No Calorie Diet: Our bodies need fat, plus healthy fats actually help you burn fat. Unfortunately, the zero-calorie trend is one of the most popular, leading people to consume harmful artificial sweeteners in the name of losing weight. Also, diet drinks can actually cause weight gain.

Drugs and pills: We’re all familiar with this one and we know there’s not a magic pill that will make you skinny. Sadly, drugs, like cocaine, are often used as a quick fix for weight-loss. But in the long run they can severely damage your heart and your brain. There are certain supplements that can aid in fat-burning, but they must go along with healthy eating and exercise, and the healthy supplements are whole-food based.

Fad Diets: The Annals of Internal Medicine reviewed 10 of the nation’s most popular weight-loss programs and found that except for Weight Watchers, none of them show proof that they actually work at helping people lose weight and keep it off. About 45 million Americans diet each year, spending $1 billion to 2 billion each year on weight-loss programs. Yet America remains the most obese country on earth. Not eating a balanced diet will not help you lose weight and can actually inhibit any weight-loss.

Skipping Meals: This approach may appear to make sense, but really it’s a harmful and unhealthy way to lose weight. Your metabolism increases after eating, and if you chronically skip meals, your metabolism can slow down and actually lead to weight gain. Starving or skipping meals is extremely ineffective in weight-loss.

Purging: Purposely throwing up is incredibly dangerous to your health. Purging often comes with serious psychological effects on the individual. The act of throwing up is either a symptom of, or leads to bulimia and it can also increase your cravings for unhealthy foods. Purging creates an illusion that the hunger craving has been satisfied by consuming food, but the calories are lost by throwing it up.

Laxatives: Excessive use of laxatives in the form of pills, powders, suppositories and teas in order to lose weight is not a new concept. Continuous use will weaken your digestive system and can cause abdomen related complications.

Smoking: Another popular way to suppress hunger. Smoking sends vague signals to the brain which increase the metabolic rate, and consequently kill hunger. Chronic smokers can skip meals and not feel any effect. However, this method causes long term damage as the body becomes weak and more susceptible to cancers and other infections.

Over-Exercising: If your body is already undernourished, over-exercising can be one of the worst things you can do to lose weight. Sticking to a rigorous exercise regime can rarely be considered a bad thing, but extensive amounts of cardio won’t help you drop the remaining weight. Burst training for 20 minutes, 3-5 times per week is an appropriate amount, along with strength training.

Working out and sticking to a healthy diet should complement one another in order to lose weight in a healthy way. Losing weight requires a lifestyle change, especially if you want it to stay off. It’s hard work, eating healthy and exercising.

You might also be interested in How to Lose 20 lbs. in 30 Days.

Sources: cbs news, annals.org

“Adding a lime to water that’s been treated with a solar disinfectant system can actually remove harmful bacteria from your drink.”

“…Solar disinfection of water combined with citrus could be effective at greatly reducing E. coli levels…” says Kellogg Schwab, PhD, MS, director of the Johns Hopkins University Global Water Program
Good clean drinking water is very important to our overall wellness, and what better way to take control of your health than to make your own. A recent study published by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that adding limes to water that is being disinfected by the sun speeds up the disinfection process. Not only will you have naturally cleaned water, but it’ll have a twist of lime which boosts your immune system and fight seasonal allergies.

How to disinfect your own water: Fill a glass container with water. Cut up some limes and set it in the sun for 6-10 hrs.

Spinach is native to ancient Persia (Iranian regions). Arab traders carried spinach into India and China. Traders also brought this green leafy vegetable to the Mediterranean regions of Europe and ultimately to the US. Today, there are three primary varieties of spinach available on the market. Typically the most popular is baby spinach, but you could also go for smooth-leaf or savoy (has curly leaves).

Powerful Plant-based Steroids
Spinach contains its own type of vegetable steroids called phytoecdysteroids. These are similar to insect molting hormones and have been proven to dramatically increase glucose metabolism. This keeps blood sugar levels stable and minimizes the requirement for the critical fat-storage hormone insulin. Additionally, phytoecdysteroids increase human muscle tissue growth rates by 20% when applied in a culture medium.

Spinach is filled with blood purifying chlorophyll.
This chlorophyll is quickly metabolized and used to develop new red blood cells and pull out carcinogenic substances from the body. Chlorophyll has magnesium which acts to strengthen the blood-brain barrier and protect the neurological system from environmental toxins. Spinach is really an amazing source of glycoclycerolipids that protect the digestive tract from inflammatory damage. These are the main fatty acids that makeup the cell membranes of light-sensitive organs in chlorophyll containing plants.

Helps Boost Immunity
Spinach is also an important source of copper, zinc and selenium which help boost immunity. Spinach also contains some very newly studied carotenoid anti-oxidants called eposyxanthophylls. The epoxyxanthophylls that have been researched to show remarkable anti-cancer properties include neoxanthin and violaxanthin.

Vision and Brain Function
Spinach is also filled with the powerful carotenoid anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These phytonutrients are extremely important for healthy vision & brain function. The carotenoids act to protect chlorophyll from intense UV radiation. Under intense sunlight, chlorophyll can convert into an excited form called triplet chlorophyll along with singlet oxygen molecules which act as potent free radicals. The more carotenoids a plant maintains the greater the degree of survivability it has and the enhanced nutritional bio-availability provides.

Why Buy Organic?
When purchasing spinach be sure to organic, as the non-organic commercial varieties are considered probably the most heavily sprayed edible plants on earth. Also, look to buy it fresh to avoid chemical preservative agents and aluminum found in the cans. It’s also quite simple to grow in areas of mild temperatures, being a garden vegetable.

Sources: wikipedia, whfoods.org, wikipedia, naturalnews.com

Do you want to burn off excess body fat and stay away from dangerous weight loss strategies?

Almost 1.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the U.S. in 2011, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and these included 205,000 liposuction procedures. This practice is growing in popularity as people struggle to maintain a healthy weight, but it is not a simple means of going from size 16 to size 6 overnight. Nothing can substitute for diet and exercise when long-term weight loss and overall health is required.

Is it True that Liposuction Fat Comes Back?
Recent research appeared to show that patients who had undergone liposuction found that the fat reappeared within one year in a different place. Researchers at the University of Colorado studied 32 patients; 14 had liposuction and 18 did not, acting as the control group. Although none of the patients changed their diet or exercise routine, those who had liposuction found that fat returned. However it was not subcutaneous (just under the skin) that returned, but deeper, visceral fat that came back which is associated with heart disease and early death.

Although it appeared that liposuction did not produce lasting results, Dr. Gerald Imber explained that the fat returned after the liposuction procedure because the patients did not make any lifestyle changes. For example if you have fat removed from the hip area but continue to eat and put on weight, the body continues to make and store fat. As liposuction has removed the fat cells on the hips, the fat is simply stored in fat cells elsewhere in the body.

Dangers of Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure and it carries the same risks as many other medical procedures. Patients should be aware of the seriousness of the consequences, should the procedure go wrong. Most patients only suffer bruising and swelling after liposuction, which heal over time, but there is always the risk of more serious side effects mentally and physically.

