Archive for July, 2009

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Can the Natural Supplement Sam-e Cure Depression?

Friday, July 24th, 2009
Many people today suffer from depression. Fortunately we live in a time when a wide variety of treatments are available for treating depression. Unfortunately, it can sometimes take months to find a treatment that works for a particular person.

Although there are many prescription antidepressant medications available, not everyone wants to take prescription drugs for depression. Some people experience unpleasant side effects with prescription antidepressants. Many people prefer to take natural substances instead of pharmaceutical drugs, whenever possible.

People who want more natural solutions for depression often wonder if there is anything available in a health food store that can cure depression. Many people have heard about spectacular results for treating depression that have been achieved with a natural substance known as Sam-e. Sam-e is found in many health food stores.

So is Sam-e really the magic, natural antidepression pill some people claim it to be?

Our bodies make Sam-e naturally, but when Sam-e is taken as a supplement it can function as a very powerful drug. It is also known under several other names, including s-adenosylmethionine. Sam-e is very important in the body as a methyl donor and is needed for more than thirty different reactions in the body.

Besides treating depression, Sam-e is also used in treating arthritis and fibromyalgia.

As we age, we become less efficient at producing Sam-e.

One of the many effects that Sam-e has in the body is that it seems to boost various neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin.

There have been over forty studies of Sam-e done that have shown it to be an effective treatment for depression. Most of these studies were done in Europe and were fairly small trials done over a relatively short period of time.

No one yet knows if there are any long term negative effects of taking Sam-e over a period of many years.

Although it is much more common for doctors in Europe and other parts of the world to prescribe Sam-e as a treatment for depression, in North America, very few doctors are knowledgeable about the use of Sam-e in treating depression.

Doctors in North America tend to put their faith in those drugs that have been approved by the FDA after undergoing very large, very expensive drug trials paid for by large drug companies. Most North American doctors tend to ignore treatments based on herbs and other natural supplements.

Studies of Sam-e done in Europe show that Sam-e can relieve depression in about 70% of cases. This 70% success rate in treating depression is better than a placebo, and it equals the rate of cure of prescription antidepressants.

It’s very unlikely that Sam-e will ever undergo major clinical trials like those that are used to evaluate new drugs for the FDA in the United States. The reason is that Sam-e is a natural substance and it can never be patented. That means no drug company could make big profits from it.

Some people who have used Sam-e for depression claim that this substance lifted their mood in a matter of just two or three days. When a depressed person takes prescription antidepressants, it can take as long as six weeks to start getting an improvement in mood.

Although the supporters of Sam-e claim there are few significant side effects when taking this supplement, this is not entirely true. There are side effects of taking Sam-e that you should be aware of.

Some people experience gastrointestinal discomfort when they take Sam-e, including nausea, gassiness, and bloating. This discomfort can usually be prevented if you take enteric-coated pills, and swallow them with a meal.

Sam-e can be very stimulating to people who take it, to the point where some people become very agitated, anxious, and can’t sleep. This side effect of Sam-e is cumulative and can increase the longer you take it, especially if your dose is too high.

For this reason it’s better to start with a very low dose of Sam-e until you know whether you experience any negative side effects.

Although some manufacturers of various brands of Sam-e say you should take 400 mg of Sam-e a day or more, if you want to relieve depression, this dose can trigger anxiety and insomnia in some people. In fact, people have reported experiencing agitation and an inability to sleep even at doses as low as 100 mg a day.

A starting dose of 50 mg a day may help avoid this potential side effect of agitation and insomnia.

If you have bipolar depression, you should not take Sam-e. In some cases, it can aggravate the manic stage of this type of depression.

Sam-e can also cause problems when taken with other types of antidepressants.

There is another potential problem you might encounter if you take Sam-e. Sam-e can increase the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

If you add more Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Folic acid to your intake of Sam-e, you can help convert the homocysteine back into a harmless substance.

Sam-e is a very expensive supplement, so if you decide to take it, choose a reliable brand that actually contains the substance it claims to be.

If you decide to self medicate with Sam-e, you might end up causing a conflict with some other drug you are taking. Every case of depression is different.

Even though Sam-e appears to have good results in alleviating depression in some people, it’s very important to work with your doctor in finding the best treatment that works for you.



By: Royane Real

About the Author:

This article was written by Royane Real, author of “How You Can Be Smarter – Use Your Brain to Learn Faster, Remember Better and Be More Creative” To learn how to use your brain better, download this book today or get the paperback version at http://www.lulu.com/real



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Anti Aging Natural Supplements | Natural Anti Aging Supplements

Monday, July 20th, 2009
Anti Aging Natural Supplements

What is the best anti aging supplement? The best is an anti aging natural supplement, rather than in chemical created today. If you want to try anti aging supplements, you should be aware of the ingredients of these anti aging supplements, because some are harmful.

A mixture of mayonnaise, milk, and egg whites can make the hair shiny and face radiant, while most people think of it as something nasty. You might want to rethink and try it your self to see what these anti aging ingredients can do for you. Still, if you rather spend few dozens of dollars on chemicals to see if they work, then again learn what the ingredients define.

