Have you ever walked down the cleaning aisle at the supermarket? What was your experience? I hate it! In fact, I completely avoid that aisle. If I need something, I hold my breath, quickly get what I need and beat a hasty retreat from that toxic soup.
The soaps, bleaches, softeners and fragrances in the cleaning aisle are all in sealed containers. Yet, they still give off an overwhelming, nauseating stench that may make a person sick for hours. What happens when we bring those containers home? They continue to give off toxins. Only now, the containers are open and the process happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our toxic environment In North America we are inundated with toxins every moment of every day. Pollution in our air, water and food challenges our ability to detoxify and adapt. Worse still, the place we think of as a haven from stress – our home – is likely the most toxic environment we face in our daily routines. Toxins released from household chemicals, fabric, carpet, fragrances and pesticides seep into our body in tiny amounts even as we sleep.
Toxic waste, like barnacles on the hull of a ship, drags us down. It slows the efficiency of our mitochondria (the energy-producing engines inside our cells). Noxious chemicals create fatigue, headaches, digestive disturbances and moodiness. Eventually, toxins become the focus for inflammation.
Inflammation Your body uses acute inflammation to try to neutralize toxicity. Think of your reaction to a bee sting: redness, swelling, heat and pain. This is not caused by the toxins in the bee venom. It is the reaction of your body as it tries to eliminate the toxicity:
Redness is the increase in blood supply to bring in immune system antibodies and remove the neutralized venom.
Swelling is the lymphatic fluid that dilutes the concentrated poison while providing proteins for repair of the tissue damaged by the toxins.
Heat comes from immune system activity as it battles the invading contaminant.
Pain causes us to guard that area from further damage.
Chronic inflammation occurs when the toxins are not completely removed from an area. A good example of this may be found in simple lawn chemicals, like fertilizers and pesticides. Certain fertilizers are potassium-based. Potassium is important for human health. When we are exposed to these fertilizers, our cells may accept the potassium along with the toxic “attachments.” Your immune system will constantly attack these contaminated cells until it destroys them. Clusters of diseases like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis have been linked to these fertilizers.
Home sweet home – isolate and insulate Neutralizing toxins in the body begins with isolating ourselves from chemical exposure. We must be diligent if we are to protect our family from toxic overload. Chemicals should be stored out of the living area in a place that is well-ventilated. This is especially true if there are children in the home, as developing brains are up to 10 times more likely to suffer damage from toxins than an adult nervous system.
Insulating ourselves against toxic exposure is equally important. Two nutrient classes shine when it comes to protection from pollution:
Essential fatty acids – Many of the toxins we face are fat-soluble. We need “clean” fats in abundance to displace toxic fats in our brain, liver and other regions of our body.
Betalains drain away the toxin from an affected area
Betalains shore up the cell membrane to help promote healing.
Betalains turn out to be our best tool in combating the causes of inflammation: toxins, stress, injury and nutrient deficiency. Use this excellent tool liberally to help you resist the increasing onslaught of toxins both inside and outside of our home sweet home!
Less than a hundred years ago the common health challenges we faced were infections. With the discovery of pathogenic bacteria and the advent of proper hygiene, death from these problems became less common. Inflammation has become the new epicenter of disease, disability and death.
Inflammation and the immune system Our immune system uses heat to destroy invading bacteria. A specialized cell called a macrophage douses the invader with inflammatory enzymes (like acids) and the heat generated in this battle destroys the invading bacteria.
Sometimes our own healthy cells become the focus for disease. This often happens because of toxic exposure. When we eat, drink or breathe a toxin, or if it is absorbed through our skin, our detoxification system works to remove it before the poison can compromise our health. Unfortunately, many of today’s poisons are simply too strong and they overwhelm our detoxification system and enter healthy cells. These cells now become the target of disease, infection and inflammation. Our immune system must treat them as hostile and use heat to destroy them.
Autoimmune diseases arise when our immune system becomes so overworked that it can no longer tell the difference between healthy cells and sick cells. It attacks all cells of a particular type equally. This body system is never able to heal and chronic inflammation sets in.
The weakest link A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. You are only as healthy as your weakest body system. How robust you are depends mostly on lifestyle choices, somewhat on your environment and a little on your genetics.
When a toxin overwhelms your detoxification process it will likely settle in your weakest system. The immune system melts these polluted cells in an effort to save healthy cells. This is acute inflammation. With chronic toxicity comes the opportunity for chronic inflammation. In the case of chronic inflammation, the immune system attacks any sick cell as well as any healthy cell that looks like the sick one. If the immune system attacks connective tissue we say a person has lupus. If it attacks the beta cells of the pancreas we say they have type 1 diabetes. If it attacks the joints we say they have rheumatoid arthritis.
