Natural Weight Loss Supplement

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.

Sources:

Three Spices for Health and Weight Loss.

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.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those ancient foods which is experiencing a huge wave of popularity due to its purported natural health benefits. In fact, there is strong evidence that some of these health benefits are very real. Others … not so much. In any case, there is no doubt apple cider vinegar is a worthwhile product to keep on hand in the kitchen (and maybe also the bathroom) cabinet.

Vinegar is a fermented food that is a concentrated little package of amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts. It has a long tradition of use as a folk remedy, said to accomplish wonders that range from soothing jellyfish stings to curing cancer.  Apple cider vinegar is the result of apples being fermented into hard cider, than a second fermentation process is added. It is this two-step process which is believed to create the extra acids and enzymes responsible for the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. 

Some recent studies have shown some intriguing medical uses for apple cider vinegar. They include:

• Weight loss: The enzymes in vinegar can help detoxify the body, give you a natural energy boost, and help you feel full when dieting.
• Blood glucose: Several studies have shown vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Cholesterol: Animal studies have indicated vinegar could help lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Blood pressure: Observational studies show that people who regularly eat vinegar on salads tend to have lower blood pressure.
• Cancer: There is some evidence that vinegar can slow the growth of cancer cells.

These studies are promising, but preliminary. Meanwhile, apple cider vinegar may be a great addition to your diet, but it’s probably not advisable to invest it with “magic bullet” properties.

Most of us have consumed apple cider vinegar as a flavoring on salads. As a daily health regimen, you’ll need more than a few drops from a cruet. Many people take a couple of teaspoons daily, mixed with water. You can also buy supplements, usually in the form of 285mg tablets. Be careful to drink water with it to avoid acid erosion of the esophagus and stomach.

If you have diabetes, you should check with your doctor before incorporating apple cider vinegar into your health routine. It contains chromium, which has the potential to interfere with insulin regulation.

Here are some of the most common household uses for apple cider vinegar:

• It has disinfectant properties and so can be useful as a cleaning agent.
• It can soothe sunburn. Mix a few cups into a warm bath.
• Some people swear it helps clear the complexion. It can set the pH level of the face in balance, while its antiseptic properties help kill the bacteria that leads to acne.
• Rinsing your mouth with it will help whiten teeth. Don’t go overboard, however. Any acidic substance can weaken tooth enamel when overused.
• Adds a shine to your hair when used as a rinse after shampooing.

What is your favorite use for apple cider vinegar?

Sources:
WebMD: Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural Society: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Everyone has an occasional sleepless night that leaves them groggy, grumpy and unfocused the next day.  But restless nights and sluggish days are a way of life for the 80 million Americans who suffer from sleep disorders.  Sleep deprivation is more than just an inconvenience - it can be dangerous and potentially life threatening.   You may not remember the hours you spend sleeping, but your body does.

Insomnia has been linked to a host of health maladies including heart disease, diabetes, immune system deficiencies, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. The inability to get a good night’s sleep can also lead to depression because insomnia increases the activity of hormones and pathways in the brain that affect mood. 

During the past decade convincing scientific evidence has emerged that shows a clear link between lack of sleep and obesity.  A study conducted at Columbia University found that people who sleep five hours per night are 75% more likely to become obese than those getting seven to nine nightly hours of sleep. People getting six hours of sleep are 27% more likely to gain weight than people who get the recommended amounts.

Sleep deprived people are far more likely to be involved in traffic mishaps and serious workplace accidents. Traffic safety experts say that sleepy people have a delayed reaction time that is similar to those who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. According to the National Sleep Foundation one in six deadly crashes can be linked to a drowsy driver.    

Pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars in advertising each year to convince us that prescription medication is the key to a night of restful sleep.  Most of the medications have undesirable side effects such as memory loss or next-day drowsiness.  Many are habit-forming.

Fortunately, there are some natural solutions that can effectively promote restful sleep without dangerous side effects.  “Sweet Dreams,” which is available through the Institute for Vibrant Living, is an all-natural sleep aid formula that can help you get the rest you need to stay healthy and refreshed.  It is a proprietary blend of ingredients that are designed to increase the duration of dream states (REM sleep) so that the body can effectively repair and rejuvenate itself.  It also helps to ease tension by stimulating your brain’s supply of serotonin.   

Lifestyle changes can also make a positive difference in your ability to sleep. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation are often recommended by holistic health practitioners.  Hydrotherapy, therapeutic massages and acupuncture can also make a positive difference. 