For instance, if we consider the ingredients of a shaving cream tonight, it includes Propane, which is a flammable chemical. This is really bad for the skin, as well as the chemicals Carcinogen, Paraben and Propyl. In fact, all three are flammable.

The point of minimizing wrinkles, crowfeet, lines, blotches, sagging, and other problems of the skin, is to find the anti aging natural supplements for making the face fresher and healthier looking. Otherwise, you might blow up trying out some of these chemical-based anti aging supplements.

Weight

You might want to consider weight if you have a baby face. Most reasons excessive pounds is the reason a person may have a baby face with few being natural. If it is natural, don’t play with nature, since it was giving to you for a reason.

However, there are certain exercises that will help you in reducing weight, which in turn will help reduce signs of aging. More times than not, as you grow and have hereditary baby fat, your face will fill out eventually.

Massaging Exercises

Massaging exercises are great for relaxing the face. To do facial exercise you wiggle the ears, move the mouth and jaw area spherically, and so on. The muscles in the face over the years lose tone, especially when the muscles start to loosen. Thus, reducing the odds of muscle loss includes exercise.

Toner Exercises

Toner exercises are great for reducing fat around the facial area. However, some products on the market offer equipment that will slim the face, reduce lines and wrinkles, restore the faces youth, and remove diminishing problems, such as dead cells.

Anti Aging Natural Supplements – Vitamins

Anti aging natural supplements may work best, however it might take a bit longer. The best anti aging solution then is adding Vitamins regimens to your diet, keep the skin free of harm, and keep the purities together.

Few of the better options then is trying the anti aging supplements that work best for you, yet complying with the laws of nature. Microdermabrasion kits, requires that you apply a solution, such as a cream to a buffing machine, which is usually run off batteries.

Thus, after applying the cream to the pads you will buff the facial area thoroughly after the face is cleaned before usage. The solution removes dead skin, while enhancing the skins health.

Some of the anti aging supplements however, including Nicel Night Renew which includes Aloe Vera and Hydroxy are so efficient. While when you first apply the cream, it gives a glow, but as for the lines evaporating, forget it.

Let’s face it we can’t always avoid things that harm our skin, but we do have a choice of minimizing the harms to save our skin from growing old. Furthermore, growing old gracefully is not a problem, its growing old by reason of unnatural purposes.



By: Alien

About the Author:

Alien writes for How to get rid of blackheads. He also writes for skin disorders and anti aging treatment



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Natural Supplements for Weight Loss: Hoodia Gordonii Tops Them All

Sunday, July 19th, 2009
Many pursuers of weight loss already use this product. It has been written and talked about by Oprah, 60 minutes, CBS News, and other media entities to be one of the best natural supplements for weight loss on the market today. What is this highly impressive weight loss supplement? It is Hoodia Gordonii. A great many people affirm it to be an astounding weight loss pill that assists you to lose weight without being too hungry. Others think it to be the best of all natural supplements for weight loss on the market today. Advertisements show Hoodia to have a “P57 miracle” molecule that tricks your brain into believing that you are satisfied and not hungry. Another assertion that invites many prospective weight reducers to use Hoodia is that this product also helps you feel better because the ‘feel-good, aphrodisiac quality’ that it has. What is this earthly Hoodia stuff? Learn more about this “miracle like” food that helps restrain your appetite.

The Hoodia Gordonii weight loss product come from a natural succulent plant that looks like a cactus. Its natural habitat falls in the Kalahari Desert area of South Africa although some believe that it grows in some surrounding areas. Who would have known that one of the best natural supplements for weight loss could have come from there? Once only wild, native tribesmen, the San Bushmen, used these plants to restrain thirst and hunger on long nomadic hunting trips. They removed the spines and skin of the Hoodia Gordonii plant before consuming it.

Some years ago, biological scientists located one Hoodia plant molecule (known as P57) directly responsible for dampening one’s appetite. Patent rights to the P57 compound were sold to Phytopharm, a British company. They in-turn entered into a licensing agreement with the large pharmaceutical company Pfizer. They sought out together to isolate P57 molecule to later be marketed as a weight loss product for the consumer market. Isolating the molecule came to be costly so Pfizer soon ended the collective research with Phytopharm.

A few years later, Phytopharm devised a study of Hoodia Gordonii as an effective weight loss solution. Results from this research study helped form their determination that obese people who took P57 reduced their daily intake by 1,000 calories and suffered no side affects. Some have tried to refute this conclusion, but hundreds of thousands users swear by it today. Those who swear by it think it possibly is the best weight loss supplement in existence today. Phytopharm inspired by their findings then invested millions of dollars into efforts of researching the viability of commercially growing and cultivating Hoodia Gordonii.

