All Natural Supplements

A new review has concluded that natural biological mechanisms can successfully eliminate excess levels of vitamin E from our bodies, making it almost impossible to ingest harmful amounts.

In other words - dietary levels of vitamin E or from normal use of supplements should never be a concern, according to experts from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. They believe that past studies which allege adverse consequences from vitamin E may have misinterpreted their data.

In fact the real concern might be that more than 90% of Americans appear to have inadequate levels of vitamin E in their diet.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and a very important nutrient, necessary for the proper functioning of many organs, nerves and muscles. It is also an anticoagulant that can reduce blood clotting. It is found naturally in oils, meat and other foods - but it is often consumed at inadequate levels - especially with the increasing emphasis on low-fat diets.

Researchers have found that two major systems in the liver work to control the level of vitamin E in the body and routinely get rid of any excess amounts. Very high intakes achieved with supplementation only doubled tissue levels of vitamin E, which is not considered harmful.

So according to the study authors, it is simply not possible to have toxic levels of vitamin E in our bodies. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D, vitamin E is apparently unable to accumulate to toxic levels in the liver or other tissues.

One potential health issue is that vitamin E, because of its ability to interact with vitamin K, can cause bleeding. But the study researchers firmly believe that this poses no health risk at all.

On the other hand, vitamin E safeguards our health by protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidizing, along with protecting other essential lipids and having beneficial actions in many degenerative diseases.

Higher than normal intake levels of vitamin E may be necessary for people who have specific health problems. For instance, smoking has been shown to deplete vitamin E levels so smokers may be best advised to take supplements.

In general, health experts recommend taking a daily multivitamin that has the full recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin E, along with regularly consuming a healthy and balanced diet.

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What are the best brain foods and dietary supplements that can help sharpen your powers of concentration - even enhance your memory, attention span and brain function?

There’s increasing evidence to suggest you can maintain a healthy brain by adding ‘smart’ foods and beverages to your diet.

For instance, caffeine is a popular stimulant that energizes your brain and helps you to focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you an unmistakable buzz - although its effects only last a short while. Not only that, overdoing caffeine can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Glucose metabolized from sugars and carbs in your diet is your brain's preferred fuel source - which is why a glass of something sweet can stimulate memory, thought processes and mental ability. But go easy on the sugar so it doesn’t pack on the pounds.

Studies show that eating breakfast regularly instead of skipping it improves short-term memory and attention - especially if it contains high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits.

Fish is a great protein source that’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. Higher levels of dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks, a slower rate of mental decline and enhanced memory, especially with age. To boost both brain and heart health, consume two servings of fish weekly.

Nuts and seeds are great sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, believed to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which boost concentration. Up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate will easily give you all the mental benefits you need without excess calories, fat or sugar.

A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and reduce risk of plaque buildup - while also enhancing blood flow to the brain. Whole grains also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Not only that, the fat in avocados is the good monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.

Research in animals shows that blueberries protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.

Lack of essential nutrients can decrease your ability to concentrate. Similarly, eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. To fully benefit your brain, always consume a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.

While initial reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene and magnesium are promising, supplements are really only useful to people whose diet is lacking in specific nutrients. In this respect, health experts are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral and herb combinations.

To boost your powers of concentration, start your day with a meal of 100% fruit juice, whole-grain bread or bagel with salmon and a cup of coffee.

Along with eating a well-balanced meal, experts also suggest the following brain-boosting tips:

• Getting a good night's sleep;
• Staying well hydrated;
• Exercising regularly to sharpen thinking processes;
• Meditation for clear thinking and relaxed productivity.

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Did you know that up to a staggering 80 percent of American adults are vitamin D deficient?

That’s a very disturbing statistic, considering that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, mental impairment in older adults and cancer.

In fact, many studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in prevention and treatment of a number of disease conditions - including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance and multiple sclerosis.

And now a new study reveals that insufficient vitamin D may also be linked to severity of asthma symptoms in children.

It shows that higher intake of vitamin D by pregnant women reduces asthma risk in their children by as much as 40 percent. At the same time, pregnant women who were vitamin D deficient had a greater chance of having a child who suffered from asthma and other allergies.

Not only that, children with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be hospitalized for asthma symptoms relative to those who had enough vitamin D in their bloodstream. They were also more likely to be hyperactive and experience allergies and sensitivities.