Anyone undergoing anaesthesia during surgery is at risk of heart arrhythmia, adverse reaction to the drugs or even brain damage in extreme cases.

I want to be clear that necessary medical procedures for health-related problems are deemed worth taking the risk, but in most cases of liposuction this is not the case.

I recently had a friend who lost over 200 pounds from diet and lifestyle changes. She started burst training daily and ate a diet of mostly superfoods and her body transformed. After losing the weight she decided to have surgery in a few areas to tighten up loose skin. Overall, I admired her approach because rather than jumping to surgery first, she worked hard to get her body healthy.

What is Cellulite?
Many women consider liposuction to improve areas of dimpled skin that are caused by cellulite around the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. It is caused by the uneven texture of fatty deposits beneath the skin and is not serious but it can be unsightly. It is more common in women than men, with about 80% of women having some measure of cellulite, particularly as they age and the skin loses its elasticity.

Diet for Cellulite

According to research published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology July 2000 found cellulite can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines due to high stress and raised cortisol levels. Also, reducing body fat thru a healthy diet reduces cellulite.

Losing weight through diet and exercise and using anti-cellulite nutrients such as bromelain, green coffee, african mango and fucoxanthin supplements may all help reduce the effects of cellulite for those who do not wish to resort to liposuction.

Types of Exercise to burn Cellulite
Along with diet, Exercise can be your best ally is getting rid of cellulite. Although long distance cardio can be of some value in burning fat, doing interval training also known as burst training will be 3-9x more effective.

Interval or Burst training is known to increase metabolism and burn calories long after (24-48 hours) your workout is over. It incorporates short intense exercise such as sprinting and then returning to jogging again. Two more effective strategies are weight training and isometric training such as Barre, BarreAmped, and Pilates.

BarreAmped is an effective fitness regime based on Pilates, dance, yoga and deep stretching and is another good way to reduce fat, improve cellulite and tone the body without having to resort to the possible risks and short-term benefits of liposuction.

Look out for the upcoming BurstFit DVD series that combines Burst Cardio and Resistance Training to optimize your bodies ability to burn-fat fast by exercising just 20 minutes a day, for more information visit www.burstfit.com.

Action Steps

If I were trying to get rid of cellulite and burn body fat, here is what I would do…

Exercise
30+ minutes of weight training or BarreAmped 3x a week
15+ minutes of burst training 3x a week

Nutrition
Breakfast: cultured dairy w/ chia seeds (Supplement with green coffee, fucoxanthin, or/and african mango)
Lunch: Spinach salad with Chicken
Snack: Raw cheese and almonds
Dinner: Grass-fed beef or Wild Salmon with double vegetables

Clean water and fresh squeezed lemon is one of the most well tested energy boosters around. Most people in America rely on caffeinated beverages like coffee to get aroused in the morning. These adrenal stimulants produce dirty energy in the form of blood sugar swings and oxidative stress. Water with lemon produces clean energy by hydrating and oxygenating the body to extraordinary energy and mental clarity.

After sleeping through the night the bodily tissues are dehydrated and need clean, pure water to filter out toxins and improve energy production in the cells. Most individuals turn to stimulants like coffee in the morning to give them a jump start. Unfortunately, coffee is a diuretic that depletes your body of water reserves and essential minerals and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium & magnesium.

People feel energized by coffee due to the effects of caffeine on the adrenal glands. Coffee stimulates these organs to pump out instant energy hormones epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. These hormones stimulate the body to breakdown stored sugar and release it into the bloodstream. This process causes abnormal blood sugar that increases oxidative stress, free radical formation and overall tissue damage.

This is called dirty energy because it produces a rampant amount of damage to the body in order to activate energy formation. Clean energy produces cellular energy without an excessive load of oxidative stress.

Food as Bio-electrical Energy

The food and beverages we eat provide electrically charged molecules that initiate energy production in our body. An ion is part of a molecule that carries an electrical charge. Positively charged ions are called “cations,” while negatively charged ions are called “anions.”

Most of the food we put into our bodies comes in a cationic form, while our natural digestive processes (hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, saliva) are anionic. Lemon is one of the only anionic foods on the planet. This means that it carries a very strong negative charge and is extremely electrically active.

Fresh lemon helps oxygenate the body and maximizes enzyme function. Lemon is known to stimulate the liver’s natural enzymes. This assists the liver in the process of dumping toxins like uric acid and of liquefying congested bile ducts.

Citric Acid Cleanses the System

Citric acid can also play a very important role in chelating out abnormal calcium stones. It has a unique ability to form soluble complexes with calcium that many have used to eliminate pancreatic stones and kidney stones. This mechanism can also help prevent calcium deposits from building up in the arteries that promote cardiovascular disease.

Clean water with lemon provides the body with hydration, anti-oxidants and electrolytes. Lemon is a rich source of the immune boosting vitamin C. It also has good quantities of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Lemon is a tremendous source of citrus bioflavonoid anti-oxidant phytonutrients that have been given the label Vitamin P.

Vitamin P consists of the flavonoid glycosides hesperetin and naringenin among others. Studies have shown that vitamin P enhances the anti-oxidant capability of vitamin C. These bioflavonoids also improve capillary permeability and overall blood flow. This is especially important for oxygenating tissues and maintaining normal blood pressure. These anti-oxidants have also been shown to reduce swelling, venous backup and edema.

Upon rising take 1 full lemon and squeeze it into 16-32 oz of fresh clean water and drink. Be sure to eat out the membranous parts of the lemon where the majority of the pectin fiber and citrus bioflavonoids are located. Stevia can be added to form sugar-free lemonade. Apple cider vinegar and various herbs can be used to boost enzymatic and anti-oxidant potential.

Sources: quantumbalancing.com, nutrition-and-you.com, naturalnews.com

About the author:

Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals

In 2007, researchers published a groundbreaking article in the Planta Medica journal about a certain enzyme being found to be far more effective than the traditional chemo-agent used in the treatment of cancer. That enzyme was bromelain, and its main natural source is pineapple.

In tests treating cancer in animals, bromelain was found to be more effective than 5-fluoracil (5-FU) when compared to an untreated control group. 5-FU has been used in the treatment of cancer for over 40 years, but its main problem is that it kills or irreversibly damages healthy cells and tissue as well as cancerous ones. Bromelain was not only found to be more effective but was also many times safer than 5-FU.

Natural compounds, such as bromelain have selective cytotoxity and they are able to kill cancerous cells in a self-disassembly process called apoptosis while leaving healthy cells unharmed. No FDA approved cancer-treating drug on the market can yet emulate this process as chemo-toxic agents such as 5-FU do not behave like natural compounds.

What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a protease enzyme that is found in the stem and fruit of pineapples. This natural extract has been found to speed healing, acts as an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and helps dissipate bruising. Applied topically, it aids the healing of cuts, burns, insect bites and other skin problems.