At this current time, potential weight loss candidates can locate quality Hoodia Gordonii in various forms (including weight loss pills but also in a liquid forms) on the internet. Both forms are favorite among many users who have successfully lost weight while using Hoodia within a total collective weight reduction plan. Here exists something to think about, beware when looking for natural supplements for weight loss including Hoodia Gordonii, to help lose weight. Because Hoodia Gordonii has been so successful of a product, a great demand for it has evolved. Due to this demand, many “snake salesmen” have started businesses to sell fake or low quality Hoodia at lower cost. Therefore, just because it says “Hoodia Gordonii” on the package doesn’t mean the contents will work like a good appetite suppressant. When looking for quality Hoodia, find the products that have been independently lab tested by a reputable lab (i.e. Alkemists). Independently performed lab tests like these will help a consumer acknowledge the good from the bad.

After reading this information on the best of natural supplements for weight loss that Hoodia Gordonii has become, you should think about trying it for yourself. If you are looking for an herbal weight loss method, this safe natural way will help you lose some inches. You will likely be encouraged with the outcome. A more active, healthy and better looking you could be in your horizons. Remember, see a physician before taking steps to change your bodily system by taking supplements or drugs.



By: Arland Kent

About the Author:
For further information, ratings and reviews on Hoodia Gordonii, go to Hoodia Reviews
Arland Kent writes on numerous matters including human health related topics, pet dogs and business. He is a writer for Hoodia Reviews.



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Natural Supplements for Low Blood Sugar

Saturday, July 18th, 2009
It is now estimated that a billion people worldwide exhibit some form of Syndrome X that includes glucose intolerance, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It’s just one step away from getting full blown diabetes.

Diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be reversed or even avoided if you make the changes necessary and resolve to live a healthier lifestyle. That includes a better diet, more exercise and the elimination of smoking, drinking and reducing your stress level.

You can help yourself live healthier by taking natural supplements that can help you regulate your blood sugar whether you are currently non-diabetic, pre-diabetic or already have diabetes.

1) Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA is an antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. It improves blood flow and increases sensitivity to insulin so the body can better absorb glucose. It is found in some foods such as spinach, broccoli and potatoes.

2) Chromium can be found in meats, fish, legumes, cheese, rye bread and brewer’s yeast. 90% of Americans do not get enough chromium in their diets. Chromium works with insulin to open the cell membranes so they can better absorb glucose. It decreases LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase the good HDL levels.

3) Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant and triggers beta-cell functioning in the pancreas which produces the insulin necessary to move glucose out of the bloodstream. It lessens heart damage. 50 to 100 mg per day is the recommended dose.

4) Magnesium improves insulin response, glucose tolerance and improves the fluidity of red blood cell membranes in diabetics. Seeds, nuts, legumes and green leafy vegetables are rich in this herb. Both magnesium aspartate and magnesium citrate are good sources of magnesium. Take 25 mg of B-6 to help move magnesium into the cells.

5) Before insulin was discovered, vanadium was used to help control blood sugar. In the form of vanadyl sulfate it helps control the rise of glucose after meals. Mushrooms, shellfish, parsley, dill and black pepper are good sources of vanadium.

6) Bitter melon is a cucumber-like plant that grows in Asia, South America and Africa. It helps to lower blood sugar. Just 2 ounces of the juice was shown to improve glucose levels in 73% of type 2 diabetics in one study. You can brew a tea from charantia, a form of bitter melon.

7) Gymnema Sylvestre grows in the tropical regions of India and was used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. In one study, twenty-two type 2 diabetics were given 400 mg of Gymnema extract along with their oral medication. All experienced improved blood glucose control and 5 of therm were able to discontinue their drug use. It enhances the action of insulin. Dosage is 200 mg two times a day.

8) Fenugreek seeds were used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. In order to lower blood sugar, about 15 to 50 grams twice daily is needed. The active ingredients is the soluble fiber of fenugreek and the alkaloid trigonelline. It’s helpful for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

But as good as supplements are they will do little good unless you take a full approach to change the lifestyle that is making you sick. Eliminate the bad food in your diet, your stress level, your smoking habits and get the exercise you need are the only ways to prevent you from joining the millions who now suffer from the consequences of diabetes.



By: Mario Carini

About the Author:

After living over 8 years with diabetes, the author has successfully treated his condition without drugs and has lost weight and kept it off. Weight loss for diabetics is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. To lose weight, you need the right products and one of the best is Avatrim. You can find out about it here: http://click-here-4.info/?i=145758



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Top Ten Natural Supplements For Vibrant Health

Friday, July 17th, 2009
The supplements I will talk about in this article are all natural substances that are not man made in a laboratory. They have been found to be very effective for creating vibrant health.

1.Goji Berries : Goji Berries contain 18 amino acids,

Goji Berries are 15% protein, which is more protein than whole wheat. Goji Berries contain 21 essential minerals, among them iron for the blood, zinc for cell repair and reproductive health, and selenium, which works with vitamin E as an antioxidant.

The real power of the Goji berry seems to be in the special sugars that are only produced by this little red berry. These sugars, called polysaccharides, are essential for the best working of your immune system.

Goji Berries strengthen the immune system. Goji Berries promote cardiovascular health by normalizing blood pressure. Goji Berries nourish the blood. This prevents and can even reverse anemia. Goji Berries increase the production of white blood cells. You need these to fight all kinds of infections.