These are only a few of the more than 200 autoimmune diseases. Yet they all share one common attribute: inflammation.
Putting the fire out Inflammation arises because of:
Toxins
Injuries
Emotional distress
Nutrient deficiency
We simply must reduce our toxic exposure to reduce the chances of developing an autoimmune disorder. And we must also develop emotional coping strategies and have all of the nutrients we need in our body in the right quantity – every moment of every day. These are the first steps to reducing inflammation.
We can directly douse the fire with anti-inflammatory Betalains such as those found in TriVita's Nopalea. A Betalain is a protein-antioxidant complex found in certain plants grown in hot climates. The hotter the climate, the more Betalains the plant needs to survive and the more we can benefit.
Nutrient strategies According to most authorities, everyone needs to be taking a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement every day. This is even more important for people trying to tame their immune system in an autoimmune flare-up. We also need to eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and take Omega EFA supplements. These fats not only reduce inflammation but they also make your immune system work smarter, not harder. Antioxidants are critical to putting out the fire of inflammation. Betalain “protein-antioxidants” are extremely powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients. Finally, Vitamin B-12 and adaptogens form a bulwark against the blues and physical stress.
We are a nation on fire. This is at the heart of the near epidemic of autoimmune disorders we are facing. Strategies of nutrients and nurturing will help us fight inflammation and help us with what we do best: heal!
Take Control of Your Health
Remove household cleaners from your living space
Keep clear of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides
Help your body reduce inflammation with Betalains found in Nopalea
Protect yourself from emotional distress withB-12 and adaptogensThese statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
In my earlier post I mentioned a new product called Nopalea that TriVita has recently released. In fact it was just launched the beginning of April. Michael Ellison, TriVita's CEO expects it to be a billion dollar product.When this product came out I was anxious to try it. I had heard some pretty fantastic things about it and the results people were getting from it. The results I was specifically interested in were it's effects on inflammation. I suffer from Systemic Lupus which is an Autoimmune disease. This disease has taken me on a precarious journey over the coarse of 25 years, forcing me into an early retirement from my job of 22+ years as a Critical Care Nurse which I loved dearly. I was skeptical but eager to try it non the less. Here is the testimonial I submitted to TriVita not too long after starting Nopalea:
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I am an RN who worked in the Critical Care setting for 22+ years until 8 years ago when I had to go out on full time disability due to Systemic Lupus. Having been diagnosed over 25 years ago, this has been a long term battle. I currently am on chemotherapy and long term steroids and approx 8 other daily medications including pain medications for joint and muscle pain and spasms. I also have Hemiplegic Migraines that render me paralyzed on one side of my body with the inability to speak or communicate along with a fully dilated pupil. These require 25-36 ER admissions a year. My medical history is so extensive is is almost embarrassing to write about.
I started taking Nopalea last month. I had heard remarkable reports, but was not prepared for the results I have received! I love to wood carve.It is my great love. I have not been able to do it in quite a while. The last time I did do it wasn't very enjoyable because of the pain I experienced. It just so happened I had to start teaching my son to carve for his Senior Project the week before I started the Nopalea. Just showing him the techniques caused my hands such discomfort. But it also got the carving bug into me. Only 3 days after starting the Nopalea I started carving again myself. ALL DAY. The next day I had minimal discomfort which is unheard of for me, especially when I begin carving after a long downtime. My arms, hands, neck and back did not hurt. And I was not fatigued. I have been carving for a straight month now virtually pain free! No spasms. Minimal redness, Minimal swelling. I have not taken any of my pain meds for over 3 weeks!!
I also started walking my dog again for the first time in about 8 years. Albeit short walks, but walks non the less. My teenage son rides ATV's and dirt bikes with my husband, I actually took up dirt bike riding about 6 years ago so that I could do something with my son that didn't require walking. Granted I don't do the fancy jumps he does but we enjoy riding mountain trails together. I had to stop even doing that 2 years ago because of pain. I am going to give it a whirl again now, all because of the Nopalea.
Before being able to turn this testimonial in, I had a flare up of my Lupus. This flare up was a lot different than previous flares. Usually during a flare, I suffer tremendous pain, requiring an increase in my pain meds. I took no pain meds. Also I always either require an increase of either my oral steroid dose but usually an steroid injection. Neither was necessary! But what was more amazing for me was that my flares always trigger an increase in my Hemiplegic Migraines, requiring at least 3-4 visits in a week minimal. I did not go once for this. Believe me that has never happened before.