Bromelain has been used for decades to fight inflammation naturally. It is useful for those suffering from arthritis and can speed up healing associated with surgical procedures. It is very useful for treating sporting injuries including sprains and can help counter pain as it acts as an analgesic.

For digestion, bromelain is a powerful aid to breaking down proteins into peptides and amino acids. It can ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and helps the general digestive processes. Studies conducted in Japan showed that taking bromelain helped those who had a wheat allergy.

Another powerful use of bromelain is that it fights blood clotting and is nature’s answer to those taking an aspirin a day to lower the risk of heart attack. Bromelain has been shown to stop blood platelets from sticking together or building up along the walls of blood vessels – both known causes of heart attacks or strokes. More information about bromelain as an anti-coagulant can be found on the draxe.com report [here].

The discovery of bromelain’s efficacy in the treatment of cancer may yet make it an even more important natural medicine.

Why Pineapples will Never be Used to Treat Cancer in Mainstream Medicine
It is a sad fact of life that medicine research is ruled by profits. It does not benefit Big Pharma to plough money into developing a natural substance, such as bromelain in pineapples, as the resulting therapy would be non-patentable. Even if the treatment is found to be safe and affordable, these complementary treatments are of no interest to medical giants. Unless the government decides to back research and development into such research, bromelain will never become part of the conventional medical establishment. However, there is nothing to prevent individuals from using freely available open research and reports to discover possible natural cancer treatments such as bromelain so that they can make their own informed decisions about their treatment.

Another reason why eating lots of fresh juicy pineapples will not effectively provide a sufficient dose of treatment is that most of the bromelain is found in the core and stem of the pineapple. These are the parts of the fruit that are the most inedible, so these enzymes are used to make homeopathic supplements of bromelain instead.

Bromelain supplements can be found in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders and topical creams. Taking between 80 and 320mg a day is considered a safe and effective dose.  My favorite source of Bromelain is found in Wobenzym by Garden of Life. In the meantime, there is no reason not to enjoy a sweet juicy pineapple in your diet alongside a bromelain supplement. Pineapples are packed with other vitamins and nutrients to ensure a wholesome healthy lifestyle.

We don’t just need to lose weight to look good in a swimsuit, we need to lose weight to live and fulfill our God-given missions.  Research shows that obesity doubles your risk of heart failure and triples the risk of breast cancer in women! The average middle age weight gain of 22 lbs increases your risk of a heart attack by 75%. But think about the flip side, If you lose 22 lbs, you decrease your risk of heart attack by 75% and risk of cancer by 50%! (Okinawa Diet 2004, Bradley).

By eating the right Superfoods, you won’t just lose weight, you’ll be changing your life, your legacy, and changing your world!

Here are my top 5 nutrient foods for losing weight. They have also been scientifically proven to help in burning fat and losing weight.

1. African Mango
2. Coconut
3. Green-Fed Dairy
4. Cinnamon
5. Kale

If you want more information on each of these foods, download my free ebook.

Get the ebook: SuperFood Super You: A Superfoods Guide to Weight Loss, Detoxing, Anti-Aging, & Building Muscle.

A report in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine further backs the benefits of raw honey with their opinion:

“The therapeutic potential of uncontaminated, pure, raw honey is grossly underutilized. It is widely available in most communities and although the mechanism of action of several of its properties remains obscure and needs further investigation, the time has now come for conventional medicine to lift the blinds off this ‘traditional remedy’ and give it its due recognition.”

Throughout history honey has been an important food. God used honey to motivate the Israelite people when He told them to, “Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 33:3)

What is Honey?
Honey is far more than a natural sweetener. It is a “functional food”, which means it is a natural food with health benefits. It contains natural antioxidants, enzymes and minerals including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and selenium. Vitamins found in honey include B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin. In addition, the nutraceuticals contained in honey help neutralize damaging free radical activity.

One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, yet it has a healthy glycemic load around 10 for 1 Tbsp, which is a little less than a banana. and does not cause a sugar spike and elevated insulin release like white sugar. Although honey is an affordable food, bees spend thousands of hours collecting pollen from around two million flowers to make one pound of pure honey.

Why Choose Raw Honey?
Research by the Palynology Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University tested 60 honey products from supermarkets and grocery stores and found that 76% contained no trace of pollen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that any honey products that have been ultra-filtered, as these have, are not actually honey and therefore the health benefits of honey cannot be assumed.

Commercial honey is often heavily processed and may even have been chemically refined. Excessive heat destroys the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in honey. Filtering and processing eliminates many of the beneficial phytonutrients including pollen and enzyme-rich propolis. The only way to achieve sparkling clear honey is by heat, so avoid the golden syrup-like honey in favor of opaque organic raw honey.

Raw honey is a concentrated source of natural goodness. Benefits include:
•    A rich taste
•    High nutritional benefits
•    Promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine
•    Soothes and heals skin wounds
•    Blocks free radicals
•    Aids sleep
•    Counters pollen allergies
•    Reduces homocysteine levels to maintain a healthy heart

Best of all, honey does not need special storage or refrigeration – use it by the spoonful straight from the jar.

The Health Benefits of Honey

Honey-infused bandages are known to aid healing. Peter Charles Molan at the University of Waikato, New Zealand found that honey reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen peroxide, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

Research studies have already shown that replacing sugar with honey in the diet results in less weight gain and lower blood sugar levels. Switching to honey may even aid in weight loss when compared to diets containing sugar or HFCS.

Honey provides a ready supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, making it ideal for energetic morning starts and as a pre- and post-exercise energy source. It also boosts the immune system, acting as a preventative against any number of debilitating diseases.

Honey contains many antioxidants including flavonoids to maintain the body’s health balance. Pinostrobin supports enzyme activity while the antioxidant-rich organic acids maintain an optimal slightly acidic pH in the body. Pinocembrin is an antioxidant flavonoid thought to be unique to honey while the amino acids in honey are the body’s building blocks of protein.

Honey promotes restorative sleep as it slowly releases the glycogen needed for essential bodily functions during sleep. Adding honey to milk at bedtime helps the body release melatonin into the brain which is necessary for deep sleep. Melatonin also boosts immunity and helps rebuild tissue during periods of rest. Poor sleep, by comparison, has been shown to be a risk factor for hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and arthritis. As honey is a proven sleep aid, it naturally lowers the risk of all these health problems.

Proverbs 25:16 says “Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!” Although honey is one of the healthiest sweeteners, it still should be used in moderation.

Sources:
http://www.worldclassemprise.com/custom.aspx?id=22
http://products.mercola.com/honey/
http://www.mamahealthy.com/sweeteners-spices-ingredients/raw-honey-benefits-organic-honey
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-nutrition.html
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-benefits.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/034102_honey_consumer_alert.html
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.marksdailyapple.com/is-honey-a-safer-sweetener/#axzz1pZs2Na8k
http://www.draxe.com/the-top-5-natural-allergy-fighters/
http://www.ajcn.org/search?fulltext=RAW+HONEY&submit=yes&x=11&y=10
http://www.drgrotte.com/honey-medicine.shtml

Excessive fluoride has been linked to stained and mottled teeth along with a variety of chronic and acute health issues. Let’s find out more about this possibly harmful soluble salt.

