Tuesday, September 11, 2007

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND FACTS

Function
 Stem cells can form cartilage and bone-Science (The world's leading journal of original scientific research) 284, 143-
147; 2 Apr 1999

 Stem cell patients showed significant improvements in nerve
conduction velocities, and showed maintenance or slight
improvement in bone mineral density
-
Bone Marrow Transplant 215-222; Aug 2002, published by the NIH Bone marrow-derived stem cells appear able to form neuronal
tissues
-Science 290, 1775-1779; 1 Dec 2000

Bone marrow stem cells can form liver, skin, and digestive
tract cells
-New England Journal of Medicine 346, 738-746; 7 March 2002

Bone marrow stem cells can also participate in cutaneous
healing, contributing to repair of wound healing
-Journal Of Cellular Physiology 196, 245–250; 2003

Stem cells participate in the generation of new neurons within
the human brain-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 100, 1364-1369; 4
Feb 2003

Bone marrow stem cells have also been shown to contribute to Purkinje cells (Purkinje cells are brain cells that science had believed are
not generated after birth)-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 100, 2088-2093; 18
Feb 2003

Mobilized stem cells have also been used in renewal of cardiac tissue (Mobilized stem cells are those that have released into the
bloodstream)
-Journal of Clinical Investigation 107, 1395-1402; June 2001

Bone marrow stem cells have also shown the ability to
participate in renewal of retinal tissues
-Nature Medicine 8, 1004-1010; Sept 2002
7
Scientific and Medical Facts on Adult Stem Cell Function

Human marrow stem cells have been shown to form cartilage
cells-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 99, 4397-4402; 2
Apr 2002

Bone marrow derived stem cells have also been shown
capable of renewing muscle tissue
-Science 279, 1528-1530; Mar 6, 1998

Bone marrow stem cells can participate in restoring kidney
tissue
-Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 14, S48-S54; 2003

Repopulation of liver cells from bone marrow stem cells could
take place in humans
-Nature 406, 257; 20 July 2000

Bone marrow derived stem cells have also demonstrated the
ability to induce renewal of the pancreas
-Bone Marrow Transplant 215-222; Aug 2002

Bone marrow derived stem cells can renew cardiac tissue and
improve cardiac performance in humans
-Nature Medicine 7, 430-436; April 2001 and many more

Studies indicate evidence that bone marrow stem cells can
renew lung tissue
-Development 128, 5181-5188; December 2001

Stem cells can home to lung tissue, then participate in
renewal of lung tissue and reduction of inflammation-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 100: 8407-8411; 8
July 2003

Bone marrow derived stem cells have been shown to
contribute to renewal of gastrointestinal tissue in human
patients
-Archives of Dermatology 137, 1071-1072; Aug 2001 and many more
8
The documentations of adult stem cell function by mainstream science and medical
research are virtually endless. The previous are just a fraction. To find more, just
visit the science and medical
community’s online source for
retrieving such papers andarticles, www.PubMed.gov. Type stem cell in the search box and have access to
more than 150,000 studies. Adult stem cell will yield 30,000+ papers.
To search for a specific condition simply search for:
Adult Stem Cell + Your Specific Condition
Be sure to use the plus sign (+) with a space before and after to maximize your
search.
Knowing what adult stem cells do in the human body, doesn’t
it make sense that having more of them in the bloodstream
will undoubtedly have profound effects on your health and
well-being?
StemEnhance is proven to increase the number of
circulating stem cells by up to 30%, and has a patent to
back it up.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

ONLY IF YOU KNEW AN ALL-NATURAL PILL COULD REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVELS

Pantothenic acid- Vitamin B5
A Closer Look @ Supplements


Here's a quick thought exercise: If you knew of an all-natural pill that would help reduce your stress levels, would you order a lifetime supply of it? Well, actually, you’re in luck. Pantothenic acid plays a crucial, essential and important part in your body’s ability to produce the stress hormone. Therefore, a lack of this supplement might be one cause of depression or anxiety in many individuals. So what else can this seemingly amazing little supplement do for your body and health? Read on to find out more...

What is Pantothenic Acid

Stemming from the Greek root word pantos, meaning "everywhere," Pantothenic acid is abundant in the American food supply, especially in fish, legumes, organ meats, whole grains and yogurt. Although if you buy most of these foods pre-processed, their Pantothenic acid content will be significantly reduced. Whole grain products contain 50% less Pantothenic acid than the unprocessed whole grains, and legumes (beans) lose 80% of this nutrient when they’re canned. What’s the best way to get a healthy daily intake of Pantothenic acid? Eat fresh!

How does Pantothenic Acid work?

Also known as vitamin B5, Pantothenic acid assists the other B-complex vitamins in converting food into usable energy. It is also an essential part of the body’s ability to produce various enzymes, which act as the catalyst to numerous biochemical reactions in the body. Beyond these basic needs, Pantothenic acid also helps support the central nervous system by preserving communication lines between the nervous system (nerves) and the brain.

Pantothenic acid may also prove to be beneficial for dealing with allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, heartburn, migraines, and stress. Pantothenic acid is an essential part of the body’s ability to produce stress hormone, and it is believed that when a person becomes overstressed and thus overproduces stress hormones, the body becomes depleted of this vitamin and its stores must be replenished. Depression and anxiety are two forms of stress that increase the need for Pantothenic acid, so if you are experiencing any symptoms of stress, it is important that you take a daily multivitamin that includes vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid). Stress is also a common factor in life-changing events, even the little ones, such as trying to stop smoking. Migraines and chronic fatigue also trigger high levels of stress hormones, meaning that extra supplementation is also needed.>
Combining Pantothenic acid with choline and thiamin, two other B vitamins, may prove a helpful treatment for heartburn, by acting on the central nervous system to maintain the digestive process. Pantothenic acid can also act as a decongestant, helping to unclog nasal congestion, during the allergic response.

How can I make the most of Pantothenic Acid?

There is no RDA for Pantothenic acid, which is readily supplied in the foods we eat every day. In fact, Pantothenic acid is found is so many foods that deficiency is extremely rare. Experts recommend that you obtain between 4 and 7 mg of this vitamin every day. Toxicity reports are rare, but people who took a 10 gram dosage complained of diarrhea. You should be able to obtain plenty Pantothenic acid from diet or a multivitamin source.

PROTECT YOUR HEART AND NERVES, WHILE BOOSTING YOUR MOOD

Thiamin – Vitamin B1
A Closer Look @ Supplements
By Jennifer Gruenemay, ACE-Certified,


Do you know which nutrient can protect the health of your heart and nerves, all while boosting your mood? Thiamin (vitamin B1) is a nutrient of many uses, including improving heart function, assisting in energy metabolism, protecting nerve health, and regulating your mood. Learn why you may need more thiamin in your diet.

What Is Thiamin? Otherwise known as vitamin B1, thiamin was the very first B-vitamin discovered.

As a part of that family, thiamin is mainly involved in energy metabolism:turning the foods you eat into a useable energy source for the body, otherwise known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

All of the B-vitamins work together to produce ATP, and each different vitamin is also involved in more specific aspects of the human body.

Thiamin helps support healthy nerves and a healthy heart, may positively influence mood, and may also be a useful tool for soothing heartburn

How Does Thiamin Work?Besides playing an important role in the breakdown, or metabolism, of carbohydrates, fats and protein, thiamin is also very important to maintaining heart health.

The human heart is the hardest working organ. It pumps blood in and out of its chambers numerous times a day.

