Organic food started to hit the mainstream in the early 2000's. Most people thought it would be a fad but who knew it would become a incredible force in the United States food industry.
History of Organic Food
It's important to consider that before the use of chemicals and pesticides in the 1940's, everything was organic. It just wasn't called organic because there was no reason to give it a name. Before 1940, there was no competition for the non-chemical food structure. But then, around 1940, everything changed.
What researchers found was that certain dangerous toxins could grow plants and food at alarming rates. They thought, "Wow, we could end world hunger." But this is not what happened.
At the time, researchers did not know the damage that was being done to humans ingesting toxins and what it was doing to our soil. We now all know that we would never want to drink or ingest any of these horribly dangerous chemicals. But what is it doing to the soil of America?
Herbicides and Pesticides
Some herbicides and pesticides can actually sterilize the soil, meaning they destroy all the wonderful beneficial nutrients in the soil. In soil science, we know that the soil is so important and it is actually alive. Once chemicals are added to healthy soil, automatically everything in the small soil ecosystem gets thrown off.
Now, more chemicals are needed to keep the circle of life happy. Actually "happy" is taken out of the equaltion because your once healthy soil is far from happy. It is unbalanced and now in need of chemical after chemical to continue achieve a healthy balance.
Is Organic Food Here to Stay?
One of the major viable reasons organic and organic food is here to stay is because we are now taking care of the soil as it wants to be taken care of. If you don't aid the soil, it will rebel against you and fighting against nature means you will always lose. Eat organic and protect the soil of America!
Written by Kyle Upchurch of growokc.com
Growokc is owned by a college degreed Professional Horticulturist, Kyle Upchurch. Growokc specializes in the finest cooking, mushrooms, organic food and gardening and health products.
There is a lot to love about winter. Building a snow man, snow angels, relaxing in front of your fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa or whatever you're into. However your skin doesn't love it as much!
The skin loses a lot of moisture when its cold, resulting in dry, itchy, cracked, irritated skin. Yikes! Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple. You can effectively address dry skin concerns with a couple of easy steps.
Step 1. Shower
Choosing a great body wash is essential. I prefer a milk body wash. Milk works wonders for the skin beginning with the alpha hydroxy acid it naturally contains.
Milk contains proteins, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants, all incredibly valuable for our skin. Milk proteins are skin-enhancing since they promote smoothness and help strengthen skin structure. Milk enzymes and amino acids are responsible for stimulating the skin's natural moisture barrier, making way for intense hydration and skin cell regeneration.
Hey, if it worked for Cleopatra, I'm all in!
Step 2. Moisturize
Now that you have a great body wash, choosing a great body cream is just as important.
I myself love body yogurt because it is rich, thick, and moisturizing, yet leaves no greasy residue on the skin's surface. A good body yogurt contains ingredients like Safflower Oil, certified Kosher Glycerin, Vitamins A, C, and E, and a botanical extract blend of Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Lavender and more.
All these ingredients help to heal, protect and nourish your skin. So choosing the right cream is essential.
Step 3. Can't Forget About Your Face!
Not all face washes are created equal! I prefer a creamy face wash, that works for all skin types mainly because they tend to be more mild and even great for sensitive skin (which works great for my husband).
A good face wash should refresh, tone and hydrate while providing a deep cleanse. Remember, the better the ingredients, the better the results.
Step 4. Now to Put a Cherry on this Sundae!
You need a good face cream/moisturizer. Moisturizing your face is an important step that you should take every day. There are many moisturizers to choose from.
This is where I tend to be a bit fussy. I prefer a light-weight moisturizer that doesn't sit on the skin, clogging the pores and making matters worse. A good, lightweight cream should penetrate quickly, hydrate, smooth, soften and even heal the skin.
Some ingredients to look for in a good face cream are Algae, Shea Butter, Pomegranate Extract, and Linoleic acid just to name a few.
Follow these four simple steps and your skin will glow like summertime. Now that you are set for Winter, final tip, dress warm!!
Cynthia is an accomplished health educator and holds many degrees in health education, technology, psychology and life coaching. Her expertise has given her the ability to direct change in the behaviors of her students. She is always striving to improve
Health is wealth. If you are able to eat and live healthily then you may consider yourself wealthy. However, it does not necessarily follow that you must be already wealthy to become healthy. There are a lot of ways to become healthy without having to spend too much. Organic living is one of them.
Organic living is defined as being able to live without the use of products that are not organically grown. This includes eating produce that are devoid of chemical pesticides. This also includes eating protein from animals that are raised in a perfectly organic way. Another way to live organic is to only use products that are organically made.
Organic Produce
Organic foods are those grown by farmers using practices that are designed to conserve soil and water as well as lessen pollution. Examples of these organic practices are mulching or crop rotation to manage weeds and diseases.
Although they were usually found only in health food stores, organic food are becoming more and more available in supermarkets in your areas. This is because people are also becoming more and more health-conscious as well as environmentally aware. The prices of organic food have also dropped considerably making them more affordable than before.
Organic Clothing
Because more and more people are clamouring for more environmentally-friendly products, a lot of companies have also joined in the organic bandwagon producing products that are free from chemical usage which include herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified seeds.
Most organic clothing is made up of fibres coming from organically grown plants such as cotton and jute. Their fibres may also come from silk, wool or ramies that have been harvested in compliance with organic standards.
Although organic clothing may be more expensive than regular clothing, they offer the following benefits:
- They are environmentally friendly since no chemicals were used in their production, harvesting and post-harvesting. Since no chemicals were used, the chances of these chemicals seeping into the soil and affecting our water system are lessened. Also, the likelihood of these chemicals being ingested by other beneficial animals is also lessened.
- Since organic farming does not use genetically modified seeds, there is no risk for humans and other animals that would eat the produce to have mutations in the future.
