Summer is almost here and that means sunshine, beaches, and summer fruit.  In early spring grapefruits usually have their best harvest.  This fruit is tart and tangy with a hint of sweetness and even rivals the ever popular orange for juiciness.  Years ago there was a book titled, “The Grapefruit Diet”, and many articles have been written about the health benefits of this amazing fruit.  So here are the facts about grapefruit.
Grapefruit is rich in vitamin c, which has been shown to support the immune system.  Vitamin C may help by reducing the symptoms of the common cold as well as preventing free radical damage that catalyses the inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.  There is even research that supports consuming fruits high in vitamin c, such as grapefruit is associated with a reduced risk of dying from heart disease, stroke , and cancer.
Lycopene a carotenoid phytonutrient shown to have anti-tumor activity is what gives grapefruit its rich red and pink colors.  According to a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition eating lycopene rich foods can greatly reduce a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.  According to the KAME study conducted by Dr. Alan Crozier showed that grapefruit juice was ranked as one of the highest juices in antioxidant activity.  Grapefruits also contain tumor inhibiting enzymes called limonoids.  These enzymes allow the liver to make toxic chemicals more water soluble so that they may be more easily excreted from the body.  Limonoids in animal studies and human cell lab tests have shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, lung, skin, breast, colon, and stomach.
Pectin can also be found in grapefruit which is a soluble fiber and has been shown in animal studies to slow down atherosclerosis.  Both white and red grapefruit can lower the blood levels of LDL cholesterol, and red lowers triglycerides also.  There is a risk with prescription drugs including statins where muscle toxicity may increase.  See your physician before consuming grapefruit if your using any of the statin or like drugs.

One of the most important factors in shedding excess body fat is heavily relied on by the liver.  Everything is passed through the liver including all of the chemicals and toxins that it must clear out.  SInce grapefruit  boosts liver enzymes, this process becomes more efficient and the liver is able to get rid of these toxins quicker.  Grapefruit also shares the same fat burning properties as green tea.

There you have it the skinny on grapefruits, so enjoy some raw or in juice form and toast yourself to good health.

Memory problems will affect all of us at some point in our lives. Today however, there is ample research in how many of these memory problems can be minimized. The research covers medications as well as nutritional supplements. There are three main supplements that can help with memory as we age. These nutritional supplements include ginkgo biloba, acetyl-l-carnitine, phosphatidyl serine.

In order to protect the mind you must keep it active. There are many memory exercises you can do to keep it healthy and active. You can read books and newspapers, doing crossword puzzles, playing a musical instrument, participate in a continuing education course, even learn a new language. Keeping the mind active throughout your life will keep your memory sharp, as well as incorporating these researched nutritional supplements.
Ginkgo biloba, is a well studied botanical formula that has been shown to increase blood flow to the head, as well as a memory enhancer. This supplement may cause dementia to progress slower in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This herb takes 6-8 weeks to saturate proper levels in the body so do not discouraged too soon. When looking for this supplement at the store, look for a standardized formula that is at least 24 percent of ginkgo flavone glycosides. A healthy dose is 60 to 120 milligrams two times per day, since ginkgo has low toxicity there is no worry about over consumption.

Acetyl-L-carnitine, is derived from an amino acid and is quite expensive due to the complex way of extracting it. The compound has been so successful in animal studies that human studies are being planned. This cognitive booster is also non-toxic, and is taken twice per day on an empty stomach of 500-1000 milligrams.

Phosphatidyl serine is a naturally occurring lipid in the body which is a component of all cell membranes. PS is known as a brain cell nutrient and studies have shown that it is very effective on memory and concentration. Cognitive function in adults has also been studied as well as reversing age related memory decline. The supplement is derived from soybeans and the recommended dose is 100 milligrams two to three times per day.

It is estimated that in the United States that more than a million cases of skin cancer are reported each year.  Most of these cancer cases are reported due to the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation otherwise known as UVR.
It is estimated that there is a window during a sunny day that a person risks the most exposure to these ultraviolet rays.  The sun usually begins to intensify around 10-11 am, and reaches its peak around 4 pm.  These are the hours to use extra caution.  Maybe seek the shade of an umbrella or just hit the beach at the later part of the day, after all it does get darker much later in the summer months.

Many experts feel that no tanning method is safe.  They say that tanned skin is already an indication that the epidermal DNA has been damaged by the ultraviolet rays.  Just one sunburn increases your risk of developing skin cancer.  If you incur more than five sunburns your risk of developing melanoma doubles through out your life.  Tanning beds are no better than tanning outdoors.  Care must be taken by applying the proper sun-block lotions before venturing outside.  Sun-block lotions range from 10 SPF to 60 SPF.