What is Fluoride?
There are two types of fluoride: calcium fluoride and sodium fluoride. When taken in excess, both types can be harmful to health.
Calcium fluoride is found naturally in underground waters sources. In sufficient concentrations, it can actually weaken bones and teeth rather than protecting them. However, it is less toxic and damaging to health than its counterpart.

Sodium fluoride is much more insidious. Created as a synthetic waste byproduct from the fertilizer, aluminum and nuclear industries, this type of fluoride is added to many public water supplies. Already laden with lead, aluminum and cadmium, sodium fluoride has the ability to combine with other toxic materials and increase their potency. Far from healthy, the side effects of taking fluoride may have far-reaching negative effects on health as you will see, yet until recently it was advocated by both the American Dental Association and the US Public Health Service.

What does Fluoride Affect?
Fluoride, particularly sodium fluoride, has been found to weaken the immune system and can damage the kidneys and liver. Symptoms of sodium fluoride toxicity are similar to fibromyalgia, including fatigue, muscle pain, memory loss and insomnia. It can also cause nausea, diarrhea, sickness, abdominal pain and increased thirst.

Worse still, sodium fluoride acts as a “Trojan horse”, carrying aluminum across the blood brain barrier where it can be responsible for lower IQ and Alzheimer’s disease. Once in the brain, fluoride can calcify the pineal gland which is responsible for the natural production of melatonin. Without sufficient melatonin, the body is deprived of sound sleep and the thyroid will not function correctly.

How to Avoid Fluoride
Even in areas where sodium fluoride has not been added to the water, it may still be part of your daily diet. Fluoride is used as a pesticide and fumigant and is sprayed onto food crops. It is a component of home insecticides and is even added to bottled water, toothpaste and baby foods. Crops watered by fluoride-laden water are even more heavily contaminated, yet as consumers we have no control over what we are buying and consuming.

Some steps towards curbing your fluoride intake can be taken. Drinking purified or distilled water is recommended if you live in an area of fluoridated water, although all minerals are then removed which is not altogether a good thing for your overall health. Consider taking a supplement of Fulvic acid to counter this issue. Installing a water purification or fluoride filtering system to your home is well worth considering. It is worth noting that Brita and Pur water filters do not remove fluoride.

Choose organically grown local produce over commercially grown, sprayed crops. Avoid processed foods such as grape juice products, instant tea and even soymilk as they all contain high levels of sodium fluoride, as do many over-the-counter medications.

How to Detox Your Body of Fluoride
As well as taking in less fluoride, you need to detox your body to eliminate existing fluoride.

Exercise is good, allowing the body to eliminate all types of toxins, including fluoride, from the body in sweat. I’ve put together a workout plan that I personally use (Burst Training Plan)

Tamarind is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. The pulp, bark and leaves are used to make teas, which have been shown to eliminate fluoride through urine.

Magnesium is a useful supplement as it inhibits the absorption of fluoride into the cells. Boron is known to be an effective way to detox fluoride. It can be added to pure water in small amounts of around 1/32 to ¼ teaspoon per liter.

Iodine has been clinically shown to increase the amount of fluoride in urine, expelling it from the body as calcium fluoride. However, this may be depriving your body of calcium so make sure that you take calcium supplements to counter this problem.

Liver cleanses are very effective for eliminating not only fluoride but also other toxins that congregate in the liver. Take a product that thoroughly cleanses the liver over one to two weeks for maximum effectiveness. Chelation therapies are also recommended for removing heavy metals for the body along with sodium fluoride.

Sources: Natural News, drninafoley.com, wikipedia, alignlife.com, curezone.com

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle

Being fit and living healthy isn’t about gym memberships and health stores. It’s a lifestyle, a mindset and a habit.  Deciding how and what to eat can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just starting your journey towards getting fit and healthy, so I put together a list of 6 foods fit people love and why you should consider adding them to your diet.

1. Cultured Dairy (Amasai, Kefir, or Greek Yogurt)


Why? Improved digestion, Detox, weight loss.

Cultured dairy like Amasai and Kefir are among the greatest of the superfoods. The high levels of probiotics found in cultured dairy don’t just help you detox, they’ve also been proven to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, promote weight loss, and boost immunity (British Medical Journal 2001). Cultured dairy is the highest quality when it’s organic, comes from green-fed cows, is low-temperature processed or raw, and is free of a harmful protein called beta- casein A1.

Recipe: Amasai Berry Smoothie

2. Quinoa

Why?  A tasty alternative to grains, with more protein and fiber.

Quinoa is a grain-like food that has become very popular as a gluten-free alternative to grains. It can be cooked like an oatmeal, used in powder form as a flour or even sprouted to make a gluten free sprouted “grain” bread. What you’re actually eating is the seed of the quinoa plant, which is nutritionally similar to beets and spinach. Quinoa is a great source of protein, and is also a good source of fiber, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

Recipe:
 Baked Quinoa with Apples

3. Grass-fed Beef

Why? High amounts of Omega-3 and CLA.

Cattle raised naturally on grass, rather than grain–fed cattle, will not have the problems associated with antibiotics, pesticides and hormone residues. This is why those looking to build muscle will find that green-fed beef, raised on pastures free of pesticides and fertilizers, are an essential superfood for body-building needs. High in protein and vitamin B12, beef is a great source of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron and phosphorous.

Recipe:
 Beyond Organic Powerburgers

4. Guacamole (Avocado, Tomato, onion, cilantro)

Why? Eating healthy fats, can actually help you burn fat.

I recently started a club and I call it the A-Team. If you want to be in, all you have to do is eat an Avocado a day. The Avocado-Team is for those who want to eventually earn the title of centurion. Key nutrients in Avocados help hydrate your cells, keeping your skin soft and young. Avocados are rich in B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin E (which gives your skin moisture), and has 35% more potassium than a banana, which helps hydrate your skin. Also, with high levels of omega-9 fats, Avocados can also help naturally balance hormones.

Recipe:
 Guacamole

5. Berries

Why? One of the best sources for anti-oxidants.

Few superfoods taste as good as fresh berries. Blueberries, raspberries and Indian gooseberries counter the aging process and are packed with health-giving properties. Berries contain powerful compounds called anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants protect your cells against free radical damage caused by oxidation. Packed with vitamin C and collagen for healthy skin and gums, organically grown blueberries have significantly higher concentrations of phenol antioxidants and anthocyanin antioxidants than commercially grown fruits and are best eaten raw.

Recipe:
 Chocolate Covered Berries

6. Green Stuff  (Kale, Wheat Grass, Spinach)

Why? Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods available.

According to Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live, Kale is King in the vegetable world. Though Kale only has 35 calories per serving it’s packed with Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Lutein, and Beta-carotene. Plus, it delivers 206% of the daily requirements of Vitamin A, 134% of Vitamin C, and 684% of Vitamin K which helps build strong bones, improve vision, and aid in digestion!