Nopalea thus far has made a significant difference in my life.
Lisa
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Since writing this testimonial I continue to experience the benefits I achieved when I first wrote this, which was several months ago. To say that this product has made a significant difference in "MY" life is an understatement to say the least. Check out NOPALEA WORKS for many more testimonials.
Nopalea can be purchased on the regular TriVita Products site or the new Sonoran Bloom site. Read below for just a bit of the information Nopalea:
NOPALEA
The power of Nopal cactus Nopalea (Nō-pah lay’ uh) blends antioxidant-rich Nopal cactus superfruit with naturally sweet Agave nectar to bring you a deliciously unique concentrated wellness drink. Harnessing the power of betalains, a rare and powerful class of antioxidants that flourishes in the Nopal fruit, Nopalea delivers scientifically proven health benefits.
The purity of premium fruit Nopalea uses only the freshest Nopal cactus fruit and preserves its antioxidant potency in our state-of-the-art facility. We carefully harvest the fruit using sustainable wildcrafting techniques that have been practiced in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years.
The strength to heal and thrive Nopalea is a natural, low-calorie concentrated wellness drink that helps you live a healthier life. Drink Nopalea daily to help:
Protect against premature aging
Reduce inflammation
Promote optimal cellular health
Detoxify the body
Health Benefits
Nopalea defends your body against dangerous toxins that threaten cellular health, lead to inflammation and trigger a whole host of diseases. Here’s how it can help the body thrive.
The power of betalains Harnessing the power of betalains, a rare and potent class of antioxidants that flourish in the Nopal cactus, Nopalea delivers scientifically proven health benefits.
Detoxify your body Every day, we’re exposed to toxins in our air, water and food—and even toxins created by our own bodies. Nopalea combines its betalains with other anti-toxic ingredients to combat these poisons where they strike us first: right inside the trillions of cells in our bodies.
By increasing the activity of CYP-2E1, a special enzyme that neutralizes daily toxins, Nopalea protects your cells and vital organs—especially your liver—against the carcinogens, hormone disruptors, respiratory toxins, developmental toxins and neurotoxins that are responsible for one-quarter of all the world’s diseases.
Reduce inflammation When toxins assault your system—or when injury or infection strikes—your body responds with a complex biological process commonly referred to as inflammation. If this inflammation goes unchecked, it can lead to a wide variety of disorders, from stroke to arthritis to heart disease.
Nopalea specifically targets signs of inflammation in your body and reduces them quickly.1 Its betalains and other anti-inflammatory ingredients work directly on the fluid surrounding your cells. There, they draw off the toxins and excess water to reduce inflammation and rebalance the cellular environment.
Protect against premature aging Your skin is a miraculous covering that protects you from harm. Pollution, toxins, radiation and other potentially damaging influences are kept out of your body by your skin; vital organs are protected inside. One of the first signs of aging is thin, sagging, withered skin that is easily damaged.
Nopalea rushes to these damaged areas to shore up your protective layer. The betalains in Nopalea fill in the gaps of your cells (including the cells in your skin) and return them to the firm, robust nature of young cells — at any age. By providing a healthy environment for the cell, betalains keep it from withering.
More health benefits Want even more reasons to drink Nopalea? Scientific research shows that Nopalea also helps the body to:
Ok, here I am posting all these Weekly Wellness Reports. I guess I should explain myself. I am an Affiliate Member of a company called TriVita. TriVita is a multimillion dollar company that sells Nutraceutical products. What sets their affiliate program apart from others is their Cooperative Marketing Model. The Business Affiliates do not have to sell the products to the customers unless they choose, they are not distributors. The company acquires customers through infomercials, newspapers, magazines and radio ads. The affiliates then are able to purchase these already interested and active customers through TriVita's MAP (media acquisition program) program. They then have the lifetime commissions rights on all purchases of these customers. If that customer refers someone, the affiliate also receives lifetime commission rights on that customer too.
Most other affiliate programs that have products rely predominately on the recruitment of new distributors (BA's). The majority of the product sales are going to these affiliates and not to "true" customers. Those companies must rely on a steady flow of new distributors to keep their company a float. TriVita on the other hand has products that have been shown on over 280,000 infomercials. They bring in over 500 customers a day for BA's to purchase through the MAP program.
Imagine no advertising of the product, no selling of the product. You purchase already interested customers that were acquired through the advertising of the company. TriVita's infomercials are the longest running infomercials out there. The company handles the advertising,shipping, billing, customer consulting, and back end marketing. They send out 18 issues of the TriVita Journal Magazine per year to their customers. They send out weekly health related emails and product updates to the customers. Product catalogs are also sent to the customers.
