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Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Essential Nutrients for Pregnant Women

By , Staff Writer on Tuesday, July 12, 2011


Proper prenatal nutrition is the key to having a healthy pregnancy and a healthybaby. Here's the rundown of the best nutrients for an expecting mother.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is always a good idea, but when you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, eating right is even more vital. Many of the most common birth defects can be caused by nutritional deficits during fetal development, so a healthy diet is one of the best ways to get that new life off to a healthy start.
While all nutrients are important, there are a number of vitamins and minerals that are absolutely essential to the proper development of the growing fetus. Any pregnancy diet should be designed to ensure proper levels of these nutrients. Women who are expecting should consult with their doctors to develop a plan for healthy eating throughout all stages of pregnancy.
In many cases, doctors will prescribe a prenatal vitamin to help ensure good nutrition, but it's still important for all pregnant women to eat a healthy diet. No vitamin pill can take the place of good nutrition, so it's vital for soon to be moms to develop healthy eating habits throughout all stages of pregnancy.
Calcium
One of the most essential nutrients for pregnant women is calcium. The growing fetus will need lots of calcium to develop strong, healthy bones, so moms to be should eat plenty of dairy products and other calcium rich foods. Women will need to consume between 1,000 and 13,000 mg of calcium per day, so reading labels is important when preparing those healthy meals. If women fail to get enough calcium during pregnancy their bodies could steal that essential nutrient from their bones, leaving them at increased risk for osteoporosis and other chronic conditions.
Vitamin C
Pregnant women should also be sure to get plenty of vitamin C in their daily diets, at least 70 mg per day. Fortunately, there are many delicious sources of this essential vitamin, including oranges, papayas, strawberries and grapefruits. Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, green peppers and tomatoes are also rich sources of vitamin C. The daily diet should contain a good mixture of these delicious fruits and vegetables.
Folic Acid
Folic acid has often been called the pregnancy vitamin, and for good reason. This essential vitamin plays a major role in fetal development, and low levels of folic acid can result in many common birth defects. Because folic acid is such an important nutrient for pregnant women, many common foods – like breads and cereals – are fortified with the vitamin. However, pregnant women should not rely exclusively on these fortified foods. It is also a good idea to eat foods rich in folic acid each day. Some of these folic acid rich foods include lima beans, black beans, chickpeas and black eyed peas. Leafy green vegetables and veal are also good sources of folic acid, so it shouldn't be difficult to design a healthy diet with adequate levels of this essential nutrient.
Eating a healthy diet rich in these essential vitamins and minerals is one of the best gifts expecting mothers can give to their developing babies. Good nutrition starts long before birth, when the growing fetus is completely depending on its mother for nutrition. Pregnant women need to do their part to ensure that their babies get the nutrition they need for a good start in life.
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Win the Fight Against Acne With Probiotics

By , Staff Writer on Monday, July 11, 2011



From their teenage years, well into their 40s, many people struggle with unsightly acne. Keep reading to learn out probiotics can help.

If you struggle with acne, you aren’t the only one.
Statistics show that 25 percent of adult woman and 50 percent of adult men experience acne, sometimes well into their 40s[1]. While this may make you groan at the thought of dealing with it for about half of your life, there may be hope for you with probiotics.
Why You Should Naturally Treat Acne
Sure, you can set up an appointment with your physician or dermatologist to get some heavy-duty acne medications, but what's it really doing? It’s simply covering up the root of the problem of your acne.
Since you aren’t relieving the acne’s cause, you will continue to suffer from it and that means more of your money to the drug companies and potentially suffering ill side effects.
Instead of throwing your money away on something unhealthy, you can attack the problem source. You could treat your acne with something that is not only good for your skin but for your overall health.
How Probiotics Help Acne
Acne starts with your gut. Yes, that’s right, your gut may be the reason for your skin problems.
Healthy individuals who have an adequate amount of gut flora will produce antimicrobial agents that will ward off illness and disease. When there isn’t enough flora in the gut, these agents are not able to be produced and harmful bacteria develops.
The harmful bacterium attaches to the wall of the gut and prevents vitamins and nutrients from permeating the wall, which means the body doesn’t retain them. This vitamin deficiency can lead to many illnesses such as allergies, auto-immune disease and yes…acne.
Approximately 50% of acne cases are due to an accumulation of bad bacteria in the intestinal tract[2].
Probiotics balance out bacteria providing a healthier digestive system to foster the growth of antimicrobial agents, leading to clearer skin.
Acne Flare-Up After Antibiotics?
Another problem that many people are not aware of is that antibiotics can cause more harm than good. While antibiotics may be a good way to get rid of a stubborn cold, it won’t do much for your gut. That’s because antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria causing you to feel bad but also the good bacteria. You may notice that after a bound of antibiotics, you may experience a acne flare up, and that's why.
Why it’s Difficult to Get Probiotics from Food
Advertisements will promote yogurt, buttermilk and other probiotic-containing products by stating that it will promote digestive health. However, this isn’t entirely true.
These products only have a small amount of probiotics. In addition, factors such as stress, sugary diet and some medications decrease the substance in your gut. Even drinking chlorinated or fluoridated water will wipe your gut clean of good bacterium. This means you’re left with minimal if any benefit from these products.
Probiotics Supplements for Acne Relief
Since it’s difficult to consume the amount of probiotics from food that you need to have a healthy digestive system,probiotic supplements fill the gap.
Since there are so many different types of probiotics on the market today, there is no set dosage, according to WebMD[4]. Instead it’s best advised by the site that people consult with their doctor to determine a set amount of the particular type of probiotics they would like to take.
It’s also important to realize that since there are many different types, so you may have to try a few different varieties before you find the one that works best for you.
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12 Essentials for Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