Vitamin D is made in skin cells in response to UV rays from the sun. Getting enough exposure to sunlight is a straightforward, surefire way to elevate your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons:

• Not consuming recommended levels over time - this can happen if you follow a strict vegetarian diet because most natural sources of vitamin D are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, cheese, fortified milk and beef liver.
• Limited exposure to sunlight - your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. You may be at risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure.
• Dark skin - the pigment melanin reduces your skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
• Loss of kidney function - as people age, their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form.
• Poor absorption - certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease can affect the intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from your diet.
• Obesity - vitamin D is extracted from blood by fat cells, altering its release into circulation. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater often have lower than normal blood levels of vitamin D.

The good news is, a vitamin D supplement can reduce your risk of asthma symptoms. In fact, if you have 60 ng/ml levels of vitamin D in your bloodstream, you’re unlikely to experience symptoms of asthma at all.

Breathe better - simply by getting more vitamin D!

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You may already have heard of resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant and anti-aging compound found in wine, fruits like pomegranate, some nuts and cocoa and how it promises remarkable health benefits.

Typically associated with grapes and red wine, some health experts believe resveratrol may be the solution to the puzzling ‘French Paradox’ - the observation that the French enjoy excellent heart health even though they eat rich, fattening food, smoke a lot and love to drink red wine.

Indeed, studies have shown that resveratrol protects the body from damaging molecules that trigger harmful inflammation.

Normally, inflammation is the body’s natural response to invading bacteria and viruses. However, an improper diet and environmental toxins can lead to a harmful condition known as chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to chronic diseases including heart disease.

Unlike most antioxidants, reservatrol can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and nervous system - helping the body fight off free radical damage, high BP, heart and blood vessel damage, Alzheimer’s disease onset and much more.

Interestingly, low doses of resveratrol were seen to mimic the effects of a restricted calorie diet (defined as 20-30 percent fewer calories than normal) in mice. Restricted calorie diets have previously been shown to increase longevity in laboratory conditions.

Red grapes produce resveratrol as a defense against fungi.  Grapes with extra thick skins and numerous seeds make the most, which is why red wine has a lot of resveratrol…and why enjoying a glass or two is actually good for your health. Just remember that red wine is only beneficial for your health when consumed in moderation.

If you’re not a big red wine drinker, resveratrol is also found in cocoa, dark chocolate, green teas and peanuts.

Resveratrol is also available in supplement form. However, it’s important to remember that not all nutritional supplements are created equally, so you need to be careful when choosing one.

Finally, taking supplements should never be a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. But when it comes to protecting your health, resveratrol is clearly an important nutritional anti-aging asset you can’t afford to do without.

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There are also several nutritional supplements that have powerful antihistamine properties, including vitamin E, quercetin, bromelain, and colostrum. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and natural antihistamine that has been shown to strengthen your immune system and its response to attack. Vitamin E is also a natural blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking an anticoagulant, such as warfarin, check with your doctor before using vitamin E.

Quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which makes a favorite natural treatment among allergists. It is believed to work by controlling the release of histamine and stabilizing cell membranes, making them less reactive to allergens.

A natural anti-inflammatory in its own right, bromelain also helps your body absorb quercetin. This pineapple derivative reduces inflammation in your respiratory system while also decreasing the amount and thickness of mucus in your respiratory tract.

Lastly, colostrum—the pre-milk all women produce immediately after the birth of a baby—is rich in immune-building and immune-enhancing properties. Colostrum contains several immunoglobulins, antibodies that help boost your immune system, as well as

Did you know you can easily lose weight - along with boosting your skin, liver, kidney, heart and brain health - simply by adding a few spices to your food?

Regular use of these three flavorful spices in your diet will boost your overall health, along with melting away excess pounds around your waist.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is the bright yellow spice that both flavors and gives its color to most south Asian curries. Made from the root of the plant curcuma longa, it has been used in traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda (‘The Science of Life’) for centuries. Extracts of curcuma longa are routinely used to treat dyspepsia, liver disease, flatulence, urinary tract disease, to purify the blood and directly on the skin for many ailments.

Turmeric is the highest source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects the liver from free radical damage. Turmeric also helps the body metabolize fats by reducing fat storage in liver cells. 