This blood then travels to various parts of the human body, nourishing and oxidizing our cells.

Congestive Heart Failure
Thiamin may be useful for people suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF).

This B-vitamin has been shown to improve the heart’s “pumping power,” which is very important to someone who's heart is failing.

People with CHF often have very low levels of thiamin. It is believed that long-term use of diuretic drugs, which are often prescribed to CHF patients, deplete the body’s stores of thiamin.

One study of CHF patients on diuretics showed that taking 200mg of thiamin each day for six weeks improved the heart’s pumping power by 22%.

Diabetic Neuropathy Not only does thiamin help support a healthy working heart, it also helps promote nerve health throughout the body.

Diabetics especially suffer from nerve problems if their disease is uncontrolled.

Diabetic neuropathy, or "disease of the nerves" due to uncontrolled diabetes causes numbing of the extremities, which is usually detected first as a tingling in the hands and/or feet.

Since this B-vitamin is thought to support nerve health, diabetics may be able to minimize numbness and tingling by taking thiamin. Mood Disorders
Therapeutice doses of thiamin may help to boost mood, even when the vitamin is not deficient in the body.

One study of college-age women who were not deficient in thiamin reported improved mood, energy and alertness after just two months of taking 50 milligrams a day.

Another study showed that taking 10 milligrams of thiamin daily for three months can improve energy levels in the elderly. In this same study, thiamin was also shown to reduce blood pressure, assist in healthy weight loss and improved sleep quality.

Some reports even go so far as to claim that thiamin may be helpful in treating the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease, although this has not been proven.

How Can I Make The Most Out Of Thiamin? The Recommended Daily Allowance for thiamin is 1.1 milligrams per day for women and 1.2 milligrams per day for men. The doses mentioned previously were for therapeutic reasons, and therefore should be administered by a physician. Most people get enough thiamin in their regular diet, although deficiency is still possible. Thiamin deficiency can cause mood disorders, by increasing irritability, depression, unexplained weight loss, and muscle fatigue.

Severe deficiency results in a condition known as beriberi, which is characterized by nerve damage, muscle loss, loss of mental function, paralysis, and eventually death.

Thiamin is often added back to foods that are milled, since this process can cause a loss of nutrients.

To prevent deficiency, it is advised that you eat a variety of foods to ensure healthy intake of all nutrients.

Thiamin is found specifically in enriched grain products, dried bean, nuts, seeds, lean pork, and whole grains.

Be aware that drinking diuretics, such as coffee, caffeinated tea or soda, can deplete your thiamin stores.

Drink these in in moderation or take extra thiamin to make up for the loss.

Since thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin, any excess that is taken in and not used by the body will simply be excreted in the urine, so toxicity is not a concern.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMONS AND LIMES

Nutritional Facts for Lemons and Limes
If you find it hard to get all of your fruit servings, try squeezing fresh lemon and lime juice into your water. The juice has few calories – just 20 per fruit – and offers unique phytonutrients. Lemons and limes contain flavonoid compounds, which are called flavonol glycosides and have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. In addition, lemons and limes are high in vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature. Lemons also offer 10% of the RDA for iron, 9% of the RDA for thiamin and 8% of the RDA for vitamin B6

Vitamin C is also vital to the functioning of a strong immune system. Research has repeatedly shown that consumption of foods high in vitamin C can help to reduce your risk of dying from cancer, stroke and heart disease. This is because, as an antioxidant, vitamin C travels through your body and neutralizes free radicals that can otherwise cause cell damage. Free radicals interact with the healthy cells of the body, damaging their membranes and organelles and leading to cell mutations. Free radicals can also cause inflammation, or painful swelling, in the body.

If you are searching for more vitamin C in your diet, eat more lemons rather than limes since they have twice the vitamin C of their counterparts. Once the British Navy discovered that lemons and limes would prevent scurvy, a condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, they were added to sailors’ staple diets. For this reason, British sailors earned the nickname “limeys” during the 1600s.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

5 TOP BONE BUILDERS

1. Calcium Function: Builds and maintains bone. Daily Needs: 1,000 milligrams if under the age of 50, 1,500 if over 50. Food sources: Dairy foods, canned sardines and calcium-fortified soy foods and orange juice.

2. Vitamin D Function: Absorbs and deposits calcium into bones. Daily needs: 800 to 1,000 IUs. Food sources: Vitamin D-fortified milk and dairy foods.

3. Vitamin K Function: Activates a protein necessary for bone strength.Daily needs: 65-80 micrograms. Food sources: Dark leafy greens, like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

4. Magnesium Function: Stimulates bone production. Daily needs: 100 to 400 milligrams. Food sources: Almonds, avocados, bananas, dried beans, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, soy, spinach, tofu, wheat germ, and whole wheat bread.

5. Activity Function: Helps the flow of calcium into the bone. Weekly needs: Strength train two to three days a week.Source: Weight-bearing exercise, such as running or walking, most days of the week.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

The Secret to Beautiful Skin



What’s the key to a clear complexion? Hint: It’s not the expensive cream at the department store. Amazingly, the secret lies in your cupboard, and it won’t cost you $85 for half an ounce. We sifted through the hype to bring you the beautiful skin secrets of three experts. They’ll tell you why a cover girl’s complexion is only a bowl of blueberries away. Change Your Diet It wasn’t until recently that skin care gurus switched from prescribing creams to focusing on food.“Beautiful skin on the outside begins with good health on the inside,” explains Nicholas Perricone, M.D., author of The Wrinkle Cure (Warner, 2005) and Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity (Ballantine, 2006). “You’ll never look your absolute best unless you eat right.” After all, food nourishes every part of your body, including your skin.One of the best incentives to eat for beauty is that your overall health will improve along with your skin. Not only will you get a silky, rosy complexion, you’ll also have more energy.
for an antioxidant boost.

Five of the Best Foods to put on your shopping list for beautiful skin is;

1. Blueberries
“The many benefits found in the blueberry lead to extended youth and beauty,” explains Perricone. Blueberries neutralize free radical damage to collagen cells, which keeps your skin supple and strong.


2. Buckwheat
This seed is rich in a substance called rutin, an anti-inflammatory antioxidant which can improve your complexion. Rutin reduces blood pressure and strengthens blood vessel walls, and can even help prevent varicose veins. Bonus: It delivers more protein than other grains, so you’ll stay fuller longer. “It’s a great weight-control ally,” says Perricone. It also puts carbs back on the menu! Use buckwheat flour in your favorite pancake recipe or add cooked buckwheat to a warm winter stew for a hearty flavor.

3. Olive Oil
Opting for olive oil over butter is a great first move. For the best results, choose extra virgin olive oil. It contains higher levels of polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant activity, according to Richard Asarch, M.D., of the Asarch Center for Dermatology, Laser and Skin Rejuvenation in Colorado and author of The Beautiful Skin Diet, (Ideal, 2003). Antioxidants protect against – and sometimes even reverse – the skin damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules produced by pollution, sunlight and cigarette smoke. When cooking with olive oil, be careful not to turn up the heat too high when cooking or the oil will lose its nutritional properties.

4. Cherry Tomatoes
Seeing as how they’re packed with antioxidant-rich lycopene and vitamin C.

5. Strawberries
Strawberries' antioxidant properties are rejuvenating, especially to the skin, smoothing out lines and wrinkles.