- Cotton that has been organically grown emits lesser carbon dioxide emissions that could affect global warming. Organic farming also reduces the amount of water being used by up to 60%.
- Humans who are working in an organic farm are not exposed to harmful chemicals.
Although organic clothing does not necessarily mean a 100% organic fibre composition; purchasing organic clothing and products will make you feel better since you know that you are doing your part in ensuring that our world will stay healthy a little longer.
If you want to do your part, there are a lot of stores and online websites that offer certified organic products.
DSM Nutritional Products has co-authored a new paper comparing plasma long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3 PUFA) biomarkers in U.S. adults, with recommended concentration levels for cardiovascular health. Published in Nutrients, it reveals overwhelming evidence of suboptimal LCn-3 concentrations across all age groups and highlights the need to increase dietary intake. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004, this cross sectional study is one of the first to analyze plasma LCn-3 PUFA status from dietary biomarkers in a nationally representative population of American adults. Of the 1,386 subjects, 80.6% had LCn-3 concentrations below dietary guidelines for heart health and nearly all (95.7%) did not achieve levels associated with cardio-protection; this was particularly evident among Hispanic participants of all ages. Clinical and observational studies demonstrate that LCn-3 has a positive role to play in heart health. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, is a particularly rich source and both the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and the American Heart Association recommend two servings of seafood per week. However, less than 10% of the U.S. population is believed to achieve this target. “Large population studies designed to evaluate consumption against these guidelines have traditionally relied on self-completed diaries, recall or questionnaires—all of which are open to error. So by analyzing circulation concentrations recorded as part of NHANES, our research provides a much more accurate characterization of LCn-3 PUFA status among American men and women,” explained Dr. Michael McBurney, vice president, Science, Communications and Advocacy at DSM. Blood was drawn from adults aged 20 and above after a fast of eight hours or more. Plasma samples were stored at -70˚C and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry used to measure 24 plasma fatty acids. The concentration of LCn-3 PUFAs was determined by the standardized methodology outlined in previously published papers for consistency and comparison. Results were reported for the total sample population and stratified by three age groups corresponding to approximate life stages (young adult, middle age and older age) as well as ethnicity (self-identified). “The results of this study offer a valuable point of reference for previous and future studies investigating the benefits of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular health,” confirmed Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, senior vice president, Nutrition Science & Advocacy at DSM and professor for Healthy Ageing at University Medical Center Groningen. Little has changed since this round of NHANES was carried out; dietary intake of fish has remained consistently low in the US over the last two decades. Only 7.8% of adults reported taking fish oil supplements in 2012, which is likely to be too low to have a population impact on LCn-3 PUFA status. “The overall finding that suboptimal LCn-3 concentrations are prevalent across all demographic groups in the sample population suggests the need to elucidate clinical implications, including for cardiovascular disease,” added Dr. Saurabh Mehta, assistant professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, New York and contributing author.
Product info HERE
Across the whole group, de Jager found that the people taking vitamins had a 30% reduced decline in brain tissue over two years compared with placebo. In people with the highest homocysteine levels in the blood at the start of the experiment, however, the vitamins provided most benefit, reducing brain shrinkage by 50% in these cases.
How To Drop Blood Sugar With This Teeny Seed
Ground flaxseed just might be the next best thing for controlling blood sugar. But before “big pharma” gets their hands on it and capitalizes on this plant-based food, why not reduce your blood sugar naturally with one teaspoon daily?
Although some experts believe that consuming ground flax can help control blood sugar spikes, it has only recently been tested in diabetics. A study published on the effect of flaxseed powder supplementation in the management of diabetes found that one tablespoon of ground flaxseed every day for a month showed a significant drop in fasting blood sugars, glycerides and cholesterol and a drop in A1c levels (or average levels of blood glucose).
As an additional side note, participants who consumed a quarter cup of flaxseed a day for three months showed no additional weight gain. In fact, the group consuming ground flax — compared to those taking flaxseed oil or the controlled group — had slimmer waists.
How does flax help control diabetes?
A study published in BioMed Central Nutrition Journal found that flaxseed consumption may improve insulin sensitivity in people who are glucose intolerant. After 12 weeks of consuming ground flaxseed, there was a small but significant drop in insulin resistance. Perhaps this was due to the drop in oxidant stress related to the antioxidant qualities of flax, suggests Dr. Michael Greger for NutritionFacts.org.
So should you come it for diabetes? Dr. Asqual Getaneh for Everyday Health says that while evidence may be too weak for definitive recommendations, flaxseed is still rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that is beneficial in helping prevent heart disease and related illnesses.
Ground flaxseed vs. flaxseed oil
Because flaxseed oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA, it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. But when comparing ground flaxseeds to flaxseed oil, flaxseeds come out on top, suggests WHFoods. Flaxseed oil does contain more ALA than flax seeds — one tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 7.25 grams compared to 2 grams per tablespoon of flaxseed — but flaxseeds are a whole food and therefore contain a lot of additional nutrients that you can’t get from the extracted oil alone.
Flaxseeds are a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals such as manganese, copper and magnesium, and vitamins such as folate and vitamin B6. In addition, they contain lignan phytonutrients, which have been found to have hormone-balancing and cardiovascular benefits. Some flaxseed oils have lignans added back into them, but the end product is still different from its natural, whole-food form.
The bottom line is that each is unique and should not be substituted for the other. Why not incorporate both into your diet and reap all of the benefits that each provides? It’s important to note that to get all of the flaxseed benefits, you must grind the seeds first before consuming to allow for proper digestion.
What else can flaxseed do for me?