One big concern is the number of fly by night programs that are out there. "Here Today and Gone Tomorrow" types. No need to worry with TriVita. TriVita has been in business 10 years. It's parent company, Ellison Media has been in business for 38 years.
This IS NOT a MLM program, nor a a get rich quick scheme, but a proven business model that one can be proud to be associated with.
What is great about the affiliate program is that there are so many ways to earn . Some people choose to build their business by building through a team build. . Some chose to build a business by not becoming part of a team build and simply relying on signing friends and family as affiliates under them. Many chose to simply purchase customers and build their business in that way. I am choosing to do a combination of all three.
Check out my links to the side. There is a lot of great information. If not interested in the business aspect, be sure to check out the product site. The products are second to none. I will be posting soon on the newest product NOPALEA. It is simply the greatest thing out there. Check it outHERE.
I had lunch with a teacher recently. For years he had worked with special-needs children – those with learning disabilities requiring personalized teaching styles. He retired early from his profession because of the epidemic of children (especially young boys) diagnosed with ADHD.
My friend quit teaching, not because of the challenge of teaching a child with ADHD; he routinely taught children with far more severe issues. He quit because teachers and parents would label any child with a behavior problem “ADHD” just to get them out of their class and, often, onto some kind of sedative medication.
What is ADHD? Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by an inability to stay focused on any task. It may also include impulsive, disruptive and often destructive behavior. These symptoms may begin between the ages of 6 and 12, usually by age 7.
First, it is important to know that most children (and adults) are inattentive and impulsive from time to time. Also, many, many other conditions and circumstances share these same symptoms. For example, Stephen Covey described a man boarding the subway with two disruptive boys in tow. From the description of their behavior a person could easily see the traits of ADHD. What was the real problem? They were leaving the hospital where the mother of the two young boys had just died.
Inattention and impulsive behavior may be signs of ADHD or they may be signs of something else. We cannot be too quick to diagnose without fully investigating the circumstances of the person as a whole.
Brains in pain One interesting line of exploration in the child with ADHD is the pattern of brain waves. The human brain responds in a similar way to similar circumstances. Most of us have an increase in Delta brain waves when we are concentrating and an increase in Alpha brain waves when we are relaxing.
Theta waves increase and Beta waves decrease when we finish a task and feel a sense of accomplishment. People with ADHD have the exact reverse of this pattern: They demonstrate a decrease in Theta waves and an increase in Beta waves when they are asked to focus on a task.
People in chronic pain have exactly the same brain wave pattern. This may be why it seems so painful for people with ADHD to “sit still” and concentrate!
Sources of help
Proper diagnosis The most important step in caring for someone with ADHD is ensuring they are properly diagnosed. As mentioned, there are many conditions that trigger inattentiveness and impulsivity. Occasionally, a trial of medication for ADHD may be used by a physician to make the diagnosis. The physician prescribes a drug and if it helps, the child is said to have ADHD. But response to medication is no way to diagnose ADHD.
The most important part of any treatment is proper diagnosis.
Avoiding certain foods Next, limiting sugar and sweeteners and absolutely eliminating anything with colors and additives will often prove helpful. Avoiding food allergies is imperative. Children with ADHD are often allergic to grains, dairy, corn and soy.
Supplements Supplements that are helpful include a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement, Vitamin B-12 (I prefer Super Sublingual B-12 because the ratio of folic acid to B-12 is better for ADHD), VitaCal-Mag Das a calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D and zinc supplement and OmegaPrime as a good source of both Omega-3 and Evening Primrose oil. The amino acid GABA (as found in Peaceful Sleep) may also help balance the Beta and Theta brain waves when used consistently.
Conclusion My teacher friend pointed to a very real problem: Many times a child will be labeled ADHD because of a behavior problem in the classroom. Often, the problem was that these children were in distressing circumstances at school (for example, being relentlessly bullied) or not having appropriate parental supervision and nurturing at home.
However, ADHD is real and it is a serious disorder that will affect a person’s entire life. With proper diagnosis and assessment of the individual learning style of the child there is every possibility for a full and productive life!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare provider. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. You should consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect your child might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.
Many people are alive today because of antibiotics. And the lives of many people have been improved by the use of antibiotic medication. However, it is also important to understand that even appropriate use of antibiotics can damage your body.
Here are some steps you can take to repair your system following antibiotic use and how taking a prebiotic/probiotic supplement with each meal may help reduce the likelihood of future infections.