Foods that will destroy your skin

If you want to put your best face forward, watch out for these five foods:

1. Sugar is exceptionally damaging to skin and accelerates the aging process, inside and out. Per Remember that there’s a difference between the natural sugar in fruit and the added sugar in packaged goods. Look out for the words fructose, sucrose, corn syrup, fruit juice, mannitol, and molasses on ingredient labels –all are forms of added sugar.

2.Raisins cause sudden and wide swings in sugar loads in the body, which can inflame and damage the skin. If you can’t resist raisins, pair them with protein or heart-healthy fat to prevent a blood sugar spike. Try mixing in a handful of walnuts or almonds for a high-energy, skin-savvy trail mix.

3.Bacon This breakfast favorite is high in saturated fat, which "increases the incidence of skin aging and wrinkling.

4. Restaurant Meals, Many restaurant dishes contain hidden fat, sugar, salt, chemicals, and preservatives that harm your body and skin. Make most of your meals at home so you can control what goes in, and what stays out of, your food.

5. Delicious Desserts, Even skin gurus need to indulge sometimes. Enjoy angel food cake topped with fresh strawberries, dig into pineapple and kiwis.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Burn More Calories with Vitamin C

How can you lose weight quickly without starving yourself? A study conducted by Arizona State University found that people who supplemented their diet with extra vitamin C lost weight faster than those who didn’t consume enough of the nutrient. You only need 60 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day to meet your body’s basic needs, but according to this study, raising your daily intake to 500 mg could boost your fat burning potential during exercise by 39%. Yes, you still have to exercise to reap the benefits. But you were going to work out anyway, right? Just don’t give in to the false assumption that “if some is good, more is better” and do something stupid like overdose on vitamin C – 500 mg is plenty. Nutrition experts warn that taking more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C can cause toxicity, which has very unpleasant side effects (like diarrhea, bloating and flatulence – nothing you want to experience at the gym, or anywhere else for that matter). If you’d rather eat your vitamin C than pop pills, eat more citrus fruits. Just don’t put all your hopes in that morning glass of orange juice, which can lose more than 50% of its vitamin C levels during processing and storage. (It’s also got a lot of calories from sugar that you don’t need if you’re trying to shed extra pounds.) A better bet? Grapefruits, oranges, strawberries, limes, lemons, mangoes, and kiwis are all fabulous sources of this fat-burning vitamin. Now can you “C” how delicious losing weight can be?

Banishing Cellulite

Banishing Cellulite is no easy task, but can it be done, with alot of persistance, “Too much oily food, fried food and sugar is toxic to the body". These toxins accumulate and cause cellulite.”The link between diet and cellulite is hotly debated, but keep in mind that eliminating junk food will lead to positive changes throughout your body, from weight loss to well-being. I also recommend massaging your body’s trouble areas with a warming body oil like bergamot or rosemary, or finding a good herbal lotion that eliminates cellulite. Massage stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which help break down fatty tissue and needs to be done on a daily basis, perferably after a bath or shower put on your lotion and rub and massage areas for a few minutes. Using Rosemary and Juniper oils in your bath will rid toxins in your body. Combine this with some tried-and-true tush-tighteners like lunges and squats to resculpt your lower half. Also after eating your largest meal of the day, take papaya tablets or chewables to keep fat from depositing in your body.

These must be done on a daily basis, and in one month you will see a huge difference.

1. Bathe in a Rosemary and Juniper oil bath, for 20 minutes. Even better, add Dead Sea Salts.
(don't use dead sea salts with fragrance)
2. Massage trouble areas with rosemary oil or a herbal cellulite cream, after bath, while pores are still open for several minutes on each area.

3. Take papaya tablets after eating.

4. Do squats and leg lunges for lower half, and for the stomach, hold your stomach in as long as you can and keep doing it throughout the day.

5. Drink alot of water.

6. Watch what you eat; add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Read my 100 fat burning foods.

The four basic steps to fighting cellulite

If you do nothing else to fight cellulite, these four steps will make a difference.

Cut down on calories: If you’re overweight, losing weight will shrink the fat boxes. Aim for 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, focusing on low-fat, higher-protein and fruit and vegetable packed meals.

Fight fluid retention: Areas of cellulite contain higher than average amounts of water-attracting cells: if you have excess fluid in the body this will gravitate to these cells swelling the boxes (a major cause of cellulite in thinner women). Cutting down on salt and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps fight this.

Increase antioxidants: The walls that surround the fat boxes are made from collagen and therefore get damaged by free radicals (produced by things like smoking, sunbathing, pollutants etc). This makes them tougher and causes them to shrink, which stretches the skin more tightly over the top of the fat boxes making them more noticeable. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, to help supply antioxidants that fight free radicals.

Reduce toxins: While it’s not true that cellulite is stored toxins it doesn’t mean that saturated fat, sugar, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes don’t play a role in its formation. All of these trigger free radicals, and they also put pressure on the lymph system (which flushes toxins from your body). This is bad news, as when the lymph system is sluggish it actually creates fibres which bind to the walls of the fat boxes, making them thicker. This is turn creates extra pressure on the fat squishing things further upwards.

Cellulite-fighting foodsHowever, to truly fight cellulite you should also aim to include in your diet foods that help power up all the processes above: Aim to eat at least of these top foods every day to improve results.

1. Proteins such as white fish, chicken, beans and pulses: these contain amino acids that fight fluid retention
2. Oily fish: As well as being a good source of protein, this also contains essential fats that hydrate the skin (making cellulite less noticeable) Like Tuna.
3. Avocado: also vital for healthy skin – plus essential fats help you burn more body fat
4. Blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries: Among the highest sources of antioxidants out there
5. Eggs: Incredibly high in detoxifying agents
6. Bran and oat cereals: Breakfast the metabolism leading to easier weight loss – plus cereals contain high levels of antioxidants.
7. Watermelon, cucumber, celery and asparagus: Diuretic foods that fight fluid retention
8. Citrus fruit, pineapple, papaya: All high in vitamin C, vital for creating healthy collagen
9. Low-fat dairy products: calcium in these increases the amount of body fat you lose while dieting
10.Bananas: Circulation boosting and good fluid-retention fighters.

Foods that make it worse

1. Anything high in saturated fat – high in calories and free-radical producing
2. High sugar foods – sugar actually produces more free radicals than fat
3. High GI carbohydrates (like white bread, rice and baked potatoes). Raise levels of fat storing insulin
4. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages: These pressurise the lymphatic sytem
5. Alcohol: increases free radicals and may boost fat storage
6. High salt foods like peanuts, crisps, ready meals, canned soups etc.

All Natural Skin Cleansing Recipes

It is much healthier for your skin to use ingredients that you can eat, to put on your skin, then to use chemicals and preservatives on your skin, which most products you buy have in them, and their not benefiting your skin at all.

1. For dry skin: Mix 1teaspoon almond meal + ½ teaspoon dry milk + 1 pinch sugar.

2. For Sensitive Skin: Mix 1 teaspoon almond meal + ½ teaspoon ground orange peel + ½ teaspoon dry milk.

3. For Oily Skin: Mix 1 teaspoon barley meal + 1 teaspoon lemon peel + ½ teaspoon dry milk.

Time to start washing…

In your palm, make a paste using ¼ teaspoon of the above mixture and warm water (or rosewater if you have sensitive skin).
Apply paste all over face and neck and gently massage into the skin for about one minute. Don’t scrub!
Dry and oily skin types should rinse well with warm, not hot water.
If you have sensitive skin, wash with cool, not cold, water.
Pat dry gently - do not rub.
Store the extra dry ingredients in a spice jar.

