Vitamin D and sunshine go together. Among other ailments, a D deficiency increases the risk of “adult rickets” or osteomalacia, a painful bone disease that can lead to muscle weakness, bone pain and bone fracture.
Osteomalacia, according to Dr. Michael Holick, director of the Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory at Boston University, is often misdiagnosed as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Many patients with aching bones and muscles, Dr. Holick points out, are often simply suffering from a lack of D vitamins.
Insufficient sun exposure and D deficiencies are also linked to multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and some cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that people with the highest sun exposure had 35% less NHL.
Scientists have also known for some time that Caucasians, when compared to darker skinned ethnic groups worldwide, have a much lower diabetes 2 risk. They believe this is due to white skin’s greater sensitivity to sun exposure. A recent study, for example, showed that people with white skin and a high D vitamin level had one quarter the risk of diabetes than those with low levels.
Ten minutes to as much as an hour and a half of sunlight two or three times a week for darker skinned people should be sufficient to produce adequate vitamin D. The best food sources of D are dairy products, organ meats (liver), egg yolks, cod liver oil and seafood, particularly halibut, salmon and tuna.
Since the 1930’s, authorities have recommended limiting D vitamin intake to less than 2,000 I.U. a day. But recent studies show that at least 5,000 I.U. and up to 10,000 I.U. a day are safe and healthy. “It’s virtually impossible to get that much from diet,” Dr. Holick says. “And there’s never been a reported case of D toxicity because of too much sun.”
So, if you’re stuck inside all day, have dark skin or live north of Atlanta or Los Angeles, where there’s just not enough sunlight from November through February, be sure to supplement your diet with vitamin D. Dr. Holick recommends at least 1,000 I.U. daily. Typical multiple vitamin supplements usually have only about 400 I.U.’s.
Moss Greene makes it easy for you to look and feel better. Visit her site at http://nutrition.bellaonline.com to learn the simple things you can do for yourself right now. Be sure to subscribe to her free newsletter - you don’t want to miss a thing!
The African hoodia cactus is known by many names. It is called xshoba or xhooba by the San Bushmen who have used it to treat indigestion, minor skin infections and as an appetite and thirst suppressant during long hunts. The scientific name is hoodia gordonii. It is actually a succulent so the names hoodia cactus and South African desert cactus are actually misnomers, but they are commonly used. The plant resembles a cactus when seen growing wild in the Kalahari Desert.
There are problems associated with growing the African hoodia cactus for commercial purposes. First, logically, is temperature. In order to thrive the hoodia cactus requires desert like temperatures. Second is time. It takes four or five years for the African hoodia cactus to reach full maturity. Quantities of the wild plant are extremely limited and are protected by the governments of South Africa from harvesting. Phytopharm, the first company to research the properties of the African hoodia cactus, has established plantations in South Africa, but will not begin to sell their patented product for at least a couple of years.
In the meantime, supplement companies have begun marketing products which contain the plant in powdered or concentrated form. These African hoodia cactus products are being sold to dieters as appetite suppressants. There is research supporting the claims made by these companies, but there are some concerns about safety and cost. Because of the limited quantities available, at this time the African hoodia cactus is only being exported from certain areas of Africa, hoodia products are expensive. Safety is a concern because clinical trials have not been completed and effects of long-term use are not known. Phytopharm, who works with Unilever, does not want to be put in an “ephedra-like” situation, necessitating recalls and costing large amounts of money.
It is important to note that there are more than twenty different varieties of hoodia, but only hoodia gordonii is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant. Some companies may be selling products that are purported to contain the African hoodia cactus, but if it is not hoodia gordonii, then it may not work. As with all health supplements, it is best to buy hoodia products from a reputable company that sells a complete line of products. In addition, dieters are advised to remember to drink plenty of water since hoodia suppresses thirst, as well as appetite.
By any name, the African hoodia cactus is a beautiful plant. Flowers are pale purple and appear after the plant reaches maturity. Even though dieters would love to have a large immediate supply, it is important to protect the wild African hoodia cactus from over-harvesting, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
For more information on African hoodia cactus visit http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com
Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A 20-year project at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands, comparing the eating habits of more than 800 men at risk of heart disease, found that men who ate more than an ounce of fish a day had a 50 percent lower rate of heart attacks.
Since then, a lengthening list of studies has shown similar protection among men who eat fish at least two or three times a week. One possible explanation is that omega-3 reduce triglyceride levels. Another is that you body converts omega-3 to a compound similar to prostacyclin, a naturally occurring chemical that inhibits the formation of blood clots.
Omega-3 also reduce the risk of “sudden death” heart attach. In the United States, about 250,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac failure caused by ventricular fibrillation, an unexpectedly irregular heartbeat. A 1995 study from the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Adelaide), showed that laboratory monkeys fed omega-3 oils from fish had a steady heartbeat when exposed to electrical current twice as powerful as that which caused ventricular fibrillation in animals that did not get the fish oils.