If you are one of the millions of Americans who are tossing and turning instead of snoozing and dreaming, consider using a natural supplement to help you get the rest you need. A refreshing night of sleep is literally a dream come true because of the amazing difference it makes in your mental and physical health.  

Do you suffer from Insomina? What do you to help you sleep better?

Make Green Tea Your New Best Friend. There’s no question that weight gain and the holidays often go hand in hand. Maybe it’s all those cookies and candy canes! One great way to combat those five extra pounds is by drinking green tea.

Green tea contains polyphenols, nutrients block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates your metabolism. The higher your levels of norepinephrine, the faster your metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn calories even more efficiently.

How to do it
Today, brew up a steaming mug of green tea and sip your cravings and waistline away. Or add a liquid green tea supplement to your daily routine.

Have you tried IVL's Green Tea Elixir?

Resveratrol is a natural dietary supplement that has been found to be one of the most effective products for aiding in natural weight loss. Users of this vitamin supplement consistently confirm that resveratrol is an effective aid to weight loss, unlike other diet fads. It has been featured on national TV by Dr Oz, Oprah, Barbara Walters and other shows, making it one of the top-selling natural supplements.

How Resveratrol Works
Resveratrol works in three different ways to benefit those trying to lose weight. Firstly, it may speed up the body’s metabolism. Once the metabolism has been kick-started, users will burn more calories in everyday life which naturally helps weight loss.

Resveratrol has been shown to break down fat cells and uses the fat deposits for energy. This is beneficial to dieters as it ensures that the weight loss is pure fat, not lean tissue or muscle.

Finally, resveratrol may suppress the production of estrogen. High levels of estrogen tell the body to store fat, so when the hormone is suppressed the body will begin to build muscle instead of accumulating more fat.

Recent research published in the MBC Physiology Journal showed that in animals, those fed with resveratrol-enriched foods gained less weight in the winter than those given a placebo. The tests showed that resveratrol sped up the rate of metabolism and seemed to limit weight gain, even on animals fed a high-fat diet. Studies showed that the presence of resveratrol countered the formation of fat cells which is more good news for those struggling to maintain their weight.

If you wish to lose weight, make sure that you take your resveratrol supplement in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, lower stress and eight hours sleep each night to get the full benefits of this all-round supplement.

Whether you want to lose weight or simply live a long and healthy life, a daily dose of resveratrol in supplement form, topped up with its natural berry sources, may enable you to get fit, enjoy the best health possible and stay in good shape naturally.

Did you know that IVL carries two vitamin supplements that contian Resveratrol?
Cocoberri™  and IVL Resveratrol Supplement

Sources:
http://www.healthierpost.com/resveratrol-weight-loss/
http://www.pureandhealthy.com/blog/2010/12/resveratrol-for-weight-loss-how-resveratrol-helps-you/
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/weight_Loss/a/Resveratrol-And-Weight-Loss.htm

In this article we will look at some of the ways that you can increase your energy natuarlly, stay sharp throughout the day and maybe even drop a few pounds at the same time.  There are simple and beneficial ways that you can naturally boost energy.

The fact is that if you find yourself depending on repeated sugar boosts throughout the day, your overall health can suffer. Snacks like donuts, candy bars and drinks with high levels of sugar and hidden high fructose corn syrup will not only cause weight gain, but can lead to diabetes and other serious health consequences. Yet, it is important for most of us that we do boost our energy levels.

The Vital Importance of Sleep
Simply stated, you just shouldn't skip the sleep. The fact is that sleep is your foundation for feeling better, looking better, fighting off disease, recovering from injury and maybe even living longer! Many people believe that they can make up their sleep at a later date, but this idea is simply flawed, as scientific studies have indicated.   Northwestern University research on sleep deprived animals showed that when we don’t get enough sleep night after night, we can’t simply make up this “sleep debt” later. Further, chronic sleep loss can interfere with endocrine and immune system function.

Taking quality multivitamins and other supplements can help keep you sharp and healthy, but they are no replacement for sleep in the long run. Sleep is invaluable, and you likely need more of it! Sleep has been proven to increase the strength of your immune system, reduce stress hormone levels that can lead to weight gain, improve your memory and cognitive abilities and serves to repair injuries throughout your body. 

Food Choices Do Make a Tangible Difference
Replacing foods with low nutritional value with foods that are high in nutritional value is a second great step towards having more energy. The majority of people don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. By getting more fruits and vegetables into your diet you will naturally see your energy levels increase. Carbohydrates in the form of whole grain and brown rice can also boost energy. Nuts are also a great choice for increasing energy as their high levels of magnesium convert sugar into energy.