By , Staff Writer on Saturday, July 09, 2011



Chemically formed medicines can be harsh on the body and have multiple side effects. Here are 12 safe, herbal medicines for everything from the common cold to migraines.


Natural remedies can be very effective in soothing common ailments. But with hundreds of products lining health store shelves, it's hard to know where to begin. What's more, you don't want to waste your hard-earned money only to find out that a pricey pill didn't live up to the hype. Nobody wants to pay for a chemically enhanced medicine that will give side effects that are just as bad, if not worse, than the symptoms that sent him or her to the pharmacy in the first place. As with any health solution, it takes time to find what's best for your body. To make things easy, here are some tried and true alternatives that really do work.
Natural Essentials for the Common Cold
Echinacea boosts the immune system by stimulating white blood cell activity and increasing the body's production of antiviral substances such as interferon. The absolute key is to start treatment at the earliest sign of cold symptoms. It's available in liquid or capsules, and for added relief, look for formulas that contain elderberry, another powerful anti-viral.
Zinc lozenges help us utilize immune-boosting vitamin A and increase disease-fighting T-cell activity. They work best when taken at the first sign of a sore throat or cough. Lozenges are easily found in natural health stores as well as traditional pharmacies. Look for zinc gluconate varieties that are flavored with fruity, natural ingredients.
Vitamin C works by regulating immune system function and acts as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent, resulting in milder nasal swelling and less congestion at the onset of a cold. For greater benefit, try a product that contains bioflavonoids, which are naturally found in citrus fruits.
Soothing Stomach Remedies
Peppermint is very effective in calming an overactive digestive system and acts as a muscle relaxant. It also helps alleviate nausea, stomach cramps and other symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Herbal teas and coated capsules both work well.
Acidophilus is a probiotic that promotes the growth of healthy, disease-fighting bacteria in your intestinal tract. It also helps you absorb nutrients and strengthens general immune function. Acidophilus is especially useful in restoring beneficial microorganisms after you've finished a course of antibiotics or if you're suffering from a case of diarrhea. Acidophilus is available in tablets, capsules or powder.
Ginger Tea eases nausea, cramps and other symptoms associated with poor digestion. It helps the body break down fatty foods, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and is also an excellent natural remedy for motion sickness. While you can steep freshly grated ginger root in hot water, tea bags have a long shelf life.
Gentle Skin Solutions
Tea Tree Oil is a natural, topical agent used to fight the bacterial associated with acne. It has proven to be as potent as benzoyl peroxide but with fewer irritating side effects. It's also highly useful in treating burns, cuts and other skin ailments. Look for 100 percent pure tea tree oil in 5 to 15 percent solutions.
Aloe actually inhibits a peptide that causes pain associated with burns, wounds and abrasions. It also helps prevent bacterial infections, reduces skin inflammation and promotes healing. Opt for pure gel or creams that contain at least 70 percent aloe.
Baking Soda is still the natural favorite for treating insect bites, poison ivy or other itchy skin conditions. It appears to work by temporarily changing the skin's pH from acid to alkaline. Baking soda is an effective emollient either mixed as a paste with water or used as a soaking agent in a warm or cool bath.
Alternative Headache Treatments
Magnesium is an essential mineral that feeds the brain, helps tone blood vessels and keeps them relaxed and open. Several studies point to its ability to prevent or relieve migraines. Magnesium citrate has performed well in numerous trials and is easily absorbed by the body.
Feverfew has been studied since the 1980s, and researchers believe it contains powerful plant compounds that prevent the constriction of brain arteries. Feverfew is available in pill form, but a liquid extract containing 0.2 percent of the active ingredient parthenolide works best.
Butterbur contains phytochemicals that diminish inflammation and relax muscle spasms. It has proven useful in treating various types of headache pain, including migraines. Butterbur is available in capsules or extracts and is most effective when taken at the onset of a headache.
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6 Healthy Ways to Avoid Heart Disease Naturally

By , Senior Editor on Friday, July 08, 2011



Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America, Canada, England and Wales. In the US alone heart disease is responsible for 25 percent of all deaths. This article lists six of the best heart supplements and details how they help prevent and treat heart disease.
 