Weed, seed & feed To improve any terrain it is often necessary to remove weeds and unwanted plants. The same is true in the human terrain: In extreme cases we may need to remove certain pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria from our system in order to establish a baseline upon which to build a healthy immune system.
Once “weeds” in the form of disease-producing bacteria, parasites, yeasts and other microbes have been removed, the system needs to be “re-seeded” with probiotics. Probiotics are any of the 300 to 400 different bacteria that live inside us and promote health. Many of these have names you will recognize such as Lactobaccilus acidophilus.
Fermented foods carry many good bacteria with known health benefits. To encourage these health-producing bacteria to colonize (settle down and raise a family) they need to be fed regularly. Good bacteria thrive on healthy fiber and starches called prebiotics. A prebiotic is anything that supports the healthy growth of good bacteria. Examples of common foods rich in prebiotic fibers include okra, parsnips and artichokes.
Critical steps People who vigorously apply the 10 Essentials have a reduced risk of infection. However, those who live an imbalanced life are more at risk or prone to infection; they are said to be in the “pool of susceptibility.” That is, they are susceptible to infection. To take oneself out of the pool of susceptibility we need to follow some simple steps:
Breathe deeply 20 minutes daily
Drink pure water: ½ your body weight in ounces
Sleep peacefully 7 ½ to 9 hours each night
Eat nutritious food: 5, 7 or 9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily
Enjoy activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
Cultivate healthy emotional and spiritual relationships
Seize your sense of purpose – your many purposes in life
If you are recovering from antibiotic use you may add prebiotic fiber and probiotic bacteria such as those found in Digestive Complex.
Caution needed There is a dark side to antibiotic use: resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria develop when antibiotics are over-used or improperly used. Antibiotic-resistant microbes colonize and serve as reservoirs of disease. Antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis, pneumonia and meningitis epidemics have killed thousands of people and threaten to kill millions more in the coming decades.
Dr. Jim Wilde, chief investigator of the misuse of antibiotics for the National Institutes of Health in concert with the Centers for Disease Control, states that many antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. This is because our own immune system can respond adequately to kill the infection and restore balance.
So, take yourself out of the pool of susceptibility by vigorously applying the 10 Essentials, eating foods rich in prebiotic fibers and taking probiotics as necessary.
There is no doubt that type 2 diabetes is an epidemic in North America. Every year the number of people with this disease rises dramatically – and it does not appear to be slowing down. How can we protect ourselves against this trend? It is only with the vigorous application of the 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness.
Essential #4 encourages us to eat nutritiously. This requires a little education concerning the difference between a nutritious food and an “empty calorie.” Much of the information about the way particular foods impact diabetes is found in the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load.
Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Several years ago a group of researchers decided to create a chart based on the impact of carbohydrates on a person’s blood sugar. This would help people with diabetes select foods that would have the least impact on their disease. The Glycemic Index (GI) measures the impact of foods on blood sugar when compared to pure sugar: glucose. The higher the GI number, the greater the impact on blood sugar and the worse a food was supposed to be for a person with diabetes. Later, the GI was used as a tool for weight loss and cardiovascular health.
Glycemic Load is a way of refining the information of the Glycemic Index to find a truer nutritional value for food. For instance, the Glycemic Index may rate the carbohydrate value in a food as very high. This would seem to make the food unacceptable for people who want to restrict sugar. The Glycemic Load gives us a more global value of your food beyond sugar content.
Glycemic Load takes into account the fiber, fat and water content of a food. Let’s take the example of parsnips:
Parsnips are creamy-colored root vegetables in the carrot family. They are delicious and have therapeutic value as well. Parsnips have a GI rating of 97, compared with pure glucose at 100. That would seem to make parsnips “bad” – unacceptable as a healthy carbohydrate source. However, parsnips contain so much fiber and water, as well as protein and fats, that they have only a tiny impact on the total load of carbohydrates (the Glycemic Load). Because of their protein and fat, they help keep your appetite satisfied for so long that you may even eat less at your next meal. So, parsnips are really very healthful despite their high GI number.
Potatoes have become taboo in most low-carb diets. Yet, potatoes have attributes similar to parsnips. They are good for you as long as you don’t deep-fry them and load them with bacon, sour cream, gravy, cheese and other high-calorie, high-fat condiments.
Compound carbohydrates – the true “bad” carbs Though many fruits and vegetables are high on the Glycemic Index they are “good” complex carbs because they are low in Glycemic Load. Refined starches, such as pastries, pastas, pudding and pancakes, as well as gravies and similar sauces are a different story.
