Archive for November, 2009

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Vitamin D Deficiency is Linked With a Wide Range of Diseases

Monday, November 30th, 2009
Copyright (c) 2008 Mary Ann Copson

The latest data links Vitamin D deficiency with a wide range of diseases.

Vitamin D deficiencies are very common, particularly in northern climates. Lack of sunshine, wearing clothing, and use of sunscreens inhibits the natural creation of Vitamin D in the skin.

Do you know what your Vitamin D levels are?

Having optimal Vitamin D levels is a simple and inexpensive health change that can affect a:

78% reduction in type1 diabetes in children

33% reduction in type 2 diabetes

72% reduction in number of falls in the elderly

42% reduction in multiple sclerosis in women

And those without adequate Vitamin D levels are at risk for:

200% increase in type 1 diabetes in children

30-50% more cancers

Optimal levels of Vitamin D result in a 77% reduction in cancer incidence.

Life Extension Foundation Research shows that achieving adequate Vitamin D levels in the US population could prevent as many as ¾ of all cancers in as little as four years.

Research also reveals that 275,00 American lives could be saved each year if a nationwide program to get adequate vitamin D levels was implemented.

Low levels of Vitamin D have been identified as a ?health crisis emergency?. Everything should be done to ensure that everyone achieves optimal Vitamin D status.

?Because of convincing evidence of benefit and the strong evidence of safety, we urge those who have the ability to support public health ? the media, vitamin manufacturers, and policy makers – to undertake new initiatives that will have a realistic chance of making a difference in terms of vitamin D nutrition.? (–American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

A review article in the July 19, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine documents that those with less than optimal Vitamin D levels have increase incidence of: Autoimmune diseases Osteoarthritis Depression Hypertension Pulmonary disorders Schizophrenia Cardiovascular diseases

In addition, low levels of Vitamin D have been related to:

Osteoporosis

Muscle weakness

Hypothyroidism

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain

Chronic low back pain

Fibromyalgia

Stroke

Between 40-100% of elderly people in the US and Europe have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D. Even children and young adults who supplement with 400 IU of Vitamin D and consume Vitamin D rich foods can be low in Vitamin D.

And don?t count on sunlight exposure to increase your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D levels can remain low in some people despite abundant exposure to sunlight. 51% of individuals who had a mean of 11.1 hours per week of total body skin exposure with no sunscreen used still remained low in Vitamin D levels. Tanned skin loses its ability to manufacture Vitamin D and as we age our ability to convert vitamin D in the skin becomes further diminished.

Your Vitamin D status can be assessed by having your blood tested. Vitamin D testing identifies Vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of numerous health problems. Further testing monitors Vitamin D levels during supplementation to ensure adequate levels are achieved and protects against possible overdosing and toxicity.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that the ?minimum Vitamin D blood levels needed to reduce disease risk is 30 ng/mL? and that it is rare for members of the US population to achieve this.

To account for the significant individual dose response variability, an optimal strategy is to achieve a serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) level of around 60 ng/mL. Depending on your current vitamin D levels you may need to take up to 5,000 IU or more of Vitamin D to achieve this optimal disease prevention level.

The good news is that Vitamin D is inexpensive. That’s why testing for Vitamin D will never be popularized by the media – because there is no expensive drug to push.

It is important to remember that it is the amount of Vitamin D in the blood that determines disease risk ? not the amount of Vitamin D consumed. Excess fat in the body can lock up Vitamin D and prevent utilization.

Until recently, a test for Vitamin D levels meant a trip to the doctor and a blood draw. But now, a few drops of blood from a quick and nearly painless ***** of the finger with a few spots of blood placed on special collection paper are all that is needed. This can be done at home. It?s convenient, quick and suitable for all populations from pediatric to the elderly.

Your blood spot sample is sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. You?ll have accurate results in just a few days.

Blood spot testing ensures that you achieve optimal levels of Vitamin D and avoid the multiple risks associated with low Vitamin D levels.



By: Mary Ann Copson

About the Author:

Mary Ann Copson is a Certified Licensed Nutritionist; Certified Holistic Health Practitioner; Brain Chemistry Profile Clinician; and a Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Coach. Find the Vitamin D Blood Spot Test and more at
http://evenstaronline.com/FunctionalTests



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Nutritional Supplements – Selecting the Right Nutritional Supplement for You!

