Friday, April 10, 2009

Bing products for a Healthy You

Submitted by ambreen

Fat is out, Fit is in. People are looking for ways and means to cut their flab and become fabulous. Health supplements offered by bing products are out their to help the health conscious crowd turn their dreams into reality by its wide range of diet products, natural supplements, proteins, vitamins, sports and energy drinks.

Bing products best selling hunger suppressants and diet pills are made up of the Chinese herb ephedra that has been used by Asians for thousands of years because of its fat burning properties. Ephedra helps in faster release of fatty acids that helps curb hunger pangs and assist a person in losing weight. Besides diet pills, high protein shakes, different flavored meal replacement mixes and healthy snacking nutrition bars in chocolate and peanut flavors further help in reaching your goals.

Bing products also offers a wide range of vitamins and mineral caplets that are great bodybuilding supplements currently available. One of the most popular bing products is Myo-D that is rich in omega 3 EPA, which helps in building lean muscles by preventing protein breakdown in the body. Products such as ‘Joint care’, ‘joint repair’ and ‘therajoint’ helps in promoting the collagen growth and repairing connecting tissues that are needed for healthy joint movements. One can even try ‘one a day’ multivitamin caplets or ‘multi mineral’ capsules or even ‘super anti oxidant protective complex’, which are essential for a person’s overall well being.
Bing products offers a wide variety of products to help you in your quest toward your fitness goals. Taking advantage of super heavy weight gainer promoted by bing products can help a bodybuilder get 1200 calories from just 1 serving! Packed with essential fatty acids , vitamins and much needed minerals this product will help a person gain muscles without bloating. And if constant workout both for losing or for gaining weight has resulted in ugly stretch marks on your body bing products offers a solution in form of Studio tan or sunny day golden glow tanning lotions.

Fight Chemical Allergies With Natural Vitamins

Submitted by Darrell Miller

When the body is exposed to certain foreign chemicals, it may respond by producing antibodies to defend its self against the foreign invaders. Almost any substance can cause a reaction in some individuals. Some of the environmental contaminants that often cause problems include: air pollution, gas, oil, coal fumes, formaldehyde, chlorine, phenol, carbolic acid, insecticides, disinfectants, paint strippers, paint, hair sprays, household cleaning products, and metals such as nickel, mercury, chrome, and beryllium.

Chemical allergies often show up on the body as skin reactions. However, there are other possible allergic responses to foreign chemicals. Among these are watery eyes, ringing in the ears, stuffy nose, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, fatigue, eczema, intestinal disorders, depression, and headache. Some people may have a reaction immediately after encountering a chemical allergen, while others may not react for up to twenty-four hours.

The following program of supplements is designed to protect you from and help you deal with the effects of chemical allergies. The dosages recommended are for adults unless otherwise specified. For a child between the ages of twelve and seventeen, the dosage should be reduced to three-quarters the recommended amount, while one-half the recommended amount should be used for a child between six and twelve. A child under the age of six should use one-quarter the recommended amount.

Vitamin A should be taken in dosages of 50,000 IU daily for ten days, then reduced to 25,000 IU daily in order equip the body with powerful free radical scavengers and immune enhancers. Vitamin B complex is essential as allergies hinder the absorption of B vitamins. 100-200 mg of each major B vitamin should be taken daily. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids protects the body from allergens and moderates the inflammatory response. It should be taken in divided dosages of 5,000-20,000 mg daily. 60 mg daily of coenzyme Q10 is important for helping the body to counter histamine, a body chemical that is involved in allergic reactions. Coenzyme Q10 also supports the immune system's detoxification of many dangerous substances and removes toxins from the body. Pycnogenol should be taken as directed on the label, as it serves as a free radical scavenger and aids in protecting bodily cells from damage.

Two hundred micrograms of Selenium should be taken daily because it is essential in immune function and protection of cells. SOD, a potent free radical scavenger, should be taken as directed on the label. 50 mg of zinc should be taken daily. It is important in proper immune function. Two capsules of garlic should be taken three times daily, as it is a powerful immune stimulant, while 500 mg of L-cysteine should be taken daily, as it is an excellent detoxifier.

Manganese should be taken as directed on the label, as it interacts with zinc and copper. Pancreatic enzymes should be taken as directed on the label. They are needed for proper digestion and assimilation of necessary nutrients. Raw thymus, which is important for immune function, should be taken as directed on the label. The following herbs are also helpful in dealing with chemical allergies: calendula, chamomile, elder flower, and tea tree oil.

If you hadn't noticed, most of the above listed supplements boost the immune system. Boosting the immune system is the first step to overcoming allergic reactions and in time will help one resist allergies for a life time. The above listed supplements are available at your local and internet health food store.

Curcumin Is Curry's Secret Agent That Can Fight Painful Inflammation

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that has the potential to provide far-reaching health benefits. It has been shown to be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, and cancer. All of these diseases share underlying inflammation that curcumin may help to diminish.

If you have ever eaten curry or cooked with the spice turmeric, you’ve consumed curcumin. It is obtained from the roots of Curcuma longa and consists of several curcuminoids. Turmeric is biologically related to ginger. Curcumin works as an antioxidant, boosting levels of glutathione S-transferase, which is one of the body’s principal antioxidants. This antioxidant blocks the formation of prostaglandin E2, which is a compound that promotes inflammation within the body. Curcumin also inhibits two inflammation-promoting enzymes: COX-2 and 5-LOX. Additionally, curcumin is able to prevent mutations to DNA, which is an effect that helps to maintain younger, healthier cells.

A study conducted at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson had researchers using a curcumin rich turmeric extract to treat rheumatoid arthritis in laboratory animals. The extract blocked joint inflammation as well as the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone. It did this by inhibiting the genes that are involved in inflammation. Curcumin also holds tremendous promise in preventing cancer, as well as an adjunct treatment. Studies on animals have found that curcumin can protect against colon, intestinal, oral, and skin cancers. Its benefits come from several mechanisms. First of all, it blocks the cell-growth cycle in cancer cells, which eventually leads to destruction. It also reduces free radicals and inflammation, both of which can lead to cancer-causing cell mutations.

Many studies have found that curcumin can protect the liver against a variety of toxic compounds, which is important news for those people who are suffering from liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis. In a recent study, researchers reported that curcumin increased the clearance of creatinine and urea, which are signs of improved kidney function. Additionally, curcumin reduced liver damage from toxic chemicals and excess iron.

Another study found that curcumin has the ability to inhibit the activation and spread of the liver cells that play a role in the development of cirrhosis. Japanese doctors have recently used curcumin, drugs, or placebos to treat 89 patients that have ulcerative colitis. These doctors found that a combination of curcumin and conventional medications resulted in the greatest benefits over six months of treatment. Patients in this study took 1,000 mg of curcumin after breakfast and again after dinner.

Inflammation is the underpinning of all chronic degenerative diseases, making curcumin likely to be beneficial for many different conditions. So far, research has identified curcumin’s benefits for diabetic retinopathy, lung disorders, and skin problems such as psoriasis. A dose of 3.6 g of curcumin reduced PGE2 levels by two-thirds in only one hour. After consuming curcumin daily for one month, PGE2 levels were 57 percent lower than before supplementation began.

Turmeric has been used as a culinary spice for at least 2,000 years. It was listed in an Assyrian herbal in 600 BC, used by ancient Greeks, and widely recommended in Ayurvedic medicine. Native to India and other regions of South Asia, it may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and help maintain mental function. Curcumin is safe in amounts of 500 to 8,000 mg daily, with most supplements providing 500 mg of curcumin.

Turmeric has been proven safe in larger amounts, but is usually limited by taste as a spice. One should look for a standardized supplement that contains at least 90 percent curcumin. Standardized Turmeric can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Curcumin from turmeric is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

A Copper Deficiency Can Lead To Several Health Problems

Submitted by Darrell Miller
Source: ArticleTrader.com

Copper is an essential trace mineral that can impair the ability of white blood cells to fight infection with even the slightest deficiency. Copper is necessary for the proper absorption of iron in the body. It is found primarily in foods that contain iron. If the body does not get a sufficient amount of copper, hemoglobin production decreases, causing copper-deficiency anemia to potentially result.

There are a variety of enzyme reactions that require copper. Copper is essential as a cross-linking agent for elastin and collagen. It is also a catalyst for protein reactions and is also needed for oxygen transport. Copper is used for the metabolism of essential fatty acids. Copper deficiency can result in a variety of symptoms. Among these symptoms are diarrhea, inefficient utilization of iron and protein, and stunted growth. The development of nerve, bone, and lung tissue can be impaired in babies and the structure of these body parts may also be altered.

Because the body is unable to manufacture copper, it must be obtained through the diet. Too much copper produces a condition known as copper toxicity or copper overload. In order for the body to work properly, it is essential that it has a proper balance of copper and zinc. An imbalance can lead to thyroid problems. Additionally, low copper levels can contribute to mental and emotional problems. For example, copper deficiency may be a factor in anorexia nervosa.

Although the FDA has never published a Recommended Daily Allowance for copper, the National Research Council recommends that adults get from 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day, while children obtain 1.5 to 2.5 milligrams and infants less than six months old obtain 0.4 to 0.6 milligrams. For most people, a normal healthy diet will provide the correct amount of copper.