Quality Supplements Can Be an Essential Aid
There are also many good energy supplements, which can help you increase your energy levels, for example, a quality broad spectrum B vitamin. Moreover, B vitamins help you deal with the effects of stress as well, meaning that if you feel that you are being "drained" by the stress of life in general, turning to B vitamins for help is a good idea.

Increasing your sleep, making smarter food choices and taking quality supplements, such as B vitamin supplements, can help you feel better and have more energy naturally. All of these steps will help keep your immune system strong and functioning properly, reducing your chances of illness and helping you keep your energy levels consistent.

While getting older is unavoidable, many of the side effects like wrinkling of the skin, elevated risks for heart disease and stroke, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and memory loss can be forestalled with healthy lifestyle choices including good nutrition.  Take a look at these five tips for nutrition and anti-aging.

Consider supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals.  Aging individuals absorb nutrients with less efficiency, resulting in the need for better nutrition.  The body makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but with aging the amount is progressively reduced.  Vitamin D is important for the prevention of osteoporosis because it helps the body process calcium.  It also aids in the prevention of cancer, and it may have therapeutic effects on autoimmune diseases and protective effects on cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Most experts recommend 600 to 1000 IU of vitamin D daily for aging individuals.

The need for B vitamins also increases with age. Three in particular - folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 - are essential for the maintenance of homocysteine levels in the blood.  Research suggests that high homocysteine levels may contribute to heart disease and stroke. A review of several studies found that consumption of folic acid reduced homocysteine levels by about 25 percent, according to a 2002 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association. When folic acid was paired with vitamin B12, homocysteine levels were reduced by an additional seven percent.  A daily vitamin B-complex supplement or a multivitamin that contains the recommended daily amounts of folic acid, B6 and B12 will ensure adequate intake of these important nutrients.

Women in particular should boost their calcium intake as they age to keep bones young and guard against osteoporosis.   The National Institutes of Health recommends 1,000 mg per day during middle age.  After menopause, 1,200 mg is recommended if on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and 1,500 mg is recommended after menopause if not on HRT.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Diets packed with fresh fruits and vegetables help boost energy, maintain a healthy weight, and lower chances for disease.  With the exception of a few, most fresh fruits and veggies are full of fiber, low in calories and free of fat, cholesterol and sodium.  This helps lower risks for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. 

Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium and vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and folic acid.  Fruits and veggies also contain antioxidants which fight free radicals that attack and damage cells.   Antioxidants also help boost the immune system and protect the brain from oxidative stress.

Consume healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids.  Foods like salmon and halibut contain omega-3 fatty acids.  According to research, these may help lower risks for heart disease and cancer, boost immunity and improve mood for a younger, healthier body.  A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regular consumers of fish have significantly less incidences of colorectal, esophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancers. Even those who consumed small amounts of fish were found to have reduced risks for cancers of the digestive tract.

Drink enough water.  The body depends upon water for survival.  In addition to ensuring adequate moisture in the eyes, ears, nose and throat, water helps the skin stay healthy by hydrating skin cells, removing toxins and delivering nutrients to cells.  Also, proper hydration ensures more efficient perspiration which helps keep skin clean and clear. Drink at least 64 ounces of pure water each day.

Cut unneeded calories.   Studies have shown that a reduction in calories increases lifespan in small mammals and lowers incidences of age-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and memory loss.  Ask your health-care provider about the appropriate daily calorie level for your height and weight, and make sure your calories come from healthy sources:  fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats. 

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies and we spend billions of dollars each year trying to find relief. Every time we turn on the television or pick up a magazine we are bombarded with advertisements for over-the-counter and prescription medications that promise to alleviate the sneezing, wheezing, coughing, congestion and watery eyes associated with allergies. 

Unfortunately many of the pharmaceutical  “solutions” contain chemicals that produce unpleasant (and sometimes dangerous) side effects which can be more detrimental than the allergy symptoms themselves.  As is often the case, the safest and most reliable cure lies with Mother Nature. Holistic practitioners advocate natural remedies, such as bee pollen, to treat allergies.     
 
Many of the allergens which affect our bodies come from pollens, which are tiny powdery grains that are released from flowering plants and are carried by the wind or insects.  Pollen can land in a person’s eyes, nose, lungs and skin. Because your body senses that allergens are invaders, it will do everything it can to flush them from your system.  Sneezing and watery discharges from the nose and eyes reflect the body’s efforts to flush away allergen particles.