Saturday, November 28th, 2009
The benefits of taking nutritional supplements are endless no matter if you have a chronic illness or feel that you are perfectly healthy. In today’s world of instant gratification, high-paced lifestyles with fast food and on-the-go meals, it is no wonder that our society’s personal health is degenerating at an alarming rate. Although we do have more medical resources in order to diagnose and treat illnesses quicker and easier, wouldn’t it be more feasible to prevent an illness before it even starts, or at best minimize the results of having a chronic illness.

Nutritional supplements range in price and product depending on what you are looking for. Nutritional supplements can help aid muscle aches, cell regeneration, providing the body with actively fighting antibodies against harmful substances in the home or work environment. Anti-aging benefits, balancing your daily intake of vitamins and minerals and helping your body rid itself of environmental toxins are just a few of the positive aspects of using a nutritional supplement on a regular basis.

Tips For Choosing Nutritional Supplements

1. The first thing you must do before running out to your local health food store is to examine what you take in each day as part of your balanced diet. Are you lacking fruits or vegetables? Should you be drinking more milk or eating too much protein?

2. Once you have narrowed down what your natural diet is lacking, then you can begin your search to fill that void with a nutritional supplement. If need be, keep a food journal for one week to recognize any patters you may have or a specific food group that you are not getting enough of during your regular routine.

3. Consulting your health care provider will be your next vital step on the road to better health. You will need to examine your strengths and weaknesses in your diet and make calculated decisions on what supplements will fit your lifestyle and current diet best in order to give your body what it needs.

4. Analyze any medication that you are currently taking. You should not go out on your own and start taking nutritional supplements without consulting a health care provider in order to avoid any medical or health disasters in the future.

5. Reading the labels carefully will be an important part of choosing which exact brand of nutritional supplement you purchase once you have found what you need in order to maintain your health. What it says on the label may not be what is inside, and you may only be receiving trace amounts of a mineral that you desperately need.

6. Many multi-vitamins do not have the amount of isolated vitamins or minerals you are lacking, or you may be overloading your system with too much of one type of nutritional supplement if you are taking more than one product during the same time period. Utilize the staff in your local health store; let them know what you are currently taking or what you are looking for in order to get recommendations for your nutritional supplements.

Nutrient dense supplements are nutritional supplements that are packed full of natural occurring nutritional compounds from fresh whole live foods. These specific supplements are especially beneficial for those looking for an all-in-one, natural and convenient way to receive a balance of minerals and supplements. These products do come in a variety of types and those, which are concentrated to over 100 nutritional elements, can in fact save you money in the long run by limiting the amount of separate nutritional supplements that you would have purchased previously to obtain the same results.

Although some nutritional supplements look appealing and healthy on the label, often our bodies are not able to absorb the entire benefit of those capsules. If you are looking for a nutritional supplement that can bypass the digestive system and is able to be absorbed right into your body to maximize the effects than a liquid nutritional supplement is the best choice for you. If you are spending money in order to purchase the vitamins and minerals you are lacking, you will want to have them available for your body to take advantage of them wouldn’t you?

With some research and a little help from your health care professional, you can use a combination of your own diet along with nutritional supplements in order to take advantage of the benefits that your body requires in order to stay healthy and live longer.



By: Ronald Godlewski

About the Author:

Ronald Godlewski has published several dozen articles on health, wellness, and the value of nutrition in your daily diet. For more information on the right nutrtional supplement for you visit Nutrient Dense Supplements in Liquid Form.



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Eat to Lower Cholesterol. 5 Cholesterol Fighting Foods

Friday, November 27th, 2009
Naturally reducing your cholesterol can be as easy as adding a few different foods to your diet. Depending on the specific type of food that you add to your diet, there is a good chance that you will begin to see amazing results in a very short period of time. Here is a list of foods that help to lower cholesterol.

One of the most well known low cholesterol foods is oatmeal. If you are looking for a food which is not only tasty, but that will also give you a jumpstart in the morning, then oatmeal is a great choice for you. It contains something called beta-glucan, which is well known for reducing cholesterol levels, and eating oats increases the soluble fiber in your diet, which is also important.

If you want to make it more healthy, however, you will want to think about topping it with fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and even cranberries or grapes will make a great addition to oatmeal.

 

Berries help prevent oxidation of LDL, or bad cholesterol. Even more importantly, they are delicious. Keep in mind that various other types of fruits are also known to reduce bad cholesterol and increase HDL, or good cholesterol.