Recipe:
 Sauteed Kale Salad

For athletes and body builders, there may be further good news. Natural antioxidants, such as those found in whey protein, provide protection against myoblastic toxicity and muscle damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during heavy exercise. Recent studies reported by Green Med Info report that “whey protein improved the antioxidant capacity against acute oxidative stress …and may serve as an alternative source of antioxidants for prevention of athletic injuries caused by ROS”.

Where Does Whey Protein Come From?
Whey protein is the globular protein that is a by-product of cheese production. It is one of nature’s simplest foods yet one of the highest sources of protein. You can even make your own whey protein by setting a jar of raw milk on the counter at room temperature for a couple of days and let nature do the rest. The milk naturally changes into curds (which can be pressed to form cheese) and the liquid whey can be strained off.

Whey contains all the soluble ingredients found in milk, such as lactose, minerals and lactalbumin, but without most of the fat, which has been removed with the curds.

For convenience, whey protein is dried and sold in powder form. It is very easily reconstituted by adding water. Some drying processes apply high heat to the whey, similar to the pasteurizing process of milk. The whey is denatured to create a protein gel, but this process can destroy many of the whey minerals and vitamins and it can cause allergies.  That’s why you should always opt for getting your whey from a source that does low temperature processing.

How Whey Protein Builds Muscle
Research shows that taking a supplement of whey protein along with resistance training helps build muscle compared to just exercise. Studies carried out by Laurentian University Ontario concluded “protein supplementation during resistance training, independent of source, increased lean tissue mass and strength over isocaloric placebo and resistance training”.Whey protein is the most efficient way to add protein to the diet without fat or high calories. Whey protein typically contains 80-90% protein compared to lean red meat (20%), chicken (20%), fish (20%), eggs (6-8%) or cheese (10-30%). It provides the body with what it needs to build muscle, strength and to recover quickly after a workout.

Whey protein is fast ingesting so the body can break it down and use it fast. The best way to take whey protein is just before and again just after a workout. After resistance exercise the body needs a quickly assimilated source of protein and uses it to build muscle and recover the energy expended.

How Whey Protein Anti-Oxidants Repair and Build Muscle
Whey protein is also a powerful antioxidant, boosting the immune system – another health advantage. It helps repair muscle fast and allows the body to promote muscle growth safely and naturally.Over time, whey protein increases lean muscle mass, decreases recovery time, makes faster repair to muscle, increases the metabolic rate and reduces any possible muscle breakdown after a workout.Best Way to

Take Whey Protein
Most people prefer whey concentrates in easy-to-mix powder form. They contain about 80% proteins and are the most economical source per gram of protein.Whey isolates are even higher than concentrates in protein content, about 90%, which makes them lower in carbs, fat and lactose. The reason this is not the best form to take whey protein is that it is slightly more expensive, has a cleaner taste but a more watery consistency. What’s more, whey protein isolates are devoid of alkalizing minerals, vitamins and lipids, which are all destroyed in the processing and can make the whey protein isolate overly acidic.

It is worth looking for a product that is organic and hormone free, cold-processed, water soluble and naturally sweetened. Whey protein powder made from unpasteurized milk is rich and creamy, highly digestible with fuller flavor.  My favorite source of whey is cultured dairy like goat’s milk kefir or amasai.

Another excellent source of whey protein are liquid products such as SueroViv, which blends cultured whey with mountain spring water. This not only provides the protein, probiotics and anti-oxidants from whey but also hydrates the body. It is pleasant to drink, flavored with organic juices, honey and essential oils.

Sources: mercola, beyondorganicmarket.com, wikipedia, muscleandstrength

• What are the Signs of Vitamin D deficiency?
• Is pasteurization good or bad
• The Vitamin that can Balance Hormones
• Citrus and your immune system
• Recipe: Egg Tahini Salad

• Workout Routines for Women
• Kombucha
• Coconut can help Dementia
• Exercises to fight the common cold
• Recipe: Chocolate Banana Nut Smoothie

In a recent study by the Institute of Natural Medicine in the University of Toyama investigating the effects of amla on renal dysfunction due to oxidative stress in the aging process, the results were very encouraging. The report found that “amla would be a very useful antioxidant for the prevention of age-related renal disease” as well as decreasing systolic blood pressure, the study concluded, “Amla would ameliorate oxidative stress under aging”. With so many positive attributes, the Indian gooseberry is highly undervalued in our modern-day diet.

What is Indian Gooseberry?
The Indian gooseberry is produced on small deciduous trees and bushes from the Euphorbiaceae family, which are known for producing thorny branches. The fruit of this superfood are small, round and light green with six vertical stripes down each fruit. The taste is strong, rough and sharp and is generally eaten with salt in India, where it is a native species.

Amla, (pronounced aamlaa) is known botanically as Emblica Officinalis. It is low in calories and is made up of over 80% water. It is an unrivalled source of vitamin C, containing 600mg per 100 grams in an easily absorbable form. It also contains protein, fiber, phosphorous, iron, carotene and vitamin B complex, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. This natural fruit also contains gallic acid, a powerful polyphone.

Medicinal Uses of the Indian Gooseberry
As you have already seen, the Indian gooseberry has a wide range of uses in natural Ayurvedic health practices.

• It is a must for healthy eyes and has been found to be an excellent remedy for conjunctivitis, may improve nearsightedness and the risk of cataracts. It also reduces intraocular tension and pressure, a known cause of glaucoma.
• As an anti-inflammatory, amla can help reduce inflammation in painful arthritic joints. It has been used for centuries to treat fever and the extracts of the gooseberry have been used to counter stress.
• The Indian gooseberry is an excellent tonic for the skin, and a diet high on amla has been credited with reducing facial lines, stimulating hair growth, controlling dandruff and giving a healthy glow to the skin. You may already be benefitting from amla as it is used in many hair tonics, hair treatments, oils and conditioners.
• For those suffering digestive problems, the Indian gooseberry has laxative properties. It relieves gastric problems including burning caused by hyperchlorhydria.
• The Indian gooseberry is good for the complexion by fighting skin diseases and infection. Its antibacterial and astringent qualities support the body’s natural immune system, improving resistance to illness and disease.
• It can act as a sedative, calming and soothing, relaxing muscles and improving sleep quality.
• Amla supports a strong and healthy heart muscle. It is believed to help purify the blood and aid in the growth and replenishment of new tissue. It has been found to improve the function of the heart and the respiratory system including the lungs. As it encourages the production of red blood cells, this in turn produces strong nails and teeth.
• Within the body, amla improves the function of the liver, which is essential for good health.
• It stimulates the cells that produce the hormone insulin. This is particularly beneficial for diabetics as it lowers blood glucose levels naturally and helps keep blood sugar levels in balance, thanks to its chromium content.
•  Amla works on the nerve function and is believed to be a tonic for memory and the brain – something we can all benefit from, as we get older.
• Like many other berry fruits, the Indian gooseberry is a powerful antioxidant and is useful for preventing signs of aging due to oxidative stress. It fights free radicals within the body, which are responsible for oxidative cell damage and may cause cancer.