Omega-3 inhibit the production of leuketrienes, naturally occuring chemicals that trigger inflammation. This may be beneficial to people with rheumatoid arthritis. In 1995, the Arthritis Foundation published the results of a study by Piet Geusens at the Catholic University in Pellenberg (Belgium) suggesting that patients who take omega-3 fatty acid supplements along with their regular arthritis medications have improved pain relief. Previous study had demonstrated the omega-3 ability to reduce inflammation, joint stiffness and swelling.
Finally, like isoflavones, omega-3 may protect bone density. One 1997 study at Purdue University (Indiana) demonstrated that animals fed increased amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids formed new bone faster than animals fed a regular diet.
Cindy is the host of http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com, a Free Asian Recipes website dedicated to all things on Asian Cooking and Culinary Guide with thousands of Cooking Tips.
Besides, she is also the co-host for http://www.vietnamese-recipes.com and http://www.asianhomerecipe.com.
Nutritional Supplement - what is it?
So what is a nutritional supplement? Nutritional supplement is a product that provides additional sources of nutrients when people don’t get enough of them through food or when a well-designed diet doesn’t work. Nutritional supplement increases the intake of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, herbs, etc. It gives you the opportunity to achieve the average daily intake of some specific nutrient.
Nutritional Supplement - be careful.
You have to careful when purchasing some nutritional supplement, since supplements are not required to meet FDA standards. There are many fake supplement products on the market nowadays, so make sure that you consult with you doctor or other health professionals if some type of nutritional supplement is right for you. Also read the label carefully since many ingredients may be harmful for you.
Nutritional Supplement - sports supplements.
If you are an athlete, you will have access to some types of nutritional supplement or supplements developed specifically for athletes. For example, according to many sport researchers, caffeine supplements claim that caffeine improves athletic performance, increases energy, delays fatigue, improves fat burning, and enhances body fat loss. Protein supplements claim that protein supports muscle growth, increases muscle strength and mass, improves recovery, etc. Creatine supplements claim that creatine improves performance, increases muscle mass, delays fatigue.
If you are an athlete, you need to be careful about using nutritional supplements as there is very little research regarding the safety of some of the supplements. Don’t just believe the supplement labels’ claims, but instead believe only these facts that have been scientifically proven. Consult with doctors, health professionals, and fitness trainers. Sometimes a well-designed diet is enough to supply your body with everything it needs, so don’t turn to supplement right away.
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For more information http://www.liquid-vitamins-4u.com
How To Have A Healthy Thanksgiving
End of the year holidays are a time when our eyes
are often bigger than our stomach! Many of us wonder how we
will get through them without gaining 5 or 10 pounds. So how
can you feel great after parties and meals instead of overstuffed and
uncomfortable?
Your stomach cannot miraculously hold more food just because it’s the holidays.
First, remember that the amount of food your stomach can
hold did not change between yesterday and today. Remember
how uncomfortable you feel after you have eaten too much
and how long it takes to start feeling better again.
Do you want to be able to enjoy your food, and enjoy your
time after eating as well?
Smaller portions, lot’s of variety
If there’s a lot of food that you want to try, serve yourself
smaller portions. This way you can get a variety of everything.
Chew your food and eat slowly. Savor!
When you’re trying to control your food intake, one of the most
difficult things is when you feel satisfied, but everyone else is
going for seconds. You feel out of place to just sit there. What
can you do? Try to be the last one to begin eating your first
plate and chew each bite thoroughly. That way you are eating
more slowly and you won’t actually be finished by the time
everyone else is getting a second plate. Chew about 50 times
for each bite of food and set your fork down between bites.
Make a plate for yourself for later…
If the food is amazing and you don’t want to miss out on having
a second or third serving, but your stomach is actually
comfortably full, go ahead and make a plate for yourself, put
Saran Wrap over it and stick it in the fridge. That way you will
feel that you have a “treat” for later when you are hungry.
The food will taste much better if you eat it when you are hungry!
Split the desserts or cut them in half
There are often lots of desserts to choose from and
sometimes it’s hard to pick one. So take a smaller slice of
two so that you can get the equivalent of one dessert but
the ability to try both.
Respect what your body is saying to you
Many times are loved ones will put the pressure on for you to
eat more. They are not in your body though so they can’t
possibly know how you feel. I encourage you to respect
yourself and respect your body. It is not an insult to not eat
more. No one would put more cookies in a cookie jar than
could fit. If you did, what would happen when you put the
top on? They would smush and crumble.