Copper deficiency is most likely to occur in babies who are fed only cow’s milk, persons suffering from a malabsoprtion syndrome known as sprue, persons suffering from kidney disease, and those who chronically take mega-doses of zinc. Long-term use of oral contraceptives can upset the balance of copper in the body. This can cause either excessively high or excessively low copper levels. Copper levels can be determined through a blood test, urine samples, and hair analysis. The basis for a nutritional program to balance body chemistry is determining mineral levels and ratios.

The following nutrients are helpful in combating copper deficiency. The dosages recommended are for adults unless otherwise specified. For a child between the ages of twelve and seventeen, the dosage should be reduced to three-quarters the recommended amount, while one-half the recommended amount should be used for a child between six and twelve. A child under the age of six should use one-quarter the recommended amount.

Copper should be taken in dosages of 5 mg daily for a month, and then reduced to 3 mg daily. This helps to restore copper in the body. It is recommended that a copper amino acid chelate is used. 30 mg of zinc should be taken daily, as it is needed to balance with copper. This amount should not be exceeded and a zinc chelate form should be used. Iron should be taken as directed by a physician, as copper deficiency may cause anemia. Be sure to use a chelate form and do not take iron unless anemia is diagnosed. Additionally, a multivitamin and mineral complex should be taken as directed on the label since all nutrients are necessary in balance.

In conclusion, copper is a wonderful mineral that can help one with immunity and much more. Remember that copper should only be taken in low dosages of 1 to 3 milligrams per day. Copper can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Copper is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Vitamins And Herbs May Help With Glaucoma

Submitted by Darrell Miller
Source: ArticleTrader.com

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss. It is usually associated with elevated fluid pressure within the eye. All forms of glaucoma can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss, even blindness, if left untreated. About 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with glaucoma and as many as 2 million more could have it and not yet know. It is one of the lading causes of blindness and is expected to become more prevalent in years to come due to the growing population of older adults.

Those people who are at greatest risk for developing glaucoma are people over the age of sixty, people of African ancestry, and people with diabetes, high blood pressure, severe myopia, or a family history of glaucoma. Smokers also have an elevated risk, as do those who have sustained eye injuries or who have used steroids for an extended period of time.

About 3 percent of Americans are believed to have open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form of this disease. Because this disorder causes no symptoms until it is quite advanced, only about half of those who have it are actually aware of it. In open-angle glaucoma, there is no physical blockage and the structure of the eye appear to be normal. However, the drainage of fluid is inadequate to keep the intraocular pressure at a normal level.

The most pronounced symptoms of open-angle glaucoma are the gradual loss or darkening of peripheral vision and a marked decrease in night vision or the ability of the eye to adjust to darkness. Other possible symptoms include chronic low-grade headaches, the need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, and/or seeing halos around electric lights.

A far less common, yet more serious, form of glaucoma is closed-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma is much more dangerous than open-angle forms because it almost never manifests any symptoms until very late in the condition. By that time, vision may be irreversibly damaged.

Glaucoma probably has many causes, with many scientists believing it may be closely linked to stress and nutritional problems or disorders like diabetes and high blood pressure. Some think that excessive amounts of glutamic acid, which is a nonessential amino acid, may be involved. Glaucoma has also been linked to deficiency in nitric oxide, which is a molecule that is critical for healthy blood vessels. Problems with collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, have been linked to glaucoma as well. Collagen increases the strength and elasticity of tissues in the body, especially those of the eye. Collagen and tissue abnormalities at the back of the eye contribute to the clogging of the tissues through which the intraocular fluid normally drains. This results in elevated inner eye pressure, leading to glaucoma and related vision loss.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important when dealing with and preventing glaucoma: choline, essential fatty acids, glutathione, rutin, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, a multivitamin and mineral complex, and zinc. Additionally, the following herbs are helpful: bilberry, chickweed, eyebright, coleus forskohli, fennel tea, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, zinc sulfate, jaborandi, and rose hips.

To resolve issues with the eyes, one must change their diet, exercise, and take supplements and herbs like what are listed above. Medical doctors are at a loss as to how glaucoma happens but they can help stop the progression of this disease if detected early on. Always consult your doctor before adding vitamins and herbs to your diet, vitamins and herbs are available at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Vitamins May Help Fight Hair Loss

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Loss of hair or baldness is often referred to as alopecia. Alopecia totalis means loss of all the scalp hair, while alopecia unviersalis means loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. If hair falls out in patches, it is termed alopecia areata. This condition is temporary and does not usually lead to baldness. Heredity, hormones, and aging are all factors that are involved in hair loss. Researchers have not yet determined the exact cause of hair loss, but some scientists believe the body’s immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. On the other hand, many suspect that hair loss is simply a genetic component.

A less dramatic, but much more prevalent type of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (AGA), which is also known as male pattern baldness. AGA is extremely common in men. As the name implies, a genetic or hereditary predisposition to the disorder and the presence of androgens, which are male sex hormones, are involved in this condition. Research has shown that the hair follicles of individuals who are susceptible to AGA may have receptors that are programmed to slow down or shut off hair production once they are influenced by androgens.

Women can also experience the same type of hair loss. However, it is usually not as extensive and most often does not occur until after menopause. All women experience some form of hair thinning as they grow older, especially after menopause. With some, it begins as early as puberty. Additionally, most women lose some hair two or three months after having a baby since hormonal changes prevent normal hair loss during pregnancy.

Demodex follicularum, a species of tiny mite, may be the cause of, or at least a contributing factor, to balding. These mites are present in almost all hair follicles by the time a person reaches middle age. In most cases, these mites cause no harm. Researchers believe that the difference between people who lose their hair and those who do not may be in how the scalp reacts to the presence of these mites. If the body initiates the inflammatory response as it tries to reject the mites, this can close down the hair follicles, which in turn, kill the mites and also kill the hair.

Additionally, hereditary factors that promote hair loss include poor circulation, acute illness, surgery, radiation exposure, skin disease, sudden weight loss, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disease, drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, stress, poor diet, ringworm and other fungal infections, stress, chemicals such as hair dyes, and vitamin deficiencies.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important for dealing with and preventing hair loss: essential fatty acids, raw thymus glandular, vitamin B complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, zinc, coenzyme Q10, DMG, and kelp. Additionally, the following nutrients are helpful in dealing with hair loss: copper, grape seed extract, l-cysteine, MSM, and silica. The following herbs can also help prevent and deal with hair loss: apple cider vinegar, sage tea, ginkgo biloba, horsetail, green tea, pygeum, saw palmetto, and tea tree oil.

With proper diet, nutrition, and dietary supplements, one can rule out whether hair loss is dietary verses hormonal or fungal. Some supplements like evening primrose and omega-3 can help regulate inflammation hormones and hormones that can affect the immune system and hair follicles. Your local or internet health food store can better help you select the right products for each persons hair needs.

Natural Herbs Can Help Fight Gum Disease Like Halitosis

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Most of the time, halitosis is caused by poor dental hygiene. However, there may be other factors involved such as gum disease, tooth decay, heavy metal buildup, infection of the respiratory tract, improper diet, constipation, smoking, fever, diabetes, foreign bacteria in the mouth, indigestion, inadequate protein digestion, liver or kidney malfunction, postnasal drip, stress, and too much unfriendly bacteria in the colon.

Additionally, halitosis can be caused by a buildup of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, salivary gland disorder, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, or diabetes. It is also true that dieting, alcohol abuse, or fasting can also cause bad breath. “Morning breath” is the product of dehydration and the reduction in the amount of saliva. This saliva is necessary for washing away bacteria in the mouth.

Dieters and people who are fasting may often experience bad breath. This is because the lack of food causes the body to break down stored fat and protein for fuel. The metabolic wastes that are a result of this process have an unpleasant odor as they are exhaled from the lungs.

The following nutrients are beneficial for dealing with and preventing bad breath. One tablespoon of chlorophyll can be taken in juice twice daily, as green drinks are one of the best ways to combat bad breath. 2,000 to 6,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids should be taken daily. Vitamin C is important in healing mouth and gum disease and preventing bleeding gums. This nutrient also rids the body of excess mucus and toxins that cause bad breath. Acidophilus should be taken as directed on the label. It is needed to replenish the friendly bacteria in the colon. Insufficient friendly bacteria and an overabundance of harmful bacteria can often cause bad breath.

Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic by destroying foreign bacteria in both the mouth and the colon. It is recommended that you take 2 capsules of the odorless form 4 times daily, with meals and at bedtime. 30 mg of zinc should be taken three times daily as it has an antibacterial effect and neutralizes sulfur compounds. These sulfur compounds are a common cause of mouth odor. Bee propolis should be taken as directed on the label. It is helpful in healing the gums, aiding control of infection in the body, and also has an antibacterial effect. 15,000 IU of vitamin A should be taken daily; it is needed for control of infection and also in healing of the mouth. Additionally, 100 mg of vitamin B complex is needed for proper digestion.

