineand serotonin. These neurotransmitters effect your level of alertness andmood. When your brain lacks serotonin you are likely to become moreanxious and may have trouble sleeping. Foods that help your bodyproduce these chemicals include high quality lean meats and fish, low fatdairy, beans, bananas and fat free yogurt.
Most stress relief practices include mental activities such as music,meditation, or singing, some people scream.
Physical activities include sports, bicycling, yoga, and walking.
Functional activities may include massage or hydrotherapy.
Pay attention to the situations in your daily life that cause chronic anger,frustration, guilt, or worry. Try to put controls in place to deal with theseoccurrences so you can more effectively manage the stress. You may evenwant to seek out stress relief workshops.Swanson Health Products has a line of products to help enhance emotional wellness naturally. Some suggestions include:
Sleep Essentials - provides an effective combination of ten of the best sleeping herbs, minerals, and amino acids plus melatonin to help you get the sleep you need
GABA - plays a key role in the central nervous system's reaction to stressful situations, and it helps keep your emotions balanced
Stress-Buster Suntheanine - provides the relaxing effects of green tea from the amino acid called L-theanine which has been shown to promote calmness without drowsiness, supports health sleep, and promotes concentration
St. John's Wort - the herb famous world wide for emotional support4. Natural Hormone Enhancement:
One of the most important factors in the cause of aging is a decline ofgrowth hormone which starts around the age of 25. We lose 10-15% ofgrowth hormone every decade after the age of 25. Loss of this hormoneresults in wrinkles, thinning and graying of hair, nails become morebrittle, and muscles weaken.
Many natural orientated physicians practicing anti-aging medicine believeyou should naturally stimulate your body to replace the declining growthhormone. One way to help accomplish this is through supplementation.Scientists believe that human growth hormone (HgH) can be increased byelevating acetylcholine. A deficiency of this substance can cause a widerange of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease and stroke.

Prevent cancer

2009-07-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

Prevent cancer by taking a simple vitamin supplement. The most powerful cancer fighter ever discovered.
Several studies have been done which indicate you can significantly reduce your risk of cancer by boosting your intake of vitamin D to 1,000 IEUs per day.
Dr. Al Sears who specializes in holistic health pointed out several research findings in his December 2007 newsletter. Notable findings include:
A study at a university in Nebraska showed that vitamin D could reduce cancers in women by 77%
University of California at San Diego researchers found evidence that vitamin D could reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50% and colon cancer by 65%
A Harvard University sponsored report published by the National Cancer Institute in September 2006 stated vitamin D could reduce cancer death rate by 29% and drop stomach, throat,and colon cancer by 45%The Canadian Cancer Society conducted a nationwide campaign in the summer of 2006 recommending their citizens take 1000 IEUs of vitamin D daily.To reduce the risk of cancer Dr. Sears recommends:
Take at least 1,000 IEUs of vitamin D daily
Eat vitamin D-rich foods like fish, eggs, and milk. Other sources of vitamin D include fish oil, liver, oatmeal, salmon, sardines, sweet potatoes, and tuna
Get 20 minutes of sunlight daily if you are fair-skinned and 40 minutes if you are dark skinned
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so this mineral supplement should also be taken. A daily dose of 1500 mg is recommended. Calcium is also more effective when taken in smaller doses spread throughout the day and should be taken with food. Note: D-calcium-phosphate interferes with the absorption of multiple vitamin nutrients; therefore this form of calcium supplement is not recommended.

Brain Health

2009-07-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

Mental exercises to sharpen memory and cognitive ability are becoming very popular among baby boomers in 2007. "There is mounting evidence that cognitive exercise may protect our brains" said Dr. Gary W. Small, a professor of geriatric psychiatry and director of the UCLA Center on Aging and the Memory & Aging Research Center.
According to Dr. Small, "We know specific exercises in certain brain functions definitely have an effect. The question is, if you do your mental aerobics, will brain exercise stave off Alzheimer's? There is softer evidence that it does." Dr Small also points out in Time Magazine that "people are realizing that life style can protect not just their hearts but also their brains." Time also indicated that every 8 seconds a baby boomer turns 50, and that a recent Met Life Foundation survey found Americans over the age of 55 fear Alzheimer's more than any other disease besides cancer.
The gaming industry is also taking notice of this trend. Examples of mind-exercising games may include:
use of hand held electronic games may require answering questions using a stylus, or drawing exercises
Sudoku puzzles found in newspapers, magazines, websites seem to be the most popular
some games make you react quickly to easy math questions or visual tests.
Read more about our tips for brain healthy foods and supplements to help your brain.
Go to Swanson Memory & Brain Support to order your brain supplements today.