Emotions Will Influence Your Skin's Health

Did you know that your emotions influence your skin’s health? It’s true. “Skin is the reflection of everything inside us,” says Dr. Pratima Raichur, founding director of Pratima Ayurvedic Skin Care and Spa in Manhattan. Think of a bride on her wedding day – she’s glowing and radiant, her happiness manifesting itself in the form of beautiful skin. Unfortunately, the opposite is true if you’re under chronic stress, your skin will reflect it. In the short term, you might notice a few extra blemishes here and there; in the long term, your skin will age faster, complete with worry lines and broken blood vessels. maintain a youthful glow – even into your eighties and beyond.The Fountain of Youth “Slowing down the aging process is more than just external,” says Raichur. Anti-wrinkle creams alone won’t do it. Youthful skin has everything to do with how you react to and internalize your daily experiences. Need balance in an anxiety-filled life?
Here are some tips:
Consciously change how you react to negative events. Is the long line at the grocery an annoyance that will ruin your day, or is it a chance to flip through your favorite magazine?
Maintain positive, loving relationships with your friends and family.
Get rid of that grudge – it’s dead weight you don’t need.
Walk through a garden, watch the sun set or do some stargazing.
According to Raichur, taking in beautiful scenery sparks hormonal changes in your body that trigger a euphoric response.
Add 10 drops of chamomile oil to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes.
Put on soft music with rhythmic drumming.
A healthier lifestyle and an arsenal of relaxation techniques will send those stress hormones packing – and give you a glow that no cream can match.

Big Purses Put Strain On Women's Health

Those oversized designer handbags are back in fashion, and may be bringing increased health problems with them. According to Baylor Medical Center researchers, consumer trends in favor of heavier, wider and more cumbersome handbags are raising women's risk of chronic upper back pain, neck pain and headaches. Researchers recommended that designers place informational labels on their oversize bags, educating women about the potential risks involved. For those women who just can't give up on those giant imitation Louis Vuittons, correct posture and alternating the burden between shoulders may offer relief.

Friday, February 23, 2007

GLUCASAMINE AND CHONDROITIN DONT MIX

What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate?
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair.
Chondroitin sulfate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are sold as dietary or nutritional supplements. They are extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster or shrimp shells; and chondroitin sulfate from animal cartilage, such as tracheas or shark cartilage.
What do they do?


Glucosamine has been scientifically proven to promote joint health.* Studies indicate that Glucosamine provides the building blocks for constructing cartilage.* It acts as a lubricant, nourishes cartilage, and promotes mobility and flexibility for comfortable movement.

Chondroitin Sulfate is necessary in the production of cartilage. Proteoglycans, a vital component of cartilage tissue, is produced by Chondroitin. Chondroitin attracts water to the proteoglycans and holds it there, which is important to maintaining health joints. It also protects existing cartilage from premature degeneration by blocking certain enzymes that destroy cartilage and prevent nutrients from reaching the cartilage.

But the problem is , used in combination, one cancels out the other.

Often they are recommended to be used together, they are also sold in combination form, dont waste your money.

The Glucasamine w/sulfate absorbs the Best.

Amazing Health Benefits of Cranberries

Better than Broccoli

Cranberries are phytochemical powerhouses packed with five times the antioxidant content of broccoli. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can damage cellular DNA and may contribute to everything from premature aging of the skin to various types of cancer. When compared to 19 other common fruits in a recent study, cranberries were found to contain the highest level of cancer-fighting antioxidant phenols.

You’ll find the greatest number of vitamins and nutrients in the fresh cranberries now in season. Dried cranberries lose some of their nutritional value, as do canned ones. Happily, you can freeze bags of fresh berries and seal in the good stuff. They’ll last for years.

Fighting UTIs
Cranberries may be helpful in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to a recent Rutgers University study. Here’s why: The berries' natural condensed tannins, called proanthocyanidins, have anti-adhesive properties that prevent bacteria from clinging to urinary tract walls.

Broccoli, Tomatoes Slows Prostate Cancer

Broccoli, Tomatoes Slow Prostate Cancer


A little more lush green and bright red on your dinner plate may make all the difference in the world when it comes to prostate health. According to a new University of Illinois study, eating tomatoes together with broccoli can slow the growth of existing prostate tumors, as well as cut the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Researchers found that men who followed a diet including 1.5 cups of broccoli and 2.5 cups of tomatoes, at least three days a week, experienced a 30% lower risk of prostate cancer than men who ate less of the two antioxidant-rich foods. A supplementary study of lab mice found that compounds in broccoli and tomatoes can significantly slow the growth of prostate tumor cells. What This Means for You, While consuming tomatoes or broccoli alone has been shown to cut cancer risk, the current study highlighted the synergy of the two whole foods in combination.

GRAPE JUICE AS HEART HEALTHY AS RED WINE

According to a new study, fresh grape juice can have the same heart-boosting effects as much-hyped red wine. Conducted by medical researchers in France – home to some of the planet's richest grape vineyards – the study was published in a recent issue of the journal Cardiovascular Research. Fresh juice from Concord grapes, the study's authors found, contains nearly identical levels of heart-healthy polyphenols as red wine. Past research had linked polyphenols to increased nitric oxide production, which can help lower blood pressure and stimulate healthy blood vessel activity. What This Means for You, This is fantastic news for heart-conscious adults who abstain from alcohol for personal, cultural or religious reasons. Researchers plan further studies to shed light on the health benefits of grape juice.

SUPER FOODS

1. Artichoke
Helps the liver rid the body of toxins by increasing the production and secretion of bile.

2. Blueberry
Natural source of antioxidants like anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins which provide a high ORAC value.

3. Boysenberry
Rich source of red and blue anthocyanin pigments.

4. Broccoli
A natural source phytonutrients including isothiocyanates like sulforaphane.

5. Citrus
Phytonutrient group that supports and enhances the activity of vitamin C.

6. Cranberry
Rich source of quercetin and proanthocyanidins which help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent urinary tract infections by blocking the adherence of bacteria, like E. coli, to the wall of the urinary tract.

7. Dates
May be considered as an almost ideal food, providing a wide range of antioxidants, essential nutrients and their potential health benefits.

8. Red Wine
Natural source of anthocyanidin antioxidants that prevent abnormal clotting of the blood and protect tissues from free-radical damage.

9. Elderberry
Natural source of phytonutrients.

10. Figs
A rich source of calcium, fiber, protein, and potassium.

11. Grapes
rich in proanthocyanidin antioxidants that have been shown to have cardioprotective properties..

12. Green Tea
Natural source of phytonutrients including antioxidant catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

13. Pomegranate
Natural source of phytonutrients including the antioxidant, ellagic acid.

14. Pumpkin
Rich source of beta-carotene and other carotenoid compounds.

15. Pumpkin Seed
Natural source of zinc and beneficial essential fatty acids.

16. Raspberry
Broad-spectrum source of berry phytonutrients, like ellagic acid, that are concentrated in the seeds of these fruits.

17. Red Apple Skin
Flavonoids and polyphenols found in the skin, provide antioxidant and anticancer benefits.

18. Red Bell Pepper
Contains lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin, important carotenoids for prostate, cervix, bladder, lung and pancreas health.

19. Rosemary
Herb rich in antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, that have a variety of therapeutic benefits including chemopreventive properties.

20. Soy Protein powder
Extract from soy that has been shown to promote healthy cholesterol and homocysteine levels, improve vascular function and support bone health.