Holistic researchers believe that bee pollen helps allergies by desensitizing the body to the pollen that travels through the air. Daily doses of bee pollen can help your body build up its defenses so that it becomes resistant to allergens.  In fact, many researchers refer to bee pollen as a “natural vaccine” against allergies. 

In addition to allergy relief, bee pollen also boasts a host of other benefits. It has been used as both food and medicine since biblical times and is considered a staple in traditional Chinese medicine.  Hippocrates often prescribed it for his patients and the Greeks and Romans referred to bee pollen as “life-giving dust.”  Today’s holistic practitioners recommend daily doses of bee pollen to  aid digestion, regulate metabolism, boost stamina, restore sexual desire, expedite weight loss, fight depression, enhance memory and slow down the aging process. 

Since most people aren’t beekeepers and don’t have hives in their backyards, you may be wondering where you can obtain this natural superstar.  Fortunately bee pollen is available in a convenient supplement form in natural health stores.  The Institute for Vibrant living offers a bee pollen supplement that contains a unique blend of nutrients to support allergy relief and overall health.  

The bottom line is that bee pollen’s benefits are “nothing to sneeze at” whether it’s used specifically for treating allergies or for overall health and vitality.  It is not surprising that millions of Americans are taking advantage of bee pollen supplements.  Talk to your holistic practitioner about incorporating bee pollen into your daily wellness plan and feel the difference it makes in your life.

What natural solutions do you use to fight your allergies?

In the past few decades it has been determined that signs of aging like wrinkles and diminished skin elasticity are enhanced by oxidation, a process in which damaging free radicals begin to break down DNA.  Research is showing that we can slow the aging process with the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods.  Studies also show that the amount of antioxidants consumed is directly proportional to longevity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eight to ten servings of fruits and vegetables per day, but not all of these have the same effect.  The effects of antioxidants are measured by a food’s oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
 
Check out these ORAC-rich fruits and vegetables, and implement them into your daily diet to generate a youthful appearance. 

• Avocado
• Berries
• Pears
• Plums
• Red Grapes
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Asparagus
• Broccoli

Here are a few other superfoods that have shown great potential for enhancing a youthful appearance. 

Acai Berries – These tiny, purple berries can be found in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil.  In addition to boosting energy, this antioxidant-laden superfood is said to promote healthy hair, nails and skin.  Acai is available in supplement form in various powders and caplets.

Red Ginseng – A study published in the December, 2009 edition of the Journal of Medicinal Foods showed that red ginseng reverses wrinkles.  The study examined a group of female volunteers over the age of 40. The subjects took three grams of red ginseng extract daily for 24 weeks, and it was found that facial wrinkles were significantly reduced and collagen levels were increased.  Collagen is a product made from proteins in the body which is necessary for healthy skin.  Further, a gene that destroys collagen was inhibited and elastin, a protein that enhances skin elasticity, was increased.

Resveratrol - This important nutrient can be found in the skin of red grapes and in blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.  Besides supporting cardiovascular health, resveratrol is said to promote a youthful appearance.  In addition to the fruits mentioned above, resveratrol supplements are available in whole foods stores and through natural supplement websites.

Sea Buckthorn Berries – This small, sour berry is found in harsh environments of Eastern Asia and is packed with vitamin C, providing 12 times more than an orange.  It is said to provide weight loss and immune system support and to foster good hair, nail and skin health.  Typically the fruit cannot be found in your local grocery store, but liquid and caplet supplements are available in stores and online.

Soy – Research that is soon-to-be-published in the British Journal of Pharmacology has concluded that soy can have positive effects on age-related skin changes in post-menopausal women. 

As adequate estrogen levels are required for youthful skin in women, an overiectomy can accelerate aging of the skin.  This study examined the effects of soy on the skin of overiectomized rats.  Researchers began treating rats six months after overiectomy with genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, for a period of 12 weeks.   At the end of treatment, the thickness of collagen and skin strength was significantly improved, which suggests that soy therapy might be a reliable alternative for age-related skin changes in post-menopausal women.

Everyone wants to look young for as long as possible and adequate nutrition is an easy fix.  In addition to a daily vitamin and mineral supplement, it might be worth a try to incorporate some of the foods above into your daily diet for a more youthful appearance.