Taking the superfood Indian gooseberry as a fresh fruit, in juice form or dried is a sure way to benefit from all that this little-known fruit has to offer.

Sources:

http://www.homeremediescures.com/nutrition/amla-fruit.html

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-indian-gooseberry-or-amla.htmlttp://www.fruitsinfo.com/indian-gooseberry-tropical-fruit.php#Indian-Gooseberry-notes

http://agricola.nal.usda.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&CNT=25&Search_Arg=Phyllanthus%20emblica&Search_Code=GKEY&STARTDB=AGRIDB

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf072105s

• Diet Soda & Weight Gain
• Should You Drink Raw Milk?
• Recipe: Coconut Macaroons

• Dr. Nina Foley Interview
• Recipe: Chicken w/ Cherries and Kale

• Build Strong Bones, Eliminate Headaches
• The Anti-Oxidant that drops blood pressure & cholesterol
• How Dangerous is Dehydration?
• Recipe: Cucumber Avocado Soup

Article 1: Elderberry Benefits

Article 2: Is your Job Unhealthy?

Chopping Block: Is Chocolate good or bad for you?

Recipe: Sloppy Joes – How much sugar should you eat?

Facebook Q&A

Article 1: Sugar Accelerates Aging

Article 2: Rachel McAdams Fitness Routine

Chopping Block: Major cause of Breast Cancer Found

Recipe: Chocolate Blueberry Dessert

FaceBook Q&A

According to a recent survey by Consumer Lab, Coenzyme Q10 is taken by 53% of the population.

What is Coenzyme Q10?

It may not sound very natural, but CoQ10 is in fact an essential natural nutrient. It is produced by the body and used for everyday functions of life including cellular energy. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that transports electrons around the body.

CoQ10 is an essential element for daily functions and is required by every single cell in the body. To make energy, tiny organelles called mitochondria take fat and other nutrients and makes useable energy within each cell. This conversion process needs CoQ10, so you can see it is an essential element to daily life.

Although the body has the ability to make CoQ10, also called ubiquinone, production naturally declines as we age.

What is CoQ10 used for?

CoQ10 is not only necessary for producing cellular energy, but also for defending the cells from damage by harmful free radicals. Tests have shown that taking a CoQ10 supplement resulted in up to 95% less damage to cell membranes, thanks to the antioxidant protection of this valuable nutrient.

As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 protects the body from damaging oxidative stress. It also recycles vitamin C and vitamin E, further maximizing the antioxidants that are already at work in the body.

Unfortunately, as we age our body produces less CoQ10. The natural ability to convert it into ubiquinol also declines as part of the natural aging process. This decline is very apparent in people over the age of 40 and particularly in those taking statin drugs. Statins are known to reduce an enzyme in the liver, which not only reduces the production of cholesterol, but also lowers the natural production of CoQ10.

A supplement of CoQ10 is therefore essential to restore natural levels to their optimum and to counter the effects of statin drugs.

CoQ10 and Natural Medicine

CoQ10 in natural medicine has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. It plays an important role in fighting premature aging.

Traditional Medical Uses of CoQ10

The antioxidant protection of CoQ10 has been used in traditional medicine when the heart muscle requires extra protection from oxidative stress damage. It has been used in the treatment of arrhythmia, angina, heart attack, mitral valve prolapse, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure. Other health conditions such as breast cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, infertility, muscular dystrophy, periodontal diseases and stomach ulcers may also find supplements of CoQ10 helpful in both prevention and treatment.

Buy CoQ10 From the Dr. Axe Store

CoQ10 has also been found to give the following benefits:

• Sustains natural energy
• Boosts stamina
• Defends against free radicals
• Reduces the typical signs of aging
• Restores the power of vitamin E
• Supports a healthy cardiovascular system
• Stabilizes blood sugar
• Supports healthy gums
• How to Take CoQ10

CoQ10 is found naturally in our diets in fish, liver, kidney and the germs of whole grain. However, it is found in such low quantities it is an impractical source for our CoQ10 requirements. A top-up in the form of a daily supplement should be taken in capsule form for easy absorption into the blood stream. The minimum recommended dose is 200mg per day. Those on statins or weighing over 200 pounds should consider a higher dose.

Sources: nutrilearn.com, whfoods.org, gardenoflife.com, Washington.edu

• Article 1: Fastest way to wound healing
• Interview with Heidi Duncan – Doula Childbirth Expert
• Recipe: Chicken Curry
• Facebook Q&A

• Article 1: Is the Bible right about Pork?
• Article 2: Is honey good or bad for you?
• Chopping block: Best Green Food for Weight Loss
• Recipe: Probiotic Pancakes
• Facebook Q&A

• Article 1: Scientists ask FDA to ban BPAs
• Article 2: What caused Whitney Houston’s death?
• Chopping Block: Chiropractic, Drugs or Exercise for Pain?
• Recipe: Quinoa Almond side dish
• Facebook Q&A

Works with expecting moms and families in the following areas: Ft. Campbell, Clarksville, Ashland City, Pleasant View, Joelton, Adams, Gallatin, Rivergate, North Nashville, Dickson, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, etc.

While I don’t believe in quick fixes, after extensive research, fucoxanthin looks to great results when it comes to aiding in fat loss.
What is Fucoxanthin?   
Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid that is found in brown seaweed like wakame and hijiki. These seaweeds are often used in Asian foods like miso soup and sushi rolls.

Carotenoids are the pigment found in brightly coloured foods and are crucial to maintaining good health. Fucoxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene and lycopene are all different carotenoids offering different health benefits.Fucoxanthin offers a number of different health benefits including the prevention of cancer, stroke and heart disease along with helping to reduce and control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Of particular interest is its ability to aid in fat loss.

How Fucoxanthin Helps to Eliminate Fat
Of course the biggest factors involved in successful fat loss are diet and exercise. No matter what kind of supplement you take, calorie control is king in the pursuit of weight loss. Once a consistent, balanced nutrition plan and workout program has been put into place, it’s certainly within your best interests to do whatever it takes to help the process along just a little faster.

It appears that this particular carotenoid is able to help white fat cells behave as brown fat cells. Brown fat burns energy as opposed to storing it, as white fat does.Not only may you burn more fat if you increase the amount of fucoxanthin in your diet, you may burn more visceral fat, the stubborn, very dangerous fat that resides around the organs of the abdomen. Along with posing a very real health concern, abdominal fat is also a real trouble spot for most people. Any help in this area is a huge advantage.

How to Add Fucoxanthin to Your Diet

Fucoxanthin is found naturally in brown seaweed, specifically wakame and hijiki. This seaweed is used in many Japanese dishes to improve the flavor of certain dishes and to wrap rolled sushi. If these particular dishes don’t please your palate, the extract can be taken in dried or capsule form as well.

In it’s dried form, fucoxanthin can be added to other food or even blended with a shake for convenience.