Goji Berries reduce inflammation. Inflammation is an important part of most chronic diseases. Reducing inflammation reduces pain.most need it. Goji Berries strengthen the liver. You need your liver more than ever these days because it saves you from bad food, bad environmental toxins and just plain having a bad day.

2. Bee Pollen: Bee Pollen is often referred to as nature’s most complete food. Human consumption of Bee Pollen is praised in the Bible, other religious books, and ancient Egyptian and Chinese texts.

Bee Pollen is not found in the everyday diet. It is found in nutritional supplements. Bee Pollen has been used to enhance energy, memory and performance. Bee pollen is also taken to prevent hay fever. People believe that ingesting local bee pollen will help to build resistance to the pollen they are allergic to.

Cultures throughout the world use Bee Pollen in a surprising number of applications: for improving endurance and vitality, extending longevity, aiding recovery from chronic illness, adding weight during convalescence, reducing cravings and addictions, regulating the intestines, building new blood, preventing infectious diseases such as the cold and flue since Bee pollen has antibiotic type properties and helping overcome retardation and other developmental problems in children. Bee Pollen is thought to protect against radiation and to have anti-cancer qualities.

Nutritional value of bee pollen: Bee Pollen is a whole food supplement that contains at least 130 substances of nutritional significance. Bee Pollen is composed of about 50% carbohydrates, rich in fatty acids, almost all known minerals, amino acids, enzymes, trace elements, vitamins like B complex, A,C,D,E, beta carotene.

Benefits of Bee Pollen: Bee Pollen in daily routine prevents nutritional imbalance, deficiencies, accumulation of toxins in the body and helps strengthen the immune system and prevent disease.

3.Natto : Natto is a traditional Japanese food and is commonly eaten for breakfast in Japan. Since natto is made from soybeans fermented by natto bacillus, it is sticky and has strong smell and taste. It is an acquired taste, when I first tried it I didn’t like it but now I eat it every day and like it. It is inexpensive to buy Natto but the active ingredient,” Nattokinase” is expensive.

Health Benefits of Eating Natto: Natto is a good source of protein and vitamin B2, which keeps your skin young. Natto is also rich in vitamin K2, which is helpful in preventing osteoprosis. Further, a fibrinolytic enzyme found in natto is called nattokinase. Nattokinase is reported to reduce and prevent blood clot. So, eating natto can prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Martin Milner of the Center for Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and Dr. Kouhei Makise of the Imadeqawa Makise Clinica in Kyoto, Japan were able to launch a joint research project on nattokinase and write an extensive paper on their findings. “In all my years of research as a professor of cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, natto and nattokinase represents the most exciting new development in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular related diseases,” Dr. Milner said. “We have finally found a potent natural agent that can thin and dissolve clots effectively, with relative safety and without side effects.”

Traditionaly in Japan, Natto has been consumed not only for cardiovascular support, but also to lower blood pressure. In recent years, this traditional belief has been confirmed by several clinical trials.

I highly recommend Eating Natto daily or if you can’t get past the taste and smell, use the Nattokinase capsules.

4.Flax Seed/Fax Oil: Flax seed can be ground fresh each day and eaten with oatmeal or cereal. Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible “fishy” after taste.

Here are a few of the benefits of using flax and flax oil: Research shows low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.

Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses.

Helps protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function. Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion. Increases the body’s production of energy and also increases stamina. Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.

5.Zeolite : Liquid Cellular Zeolite is a breakthrough supplement that works at the cellular level by trapping heavy metals and toxins and safely removing them from the body.

The actual Clinoptilolite Zeolite molecule is shaped like a honey-comb and carries a natural negative (-) charge. When this type of Zeolite is ingested into the body all of the positively charged (+) heavy metals, toxins, and harmful chemicals bond with the zeolite and are flushed out through the urine within 6-8 hours.

6. Bentonite : Liquid bentonite for elimination.

Taken internally, liquid bentonite supports the intestinal system in the elimination of toxins. Liquid bentonite is inert which means it passes through the body undigested.

Bentonite clay is made up of a high number of tiny platelets, with negative electrical charges on their flat surfaces and positive charges on their edges.

When bentonite clay absorbs water and swells up, it is stretched open like a highly porous sponge. Toxins are drawn into these spaces through electrical attraction and bound. In fact, according to the Canadian Journal of Microbiology (2), bentonite clay can reportedly absorb pathogenic viruses, as well as herbicides and pesticides. The bentonite is eventually eliminated from the body with the toxins bound to its multiple surfaces.

7.Chlorella : Chlorella is a special algae called Pyrenoidosa that grows in fresh water and has the highest content of chlorophyll (28.9g/kg) of any known plant on earth. It is extremely high in enzymes, vitamins and minerals, including the full vitamin-B Complex. It has been shown to activate your limited number of macrophages that scavenge and digest cancer cells, foreign proteins and chemicals. This life form emerged over 2.5 billion years ago, and was the first form of plant with a well-defined nucleus.