These foods:
Contain low amounts of water and fiber
Contain high amounts of “bad” carbohydrates and bad fats
Quickly turn to sugar in your bloodstream
Trigger insulin and inflammation
Increase your risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes
These are truly sources of “bad” carbohydrates. They are examples of “compound” carbohydrates: foods which have been processed beyond recognition from their original whole food sources. They are never good in any amount.
Diabetes epidemic In conclusion, the way to place yourself in the lowest risk category for type 2 diabetes is to eat whole foods which minimally impact your blood sugar. But that’s not all; did you know that stress alone may cause diabetes? Breathing deeply breaks the cycle of stress. And, since type 2 diabetes and obesity are related, getting enough sleep is essential. Add in the lessons from all 10 Essentialsand you have a bulwark of protection against the epidemic of type 2 diabetes.
What makes Leanology capsules so great? Leanology weight loss capsules provide nutrients, instead of stimulants, to assist you in your weight loss goals. Moreover, the effectiveness of our weight loss capsules has been confirmed through a clinical study. During the four months of this study, participants lost weight every week and actually gained lean tissue at the same time.
The formula features a four-stage blend of nutrients that target specific areas of concern that impact weight loss.
Stage 1: Energy & metabolism Key ingredients: Green Tea, L-Theanine, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Manganese
Thermogenic nutrients increase lean body mass in older age groups – even without exercise. This is a critical component to the formula because as one ages, lean muscle mass becomes more difficult to attain – and lean muscle mass is essential for a healthy metabolism.
For example, L-Theanine helps increase our body’s natural energy-producing capabilities. Mitochondria, sometimes described as "cellular power plants,” are found within our cells. They help convert food molecules into energy. L-Theanine is an antioxidant that specifically recharges the mitochondria to help it reproduce energy.
Stress is a problem at any age, though stress-related obesity seems to be more prevalent after age 40. Many trophic or “muscle-building” hormones begin to decline as we age. Stress accelerates this process. Fat-storage hormones are produced in response to stress.
Modern biochemistry has discovered that a protein receptor in your brain called a “GABA receptor” is responsible for stress sensitivity. By increasing GABA, a simple amino acid, we reduce the impact of stress on our nervous system and hormone balance.
Leanology contains specific nutrients that signal your brain to recognize signs of “fullness” earlier in the meal. It also restores the balance of signaling chemicals from your stomach to your brain. These chemicals can be weakened after a long, exhausting, stressful day. Therefore, Leanology minimizes evening cravings.
Weight gain is a direct response to a calorie surplus. If you do not burn the calories you consume, they will be left behind as fat – especially if the calories are from unhealthy sources. Leanology works to minimize your cravings and therefore assist you in lowering your total caloric intake.
Blood sugar control is the most critical component of any weight loss program. Elevated blood sugar causes the body to store sugar as fat rather than using it as energy. Leanology contains nutrients that help to utilize the carbohydrates and sugar we consume as energy – to keep them from being stored as fat. It also helps reduce the cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.
We are more likely to develop insulin resistance as we age. The more processed and refined food we eat, the more insulin we require to metabolize it. The more insulin in our blood, the less responsive our cells become. As we age, this continual exposure wears out our tolerance for refined carbohydrates and sugar, and reduces our sensitivity to insulin. Therefore we are less likely to convert sugar and carbohydrates into energy, and more likely to convert them into fat.
Take Control of Your Health
Commit yourself to the process of weight loss
Learn the important steps you will need:
Calorie content of common foods
Calories burned in common exercises
The effect of stress, sleep and hydration on weight
Attractive skin is really a reflection of inner health. Good health comes only from healthy habits. This is a natural law. Friends and enemies Collagen and healthy fats are best-friends to healthy skin. They give skin its firmness and elasticity. Collagen is made from nutrients such as Vitamin C and glucosamine. Healthy fats in your skin come from healthy fats in your diet, including supplemental essential fatty acids. Fats in your skin are protected by antioxidants such as Vitamin E and those found in green tea.
Free radicals are your skin’s enemies. These naturally occurring inflammatory substances overwhelm and harm your skin. As a result, your skin may become looser, weaker, less elastic and drier. Remember, when collagen and fat loss is making your skin look bad it is also aging your entire body.
Your skin becomes the battlefield between free radical damage and nutrients supporting healthy skin. Trauma, toxins, deficiency and stress create free radicals. Antioxidants from your diet and dietary supplements neutralize free radicals. When nutrient reserves fail, skin disorders begin. The most common skin disorders include eczema, psoriasis and seborrhea dermatitis. Eczema Eczema is inflammation of the skin. The term eczema has come to be associated with a specific type of dermatitis, called atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-contagious condition.