Recently curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric and its chemical derivatives, the curcuminoids, have been shown to have powerful healing properties in the brain - with tremendous implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Experts believe that age-related diseases of the brain are triggered by waste products of oxidative damage and inflammation. Curcumin reverses the actions of these waste products, making it a highly promising anti-aging candidate.

GARLIC

Garlic is a miracle food. It contains the compound allicin which acts against bacterial infections, along with reducing unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Garlic also contains the powerful antioxidants C and E, and the mineral selenium.

Not only that, garlic lowers levels of the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and raise levels of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol in the short term. It keeps LDL cholesterol in blood from oxidizing and damaging the lining of blood vessels, which is the first step in the formation of plaque leading to heart disease. It may also dissolve clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic kills many bacteria, fungi and yeast. Further, animal studies show that garlic slows progression of colon, lung and esophageal cancers.

CINNAMON

Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture showed that one-quarter To 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with food helps to metabolize sugar up to an astonishing 20 times better than without cinnamon.  Excess sugar in the blood leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fat storage.  By balancing blood sugar levels, cinnamon keeps mood and energy levels stable.

It’s very easy to get all these health benefits in your life - simply start adding a quarter teaspoon of turmeric and a clove or two of fresh garlic to vegetable dishes, soups, stir-fries, stews and curries. Similarly, along with sweet foods and desserts, small amounts of cinnamon can also be used in savory Asian-inspired foods like curries, stir-fries and stews. 

One out of very two people struggles with weight, need some help? Check out these dietary supplements that can assist you with your weight management goals.

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Three Spices for Health and Weight Loss.

When you treat allergies, you are actually treating histamines, chemicals that your body releases when it detects the presence of an allergen. One way to do this is to drink at least three quarts of water each day. Turns out, one of the reasons your body releases histamines is to prevent water loss. If you keep hydrated, there is less of a need for histamine to be released.

You can also fend off allergies with yogurt. Researchers have found that people who ate yogurt that contained L. acidophilus and other bacterial cultures at least once a day suffered from hay fever less often than people who didn’t eat yogurt. Can’t stomach the thought of eating yogurt every day? Try a probiotic that contains at least 100–500 million viable organisms, including both acidophilus and bifidus.

Finally, fruit—especially those high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are natural antihistamines—is another dietary wonder for treating allergies. The best fruits are oranges, all berries, grapefruit, lemons, limes, cherries, grapes, pineapple, papaya, and mangoes. If these fruits are too acidic for you, you can take vitamin C and bioflavonoids in supplement form instead.

When it comes to Omega 3’s, the rule is: the more, the better. The recommended daily amount of Omega 3 is 1,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined.  If you’re concerned about your heart or brain health, you should probably take about 2,000 mg of Omega 3 fish oil per da . Unless you eat several meals of fish every week, your dietary intake probably doesn’t come close to that. That’s why it’s best to take supplements.

However, not all fish oil supplements are created equal.  To keep prices low, many fish oil suppliers get their stock from the cheapest possible sources.  Other manufacturers use unstable commodity oils that begin to oxidize – or rot – as soon as they’re exposed to oxygen, light, and heat.  That’s why so many fish oil supplements may give you an upset stomach or that uncomfortable fish burp after taking them.

The richest sources for essential EPA and DHA are small cold water fish such as anchovies, mackerel and wild sardines. These small fish contain the ocean’s highest natural oil content. Plus, they are usually free of the pollutants and toxins found in larger species of fatty fish.

Also, make sure the fish oil you buy includes antioxidants to help maintain stability and protect against a fishy aftertaste.

A new study shows that supplementing children's diets with fish oil, enrolling them in quality preschool and engaging them in interactive reading are all effective ways to raise their IQ.

A meta-analysis carried out at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development combined data from previous studies to measure the overall effectiveness of each type of intervention.

Only the best available studies using data on children from birth and kindergarten were used, from the newly assembled ‘Database of Raising Intelligence’ - created to find out what works and what doesn't work when it comes to raising intelligence.

All studies in this database relied on participants without any diagnoses of intellectual disabilities and who were selected at random to receive one of the interventions. They also focused on interventions over long periods of time, using widely accepted measures of intelligence.