If you opt for the pill form, always be sure to but a recognized, reputable product from a trusted vendor. Fucoxanthin is derived from brown seaweed, which is also high in levels of iodine. I personally recommend FucoThin from Garden of Life. It won’t make you nervous or jittery like some other weight loss supplements, and it’s whole food based, which I always look for in quality supplements. Take one capsule daily for the best results.

In Summary

Remember that the best way to lose weight and keep it off is through a balanced, nutrient dense diet and consistent exercise, but getting a little boost from fucoxanthin may be just what you need.

Sources: livestrong.com1, livestrong.com2, wikipedia, drozshow.biz

In a study published in The Journal of International Medical Research it was found that when one group of people suffering from influenza were given 15ml of elderberry four times per day for five days they recovered faster and suffered from less severe flu symptoms than the placebo group.

In another study out of London led by Retroscreen Virology in 2009, elderberry was also found effective in fighting the flu, this time it was the dreaded Swine flu or H1N1. Again the duration and severity of flu symptoms were reduced.

What is Elderberry?

The elderberry tree has been around for thousands of years. This tree full of mystery, superstition, and magical healing powers has long been the source of many improvements in health. From improving Egyptian beauties complexion to fighting cancer and aids in the healing centers of Israel the health benefits associated with the common elderberry are vast.

This tree native to Europe grows to about twenty-five feet tall while its American counterpart peaks at around ten feet. Both varieties produce flowers, berries, and even a bark used in traditional folk healing. But today elderberry is being noticed by both the medical and scientific fields for its medicinal properties.

Health Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberry has a long, rich history of use for medicinal benefits by numerous cultures. Today science is finding evidence to back these theorized health benefits.

• Immune System Booster
• Improves vision
• Fights infections including influenza, herpes, viral infections, bacterial infections
• Lowers cholesterol
• Improves heart health
• Fights coughs and colds
• Protect against cell damage
• Impedes yeast infections
• Fights hay fever
• Helps with asthma
• Improves complexion
• Improves eczema

Many of these benefits are theorized to be a result of the ability of elderberry to balance and boost the immune system. When a person’s body and immune system are in balance the body is able to use its own natural defenses to fight off infections of any kind and stay healthy.

Today as we eat highly processed foods, live with a daily exposure to pollution of all kinds, experience high stress, and increase our toxin loads the immune system is one of the most compromised body systems.

If we balance the immune system all naturally, many of our other health issues will ‘magically’ disappear.

How Elderberry Works for Optimal Health

Now when it comes to health we’re able to look at science to logically understand the ‘magic’ of this so called “common man’s medicine chest.” What science is revealing is the antioxidant activity of elderberries that make it a must have for the body.

In particular elderberries are rich in the phytochemicals known as flavonoids. The class of flavonoid that elderberry is loaded with is anthocyanins. The elderberry is the most concentrated source of anthocyanins.

These anthocyanins act as a potent immune system booster protecting cells and keeping the body from harm. According to research by Dr. Rechkemmer, president of Germany’s Federal Research Institute for Nutrition and Food, the purple-black pigment of the elderberry containing the anthocyanins promote the production of cytokines.

Cytokines are the body’s protein messengers that keep the immune system healthy, balanced, and strong. These little proteins are essential for the immune system to function properly and protect the body from harm. Cytokines are sent by the body during an immune system response directly to the sight of the trouble.

Elderberry and the Panama Flu Epidemic

During the 1995 Panama flu epidemic the government employed the use of the elderberry to fight the flu. This elderberry juice greatly reduced the time of the flu as well as the severity thus helping to end the epidemic.

It’s not just the flavonoids that researchers think are at work with elderberry. In addition to this important nutrient elderberries contain:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Tannins
• Cartenoids
• Amino acids
• Sugar
• Rutin
• Viburnic acid

This rich variety of nutrients help the body to get many of the nutrients it desperately needs to stay healthy.

Using Elderberry to Boost Your Immune System

There are many ways to use elderberries. As they’ve been around for many years there are sure fire ways to prepare your own elderberry concoction or you can buy one from a high quality, reputable supplement company.

Most every part of the elderberry can be used. The flowers, bark, berries, roots, and leaves are all often used to make a health potion. You must be careful to avoid consuming raw berries however as the seeds are toxic and can cause vomiting and nausea.

Elderberry can be made into the following:

14 Ways to Consume Elderberry

• Tea
• Wine
• Juice
• Jelly and jams
• Syrup
• Ointments
• Astringent
• Infusions
• Sprays
• Lozenges
• Pills
• Liquid
• Powder
• Capsules

Depending on your personal preference as well as your health needs any of these elderberry preparations can be either made or bought. Visit your local health food store or online supplement supplier to get elderberry supplements to boost your immune system and improve your health.

Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, herbwisdom.com, blackelderberry.info

Major Causes of Candida

Once conditions are right, candida will thrive and your general health will suffer. There are various causes that trigger or feed a yeast infection including:

Sources: Garlic Central, Natural News, Candidainfo.org, oxfordjournals.org

• Article: The Cost of Healthcare
• Article: The most powerful Vitamin on the Planet
• Article: The cure and cause of bad breath
• Recipe: Turkey Breakfast Sausage
• Facebook Q&A

• Article: Probiotics for Pregnancy
• Article: Does Double Mastectomy improve survival?
• Chopping Block: Is working our 2X a week enough?
• Recipe: Grilled Ahi Steaks with Macadamia Nut Pesto
• Facebook Q&A

• Article: Vitamin E
• Article: Paula Deen has Type-2 Diabetes
• Chopping Block: Is the water you’re drinking Calcifying your arteries?
• Recipe: Cauliflower w/ lemon tahini sauce
• Facebook Q&A

• That’s not wax on your Apple
•  5 Reason’s Women and Men should lift heavy weights
• Article 3: Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
• Recipe:  Curried Carrot Soup
• Facebook Q&A

• Vitamin E helps Liver
• Dr. Oz superfood that’s help you lose 10lbs in 1 month
• Chopping Block: How to Naturally fight Depression
• Recipe: Chicken Stir-Fry
• Facebook Q&A

• Article 1: Resveratrol may help Colitis and Crohn’s
•  Tips from Olympian Dara Torres on getting fit
• Chopping Block: Herb that fights Parkinson’s disease
• Recipe:  Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad
• Facebook Q&A

• Article 1: How many people died from Drugs last year
• Article 2: Simple health tip to boost your children’s grades
• Article 3: Are Organic Snacks healthy?  What you should be feeding them
• Facebook Q&A

• Article 1: How to cure Nausea and an upset stomach
• Article 2: Best & Worst Foods for Flat Abs
• Chopping Block: Why you’re not Losing Weight
• Recipe: Raw Vanilla Ice Cream Pie
• Facebook Q&A

• Article 1: Which drugs have the most side effects?
• Article 2: 5 Drinks to replace Coffee and Boost Energy
• Chopping Block: Agent Orange in your Food!
•  Recipe:  Peach Cashew Smoothie
• Facebook Q&A

In the U.S. an estimated 4-6% of the population are seriously affected when the weather turns grey, cloudy and cold. The Cleveland Clinic estimates the figure could be as high as 20% of the population. The condition affects mostly women in their 20s, 30s and 40s but can affect men and adolescents too. Scientists are unsure why some people suffer from winter blues and others are unaffected by it. One theory is that some people have a biological disposition to it or that certain triggers need to be present. Symptoms of SAD include feeling down, losing interest in activities, insomnia and sinking into depression.