Previously, flaxseed was used primarily as a laxative because it is high in fiber and contains a gummy material called mucilage. Both mucilage and fiber expand when they come in contact with water, adding bulk to stool, which helps it move more quickly through the intestines. But flaxseed can offer so much more. Flaxseed may be helpful for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis among other conditions.
In lab tests and animal studies, both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been reported to lower cholesterol according to research by the University of Maryland Medical Center. While human studies show mixed results, one found that those who added flaxseed to a low-cholesterol diet actually lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels (fats in the blood).
Helps to prevent heart disease
Eating foods that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed may help prevent a fatal heart attack. In fact, according to Dr. Grant Peirce for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, some of the most powerful preventative effects on cardiovascular disease come from nutritional interventions, such as Omega-3 fatty acids into the diet.
In addition, according to Dr. Grant’s research Omega-3 fatty acids actually work better than any other cholesterol lowering treatment, when it comes to reducing the risk of death from heart disease. Ane flaxseed is one of the richest plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Helps lessen menopausal symptoms
Flaxseed contains plant-based chemicals that act like estrogen and may help reduce symptoms of menopause. One small study compared flaxseed to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women according to The University of Maryland. Forty grams of flaxseed apparently worked as well as HRT for mild menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood disturbances and vaginal dryness. However, researchers are not sure whether flaxseed supplements might actually increase the risk of breast cancer after menopause, just as supplemental estrogen does. So, more conclusive studies are needed. In the meantime, rather than taking supplements include ground flaxseed in your diet.
Decreases cancer cell growth
In a small month-long trial of postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, eating flaxseed daily in muffins decreased cancer cell growth according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. However, other studies show some unexplained inconsistency, which may partly reflect a woman’s hormones, overall diet and genetics.
So, while some research shows benefits in cancer cell death and prevention of metastases within mice and cellular models, it is recommended that human intake should be through diet only, not supplementation. No more than two to three tablespoons per day at most should be eaten, suggests Oncology Nutrition.
Promotes healthy skin and nails
For healthier skin, hair and nails Dr. Josh Axe suggests adding two teaspoons of flaxseeds to your smoothie each day. The ALA fats provide essential fats as well as vitamin B, which can help reduce dryness and flakiness. Additionally, ground flaxseed may also improve symptoms of acne, rosacea and eczema and dry eye syndrome.
Helps you lose weight
According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition flaxseeds may improve obesity and support weight loss. Since flaxseed is full of healthy fats and fiber, it helps you stay satiated longer, resulting in fewer calories consumed and subsequent weight loss. ALA fats may also help reduce inflammation, which is a key contributor to weight gain.
Do you really have to grind flaxseed?
Whole flaxseeds have a hard shell. So in order to get the best absorption, grinding the seed is absolutely necessary to release key nutrients, which also help in digestion. Once the seeds are ground, however, omega-3 fatty acids will start to break down. So, go ahead and grind your seeds up to seven days in advance, just make sure to keep the ground flaxseed refrigerated to slow the breakdown process. For maximum potency, consider grinding immediately before each use. The easiest way to grind flaxseed is with a coffee grinder.
The earthy flavor of flaxseed makes it the perfect edition to all types of foods. Add one tablespoon of ground flaxseed to soups, salads smoothies or water daily as part of your health management.
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"The review also recommends people consume some plant-based Omega-3 each day, such as a handful of walnuts or by using soya bean, canola or flaxseed oil."
THE National Heart Foundation is reviewing its dietary advice on fish oil supplements after new Victorian research found they do not prevent heart disease.
Fish oil supplements are one of the most widely consumed vitamins because previous evidence suggested they could help protect against cardiovascular disease.
But experts in cardiology, heart disease and nutrition from Melbourne’s Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, the University of South Australia and CSIRO found no clear benefit to taking Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty-acid supplements to reduce heart disease.
The research was based on a review of data spanning 2007-2013.
Lead author Professor Paul Nestel, from the Baker IDI, said the findings would come as a surprise.
“Eating fish seems to be almost proven to beneficial, but taking supplements has almost been proven to not provide benefit,” Prof Nestel said.
“But, because they are perfectly safe, we are not saying for a moment don’t take them, just that the evidence suggests it is not as good as eating fish.”
Fish oil supplements are one of the most widely consumed vitamins.
Eating fish was found to protect healthy people; those who had a higher intake had lower rates of heart failure, sudden cardiac death, stroke and myocardial infarction.
The paper, published in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation, concluded that people should eat two or three servings of fish a week to get their Omega-3 intake.
This includes oily fish such as salmon, blue-eye trevalla, blue mackerel, herring, sardines and some varieties of canned tuna.
The review also recommends people consume some plant-based Omega-3 each day, such as a handful of walnuts or by using soya bean, canola or flaxseed oil.
National Heart Foundation chief executive Mary Barry said it initiated the study to ensure its advice was in line with the latest scientific evidence. The findings would form the basis of its new position statement.
The research paper acknowledges that supplements will provide people who don’t eat fish with some level of marine-sourced Omega-3s and states they are beneficial in treating people with high triglycerides and preventing heart failure in people with secondary heart disease.
It also found supplements were safe and did not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Fish oil has also been associated with other health benefits for ailments ranging from arthritis to cognitive decline.
More info HERE
Writer for 911HealthShop.com
Since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and National Prostate Health Month, it’s a good time to consider what simple things you can be doing to ensure personal prostate health, especially since it’s the number one location for men to develop cancer.
One of the simplest ways to keep your prostate healthy is to take a regular prostate health supplement. When you pair this with foods that have been known to help aide in the resistance of growth in cancer cells and that are known to provide your body’s needed nutrients, you will be going a long way toward ensuring excellent prostate health throughout your lifetime.