The following herbs are also beneficial for dealing with halitosis. Alfalfa supplies chlorophyll, which cleanses the bloodstream and colon, where bad breath often begins. Gum disease, which is a major factor of bad breath, can be treated with goldenseal extract. This extract can heal the infected parts. Myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, and sage should be used to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. Chewing a sprig of parsley after meals is an excellent treatment for bad breath. This nutrient is rich in chlorophyll, which happens to be a popular ingredient in breath mints. Other herbs that can be beneficial include anise, cloves, and fennel.

Whether you want to take it into your own hands to heal your gums from disease, a gum disease can be a sign of a more significant health problem that should be looked at by our health care provider. In either case, vitamins and herbs can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural Toothpaste is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Fight Mononucleosis By Boosting The Immune System With Herbs

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Mononucleosis is an infectious viral disease that is most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. More rarely, it can be caused by cytomegalovirus. Both of these viruses are members of the herpes family. Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in lymphocytes. Mono then affects the respiratory system, the lymphatic tissues, and glands in the neck, groin, armpits, bronchial tubes, spleen, and liver.

Symptoms of mono include depression, extreme fatigue, fever, generalized aching, headache, jaundice, and loss of appetite, sore throat, pain on the upper left side of the abdomen, puffy eyelids, swollen glands, and sometimes, a bumpy, red rash. Additionally, the spleen may become enlarged and liver function may be affected. Meningitis, encephalitis, and rupturing of the spleen are very rare complications that may develop as a result of mono.

The virus’s associated with mono are extremely contagious, often being transmitted from person to person by close contact such as kissing, which explains why mono is often referred to as the “kissing disease.” The disease can also be spread by sharing food or utensils, as well as through sexual contact or through respiratory droplets. The incubation period for mono is about ten days in children and thirty to fifty days in adults. A lot of mononucleosis cases occur in the military and in colleges, as living conditions are crowded and sleeping patterns are inadequate. High school students also have a high incidence of this disease. Mono is most common among children and adolescents, as about 90 percent of people over age thirty-five have mono antibodies in their blood, which means that they had the disease at some point in their lives, although many do not even know they had it.

The symptoms of mononucleosis are very similar to those of influenza, which often results in mono often being mistaken for it. However, with mono, the symptoms tend to be more persistent, with acute symptoms usually lasting from two to four weeks, and fatigue persisting for three to eight weeks after the other symptoms disappear. The disease can even linger for a year or more in some individuals. It can also produce recurring, but successively milder, attacks. If the immune system has been compromised by an organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, or other viruses, the mono symptoms can be extremely serious and chronic.

Mononucleosis is diagnosed through a blood test called a spot test. This test reveals the presence of specific viral antibodies and also confirms the presence of mono. Additionally, a liver function test can assist in the diagnosis.

The following nutrients are considered to be extremely important in dealing with mononucleosis: acidophilus, proteolytic enzymes, vitamin A with mixed carotenoids, and vitamin C with bioflavonoids. Other nutrients that have proven to be both important and helpful include: DMG, a free-form amino acid complex, garlic, vitamin B complex, zinc lozenges, maitake extract, reishi extract, shiitake extract, a multivitamin and mineral complex, and raw thymus glandular.

Astragalus and Echinacea are also beneficial in boosting the immune system, while cat’s claw has immune-enhancing properties that act against viral infections. Dandelion and milk thistle are beneficial in protecting the liver. Goldenseal helps to fight infection, while olive leaf extract helps to inhibit the growth of viruses that cause mono. Pau d’arco balances the bacteria in the colon and spirulina contains phytonutrients that are helpful in boosting the immune system.

Whether you want to combat mono symptoms naturally or use prescription drugs, always consult your family physician before taking matters into your own hands. A correct diagnosis is important to how one might want to combat sickness in general. Natural vitamins like the ones listed above are available at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Reduce Symptoms Of Motion Sickness Naturally With Vitamins

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Motion sickness is the result of motion causing the eyes, the sensory nerves, and the vestibular apparatus of the ear to send conflicting signals to the brain, causing a loss of equilibrium or a sense of vertigo. Most often, it is experienced in a car, airplane, train, boat, elevator, or swing. Contributing factors to this illness are anxiety, genetics, overeating, poor ventilation, and traveling immediately after eating. A susceptibility to things like offensive odors, sights, or sounds can often precede an attack of motion sickness. Typically, women are affected by this condition more frequently than men are. Elderly people and children under the age of two are usually not affected.

Those people who suffer from motion sickness experience symptoms including severe headaches, queasiness, nausea, and vomiting while flying, sailing, or traveling in automobiles or trains. Other symptoms of motion sickness include cold sweats, dizziness, excessive salivation and/or yawning, fatigue, loss of appetite, pallor, severe distress, sleepiness, weakness, and occasionally, breathing difficulties that make one feel as if they are suffocating. If motion sickness is severe, an attack can make a person feel completely uncoordinated, and sometimes and injury can occur from loss of balance. The motion sickness typically goes away once the stimulus is removed. However, it can also persist for hours or days. If a person suffers from motion sickness for a prolonged amount of time, they may experience depression, dehydration, or low blood pressure. Motion sickness can also worsen any other illnesses that a person already has.

Many natural remedies have been greatly successful in treating motion sickness. The prevention of motion sickness is the key, as it is far easier to prevent than it is to cure. Once excessive salivation and nausea set in, usually it is too late to do anything but wait for the trip to be over so that recovery can begin.

The following nutrients have been recommended to help prevent motion sickness. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages given are for adults. For children between the ages of twelve and seventeen, the dose should be reduced to three-quarters of the recommended amount. For children between six and twelve, one-half of the recommended dose should be used, while one-quarter of the amount should be used for children under the age of six.

Charcoal tablets can be used as a detoxifier. Five tablets should be taken one hour before travel. Magnesium, which acts as a nerve tonic, should be taken in dosages of 500 mg one hour before a trip. To help relieve nausea, 100 mg of vitamin B6 should be taken one hour before a trip, and then 100 mg should be taken again two hours later. Additionally, black horehound can help to reduce nausea. Butcher’s broom, kudzu, and motherwort are great for helping to relieve vertigo. Ginger is beneficial in suppressing nausea, making it an excellent treatment and preventive for nausea and upset stomach.

Lastly, peppermint tea sooths and calms the stomach. Also, a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue is a great way to provide relief from nausea and motion sickness. Peppermint can also be taken in a lozenge form. To learn more information about the above nutrients, contact your local or internet health food store.

Fight The Mumps With Natural Vitamins And Herbs

by Darrell Miller

Mumps, a common viral illness mostly occurring during childhood, is caused by a type of virus that is known as a paramyxovirus that infects the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands that are located at the jaw angles below the ears. Symptoms include swelling of one or both glands plus headache, fever, chills, decreased appetite, sore throat, and pain when swallowing or chewing, especially when swallowing acidic substances such as citrus juices. A lot of times, one of the parotid glands will swell before the other, and as swelling in one gland subsides, the other begins to swell.

Mumps travels from person to person by means of infected droplets of saliva or direct contact with contaminated materials. This illness can be contracted through sneezing, coughing, kissing, talking, breathing, drinking out of the same glass as an infected person, and sharing utensils. This virus has an incubation period that can vary from fourteen to twenty-four days, with the average period being about eighteen days. A person with mumps is contagious any time from forty-eight hours before the onset of symptoms to six days after the symptoms have started. Although this attack is not as contagious as measles or chickenpox, it is similar in that one attack usually gives lifetime immunity.

Mumps occurs most commonly in those children that range between the ages of three and ten. However, it can occur through teenage years and, rarely, in adulthood. If this illness does occur after puberty, the ovaries or testes may become involved and sterility may result. If the testicles are affected, they become swollen and painful, while abdominal pain will result if the ovaries or pancreas is affected. Other organs that can be affected by mumps in rare or severe cases include the brain, pancreas, and kidneys. All of these can potentially cause serious complications.

The following bacteria are beneficial in dealing with mumps. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages given are for adults. For children between the ages of twelve and seventeen, the dose should be reduced to three-quarters of the recommended amount. For children between six and twelve, one-half of the recommended doses should be used, while one-quarter of the amount should be used for children under the age of six. Bifidobacterium bifidus should be taken as directed on the label to provide friendly bacteria, which contains antibiotic substances that inhibit pathogenic organisms. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids helps to destroy the virus and eliminate toxins if taken in dosages of 500 mg every 2 hours until improvement is noted.

One 15 mg zinc lozenge should be taken every 4 to 6 hours to aid healing. Acidophilus should be taken as directed on the label, as it contains antibiotic substances that inhibit pathogenic organisms. A free-form amino acid complex should be taken as directed on the label, as it is important for tissue repair and healing. 50,000 IU of vitamin A with mixed carotenoids should be taken daily, as it potentates immune function. Kelp, which contains essential minerals, iodine, and vitamins, should be taken in dosages of 1,000-1,500 mg daily. Additionally, the following herbs are beneficial in dealing with mumps: catnip, chamomile, dandelion, Echinacea, elderflower, lobelia, mullein, peppermint tea, slippery elm bark, barley, and yarrow.