21. Spinach, Kale, Parsley and Collards
Rich sources of antioxidant carotenoids including beta-carotene and lutein.

22. Strawberry
Broad-spectrum source of berry phytonutrients, like ellagic acid, that are concentrated in the seeds of these fruits.

23. Tomato
A rich source of antioxidant carotenoids such as lycopene

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

STOP DIETING, FAT-FIGHTING FOODS

Following a diet is easier said then done...... #1 DIET SECRET is Don't Diet

Fat fighting foods with simple recipes

Top 3.

1. Apricots – This low-cal, sweet treat cleanses the digestive system and eliminates the body’s waste by encouraging detoxification. Apricots supply antioxidants that assist the body in preventing infection and disease. In addition to acting as a laxative, apricots are an effective treatment for PMS and menstrual cramps

Nutrients: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, beta-carotene, folate, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc.

Apricot and Banana Ice Cream
2 bananas
6 ripe apricots
2 cups low-fat yogurt
1 tsp. honey (optional)
Peel the bananas and roughly chop them together with the apricots. Blend in a food processor with the yogurt. Add honey to sweeten, if you like. Transfer to a freezer-proof container and freeze 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

2. Leeks – This onion relative is both an antioxidant and a potent cleanser. Leeks are rich in nutrients and renowned for their infection and disease-fighting properties. They’re also responsible for boosting the immune and nervous systems. In addition, leeks reduce water retention and bloating.

Nutrients: Vitamins C, E, K, beta-carotene, biotin, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc; fiber.

Leek and Carrot Soup
1 large potato, scrubbed and chopped
4 cups chopped carrots
3 cups sliced leeks
1 Tbsp. olive oil
5 cups vegetable bouillon broth
Salt and ground pepper

Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the potato, carrots and leeks, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the vegetable bouillon broth and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Add seasoning to taste and blend in a food processor. Reheat and serve.

3. Mushrooms – There’s much ado about mushrooms. For starters, this slow-release energy food thins the blood, improves circulation and boosts fat-burning abilities. Mushrooms release a slow stream of energy into the body without causing spikes in blood sugar. A diverse food that comes in a variety of flavors, mushrooms are a good source of zinc.

Nutrients: Vitamins B3, B5, folate; calcium, iron, zinc.

Mushroom and Snow Pea Soup

2 Tbsp. whole wheat or buckwheat flour
5 cups water
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
6 ounces snow peas, sliced
1 cup chopped parsley
2 Tbsp. vegetable bouillon

In a pan, make a smooth paste of water and flour. Add the garlic and thyme, then heat slowly, adding the water and olive oil gradually and stirring constantly. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, then blend in a food processor until smooth. Reheat and serve.

see more at http://fatburningfoods-tracey.blogspot.com/

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Don't Believe the Hype: On "phony" Health Foods



It says "healthy" right on the label. It screams "nutritious!" all over the packaging.
From cereal to crackers, soup to yogurt, manufacturers are hyping a range of "health" products with slick marketing campaigns. But do most packaged health foods really live up to their advertising? Not quite, according to one major grocery chain. Fed up with deceptive labeling on the part of food-makers, this grocer is taking matters into its own hands, using a new rating system to grade a wide range of packaged food and beverage products. The results may shock you...

The New England-based chain, Hannaford Brothers, recently announced the results of its review of more than 27,000 popular supermarket products. Rating the nutritional content of the products on a scale of 0-3 stars, with three stars being the best, Hannaford Brothers grocers reached a surprising conclusion: 77% of the so-called "health foods" available in its stores received a zero-star rating. Among the "healthy" items to flunk out were many of Americans' most popular brands, including Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine frozen dinners, Campbell's soups, and Yoplait and Dannon yogurt cups.

A Glass of Milk: Weight loss fuel

Perhaps there is good reason to have three servings a day of dairy products. Dozens of studies are ongoing examining the association between dairy products, like milk, and weight loss. Since the USDA estimates that 75 percent of Americans are not consuming enough calcium every day, there has been a campaign to educate consumers about the bone-building nutritional value of dairy foods as well as to share the recent findings that at least three servings a day of dairy products may help to lower blood pressure and body weight.

Dairy foods have been a staple in many households since they offer nutritional benefits for all ages. A one-serving glass of milk provides significant amounts of the daily value of nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and phosphorus. Today, many nutrition experts are urging everyone to consume three servings of dairy foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, or yogurt to help establish healthy eating habits. The good news is that most dairy foods supply many nutrients that are shortchanged in many family diets. For example, research suggests that adolescents who consumed just two servings of dairy food a day seemed to have less of a weight problem than kids who ate less dairy products.

When most people try to lose weight, they often skimp on dairy foods. Limiting dairy foods may not only impact your waistline, it may also affect your risk of disease. Studies have shown that low-fat dairy foods may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure and perhaps even colon cancer. An animal study that is receiving a great deal of recent press shows that a diet rich in low-fat foods including affects the functioning of fat cells. A human study revealed that women benefited the most by consuming low-fat dairy foods. Those women who consumed at least three servings of low-fat dairy foods per day were at the lowest risk of becoming obese.

Not everyone can consume dairy products. Some people are allergic to milk and dairy products and should not eat them. For people with lactose intolerance, milk is often better digested when consumed in small amounts and when combined with other foods, such as cereal. If you are unable to consume dairy products, look for the nutritional benefits of a glass of milk from other calcium-rich foods or consider Smart Supplements.

This is why Americans have weight problems



From Sicily to Rome to Barcelona, Mediterranean women are known for their vitality and beauty. How do they do it? Is it the blue-green sea, the mild climate, the sun-bronzed men? The real secret lies in their diet: a centuries-old way of eating that combines fresh produce, whole grains and unprocessed foods. Eat like a Mediterranean no matter where you live.
1. Mediterranean Women don't eat Processed Junk“One of the worst mistakes Americans make is eating processed food,” says Adamson, who has authored and coauthored more than 40 health books, including Mediterranean Women Stay Slim, Too (Collins, 2006) and the forthcoming The Mediterranean Diet (Harper, January, 2007).Why are processed foods so bad? By definition, they undergo some sort of physical or chemical change during manufacturing, which alters their chemical makeup and can lead to unhealthy consequences (the addition of trans fats, for example). Unprocessed foods, on the other hand, are as close to their natural state as possible. Packed with healthy vitamins – not man-made synthetics – these are the foods that your body needs to stay healthy. Check the nutrition label on your favorite grocery store products. If you see a list of unpronounceable chemicals, put the food back. Start with small changes, like trading in your boxed crackers for a fresh baguette, or swapping your frozen chicken burrito with slow-roasted chicken. Soon enough, choosing natural will become second nature.

Friday, February 16, 2007

OXYGEN SHOWER HEADS

Another reason for many skin problems, and one of the main reasons for dry skin is the water we shower or bathe in. Harsh water and water with chemicals is just not good for your skin.
The Pampered Guests At Five Star Hotels Love This ShowerheadRevolutionary Oxygen Showerhead Adds 10 Times The Oxygen to every shower you take. From your first shower you’ll feel the invigorating difference and fitness experts are raving about its oxygen rich benefits. Imagine, your daily shower revitalizing your body and inhibiting free radicals that can damage and age your skin. Using the same principle as a jet engine the showerhead continually sucks in fresh air and infuses it into the water creating a powerful Oxygenating spray of revitalizing oxygen enriched water. The moment you turn it on you realize this is like no other showerhead you’ve ever experienced. Showering leaves skin and hair squeaky clean by putting 10 X more oxygen on the surface of your skin. OXYGEN SHOWERHEAD SAVES WATER Conservation: because of its design in less than a year your Oxygen Showerhead will pay for itself in water conservation. That’s just one reason why hotels love it but hotels and spas are happiest about the raves they receive from their satisfied guests. It feels great, saves money, and it’s great for your skin. Works with any water pressure, the air intake compensates for low pressure. Easy set up, average time about three minutes, works with any standard shower line. Never needs cleaning, all new technology. Average cost around $29.00

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Spray on stockings, they work Great!!!