Fruits & Vegetables
An apple a day does keep the doctor away, and the more fruits and vegetables you can consume, the healthier your prostate will be. It is recommended that you have at least 5, albeit 10 servings are better, servings of fruits and vegetables per day. To help you determine what a serving is, without having to read labels, have ½ cup of fresh fruit or ¼ cup of dried fruit, such as raisins, ½ cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw leafy greens, such as spinach. You can also include a 6 oz. glass of vegetable or fruit juice (preferably not from concentrate) into your diet as well. One good example is the V8 drinks that now include vegetables and fruit (V8 or V-Fusion) and come in a variety of flavors.
Fiber
Fiber is another excellent tool to keep your prostate in excellent health, as fiber has the ability to bind to carcinogens and toxic compounds that can be excreted from your body. In fact, a scientific study proved that a diet high in fiber helped to reduce hormone levels that might be involved in the progression of prostate cancer. It is recommended that you consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, which you can receive through cereals, nuts and/or seeds.
Fat
A diet low in fat is always a health plus, but in the case of cancer, it’s even a better risk reducer. In fact, studies have shown that fat can increase testosterone to unnecessarily high levels, increasing your chance of developing prostate cancer. This is particularly the case with saturated fats. It is important that less than 10% of your daily calories are from saturated fat, which comes from whole milk, other types of dairy products and red meats.
Simple Sugars
Along the same lines as a low fat diet, you want to limit the amount of sugar you consume as well, particularly because foods high in sugar are often low in fiber, which is a benefit to warding off prostate cancer. Not only that, but foods high in sugar often offer very little nutritional value and a lot of unnecessary calories.
There have been many studies linked to what people eat and their health, particularly when it comes to prostate health and cancer prevention. While not all studies are conclusive, the benefits of taking a supplement and eating healthy definitely outweigh the odds of developing cancer! There’s no better time to start eating healthy to increase your prostate health, your overall health and work towards preventing cancer all during National Prostate Health Month!
Prostate Health Products HERE
Dr. Teri Dourmashkin, author
Dr. Teri Dourmashkin received her Doctorate in Health Education from Columbia University. She is the Founder & President of La Vie Celeste Skin Care, Inc. a company dedicated to formulating luxurious and non-toxic all natural skin care.
When many women turn 45 or older, they may begin to notice physical and emotional changes as they begin to navigate what is referred to as perimenopause, a period up to 10 years before actual menopause. Some women may begin to experience hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, and anxiety. While some women seem to sail through the transition from perimenopause to menopause (the absence of periods for 12 consecutive months), others find it to be a very tumultuous time. Many women find that despite a good exercise regime and a good diet, that they tend to gain at least 10 pounds or more over a period of time.
Hormonal changes can also wreak havoc on oneâs skin. Loss of estrogen can cause dry skin and a loss of elasticity in some. Self-esteem can be adversely affected as women try to assimilate all of the changes that seem to suddenly occur. While there is still great controversy over HRT (hormone replacement therapy), many women have turned to bio-identical hormones (synthesized in a lab but produced from natural soy or yam) to alleviate or eliminate symptoms. These hormones can be found over the counter or can be prescribed by a physician for prescription strength. While many women continue to take the synthetic hormone, Premarin, the trend seems to be towards taking more natural substances. While some physicians believe that bio-identical hormones are perfectly safe, there is still controversy regarding this issue. It is up to each woman to access the risks and benefits in order that she may make an informed decision.
Bio-identical hormones can potentially relieve hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia and a whole host of other symptoms. However, they do not come without their own side effects. While many do not realize this, taking estrogen and progesterone in large doses and for long periods of time, can put one at a higher risk for acid reflux and possibly weight gain. While this may not happen to everyone, it can happen to many. Always discuss your options with a competent doctor or healthcare practitioner.
Finding ways to relax during this potentially tumultuous time may help to manage symptoms. Exercise is key, particularly weight-bearing exercise, as well as eating a healthy and nutritious diet. Support from friends and loved ones can go a long way as well. Meditation can also help with stress.
Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause can be a challenging time of life. But, it can also become a time of self-empowerment as women come into a new passage with greater wisdom, courage, and strength.
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News Update
By Michael Greger MD
Instead of treating sensitive skin topically, with lotions and creams, why not treat it from the
inside out with diet?
About half of the American population says they have sensitive skin, defined loosely as
tingling, chafing, burning, itching sensations when exposed to various environmental factors. A
similar high prevalence has been reported throughout Japan and Europe, and it appears
especially prevalent among women. Often there are no obvious signs, so it was dismissed as a
“princess and the pea” phenomenon by the medical community. Now it’s largely recognized as
a genuine physiological phenomenon, thought to arise from a breakdown of the skin barrier that
allows potentially irritating substances to penetrate the skin and generate an inflammatory
reaction. So what can we do about it?
In 2011, a paper was published entitled “Supplementation of Flaxseed Oil Diminishes Skin
Sensitivity and Improves Skin Barrier Function and Condition.” In a randomized double-blind 12-week study, researchers gave women about a half teaspoon of flaxseed oil a day versus
safflower oil as a control. That’s the amount of oil found in about a teaspoon and a half of flax
seeds.
To measure skin sensitivity they painted an irritant chemical on their forearms, and after three
months there was a significant decrease in skin reddening in the flax group compared to the
safflower group. Their skin ended up significantly better hydrated, had significantly better barrier
function, was less rough, less scaly, and was smoother
The best source of flaxseed oil is within the flaxseed itself. Then you get all the nutrition of the
whole food, and it’s cheaper and more stable than the oil. Make sure to grind them up to
maximize nutrient absorption. Unlike flaxseed oil, you can bake flaxseeds without destroying the
omega 3s, and you can even store ground flaxseed for a month at room temperature without
spoilage or oxidation.
Michael Greger, M.D., is a physician and author.