Overall, the results of the meta-analyses indicate that certain dietary and environmental interventions can indeed raise children's IQ.

For example, supplementing pregnant women and newborns with foods rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids was found to boost children's IQ by more than 3.5 points. These fatty acids may raise intelligence by providing building blocks for nerve cell development that the body cannot produce on its own.

However, data on the benefits other supplements such as iron, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, and zinc may have on intelligence were inconclusive.

Interestingly, enrolling an economically disadvantaged child into an early education intervention was found to raise IQ by more than four points; while interventions that specifically included a center-based education component raised it by more than seven points.

This may happen because early education intervention increases exposure to complex, cognitively stimulating and demanding environments.

Surprisingly, there is no evidence that early education interventions that take place earlier in childhood are more effective than those that begin later.

Interactive reading interventions raised children's IQ by over six points but didn’t have an effect over the age of four years, suggesting that they likely accelerate language development first and then boost IQ.

Sending a child to preschool was found to raise his or her IQ by more than four points, and preschools that include a language development component were found to boost IQ by more than seven points.

Overall, these findings strengthen earlier conclusions that complex environments build intelligence but also cast doubt on others - including the idea that earlier interventions are always the most effective.

The goal of this analysis was to understand the nature of intelligence and how it can be nurtured at every stage of development. One of the main conclusions that emerged was how little high quality research exists on this topic and how much more needs to be done.

Dietary folic acid supplementation is known to dramatically reduce incidence of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, sometimes by as much as 70 percent. Scientists and other health experts still don’t fully understand how folic acid does this, or why it doesn’t eliminate birth defects in all pregnancies.

Folic acid was originally discovered at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin in the 1940s. Ever since the discovery of its role in the prevention of birth defects, all enriched cereal grain products in the US were enriched with folic acid to ensure that women of childbearing age get enough of this vitamin.

Now, scientists from the College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin have found that mutation of a key folic acid enzyme causes neural tube defects in mice, the clearest link seen so far between folic acid and birth defects.

The mice used in this study lacked a gene for a folic acid enzyme which cells need to produce a compound called formate, which embryos need for normal development. It seems folic acid prevents birth defects by ensuring that enough formate is made in the developing embryo. This may also explain the 30 percent of neural tube defects that can’t be prevented by folic acid supplementation.

Interestingly, humans share the same gene for the folic acid enzyme with all mammals - indeed, point mutations in this gene are known to increase the risk of birth defects.

Now the research team at UT Austin is going to use the same breed of mouse to start looking for nutrients that could potentially be delivered to pregnant mothers to prevent neural tube defects that can’t be prevented by folic acid supplementation.

A future goal would be to screen women for the gene that produces the folic acid enzyme. If they’re found to be deficient, their chances for developing embryos free of neural tube defects could be increased via nutrient supplementation.

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Mutation in key enzyme in key folic acid metabolism causes birth defects.

Are one of the millions of Americans that struggles daily with lack of energy or chronic fatigue, then you are likely very familiar with those constant feelings of being tired and drained. But rather than turn to coffee, so-called energy drinks, or harsh stimulants for a quick pick-me-up, you might instead try supplementing with All Day Energy Greens! Not only boosts your energy, but enhances mental clarity, focus, and immune system!

Harvard School of Public Health explains: “It’s hard to argue with the health benefits...

“...of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Lower blood pressure; reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and probably some cancers; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and a mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep appetite in check.”

The problem is that only a fraction of Americans get the veggies and fruits they need every day. The CDC recently reported that less than 1 in 10 people consume enough vegetables every day!

ALL DAY ENERGY GREENS delivers a whopping 38 fruits, veggies, herbs, enzymes, and even probiotics in a single spoonful.

Just sprinkle it in your favorite juice or water and enjoy! It takes 60-seconds... and you get a whole
 day’s worth of your fruits and veggies. That’s SO smart... and SO convenient.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FIVE FRUITS AND VEGGIES TODAY? Probably not! ALL DAY ENERGY GREENS helps guarantee you never miss another day!

1. Adding a Green Energy supplement such as All Day Energy Greens as a once-a-day drink not only provides your body with the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit, it also contains 38 herbs, vitamins and minerals. The end result is a day-long supply of natural energy as All Day Energy Greens counter the body’s acids, flush out toxins and improve digestion.