Vitamin supplements are great to help fight off colds, but with the mumps always consult your doctor, if left untreated further life threatening complications may occur which is not desirable by anybody. Vitamin supplements are available at your local or internet health food store.

You Can Tell The Health Of Your Body By How Your Finger Nails Look

Submitted by Darrell Miller

The nails are responsible for protecting the nerve-rich fingertips and tips of the toes from injury. Nails are part of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. They are mainly composed of keratin, which is a type of protein. The nail bed is the skin on top of which the nails grow, as they grow from 0.05 to 1.2 millimeters each week. If a nail is lost, it takes approximately seven months for it to grow out fully.

Those nail beds that are healthy are pink, which indicates a rich blood supply. Changes or abnormalities in the nails are often a result of nutritional deficiencies or other underlying conditions. The nails are able to reveal a great deal about the body’s internal health. Nail abnormalities on either the fingers or the toes can give evidence to an underlying disorder.

There are many changes that nutritional deficiencies can produce in the nails. A lack of protein, folic acid, and vitamin C are responsible for hang nails, while white bands across the nails are an indicator for protein deficiency. Dryness and brittleness indicates a lack of vitamin A and calcium. Horizontal and vertical ridges in the nails means that there is a deficiency of the B vitamins, while an insufficient intake of vitamin B12 can lead to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved nail ends, and darkened nails. Iron deficiency can lead to nails that develop a concave shape and/or vertical ridges. White spots on the nails can be caused by a deficiency of zinc. Inadequate amounts of friendly bacteria in the body can result in the growth of fungus under and around the nails, while a lack of hydrochloric acid contributes to the splitting of nails.

The following supplements are essential in promoting healthy nail growth. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages given are for adults. For children between the ages of twelve and seventeen, the dose should be reduced to three-quarters of the recommended amount. For children between six and twelve, one-half of the recommended dose should be used, while one-quarter of the amount should be used for children under the age of six.

Acidophilus should be taken as directed on the label, as it inhibits the harmful bacteria that cause fungal infection. A free-form amino acid complex can also be taken as directed on the label, on an empty stomach, to provide the building materials for new nails. Silica supplies silicon, which is needed for hair, bones, and strong nails. It should be taken as directed on the label. Vitamin A emulsion should be taken in dosages of 50,000 IU daily, as the body cannot utilize protein without vitamin A. Black currant seed oil is helpful for weak, brittle nails and should be taken in dosages of 500 mg twice daily. Calcium and magnesium should be taken as directed on the label, as they are necessary for nail growth.

Iron should be taken as directed by a physician, as deficiency produces spoon nails and/or vertical ridges. A vitamin B complex should be taken as directed on the label, as deficiencies result in fragile nails. To prevent hangnails and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail, 3,000 to 6,000 mg daily of vitamin C with bioflavonoids should be taken. 50 mg daily of zinc is beneficial for affecting absorption and action of vitamins and enzymes.

Additionally, the following herbs are helpful: alfalfa, black cohosh, burdock root, dandelion, gotu kola, yellow dock, horsetail, oat straw, borage seed, flaxseed, lemongrass, parsley, primrose, pumpkin seed, sage, butcher’s broom, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, rosemary, sassafras, and turmeric.

Healthy looking nails can tell you if your body is getting the right nutrients from your diet. When you find your nails are not looking well, consider the above vitamins, minerals and herbs to help restore healthy looking finger and toe nails. The vitamins and herbs listed can be found at your local or internet health food store.

Why Should You Buy From Bailey's Health Store?

Submitted by copitek

As with anything on the internet you are going to find that there is a plethora of diet nutrition and herbal supplement stores to shop at. Of course you want to find the store that has the best products at the most reasonable prices. These are just a couple of the many reasons why you will want to shop at Bailey’s health store.

As you enter Bailey’s health store online you are going to find that this is no store wasting your time on overpriced products. You are going to find products sold at the actual manufacturer’s suggested retail prices leading you directly to a great value.

The goal of this store is to provide you with high-quality diet nutrition products that you can benefit from. You have nothing to worry about as you will find targeted diet nutrition program kits that are created specifically for your needs and wants.

You will find a wide range of diet nutrition products and herbal supplements to take advantage of. Some of the products you will find include vitamins, packaged diet nutrition kits, herbal supplements as teas, tablets and snacks, physical fitness and sport nutrition vitamins and herbal supplements, and natural weight loss diet nutrition programs.

All of the products created by Bailey’s health store are targeted for your specific needs. They are going to help improve your cardiovascular health, help boost your immune system, strengthen bones, strengthen and heal joints and cartilage, and help you lose weight and maintain a healthy fit.

Not only will you find diet nutrition and herbal supplement products, but there is also a wide range of natural skin care products you can take advantage of at affordable rates. All of these skin care products are made from the best all-natural sources. Some of the all-natural sources that are found in these products include aloe vera, Australian tea tree oil and Vitamin E.

This online health store is a one-stop shop for all of your health needs. There is a wide array of products that are intended for anyone and everyone. You will find healthy snacks and drinks, health beauty products for your skin, hair and nails, physical fitness and nutrition products, and products made specifically for men’s and women’s health.

Whether you are looking to improve something in your lifestyle or maintain a specific level of fitness, this is the store for you. You will find quality products at affordable prices while tracking down the exact formula for you.

Vitamins Can Support The Cardiovascular System And Fight Inflammation

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense against pathogens. The increase in body temperature, flood of toxic free radicals and inflammation-signaling proteins, and release of killer macrophage cells are the main signs of an inflammatory event that is the body’s long-established means of defending against a clear and present danger. This adaptive response can now become a cause for debilitating disease. It is even thought that the aging process may be linked to the very defense mechanism that keeps us healthy when we are young. As we grow older, our ability to regulate inflammation begins to diminish. Instead of protecting us, inflammation becomes silent and systemic, allowing degenerative disease to take root. The symptoms of silent inflammation are extremely different from acute inflammation of redness, heat, swelling, and pain, and can lie undetected until it has been around for far too long.

Silent inflammation causes the body to turn on itself, as its immune system begins attacking its own organs. Over time, inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and inflammation producing eicosanoids like prostaglandin E-2 and leukotrienes B-4, start to destroy tissue all over the body. In response to this attack, the body produces even more inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, which creates a self-perpetuating cycle. Silent inflammation damages arteries, destroys nerve cells and organs, compromises the immune system, and promotes cancerous growths. Despite how well they feel today, those with silent inflammation are on a fast track toward degenerative disease. On the good side, preventative measures that are taken today to reduce inflammation can prevent degenerative diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s tomorrow.

When there are equal numbers of good and bad eicosanoids, a state of wellness is able to prevail within the body. However, when they become chronically unbalanced, many problems result. This balance is, interestingly, highly dependant upon the level of insulin that is found in the body. High insulin levels, whether they are induced by sugar overload, the onset of insulin resistance, or the hormonal effects of excess fat, set the stage for systematic inflammation. As insulin levels climb, oxidative stress increases dramatically, causing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Along with being too high in refined sugar, the average North American diet is filled with inflammation-promoting fats and scarce in inflammation-reducing omega-3 fats; the consequence of this chronic fatty acid imbalance in an increase in systemic inflammation.

As inflammation rises, so does the production of cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands and is intricately involved in the body’s response to stress. In an attempt to reduce inflammation, cortisol increases blood pressure, elevates blood-sugar levels, and suppresses the immune system. This means that systemic inflammation produces chronically elevated levels of cortisol, which then place a heavy physiological burden on all organs, causing a dramatic increase on the risk of degenerative disease.

Fortunately, changing the balance within the body to favor the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids can be achieved through a conscious dietary change. By simply increasing your dietary intake of fatty fish, eating raw nuts and grains rich in healthy fats, and supplementing with a high-quality cold-pressed fish oil or flaxseed oil, and concurrently decreasing your intake of red meats, eggs, high-glycemic foods, and foods high in saturated fats, chronic inflammation can be reduced greatly. Vitamin supplements can boost ones antioxidant intake and help fight inflammation as well. Quality vitamins are available at your local or internet health food store.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Optimal Nutrition For Optimal Health And Wellness

Submitted by Darrell Miller

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, US National Academy of Sciences, has been setting national standards for nutrient intake for over 60 years. The recommendations are often referred to and known as the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). Similar standards to the US RDAs have been adopted in over 40 countries. RDAs were originally developed during World War II when it was determined that a comprehensive set of standards was necessary to establish scientifically valid baselines for nutrient intake.

The standards were necessary to provide guidance for the development of wartime rationing measures amongst the armed forces and civilian populations. With this in mind, the recommendations were minimal in nature, as they established the lowest levels of nutrient intake required in order to avoid common maladies that were associated with nutritional deficiencies. Some of these deficiencies include diseases such as rickets, scurvy, pellagra, and beriberi. The RDAs were not designed or never intended, to address the ideal levels of intake required for optimal health.

The RDA for a particular nutrient is based on the amount of nutrient that is required in order to prevent failure of a specific function or the development of an observable clinical deficiency. Since these RDAs were developed fro demographic groups within a population, there are separate recommendation is for different ages, genders, and physiological states. The recommendations are made for healthy individuals only and do not consider the needs of those who have particular nutritional needs due to different disease states. Since their creation in 1943, the RDAs are revised each decade, with the evaluation of new scientific evidence that has emerged. In some cases, these revisions have resulted in the lowering of the recommended intake of certain nutrients.