Another one of the most well known low cholesterol foods is beans. The reason that they are such a great choice is because they contain high amounts of fiber and little fat. One of the good things about beans is they can make a great addition to just about any meal.

 

Also keep in mind that lentils also belong to the list of foods that help to lower cholesterol, for the same exact reason.

Although red meat should be avoided, you do not need to become a vegetarian. Poultry without the skin, fish without the skin and eggs without the yolks all make the list of foods that help to lower cholesterol. In comparison to red meat and seafood, such as shrimp and lobster, these foods contain a minimal amount of saturated fat and cholesterol.

These are just a few of the different low cholesterol foods you can consider adding to your diet if you are interested in reducing your own cholesterol.

 

Since there are many others out there, you may want to make your own list or have your doctor help you. The more that you choose from a list of foods that help to lower cholesterol, the healthier you will be.

 

But if you really want to tackle cholesterol then you need to use a multi pronged attack, and use supplements specifically targeted at lowering cholesterol as well as a change of diet. There is a range of excellent natural and organic supplements available which are highly effective at lowering cholesterol.

 

And you won’t find them in your local drugstore.

 



By: Peter Clark

About the Author:

Want to know more about Lowering Cholesterol? Visit Peter’s Website Natural Health-Natural Skin Care and find out more about naturally lowering your cholesterol levels at http://naturalskinhealth.com/



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The Best Bodybuilding Supplements to Take

Thursday, November 26th, 2009
Sport nutrition supplements help promote muscle growth in bodybuilders. Nutritional bodybuilding supplements also enhance performance and workout routines that include physical exercises. Weightlifting programs or weight training with free weights or machines will benefit from the addition of body building supplements.

Whether you are body building, weight lifting or working out with body toning exercises, always read and review the nutritional information on supplements before adding them to your workout routine. There are many different kinds of nutritional supplements which can be used for bodybuilding, weightlifting or even the general exercise enthusiast.

Many body building supplements also work well for weightlifting programs and even certain diet programs. On the other hand, you may find some sports supplements and nutritional products work better for the specific style of workout routine you are following.

For body building enthusiasts working towards muscle growth, there are some excellent weight gainer whey protein supplements available to help meet your goal. Because these bodybuilding products help add weight and muscle, they may not be best suited for workout routines designed only to tone muscle.

Body Building Supplements

Building muscle mass while sculpting your body for the perfect look can be a long and difficult process.

You can improve workout results with sports nutrition products like whey protein isolate, nor androstenediol, guggulsterones, amino acids, DHEA and meal replacement bars. Bodybuilders and weightlifters alike reach their goals as well as their limits while depending on quality bodybuilding supplements.

Weightlifting Supplements

Weightlifters are always pushing themselves to the limit or lifting weights to the point of ‘failure’. To ‘burn’ through these sets and increase muscle growth, weightlifters employ nutritional supplements. You can safely combine supplements, such as a whey protein isolate, Nitric Oxide and Testosterone Boosters, whether you are just beginning or wanting to reach your peak performance. Weight training programs at all levels benefit when bodybuilding supplements are used in weightlifting workouts.

Nitric Oxide

Nitric Oxide is a free form gas that is produced in the body and is used by the body to communicate with other cells in the body. To produce this gas, enzymes in the body break down the amino acid Arginine.

Nitric Oxide is a molecule consisting of one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. The production of Nitric Oxide occurs when the amino acid L-arginine is converted into L-citruline through an enzyme group known as Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS).

Everyone REQUIRES nitric oxide to carry out key physiological processes within the body. From a bodybuilder’s perspective, nitric oxide supplementation may prove useful in increasing growth due to increases in blood flow to certain areas of the body. Further, men suffering from erectile dysfunction may also find supplementing with nitric oxide helpful.

Signs of deficiency include the inability to achieve and sustain erections, physical weakness and extreme fatigue. Most “nitric oxide” supplements contain the amino acid Arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate.

With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping”. Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to “receptor mapping”

for bodybuilders who use insulin.

Protien Powders

Many protein powders are fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from all supplements taken.

Protein powders are formulated to be the perfect meal in a quick and easy shake. It is easy to take them with you to work or school or anywhere that you need to get your protein or satisfy your hunger in a healthy way.

Need to eat one gram of protein per pound of body weight? Or maybe you are trying to eat six small meals each day? Sounds easier than it really is, huh? Protein powders like the ones listed below may be exactly what you are looking for.