Tips on Hepatitis

2009-07-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Five different hepatitis viruses have been identified: type A; type B; type C; type D, or delta virus; and type E. Type A is probably the most prevalent type of viral hepatitis worldwide, followed by types B, E, C, and D.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through fecally contaminated food or water. Other modes of transmission include needle sharing among intravenous drug abusers; sexual contact; maternal transmission; and transmission by blood transfusion.
A simple blood test is used to determine that a person has one or more of the different types of hepatitis.
Acute hepatitis is typically characterized by flu-like symptoms (including fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) and jaundice. Chronic hepatitis is often asymptomatic.
Vaccines are available to protect against hepatitis A and B. Additionally, immune globulin for hepatitis A or hepatitis B is recommended when someone has been exposed to an infected person.
Among the ways to care for your liver are: limiting alcohol consumption; avoiding liver- damaging drugs; practicing safe sex; avoiding use of illegal drugs; avoiding high doses of vitamins unless prescribed; avoiding tattoos and the sharing of razors; not eating raw shellfish from questionable sources; and carefully following directions for use of toxic substances (e.g., cleaning products).

Tips on Constipation and Incontinence of Stool

2009-07-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Despite widespread belief, constipation is not necessarily a part of growing older.
Bowel habits are similar in both younger and older healthy people.
Constipation is defined as stools that are:
Too small
Too hard
Too difficult to pass
Infrequent (less than 3 per week)
Constipation is caused by:
Not enough dietary fiber or fluids
Medication side effects
Emotional or physical stress
Misconception about normal bowel habits
Lack of activity
Medical problems
How to manage mild-to-moderate constipation:
Gradually add dietary fiber from variou sources
Increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices)
Eat meals on a regular schedule
Chew your food well
Gradually increase daily exercise
Respond to urges to move your bowels
Avoid straining See your doctor if these measures don't work
Dietary therapy (increased fiber and fluids) and fiber supplements are the preferred treatment for chronic constipation.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of stool softeners.
Use of mineral oil or stimulant laxatives regularly, consult your doctor to make sure what you are using is right for you.
Incontinence of stool or fecal soiling is most often due to leakage around a fecal impaction. Removing the impaction will usually restore continence.
Incontinence of stool in healthy older people deserves full education and treatment. Treatment options include:
Adjustment in dietary fiber to reduce amount of stool
Medications to decrease stool frequency
Prescribed use of enemas (not soap enemas)
Biofeedback training
Surgery to restore anal function

Tips on Use of Medications

2009-07-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Use of medications increases with age: 80% of older Americans who live independently receive 20 or more prescriptions per year Residents of nursing homes receive an average of 8-10 drugs per day
It is important to take medications as prescribed. Reasons for not following directions include:
Too many drugs
Error due to visual or mental impairment
Sharing drugs
Changing doctors
Use of over-the-counter drugs
Sparing expense
Drug side effects
Symptoms not improving
See your doctor regularly to check on medications and their effect (bring your medications with you for an office visit or to an emergency room): Drug effect changes with aging There is decreased absorption of drugs through the intestinal tract Decreased kidney function slows drug elimination Metabolism of drugs changes with age
The effect medications have on your body will change with aging. For example: Drug action may last longer Drugs may produce toxicity at a lower dose in mature adults than in younger adults
Remember that all changes you experience are not necessarily due to aging. For example, decrease in salivary flow is: Due to disease or medication not due to aging

5 Tips on Swallowing and Heartburn

2009-07-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Abnormal swallowing is commonly perceived as food "sticking on the way down." If this complaint persists, it is sometimes due to a serious condition and should always prompt medical attention.
Swallowing difficulty may be caused by a number of different problems including:
Poor or incomplete chewing (possibly the result of dental problems, poorly fitted dentures, or eating too quickly)
Abnormal muscle contraction
Scar tissue from chronic inflammation
Infection
Cancer
Heartburn is a very common problem caused by regurgitation or reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, which connects the mouth and the stomach.
Heartburn can often be eliminated by avoiding:
Smoking
Fatty food in the diet
Caffeine
Chocolate
Peppermint
Overeating
Bed-time snacks
Tight-fitting clothes that constrict the abdomen
Certain medications
Heavy lifting, straining
It is important to consider the possibility of heart disease before attributing any kind of chest pain to gastroesophageal reflux.