This is not the last time you will eat…the opportunity will
come again
Most of all remember this is not the last time you will ever eat…and
there will most likely be leftovers. You will get hungry again
and you will be able to eat great food again….you don’t have
to do it all in one meal!
Check out the recipe below for a healthy dish you can make
this year.
Melissa King
Holistic Nutrition Counselor
http://www.wellnessandenergy.com
A large number of gamers will have read the phrase “offshore sports betting” in recent months, but some might not be altogether certain what that represents. An overseas betting website in essence performs outside of the scope of any single country or alternatively it can mean a networked betting site that has all of its host computer inside the boundaries of a state where networked betting is not banned. Concisely therefore, it’s best described as a betting agency doing business extraneous to the area of the client. Computer accessible sports betting websites are at present governed through the agency of 3 institutions. These bodies are the OSGA (the Offshore Gaming Association), the IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association FTGA.
sport book online betting odds
The OSGA are a self-governing “watch-dog” agency that keeps checks on the thriving overseas sports gambling business, their objective is to present sports gambling afficionados the capability to pick out trust-worthy web based enterprises to play games with. The Offshore Gaming Association tries to preserve the legal rights of customers, and also they do not demand any joining or annual expenses. The OSGA is an extremely proficient and impartial third party council who manifest unprejudiced judgments, established around customer feedback, objective study, discussions, tips also imparts industry information.
The IGC are a non commercially driven council. The agency has been set up to supply a forum for interested parties to talk about problems and in addition to applicable matters in the worldwide web-based sports gaming industry, to ensure just and effective professional guidelines and methods which strive to enhance consumer certainty in world wide web based wagering products and services, also to function as the offshore betting trade’s public strategy adviser and the council also acts as a data hub.
The Interactive Gaming Council have developed a reputation for safety, equity and also credibility thanks to the exacting standards it exhibits, and its allure to businesses of moral practise. The Interactive Gaming Council regulates offshore sports gaming via employing an original 10-point standard policy code and also bills gaming web sites license fees to show their logo. Dissatisfied gamblers can additionally disclose any of their arguments to the IGC.
The Fidelity Trust Gaming Association was established in an attempt to create a standard to upgrade the transactions of live betting commercial enterprises. The IGC suggest that by doing business with good partners, they can found a federation of the most honest and professional cyberspace betting companies internationally. In short, there are governing bodies which monitor the dealings exercised by web based sports betting and which should serve to assuage any fears held by numerous gamblers. Computer accessible sports gaming web sites are at present consistently dependable, now that individual details are not needed and the payments and the gaming odds should be equivalent to a standard Vegas-type wager. They do away with travel, but retain the fundamental ethos, only these days you may bet in the comfort of your trusted surroundings.
In this day and age countless people prefer to get their swimwear online; purchasing online is an unproblematic and appropriate way to shop in the tranquil of your own home.
It is critical to ensure whilst acquiring swimwear on the Internet that it defiantly fits you precisely. When you get swimwear on the World Wide Web always be certain that the shop provides a good quality sizing chart that provides all of the measurements you could require. With the help of a sizing diagram one can make sure to purchase a swimsuit or bikini that fits rightly, thus reducing the demand to swap for a different size. Most of the online swimwear retail stores don’t allow an exchange of goods so it’s generally always better to pick an online store where exchanges are permitted. Several retail stores will accept the returns of swimwear if the tags and the original wrapping are also returned along with it.
Swimwear is an inevitable part of the summertime; yet a significant majority of full-figured females feel fearful at the notion of shopping for swimsuits and bikinis that fit correctly. These women even consider wearing caftans by the swimming pool or at the beach instead of looking unpleasant. Designers and shopkeepers are familiar with the fashion issues of the larger woman, and are finally featuring a wide selection of stylish bathing suit designs in XL sizes, & the best place to stumble upon such swimwear is to purchase swimwear on the Web. Find eye-catching and sexy tankinis at great prices from designers such as Phax, Sunflair, Gok Wan, Gottex, Seafolly and Miracle Suit.
Dealing with acne can be embarassing at any age. Luckily, there are
a number of things you can do everyday to make sure your skin is less
prone to flare ups. Here are five tips for taking control of your
acne starting today.
1. Exercise - Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off
negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and
depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off
acne that can result from your workout routines. Watch what you put
on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment.
For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look
great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are
susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend
to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy.
Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to
allow more air to get to your skin.
And when you are finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet
from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean
clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty
headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne
problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout
sessions.
2. Cosmetics - To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are
similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled
noncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors can contain a
flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog
pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions
are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.
More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a
matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the
more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the
pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier
concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions,
meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding
facial areas.
3. Diet - Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the
cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne
preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for
your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your
body. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins,
minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and help
conquer acne breakout.
4. Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh
scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin
irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what has
washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle
exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit
shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when
possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause
your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.