Sources:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6986044.ece
http://theview.abc.go.com/blog/top-7-superfoods-women

Cho, S. et al.  Red ginseng root extract mixed with Torilus fructus and Corni fructus improves facial wrinkles and increases type I procollagen synthesis in human skin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.  Journal of Medicinal Food, 2009 Dec;12(6):1252-9.

Polito, F. et al.  Genistein Aglycone, a Soy-derived Isoflavone, Improves Skin Changes Induced by Ovariectomy in Rats.   British Journal of Pharmacology.  2011 Aug 9. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01619.x. [Epub ahead of print]

The health benefits of green tea are becoming more widely accepted among medical experts, and as a result the marketplace is booming with green tea products. This antioxidant-rich nutrient has shown promise for its positive effects on heart disease, cancer, weight loss, Alzheimer's disease, and for boosting the immune system. Now research from Japan suggests that supplements of EGCg, a potent ingredient in green tea, may offset physical and mental fatigue that can be attributed to a workaholic lifestyle.

In a laboratory study it was found that rats treated with EGCg could swim for longer periods than rats treated with saline solution. Levels of thiobarbituricacid reactive substance (TBARS), which can cause oxidative damage, were higher in the livers of fatigued animals as compared to the livers of control animals. However, treatment with EGCg for five days significantly reduced these levels in the livers of fatigued animals.

Study results suggest that EGCg is effective for easing fatigue and appears to have a positive effect on the damaged livers of fatigued animals. Researchers concluded, "We demonstrated that oral administration of EGCG (50 or 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally [not for 25 mg/kg]) improved performance in an animal model of combined fatigue...”

Study author Masaaki Tanaka from Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine stated, "Acute fatigue is a normal phenomenon that disappears after a period of rest. In contrast, the effects of accumulated fatigue are sometimes irreversible, and the compensation mechanisms that are useful in reducing acute fatigue are no longer effective." He further stated, "To avoid fatigue, it is important to develop effective strategies for attenuating fatigue."

Natural supplements containing green tea extract might be an ideal solution if the results of this study can be replicated in people. Green tea and its extracts already have a positive reputation, but this is one more reason to consider daily consumption of the tea or a natural green tea supplement.

Further study is needed, however, before EGCg can be considered a viable treatment for accumulated fatigue in workaholics. If the study above can be replicated in humans, it will provide more information on dosage needed and potential health risks.

What is your favorite way to drink green tea - hot or iced?

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18455659

http://www.naturalnews.com/

Tanaka M, Baba Y, Kataoka Y, Kinbara N. Sagesaka YM, Kakuda T, Watanabe, Y. Effects of (-) -epigallocatechin gallate in liver of an animal model of combined (physical and mental) fatigue. Nutrition 24(6):599-603, 2008

What do you lose when you drink lots of soda pop, eat plenty of sugar and saturated fat, little fiber, and plenty of tasty salt? You lose bone density. 

What's worse, by avoiding the list of dietary no-no's, and taking a regular calcium supplement, you can still be losing bone density! 

You may think you're eating healthily, and you may be taking at least 1,000 mg of calcium every day, but you just might be at an increased risk of osteoporosis, with a frightening potential for degeneration of bone mass (usually from the hip and lower spine.) 

The fact is, far too many people—women and men alike—have a calcium absorption disorder. Even with a daily calcium supplement, unless the body actually absorbs the calcium supplement into the bone, it doesn't do any good. In fact, consuming a calcium supplement without proper bone-absorption, can be dangerous, because even though your body can excrete some of the well-intentioned calcium, your body can also store calcium in other places where it shouldn't be kept. The human body can actually become toxic with calcium, mainly from mal-absorbed calcium supplementation, while the bones continue to shrink.

So what should you do to protect your bones? Should you even be taking a daily calcium supplement? 

First things first: A healthy adult loses about 500 milligrams of calcium each day, because your body takes this amount of calcium naturally from your bones and places it into your bloodstream to be used by your body. It's just the way it is. Therefore, it makes sense to take in at least 500 milligrams of daily calcium to replace this natural leaching effect. For most people, it can be difficult to consume 500+ milligrams of calcium in their daily diet, so it is very wise to include a calcium supplement into the mix. 

So how can you make the absolute most from the calcium you consume through the foods you eat, and through calcium supplementation? 

Basically, you need to reduce and/or eliminate the substances that are blocking your absorption of calcium. You may be thinking, okay, simple enough, give me the how-to 1, 2, 3's! 