2. Avoid smoking. You know smoking threatens your health. But you may not know that smoking actually siphons off your energy by causing insomnia. The nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, so it speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and stimulates brain-wave activity associated with wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep. And once you do fall asleep, its addictive power can kick in and awaken you with cravings.

3. Make sure you drink plenty of water during or after this exercise as dehydration in itself can cause exhaustion. Add a few drops of natural energy-boosting monatomic minerals which quickly gets to work to re-mineralize, re-alkalize, re-vitalize and re- energize your body and bring it back into balance.

4. Control stress. Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. Talking with a friend or relative, joining a support group, or seeing a psychotherapist can all help diffuse stress. Relaxation therapies like meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, and tai chi are also effective tools for reducing stress.

5. Breathe deeply in the fresh air. Your blood cells will take up this oxygen and enliven your whole body with it. If you are able to tolerate it, sleep with the bedroom window open during good weather.

6. Avoid sugar when possible, and especially artificial sweeteners (they are poisonous to the body).

7. Get rid of clutter in your life, pare things down, make them more simple. Decide what your priorities will be.

8. Cleanse your liver. Your liver is responsible for detoxifying your body of all toxic substance that come into it. It has to keep toxins out of the bloodstream. Because society's habits have become so toxic, the liver needs a good cleaning much more often.

Did you know that spirulina - a single-celled, blue-green alga that has been thriving on Earth since the beginning of life itself - was considered a superfood by ancient Mayans and Aztecs?

Spirulina is very low on the food chain, which means it’s a pure food. Its green color is derived from chlorophyll, which allows it to convert sunshine to protein, fatty acids, carbohydrates and many other nutrients essential for life.

Its blue color comes from a pigment called phycocyanin, shown to increase bone marrow stem cell and anti-cancer natural killer (NK) cell production.

Spirulina contains nearly 70% protein, which is made up of all the essential amino acids plus 10 more. This means spirulina is an excellent protein resource that helps your body build muscle, bone, strength and endurance. Because spirulina is typically consumed raw, it doesn’t lose its protein content, which is absorbed four times faster by your body than animal proteins.

Spirulina is a very pure food that provides more than 100 nutrients, including as much iron as red meat, vitamin E, zinc, B vitamins, copper, calcium, sulfur and magnesium. It is also a rich source of vitamin A in the form of the antioxidant beta-carotene.

Studies show that regular consumption of spirulina provides many health benefits. For instance, a two-month study carried out at the National Obesity Centre of Cameroon on HIV-infected patients showed that spirulina improves their insulin sensitivity, lowering their future risk of developing type II diabetes. HIV-infected patients typically develop abnormalities in glucose metabolism, both because of the infection and also the antiretroviral treatment.

In this particular study, 17 insulin-resistant HIV-infected patients were given 19 grams of spirulina daily. Their physical activity and diet did not change over the study duration. After eight weeks, insulin sensitivity improved in every one of these patients - while increasing overall by over 200% in the entire group.

And that’s not all spirulina can do. It also stimulates stem cell growth, especially in the brain; has known virus-fighting properties; fights inflammation and arthritis; and also favorably affects lipid profiles, immune variables and antioxidant capacity, all of which are great ways to boost overall health.

If you’d like to benefit from the amazing healing powers of spirulina, you can get it in supplement form, either as pills or powder. It’s easy to add powdered spirulina to your morning smoothie. You can also mix it with guacamole or blend it into salad dressing.

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Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity in HIV patients.

Italian beauty Sophia Loren once said that her beauty secret was that she used olive oil on her face. And if you know a little something about squalene, you know that she was onto something!

Buried deep within the humble olive lies a powerful, natural antioxidant known as
squalene. Also found in all human tissues, the greatest concentration of squalene is in the skin. So it stands to reason that squalene has recently earned wide acclaim for its wonderful moisturizing benefits.

The other key to squalene’s success? It is also a great source of essential fatty acids. So whether you choose to follow in Sophia’s footsteps and massage olive oil into your skin, eat olives by the handful, or simply opt for a high-quality EFA supplement, you too can have great, youthful looking skin in no time.

Winter and colds just seem to go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, every mammal naturally produces the amazing, immune-boosting miracle that is colostrum.