SPF, otherwise known as Sun Protection Factor, measures the duration of how long the skin being unprotected can be exposed to the sun UVB rays before burning.  A sunscreen formula with an SPF of 30 would prevent a sunburn that is 30 times longer than if no sunscreen was used and the skin was exposed naturally.  Besides having a high SPF number, UVA protecting ingredients must be present for maximum protection.  These include zinc dioxide, avobenzone, and titanium oxide.  Sunscreen should be applied about 30-40 minutes before going outside, and the waterproof formulas that are available work wonders as they do not come off in the pool or the ocean.  Pay close attention to children as they need the highest SPF possible, their skin is extremely sensitive.  They should only be used on children that are at least 6 months of age.

If you do get sunburned, and it may happen since we do go in and out everyday.  You may even try taking Flax seed oil gel caps, and Omega 3 supplements, as these ad vital moisturizer to the skin and will help heal your skin.  Look for spots on the skin from time to time as these can be warning signs to go and see a dermatologist.  Some of the things to watch for are, skin growth’s or beauty marks that have either changed color, changed diameter, increased in thickness, hurt, itch, or bleed.

By taking the steps necessary for proper sun safety, you and your family will enjoy great times out in the sun, with minimal risk to skin cancers.

The world has become quite a complicated place.  There are many uncertainties, and the financial markets are wrecked.  Does anyone have a crystal ball to tell us what will happen tomorrow?  There are many folks that claim to have such foresight, however it is unlikely that they do.

All of this negative thinking can wreck havoc on your body.  So at this time take a deep breath, and tell yourself that everything will be ok.  There are many books out in the market place that promise result based on positive thinking.  While there is no one simple cure for negativity thats written in a book, the issue starts with yourself.  To stay positive through the negative times in a personal choice, and no one can do this but you.  The current books are great motivational pieces, such as “The Secret”, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul “ series.  This type of reading will put you in the right frame of mind to stay positive. 

Exercise is probably the best thing that you can do for yourself in the battle of the woes.  Exercise creates endorphins which make you feel an all around sense of well being.  Jogging has been shown many health benefits such as improved digestion,  better sleep, healthier joints, and fat loss.  Weight training can also unlock some great facets of health such as improved recover, improved sexual vigor, increased muscle, and better sleep. 
One note to remember when everyone in the country is feeling the financial woes it is very difficult to stay motivated.  All of your friends are down and losing money in the markets, your financial stability is in question so what do you do?  Try staying positive, the negative thoughts take a lot of energy and you simply do not need to waste time on that.  If you had to suspend your gym membership due to a financial hardship take a nice walk.  Walking has many great health benefits and is super for your overall health.  In stressful times it is important to keep your mind at ease, and walking will help with that.
Also try to eat a well balanced diet.  Fish oils are so important in keeping your mood elevated.  The oily fish include salmon which consequently is great for your skin as well.  Make sure you keep up with your multi-vitamins as those will get depleted through times of stress.  The other important supplement to use is B-complex vitamins.  These help with all kinds of functions from breaking down protein to helping you  cope with stress.  B-vitamins will help you keep your hair healthy as well as your skin.

If you follow these simple steps during these times of stress you will be healthy.  Remember that attitude is everything and your perception is your reality.  Things are not always what they seem.  This is an important thing to know and keep in your mind.  Stay positive and focused and keep your negative thoughts in check.

Anxiety is a normal part of life that everyone experiences from time to time. Research shows that even mild to moderate anxiety will enhance your focus to attention, alertness, and motivation. However if the anxiety is extreme feelings of doom, helplessness, and severe worry can come about and have detrimental affects on a persons perception of these feelings towards their life. When this form of severe anxiety continues and intensifies this can lead to depression.

Anxiety has been shown to cause many physical and emotional symptoms. Certain situations can bring about some or all of these symptoms for a short duration. As the situation subsides and fear levels drop so do the symptoms.
The physical symptoms of anxiety include: Shaking, twitching, body trembling. Shortness of breath and shallow breathing. Elevated fullness in the chest and thorax areas. Rapid heartbeat and lightheadedness. Hot flashes, sweaty, clammy hands, extreme coldness. Loss of appetite, loss of sleep, disturbed sleep.

Communicating creatively is very difficult for people suffering from anxiety as it affects the part of the brain that controls how we communicate. This can lead to emotional symptoms of anxiety which can hinder relationships on many levels. Some of these include, worrying too much, inability to focus on conversations, a racing mind, unable to concentrate, and feeling that something bad is going to happen. When people experience physical and emotional anxiety for a length of time they can develop Anxiety Disorders.
Anxiety disorders will affect how people communicate with others, and women have been shown to suffer from this disorder twice as likely as males. Panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are all examples of anxiety disorders. Many of these disorders can start at any age, and there is not any one factor contributing to it. Research does show that children having at least one parent with depression are more than two times likely to have an anxiety disorder. Persistent substance abuse can lead to mental health problems as can poor diet and excessive caffeine consumption.