Excess Weight

2009-07-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Pounds keep returning and it looks they are about to stay, despite the fact that they are uninvited guests? Seems like they won’t leave, no matter how hard you try? It’s time to turn the tables! It takes a bit of collaboration between you and your body, it might as well be hard at first, but, as they say, every path has its puddle.
Being overweight is just as bad as being ill. It needs careful treatment, but preventing a problem is always easier. You can avoid getting fat by simply paying attention to your eating habits, make some changes if needed, come up with plans that work for you. A few tips might help: food selection, timing of meals, food quality and nutrient density. Mind your groceries; choose ingredients that are low on sugar, fat, rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins and minerals. Set a strict frequency of meals and make sure of no stress when it’s time to eat. All of them together result healthy eating, which helps sustain a lower body weight. This system of course, will function a lot better if you get moving. ‘After dinner rest a while, after supper walk a mile.’- does that ring a bell?
As we all know, easier said than done. Usually, it’s too late, and if it is, additional measures have to be taken. Nutritionists will come up with a suitable diet included in a weight loss program that fits you. Sometimes diet pills are added to the regime. These can increase your metabolism, provide you more energy by burning calories or help you control your appetite, which is a number one issue when it comes to sticking to the diet. Diet pills should be taken under medical supervision due to their possible side effects. They are usually recommended for short-term use for they can contribute to the developing of certain diseases during the treatment. There are many kinds of pills on the market; some of them are elaborated in liquid form in order to provide faster absorption.
Anyway, you should look through some aspects such as your excess weight- how many pounds you have to lose in order to achieve an optimal weight, your lifestyle- what weight loss program would fit you best by working out for your time as well, possible diseases you are suffering from and other issues that might occur. Consider all your options and make sure your health is your number-one priority!

What is Cholesterol

2009-07-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol is a substance that is produced from the liver and found in certain foods. It is specifically needed to make vitamin D along with some other important hormones, as well as to build cell walls, and creating a specific type of salt, bile salt, which helps in digesting fat. Our bodies can produce enough to keep us from digesting our food okay, but it is hard to avoid it since many foods readily available today contain it. One thing that psychology and science has taught us is that too much of anything is a bad thing, and that applies with cholesterol as well.
It can be a negative thing if too much is absorbed that it can circulate in the blood stream. If the cholesterol level in the blood gets high, they tend to clog the blood stream which increases risks and sometimes is the reason behind heart disease and strokes. We make too much cholesterol if we eat too much saturated fat, the fats found in animal based foods as well as diary products. Along with the intake, we produce a good sum of cholesterol from our own liver.
There are a total of two different types of cholesterol, and unlike what we may normally think, not all cholesterol is harmful to our bodies. Low-density lipoprotein is the bad type of cholesterol which may clog up blood vessels which in return increases your risk for heart diseases. The second type of cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein which is a good type of cholesterol since it clears the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol out of the blood stream and reduces the overall risk for strokes and heart diseases.
Cholesterol is a type of a lipid which is commonly found in many food sources, especially animal sources. Our bodies produce nearly 1,000 milligrams a day, and we consume many milligrams from the foods we eat daily. It had to be combined with specific proteins in order to be transferred throughout the body, which in return starts blocking those blood streams. Nearly a quarter to a third of the amount of cholesterol is high-density, which also carries cholesterol straight back to the liver so that it can be processed again and sent back out.

Keep a Positive Mental Outlook

2009-07-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

Avoid Excessive Drinking

2009-07-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

Floss Your Teeth

2009-07-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

Wear Your Seat Belt

2009-07-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

Protect Yourself from Pollution

2009-07-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

Reduce Stress

2009-07-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them

Quit Smoking

2009-07-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

Cut Fat

2009-07-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

Move More

2009-07-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!