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Unfortunately, few people ever realize they have a problem until the symptoms appear. By then it's too late, and permanent damage has already occurred.
While standard medical practices include drugs, surgery or chemotherapy, there are several natural and less invasive methods that can help most anyone stay healthy and avoid the symptoms of heart disease. Even for those who've suffered their first heart attack, these methods can help prevent the onset of a second - and final - heart attack.
LDL and HDL Cholesterol
Doctors focus on cholesterol levels exclusively, though C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels are better markers for a future heart attack. Natural ways to lower LDL and raise HDL include taking supplements with niacin and vitamin B3. The best way is to start with 500 mg twice daily and work up to 1500 to 2000 mg daily. However, high doses of niacin can impact blood sugar control, so it's best to be under a doctor's care.
Homocysteine Levels and Heart Disease
High homocysteine and high C-reactive protein levels increase heart attack risks. While they're not checked as much as cholesterol levels, they should be. Sixty percent of all heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. Niacin helps to normalize homocysteine, as does trimethylglycine. For optimum results, a dose of 1,000 mg a day of TMG is recommended with regular exercise.
A Low-Fat Diet
The diets of most Americans are loaded with fats and high carbohydrates. Such a diet promotes obesity and leads to heart disease, diabetes and cancer. A low-fat diet helps prevent heart disease and can reverse the effects. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Lean protein from beef, chicken and fish help as long as they come free of antibiotics that are found in meats on store shelves today.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Today's food lacks the nutrient value that was common in foods fifty years ago. Many Americans are deficient in many essential nutrients that make them vulnerable to disease. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies compromise the immune system and lead to inflammation, a leading factor to many diseases. Supplementing is necessary to bring up the nutrient balance to the body.
The Heart and Free Radical Damage
Poor diet, the lack of exercise, a stressed lifestyle and a polluted environment all increase the growth of free radicals. Free radicals affect the arteries and speed up the aging process. Vitamin E is essential as it prevents the damage caused by free radicals. A good dose should be between 400 to 800 IU.
Stress Effects on the Heart
Everyone copes with stress. Stress can be beneficial. Unfortunately for many, stress is chronic. It leads to high blood pressure and many common mental disorders. The mineral, magnesium is lacking in many diets today. It helps to counter the effects of sodium that is all too readily consumed. It holds many functions, but one of the most important is in its ability to relax the muscles of artery walls to improve blood flow. That helps reduce stress on the heart. A good dosage of magnesium should be between 500 to 1,000 mg every day.
These natural methods can help avoid the deadly effects of heart disease. Naturally, before resorting to any of these methods, a health checkup and consultation with a naturopath can help prevent the symptoms that so many suffer today.
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Monday, June 1, 2015

What Are the Benefits of Taking Acai?

By , Staff Writer on Thursday, July 07, 2011



Acai berries have become popular weight loss supplements, but these powerful berries do much more than just burn fat. This article examines the clinical research conducted on acai and notes other areas of well-being acai contributes to.

Acai has hit the media by storm with its claims on its effects on weight loss. Does it really help you lose weight and is that the only benefit?

The benefits of acai berry are numerous. People of the Amazon have consumed this fruit for thousands of years, reaping the benefits of the many vitamins and nutrients it contains. As the news of its nutritional power has hit the United States, an increasing amount of people are discovering the ancient secret of health and well-being.

Acai for Weight Loss Support
Weight loss is on most American’s minds. It’s no wonder that most of the buzz targets how this power food can boost dieters’ efforts in losing weight. The good news is that acai does contribute to the body’s ability to shed excess fat by:
So how do these points contribute to weight loss?
  • Excess water and toxins in your body may inhibit you from losing weight because it interferes with the natural process of bodily functions. Eliminating these restrictions will cause your body to function efficiently.
  • Since your body is functioning more efficiently, it will create more energy, which helps you burn more calories. This natural bodily energy, along with omega fatty acids, helps regulate your metabolism.
  • The protein, carbohydrates and fiber content of the fruit prevents you from feeling hungry throughout the day, and also aids in the absorption of necessary nutrients.
Cancer Fighting Agents in Acai
Are you concerned about cancer? The acai’s high concentration of antioxidants, which the body absorbs, according to research[1] by Dr. Steve and Dr. Susanne Talcott, helps the fight against cancer.
Antioxidants keep free radicals from forming. These free radicals are what damages cells in the body that could lead to certain types of cancer.
  • The University of Florida conducted a study[2] which found that the acai berry does have cancer fighting antioxidants.
  • A study[3] in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that acai berry extracts helped produce a trigger to self-destruct as much as 86 percent of leukemia cells tested in the trials.
Other Benefits of Acai Berry
Aside from the weight loss and possible cancer prevention benefits of acai, there are also many other health and well-being effects. The acai berry also:
How Much Acai Berry to Take for Maximum Health Benefit
The amount of acai berry you should consume varies on many different factors. If you are taking a multivitamin, or already eat many fruits and vegetables, you may not need as much as someone who doesn’t.

Many bottles of acai capsules indicate to take two daily. The wisest way to determine if this is the right dosage for you is to consult your doctor. He will be able to consider your lifestyle, your current medications and/or supplements, discuss the effects of acai berry and answer any questions you may have about this power fruit.
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