Aug 10
18
Recently a friend of mine lost his father to what was probably an entirely preventable illness. So I thought
I would use this as an opportunity to explain what I think is going on that has left my friend feeling so robbed this week.
Hopefully it will spur you into action if you’ve been taking shortcuts with your health in recent years, and
you have a sense that perhaps your own wake up call isn’t that far off…
You see, the way I feel about this is that our wonderful, exciting, modern day world, is silently at war. It is not the kind of war that involves guns, tanks, or missiles.
No, this war is nothing so blatantly theatrical.
And yet the enemy is certainly there – unseen, silent, and stalking the people we know.
Workmates, friends, and even members of our own family.
This enemy creeps up to our doorstep every day, right underneath our very noses, and we do so little to discourage it.
That enemy is ‘modern chronic disease’ and it is proving to be more deadly than any conventional ‘war’ has ever been.
Aug 10
17
When looking at alcoholism symptoms, it can be difficult to see yourself in them. The sad truth is, you may very well be an alcoholic. You may not want this for yourself, but denial won’t help you out. It’s time to get started looking at this honestly. Are you an alcoholic? Here are ten things you can look to. If you answer yes to any number of these, then you probably need to be seeking help.
Have you given up other activities because of alcohol?
Sometimes making sacrifices can be a good thing, but it depends on whether what you are making sacrifices for is truly more valuable than what you are giving up. Is your drinking really worth giving those other things up for?
Are you having legal problems that show up because of your alcoholism?
If this is a recurring theme, then you have to deal with this. They aren’t just picking on you. You are really putting yourself and others in danger.
Are you having a problem sticking to just one or two drinks?
If you go into a situation hoping to limit yourself to just a couple of drinks, but are never able to keep yourself to that then it might be time to correct that.
Do you feel guilty or ashamed that you might have a problem by what you are doing?
You need to get beyond this if you want to get your pride back. You need to be able to own your problem and face it head on. You don’t need to be proud of your drinking problem, but you have to take pride in yourself and try to overcome it.
Jun 10
30
The merits of a regular proper exercise program that builds and maintains your muscular system are wide reaching. From preventing chronic health conditions to promoting weight loss and all round physical, mental and emotional health. To feel better, have more energy to even living longer – look no further than intentional exercise.
These benefits are accessible to everyone regardless of age or physical ability. We all know that exercise is very good for us yet only six out of ten adults have a regular exercise program in place. If you yourself need more convincing lets look at specific ways exercise can improve your life.
1.) The strengthening of muscles – Once we get past our twenties we lose muscle tissue at the rate of one half pound per year unless we work at keeping it. This loss can tip us into a slow downward spiral of declining health. Muscle strength is the number one bio market of the aging process. Keep your strength and you will keep accelerated and premature aging at bay.
2.) The strengthening of bones – As our muscles are attached to our bones if you don’t work your muscles you cannot keep your bones strong. Without work they will weaken, become thinner and more brittle and the risk of osteoporosis increases.
3.) Boost your metabolism – This is your body’s engine and the condition of your muscles determines its health. If you muscles are weak and flabby the rate you burn fuel (calories) will slow to a crawl and becoming overweight is more likely. If you are already overweight you need to get your fat burning machinery up and running properly again as those muscles are where fat is burned for energy.
4.) Give your heart a regular beating – When you work your muscles with strength training exercise your heart gets a great workout as well and becomes stronger. Having a strong healthy heart and its pipes means blood gets pumped around the body better delivering life enhancing oxygen and nutrients to all cells, tissues and organs.
5.) Give the brain a boost – We all know that working our muscles is good for our body but did you know that it gets our brain working better too? From managing stress to processing emotions, exercise oils the wheels that turn in our head which is the control center of our body boosting its power.
So, all in all you get a pretty good deal when you exercise on a regular basis. Just a couple of sessions each week will give many healthy benefits. If your program is set up properly time will not be wasted doing things that are not effective. A fitness professional is the person to help you with this.
Our overall physical health is important so we can live our life to the fullest and our mental and emotional health is closely linked to our physical strength and fitness. Exercise can improve and sustain all three of these areas so you not only have a long life you have the highest quality of life as well.
Yours in strength
Carolyn Hansen
Jun 10
16
By: Luke Hawthorne
If you were to take a look at a diagram of the “food pyramid” from the 1970′s, you will see that its base (where the BULK of your calorific intake is suggested should come from) consists of bread, cereals, rice and pasta. The next level up, which is of course a smaller size, is made up of vegetables and fruits. Next is the dairy, meat, eggs, nuts and beans group, and the apex of the pyramid is made up of fats, including oils.
With the latest research, it would appear that some modifications are in order. Why? Well, to begin with, the data that the original pyramid was based on is, of course, out-dated. We now know much more about what the human body requires to function healthily, and, more to the point, we know what it doesn’t need, and shouldn’t have.
Another reason for modifying it, which may or may not be valid, is that there was some controversy (still ongoing to this day) over who influenced the contents of the pyramid. For example, it has been suggested that certain food production organizations may have put political pressure on the USDA to include their products, or at the very least to reposition those products to a place lower in the pyramid (where it would suggest eating more of those products).
Another factor to be addressed was the fact that quantities to be eaten were unclear; for example, it suggested two to three servings from the “protein rich” group. This, however, was a maximum amount, while it recommended two to four servings (why not three?) of fruit, and this was meant to be a minimum. Clearly, there was little logic being used.