The basis that the American population is “healthy” simply because its citizens do not exhibit classical symptoms of clinical nutritional deficiencies is extremely flawed. The decision of the US Food and Nutrition Board to reduce further the RDAs of several important nutrients seems to be a nonsensical choice. America and Canada are both nations that seem to be awash in illness, with two-thirds of adults being overweight and obesity running in epidemic. The incidence of heart disease is that major killer and reflects the dietary and lifestyle choices, while the rising prevalence of several cancers, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders threaten to take over our healthcare systems.

The dramatic increase in the consumption of nutritional supplements in order to achieve long-term health has not gone unnoticed by the pharmaceutical industry or the regulatory authorities in North America, as some governments have developed recommendations on tolerable upper levels of intake for several nutrients. Since RDA recommendations define the lower limits of daily nutrient intake that are necessary to avoid acute nutritional deficiencies, they do not address the requirements for optimal nutrition, as they were not designed to do so. Because of this, some governments are considering using the US RDAs to limit the levels of nutrients that are needed in commercial dietary supplements.

If such a policy were put into place, the validated benefits of high-dose supplementation for the maintenance of optimal health and the treatment of specific disease processes would be dismissed. Dietary supplements are an important part of many American diets. The ability for one to take health in to their own hands is important to all those people. Natural vitamins are available at your local or internet health food sore.

Fight Off Free Radical Damage Wtih Powerful Antioxidants

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Free radicals are highly unstable and extremely short lived. Their lifespan measures a trillionth of a second or less. Free radicals generally do not carry a net charge on the molecule, making their reactivity different from the reactivity of other similar ions. The unpaired electrons of a free radical create an activated energy state, which makes the molecule extremely reactive on a chemical basis. During their short existence, free radicals that are highly unstable can cause considerable damage to the cell, leaving a field of destruction in their wake.

One of life's strangest paradoxes is that oxygen, the giver of life, can also be our mortal enemy. Although it is essential for life, the involvement of oxygen in the cell's respiratory processes is one of the main factors of growing old. When the molecules that make up our entire body give up an electron, they are oxidized. On the other hand, when they accept an electron, they are reduced. Reduction is basically the controlled oxidation or combustion by proteins called enzymes. The result of this controlled oxidation is broken down molecules, releasing energy.

During cellular respiration, some of the electrons that are exchanged escape. These electrons are unstable due to their configuration, and are extremely aggressive, as they react with and damage other molecules in the cell. About 2-5% of the electrons that pass through the cell's respiratory processes are turned into this kind of unstable electron. These unstable electrons are often referred to as free radicals. A cell will often snuff out free radicals by neutralizing them with antioxidants, as they donate electrons in order to convert the unstable electron into a more stable form. During this process, the antioxidant itself becomes oxidized and needs to be replenished. Unfortunately, if the cell's antioxidant status has been depleted because of excessive physiological demands or a chronic nutritional insufficiency, the cells capacity is likely to become extinguished due to the continuous flux of free radicals.

Not everything about free radicals is bad for the cell. Free radicals are extremely important in a number of biological processes. They are crucial for the body's immune response, as they kill bacteria and other invading pathogens by neutralizing them. Free radicals also are important in certain cell signaling processes, including the initiation of the inflammatory response. The secret to free radicals lies in balance. Because of this, it is essential that the cells of your body be maintained in their optimal nutritional state.

Even a moderate amount of exercise can change the body's cellular redox balance, causing the release of tons of free radicals; for this reason, those athletes who push themselves to the limits of physical endurance need high levels of antioxidant protection daily. If left unchecked, free radical damage can threaten the integrity of essential bimolecular and structural components found in the cell, including lipids in the membranes of the cell, enzymatic and structural proteins, and DNA that encodes the cell's genetic blueprint. Once the damage begins, the process of degenerative disease and accelerated aging also begins.

It is essential for us to avoid the release of free radicals due to antioxidant stores or chronic inflammation in the cells and tissues of the body. This is why supplement manufactures have come up with antioxidant formulas to help restore the body to maximum performance. Quality antioxidant formulas are available at your local or internet health food store.

Fight Colds And Flu With natural Vitamin C

Submitted by Darrell Miller

The coming of winter brings the possibility of becoming sick for many people. Millions of Americans suffer from at least one bout of the flu or cold each year, which results in millions of hours of lost work time, millions of dollars spent on remedy products, and flat-out despair. Those people who do come down with a cold or flu end up seeking out syrups, lozenges, tablets, and pills that are not designed to get rid of the ailment, but suppress its various symptoms instead.

There has been no cure to date for the various strains of viruses that cause colds and flu. Although conventional medicine has attempted to suppress the symptoms of the flu and cold, most of the products are relatively ineffective and come along with a variety of side effects. Thankfully, there are natural methods and products that help to prevent infection from cold and flu viruses and also help to shorten the duration and lessen the severity of a cold/flu infection.

The differences between a cold and flu are often imperceptible. However, there are several differences. Although there are more than 20 identified major virus families, most colds come from only five of these. Three other virus families produce flu, which are usually identified as A, B, and C strains. Flu types B and C are generally mild in adults, both of which are often confused as bad colds. Once a person experiences a type C flu, they usually gain immunity, although children can get it more than once. The type A flu virus is the least stable and most volatile, as it changes genetic makeup frequently. Type A strains cause more severe symptoms than a cold and individuals do not generally develop an immunity to it. The virus found in the type A flu are generally the viruses that produce epidemics.

The flu is almost always more severe than a cold, as it is usually accompanied by fever, chills, and aches. The onset of a flu is also much more rapid than that of a cold, with a flu usually lasting anywhere from a few days to a week. However, residual effects from the flu can last up to a few weeks.

Most colds come from one of five virus families, with almost half coming from the rhinovirus family. The rhinovirus wasn’t officially detected until the late 1980s. Colds are usually restricted to the nose, throat, and surrounding air passages and usually do not bring fever, chills, or the more severe symptoms that often associated with the flu. Unfortunately, the duration of symptoms of a cold is usually longer than that of the flu, as it sometimes lasts several weeks at a time.

Viruses are the cause of the majority of symptoms that are found along with a cold or flu. They are involved in the cause of these symptoms in several ways. First of all, some of the symptoms of a cold are caused by the body’s own response to the infection. Some of these symptoms include cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Viruses often prompt what is termed a disease process, in which antibodies are produced that attach to the viruses they’re fighting as both travel throughout the body.

The virus is able to destroy or damage vital organs that they invade. Depending on the extent of the infection in the organs, along with the overall virus invasion, the body’s immune system can be worn down, which makes it much more susceptible to other infections. Fortunately, natures provides relief. Those who suffer from the flu or a cold can take vitamin C which has been shown to reduce the severity and length of ones cold.

Year after year the flu will rear its butt and there is little we can do accept keep clean by washing our hands regularly. Even though the flu can not be stopped, vitamins like vitamin C can help reduce the length and severity the cold one experiences. Quality vitamin C is inexpensive and available at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamin C is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Natural And Herbal Supplements For Treating Cold And Flu Infections

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Echinacea, zinc, vitamin C, and garlic are all the most well-known and respected supplements concerning the maintenance and strengthening of the immune system. Echinacea contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, essential oils, polyacetylenes, and alkylamides, which contribute to the herb’s therapeutic benefits. These constituents are responsible for a variety of immuno-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.

Echinacea possesses the ability to enhance the movement of white blood cells into infected areas of the body. Echinacea also affects many of the immune system’s cells that are responsible for slowing viral and bacterial infection. Additionally, this herb enhances the performance of macrophages in the immune system, which are responsible for engulfing foreign material like bacteria, viruses, and dead cellular matter. Echinacea also has the ability to kill viruses that indirectly encourage the production and release of interferon, which is a substance that potentially blocks the transcription of viral RNA.

Zinc has been recognized for an extended amount of time as a protection against colds. It is well known that zinc deficiencies are linked to immune system-related disorders as well as the increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Zinc throat lozenges have become very popular in treating colds over the last few years. One recent study found that zinc is not only beneficial to the immune system, but also necessary for its optimal function.

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known nutrients for battling the effects of colds and flu. Its benefits have been known for years, with a large body of research indicating its effectiveness in reducing the severity and duration of colds an flu. Additionally, vitamin C acts as an immunostimulant by enhancing white blood cell production, increasing interferon levels and antibody responses, promotes secretion of thymic hormones, and improves connective tissue.

There is conflicting information on how much vitamin C one should take, but most experts agree that the FDA’s recommended dietary intake is not sufficient. Many doctors suggest taking large doses, as much as 10,000 mg when suffering from a cold or flu. One of the great things about vitamin C is that it can be found abundantly in many fruits and vegetables. The best food sources include broccoli, sweet peppers, collards, cabbage, spinach, kale, parsley, melons, potatoes, tangerines, and Brussels sprouts.