C-Leinosan Flaxseed Oil available HERE
Let's face it: growing older is never easy, even if you've always been in good health. Sometimes as we age, the aches and pains get to be too much to bear. Whether it's a twinge in your knee as you go up and down the stairs at your child's school or the tension in your wrists you feel as you type on your computer at work, joint pain can be excruciating, keeping you from living the life you have in mind. When it seems as though there is nothing that can ease the pain, it's only natural to feel as though you'll never be in control of your body again.
Osteoporosis, or degeneration of the bones, is a common disease that plagues men and women alike as the aging process takes hold. While regular exercise and good health in the younger years can decrease the chances of demineralization in the bones, the onset of osteoporosis is often unavoidable. In addition to osteoporosis, many adults also suffer from painful conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and joint inflammation, making effective treatment a necessity.
Glucosamine Complex is a unique supplement that combines glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, boswellia, bromelain, and methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM. Glucosamine sulfate is a constituent of cartilage that is found naturally throughout body. Studies indicate that supplementation of glucosamine can help individuals maintain the structural integrity and movement of joints, easing the pain caused by bone demineralization.
Chondroitin, like glucosamine sulfate, is a secretion that occurs naturally in the connective tissue in humans and animals and is a common supplement used to address osteoporosis and arthritis pain. When taken orally, it can boost the natural levels in the body, reducing the pressure felt from joint inflammation.
In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, Glucosamine Complex also contains boswellia. Boswellia, a tree native to the Middle East, India, and Africa, is a popular herbal remedy for joint pain. Resin from the tree is sapped, producing the acid used in supplements. This potent herbal component contains natural anti-inflammatories, nature's version of ibuprofen and other over the counter pain relievers.
MSM is equally important in promoting healthy joints. MSM is a natural compound containing sulfur that can be found in both plants and animals. Thought to boost protein in the connective tissue found in joints, studies indicate that MSM is effective in maintaining strong joints to combat pain and keep you on your feet, day in and day out.
Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from the stems of pineapples, also serves to support healthy joint function. This nature-derived substance is helpful in aiding in the absorption of protein, amplifying the effects of MSM. In concert with the other ingredients in glucosamine complex, it drives the body's natural processes to keep those who suffer conditions like rheumatism and arthritis on the go.
When it feels as there is no relief from degenerative diseases like osteoporosis or the pain caused by joint inflammation, the right supplements can help you find a new lease on life. Designed to demonstrate quick, long-lasting effects to help keep the joints and connective tissue in the body pain-free and you on the go, no matter what your day holds. With just a few weeks of regular use, glucosamine complex can have you feeling better faster, even when you it seems as though you'll never be your old self again. As soon as older adults begin to see early symptoms of joint pain, supplementation is suggested in order to mitigate the onset of aches and discomfort.
Whether you have been formally diagnosed with osteoporosis or are simply starting to feel the early stages of pain in your daily life, proactive joint treatment is a necessity. By supplementing your prescribed medications or daily regiment with an effective and potent supplement like glucosamine complex, you can take a stand against the signs of aging as you work to make sure your joints are as healthy as possible, no matter what life throws your way.
(NaturalNews) Cardiovascular Disease has long been thought of as a man’s disease while in reality it is the leading cause of death among women today. This year 435,000 women in America will have heart attacks with over half of them resulting in death. 8 million women in the U.S. are currently living with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and an astounding 35% of the female population will die from this disease. So why is it that you aren’t hearing more about this?
The simple fact of the matter is that men have long been the test subjects in CVD related studies. The data that we currently rely upon to help diagnose and treat CVD is based primarily on male physiology. However recently it has come to the attention of researchers that symptoms of CVD show up differently in women and men and that the risk factors vary between genders.
The male and female bodies are governed by two separate, yet equally important sets of sex hormones. While the presence of the female and male sex hormones can be found in both genders, testosterone is present at higher levels in men while women have higher levels of estrogen, and it is the estrogen that makes all of the difference in the CVD equation.
While researchers don’t yet know the cause, it appears that estrogen has a cardioprotective effect during the fertile years of a woman’s life. It is during those years that estrogen is plentiful in the body and plays an important role in the monthly menstrual cycle. However, as a woman enters the menopausal phase of her life, estrogen levels drop severely. When comparing the age related data for men and women side by side, it is not surprising that women tend to develop CVD an average of 10 years later than men. The theory behind this is the loss of estrogen that occurs at menopause.
Spurred by this theory, a wide scale clinical study called “The Women’s Health Initiative” began in 2002. Researchers believed that women taking synthetic hormones would find relief from the side effects of menopause while lowering their CVD risk. There was high hope that synthetic hormonal supplementation was the answer. However, the study was abruptly halted when the data suggested that, instead of protecting women from heart attacks and stroke, the synthetic hormones were actually increasing the subject’s risk of CVD as well as breast cancer. Since the findings were publicly released, synthetic hormone replacement therapy has been under intense scrutiny. A safe alternative to these synthetic hormones are biologically identical hormones. In the proper doses, they can provide relief from menopausal symptoms as well lower your CVD risk.
While lowered estrogen levels and synthetic hormone replacement therapy are both major risk factors for CVD in women, other factors can have a serious impact on women’s heart health as well. Family history, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle are all significant risk factors for CVD. Recent data indicates that 33% of women have high blood pressure, approximately 56 million women have high cholesterol, nearly 7 million women have been diagnosed with diabetes and almost 65% of women are overweight. Clearly we are seeing a trend in health that is spiraling dangerously out of control.