How do you pick a protein out of the hundreds that we have for you to choose from? Basically, you are looking for a powder that has the right amount of protein, carbs, fat and the correct protein type for your goal.

If you are trying to lose fat, you will most likely want a low carb, low calorie protein. The extra protein will help you keep your current muscle mass. If you are trying to gain muscle, you would want a high protein, high calorie powder that is relatively low in sugar and fat. If you are simply trying to find a quick meal replacement, a protein powder with medium carbs and medium calories would most likely be for you.

The three most popular types of protein are whey, casein and soy.

Whey

Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It comes from milk. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. Protein can be found in a variety of foods -mainly meats, such as fish, beef, and chicken.

Dairy products as well as eggs, cottage cheese, soy and vegetable protein also contain good amounts of protein.

Nevertheless, none of these sources compares in quality or ease of use like whey protein. Whey protein has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining muscle tissue.

Whey protein (the highest quality and best form of protein) is incredible stuff. It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Whoa! Nearly every bodybuilder knows the importance of protein supplementation. Studies have been conducted that compare whey protein to other sources. They have found that whey protein contains the perfect combination of overall amino acid makeup… and in just the right concentrations for optimal performance in the body. Both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein, too! Not to mention the benefits whey protein has on the body’s immune system according to documented scientific research. Whey protein also plays a role as an antioxidant and helps support a health immune system. Most importantly, consistent whey protein intake coupled with exercise will result in consistent muscle building.

Training athletes often consume 25 grams of whey protein per day. Bodybuilders who want serious gains (and are burning serious calories), generally consume 150 grams per day. Extremely high doses of whey protein is not recommended, as this will cause the body’s liver to be overloaded and you won’t get the same benefits as with a consistent lower amount taken three to five times per day.

BCAA:

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino Acid supplements are an effective and useful blend of essential amino acids for the human body.

Amino acids come from protein rich sources such as meat, fish, dairy products, and vegetables such as legumes, peas, and grains. There are many types of amino acid supplements on the market. Some products claim to have a large quantity of amino acids, but come primarily from a weak protein source (such as milk). Unfortunately, people may have allergies associated with the protein source. Our supplement formula is comprised of the highest quality crystalline protein source.

One and one-half grams of powder three times a day should be sufficient to provide the body with an adequate supply of available amino acids to assist in digesting food and bulking up. There are no side effects with proper supplementation.

Testosterone Boosters:

Raising your testosterone helps you to gain muscle, enhance your mood, support healthy libido, and more! Some prohormones do a great job of raising test levels, but some people prefer not to use them.

Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. It is a building block of protein that performs a myriad of physiological functions. It is a known precursor of the gas nitric oxide [N02].

Arginine is an amino acid that the body cannot make naturally. Therefore it is important to consume foods that are rich in arginine.1

Arginine is found in high concentrations in nuts and seeds like peanuts and almonds. It can also be found in chocolate and raisins.

Individuals with existing heart or psychiatric conditions should consult with their physician prior to supplementing with Arginine. With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not yet been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping” – Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to “receptor mapping” for bodybuilders who use insulin and steroids.

Many protein powders on the market are fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from sources. If you do not feel comfortable following the above described procedure, it is always best to follow the directions as prescribed on the products label.



By: Chris DiCicco

About the Author:



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Put Fiber in Your Diet

Thursday, November 26th, 2009
Despite the hype that too often accompanies the praise, fiber is a very healthy addition to a good diet. It’s no miracle cure, but a substantial amount of insoluble fiber does help move material through the colon faster. It has a cleansing effect on the digestive system.

 

By improving the solidity and bulk of solid waste it also helps to keep those who are aging more regular, less constipated. The result, supported by many studies, is (among other benefits) a reduction in the odds of colon cancer.

 

Insoluble fiber, so-called because it doesn’t dissolve readily in water, can be found in nuts, wheat bran, whole grains and many vegetables. But there’s another kind called, not surprisingly, soluble fiber. As the name suggests it does dissolve readily in water. It, too, has benefits.

 

Soluble fiber is found in citrus fruit like oranges and lemons, apples, beans, oats and barley grain. Among its other virtues, studies strongly suggest that some soluble fibers (beta glucan) can help reduce cholesterol.

 

But, as with every other aspect of diet, it’s best to have everything in the proper proportion. What is that, in the case of fiber? The recommended consumption for the average adult over 50 years of age is 21g for women and 30g for men. For those under 50 the amounts are 25g for women, 38g for men.