All mammals produce this immune- and growth-enhancing pre-milk fluid in the last few months of pregnancy and just after birth. Colostrum has been shown to help fight off common illnesses like colds, flu, allergies, and bronchitis.

It contains numerous immunoglobulins, which help boost your immune system and provide protection against invading bacteria and viruses. It’s also a good source of the probiotic acidophilus, which helps prevent gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhea.

The most common form of supplemental colostrum is bovine colostrum. While it is very similar to human colostrum at the molecular level, it actually contains even more immune-enhancing properties. You can purchase bovine colostrum as a capsule, tablet, liquid, powder, and nasal spray. Just be sure that the colostrum you choose comes from free-range cows that have been raised organically, and have not received any hormones or antibiotics.

There are a variety of vitamin supplements that can be added to smoothies that have all sorts of healthy properties. These ingredients can all be purchased at your local whole foods store or through natural supplement websites.

Brewers Yeast: A great source of selenium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc.

Bee Pollen: Contains high concentrations of vitamin B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E.

Green Tea Powder: The potent antioxidants in green tea have been said to help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol.

Spirulina: Contains over 60% all-digestible vegetable protein with a high concentration of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron and GLA, an essential fatty acid.

Wheat Germ Oil: A rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Check out this smoothie recipe, which offers a healthy and tasty balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep your engine running throughout the day! Bananas, which are an excellent source of potassium, dietary fiber and Vitamin B6, provide a rich and creamy base, and soy milk is a great source of isoflavones which aid in the prevention of many cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis.

TROPICAL TREAT - Serves Two

• Place all ingredients in a blender:
• 6 ice cubes
• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 2 scoops vanilla soy protein powder
• 1/2 cup chunked cantaloupe
• 1/2 cup chunked canned or fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup vanilla soy milk

Place lid on blender, and pulse until ingredients begin to mix. Set blender on "blend" for about 30 seconds and then move to "ice crush" or your highest blending button for 20 to 30 more seconds. Pour, and enjoy this quick and healthful smoothie – a taste of the tropics!

Take a quick break from work every day and walk briskly around the block. This raises the cardiovascular system which in turn increases energy. Make sure you drink plenty of water during or after this exercise as dehydration in itself can cause exhaustion. Add a few drops of natural energy-boosting monatomic minerals which quickly gets to work to re-mineralize, re-alkalize, re-vitalize and re- energize your body and bring it back into balance.

Adding a Green Energy supplement such as All Day Energy Greens as a once-a-day drink not only provides your body with the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit, it also contains 38 herbs, vitamins and minerals. The end result is a day-long supply of natural energy as All Day Energy Greens counter the body’s acids, flush out toxins and improve digestion. If the taste of energy greens is not something you can face daily, alternate it with Long Life Food Source which is a delicious blend of all-natural superfoods to counter ageing and boost energy.

Every mammal naturally produces the amazing, immune-boosting miracle that is colostrum. This immune- and growth-enhancing pre-milk fluid is produced by all mammals in the last few months of pregnancy and just after birth.

Colostrum has been shown to help fight off common illnesses like colds, flu, allergies, and bronchitis. It contains numerous immunoglobulins, which help boost your immune system and provide protection against invading bacteria and viruses. It’s also a good source of the probiotic acidophilus, which helps prevent gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhea. Plus, colostrum has been shown to protect against viral diseases such as HIV and herpes.

But colostrum also contains other important compounds, such as proline-rich polypeptide, a substance that helps important in restrain an overactive immune system. This is important for people with autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common form of supplemental colostrum is bovine colostrum. While it is very similar to human colostrum at the molecular level, it actually contains even more immune-enhancing properties.

You can purchase bovine colostrum as a capsule, tablet, liquid, powder, and nasal spray. Most experts agree that capsules and liquids are best. Also, be sure that the colostrum you choose comes from free-range cows that have been raised organically, and have not received any hormones or antibiotics.

The most commonly recommended dosage is 1,000–2,000 mg twice a day for prevention, and 2,000–3,000 mg twice a day if you feel a cold or flu coming on. Be sure to take it with an eight-ounce glass of water on an empty stomach. And take it early in the day (at breakfast and lunch), as colostrum can boost energy levels and cause insomnia if it is taken too late in the evening. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a thyroid or immune system disorder, or have cancer, be sure to consult with your physician before using colostrum.