Spray on stockings come in three colors, light, medium, and dark. It is easy to apply, does not streak, dries fast, hides spider veins and scars and leaves you with a matt finish with shimmer. No need to worry about the spray coming off on your clothes either, as it requires soap and water to be removed. Remember 1 can of this great product is equal to five pairs of traditional stockings. Does it really look like stockings, the answer is yes. But as with any coloring you use on your skin whether it be sunless tanning or stockings make sure your skin is well moisturized, to prevent a patchy or blotchy look.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

More Lecithin in our diets

Lecithin helps to prevent arteriosclerosis, improves brain function, protects against cardiovascular disease and aids in the absorption of vitamin A by the intestine and thiamine by the liver. It is needed to help repair damage to the liver caused by alcoholism. Not to mention it helps keep the elatisity in our skin. You can get lecithin in many forms, including as a spice form that you can sprinkle on your food.

You can get this at any vitamin store.

DARK CHOCOLATE IS HEALTHY FOR YOU

Chocolate: Casanova's sensual secrets, Giacomo Casanova, the worlds most famous lover, had a secret weapon: chocolate. He savored it before every romantic escapade, even drinking a mug of rich cocoa right before lovemaking. While the ultimate ladies’ man knew of chocolate’s aphrodisiacal powers, he probably didn’t know that eating it helped his health, too. So, go ahead, indulge in this decadent dessert…and give your libido a lift.
Its the best medical news in ages: Studies in two prestigious scientific journals say dark chocolate -- but not white chocolate or milk chocolate -- is good for you.
Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate -- not white chocolate -- lowers high blood pressure, say Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Cologne, Germany. Their report appears in the Aug. 27 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.
But that's no license to go on a chocolate binge. Eating more dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure -- if you've reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure, say the researchers. But you have to balance the extra calories by eating less of other things.
Antioxidants in Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate -- but not milk chocolate or dark chocolate eaten with milk -- is a potent antioxidant, report Mauro Serafini, PhD, of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome, and colleagues. Their report appears in the Aug. 28 issue of Nature. Antioxidants gobble up free radicals, destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease and other ailments.
"Our findings indicate that milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate ... and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate."
Translation: Say "Dark, please," when ordering at the chocolate counter. Don't even think of washing it down with milk. And if health is your excuse for eating chocolate, remember the word "moderate" as you nibble.

MINUS 10, A must have

SUSTAINED-RELEASE ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID
Cell-Rejuvenating Antioxidant*
Glowing Radiant Skin*
Stimulant-Free Energy*
Optimal Cellular Health* -helps restore optimal health to brain and heart.
Clinically Tested Discover the Power of the Cell-Rejuvenating AntioxidantMinus 10™ is a revolutionary antioxidant that rejuvenates your body's cells to give you glowing, radiant skin and increased energy. Minus 10 is formulated with Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) to help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals caused by UV radiation and other environmental factors. As the only patented sustained-release ALA formula, Minus 10 works overtime to give you results that you can see and feel within days.* I use this myself and its true, everything they claim, it also gives you a decrease in appettite which may be due to the fact that healthier cells produce energy more efficiently and require less caloric intake. But you can only get this at GNC

Monday, February 12, 2007

Antioxidant supplements and vitamins

There’s a lot of buzz in the media about antioxidants—natural substances that help fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the body.** Free radicals can lead to the premature aging of cells and can be caused by pollution, smoking, and everyday environmental stresses. Adding antioxidants to your health plan can help boost your body’s immune system and defend against free radical damage.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

IS COFFEE CRASHING YOUR DIET

Facts About Your Daily Cup of coffee,

You work out, count calories and eat your leafy greens – so why are your favorite jeans getting tighter? Think back over the past few weeks. No clue what went wrong? What about the mid-morning mochaccino with extra whipped cream you’ve had every day for the past month? Could one little cup of caffeinated bliss really have crashed your diet? You bet your (broadening) booty!

When it comes to the battle of the bulge, one of the most deadly enemies is your local Starbucks or office building coffee cart.

Is coffee itself so bad? Nope.

But watch out for everything that comes with that little bean!

With coffee chains on every corner selling supersized edibles, the mid-morning cup o’ Joe has gone from a 10-calorie non-issue to a 500-calorie, zipper-popping disaster!

Thursday, February 8, 2007

HGH buyer beware

HGH has been shown to have numerous, clinically proven benefits. In fact, studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine prove that HGH can:

Shed Bodyfat
Increase Muscle Tone
Boost your Energy, Strength, and Endurance
Reduce Wrinkles and Create Tighter, Smoother Skin
Help you Sleep Better
Improve Sex Drive and Performance
Improve Immune and Heart Function, Bone Density, Healing Time and Cholesterol
Improve Brain Function, Memory and Mental Focus

HGH SCAMS TO AVOID
BUYER BEWARE ISSUE #1
“This Product Contains Real HGH.”
Several companies say their product contains a “huge” dose of 1500 to 2000 nanograms (ng) of real HGH. The truth is that there is no such thing as high potency non-prescription HGH.
First and foremost, it is a violation of Federal Law to sell any product that contains HGH without a prescription. It’s illegal! The Department of Justice has already prosecuted at least one company for the illegal sale of growth hormone without prescription that was not in injectable form. If you want the benefits of the injectable drug version of HGH, you have to get a prescription from a medical doctor. And thats just one scam out of several. So what does that mean, there is good news the safest one to take is by," Maximum result HGH complex"

Dr. Michele Bosten says, This cutting edge formulation is unequaled by any natural product I have ever seen. Its outstanding scientific formula is packed with numerous ingredients that have been proven to have amazing benefits in reputable, scientific homeopathic medical reference books. As a doctor with over 19 years of experience analyzing natural products, science is important to me and this product has it.
Most importantly to me, it makes a difference in my life and the lives of my patients.
I have personally used the product myself with amazing results. In the first two months alone, my energy, mental focus and clarity all dramatically improved and I looked and felt better than I had in ten years.
I have dozens of patients from 30 to 60 years old on the product who tell me that they feel incredible (some say the best they’ve felt since they were in their teens), that their energy is up, they sleep better and people around them are all telling them that they look fantastic! Bottom line, Maximum Result HGH Complex is helping them look and feel better and healthier and they are happier. It is and will be the only rejuvenation product in my practice. I firmly believe that you will not find a better product.http://www.doctors-choice-hgh-human-growth-hormone.com/TESTIMONIALS/testimonials.htm

ALL ABOUT AMINO ACIDS

12 AMINO ACIDS AND WHAT THEY DO FOR YOU.
by Ron Kennedy, M.D., Santa Rosa, California
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Your body needs amino acids, not proteins. The value in eating protein is that it is broken down into polypeptides by hydrochloric acid in the stomach and then into amino acids by digestive enzymes in the small intestine. These amino acids are then absorbed into the body through the small intestines.
The wall of the small intestine, when in a healthy condition, will not allow anything larger than an individual molecule to pass through to the body. Once in the body, amino acids are used to build new proteins to do various jobs around the body.
The body also has the ability to synthesize amino acids, to make them from scratch, except for eight amino acids, which must be supplied from the outside. These are called "essential amino acids," because they are essential for you to continue living. Their names are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. We place an "L-" in front of each to denote the natural form which is the only form used by the body for most purposes. For infants and children there is a ninth essential amino acid called "histidine." However, adults can synthesize histidine. It is important that these essential aminos be present in the proper proportion. A diet of vegetables and fruits supplies all the needed aminos and in the proper proportion. If you are eating this kind of diet you need not worry about amino acids.
However, you should consider another aspect of the aminos: their medicinal value as supplements. Taken in concentrated form, these substances can produce remarkably beneficial effects countering many of the effects of aging. Let us talk about them one by one.