Symptoms: Itchy, inflamed skin.
Causes: Although eczema can develop at any age, it is most common in infants and children. It is estimated that 65% of people with eczema develop symptoms in the first year of life, and 90% develop symptoms before age five. The condition often improves in adulthood, but 50% of those affected as children are affected throughout life. Eczema is closely associated with asthma and hay fever. All together, they are called atopy. Atopy tends to run in families.
Responds to: Eczema responds well to essential fatty acid supplements, which help keep histamine levels low and nourish the fat pads under the skin. It also responds well to anti-stress herbs called adaptogens and Vitamin B-12, which help protect the collagen links from free radical destruction. Vitamin D and aloe vera have been used to balance the immune system response toanxiety and stress – known triggers for eczema. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition.
Symptoms: Psoriasis is characterized by scaling and inflammation. The inflamed skin is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It may cause pain and discomfort by cracking.
Causes: Currently, it is estimated that 5.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. Psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. A type of white blood cell that normally protects the body against infection and disease triggers inflammation and causes skin to shed too rapidly. Psoriasis flare-ups may be triggered by a variety of factors, including infection, toxins, climate, certain medications and stress.
Up to 11% of people with psoriasis develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis when the inflamed areas of the skin are accompanied by joint inflammation.
Responds to: Psoriasis responds well to nourishment with essential fatty acids such as those found in OmegaPrime. Stress protection with adaptogens and Vitamin B-12 is also helpful in many people. Vitamin D has also been used for people with psoriasis to balance the immune system response to stress. Seborrhea dermatitis Seborrhea dermatitis is a chronic skin condition.
Symptoms: Scaly, itchy rash. Most commonly affected areas are along the hairline, in and behind the ears, on the eyebrows, around the nose and on the chest. Dandruff is a type of seborrhea dermatitis.
Causes: Common skin yeast organisms, called Malassezia, may play a role inseborrhea dermatitis. It seems to run in families and is associated with disorders of the immune system and the nervous system. Seborrhea dermatitis is strongly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Responds to: Seborrhea dermatitis responds to supplementation with essential fatty acids as do many other skin conditions. The EFAs in OmegaPrime help reduce inflammation, nourish the fat pads under the skin and soothe the immune system. Seborrhea, like most other skin conditions, is triggered by stress. Protection against stress with adaptogens and Vitamin B-12 is often helpful.
Conclusion The best expression of a balanced, healthy life is often reflected in your skin. Health only comes from healthy habits practiced daily over time. These habits are reflected in the philosophy of the 10 Essentials of Health and Wellness. Learn and live the 10 Essentials for enduring health. Take antioxidant nutrients, anti-stress nutrients, immune balancing nutrients and essential fatty acids and you are on your way to radiant health – inside and out!
As you review your diet of the past week, ask yourself, “Did I eat the right amount of fruits and vegetables every day?” The recommended amounts are five servings for children, seven servings for women and nine servings for men. If you can say “yes” – congratulations! If you are like most people you did not reach that goal. And, if you are like most of us, you did not eat all of your fruits and vegetables from an organic source; so, the fruits and vegetables may have been lacking in nutritional value.
Staying on top of our nutrient reserve is important. Our bodies make millions of new cells every day: heart cells, brain cells, bone and blood cells. Every time a cell dies it should be replaced. If you do not have the right amount of nutrients to construct a new cell you will either make an incomplete cell or none at all. The outcome is bad in either case, so we really need to keep all nutrients on board at all times. This is why we suggest a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Supplements The word supplement means in addition to something – to make up for a deficiency. Vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken in addition to a healthy diet. They make up for the deficiency we face due to the poor nutrient density in our foods. Supplements also help out when our diet is less than perfect.
The simplest way to help support your nutrition is to take a general multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that provides a broad range of nutrients at standard nutritional levels. However, please keep the following points in mind:
Some supplements contain very high doses of certain nutrients. When you take nutrients in extremely high doses, you are no longer in the world of nutritional supplementation and have passed into the riskier world of megadose treatment.
Calcium and magnesium minerals are very bulky, and few multi-vitamin/mineral supplements provide the daily requirement. These minerals generally must be taken in the form of additional pills. Note: It isn't possible for your body to absorb a day's worth of calcium in a single dose. At least two doses are necessary.