Panic attacks are also common in people who suffer extreme anxiety. This attack comes on very suddenly when a person least expects it. They can occur in normal healthy people and usually last only a few minutes, but seem to have lasted longer. The person inflicted with a panic attack will feel exhausted after the experience and may become lethargic. Many people mistake panic attacks for heart attacks as the symptoms include trouble breathing, chest tightening and pain, and an irregular heartbeat. When these attacks persist over time the person suffering from them is said to have panic disorder.

There are many things that you can do to help control anxiety to moderate levels.
Journaling: Journaling has been shown to be an excellent stress management tool. In doing so you write down the way your feeling and this can lead to great breakthroughs in self exploration. Journaling allows you the freedom to clarify your thoughts and really dig deep into things that are troubling you in your life. This method allows you to see your problems as an outsider when you read your thoughts, it also allows both sides of your brain to be used so there much more cognitive processing which may balance out your thinking.

Exercise: The affects of exercise of stress is tremendous. Besides keeping your weight at bay, vigorous exercise releases endorphins that put you at ease and give you an all around sense of well being. Exercise may include weight training, cardio vascular exercise such as a treadmill, stair climbers, elipticals, spinning, and yoga.

Nutritional Supplements: Proper nutrition is key to overall good health. To ensure that you reach these levels it may help by taking certain nutritional supplements. The most important would be a high quality multi vitamin and antioxidant formula. Next would be an essential oil supplement containing a large amount of omega 3, 6, and 9. EFA’s as they are called are found in fish oils and have shown to greatly affect mood. Lastly a good amino acid supplement is recommended. Amino acids greatly affect brain chemistry, proper firing of neurons, and correct neurotransmitter response. These can aid in reducing stress by keeping all of your hormones balanced.

With proper care which includes exercise, healthy diet, and proper nutritional supplementation you will have a great defense in battling severe anxiety.

Have you ever wondered how sleep can play a role on hair-loss, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease.  The media is always informing us how Americans are a nation of sleep deprived workaholics that are sacrificing their well being for overloading and over-scheduling themselves to maintain the modern lifestyle.  But what about those people that sleep beyond the seven to eight hours per night.

There are new studies that have concluded that sleeping nine hours or more per night may have a negative impact on health.  The evidence however, is much more conclusive that too little sleep can lead to illness, accidents, and lowered productivity.  We also know that depression can rise about in individuals who suffer from insomnia.

Here are some tips for better sleep, which will yield to better health.

Do not use sleep to overcome emotions:  When some people become overwhelmed they can become lethargic and start to fall asleep when feeling threatened.  While this may not seem that harmful, it clearly shows that a person is not dealing with the issues at hand and is not a good indicator that their night sleep will be disruptive.  Try going through the period of discomfort with a different activity such as exercise to lessen anxiety.
Do not nap too much:  Lately naps have gotten some bad press in the United States, but there has been a trend in the last few years to try a power nap.  Power naps are basically a short 15 to 20 minute sleep session that will act as an afternoon refresher, and it was speculated that Leonardo Da Vinci used this method often.  Current studies show that these power naps are an excellent way to revive yourself and sustain your energy and focus for a more productive day.  However, if the power nap turns into a traditional multi hour nap, this amount of sleep will disrupt your sleeping pattern at night.

Do not use the weekends as a sleepathon:  When our work schedules keep us busy we may sometime indulge in sleeping in on the weekends.  This behavior falls into the same pattern as overeating, and has no benefit at all.  You cannot catch up on your sleep, its all about consistent hours of sleep every night.
Nutritional Supplements help with sleep:  There are many great nutritional supplements that will condition you to fall asleep and stay asleep.  The first of these is Melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland and with age becomes less.  Supplemental Melatonin may help with this condition, and many users report its effectiveness form the first night of use.  Another great supplement to relax and get you ready for bed is Valerian root, this is an herb and is usually taken in a capsule or brewed as a tea.  Lastly, taking calcium before bed may also help in assisting with better sleep.

While there may be some moral benefits to abstinence, there is now conclusive proof that having regular and enjoyable sexual activity offers a host of health benefits for men and women.

One of the most credible and comprehensive studies conducted by Queens University in Belfast tracked the mortality of 1,000 middle aged men over the course of a decade. The study was published in the 1997 British Medical Journal, in which men who reported the greatest frequency of orgasms had a death rate of half from the stragglers. There are other studies that show that having sex even a few times per week has an affect on the following:

-An improved sense of smell: Production of the hormone prolactin surges after sex, which in turn develops new neurons in the brain’s olfactory smell center.