Garlic, which is extremely well known as a culinary additive, is actually one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs as it is found throughout the world and employed for various therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. It is common in Chinese herbal medicine and has recently received a great deal of attention in the U.S. and other Western countries. Recent research has found that garlic possesses powerful capabilities relating the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infection. Garlic possesses antiviral and antibacterial capabilities and has been shown repeatedly to simulate and improve performance by the body’s immune systems. Studies on garlic have shown that it has the ability to actually kill flu and cold viruses. Garlic also can protect the body from invading virus cells by enhancing the body’s immune functions.

Additional herbs and natural supplements that are useful in fighting cold and flu viruses include goldenseal, pau d’arco, astragalus, licorice, peppermint, and beta carotene. No matter what you choose to do by way of a doctor or natural alternative, supplements such as these discussed have zero side effects if taken as recommended on the bottles label. Natural vitamins and herbs can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

You Can Benefit From Probiotics

Submitted by Howard Rybko

Probiotics are dietary supplements of specific types of helpful and beneficial living micro-organisms. The world teems with micro- organisms of both the helpful and harmful kind. Probiotics aim to replace and balance the natural levels of “good” bacteria and yeast that are found in normal human intestines.

Lactic acid bacteria are the most common micro-organisms used as probiotics. These types of bacteria ferment diary products and are used for making yogurt for example. They lower the acidity of the stomach and compete for growth with non beneficial organisms in the stomach.

Uses of Probiotics

Often prescribed by doctor following a course of antibiotics, probiotics are used to replace any beneficial micro-organisms lost because of the antibiotics.
They can be used to supplement conventional medication for a number of conditions these conditions include:

• Diarrhoea
• Vaginal infections
• IBS
• Ulcerative colitis
• Chron’s disease
• Stomach ulcers caused by , H. pylori infection

Probiotics are defined by the World Heath Organization as: Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’.

Normal intestines contain hundreds of different types of probiotic bacteria. These bacteria are called probiotic because they interact with the environment in the intestine to allow better absorption of nutrients in food.

There is nothing modern about the use of probiotics. These supplements have been used for thousands of years to promote health (mainly in the form of fermented products like milk). Modern supplements aim to make the taking of probiotics more convenient by providing them in pill, capsule and powder forms.

Do Probiotics Actually Work?

In addition to our long historical use of probiotics and all the anecdotal evidence around that, there is good medical evidence supporting probiotic use, especially in these areas:

• Diarrhoea treatment and recovery
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Urinary track infections
• Eczema

There are other areas where there may be benefits but the above have scientific support.

Remember

Always make sure that you use a good quality probiotic supplement. Always inform your doctor if you are taking a dietary supplement as part of your treatment.

Think carefully before stopping any prescribed medication and replacing that medication with dietary supplements alone.

References:
1) Wikipedia: Probiotic
2) FAO/WHO (2001) Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria.
3) Medicinenet: Probiotics
4) WebMD: Probiotics

Stop Hemorrhoids With All Natural Psyllium Husk Fiber

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Stop Hemorrhoids With All Natural Psyllium Husk Fiber

Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anus and in the rectum swell and may protrude from the anus. The word hemorrhoid comes from the word hemo which means blood and rrhoids which means discharging. Hemorrhoids are also known as piles, which comes from the Latin word pila, meaning ball. Hemorrhoids are a lot like varicose veins, as they enlarge and lose their elasticity. This results in a saclike protrusion into the anal canal. Hemorrhoids are not tumors growths. Instead, they can be caused and aggravated by sitting or standing for prolonged periods, violent coughing, lifting heavy objects, and straining at bowel movements. This occurs especially when constipated.

However, bouts of diarrhea accompanied by involuntary spasms can further the problem. Other factors that contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids include obesity, lack of exercise, liver damage, food allergies, and insufficient consumption of dietary fiber. Hemorrhoids are extremely common during pregnancy and after childbirth, with hormonal changes and pressure exerted by the growing fetus are a huge being the main reason. About half of all Americans have had hemorrhoids by the age of fifty, with the incidence increasing with age until age seventy, and then decreasing again.

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, burning, pain, inflammation, swelling, irritation, seepage, and bleeding. The bleeding can be startling or even frightening, as it is usually bright red during bowel movements. Although it does signal that something is slightly off in the digestive system, rectal bleeding is not necessarily an indication of a serious disease.

There are three different kinds of hemorrhoids, which are categorized depending on their location, severity, and the amount of pain, discomfort, or aggravation that they cause. These three types include external, internal, and prolapsed.

External hemorrhoids develop under the skin at the opening of the anal cavity. They may form a hard lump and cause painful swelling if a blood clot forms. When an external hemorrhoid swells, the tissue in the area becomes firm but sensitive and often turns blue or purple in color. Most often, this type of hemorrhoid affects younger people and can be extremely painful.

Internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum, are usually painless, especially if they are located above the anorectal line. This is because rectal tissues lack nerve fibers. However, internal hemorrhoids tend to bleed, with blood appearing to be bright red.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that collapse and protrude outside the anus. These are often accompanied by a mucous discharge and heavy bleeding. Prolapsed hemorrhoids often become thrombosed, forming clots within that prevent their receding. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can also be extremely painful.

To our knowledge, hemorrhoids are unique to human beings, with no other creature developing this problem. This can be taken as an indication that our dietary and nutritional habits play a greater role in this disorder than anything else. About 50 to 75 percent of this country’s population develops hemorrhoids at one time or another, with many people being unaware of them. Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, but they tend to become more common as people grow older. Those younger people, pregnant women, and women who have had children seem to be most susceptible, with heredity also playing a part in the tendency to develop hemorrhoids. Although hemorrhoids can be quite painful, they usually are not a serious threat to our health.

The following nutrients can help prevent and treat hemorrhoids: calcium, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, coenzyme Q10, DMG, garlic, potassium, shark cartilage, vitamin A, and vitamin D3. Additionally, the following herbs are also beneficial: aloe vera gel, bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, white oak, comfrey root, elderberry, yarrow, witch hazel, buckthorn bark, collinsonia root, parsley, red grape vine leaves, and stone root.

Looking at that list one might think wow that could be expensive. Fortunately, the single most important factor to prevent hemorrhoids is fiber. Adding dietary fiber to ones diet can eliminate constipation and all the complications that follow with bowel problems. Fiber supplements can be an easy solution to the lack of fiber on ones diet. Psyllium husk is a natural fiber that can be taken daily to help alleviate constipation and is relatively inexpensive. Fiber supplements are available at your local or internet health food store.

Natural Vitamins And Herbs Can Help The Body Fight Jaundice

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Jaundice is the result of a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. This buildup causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Bilrubin is a yellow-brown substance that results when old red blood cells break down. If this waste product is not removed from the bloodstream by the liver, as it should be, a backup of bilirubin in the blood occurs, which produces the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes that is associated with jaundice. Those with jaundice may have darker urine than normal, while the stools may appear lighter. Jaundice may be accompanied by fluid retention in the trunk of the body, fatigue, generalized itching, nausea, rashes on the skin, and vomiting.

Jaundice is not a disease in itself, but rather a sign of any one of several blood or liver disorders. Some conditions that can cause jaundice include cirrhosis of the liver, pernicious anemia, hepatitis, and hemolysis which is the abnormal destruction of red blood cells. Jaundice can also be a sign of an obstruction in the path of the bile flow. Bile flows from the liver through the bile ducts, to the gallbladder, and then to the intestinal tract.

If, for any reason, any part of the biliary tract is obstructed, the bile passes back into the bloodstream instead of into the digestive system. This flow of bile, which contains bilirubin, then produces jaundice. Sometimes, jaundice can be caused by some form of parasitic infestation like a tapeworm or hookworm. Jaundice can also be caused by a bite from a flea or mosquito that carries a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It can also be caused by a tumor, a gallstone, or inflammation.

Some degree of jaundice is especially common in newborn babies, especially those that are premature. This condition is not considered to be serious in babies. Generally, this condition occurs because a new baby’s liver is limited in its ability to process bilirubin. In most cases, the condition will quickly resolve itself.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important in treating and preventing jaundice. Coenzyme Q10 should be taken as directed on the label to promote tissue oxygenation and remove toxic substances from the body. Colostrum should also be taken as directed on the label, as it improves immune function and protects the liver. Grape seed extract should be taken as directed on the label, as it acts as a powerful antioxidant and aids the liver in removing toxic substances from the body.

L-glutathione should be taken in dosages of 500 mg daily to protect the liver, while raw liver extract should be taken as directed on the label to assist in building the liver. SAMe aids in relief of stress and depression, eases pain, and produces antioxidant effects that can improve the health of the liver. It should be taken as directed on the label. Vitamin B complex is necessary for proper digestion, absorption of nutrients, and formation of red blood cells. It also helps to maintain the health of the eyes, liver, and skin.

Vitamin C should be taken in dosages of 3,000 to 6,000 mg daily, as it combines with toxic substances to render them harmless and remove them from the body. Additionally, burdock root, red clover, celandine, chaparral, dandelion, oregano, and Silymarin (milk thistle) are very beneficial herbs for helping with jaundice.