The most common nutritional deficiencies
Calcium
Helps with bone density, muscle contraction and digestion
Chromium
Helps with blood sugar control
Folate
Helps protect against birth defects, heart disease and depression
Magnesium
Helps protect against high blood pressure, kidney stones and migraine headaches
Vitamin B-6
Helps protect against heart disease, depression and arthritis
Vitamin C
Helps with detoxification, immune system health and connective tissue
Vitamin B-12
Helps protect against anemia and fatigue. Helps with nerve health and energy
Vitamin D
Involved in bone and skin health and helps protect against diabetes and obesity
Vitamin E
Helps improve circulation
Zinc
Helps protect against acne, ADD/ADHD, the common cold and macular degeneration
Very few of us are so deficient in these nutrients as to show symptoms of outright malnutrition. However, subtle deficiencies may increase the risk of a number of conditions. For example, insufficient intake of calcium and Vitamin D may increase your chances of developing osteoporosis, and inadequate folate and Vitamin B-6 may speed the development of heart disease.
A strategy for everyone Finally, note that food contains many substances other than vitamins and minerals that may enhance your health.
Supplements won’t make up for bad dietary choices. We simply must commit ourselves to eating more fruits and vegetables. Still, the reality of life is that we don’t always attend to our diet perfectly. So, appropriate nutrient supplementation can help make up for the deficiency we face because of poor nutrient density in our foods and an imperfect diet.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is the ability to lead a socially and economically productive life."
Does that describe you? Or, like many people in North America, are you just too tired to think about being “socially and economically productive”?
If you feel too tired to do much more than read this article, don’t feel alone. Up to 85% of the people that visit a doctor for any reason also complain of being chronically tired. It seems that we are in the middle of an energy crisis that has nothing to do with petroleum production!
When we talk about energy we need to distinguish the difference between the ability to survive and the feeling of being energetic. We must admit that even the sickest person is converting nutrients to energy in order to survive. Yet, we want to do more than survive – we want to feel energetic. We want to have the energy to dream and then have the energy to live those dreams. We want to feel our best every day. Is that possible?
Eating for energy: fats, protein and carbohydrates As I mentioned, energy comes from the way our body burns nutrients such as fats, protein and carbohydrates. These nutrients must be metabolized. The word metabolism is from a Greek word that describes the process of creating energy from food. This description gives us the first hint as to how we can create and sustain an energetic feeling – by balancing our diet every day.
Sugars from the foods we eat provide us with ready energy, but it doesn’t last very long. Proteins are converted to energy at a much slower pace and provide us with a more stable supply of energy – five times as much energy per gram as sugar.
However, when it comes to providing energy, fat is the undisputed champion. Fat provides us with stamina. It burns slowly and steadily up to eight times longer than sugar. So for stamina that lasts all day and into the evening hours, select foods high in “good” fats.
Many experts say that we should get as much as 30% of our total calories per day from fat. This may mean more than 70 grams of fat for a 2,200 calorie per day diet. That’s a lot of fat! But don’t reach for the French fries just yet. You see, all foods contain fat. Fat is as important for plants as it is for humans. So, select fats from foods that are known for high energy, such as:
Nuts
Seeds
Olives
Avocados (guacamole)
Fatty fish
All foods (including vegetables and legumes) contain some fat.
Feeling your best every day Fuel the fires of your metabolism by eating high-energy foods. Stoke those fires by exercising at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Eat a healthy breakfast and, above all, be crystal-clear about your reasons for wanting more energy.
Being energetic and feeling a zest for life is more than merely being alive. It is a sense that you have the resources you need to accomplish whatever you want: to thoroughly seize the day while you work for your dreams. Feeling energetic inspires optimism and healthy self-esteem. Feeling energetic makes you happy and gives you hope. Follow these simple steps to feel your best every day!
Take Control of Your Health
Include good fats in your diet:
Mono- and poly-unsaturated oils (e.g. olive and sesame)
Nuts – be sure they are not rancid (spoiled)
Fish – salmon, halibut, tuna and other cold-water fish
Olives – a whole-food source of olive oil and Vitamin E
Avocado – nutritious and filled with antioxidants
Avoid bad fats:
Trans fats
Hydrogenated fats
Saturated fats: a little is OK but never over 20% DV (Daily Value)
My name is Lisa. I am married and the mother of a 18 year old son. I live in the beautiful mountains of California just below Yosemite National Park. I retired from working as a Critical Care RN due to medical reasons. I turned to the internet to fill my free time. While roaming the net I discovered the world of Online Marketing and have been hooked ever since. I have met some great people and hope to meet many more in my travels.
Have you ever walked down the cleaning aisle at the supermarket? What was your experience? I hate it! In fact, I completely avoid that aisle. If I need something, I hold my breath, quickly get what I need and beat a hasty retreat from that toxic soup.
