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anti aging

Vitamin C as a Supplement to Prevent Illness

Vitamin C as a Supplement to Prevent Illness

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Vitamin C supplements are probably the best way to prevent common illnesses like colds and the flu.

However, most people don’t know that Vitamin C supplements can also help with other serious illnesses like cancer, lung disease, and heart disease. In fact, new studies from many of the leading medical institutions in the world continually indicate that Vitamin C, even in low doses, can give your life expectancy a major boost.

Most people may think that they get enough Vitamin C from the foods they eat, like vegetables and fruits, but they don’t. In fact, one-quarter of Americans don’t get the recommended daily amount of 60 milligrams of Vitamin C that their cells need to perform basic bodily functions.

The National Cancer Center urges people to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, which would supply from 200 to 300 milligrams of Vitamin C, but only 9% of the American population accomplishes this.

Vitamin C supplements are potent, water-soluble antioxidants that trap and disarm free radicals in the watery part of your body’s tissue. Vitamin C supplements also help replenish Vitamin E and help enzymes destroy other free radicals in your system. Free radicals are the toxic molecules that eat away at healthy cells and turn them defective, which over time can cause more serious diseases like cancer.

Over 120 studies show that Vitamin C supplements work as a form of immunization against cancer. It was found that people who consistently took Vitamin C supplements were only half as likely to develop cancer as those who didn’t. Vitamin C supplements were particularly effective on cancers of the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, cervix, rectum, and breast. In one study, doctors recommended taking 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams of Vitamin C supplements per day to effectively prevent cancer. This is far above the suggested daily dose recommended by the National Cancer Center, so anyone attempting this kind of regimen should talk to their doctor first.

Vitamin C supplements taken daily can prevent other kinds of conditions like heart disease.

The correct doses can suppress high blood pressure, raise good-type HDL cholesterol, clean deposits from artery walls, and reduce the chances of heart-attack-inducing vascular spasms.

Vitamin C supplements taken regularly can also reduce breathing problems like asthma, prevent periodontal disease, and improve the immune system.

Improving the immune system is the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think about taking Vitamin C supplements. Of course, Vitamin C supplements do a great job of this, in addition to working on all the other disorders they prevent. Vitamin C supplements work with your immune system to gear up your body to fight infectious bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C supplements do this by boosting the white blood cells and raising the body’s level of antioxidants. Taking 500 milligrams of Vitamin C supplements per day during flu and cold season may prevent or at least lessen the likelihood of being ill during this time.

Vitamin C supplements work on so many levels to prevent disease.

However, Vitamin C may be plentiful in the foods you eat; it’s really the supplements that put you over the top when it comes to preventing disease and increasing the length and quality of life. Vitamin C supplements have been shown to help people who take them live about 6.3 years longer.

Natural Remedies To Stop Thinning Hair

Natural Remedies To Stop Thinning Hair

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By age 50, two-thirds of us have thinner, more brittle hair. Thankfully, at-home remedies can stop it in its tracks and help reverse it if it’s already occurred! Here’s what may be causing your hair loss and how to fix it.

Wash your hair daily.

When scalp cells absorb testosterone, the waste product produced can damage follicles and trigger male pattern baldness, even among women, research shows. Most women cut back on them as their hair thins, hoping that handling their hairless will help. To fix, first, give your scalp a thorough shampooing daily. 

Up your iron intake.

Your ability to absorb iron can plunge after age 55 due to a gradual slowdown in the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes-and one of the first signs of dipping iron levels in women is all over hair thinning. Eat four oz. of iron-rich beef, chicken liver, shellfish, turkey, chicken, or pork daily paired with something acidic, like tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, or orange juice. To maximize the benefit, avoid drinking coffee or tea or consuming calcium-packed dairy with meals containing iron-rich foods.  

Lower your stress level.

Try doing 15 minutes of relaxing yoga twice daily. Gentle stretching and rhythmic breathing help reduce the production of hair-wrecking stress hormones for up to 12 hours.