Chlorella is natural and the nutrients in it are bio-chelated, which means they are naturally wrapped in amino acids so the body will more readily take them in. Typical supplements, meanwhile, are nothing more than an amalgam of concentrates and extracts that have been artificially stitched together because — at least on paper — they look like they should provide balanced nutrition. Chlorella’s nutrients are naturally balanced and won’t accumulate in your body and become toxic — yet another reason they are superior to any man-made vitamin supplement.

8.Turmeric : Turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

Here are some reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

Is a natural liver detoxifier. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

9.Ginger: Ginger was found to be effective for relieving the severity of nausea even in cases of pregnancy. Many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrual cramps.

It has anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Respiratory infections – it is well known for its warming action on the upper respiratory tract, so it has been used to treat colds and flu.

It has been found to be effective in cramps caused by stomach gas. Ginger also stimulates digestion. It has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system as it makes the platelets less sticky and is of great benefit in case of circulatory disorders.

As a mood enhancer, ginger’s cineole content may help contribute to stress relief. It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea has vastly refreshing properties.

Ginger can be used in extract pill form and the dosage for this is 100 to 200mg up to three times a day. Fresh powdered ginger should be taken three times a day one fourth to one half of a teaspoon. Fresh ginger root can be eaten every four hours but no more than three times a day and should be approximately one half inch and peeled. Ginger tea which now comes prepackaged can be taken several times a day. Crystallized ginger can be taken twice a day.

10. Beet Juice crystals : Red beet juice has been an important part of human nutrition for centuries In modern times, French nutritionists have tested the value of beet juice, using diets that include up to 6 pints of beet juice daily. Often, beet juice is used in combination with other juices. In fact, three juices beet juice, carrot juice, and green juice form the central trio in most juicing programs. Thats because juice lovers recognize fresh juice as a simple way to bring natural nutrients to their diet. RediBeets offers a convenient way to complete the collection of juices that you want to include in your diet.

Using a unique processing method that frees the juice and its valuable nutrients from the plants fiber, RediBeets takes a half pound of beets and turns it into a convenient teaspoon serving of crystals, eliminating the effort of traditional juicing. Mixed with water or apple, carrot. or other juices, RediBeets provides a delicious way to complete your juice program.

By choosing to follow the advice or the information presented by Jeff Goodman you agree to take FULL responsibility for yourself. If you do anything recommended in this article, without the supervision of a licensed medical doctor, you do so at your own risk. Nothing that you can read should be regarded as medical or health advice. None of the statements are suppose to be understood as a recommendation as to how to treat any particular disease or health related condition. If you require medical or other assistance, you should consult a health professional!



By: Jeff Goodman

About the Author:

Jeff Goodman is a Coach for Abundant Health and Wealth. He lives in Hawaii by a waterfall. Find out how to create a six figure income with an automated online business where trained professionals close your sales for you. You earn $1000 per sale to infinity.



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Control Your Blood Sugar With Natural Supplements

Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Diabetes is an inflammatory condition caused by the autoimmune system, and manifests as resting hyperglycemia. Your blood glucose levels have to be maintained within fine concentration limits: both too high and too low a blood glucose concentration can be dangerous to your well being.

Your blood glucose level is generally controlled by insulin and glucagons, both of which are biosynthesized in the pancreas. Insulin works by making the glucose bioavailable to the mitochondria to convert into energy, while glucagon, the lesser known of this twosome, stabilizes the level of insulin and mobilizes it to do its job. There are two types of diabetes, known as Type I and Type II or A and B.

Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile onset diabetes, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys Beta cells because they are recognized as being foreign. It is the Beta cells that generate insulin, and so the condition can be fatal. Patients with Type I diabetes must take insulin throughout their lives, and while potential cures are currently under investigation, none are yet available. Although insulin can be effective it does not guarantee survival, and a better form of treatment is required.

Type II diabetes is by far the more common of the two, and is a form of resistance to insulin, where the body cells cannot use insulin properly. The pancreas initially reacts to this by producing more insulin in response to the increased blood glucose level, but through time it loses its ability to produce insulin as a reaction to an increase in blood sugar, even though this occurs as a result of digesting a meal.

The exact causes of either type of diabetes are not known for sure, although the general mechanism by which they work is known. However, Type II diabetes is believed to be due to some form of interaction between genetics and environment, and it is known that the majority of Type II sufferers are obese and also over 40.

The treatment for this type of diabetes is rarely insulin, but a controlled diet, control of your cholesterol level and blood pressure, exercise and specific medicines designed for sufferers of this form of diabetes. However, there are also natural supplements that can be used to control your blood sugar levels. Diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death of the USA in 1999, with 450,000 deaths, and by 2005 had reached about 300 million sufferers world wide. It is therefore a serious and widespread condition, though Type II is less serious than Type I.

It is important to do what you can to control your diabetes, since after several years it can lead to problems with your nerves, eyes, kidneys and gums, and can also lead to heart disease. With diabetes you are at least twice as likely to have a stroke or heart problem as those without it, although you can reduce the risk of this by keeping your blood pressure under control, and the levels of fats in your blood to a minimum. Stopping smoking helps, and there are some natural treatments that can also help you control your diabetes.