1. L-tryptophan is used by the brain along with niacin (B6) and magnesium to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter. L-tryptophan can help induce natural sleep, reduce pain sensitivity, act as an antidepressant, reduce anxiety and aid in the control of alcoholism. Unfortunately, as of this writing, the FDA has taken the excuse of a contaminated batch of L-tryptophan from Japan to ban this valuable nutrient from the U.S. market. This is a moral crime against your right to health.

2. L-phenylalanine is an amino acid which is used by the body to produce the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which promote alertness. L-phenylalanine can reduce hunger, increase sexual interest, improve memory and mental alertness and alleviate depression.

3. DL-phenylalanine (DLPA), not to be confused with plain phenylalanine, is a mixture of equal parts of the "D-" (synthetic) and "L-" (natural) phenylalanine. DL-phenylalanine inhibits the enzymes systems which destroy endorphans, and the resulting increased level of endorphans accounts for the effects of DLPA: pain relief and strong antidepressant action. DLPA is very useful in conditions of chronic pain such as arthritis, low back pain, neuralgia, etc. Some people, who do not respond to ordinary pain relievers, such as Empirin, do respond to DLPA. The analgesic effect of DLPA may require from four days to two weeks to manifest but once it does appear it is long lasting.

4. L-lysine is used to treat herpes simplex infections (cold sores), enhance concentration, aid in fat metabolism and alleviate some infertility problems. L-lysine inhibits the replication of the herpes virus and, while it does not kill the virus and wipe it out, it will suppress the symptoms in some people.

5. L-arginine and L-ornithine are best discussed together as they usually are prepared and sold in combination. L-ornithine is converted to arginine in the body and therefore serves as a back up supply of L-arginine. L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide by an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide serves to keep pathogens out of the digestive tract; it serves to dilate blood vessels, and it is a potent source of energy and a sexual stimulant as well.
Upper back tension responds particularly well to L-arginine/L-ornithine. Other effects of this dynamic duo are muscle building and fat burning (especially when combined with exercise) with overall weight loss, accelerated wound healing, tissue repair and strengthened tendons and ligaments. L-arginine/L-ornithine should be taken with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and a good mineral supplement for maximum effect.

6. L-glutamine is the precursor of glutamic acid, which serves the brain by neutralizing excess ammonia (a byproduct of brain metabolism), thus creating a clearer space for brain activity. L-glutamine has been shown to improve IQ, alleviate fatigue, depression and impotence, as well as speed healing. It also is well-known to decrease the craving for alcohol and is a valuable adjunct in the treatment of alcoholism. These effects may be due to the HGH- releasing (human growth hormone-releasing) properties of the L- form of glutamine, which is, of course, popular with body-builders.

7. L-aspartic acid helps expel ammonia from the body. Ammonia is the major waste product of cell metabolism and is eliminated through the kidneys. The faster it is eliminated from the body the better you feel. Aspartic acid results in increased stamina (studies have proven this in athletes) and decreases fatigue. It is sold as L-aspartic Acid (the natural, non-synthetic form).

8.L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and aids in detoxification by boosting the biosynthesis of the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione. Cysteine can chelate, and protect the body from, excess copper and other harmful metals. It also binds free radicals and serves as an antioxidant. It is best supplied as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (or NAC), because a portion of straight cysteine is converted to cystine, which is not bio-available.

9. L-methionine is another sulfur-containing amino and protects against certain tumors. It also helps in the treatment of some schizophrenics.

10. L-glycine aids in treatment of low pituitary gland function and is useful in the treatment of muscular dystrophy. It also is used in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperacidity of the stomach, as well as a biochemical disorder in which there is a Leucine imbalance, causing an offensive body and breath odor. L-glycine also has HGH-releasing properties similar to L-arginine.

11. L-tyrosine is effective as a mood elevator. It too has HGH-releasing properties similar to L- arginine.

12. L-taurine is useful in the treatment and prevention of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the slow wearing out of the retina of the eye, including the focal point on the retina, which is called the "macula," eventually leading to blindness. There are two types of macular degeneration: the accelerated type and the age-related type. We all have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and if you live long enough you will go blind! That is the bad news.

The good news is that you can slow down macular degeneration with taurine, perhaps to the point that something else gets you before you go blind.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Fountain-of-youth foods

Five foods that fight the effects of aging.


If you plan to have great sex for the rest of your life, you want to look good doing it, right? Add a couple of servings a week of these fountain-of-youth foods.

1.Sunflower Seeds
These salty wonders have the highest natural vitamin E content of any food around. "Vitamin E is one of the most important nutrients around for looking younger," says Barry Swanson, Ph.D., a professor of food science at Washington State University. "No antioxidant is more effective at fighting the aging effects of free radicals."
2.Spinach and Beans
Researchers in Australia, Indonesia and Sweden studied the diets of 400 elderly men and women, and found that those who ate the most leafy green vegetables and beans had the fewest wrinkles. The reason? Spinach and beans are full of compounds that help prevent and repair wear and tear on your skin cells as you get older.
3.Grape Juice
Besides providing protection from heart attack and stroke, grape juice can also help keep your middle-aged skin from sagging. "Grapes are filled with antioxidant polyphenols that help to keep your skin flexible and elastic," says Swanson.
4.Sweet Potatoes
Overexposure to the sun is one of the primary reasons men age prematurely. But sweet potatoes may help to fight sun damage. European researchers recently found that pigments from beta-carotene-rich foods—like sweet potatoes and carrots—can build up in your skin, helping to prevent damage from ultraviolet rays.
5.Cheese
No wonder rats always look so young. "Cheese is one of the best foods you can eat for your teeth," says Matthew Messina, D.D.S., an American Dental Association spokesman. "It's a good source of calcium, to keep your teeth strong. Plus, eating cheese can lower the levels of bacteria in your mouth and keep your teeth clean and cavity-free," he says. Dr. Messina recommends eating at least two servings of block cheese every week.