Watch your vitamin A.

You need vitamin A, but taking in more than 40,000 IU daily can trigger patchy hair loss. The ideal dose for vitamin A is 10,000 IU daily, but many multis have 10,000 IU per pill to add up fast. Get it from orange produce (such as carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes) as beta carotene, a building block of vitamin A that is 100% safe.

Get your thyroid checked.

Losing the hair from your scalp and your eyebrows can signal an out-of-whack thyroid. People think they’ll be exhausted or gain weight if their thyroid isn’t functioning well, yet one of the earliest signs of thyroid trouble is often thinning head and eyebrow hair. Treating a sluggish thyroid can reverse hair loss in as little as ten weeks.

Source: Woman’s World Specials: Reverse Aging

How To Finally Be Pain Free the Natural Way!

How To Finally Be Pain Free the Natural Way!

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Do you have chronic pain? These easy natural remedies are proof that you don’t have to put up with troublesome pains and other irritants anymore.
 

Practice slow exercise.

Tai chi, yoga, qigong, or doing any form of gentle, low-impact exercise for 25 minutes daily could reduce your aches and pains better than even prescription pain medications can provide. Relaxing motion decreases your production of cortisol, a pain-producing stress hormone that also delays the healing of damaged tissues.
 

Try Massage

Massaging sore spots with a lotion, including Celadrin, can reduce pain and swelling. This lotion is so safe you can use it as frequently as you need! Apply your Celadrin lotion after a warm bath. Hot water boosts the flow of its healing nutrients to damaged muscles and ligaments.
 

Try OMT.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) uses rhythmic stretching and gentle pressure to speed healing and make joints less tender. As little as 15 minutes of OMT weekly can decrease stiffness and pain, even for people whose pain is so critical that they’ve been thinking about surgery.
 

Get your fish oil.

Including 12 oz. of fish or seafood in your weekly diet could cut stiffness and achiness. Fish is rich in healthy fats that reduce fluid buildup and help repair hurt muscles, nerves, and tendons. Even easier: Take a daily 2,000-mg. dose of fish oil that contains DHA and EPA.
 

Eat a rainbow salad.

There’s no need to eat even more fruits and vegetables to feel great. Just focus on eating a mixture of products with eye-catching colors. For example, try eating top lettuce with red onion, orange carrots, yellow mango, and purple cabbage. Eating colorful produce, rather than greens alone, triples your intake of carotenoids, plant pigments that soothe pain nerves, tame inflammation, and regenerate damaged tissues. This step is so effective that eating only two “rainbow” salads or other colorful dishes daily could reduce the ouch and ache in four weeks.
Stopping the Clock from Aging: My Favorite Anti-Aging Vitamins and Herbs

Stopping the Clock from Aging: My Favorite Anti-Aging Vitamins and Herbs

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We are forever in search of the cure for old age.  

From a scientific point of view, the most important time of our lives is our period of fertility. From nature’s point of view, we are not that useful after the age of 40. As a result, many functions in our body begin to decline after this age. We have the opportunity to delay the signs of aging, fight against cell damage, inflammation, improve the immune system and promote mental clarity. 

We can’t stay young forever, but at least you can slow down the aging process from the inside out. Here are my favorite anti-aging vitamins and herbs that will help keep your cells healthy as you age:

Melatonin-If we think of the pineal gland as our internal clock, it “knows how old we are-and it knows when we are past our reproductive prime. As soon as this gland senses that we are too old to reproduce, it begins to produce far lower melatonin levels. This, in effect, signals all of our other systems to break down, and the aging process begins. Researchers have found that using melatonin does help the body mimic a youthful state.

Ubiquinol or Co-Enzyme Q10 – as we grow older, our CoQ10 levels naturally decline. Taking a CoQ10 supplement can make you less vulnerable to hardening of the arteries that leads to heart disease, improve your arterial elasticity while supporting heart function. 