 

Of course, that’s only an average (for men about 170lbs, women around 120lbs). You’ll want to consult tables to find out the needed amounts for your weight. There are those rare individuals who are sensitive to certain foods and they will need to seek out sources of fiber that suit their particular circumstances.

 

But, as a rough starting point, there are several common foods that will be right for most.

 

A cup of raisin bran cereal has 7g of fiber, and is usually manufactured with helpful vitamins as well. A cup of oatmeal is a good source, even though it only contains 4g. A half-cup of cooked black beans contains about 7.5g. A half-cup of tomato paste has nearly 6g, while a half-cup of cooked Lima beans has nearly 7g.

 

Bran muffins have been touted as a good source of fiber, and that’s true, they are. But many also are high in fat and sugar, so exercise moderation and seek out a low-fat type. A couple dozen peanuts can also be a good source of fiber, but here again they are high in fat. Control the urge to get large amounts of fiber from them. You don’t want to pile on the calories when getting needed nutrients.

 

Many fruits are a good source of fiber, including raspberries (1/2 cup contains 5.5g), blackberries (1/2 cup has 3.8g) and apples (3.3g per apple). Even pumpkin is a good source (3.5g in 1/2 cup), but this too can be a source high in fat and sugar, if it’s in the form of pumpkin pie.

 

A slice of bread has 2g, so the average sandwich will supply 4g. But be sure to get whole grain bread, not the ultra-processed white.

 

Put both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet and be good to yourself.

 



By: John Spencer Ellis

About the Author:

Each week, over one million people enjoy a fitness and wellness program created by John Spencer Ellis. His programs are implemented in the top resorts, spas and health clubs. John is the CEO of NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association), the Spencer Institute for Life Coaching, and the Get America Fit Foundation.

He created Adventure Boot Camp, the largest fitness boot camp system in the world. His TriActive America signature series of outdoor exercise equipment is used worldwide. John has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, FOX Sports, FOX Reality, SPIKE and ESPN. He is the fitness and lifestyle expert on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and Daybreak OC (KDOC news). John is the producer of the documentary The Compass (Jan. 2009).



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B12 Vitamin overdose, is it a myth or a real possibility?

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
B12 Vitamin overdose, is it a myth or a real possibility?

For starters, most of the horror stories about vitamin overdoses have been done without any real or relevant research or facts, or the basic

understanding of the difference between a water-soluble vitamin and a fat soluble vitamin.

Overdose of this vitamin is virtually impossible, as it is a water soluble vitamin.

So what makes a water-soluble vitamin so much different than a fat-soluble vitamin?

B12 Vitamin overdose is a myth simply because as a water soluble vitamin it is dissolved in water and transmitted through our bodies, and than eliminated through our urine, and as a result, we need constant supply of them in our bodies.

Fat soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are absorbed in our bodies and are stored in fat, thus the term fat-soluble vitamins. Excesses of fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver, and there are potential issues with these vitamins that include Vitamins A, D, E and K, if taken in excess.

All of the B classes of Vitamins as well as vitamin C are water-soluble, making B12 vitamin overdose as well as overdose of any of the water-soluble vitamins virtually impossible.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, there are absolutely no toxic or adverse effects that are known to have ever been associated with large intakes of vitamin B12, let alone any kind of regular type of intake.

B12 Vitamin overdose again most likely has been conjured up by some reporter that has very little knowledge of how vitamins actually work.

Doses as high as 1 mg or 1000 mcg taken orally have been successfully used to treat pernicious anemia, which is a form of megaloblastic anemia because of a Vitamin 12 deficiency that is caused by impaired absorption of the vitamin.

B12 vitamin overdose again is so highly improbable because even when high doses of the vitamin are taken orally, as only a small percentage can be absorbed by the human body.

In fact, because of the low toxicity, there was no tolerable upper intake even set by the Food and Nutrition Board when the RDA was revised in 1998. A high quality liquid vitamin or mineral supplement is by far the best for the all around supplementation process because it will deliver nutrients in the right balance.

The key to the proper supplementation of any vitamin is how it is delivered, and than how well it is absorbed. Liquid vitamins absorb at about a 90% ratio as compared to 20% to 30% of a pill or caplet.

Before combining any supplements, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice, or simply stick to a high quality multi liquid vitamin that has the most of what you need and simply add the additional nutrients you seek for your specific needs.