If you choose to take natural supplements for jaundice just remember that this is a sign of a more serious issue in the body that must be addressed. Always consult a physician before starting vitamin supplements. Natural vitamin supplements like the ones listed above are available at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural vitamins not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Boost Memory With Natural Vitamin And Herbal Supplements

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Our memory is as natural to us as breathing. An ability we all have, but don’t often think of, it doesn’t seem to cross our mind until we perceive that we are losing the ability. Memory lapses are an annoyance in themselves, but the anxiety that often comes along with them seems to be even worse. We often wonder if our memory problems are a symptom of some other problem like midlife depression, arteriosclerosis, or even Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s disease is a fairly common disorder among older people, one must realize that most memory lapses have nothing to do with Alzheimer’s disease.

Generally, it is believed that increasing age brings about an increased likelihood of developing memory loss. The mildest form of this illness is called age-associated memory impairment. This is characterized by one’s perception of his or her own memory loss and it is estimated that it is experienced by 40 percent of Americans over the age of sixty-five. Not all memory loss is attributable to aging, as occasional memory lapses are a natural normal part of life at almost any age, and are not likely to precede serious memory loss. With a proper diet, nutrition, and memory use, the memory should remain sharp and active well into one’s nineties or beyond.

One big reason why people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. The life of the body is in the blood, as it literally feeds and nourishes every cell within our bodies. Only certain substances are allowed to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, thanks to the protective envelope that is known as the blood-brain barrier. If the blood is thick with cholesterol and triglycerides, the amount of nutrient-rich blood that can pass through the blood-brain barrier decreases. This can result in the brain becoming malnourished over time.

The functioning of the brain also depends upon substances that are referred to as neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that act as electrical switches in the brain and are responsible for all the functions of the body. If the brain does not have an adequate supply of neurotransmitters, or the nutrients to make them, it starts to develop something similar to a power failure or a short circuit. If you are trying to recall as specific fact or piece of information and your mind goes blank, it is likely that the above “short circuit” has occurred.

There are many other factors that are involved in the deterioration of the memory. One of the most important is exposure to free radicals, which can cause huge amounts of damage if the memory is unchecked. Alcoholics and drug addicts often suffer a great deal of memory loss, with alcoholics being notorious for huge memory gaps that occur even though they are conscious. Allergies, candidiasis, stress, thyroid disorders, and poor circulation to the brain can also contribute to memory loss, while hypoglycemia can play a role in memory loss as well, as the brain requires that the level of glucose in the blood fall within a specific narrow range. Wide swings in blood sugar levels affect brain function and memory.

The following nutrients are beneficial in dealing with and preventing memory loss: acetylcholine, boron, DMAE, garlic, huperzine A, lecithin granules, manganese, multivitamin and mineral complex, omega-3 fatty acid complex, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine, SOD, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, acetyl-l-carnitine, l-glutaine, l-tyrosine, coenzyme Q10, DHEA, DMG, melatonin, NADH, pregnenolone, RNA and DNA, Brahmi, ginkgo biloba, anise, blue cohosh, ginseng, gotu kola, and rosemary.

All of the above mentioned as well as formulas tailored to help improve memory can be found in capsule, table, or power forms. Remember, only look to name brands such as Solaray, Source Naturals and Natures Plus for quality products. Memory vitamins and herbs can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Anti-inflammatory Herbs Like Curamin Can Naturally Fight Pain

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammations by acting on the body mechanics. These Anti-inflammatory herbs are usually applied externally to the affected area or taken internally. They are safe and effective method for treatment of itching, redness, swelling and local discomfort as well as internal inflammation.

Inflammation is, by its nature, a protective response. Some insult or injury will occur, ranging from infection to blunt injury to just plain overuse of a body part, and the body will respond with a group of physical and chemical changes that are designed to isolate the damaged body part and the infecting agent, if there is one. Although the causes are many, inflammation has some common characteristics namely pain, swelling, heat, redness, and loss of function of the part in question. One or all of these signs can indicate inflammation.

Although inflammation normally serves a protective response, it can get out of control and become damaging. Extreme pain can detract from quality of life, and loss of function of a body part can be either inconvenient or deadly, depending on whether we're talking about the little finger or a vital organ. In some cases, such as allergies and autoimmune disorders, the inflammatory response is basically a mistake, a case of the immune system attacking when it has no real need to.

C-reactive protein, which is used as a measure of the body's history of inflammation, is a better predictor of heart attacks than cholesterol. So clearly, there are times when it's important to control inflammation. Tragically, anti-inflammatory drugs, both prescription and over the counter, kill people. Drug industry estimates put the death toll for these drugs in the hundreds of thousands over the past decade. And when you think about it, running a serious risk of death for the chance at reducing inflammation isn't such a good deal.

This is why natural herbal companies have for year’s not formulated herbal combinations that have anti-inflammatory properties. Quality brands such as Source Naturals and Europharma can obtain pure raw materials and package some of the finest natural vitamins and herbs on the market today. One such formula is curamin, which has powerful herbs such as Boswellia, turmeric, and amino acids like DLPA. All of which help the body naturally deal with inflammation in the body.

Both Boswellia and turmeric are considered ayurvedic herbs from Asian countries. For centuries traditional medicine practitioners have used these herbs and others to help defend against a large array of disease that strike man kind. These two herbs have more scientific backing then any other to date.

Fortunately, natural herbs have zero side effects unlike those over the counter or prescription drugs. An over dose of herbs can cause intestinal discomfort and diarrhea which is the extent of what may happen. Natural anti-inflammatory formulas come in capsule, tablet, and powder forms. Stop into your local or internet health food store for great anti-inflammatory herbs like Curamin.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Herbal formulas like curamin are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Prevent Constipation With Psyllium Husk Fiber

Submitted by Darrell Miller

Constipation occurs when one has difficulty passing stools, or infrequently passes hard, dry stools. This is the result of food moving extremely slowly through the large intestine. From time to time, most people experience constipation. However, lifestyle changes and better eating habits can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent recurrences. Constipation usually results from insufficient amounts of fiber and fluids in the diet. Fiber can be found in plant foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Fiber that is water-soluble takes on a soft texture and is helpful in softening the stools. Insoluble fiber goes through the large intestine unchanged and is helpful in adding bulk to the stools to stimulate bowel contractions.

Other factors that can cause constipation include inadequate exercise, advanced age, muscle disorders, structural abnormalities, bowel diseases, neurogenic disorders, and a poor diet, especially a heavy consumption of junk food. Constipation can also be a side effect of iron supplements and some drugs, like painkillers and antidepressants. It is also common during pregnancy. High levels of calcium and low levels of thyroid hormone can also lead to constipation. Those with kidney failure are also prone to having problems with constipation. Constipation is often caused by dehydration in older individuals, with depression being a factor in people of any age. Some medications, like cough syrups, pain medications that contain codeine, antidepressants, iron supplements, blood pressure and heart medicines, calcium supplements, and some antihistamines can also cause constipation.

A small percentage of people with spinal injuries and other similar problems have constipation because the nerves that usually regulate bowel movement have been damaged or destroyed. A condition referred to as Hirshsprung’s disease makes the normal excretion of feces impossible because the nerves inside the bowel are missing. The nerve cells in the colon can also be damaged by long-term use of laxatives, which makes constipation inevitable. A thrombosed hemorrhoid, anal fissure, or a pocket of infection at the anus can create a spasm of pain that is strong enough to contract the muscles and prevent the evacuation of stools.

Constipation can cause a variety of other ailments such as appendicitis, bad breath, body odor, coated tongue, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue, gas, headaches, hemorrhoids, hernia, indigestion, insomnia, mal-absorption syndrome, obesity, and varicose veins. It may even be involved in the development of other serious diseases like bowel cancer. It is important to have regular bowel movements in order to remove toxins from the body. Toxins from bowel bacteria and undigested food particles play a part in the development of diabetes mellitus, meningitis, myasthenia gravis, thyroid disease, candidiasis, chronic gas and bloating, migraines, fatigue, and ulcerative colitis. People can have bowel movements as infrequently as three times a week and still not be constipated, but there are some health practitioners that believe that it is important to have a bowel movement every day.

The following nutrients are very helpful in dealing with and preventing constipation: garlic, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, apple pectin, chlorophyll liquid, essential fatty acids, a multi-enzyme complex, a multivitamin and mineral complex, vitamin B complex, vitamin D3, vitamin E. Additionally, the following herbs are also beneficial: alfalfa extract, fennel seed, aloe vera, ginger, milk thistle, triphala, cascara sagrada, goldenseal, rhubarb root, senna leaves, and yerba mate.

Adding a good fiber supplement as well as the above mentioned supplements can help one stop constipation and start normal bowel movements again. Natural fiber, vitamins, and herbs are available at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands such as Source Naturals, Solaray, Kal, Planetary Formulas, and Natures Plus to ensure quality and safely of all your natural supplement needs.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins, herbs, and fibers are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Nobody Wants Their Skin Looking A Day Over 30

Did you ever notice how the latest end all, be all anti aging wonder discovery seems to pop up and instantly disseminate allover the place in the media? One minute I heard murmurs about this wonderful newly discovered compound called resveratrol, and the next I saw it explode allover the internet, television, newspaper and magazines as the next possible wonder drug against that all too scary reality for us humans, aging and premature death.