1: Salt vs. calcium.... the salt wins, you lose bone. You must reduce your salt intake. Salt and calcium compete with each other to get absorbed into the small intestine. If you eat too much salt, your calcium will make a beeline right into your colon and out of your body. Some calcium will go into your blood and attract water, so your kidneys work overtime to flush it out as urine, taking with it even more calcium and minerals needed by your body for good health. 

Become salt-savvy. Read labels for sodium content. Seek out natural salt substitutes and use herbs and spices for flavoring. Look for foods that are unsalted or with no added salt. Sodium free or salt free should have less than five mg per serving. Very low sodium should have 35 mg of sodium or less per serving. Low sodium should have 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. You get the idea. (Bonus: your blood pressure, heart, liver and kidneys will thank you.) Know that over time, tastebuds can become dependent on salt for flavor, so you may have to wean your tongue from that needed taste. To improve your chances of kicking the salt habit, try reducing the use over several weeks, with 'zero salt tolerance' being your ultimate goal. 

2: Pop! Goes Your Bones! Soda pop has two things going against it—or against you—sugar (or a sugar substitute) and phosphoric acid. Sorry, but if you're a regular pop drinker, you probably have a calcium absorption problem. It's that simple. Too much sugar can cause insulin resistance, making your insulin levels too high, and insulin is a huge calcium robber. Excess insulin yanks healthy bone material out of your bones and drops it into your soft tissues where it can cause harm—and prohibits your bones from absorbing the calcium from your food and your supplements. Giving up sugar is vital to your bones. And the phosphoric acid... well, with a pH level of 2.8, that's what creates the carbonation and fizz, hence the name “pop.” Most high school science classes will experiment by soaking a steak in a bowl of cola, and watching as it disappears in two days! Try it—and think of what this could be doing to your bones. 

Get in the habit of reaching for water instead. Add flavor with slices of fruit or mix in a splash of juice. Experiment with iced black tea and green tea; flavors such as raspberry, peppermint and chamomile satisfy a sweet tooth, promote weight loss, provide added health benefits, and naturally hydrate your cells. Remember, there are natural sweeteners like stevia and agave. Each provides the sweetness of nature, but without the dangers of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

3: Pump it Up!  You guessed it: resistance training is the best way to build bone. Twice a week for 45 minutes. Regardless of your age—or because of your age!—lifting weights is your ticket to healthy bones and increased calcium absorption. Studies show that regular weight lifting increases bone mass in the hips and lower spine, areas often the victims of bone loss and bone fractures. 

Simple hand- and leg-weights are all that's needed to give your bones that added boost. Or join a gym and get the added benefit of guidance and inspiration from a staff trainer. And guess what? Your mood (and maybe your loved ones) will thank you! When you regularly lift weights, your mood gets lifted too. Strength training has been shown to help ease depression and be a dynamic mood enhancer.   Bonus: an improved body and an improved body image—and increased socialization by meeting new people if you go to a gym.

A vital connection has finally been seen linking calcium consumption with calcium absorption. By proactively avoiding salt and sugar, and including regular resistance training, you set the stage for your body to absorb the calcium you need from your foods and calcium supplements. Foods that are naturally high in calcium are yogurt, figs, tofu, eggs, dairy, and all of the glorious dark green vegetables, like kale, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach. 

Speaking of spinach, an old French proverb calls it, “The broom of the stomach.” Spinach sweeps away cholesterol and helps flush the body of saturated fat. Keep a huge bag of baby spinach on hand. Toss handfuls into just about any recipe, preferably at the last minute. Add to rice as it nears completion; throw a handful into a low-sodium canned soup for lunch; heap it onto a hot non-stick pan sprayed with olive oil, toss with a few drops of balsamic vinegar—it'll shrink into just a few delicious servings. (Don’t forget to add some nuts for added nutrients and crunch.) Use raw spinach in lieu of lettuce on sandwiches, roll-ups and wraps. And of course, it's always great in a salad. Spinach is loaded with bone-loving calcium and naturally reduces excess cholesterol. 

Studies have shown that people with high cholesterol have fewer cells that work to build bone density. Bone health is a continual process of bone breakdown and bone build-up, so it's up to you to give your bones what they need to rebuild themselves—and avoid what prevents calcium absorption. Eat with your bones in mind. Intentionally choose foods that offer nutrients necessary for bone health. Cultivate a dietary awareness through purposefully eating foods that work with your body, not against it. Know what your food is doing for you and to you.