There is good news though. Both men and women diagnosed with CVD can take steps to reverse the disease. And if you haven’t yet been diagnosed with CVD, by making some important changes in your life today, you can prevent the disease from developing in the future. I encourage everyone to adopt the following key principles for heart health:
1. Enact A Healthy Eating Plan
Foods high in cholesterol and carbohydrates are going to adversely affect your cholesterol levels. By cutting out these heart-damaging foods you can make a great impact on your health. Instead, try eating foods that are good for your heart, such as leafy green vegetables, which are high in antioxidants. Likewise, eating fish once a week can lower your CVD risk factor thanks to its high content of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs are the good fats that your body requires in order to prevent or correct inflammation in the body. The American Heart Society stands behind this claim and encourages everyone to indulge in a little fish now and then. Because of the mercury contamination in our nation’s waterways, supplementing with fish oil can provide the same heart healthy benefits without the risk of dangerous heavy metals. Fish oil supplements contain the EFAs Omega-3 and Omega-6 in equal amounts and can be found in your local health food store.
Supplementing your eating plan with a greens based multivitamin is a healthy way to fill in the gaps where your eating plan may be falling short. Unfortunately, the foods today provide a lower vitamin and mineral content than they once did, so it has become necessary to obtain these vital nutrients elsewhere. Taking a daily multivitamin will provide you with a combination of the healing nutrients that are essential for heart health.
Bionatures Omega 3 Fish Oil
2. Enjoy Daily Physical Activity
30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a day is vital to heart health. Today women have a lot more on their plate than they did 50 years ago. Women can be successful in many roles and are often balancing their careers with parenting and personal relationships. Unfortunately, personal time usually falls to the wayside and exercise becomes relegated to the bottom of the list. A recent study indicates that 41% of women engage in no leisure time and 60% of women are failing to get in the necessary 30 minutes of exercise a day. While leading a full life can be challenging, forgoing exercise will only make it more difficult. The same activities that will give your heart a healthy boost will also provide you with energy to get through the day. Find the time to get in a brisk walk and your heart will thank you for it.
3. Adopt A Low Stress Lifestyle
Stress can take a nasty toll on your health. Under stressful situations the adrenal glands release powerful hormones that are intended to guide you to safety. In a life or death situation, these hormones could give you the strength and energy to survive. However, in most stressful situations these hormones are hardly necessary to navigate through the situation. Unfortunately, the body can’t discern between life threatening stress and “running late for work” stress and so the physiological response is the same. If you are under stress for an extended period of time then the release of these hormones can weaken your body, and heart disease can ensue. Taking time out to relax is key to a healthy heart. Identify the stressful triggers in your life and enact a plan to manage them. A wonderful way to reverse stress is by engaging in physical activity, such as a walk through the park. When the body releases stress hormones, it is essentially preparing you for a physical interaction. By going for a walk you are giving the body what it needs to complete the stress cycle and restore you to a “pre-stress” condition.
There are many tests available that can detect CVD and pre-CVD conditions. See your doctor today to determine your health status. The sooner that CVD is detected, the better your odds of survival are. A diagnosis of CVD does not have to mean the end of your life. By making some serious changes in your lifestyle you can live a long and healthy life. See your doctor today for a CVD screening.
About the author
Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D. has specialized in Integrative Medicine for over twenty years, using conventional and natural methods to determine and discover the “root of the cause” in her clinic, Center for New Medicine in Irvine, California, each and every day. Many people come in to the clinic from all over the world with severe chronic illnesses that conventional medical protocols have been unsuccessful treating. She realized early on that she can truly change lives through education as well as treatment protocols.
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short, occurs when the prostate gland gets bigger. The common condition (at least half of all men will be affected by it at some point during their lifetimes), typically causes considerable discomfort. Typical symptoms include feeling the need to use the bathroom very frequently, waking up at night often to urinate, and/or a reduction in the speed or force of urine flow.
I have BPH. What can I do?
Once men have been officially diagnosed with BPH, physicians will often recommend either medications or even surgery. However, many doctors now recognize that BPH can often be successfully treated with natural supplements. When taken on a regular basis, four natural remedies in particular stand out as being especially effective at helping alleviate BPH. They are:
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Saw Palmetto—This herbal extract has been clinically tested in many studies for its ability to reduce the symptoms of BPH. Specifically, saw palmetto prevents an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) from doing its job of taking testosterone and changing it to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Since DHT has been shown to cause the prostate to swell, discouraging its formation is a very good thing for prostate health. Clinical studies overwhelmingly support saw palmetto’s role in prostate health. In one landmark study, 305 men were given 160 mg of saw palmetto extract twice a day. After about a month and a half, the researching physicians determined that the saw palmetto was effective at improving BPH in just over 80 percent of the cases. The subjects showed improvements in all areas, including urine flow and the size of the prostate.
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Flaxseed oil—Essential fatty acids have been shown to be very helpful for men suffering from BPH. Since flaxseed oil is naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs, it is a perfect choice for helping with an enlarged prostate. In one study, all 19 subjects had a lessening of residual urine after taking EFA supplements.
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Pumpkin seed—Did you know that pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc? Did you also know that studies conducted as far back as the 1970s linked the mineral with a reduction of prostate size and symptoms of BPH? It’s true! Like saw palmetto, zinc also seems to work by inhibiting 5-AR. It may also prevent the pituitary gland from secreting a hormone called prolactin, which leads to an increase in DHT.
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Juniper berries—These have been shown to act as a natural diuretic.
BPH is an uncomfortable condition, but it does not have to be forever. It also does not have to mean taking prescription medications and enduring all of their side effects. By combining the natural powers of these four powerful supplements, you should be able to say goodbye to constant bathroom visits.
Bionatures Prosta-Care: Bionatures.com/prostacare
References:
Fillon, Mike, Natural Prostate Healers, 1999, pages 12, 175
Murray, Michael, and Pizzorno, Joseph, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 1998, pages 753-759
Even if you live in the cloudiest corner of the country, the sun still shines sometimes. The joy felt when basking in the sunshine is universal, but there is likely a biological reason. Vitamin D is a mineral that humans absorb from sunlight and is essential for a healthy life. Many people, however, feel as though they do not receive enough Vitamin D to truly benefit, making Vitamin D supplements a popular option.