The obsession that we have with aging and prolonging life is another discussion entirely in and of itself, and it’s an obsession that is all too indicative of being human and self aware. Nonetheless, it is a fascinating topic, and one that has drawn much attention, especially as we have become pioneers of our own destinies in some ways with the advent of modern medicine and treatments, as well as nutritional awareness.

Longevity is a huge buzzword today for marketers of products that hint at being part of the key to a longer and healthier life. I truly do believe that there are supplements we can take that can help us achieve greater health and perhaps a longer life (who’s to say until we are on our deathbed whether something really worked in that arena, it is such a grey area still).

However, I also believe that our diets are the real key to longevity and greater health, since the real food is always better than popping a pill. Resveratrol may have changed my mind about that though. Unfortunately, I’m not talking about the plethora of resveratrol supplements that have already made their way to market, but I’m talking about a company that is currently developing what they hope is going to be a wonder drug against aging and the symptoms of aging, like diabetes, cancer and other ailments that tend to happen to the human race more frequently after a certain age.

I watched (in awe by the way), a special that was run on 20/20 about two scientists who happened to discover that resveratrol was the reason that red wine offered so many health benefits, and may have explained the reason that the French, who characteristically drink a lot of red wine, enjoy lower rates of obesity, heart complications and tend to live a longer, more disease free life when compared to their non habitual red wine drinking counterparts. The reason red wine contains this compound is that it is found in the skin of darkly colored grapes, which are used in the pressing of wine.

When they made this discovery, they opened a research and development operation which has since been purchased by a large drug company which is interested in the technology they are developing. What is that technology? Well, Dr. David Sinclair, one of the two researchers who is working on a resveratrol formula for human longevity and potential disease fighting, says that they are trying to create a formula that is 1,000 times stronger than the typical potency you would get out of red wine.

Why so strong? Because the research they have done thus far indicates that in order for the resveratrol molecule to have it’s desired effects, which is switching on a gene that is responsible for longevity and continued health in older age, it needs to be 1,000 more potent than what it currently is in standard form.

The trials thus far in mice are intriguing to say the least (I said I was in awe, this was why), as they showed a number of interesting benefits in the mice that were treated with the resveratrol that the mice who were not did not exhibit. The treated and non-treated mice were both fed high fat diets, however the mice that were treated with the potent molecule had considerably less body fat than the ones who had not been inoculated.

This seems to point to a suggestion that not only could this newly discovered molecule be a boon for longevity and overall health, but it also may protect us from obesity the same way that a controlled calorie diet and rigorous exercise routine would. Could it also be a couch potato’s dream when it finally comes to fruition? Well, of course time will tell and human trials still need to be completed because even though mice have similar physiology to humans, many times promising mice trials don’t translate into human success of a drug.

The mice that were inoculated also showed a greater physical prowess, demonstrating greater cardiovascular fitness as well as endurance when compared to their counterparts. Post mortem autopsies of the treated mice had shown that their organs were still in pristine condition, while the non-treated mice showed signs of deterioration associated with aging and poor diet.

While this is all very promising, there is still a ways to go before this drug can be fully developed for human use, and there’s still no telling whether these amazing benefits will translate to human efficacy yet either. A conservative estimate before we may hear anything on this drug would be five years, so until then, keep drinking that red wine, and eating those dark skinned grapes as a regular part of your diet!

Is Resveratrol the New Fountain of Youth?

Did you ever notice how the latest end all, be all anti aging wonder discovery seems to pop up and instantly disseminate allover the place in the media? One minute I heard murmurs about this wonderful newly discovered compound called resveratrol, and the next I saw it explode allover the internet, television, newspaper and magazines as the next possible wonder drug against that all too scary reality for us humans, aging and premature death.

The obsession that we have with aging and prolonging life is another discussion entirely in and of itself, and it’s an obsession that is all too indicative of being human and self aware. Nonetheless, it is a fascinating topic, and one that has drawn much attention, especially as we have become pioneers of our own destinies in some ways with the advent of modern medicine and treatments, as well as nutritional awareness.

Longevity is a huge buzzword today for marketers of products that hint at being part of the key to a longer and healthier life. I truly do believe that there are supplements we can take that can help us achieve greater health and perhaps a longer life (who’s to say until we are on our deathbed whether something really worked in that arena, it is such a grey area still).

However, I also believe that our diets are the real key to longevity and greater health, since the real food is always better than popping a pill. Resveratrol may have changed my mind about that though. Unfortunately, I’m not talking about the plethora of resveratrol supplements that have already made their way to market, but I’m talking about a company that is currently developing what they hope is going to be a wonder drug against aging and the symptoms of aging, like diabetes, cancer and other ailments that tend to happen to the human race more frequently after a certain age.

I watched (in awe by the way), a special that was run on 20/20 about two scientists who happened to discover that resveratrol was the reason that red wine offered so many health benefits, and may have explained the reason that the French, who characteristically drink a lot of red wine, enjoy lower rates of obesity, heart complications and tend to live a longer, more disease free life when compared to their non habitual red wine drinking counterparts. The reason red wine contains this compound is that it is found in the skin of darkly colored grapes, which are used in the pressing of wine.

When they made this discovery, they opened a research and development operation which has since been purchased by a large drug company which is interested in the technology they are developing. What is that technology? Well, Dr. David Sinclair, one of the two researchers who is working on a resveratrol formula for human longevity and potential disease fighting, says that they are trying to create a formula that is 1,000 times stronger than the typical potency you would get out of red wine.

Why so strong? Because the research they have done thus far indicates that in order for the resveratrol molecule to have it’s desired effects, which is switching on a gene that is responsible for longevity and continued health in older age, it needs to be 1,000 more potent than what it currently is in standard form.

The trials thus far in mice are intriguing to say the least (I said I was in awe, this was why), as they showed a number of interesting benefits in the mice that were treated with the resveratrol that the mice who were not did not exhibit. The treated and non-treated mice were both fed high fat diets, however the mice that were treated with the potent molecule had considerably less body fat than the ones who had not been inoculated.

This seems to point to a suggestion that not only could this newly discovered molecule be a boon for longevity and overall health, but it also may protect us from obesity the same way that a controlled calorie diet and rigorous exercise routine would. Could it also be a couch potato’s dream when it finally comes to fruition? Well, of course time will tell and human trials still need to be completed because even though mice have similar physiology to humans, many times promising mice trials don’t translate into human success of a drug.

The mice that were inoculated also showed a greater physical prowess, demonstrating greater cardiovascular fitness as well as endurance when compared to their counterparts. Post mortem autopsies of the treated mice had shown that their organs were still in pristine condition, while the non-treated mice showed signs of deterioration associated with aging and poor diet.

While this is all very promising, there is still a ways to go before this drug can be fully developed for human use, and there’s still no telling whether these amazing benefits will translate to human efficacy yet either. A conservative estimate before we may hear anything on this drug would be five years, so until then, keep drinking that red wine, and eating those dark skinned grapes as a regular part of your diet!

Serious Skincare Starts Here

Are you looking for cosmetics products from a company that has a serious skincare philosophy? You may be in for a rude awakening then when it comes to the vast majority of the products that are being manufactured by the big name cosmetics companies. It seems that they simply don't put the time, and effort that is necessary to develop an effective cream or lotion.

What you will commonly find in the products that these companies have flooded the market with is that the ingredients that they are using are simply not of a very high quality. Mostly what you will find are synthetics, and extremely low grade natural main ingredients if in fact the products contain any sort of natural ingredients at all.

The main reason that I have for saying that the major cosmetics companies don't have a very serious skincare philosophy is due to the fact that they include chemical additives and preservatives in their products. What many people fail to understand is that many of these chemicals that they use have the potential to be extremely harmful to their health.

Whether you want to believe it or not these chemicals that are widely used throughout the cosmetics industry include agents that are known to cause organ and neurotoxicity, endocrine system disruption, and have the potential to greatly increase your risk of developing several different types of cancer. Why are these companies allowed to include these types of ingredients? Stop using harmful chemical agents in the skin care products that they are developing.

The move to stop them from using these harmful chemical agents in their cosmetics products was the FDA's answer to a similar ban that was successfully conducted by the European Union. The EU was able to eliminate many of the more seriously harmful chemicals that are still being used by the companies distributing in the United States and elsewhere in the world.

If you are looking for a company that has a truly serious skincare philosophy then I would suggest that you purchase your cosmetics products from one of the companies that are signer's of the European Union's Compact for Safe Cosmetics, which bars its members from using any type of ingredient in their products that are even suspected of being harmful to humans.

One of the best of these companies is based in both New Zealand, and the U.S. Their all natural products contain ingredients such as Functional Keratin, which is a special combination of proteins, and Phytessence Wakame sea kelp extract. What these ingredients will do for you is greatly increase the amount of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid that your skin has.

The increase in these foundational tissues that you receive will serve to erase the fine lines and wrinkles on your skin, and it will also leave it firmer and fuller. The effects that this has on your skin will take years off of the way that you look. Finally we have a company that has a serious skincare philosophy when it comes to developing safe, and effective products.