Blueberries or Blueberry Extract – one of the earth’s most powerful antioxidants, blueberries contain healthy anthocyanins, pigments that give these berries their blue color. Not only do berries fight free radicals (toxins, chemicals, and pollutants) that cause damage to your body, they also provide other essential nutrients that help slow down the aging process. Aim for a ½ cup per day or if you don’t like blueberries, choose a high-quality supplement.

Resveratrol – a polyphenol found in the skin of grapes and berries. Resveratrol can be found in red wine, hence the “French paradox” that shows people who drink red wine have fewer health problems from eating fatty foods. Studies continue to show that resveratrol improves heart health, decreases glucose levels, raises insulin sensitivity, and may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.  

Multi-Vitamin – taking a high-quality multi-vitamin is inexpensive insurance to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies show that women who take a multi-vitamin regularly have longer telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that grow shorter with age. Longer telomeres are associated with health and youth, while shorter ones are associated with disease and aging. 

Turmeric – a member of the ginger family, this yellow, ancient Indian spice serves up plenty of anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. It can help prevent arthritis and bone loss in aging women. Add it to yogurt, a smoothie, or rub it on chicken or fish.  

Besides regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can take the above supplement to prepare to live longer and do it well.

Prevent Symptoms of Menopause Naturally

Prevent Symptoms of Menopause Naturally

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Perimenopause and menopause are natural processes that every woman goes through. They are not diseases or disorders, so why do so many women go to the doctor when they enter this period of their lives? The truth is, if your body isn’t balanced, the symptoms of menopause can be pretty miserable. Hot flashes, mood changes, weight gain… you may feel like your body is out of control and you don’t know how to get that control back again. Don’t worry. You’re not alone. And even better? There are things you can do to control those symptoms without resorting to prescriptions.

(Suffering from a cold this winter? Read this post!)

Herbs to Prevent Symptoms of Menopause

Herbs work wonderfully for preventing menopause and perimenopause symptoms because they are able to adapt to your body’s needs. Because of this ability, they can adapt to your hormonal fluctuations, helping to ease symptoms. Here are some of the best herbs for menopause:

Ashwagandha
Sometimes called Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb that can help improve libido, improve sleep, and reduce depression and anxiety.
Black Cohosh
Native Americans knew that Black Cohosh root was useful in treating sleep disturbances, irritability, hot flashes and night sweats experienced during menopause and perimenopause. It may also increase vaginal lubrication.
Chasteberry
Also known as Vitex, Chasteberry balances the pituitary gland which in turn balances the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. It can help relieve hot flashes, depression and the irregular menstrual cycles of perimenopuase.
Dong Quai
This herb has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2000 years and is known as an herb especially helpful for women. It helps fight fatigue and may help with irregular menstrual cycles.
Hops
Not just for making beer, hops have a powerful form of phytoestrogen called 8-prenylnaringenin. When taken daily, studies have found that 8-prenylnaringenin can prevent hot flashes, improve sleep, and reduce irritability.
Passionflower
This beautiful flower is used to treat insomnia because of its ability to relax and calm you. It’s also useful in treating anxiety because it helps increase the production of GABA in the brain. In fact, research has shown it to work better than some prescription medications for treating anxiety with out the side effects.

Did you know? Herbs can not only do wonders for preventing your menopausal symptoms naturally, but they can also help slow or even prevent signs of aging, boost your immune system, cure insomnia, among other things! To learn more, check out my books The Power of Anti-Aging Herbs & Vitamins and The Power of Bio-Identical Hormones.

Lifestyle Changes

Herbs can really work wonders for your health, but to work their best you should also follow a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, will help help control menopausal weight gain, improve your mood and help you sleep better. A proper diet is also essential. Make sure you have plenty of fruits and vegetables at each meal. Don’t forget to get enough protein and don’t be afraid of healthy fats. Eliminating grains can also produce amazing results in your overall health.

If you’re already having trouble sleeping, try to stick to a sleep schedule, even on the weekends, because adequate sleep is essential. Of course, make sure to drink plenty of clean, fluoride-free water. Eliminate processed foods and focus your diet on whole foods and the menopausal period of your life will be just another happy chapter in your book.

Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

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Now it’s time for the fun part: all the good foods you can eat that will also protect you from aging. Some of these foods may seem unfamiliar to you, but that’s okay. Experiment with different ways of preparing them and you’ll open up a whole new world of culinary delights.

1. Turmeric: If you love Indian food, you’re in luck because this is one spice you’ll want to use a lot because it is packed with benefits. It is really great in any kind of food so stock up. Turmeric has been shown to help prevent cancer and also protects brain and skin cells from free radical damage. This means your concentration can improve and wrinkles will appear more slowly.

A 2013 study published in Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry stated that “Age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction contributes to stroke, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.” But, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, after one month of use, showed promising results. “Curcumin treatment may be an effective therapeutic strategy to reverse age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction. Curcumin administration may represent a promising lifestyle intervention for preventing age-related cerebrovascular disturbances.“

If all that isn’t enough, turmeric has also been shown to be an anti-inflammatory. It improves blood circulation and acts as an anti-coagulant. What all this means is, if you have joint pain from arthritis or another disorder, turmeric can help with the pain. It also helps treat sprains, strains and bruises. With so many benefits, you can see why turmeric is listed as the number one anit-aging food.

2. Cruciferous Vegetables: Green cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts have been found to help reduce the risk of memory loss contribute to bone health. They may also help prevent cancer. These benefits are due to green veggies being rich in folate, calcium and other vital nutrients.

3. Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in the antioxidants zinc, beta-carotene and vitamin C. These nutrients are shown to help protect against macular degeneration as you age. Spinach also contains lutein, a nutrient known to improve skin elasticity.

4. Pomegranates: A bowl of pomegranate seeds is reminiscent of a bowl of shimmering rubies, but you’ll find them valuable for keeping wrinkles at bay. Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C, powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals that damage your skin. Pomegranate juice contains both ellagic acid, a polyphenol compound that fights damage from free radicals, and punicalagin, a supernutrient that has been found to increase your body’s capacity to preserve collagen.
Pomegranates are best enjoyed as the whole fruit. That is, eat a cup of seeds each week instead of drinking the processed juice. Fruit juices are not as healthy as whole fruits because the sugars are more concentrated (giving you more sugar per serving than you need) and you lose the benefits of fruit fiber.

5. Berries: Cranberries, blackberries and blueberries all are rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are antioxidant compounds that improve brain function and muscle tone. They may also slow certain types of cancer. They may also improve heart health and protect against obesity.

Anthocyanins can also be found in pomegranates, grapes and red onions. They are what give these foods their bright color. A bowl of mixed berries is a treat for sure, and your body will thank you.

6. Salmon: Salmon, and other cold water fish like tuna, sardines and mackerel, help keep your skin looking young and healthy because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s strengthen cell membranes to moisture can’t escape. They also reduce inflammatory compounds that age your body faster.

7. Walnuts: Like salmon, walnuts and other nuts are rich in omega-3s. They are a good snack if you want to lose weight because they fill you up fast without eating very many. Nuts also have lots of minerals that make your immune system stronger. In addition, they aid in digestion, help balance cholesterol levels, and contribute to healthier looking skin. Research has shown that the omega-3s in walnuts may also reduce inflammation that leads to age-related dementia.

8. Tomatoes: Because they contain the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes help keep your skin young. They may also reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

9. Red Grapes: Another antioxidant rich food, red grapes have one called resveritol. In studies, resveritol extended the lives of lab animals. It also has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties that contribute to a healthy heart. Enjoy the fruit or, on occasion, some grape juice or red wine.

10. Olive Oil: Olive oil has monounsaturated fat – that’s the good fat – that is found to reduce cognitive decline according to a study from the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands. This could be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s which inhibits the synthesis of cytokines and mitogens, which slow cognitive function. So keep your brain sharp as you age by using olive oil in your foods.