So what do you get when you combine smart food choices and eating with intention? You get great health and strong bones to escort you through a long and vibrant life! 

Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, but many people do not get enough. The recommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber for a healthy adult depends on calorie intake. For instance, based on a diet of 2,000 calories per day, the RDA of fiber is 25 grams, increasing one gram per day for every 100 calories. It is easy to boost daily intake of fiber without adding calories to your waistline – just pay attention to your diet, or try all natural, fiber supplements.

Adequate fiber in the diet provides important health benefits including reduced risks for developing diabetes and heart disease, lowered cholesterol levels, enhanced weight loss and an improved digestive system.

Plants are the only source of dietary fiber, which includes all the parts of the plant that the body can’t digest or absorb into the bloodstream. Dietary fiber is sometimes known as roughage or bulk. Unlike fats, proteins and carbohydrates, which the body has enzymes to digest, fiber passes through the body without being digested and absorbed into the bloodstream.

If a food is high in fiber, there is not a lot of room left for calories, which can be a benefit to people looking to lose weight. For instance, one ounce of milk chocolate, which has no dietary fiber, contains 15o calories. One ounce of blueberries, which has 4.1 grams of fiber, contains 16 calories. This means that you could eat almost ten ounces of blueberries to get the same number of calories as one ounce of milk chocolate. High-fiber foods are bulkier so they make us feel full faster than low-fiber foods, and they require more chewing, which means we tend to eat less.

Here are some quick and easy changes you can make to your diet to boost fiber without increasing calories:

• Get five servings of fruits and vegetables per day
• Consume 100% whole-wheat or whole-grain breads
• Substitute cream-based soups with broth-based soups containing lots of vegetables
• Eat high-fiber cereals
• Replace white rice with brown rice in recipes
• Sprinkle wheat bran into foods and smoothies
• Make cooked beans a part of your daily diet – add to soups, tacos, and salads

High fiber foods are good for the health, but to prevent stomach upset like gas, bloating and cramping, make sure to gradually increase your fiber intake until your body adapts. Also, as it passes through the body, fiber absorbs water, so it is important to also boost water consumption when fiber intake is increased.

In addition to dietary changes, try all natural supplements as a way to boost fiber in the diet. Check out Beautiful Barley from the Institute for Vibrant Living. The perfect “fast food,” this healthy supplement is chock full of fiber, offering even more than bran. It is made from 100% whole-leaf barley powder, which gives all of the natural plant fiber and health benefits of a whole plant.

In addition to fiber, Beautiful Barleyis a rich source of EFAs (essential fatty acids) and amino acids – the building blocks of protein. A complete “super food,” just four tablets per day provides more antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and protein than a standard meal – without the calories! Not only is Beautiful Barley full of fiber to help the digestion, but it is also an energy booster, it may help control blood sugar levels, enhance sleep and improve immune system health!

Nourish and cleanse the body from the inside out by trying the ten tips below or natural liver and kidney health. Detoxification can eliminate impurities from the body allowing health and wellness to take hold and thrive.

The natural process of detoxification in the body involves the blood, bowels, kidneys, lungs, liver and skin. The liver filters and removes impurities from the blood, the kidneys and bowels eliminate harmful substances through wasting, the lungs filter dangerous particles that we breathe, and the skin removes impurities through the pores. A threat to any part of this process can affect the whole body. Here are ten ways to detoxify your body and keep it healthy – inside and out!

Eat a healthy, fiber-full diet!
Foods that are high in fiber act as natural cleansers and detoxifiers and slow the rate at which the body absorbs sugar, keeping blood sugar levels steady. Health professionals recommend consumption of 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily for good health. Good sources of fiber are whole grains, brown rice, organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and spices like cinnamon, basil, cloves and black pepper.

Cleanse with H2O!
If the body is not properly hydrated, the kidneys pass extra work to the liver and other organs causing stress, which compromises the process of purifying the blood.   Drink at least 64 ounces of pure or filtered water daily to enhance the health. Proper amounts of water can improve the complexion, boost digestion, relieve aches and pains, enhance the metabolism, and renew vitality and energy.

Limit your alcohol intake!
When ingested, alcohol is absorbed by the stomach, enters the bloodstream and travels to all body tissues. Large amounts ingested over time can cause damage to the brain and liver.  Women who drink during pregnancy can give birth to babies with fetal alcohol syndrome, which can result in mental retardation and other physical problems. In addition, a new study from England indicates that one alcoholic drink per day is linked to breast cancer in 11 of every 1,000 women, increasing with each additional daily drink. 