The most important means of control is to reduce your blood sugar levels. While there are natural products that will help you to do that, do not stop taking the medication prescribed by your doctor, but use these in addition to what you are already taking. Among specific substances that can help are:

Chromium: chromium helps your body to use insulin properly. When taken in the form of chromium picolinate, it helps to replace chromium that diabetics appear to be short of. Human studies have indicated that chromium can decrease insulin levels and improve the metabolism of blood sugar in those with Type II diabetes. Some claim that chromium is harmful to health, but the general opinion is that it helps, though you should consult your doctor before using it.

Cinnamon: If you take cinnamon daily, your blood sugar levels should gradually decrease. It appears to enable your cells to make better use of the insulin your blood, although there still discussion as to the mechanism by which this occurs and of the active ingredient in cinnamon that promotes it. Some claim it to be a flavonoid known as methylhydroxychalcone polymer, or MHCP. However, others claim it not to be MHCP, but polyphenol type-A polymer. Whichever it is, many people are finding cinnamon to be effective in reducing high levels of blood sugar to a more manageable level.

Milk Thistle: It is known that antioxidants can help to control blood sugar, and the flavolignins in Silymarin marianum, an herbal extract available from milk thistle seeds, work in this manner. It is also good for protecting the liver from toxins. Although it is not clear how it is done, silymarin appears to help to control Type II diabetes possibly by way of liver digestion of sugars in the blood. The liver processed glucose and improving its function through the consumption of milk thistle could help reduce blood sugar as well.

Mulberry: The Chinese make what is known as “sugar control herbal tea” from mulberry leaves, green tea and jasmine. Mulberry leaves contain adenine, pectin and choline, and also high levels of Vitamins A and B types. This tea is used by the Chinese to control blood sugar levels, which might occur through the antioxidant effect of the mulberry constituents.

Salacia oblonga: This is an herb used in India and Sri Lanka that appears to cause a dramatic drop in the levels of insulin and sugar in the blood. It binds to enzymes in the intestine that break carbohydrates down into sugars, and so reduces the amount of sugar in your blood. That in turn reduces the amount of insulin released by the pancreas.

Apple Cider Vinegar: There is evidence that apple cider vinegar can help to control your blood sugar levels if taken before a meal. Just two tablespoons appears sufficient to give a noticeable result. This is one of those home remedies that might be just anecdotal, but might also work, so is worth trying.

Zinc: It has been discovered that diabetics suffer a deficiency in zinc. This mineral plays a part in the storage and production of insulin in your body, and a deficiency could cause an increase in your sugar level. Oysters, pecans, almonds, lamb and chicken are all good sources of zinc.

Glyconutrient complexes: we know that diabetes is an autoimmune disease for type I individuals. Supporting a properly function immune system requires a good diet as well as a diet rich in Glyconutrients. The polysaccharides found in glyconutrient formulas can help the immune system communicate better with the body and just possibly correct some autoimmune diseases which attach our cells.

These are the natural supplements that people are taking to help control their blood sugar and diabetes. It is important that you take nothing that interferes with the medicines given to you by your physician, so you should let your doctor know of any natural supplement that you are using in addition to your prescription medicines. However, it is possible to control your blood sugar with natural supplements, and those mentioned above are just a few of the natural substances available that can help diabetics control their condition and so avoid the side effects.



By: Darrell Miller

About the Author:
More information on blood sugar supplements is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/



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Are You Aware of Natural Supplements for Adhd?

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
If you are the parent of a child with ADHD then you know there are good days and bad days when your child is able to control their behavior and days when they cannot. You have talked to your doctor and chances are greater than not that your doctor has prescribed one of the traditional medications used to help those with ADHD. I am sure that you have taken the time to read the information about those prescription medications. You are probably wondering if there are other options available that do not have as many side effects. The answer is yes, though your MD might not tell you about them.

The option is natural supplements for ADHD. Look, the bottom line is that while some of the medications can help with symptoms, they do not help address the cause. Also it is possible for the medications to make the symptoms worse on top of those side effects. Natural supplements for ADHD however reduce the symptoms your child experiences, and they do it naturally. So there aren’t any side effects.

New research is coming out that shows the cause of ADHD actually stems from lack of norepinephrine, fatty acids and dopamine. When there are insufficient amounts of these chemicals in the body then children have difficulty focusing and can experience issues with learning disabilities. When you chose to help your child with natural supplements for ADHD, then you are helping to replenish the supply in their body and establish a needed balance of neurotransmitters and fatty acids.

There are numerous natural supplements for ADHD and nutrients available that can help treat this condition in children. There is significant research that shows these supplements actually help to improve learning and the neurological processing of people with ADHD. These supplements also offer an additional benefit of balancing out blood sugar levels, which will help decrease hyperactivity.

The first natural supplement for ADHD to look at is ginkgo biloba. This supplement has been used for years to help people improve their memory. What many people did not realize is that it also helps ADHD sufferers. Ginkgo biloba increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which is important because well oxygenated blood in the brain supports nerve impulse transmission. Research has supported the success of decreasing symptoms in children with.