The first step to treating any condition is recognising it, so if these symptoms sound like you, here are 7 great ways to beat the winter blues before they seriously take hold.

1    Exercise

Daily exercise is known to be a natural way to counter feeling down. A good workout or hard exercise releases serotonin and endorphins which control our feelings of well-being. Enjoying outdoor exercise can also provide us with fresh air and new sights which are a natural spirit-booster.

2    Increase Your Veggie Intake

Five portions of fruit and vegetables are the very least you should be consuming for overall good health and vitality. A healthy diet high in green leafy veggies, nuts, fruits and natural unprocessed foods will reward you with a healthy, happy body whatever the season.

3    Check Your Fish Oil Levels

Omega-3 has been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of SAD as it relieves the general symptoms of anxiety. Good sources of this essential oil are anchovies, salmon, mackerel, tuna and other oily fish along with good quality fish oil supplements. The recommended daily dosage is at least 1000mg, so check you are getting sufficient Omega-3 every day.

4    Top up on Raw Dairy Products

Include plenty of raw dairy products that are low in fat and high in natural organic goodness. Include milk, yoghurt, raw cheese, kefir and amasai for strong bones and a healthy immune system.

5    Sleep Well

Poor sleep quality and insomnia are classic signs of depression which can quickly become a downward spiral. Make sure you have a comfortable bed in a room that is the correct temperature. Concentrate on a healthy natural diet to avoid sleep problems which can be caused by caffeine, sugar and highly processed foods.

6    Be a Sunseeker

Those who suffer from winter blues often have low levels of vitamin D, known as “the sunshine vitamin”. Vitamin D is produced naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight for 10-15 minutes several times a week.  If you live in an area with no opportunity for exposing your body to the sun’s rays, you may want to consider using a light box. Light therapy gives your body the benefits of sunshine even on cloudy winter days.

7    Supplement With Vitamin D

Although getting sufficient vitamin D naturally is always best, those living in northern climates, have darker skin or are over the age of 50 generally need to top up their dietary intake with a supplement, particularly in winter. Taken daily it helps support a healthy immune system to fight colds and flu among other benefits. It also plays a significant role in mood regulation, so adequate vitamin D is essential to banish those winter blues completely.

Additional Sources:
http://alternativemedicinenow.com/natural-treatments-for-seasonal-affective-disorder/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195
http://www.livestrong.com/article/15184-natural-prevent-heal-winter-blues/
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/03/sad.seasonal.affective.disorder/index.html

• Liposuction and naturally burning cellulite
• Superfoods that Boost your mood
• Are you taking enough supplement – changes to make
• Recipe: Probiotic Fruit Dip

• If you only had 10 minutes a day to workout, what should you do
• The secret weapon for your weight loss arsenal
• How to beat Diabetes
• Recipe: Healthy Fish Tacos

• Don’t exercise on an empty stomach
• Food timing, when you eat food can make a big difference in weight loss
• How to get rid of joint pain
• Recipe: Arugula with Balsamic peaches & goat cheese

If you’re like me, you love to eat chocolate! Chocolate lovers rejoiced when the benefits of anti-oxidants found in chocolate and other foods began to be marketed. But in reality, the potential benefits of anti-oxidants in processed chocolate are slim to none.

But unprocessed, dark chocolate is actually great for you. It’s very high in anti-oxidants and flavanols.

Let’s take a look at how anti-oxidants and flavanols work in our bodies.

Anti-oxidants

Free radicals are unbalanced compounds created by cellular processes in the body, especially those that combat environmental toxins. These compounds can run wild, creating damage in the body and interrupting normal physiological functioning.

Anti-oxidants are compounds that are believed to neutralize free radicals and protect the body from such damage. Anti-oxidants include vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals—helpful plant compounds.

Flavonols are one of these antioxidant phytochemicals that may protect us from damage caused by aging and environmental toxins.Flavonols are a type of flavonoid found in chocolate and cocoa.

Flavonols are said to promote heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. Flavonols may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart.They may reduce cholesterol levels and arterial plaque. Some studies suggest that flavonols may reduce stickiness in blood platelets, reducing the risk of stroke, say Cleveland Clinic and University of Alabama doctors.

Chocolate manufacturers have gone hog-wild marketing these health claims for their products, but these assertions warrant another look. Sometimes things that seem too good to be true really are.

Studies on Chocolate

These studies have been conducted with chocolate that contains high levels of flavonols. Unfortunately, the chocolate that most of us eat has been processed in ways that destroys flavonols.

Cocoa is naturally bitter and very strong-tasting (as anyone who’s tried a taste of baker’s chocolate knows!) Chocolate-makers mellow this flavor by processes such as alkalizing, fermenting, roasting and adding milk and/or sugar, all of which can destroy flavonols, alter our ability to use them or negate their health effects with unhealthy additives.

Most studies of the beneficial effects of chocolate are simply observational: they’re not clinical trials.They’ve looked at people who eat chocolate and measure health effects without accounting for other dietary aspects or lifestyle habits. So a person that eats a bit of chocolate every week and is healthy might also be the person that works out three times a day or avoids other processed foods like the plague.

Types of Chocolate

Flavonol is a pigment that gives chocolate its color, that’s why dark chocolate is preferable to other options. White chocolate contains no flavonols at all. Ordinary plain chocolate, says a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, has only 43% flavonol-containing cocoa. Milk chocolate, says the study researchers, typically contains only 30% cocoa and the average candy bar only 15%.

Milk chocolate is America’s favorite, says University of Alabama doctors. A recent study posted in Nutrition and Metabolism suggests that milk interferes with the absorption of flavonols. This is especially true if the milk is pasteurized.

That’s why I only recommend you eat small amounts of minimally processed dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This type of chocolate will contain the most powerful anti-oxidants and the least amount of sugar.

Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet indulgences, so I was happy to learn that Beyond Organic was going to have a Dark Chocolate Bar that will satisfy a sweet tooth and provide some healthy nutrients. The Beyond Organic Chocolate includes probiotics as well as  toasted flax seeds which are high in omega-3 fats and tasty.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic (2010), University of Alabama at Birmingham (2008),  BMJ Group Partnership (2010)

• Fat Free Snacks better for Waistline
• Should you eat fruit for weight loss?
• Should you go Vegan to lose weight?
• Recipe: Raw Brownie Recipe
• Facebook Q&A

• Diabetes Cure
• 3 Billion dollar pay out for dangerous drug American’s taking
• Chopping Block: Cholesterol is Bad
• Recipe: Mashed Faux-tatoes
• Facebook Q&A