Foods that help you lose weight

Below, Kristina and clinical nutritionist and author of Dare to Lose, Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., pinpoint some essential healthy foods for anyone who wants to lose weight and/or retain good health.
1. Yams and sweet potatoes.
Great diet foods because they’re low on the so-called glycemic index, says Dr. Lieberman. The glycemic index measures the values of various foods based on how quickly they break down and are absorbed into the bloodstream. The slower the digestion, the lower the score, the better the food is for regulating blood sugars, insulin, and overall metabolism—all of which affect fat deposition.
2. Bananas,Oranges, apples and grapefruit.
Dr. Lieberman recommends these particular fruits because they contain high levels of the soluble fiber pectin. Fiber slows digestion, helps eliminate toxins stored in body fat, and gives you a feeling of fullness.
3. Killer sandwiches.
To lose 40 pounds in 21 weeks, Kristina relied on plenty of hearty sandwiches stacked with vegetables, such as tomato, cucumber, sprouts, lettuce and onion, as well as deli meats – but always oven-roasted turkey over anything vacuum-packed. For bread choice, Kristina suggests anything brown with lots of seeds and heavy grains you can actually see, because less-milled ingredients contain much more fiber.
4. Cereal
They can be a little hard to find, but low-sugar cereals packed with protein and fiber are hitting the market. The Kashi brand is one of the best, says Kristina. “I eat my cereal with skim milk and blackberries or raspberries, which contain about 8g of fiber per cup. That’s like three or four slices of bread!”
5. Salad
“If you eat a salad, make it valuable,” suggests Kristina, also a former five-star chef from New York City. “Get field or Asian greens and add a yogurt dressing. Plus you need a ton of vegetables and some good lean protein, like grilled salmon.
6. Quiche
Quiche made with egg whites and just a couple of yolks is one of Kristina’s favorite protein sources. She also tosses in a little low-fat cheese, broccoli and spinach.
7. Yogurt
And other dairy goods that come in great-tasting, low-fat products.
8. Almonds
Nuts are loaded with monounsaturated fats—the good fats that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known to lower cholesterol. Fats are as necessary to a healthy diet as protein and carbohydrates. “I recommend that 20 percent of calories come from [healthy] fat,” Dr. Lieberman says. Small amounts of nuts are a good starting point.
9. Peanut butter
Likewise, nut butters are a great source of those healthy, monounsaturated fats. Kristina likes unsalted, all natural brands of peanut butter. But almond or cashew butter is considered an even healthier option (especially if you’re allergic to peanuts!). Enjoy your favorite, but in moderation.
10. Hummus.
AKA pureed chickpeas, garlic, and a little lemon juice. Great with whole-wheat pita bread or organic corn chips.
11. Salsa.
Another favorite for dipping, and a homemade batch is easy to make. Fresh salsa is simply tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro. Now, tell me, what could possibly be unhealthy about that?

"MY SECRET" Daily supplements,

After being diagnosed with dysautonomia and lupus, 11 years ago, I needed a plan, this is my system and it has done well for me.

Fish, flax, borage oil- omegas 3,6,9

Coral Calcium-------Fastest obsorbing calcium there is.

Sea kelp---------------Natural minerals

Green tea capsules--Antioxidants, boost metabolism

Vitamin C------------No need to explain

Papaya tablets-----breaks down the fat from the food

Hyaluronic acid----maintain natural fluids in joints and bonds and holds moisture to skin

100% Noni juice---------Only needed if you have an illness, do not use the ones with sugar added or the flavored ones

Approximate price if bought all the above at walmart $46.00 a month, prices will vary depending on brands and where you buy. The sea kelp is found at health food stores.

Eat oatmeal as much as possible, apples or apple cider and bananas, salads or leafy greens daily and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Oily or dull hair

Make an after shampoo rinse with

1. A jug of mineral water
2. Few drops of lavender oil
3. Juice of a lemon

Combine the three ingredients let sit to infuse for 30 minutes before using.

Thursday, February 1, 2007

DRY, FRIZZY HAIR

Having tried literally thousands of products on my hair, the best product was:

Hask PURE Shine "love-it-straight" straightening liquid gel.

It TAKES THE FRIZZ OUT OF YOUR HAIR without making it look oily.

Try not to blow dry your hair, as much as you can get away with it.

A hair straightener can do wonders, but dont use the metal ones, use ceramic,

and also use a hair serum in your hair to protect it before straightening,
relax if you see smoke its the serum and not your hair burning.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Detoxing the body

Not only should you use a colon cleanser to detox your body to get rid of waste and help you lose weight, and feel better, but also detox your body with bathes, to get rid of toxins, a great detox bath consists of: 7 drops rosemary oil, 7 drops juniper berry oil and dead sea salts, soak for a least 20 minutes a couple times a week. All the toxins in your body will sweat out through your pores. You can also put the drops in 2 tablespoons of milk or cream before adding to bath water, helps so the scent of the drops won't be to strong. And dont forget to use moisturizers on your body, after every bath or shower, my favorite is Johnson and Johnsons new line for grownups.

Everything suggested here can be found at a health food store, I like the mom and pop health food stores the best.

Did you know: that a steak can sit in your intestines for 20 or more years

Broken capillaries on your face

Do not rinse face with hot or cold water, extreme temperature changes cause capillaries to give that red web line affect on the face.

Monday, January 29, 2007

BANANAS not just a source of potassium

Did you know that bananas are also great for depression, PMS, anemia, blood pressure, brain power, constipation, Hangovers, heartburn, morning sickness, mosquito bites, nerves, overweight, ulcers, temperature control, (SAD), quitting smoking, stress, strokes, and warts.

DO NOT put bananas in the refrigerator!!

Read more about it at http://didyouknow-tracey.blogspot.com

HEALTHY SKIN for the face

DO NOT use regular soap on your face, use a face soap or an all natural soap on your face, body soap is to harsh and will dry out your face, read the ingredients on the products you buy, you dont want to use alcohol or mineral oil on your face, mineral oil will clog the pores and alcohol will dry out your skin and cause it to age faster, dont worry if the product has "cetyl alcohol" this is not an alcohol and is derived from vegetable oils now. Skin is like a plant if you dont keep it moistured at all times it will dry out, there are alot of "bad" moisterizers out on the market that are not good for your skin DON'T USE THEM, remember start reading the ingredients in them before you use. Also it is very beneficial to take skin vitamins, since our diets aren't always the best, my favorite is minus ten-you can get this at GNC, or you can find vitamins for the skin at any health food store, you also want to add Alpha-Lipoic Acid, it removes the damage and heals your skin cells, minus ten has it in a sustained release which keeps it working for you, because damage to the cells is what causes your skin to appear dull and lifeless. It also contributes to fine lines and wrinkles. Taking vitamins for your skin, is as important as , what you put on your skin for healthy, younger looking skin. Also eating a healthier diet will give you the skin your after.

Try these homemade facials: For closing pores, acne and aging skin
1.Milk or plain yogart and honey---blot on face with cotton ball, leave on til dry then rinse with water (not hot) great for closing pores and adds calcium to your skin.
2. Goats milk and honey---also add a drop of tea tree oil(health food store)---blot on with cotton ball let dry and rinse, USE DAILY, great for acne, also for acne breakouts try using blistex on them.
3. Strawberries--------mash a couple strawberries, smear on face, leave on for 20 minutes, great for aging skin.
4. cucumbers---------mash cucumbers and smear on face, leave on for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Always moisturize your skin after washing.

Also a great moisturizer for your body is Johnson-n-Johnsons new line of moisturizers for adults Nourishing Renewal Lotion.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

TO HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT

To kick up your metabolism take green tea capsules and B12, also, after your biggest meal of the day, take papaya tablets or chewables to break down the fat from the food. And drink 8 glasses of water a day. Detoxing is also very important if you want to lose weight. Eat healthy portions of food, no supersizing!!! Eat more fat burning foods, I have them listed in my 100 fat burning foods, also alot of these foods will help your body detox itself.

Before starting any diet, if your overweight make sure its not because of a thyroid problem.

If you hate exercising like I do, turn on some music and dance, dance through as many songs as you can and do it everyday, but dont just sway back and forth, MOVE THAT BODY. Try taking dance lessons, dancing is a great way to get your body in shape.
Also walk as much as you can, use the steps instead of the elevator. And Good luck to you!