DHA is another natural supplement for ADHD. DHA is a polyunsaturated Omega 3 fatty acid, which is created from alpha-linolenic acid or it can be derived from fish oils. Research has shown that boys who struggle with attention and behavioral problems also have a decreased amount of DHA in their system. We all know how important the essential fatty acids are to normal and proper brain function, that is why it is included in prenatal vitamins and pregnant women are encouraged to eat certain types of fish. Maintaining the correct amount of DHA in the blood will help control ADHD symptoms.

Iron is another natural supplement for ADHD that is beneficial for children . This is because research has shown that iron levels are low in children suffering from ADHD. What’s more, is that the research has also shown that in about 1/3 of the children that took part in the study had a very low level of iron in the blood. The researchers noted that the lower the iron levels were the more severe the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about taking iron, because if you take too much iron it can cause other health problems.

Whichever natural supplements for ADHD you choose, just make sure to do your research and to keep your child’s doctor informed of what you’re doing.



By: Diana Ketchen

About the Author:

Diana is a Natural Health Consultant and is taking classes to earn a certificate in herbalism. Her website, Natural Health and Herbal Remedies, offers the knowledge, insights and experiences she has gained from her journey into the world of natural health and her quest to share it with others. Learn more about Natural Supplements for ADHD .



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Adhd Natural Supplements – Points to Bear in Mind

Sunday, July 12th, 2009
If I were to ask you what you understand by ‘natural supplements for ADHD’, you would probably come up with some of the following :- iron, magnesium, Vitamin C, Omega3 and a few others. All correct. Well, sort of, because natural treatment for ADHD (or ADD) does not just mean stuffing your child with these supplements. It would be great if we could do that – 3 pills a day and Johnny is going to be just fine – think of Michael Phelps, the latest ADHD poster boy!

The downside of ADHD is that if it is not treated properly then children are at risk of dropping out at school, have sex at a very early age (very often unprotected with all the problems which that brings), be involved in road accidents and maybe start taking drugs. But if an ADHD child is supported by parents and teachers and helped to direct their talents in the right direction, then they can be enormously successful. That is Mrs Phelps’ advice !

The research done at the European Paediatric Hospital in Paris is very interesting. They took 50 kids (aged 4 -14) who had ADHD and examined the level of their ferritin. As the name suggest, ferritin is a protein that stores iron. They compared this group of kids with another group who had no symptoms of ADHD. Not surprisingly the ADHD kids (85% of them!) were found to have very low levels of ferritin – in other words, an iron deficiency. The control group were fine – only about 20% of them were low in iron. Now, before you dash out to buy some iron pills or spinach for your kids, you should bear in mind that it is more than likely that these kids were generally nutritionally deficient and therefore a properly balanced diet is the simple answer. So, cut back on caffeine – found in chocolate and coffee and some fizzy drinks like coke, avoid pop and any snack foods with artificial colourings.

Look what happened at Appleton Alternative High School in Wisconsin recently The school cafeteria menu was radically changed – lots of fruit and veggies and whole grains without any processed foods and no artificial colourings ands the drinks machine had bottles of water ! The result ? The kids behaviour dramatically improved and there was a big drop in truancy and other behaviour related problems.

So, apart from certain diet changes which will fall mainly on the parents’ shoulders – eg. prepaing a packed lunch for school, you will still have to decide if you want to go down the natural treatment road for ADHD rather than treat your child with psychostimulants which cause the FDA regular headaches. Have a look at the warnings on the boxes of pills – they are scary!

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a safe effective natural treatment for ADHD? Have you considered homeopathic treatment for ADHD which will not cost you an arm and a leg? Well,this treatment is readily available and you can find out more about it from the link below. They also offer a one year guarantee – now, how many companies do you know who do that?



By: Robert William Locke

About the Author:

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children’s Health. He has written extensively on ADHD.
Discover what ADHD Alternative Therapy is available.



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Are Natural Supplements Better Than Synthetic Supplements?

Sunday, July 12th, 2009
Taking dietary supplements will ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy. But are natural supplements better than synthetic supplements?

Natural dietary supplements are made from natural ingredients that have not been chemically or falsely enhanced in any way. The natural ingredients can come from nutrient sources, plant/herbal sources, or animal sources. Natural dietary supplements contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, coatings or fillers.

Synthetic dietary supplements are made from artificial ingredients that have been created in a laboratory. The artificial ingredients copy natural ingredients, that is, they have a similar or identical molecular structure to natural ingredients.

There is limited scientific research on whether natural supplements are better than synthetic supplements, so doctors, nutritionists, and other health experts have varying opinions on this issue.

Some feel that synthetic products are less effective than natural products because the artificial ingredients they contain are not assimilated by the body as well as natural ingredients. Some feel that synthetic products are just as effective as natural products because the artificial ingredients they contain have similar or identical molecular structure to natural ingredients. Some feel that natural products are safer to use because your body can more easily get rid of any excess. Some feel that with synthetic products, all you get is the “chemical” that has been synthesized, but with natural products, you get additional nutrients.

Even with these differing opinions, scientific data has provided us with conclusive facts about three particular supplements – vitamin E, beta carotene, and folic acid.