Commonly known as "the sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D is known for its bone-boosting properties, among many others. Millions of Americans take Vitamin D supplements to enhance various parts of their lives. From promoting healthy bones to strengthening the body's ability to take in calcium, Vitamin D has the power to take your health in a new direction.
First and foremost, Vitamin D is well-known for boosting the immune system. Evidence supports claims that this nutrient interacts with many different cells within the immune system, indicating that a deficiency can actually make you more likely to fall ill, and more often. If you are prone to colds, coughs, and general illness, Vitamin D may be able to help.
Studies also suggest that elevated levels of Vitamin D can help reduce your risk of contracting multiple sclerosis, or MS. MS is increasingly rare in close proximity to the equator, lending support to the idea that prolonged or intense exposure to the sun, and thus the sunshine vitamin, can be beneficial to your body's long-term health in preventing MS. If you live far from the tropics or simply don't have the ability to spend large amounts of time outdoors in order to obtain Vitamin D the natural way, vitamin supplements can work to keep you healthy.
If Alzheimer's disease runs in your family, Vitamin D could be an asset to improving or maintaining your mental state as you age. While doctors aren't sure what causes Alzheimer's, how to cure it or how to prevent it from getting worse, there is substantial evidence that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to cognitive functioning later in life. A recent journal article detailed a study in which nearly 1,700 older adults were monitored for a period of five years for dementia symptoms and Vitamin D levels. After five years, over 180 patients showed signs of dementia and in almost all cases, these patients had lower than average Vitamin D levels, most levels so low as to be considered unhealthy. The doctors performing the tests admit that these results are observational and do not prove definitive correlation or a guaranteed treatment option, but could lead to interesting conclusions in those looking to prevent early signs of mental aging or Alzheimer's onset.
Whether you love the sun or your home is at your desk indoors, getting the right amount of Vitamin D is crucial to your overall physical and mental health. While appropriate intake can keep bones strong, aid in calcium absorption, and even support your body's natural processes, deficiencies can cause serious side effects, from a weakened immune system to the potential for memory loss later in life. If you feel as though you need a boost beyond what your time outdoors can do for you, taking all natural Vitamin D supplements can help you feel better now while providing support for a healthy future later.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia commonly affects men over 40 and involves enlargement of the prostate gland. It is called "benign" because it is not cancerous and rarely causes health issues necessitating hospitalization or surgery.
Symptoms of BPH
Frequent need to urinate/problems trying to start urinating
Urine streams that start and stop/dribbling excessively when trying to end urination
Feeling like the bladder is never empty
Recurring urinary tract infections
Inability to urinate or blood in the urine (less common)
These symptoms may also indicate other conditions, such as prostatitis, urethral stricture, kidney/bladder stones or neurological issues with bladder control. Only a physician can accurately diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Why Men Suffer BPH
Largely the result of hormone fluctuations due to aging, BPH occurs as men experience reduced levels of testosterone and increased levels of estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin. These changes combined produce elevated concentrations of testosterone in the prostate, which promotes conversion of excess testosterone to another hormone called DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. DHT not only contributes heavily to BPH but also plays a role in male pattern baldness.
Treat BPH Naturally with BioNatures Prosta Care Plus
Medications prescribed by doctors for treating BPH are problematic because they may take several weeks to alleviate symptoms and do not work for all men. For example, alpha-blockers cannot stop the prostate from enlarging and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors typically take six months or more before they show effects on symptoms, if any. PDE-5 inhibitors such as Cialis, are sometimes prescribed for BPH but are primarily intended for erectile dysfunction and may produce adverse side effects in some men.
Saw Palmetto
Bionatures Prosta Care Plus uses a combination of natural nutrients proven to support prostate health and functioning without causing unwanted side effects. For example, Bionatures Prosta Care Plus contains a powerful phytonutrient called saw palmetto that has shown to be effective at relieving symptoms of BPH in research studies. Saw palmetto works as a diuretic to increase urine flow by shrinking the inner lining of the prostate. Once this lining is no longer putting pressure on urinary tract tubes responsible for eliminating urine from the body, men with BPH are able to urinate more quickly and completely.
Flaxseed
Bionatures Prosta Care Plus also uses flaxseed, a substance providing rich amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and ALA, (alpha-linolenic acid), a nutrient crucial to regulating blood pressure and dilating blood vessels. Omega-3 FAs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on the prostate gland that reduces swelling, facilitates urine flow and allows men to empty their bladder completely.
Flaxseed also contains phytoestrogens called lignans which are converted into enterolactone and enterodiol in the intestines. These two substances have been researched and found to have beneficial effects on BPH as well as various prostate cancer conditions.
Pumpkin Seed Extract
Pumpkin seed compounds exert diuretic effects that effectively relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Phytoesterols found in pumpkin seeds not only help shrink enlarged prostates but may also inhibit conversion of testosterone into DHT. A double-blind study comparing pumpkin seed extract with a placebo found that men who took pumpkin seed extract experienced significant improvement with urinary flow and reduced frequency of urination.
Juniper Berry
Bionatures Prosta Care Plus includes juniper berry extract in its formula because of its antiflammatory and diuretic properties. Rich in flavenoids and tannins that have powerful antioxidant properties, juniper berries not only promote easy urine flow but also stimulate kidney and bladder functioning to help eliminate excess fluid from the body.