As flu season approaches, it’s a good time to assess your overall health regimen and adopt protective measures. The cold winter months are a time when we spend more hours indoors, surrounded by friends, family, schoolmates and co-workers with their myriad germs. Our exposure to sunshine often is diminished, which effectively depletes our body’s natural Vitamin D defenses.

Aside from frequent hand washing – recommended by health experts everywhere – there are steps you can take to support your body’s immune system in its constant battle against viruses and bacteria. Here are some suggestions:

Clean your stuff – Doctors and other health professionals know how important this is in preventing the spread of germs. Use an alcohol-based cleaning agent to clean surfaces you and your family frequently touch: doorknobs, countertops, faucet handles, kitchen appliances, cell phones, the TV remote. At work, make it a daily ritual to clean your computer keyboard, phone, and desktop.

Eat more onion and garlic – Both are rich in antioxidants and selenium, members of the Allium family known for its health-promoting effects. Garlic contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, so add it to your recipes in abundance. Supplements are a good idea, too.

Keep your head clear – Healthy mucus membranes and mucus flow help your body flush toxins. When your sinuses and throat feel dry, they’re more likely to attract and harbor nasty microscopic invaders. Avoid treating a stuffed nose with nasal sprays, which tend to dry delicate tissues (you can use a saline spray or flush with a neti pot containing a saline solution). Make good old-fashioned chicken soup a mainstay of your winter menu. Researchers are discovering what grandma suspected all along – the ingredients in chicken soup (stock, carrot, onion, and celery) might actually have a medicinal effect on the body’s immune system.

Get plenty of exercise – Just because it’s cold outside, that’s no excuse for cutting out your workout sessions. Exercise boosts the immune system by clearing out the lymph system. It also boosts mood which is a protective factor in the prevention of illness.

Cut down on sugar – Just a few grams can diminish your white blood cells’ ability to resist infections for several hours. If you must sweeten your food and beverages, choose stevia.

Sleep better – Keep your body’s melatonin levels in balance with regular, good quality sleep. The immune system works best when the body is well rested.

Keep stress levels in check – Another way to wreak havoc with your immune system is to walk around with high levels of stress and anxiety. Practice a few minutes of deep breathing several times a day. Laugh more. Play with your pet. Start and end your day with a brief meditation – there are many good books and CDs that will help you.

Helpful supplements – Probiotics attack pathogenic bacteria and support your body’s white cells in their reaction to invaders. Vitamin D3 will help balance appropriate levels to support immune system function. Echinacea and zinc help protect against colds. And Vitamin C is an essential year-round immune system booster.

What is your favorite tip for keeping winter colds and flu at bay?

Sources:
WebMD
Natural Society

Whether you call it lime, asparagus, Kelly, jade, forest, or emerald—green is green. And whether you talking about algae, spirulina, chlorella, or cilantro—green foods are a definite go!

Green foods are packed with so many nutrients, it’s no wonder they are called the super foods of the nutrition world. They are exceptionally rich sources of chlorophyll and vital minerals, and have been found to alleviate depression and fatigue, support your immune system, eliminate toxins, promote a healthy gut and bowel, inhibit Candida, aid in weight loss, and even banish bad breath.

But in this field of verdant health, two green foods stand out—spirulina and chlorella.

Spirulina is a true powerhouse. This algae is made up of 55–70 percent pure protein, 95 percent of which is digestible, making it ideal for people with gastrointestinal disorders. Spirulina is packed with more than 30 different vitamins and minerals and 18 amino acids, providing three times more vitamin E than raw wheat germ, 35 times more beta-carotene than carrots, and is higher in the rare essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) than evening primrose oil. 

Like spirulina, chlorella is a fresh-water algae, containing more chlorophyll than any known plant on the planet. It is also high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates, and packed with vitamin, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, as well as the nucleic acids DNA and RNA.

Research shows that spirulina can help to boost your immune system and even ease allergic reactions, while chlorella provide gentle support constipation woes, as well as helping to promote natural detoxification.

The best and easiest way for you to reap all of the benefits is to make green foods a part of your morning routine. Simply add 1–2 tablespoons of a powdered green foods, containing both spirulina and chlorella, to 8 ounces of either juice or water every day.