If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember
that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking
blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further
troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek
help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.
5. Shaving - Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way
of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and
spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And
for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid
whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areas
with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive,
open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a
shaving cream for sensitive skin!
James B. Allen is the publisher of Power Living Press.
He invites you to come learn more about living a healthier,
wealthier, more beautiful and more powerful life TODAY by
visiting:
http://www.PowerLivingPress.com
When I was a rookie salesman with Time-Life Books, I was taught a great principle:
Always follow a negative with a positive.
For example, if a prospect asked, “How much is it?” we’d give a three-step reply:
(1) We’d disclose the price, without hesitation;
(2) We’d immediately follow it with a positive statement, diminishing the starkness and sticker shock in hearing the price, by itself; and
(3) We’d ask for the order, also known as closing the sale.
So, as an example, we’d say:
“The price is only $99.95, which is a small amount to invest in your child’s education, wouldn’t you agree?”
This is still a very useful format, and I continue to recommend it.
But there is an aspect of it that is even more important, perhaps, than its use in closing sales.
It is the part about following a negative with a positive. We should do this all the time, in the selling process, and outside of it.
For example, let’s say you’re trying to strike up a relationship over the phone, and the other person abruptly interrupts you, mid-sentence; that’s pretty negative, right?
By no means should you allow that to be the way that the conversation concludes.
Instead, listen to the comment and respond with this phrase:
“Well, thank you for your courtesy!”
Please note, you do NOT want to say it sarcastically. Make it sound upbeat, genuine.
Here’s what it will do for you:
(1) The listener will respond with, “You’re welcome,” and that’s nice to hear.
(2) You’ll regain control of the conversation, which will make you feel strong and professional.
(3) And you’ll feel much better about moving on to the next call, while letting the last one gently fall into the past.
Practice following a negative with a positive in your sales talks, and then expand the concept to other communications, personal and professional.
I’m sure you’ll appreciate the difference this makes in your attitude and in your performance.
Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC’s Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.
Some experts claim that laser and light therapy is this century’s alternative to traditional treatments. These technologies have been successfully applied to treating acne and other skin diseases. Many acne sufferers who were disappointed with all other methods have found a solution for their problem in blue light acne treatment.
Benefits of Blue Light Acne Treatment
Blue light acne treatment focuses on eliminating P. acnes, the bacteria that causes to acne eruptions. This bacteria pumps out some molecules called porphyrins. When these molecules are exposed to blue light, they release free radicals that kill the bacteria.
Blue light acne treatment has several benefits in comparison to other therapies:
* It is a totally natural and has no side effects.
* It is safe to use daily and for all ages.
* Unlike other light therapies, it doesn’t contain UV light that can hurt your skin.
* It is painless and you can do it in your own home.
Research Data
Data from clinical trials on blue light therapy has revealed that is a promising acne treatment. Patients involved in the studies have received the blue light acne treatment in several session, each lasting about 15 minutes. Many of them, but not all, have registered significant improvement after the treatment, with approximately 55% clearance. Side effects were only mild and included short-term pigment changes, dryness and swelling of the treated area.
Taiwan: Thirty-one patients with facial acne on both sides have received blue light acne treatment only on one side, while the other has received no treatment at all. The therapy was given twice a week for four weeks. In the end, it was concluded that blue light acne treatment is effective unless the patient suffers from cystic acne, which often worsens when treated with blue light.
United States: Twenty-five patients suffering from inflammatory acne were treated with blue light therapy on one side (8 sessions in 4 weeks) and with clindamycin on the other (twice a day for 4 weeks). In the end, researchers compared the results for the two treatments. The side treated with clindamycin showed an approximately 22% improvement, while the one treated with blue light therapy showed around 40% improvement. However, after 8 weeks of no treatment, the clindamycin side had maintained the results better.
Israel: Three separate studies on 10, 13 and 25 patients suffering form inflammatory acne were conducted in order to measure the effects of blue light acne treatment. In all of the three studies, over 80% of all patients responded well to the treatment, showing between 59% and 67% improvement.
Japan: 30 patients suffering from mild to moderate acne received a blue light acne treatment twice a week for up to five weeks. For 80% of all patients, the lesions decreased by approximately 64%. The rest of them experienced negative or no effects.
Unfortunately, the number of individuals involved in these research studies is too small. Generally, clinical trials aimed to test new treatments enroll hundreds or even thousands of patients. Considering the small numbers involved in the blue light acne treatment studies, no statistically valid conclusion can be drawn. However, these studies do reveal that blue light therapy has positive effects on some individuals suffering from acne. It gives best results for inflammatory acne and may not be safe to use on patients with cystic acne lesions.
Michael Morris Blue Light Acne Treatment and Natural Acne Treatment Infos