As all of our body’s age, they become less efficient at absorbing some of the nutrients from our diet making it important to ensure that the right quantities of relevant vitamins and minerals are consumed.

Here is some other of the symptoms and some of the myths that surround a few other vitamin overdose myths.

Vitamin B1 overdose (Thiamin).

Since thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin, and as such, excess amounts will be excreted in the form of urine, just like in B12 vitamin overdose, this is also a myth.

There again are no known toxic or adverse effects other than high doses of riboflavin therapy that has at times shown to intensify urine to a bright yellow color, but this is a harmless side effect to any B1 vitamin overdose.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) has no known effects from foods or normal supplements, but there is some adverse effects with pharmacologic preparations of niacin. Nicotinic acid can produce flushing, itching, and in some cases even cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting.

Nicotinamide has also in some cases resulted in decreased insulin sensitivity in adults with high risk of insulin-dependent diabetes. Nicotinamide is considered better tolerated than nicotinic acid as it generally does not cause flushing.

 http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

 



By: Frank Will

About the Author:

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/



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7 Diet Tips to Strenthen Your Immune System

Friday, November 20th, 2009
A diet to strengthen your immune system should be done all the time if you want to stop getting sick. Your body is an incredible machine that kills virus, bacteria and other pathogens. But it can’t do this without your help so – here are some tips to help you strengthen your immunity.

Tip Number 1: Start your day right. Vitamin C is one of the best nutrients for your immune system. It increases your body’s production of antibodies and white blood cells that fight infection. It increases the level of natural interferon, which is the antibody that coats cells and stops virus from entering. It raises your good cholesterol and helps prevent plaque build-up in the arteries. But waiting until you get sick isn’t enough. This is a vitamin you should be getting plenty of in order to prevent a flu or cold from even starting. It takes time for your body to get these effects.

To get enough in your diet on a regular basis, start your day with an orange or grapefruit. Be sure to eat berries and other fruits and vegetables throughout the day. If you absolutely need to supplement, 200 milligrams a day should be enough. This would be equivalent to about six servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

Tip Number 2: Eat steel-cut oats, or oatmeal, for breakfast. The type of fiber found in this cereal contains beta-glucans which activates your killer cells. The steel-cut oats take more time to cook than the quick-cook kind, but it has twice the amount of this nutrient.

Tip Number 3: Top your lunch salad or sandwich with plenty of tomatoes. Besides being high in vitamin C, they are an antioxidant with tremendous cancer fighting powers. In studies, people who ate a diet rich in tomatoes compared to a diet with no tomatoes had less free-radical damage to their infection-fighting white blood cells.

Tip Number 4: Add five cups of chamomile tea a day to your diet. Recent studies show drinking this much tea for two whole weeks had more polyphenols in their blood. These plant compounds are phytonutrients, which increases your body’s bacteria-fighting ability. In addition, this tea is well known to be a sedative and nerve relaxant. This is beneficial since your body does most of its healing and repairing while you are asleep.

Tip Number 5: Eat proteins that contain plenty of zinc. These foods include dark meat turkey, beans, beef and even crab. Zinc increases your body’s T-cell count, which are a type of cell that fights infections. It helps all your white cells, or immune cells, to release more antibodies and increases the production of many more. It also causes them to work more aggressively. However, don’t rely on zinc supplements. Overdoing it on zinc can suppress your immune system. Instead, eat the foods that contain natural zinc.

Tip Number 6: Use fresh garlic in as many dishes as you can. Add it to soups, sauces, or even fresh vegetable juice if you make it. It stimulates production of your natural killer cells and increases antibody production. It is a well-known antioxidant that is a powerful cancer fighter. It protects your heart by stopping platelets from sticking together which can clog blood vessels. This is helpful in the prevention of heart attacks.

Tip Number 7: Spice it up. Use lots of chili peppers, onions, radishes, cayenne pepper and garlic in your daily dishes. These contain “mucolytics,” which actually thin mucus, making it easier to clear from your sinuses and chest. This is a natural expectorant without the side effects of medications.



By: Cindy Papp

About the Author:

Cindy is a Certified Nutritional Counselor. Get more information on immune building and learn how a diet to strengthen immunity might work for you.



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All Worries Related to Diet Have Come to an End With the Resveratrol Supplements

Friday, November 20th, 2009
Nutritional supplement, is a preparation intended to supply nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids, that are missing or are not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person’s diet. Some countries define dietary supplements as foods, while in others they are defined as drugs.