Give detoxifying herbs a try!
Herbal cleanses are a great idea when a specific organ needs detoxification. In addition, herbs provide vitamins, minerals and enzymes for optimum nutrition. Herbs can be purchased as teas, powders or extracts.

Balance your pH levels!
Look into alkalizing foods or supplements like wheat grass, barley grass and lemon grass to naturally balance the pH levels in your body. This helps to purify the blood and remove undigested fats and toxins from the liver. In addition, balancing pH levels can increase energy, improve the complexion and enhance digestion!

Try zeolite!
This is a porous mineral made from volcanic ash and sea salt which has tremendous detoxifying potential. Sold in liquid, powder and tablet form, this mineral contains cavities which attract and bind harmful substances and flush them safely from the body!

Clean the colon! |
This process clears large quantities of stagnant, toxic waste trapped on colon walls.  Many enthusiasts claim that yearly colon cleansing improves vitality in the body, boosts the immune system, enhances mental outlook and supports weight loss.

Eliminate pesky parasites!
Symptoms of parasite infestation include abdominal pain, constipation, anemia, fatigue, digestive problems, dizziness and joint pain, to name a few. To cleanse the body of parasites, try munching on pumpkin or peppermint seeds or try wormwood, pink root or black walnut supplements.

Purge the stress!
Stress triggers the body to release stress hormones into the bloodstream, which are deterrents to good health. Large quantities of these hormones can create toxins in the body and can slow the action of enzymes in the liver. Try meditation, yoga, or tai chi to purge stress from the body.

Give hydrotherapy a go!
This method detoxifies through the pores and supports a healthy immune system! Take a very hot shower for five minutes, and follow with the water on the coldest possible setting for 30 seconds. Repeat for two additional cycles and relax in bed for 30 minutes after.

Q-hydrate528® is a powerful all natural supplement that combines fulvic acid and zeolite to provide your body with all the trace minerals in their most perfect, readily absorbable form.

When your body’s pH is in the acid range, (below 7.0) it retains water to dilute the acidity and it stores fat (excess weight) as protection from the increase in acid blood. When your body is overloaded with acid, it's NOT a pretty picture.

• Your body craves sugar, salt and fat.
• Your blood sugar balance is impaired.
• Your energy crashes and stays flat.
• You feel & look run down because your cells are run down.

Then, after all that increased fatigue, you eat more starches and protein and the vicious cycle never ends.

When your body is suffering from acid overload, it will hold on to fat (excess weight) no matter how much exercise you do. But please consider this: As Q-hydrate528® shifts your body to a healthier alkaline pH; your bodies will easily, naturally and safely release fat and water weight in the shortest possible time and keep it off. Essentially an all natural weight loss supplement.

Most longevity experts argue that you must drink 8 glasses of water per day and eat 80% alkalizing foods and 20% acid-forming foods – in order to balance your pH and flush away acid waste.

This may not sound that difficult, but only about 5% of Americans consider themselves vegetarians and it's only that small group that routinely eats 80% alkalizing foods. The rest of us struggle to get even close to the optimal 80/20 rule.If it grows on a tree or vine, or if it's dug out of the earth, that food is alkalizing. If it is made by man, acid forming.

What libation tastes great, wakes you up, natural immune system boosters, reduces risk of cancer, keeps your teeth heathy, helps you lose weight and increases longevity of life? If you guessed the health supplement ‘green tea,’ you either read the title of this article, or you too have heard of the incredible healing properties of one of the best health supplement known to mankind.

The history of green tea goes back to ancient China, more than 4000 years ago. Initially invented to improve the taste and color of water, green tea was a common beverage, yet quickly became a method of traditional medicine in most of Asia. Today, modern medicine has conceded that there is much to the health benefits of green tea claimed by ancient Asians. Below, we outline just a few of these restorative attributes.

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols. EGCG, green tea's active ingredient, is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Another key aspect of green tea is its ability to assist in weight loss. Researchers believed that the normal rate of burning calories from 8-10%, but when they experimented with the tea, they found results which reached up to 14%.

One of the reasons why green tea boosts the burning of calories is because it contains a special ingredient called catechin that prevents free-radicals from damaging your body after a heavy workout.

The beverage also has large quantities of potent antioxidants which help fight aging. These natural elements protect us from harmful diseases and illness while keeping our bodies fit at the same time. The benefits of green tea are too numerous to mention, but the benefits are only a sip away.