Studies have shown that the natural forms of vitamin E and beta carotene are superior to the synthetic forms. Natural vitamin E is better retained and more biologically active than synthetic vitamin E. Beta-carotene is a natural form of vitamin A that is safer than synthetic vitamin A because any excess beta-carotene is easily flushed from the body so that it can’t build up to toxic levels. Not so with synthetic

vitamin A that can become toxic in high doses. With regard to folic acid, the synthetic form is absorbed better than the natural form is.

The bottom line with regard to natural versus synthetic is that until more scientific research is conducted, you have to use your own judgment when selecting all but the above three supplements. If you do decide to go the natural supplement route, be aware that just because a product is natural doesn’t mean it is high quality. The dietary supplement industry is full of companies that produce inferior products, even natural ones, so you should only purchase supplements from a reputable company that has a track record of producing safe, effective, top quality products.



By: Jim Plummer

About the Author:

Jim Plummer is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast. Click on the following link to read his review of the company that produces arguably the best natural supplements on the market. Also check out his website, http://www.functional-fitness-facts.com, for plenty of health and fitness information and advice.



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Natural Supplements for a Healthy Life

Saturday, July 4th, 2009
Everyone wants to live a healthy life, but sometimes an on-the-go lifestyle can make that goal extremely difficult. Energy levels wane, and times of stress and extra demands make it harder to eat well and get enough sleep. Over time, this can wreak havoc on the body and its functions, including the immune system.

It can all too easily become a vicious cycle of feeling low and trying to combat your fatigue with all of the wrong tools.  People want a quick pick-me-up so they use caffeine as a stimulant, or they grab a donut for a sugar rush. This only makes sugar levels in the blood crash even harder later, leaving the person feeling worse than they did before and reaching for yet another cup of coffee or another donut.

Instead of repeating this detrimental cycle, try supplementing your routine with green tea instead of coffee.  The properties of green tea are beneficial in so many ways!  Green tea contains phytochemicals with wonderful antioxidants. Some researchers believe the antioxidant properties of green tea to be stronger than those found in fruits, vegetables and berries.  Green tea also suppresses appetite, and this of course helps in maintaining a healthy weight.  Finally, there is a calming effect for most green tea drinkers, and no danger of over-indulging in this supplement.  There is a mild caffeine level in green tea, so one should be aware and not drink enough to become affected by the caffeine.  For the most part, though, the benefits far surpass any possible negative element of green tea.

Another natural supplement that can contribute to a healthy life is vitamin E.  Vitamin E is metabolized in fat, unlike some vitamins which are water soluble and leave the body soon after digestion.  Because of this, you do not need to supplement with vitamin E as often or as heavily as you do with some other supplements.  This vitamin is not found as readily in popular foods as some other vitamins such as vitamin C or vitamin A, which makes it a great candidate for supplementation.  Vitamin E is important for good cardiovascular health, and is also a factor in healthy skin and nails.  Some people have been known to use Vitamin E topically, as the capsules can be broken open and used directly on the skin to heal and soothe.

Whey protein is another supplement that you may not consider when you think of taking something ‘extra’ to meet your nutritional requirements.  However, in this day of overloading with carbohydrates and eating fast foods, many people have a difficult time meeting their protein requirements for the day.  This is not only true of vegetarians!  It is very easy to mix up a protein shake in either milk or water; mixing it in milk adds about ten more grams of protein.  While protein powders come in various forms such as egg protein, whey (milk) protein and soy protein, whey isolate is the most easily assimilated by the body and probably your best bet.  It comes in delicious flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and even odd dessert flavors like cookies and crème.  These shakes are tasty and low calorie, and offer upwards of 30 grams per shake along with a number of essential amino acids.

Another supplement gaining in popularity is probiotics, and with good reason. Probiotics are a great way to keep your intestines healthy.  They help to maintain the good bacteria in a healthy digestive tract, and can replace the good bacteria in the colon that is lost through consumption of preservatives, toxic food substances and other environmental dangers.  Some of these supplements need to be refrigerated, as the cultures are live and need to be kept in a certain temperature.  However, you can find probiotics that are easily kept without refrigeration and have a longer shelf life.

The latest in supplements that pack a great nutritional punch are drinkable greens.  Many people (try as they might) do not like the taste of vegetables and refuse to eat them despite their important role in a healthy diet.  With greens in supplement form, you can get all of the benefits and antioxidant properties of a great number of vegetables in one shot.  Some are available in pill form, but most are drinkable powders that offer up a wide array of vegetables, fruits, and other whole green foods into a serving the size of a tablespoon.  The taste may take some getting used to, but the health benefits are worth making the adjustment.  There are virtually no calories in greens you can drink, but they have more nutrient value than virtually anything else you can consume in such a small quantity!

These are just some of the important and basic supplements that, when incorporated into an otherwise healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise, can go a long way to help you live your healthiest and longest life possible.  If you are new to the world of supplements, these few are a great place to start!



By: meganhazel56

About the Author:

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about health, fitness and nutrition, often discussing specific products such as supplements .



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