Resveratrol Supplements contain vitamins or dietary minerals are recognized by the highest authority on food standards, as a category of food.The Resveratrol supplements consist of dietary ingredients like vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanical and amino acids.

a dietary substance for use by people to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any of the above Furthermore, Resveratrol supplements also confirms to the criteria like it is intended for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid form. The Resveratrol supplements are not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet.

Pursuant to the DSHEA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as foods, and not as drugs. While pharmaceutical companies are required to prove the safety or effectiveness of their products, until recently supplement manufacturers were not, and the FDA could take action only after a dietary supplement had been proven harmful.

The DSHEA, passed in 1994, was the subject of lobbying efforts by the manufacturers of dietary supplements. After several years of intense efforts, manufacturers, experts in nutrition, and legislators, acting in a conscientious alliance with consumers at the grassroots level, have moved successfully to bring common sense to the treatment of nutritional supplements under regulation and law.

The researchers found that a majority of Americans supported pre-marketing approval by the FDA, increased oversight of harmful supplements, and greater scrutiny of the truthfulness of supplement label claims.

To maintain the product’s status as a dietary supplement, the label and labeling must be consistent with the provisions in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994.

Labeling refers to the label as well as accompanying material that is used by a manufacturer to promote and market a specific product. Our Resveratrol supplement is aware of all such rules and regulations.

Resveratrol supplements are demonstrated to be safe, both in quantity and quality. Some vitamins are essential in small quantities but dangerous in large quantities, notably Vitamin A. Consequently, only those supplements that have been proven to be safe may be sold without

prescription.

Nutritional supplements were originally considered as dietary supplements for people who had heightened requirements for some normal dietary components Later, they were employed as preventive medicines against chronic diseases.

To know more about the Resveratrol supplement log on to our website: www.Trevorz.com



By: Adam Trevorz

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Trevorz.com offers the highest quality Resveratrol supplements with exclusive Business Partners for symmetry direct genesis herbal product and are simply the best in nutritional supplements home based business opportunities online.



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Information About Vitamin C

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Vitamin C

 

Introduction

 

Vitamin C may be the most hyped vitamin amongst all others but there is a reason for it. Humans cannot manufacture their own required dosage of this vitamin; hence, it becomes essential to incorporate it into the body through external sources. Also known as ascorbic acid, this vitamin performs a variety of essential functions in the human body.

Functions within the body

Vitamin C is required to effectively synthesise collagen which happens to be a vital part of bone, ligaments, blood vessels as well as tendons. This vitamin is also essential to the synthesis of norepinephrine, which is a kind of neurotransmitter. These chemicals affect brain functioning and even have a bearing on the general mood of a person.

In addition, vitamin C is required to synthesise Carnitine, which is a molecular structure responsible for transporting vital nutrients into mitochondria, the energy suppliers in most body cells. This in turn facilitates energy conversions. As per recent findings this vitamin is also responsible for metabolising cholesterol into bile acid. Thus, it has a significant consequence on the presence of gallstones and cholesterol amounts present in the body.By itself, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals and guards the delicate organs from pollutants and toxins in the atmosphere.

 

Deficiency conditions

Severe vitamin C deficiency results in a condition known as scurvy. Scurvy is typically chaacterised by a tendency to bleed easily, get injured very quickly as well as other conditions like losing teeth and hair, pain in the joints and excessive swelling. These conditions originate from a weakened condition of the blood vessels. The bones and connective tissues also weaken, thereby becoming easily susceptible to injuries. The person suffering from scurvy usually experiences extreme fatigue without much exertion.

 

Deficiency Symptoms in Adults and Infants

It is only when the body has been deprived of vitamin C for an extended duration that scurvy sets in. It typically takes as long as 4 or 8 months for scurvy to show distinct symptoms. The two primary and noticeable symptoms in both infants and adults are the presence of an anaemic condition and excessive bleeding of the capillaries. Most children do not tend to get scurvy unless they have been on a very restricting diet plan. In adults, a severe condition of scurvy manifests itself in the form of hair growing in corkscrew fashion. There could also be trauma and haemorrhages in extreme cases. In some situations, adults could develop ecchymosed shins and other pressure points. Haemorrhages are possible on skin as well as on conjunctive tissues, skeletal muscles, and sublingual and intra-articular regions.