Pygeum
Found in the bark of the African plum tree, Pygeum africanum is a natural remedy for bladder and urinary tract problems that also helps shrink enlarged prostates to relieve nighttime urination and poor urine flow. Research results suggest that when pygeum is used to treat BPH, it can effectively reduce swelling of the bladder lining to facilitate urine flow while inhibiting signaling of fibroblast growth factor, a chemical that plays an important role in hormone activity.
Start managing your benign prostatic hyperplasia condition today by using safe and effective BioNatures Prosta Care Plus, the healthier way to support prostate functioning and ease uncomfortable symptoms of BPH.
While there are several known for their beauty benefits -olive oil, lavender oil, jojoba oil, etc., flaxseed oil which is popularly known to cleanse the body from within is also used topically to get a smooth and clear complexion.
It not only detoxifies your body from within, but it also helps clear blemishes, reduce acne scars and pigmentation marks. Here are a few advantages of applying flaxseed oil.
It heals your skin
This is the season when you experience dry and itchy skin. Due to its high inflammatory index, flaxseed oil helps minimize skin irritation, redness and inflammation of any sort. Skin rashes diminish with topical application. If you are suffering from any sort of chronic skin conditions like persistent acne, rosacea or dermatitis, you can always take a drop of flaxseed oil on your finger and apply it with the tip of your finger on the affected area and blend it in.
Moisturizes your skin
Another benefit of flaxseed oil is that it moisturizes your skin and hydrates it from within. The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil smoothens your skin's appearance and makes it super soft. You can either apply flaxseed oil on its own or maybe mix it with a bit of a light-weight moisturizer and apply it evenly on your face before you retire for the night.
Gives you an even skin tone
Constant exposure to sunlight and everyday stress takes a toll on your skin. To ensure that you have smooth, clear skin, take a few drops of flaxseed oil on your palm and rub it for a few minutes to warm it. Then, massage your face with your palm for a few minutes. You can either wash it off with lukewarm water or keep it on for the entire night to give you a radiant, glowing skin when you wake up in the morning.
Reduces dark circles
Another advantage of applying flaxseed oil is that it helps reduce dark circles considerably. Just a week of applying flaxseed oil under your eyes, will give you a clear skin around the eyes and make the area look brighter.
Other benefits of flaxseed oil. Apart from clearing your skin, flaxseed oil also works as a cleanser for your body. If consumed on a daily basis, it clears your system, leaving you with a radiant, hydrated and a clean complexion.
Prevents skin cancer
While flaxseed oil is great to apply on an everyday basis, one of the reasons why beauty professionals around the world prefer this oil is because of its reputation of fighting free radicals. These free radicals prevent `oxidative damage'. By including flaxseed in your diet, you can fight the free radicals which develop because of the constant exposure to sunlight and the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Clears bowel movement. One of the greatest advantages of flaxseed oil is that it helps your digestive system to function properly and smoothly. A spoonful of flaxseed early in the morning along with a glass or two of lukewarm water will keep your system clean and will help your food to digest better through the day.
Coral Calcium FAQs
What are Coral Minerals?
Live coral is comprised of many colonies of identical living polyps, which are marine animals in the class Anthozoa. They’re typically protected by a hard shell, composed primarily of calcium carbonate along with other minerals, which is secreted by reef-building hermatypic corals. These hard shells form the basis of a coral reef. Once coral dies the hard shell is left; this shell is a rich source of at least 74 naturally-balanced organic coral minerals. Coral minerals are taken from above-sea coral deposits that have been pulverized into an ultra-fine powder, maintaining the natural balance of all these minerals. This is important, because each mineral requires other minerals to provide maximum efficacy.
Coral minerals are highly-absorbable due to their natural ability to become ionic upon contact with moisture.
This natural ability to ionize, combined with the full spectrum of trace minerals present, makes coral a desirable form of calcium.
How do Coral Minerals work?
Minerals are the basic foundation for health. From our bones to the multitude of enzymatic activities within and outside our cells, minerals are the keys that open the door to optimum health. This is accomplished by supplying the body with the necessary minerals that have crucial roles to play in good health. The calcium and other naturally occurring minerals in coral support the delicate pH balance of body fluids and tissues. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, making up 1.5-2% of its total weight. Coral Calcium contains mostly calcium carbonate, though the presence of other trace minerals is important to the action of this mineral supplement.
Coral Calcium is often used to increase the alkalinity of the blood and fluids when it gets too low. Low blood pH, often called chronic acidosis, is implicated in bone thinning and other nutritionally-related disfunctions.*
Many people in our society are mineral deficient because the soils have become depleted through unsustainable farming practices. When the minerals are supplied in an absorbable form, health can improve. Coral contains trace amounts of every mineral needed by the body and is known for their balance. Orthopedic surgeons use pieces of coral for bone grafts because the bone and tendons readily accept the coral.
Is Bionature's Coral Calcium tested for heavy metals and radioactive elements?
Yes. Coral Calcium is tested for lead and other heavy metals. Independent analysis has proven this Fossilized Coral calcium to be free of dangerous radioactive elements.
How much elemental calcium is in each serving of Bionatures Coral Calcium Plus?
Our Coral Calcium Plus contains 500 mg of elemental calcium per two-capsule serving, derived from 1.43 g of Fossilized Coral Calcium.
Where does Bionature's coral come from?
All Bionatures coral is harvested from an above sea area. Thousands of years ago, this coral was a thriving coral reef. Geologically, this coral was pushed up above sea level, free from the ocean pollution of the industrial era.
Only the pristine white coral heads are harvested. This harvesting process involves removal of the protective layer of soil that accumulated over the years and collecting the ancient coral. After the coral is collected, it is ground into fine powder. The ground coral is purified in a vacuum ozone chamber and then shipped to us. This protects the living coral reefs and ocean environment from the effects of vacuuming the shallow ocean floor, which is another method of harvesting coral calcium.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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