Also, in the food pyramid of the 1970′s, fats were almost outlawed, finding their way to the very top, and this was mainly due to the high calorific content of fats (such as vegetable oils and fatty fish).
Today, we now realize that fats are an essential part of a healthy human diet; fats such as unsaturated fats, which can also help with weight loss! While doing this, these fats also reduce heart disease, lower blood sugar and also lower cholesterol. Who knows what other health benefits they may be shown to impart in the coming years?
In America, about 70% of all calories consumed come from the foods at the bottom of the 1970′s food pyramid; that is, wheat based products such as bread, cookies, cereal and cakes (like donuts and brownies). America is also home to the least healthy people on the planet. It’s unlikely that this is mere coincidence.
Professor Loren Cordain is considered one of the leading experts on nutrition and he strongly recommends eating what he calls a “Paleolithic Diet” or Paleo Diet as it has become known.
What is the Paleo Diet? Simply put, it is what our ancestors ate several thousands of years ago, and a diet that they and their ancestors ate for many thousands of years before them. And no, there are no wheat, rye, barley etc. because they were primarily what are called “hunter gatherers”. In other words, they either hunted and fished for their food, or they dug it up and picked it off of trees and bushes.
By: Eddie Yakubovich
An important factor most people overlook when they discuss a thinning or hair loss problem is nutrition. The modern diet for most of us is lacking at best. We should supplement our diets with vitamin and mineral supplementation. Even those of us who really watch what we eat, may not be getting enough of the key nutrient necessary for healthy hair growth. Getting proper nutrition is vital to healthy hair growth, while your body needs a variety of nutrients to maintain proper body functions, there are a handful that are key to hair growth and health.
First we need to caution you that when starting a new vitamin regime, consistency is very important. You also need to be patient, it normally takes from 2 to 3 months to see results in your hair’s condition. It’s also important to check with your doctor before starting a vitamin program, especially if you have health concerns.
Now that we have set a few parameters and made our cautionary statements, let look at some of the more important vitamins when it comes to hair health in no specific order. In an attempt to be as useful as possible we will list the vitamin, any good food sources, and a recommended daily dose for supplementation:
1. Vitamin A – Antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. Food sources: Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, carrots, apricots and peaches. Daily Dose: 5,000 IU.
2. Vitamin C – Antioxidant that helps maintain skin & hair health. Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. Daily Dose: 60 mg.
3. Vitamin E – Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Food sources: Cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. Daily dose: Up to 400 IU. Warnings: Can raise blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. People taking high blood pressure medication or anticoagulants should check with their doctors before taking Vitamin E supplements.
4. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) – Prevents graying and hair loss. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, brewer’s yeast, organ meats and egg yolks. Daily dose: 4-7 mg.
5. Vitamin B6 – Prevents hair loss, helps create melanin, which gives hair its color. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. Daily dose: 1.6 mg. Vitamin B12 – Prevents hair loss. Food sources: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk. Daily dose
6. Biotin – Helps produce keratin, may prevent graying and hair loss. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. Daily dose: 150-300 mcg.
7. Inositol – Keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer’s yeast, liver and citrus fruits. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg.
8. Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Promotes scalp circulation. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat. Daily dose: 15 mg.
9. Biotin – Helps produce keratin, may prevent graying and hair loss. Food sources: Brewer’s yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. Daily dose: 150-300 mcg.
10. Inositol – Keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer’s yeast, liver and citrus fruits. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg.
I hope this give you at least a basic understanding of what vitamins can help with hair thinning and or hair loss problems. There are many other products available that can be helpful. There are several prescription drug regimes to try, so take the time to speak with your doctor. There are also many herbal and natural hair growth remedies available without a prescription, we believe strongly that you should also discuss these products with your doctor.
About the Author
Find out more about hair vitamins, liquid vitamins, and liquid vitamin supplements.
May 10
26
PURPLE is the new green that can keep YOU healthy!
Most people consider ‘green’ foods to be the healthiest colour in their diet, when in fact ‘purple’ foods contain 10 times the health benefits!
Foods such as blackcurrant, acai, mangosteen, and pomegranate are all considered ‘purple foods’. These purple foods guard against ageing, joint inflammation, eyestrain, kidney stones, cardiovascular disease, cancer and urinary tract infections.
Ever wonder how these fruits get their deep purple color? It comes from the high level of anthocyanins contained within the fruit. These anthocyanins have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are being studied for a potential role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and for preserving overall memory and brain health. The anthocyanins found in blackcurrant are also thought to protect against heart disease.
Even celebrities across the globe are turning to these ‘purple foods’ as a way of beating ageing, preventing cancer and alleviating the symptoms of asthma. Singing superstar Mariah Carey will reportedly ONLY eat ‘purple foods’ after nutritionists highlighted their ability to boost the immune system.
So what are YOU missing out on?
These ‘purple foods’ are naturally rich in Vitamin C content to help boost the immune system and fight off the symptoms often associated with the common cold. By incorporating SaXi into your diet, which contains a wide variety of ‘purple foods’, you are enabling your body to protect itself against a wide array of diseases and infections and fight back when under attack.
Use, Share, Teach!
Paul Kroto
Success Coach
716-445-2408