 

Recommended daily amounts for each age group

Generally, both men and women are advised to have a daily dosage of vitamin C amounting to 60 milligrams. Smokers are usually advised of a higher dosage – as much as 35 milligrams per day more than the average non-smoker would need. This is due to the fact that smokers are more vulnerable to oxidative stress situations. The toxic substances present in cigarette smoke can cause such stress.

• The advisable dosages for children from 1 to 3 years is around 400 mg in a day

• For children between 4 and 8 years a 650 mg dosage each day is recommended

• Children aged between 9 and 13 years need to take 1200 mg of vitamin C each day

• Teenagers between 14 and 18 years of age require 1800 mg of vitamin C everyday

• Adults who are aged above 19 years need to consume 2000 milligrams of vitamin C per day

Top 10 Richest food sources

The highest amounts of vitamin C maybe obtained from various vegetables and fruits. Below is a listing of the 10 best sources of this vital vitamin:

• Lemons: Lemons pack in a hearty dose of vitamin C. Just one lemon can compensate as much as 40 or 70 percent of the RDA.

• Orange juice: A three quarter cup of orange juice packs in 75 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Grapefruit juice: A three quarter cup of grapefruit juice has 60 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Orange fruit: One medium sized orange has 70 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Grapefruit: One half of a medium sized grapefruit contains 44 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Strawberries: A cup of strawberries contains as much as 82 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Tomato: One medium sized tomato contains 23 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Red pepper: This fiery vegetable if taken in chopped form around half cup of quantity, can pack in 141 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Broccoli: A half cup of cooked broccoli contains 58 milligrams of vitamin C.

• Potato: Surprisingly potatoes contain vitamin C too. One medium sized potato when baked contains 26 milligrams of this vitamin.

When increased amounts may be needed

Certain drugs can cause a reduction in the levels of vitamin C in the body. In such situations a higher dosage of the vitamin may be required. The usage of contraceptives that have estrogens in them can also lower vitamin C levels in the body.

Frequent intake of aspirin can also have the same effect on the Vitamin C in the body. If a person takes two tablets of aspirin within 6 hours every day for a week then it can reduce vitamin C by as much as 50%.

Any known interactions with other drugs (prescribed)

There has not been much evidence suggesting the interaction of vitamin C with other drugs. However, certain medications acting as anticoagulants such as Coumadin or Warfarin can react with vitamin C. Persons who are prescribed anticoagulation medication need to restrict the intake of vitamin C to around a gram per day. In high doses, vitamin C can also hamper laboratory test results related to serum creatinine, bilirubin as well as guaiac assay.

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By: Paul Leach

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Paul Leach
Webmaster of www.vitamins-australia.com.au



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Information on K Vitamin

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
The K vitamin is essential for the blood to clot to repair injuries. Whenever a person has a bleeding wound, it is the K vitamin that is present in the blood that stops the bleeding and enables most minor cuts to heal quickly.

There are three different forms of the K vitamin. The first variant of the K vitamin is vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone. This is the form of the K vitamin that is found in types of plant foods. Vitamin K found in plant foods. The second form of the K vitamin is the vitamin K2, or menaquinone. This type of the K vitamin is formed by friendly bacteria in the intestines. Thirdly, there is vitamin K3 which is also known as menadione and is actually an artificial form of the K vitamin. All three of these types of K vitamin end up in the liver where it is used to create the blood clotting substances.

The best natural sources of the K vitamin are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. However, because the friendly bacteria in the intestine makes one of the forms of the K vitamin it is extremely rare for a person to have a deficiency of the K vitamin and so K vitamin supplements are not needed by the majority of people.

Apart from the main function of helping blood to clot, the K vitamin, specifically the Vitamin K1, has an important part to play in the bone building process. This K vitamin is required to retain the calcium in the bones and redistribute it to where it is needed.

Although a K vitamin deficiency is relatively rare there are certain groups of people who may suffer from it. Newborn babies may not have enough of the K vitamin as they have insufficient bacteria in their intestines to produce it. The majority of newborn babies in developed countries are therefore given a K vitamin injection to tide them over until the natural process takes over. That is the only time that a K vitamin supplement will be taken by most people throughout their lives. However, an extended course of antibiotics may lead to a K vitamin deficiency due to the fact that the antibiotics kill the intestinal bacteria as well as the ones that they are being taken to cure. Again, a K vitamin supplement may be given if the course of antibiotics has to continue for a long period of time.



By: Jake Saab

About the Author:

Find tips about vitamin c foods and vitamin b foods at the Vitamin Information website.



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