-A reduction for risk of heart disease: There was a follow up to the Queens University study which showed that men who had sex three or more times per week, reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by half.

-Overall fitness and weight loss: Sex, can be considered exercise. A vigorous jaunt can burn about 200 calories or about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill. The pulse rate of an aroused person rises up to 150 beats per minute from 70, the same as an athlete in training. Muscular contractions during sex work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, and thorax. Sex also increases testosterone production which leads to stronger muscles and bones.

-Depression reduction: Prostoglandin, a hormone which is found in semen, can be absorbed in the female genital tract thus regulating female hormones.

-Pain relief: Levels of the hormone oxytocin increase up to five times their normal level right before orgasm, which in turn releases endorphins that alleviate anything from a simple headache to arthritis. In women this can even reduce symptoms of PMS.

-Less Colds and Flu: A study conducted at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania shows that individuals who have sex once or twice per week have 30% increased level of immunoglobulin A, which boosts the immune system.

To keep your body healthy for sexual activity a good multi-vitamin is recommended. Anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, and coenzyme Q10 are essential for proper recovery and healthy semen production. Ginkgo Biloba may also help with sexual activity as its ability to improve blood flow to the brain and its antioxidant properties.

Affecting more than 20 million Americans, diabetes is characterized by the inability to regulate the body’s blood sugar. Of the different types of diabetes, the most common is type 1 diabetes mellitus. Formerly referred to as noninsulin-dependent diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent of all cases. Although type 2 diabetes is considered an inherited condition, its development is principally a consequence of lifestyle. That is, in most cases, it can be prevented and treated with diet, exercise, and weight control. People who are unable to control their blood sugar with lifestyle changes are treated with oral blood-sugar-lowering medications. In turn, those who are unable to adequately control their blood sugar with oral medications are treated with insulin.

Dire Consequences
Serious health complications are associated with uncontrolled blood sugar: namely, kidney failure, heart disease, and blindness. Faced with these grave risks, the medical community has focused its efforts on measures to prevent the onset of diabetes in at-risk populations and to prevent the complications associated with diagnosed individuals.

Though a variety of medications are available to treat diabetes, scientists are looking to alternative ways to treat this widespread disease. A nutritional supplement marketed toward the diabetic patient, NutraLab Cinnergen is used to enhance the effects of the body’s natural insulin and to decrease the effect of elevated blood sugar. Cinnergen contains a variety of natural substances (16 active ingredients in all); however, the most widely studied of these are cinnamon bark, blueberry leaf extract, and cranberry extract.

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Garlic has long been a key ingredient in Mediterranean and Eastern cooking, but many people don’t realize its potent effects on our immune and digestive systems. Garlic supplements offer a convenient option to regularly eating raw garlic; these can be used as a dietary supplement to fight infection, reduce blood pressure, and even manage blood-sugar levels. Nature’s Way Garlicin offers a simple way to enjoy many of the health benefits of garlic in a safe, natural formula.

History Lesson
Garlic was commonly used as a treatment for leprosy by ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and mixed with other herbal ingredients and antioxidants for its powerful therapeutic properties. Before the advent of modern medicine, raw garlic was prescribed to heal wounds, combat colds and fevers, and neutralize inflammation in the body. Some researchers in China believe that garlic has natural cancer-fighting benefits that can improve the body’s resistance to tumors, helping to prevent cancer-causing agents from circulating in the body.

The most important compound in garlic is allicin, the substance that is released when garlic is cut, chewed, or crushed. This is why many cooking techniques require garlic to be crushed before adding it to meals; the release of allicin makes it easy to absorb the key ingredients of garlic, and standardized allicin is found in a variety of garlic supplements. Since garlic also works as a natural blood thinner, it should not be taken by those who regularly have low blood sugar, or are taking medication that has anticoagulant properties.

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If you’re like most people, you don’t give a lot of thought to your liver, but you literally couldn’t live without it. This organ plays multiple roles, including filtering out toxins, regulating your metabolism, producing energy, assisting with digestion, storing essential vitamins, and controlling cholesterol production. Since it does so much for you, wouldn’t it be nice if you could do something for your liver? You can. There’s a supplement you can take that has proven benefits for your hard-working liver: Thisilyn.

How Thisilyn Helps
Offered by Nature’s Way, Thisilyn contains milk thistle extract. Milk thistle is an herb native to the Mediterranean region that has been a folk remedy for liver and other disorders for thousands of years. The milk thistle extract in Thisilyn is primarily composed of a flavonoid complex known as silymarin. Silymarin protects the liver by preventing absorption of harmful toxins.

Silymarin is so effective in preventing liver damage that it is sometimes used to treat patients who have eaten extremely poisonous mushrooms. The use of milk thistle can dramatically increase the survival rate of patients in this predicament.

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