Although I don't claim to be able to predict the future, I am certain that the topic of Glutathione will be all over the airways in the near future and be sold as a cure-all. No doubt there will be a plethora of online vultures that will make extraordinary claims in order to get into unsuspecting people's pockets.
There are over 60,000 published papers on glutathione, and yet I had never heard of it up until a few months ago. Glutathione is a small protein that is produced in our cells when certain elements are present. It functions both as an antioxidant and an antitoxin. Although I do not drink alcohol, I have heard stories of a fast recovery using the elements that naturally increase glutathione within the body. If this is true, it would suggest to me that it indeed is an antitoxin.
It's important to know that more than 80% of the products on the market that claim to be or have glutathione in them have no benefit at all due to the fact that the elements are destroyed in the stomach, and what little that does get into the blood stream is too large to enter into the cells. So be careful not to waste your money on these products.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to a product that does not contain glutathione at all, but rather the components that are small enough to enter into the cell, and raise glutathione in the lymphocytes (white blood cells). I have had positive results, especially with a life-long problem of asthma.
It is my hope that as the public awareness of glutathione unfolds, they will be wise enough not to get taken by scam artists that peddle phony information and products containing glutathione because it simply cannot be absorbed into the cells. The body produces it on its own when given the proper elements to produce it.
Charles Graham is a business owner and internet marketing trainer that has been involved in the nutritional industry since a teenage boy. He has helped many people succeed in their own efforts with his simple laid back yet aggressive approach to online marketing without the need to sell or pitch people. Charles enjoys family life and enjoys working with people on a daily basis.
Charles Grahamhttp://www.thebigwowfactor.com
Monday, February 25, 2008
Good Food, Good Health - Fiber
Most of us know the importance of eating enough fibre daily in our diet and that a good varied balanced diet is essential - good food for good health, to keep us feeling on top of the world. But alas, for a lot of people at this time of year it is easy to comfort eat, reaching for quick fixes that do not fulfill us for long and that often have high sugary and fat content. So if you need to snack why not try a healthy flapjack instead of crisps and chocolate, as oats are a great way to include
fibre in your diet.
Foods containing fibre release their sugars far more slowly than refined foods, therefore curbing the appetite much better with a fuller feeling for longer and in so helping control blood sugar levels. Because of fibres excellent 'filling' properties it is helpful for people trying to lose weight or calorie count.
There are no recommended daily amounts (RDA) of fibre, but we should all aim to eat 25 - 30grams every day. I adore porridge and always start the day with a bowl and is quite a family favourite, especially now you can buy a variety with maple flavoured sultanas, dates and pecans - it has been known that I have tucked into another bowl during the evening!
Fiber is essential to our digestive health and system by aiding digestion, it is important in helping escort 'waste' from the gut out of the body, also it can help reduce cholesterol levels which is good for improving cardiovascular health.
Research has shown that by eating a fibre rich diet can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by up to 40 per cent, which is a sizeable reduction. My father died from bowel cancer, and in fact had the disease twice, luckily with a 17-year remission in between.
Because of this I ensure my family eats a fibre rich diet. I am assured that bowel cancer is not hereditary but that it can occur in family clusters sometimes, and so am lucky enough to be on a programme where I have a colonoscopy every 5 years due to this, so maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important for all of us.
Fiber comes in two types - soluble and insoluble. The insoluble form contains lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose and is the type most people associate with. Found mainly in pulses and grains and is easily attainable through wholegrain bread and cereals that assist the movement of stools through the digestive tract.
Soluble fibre contains pectin and gums that helps to increase the level and growth of good bacteria in the gut, helps to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Found in many fruits such as oranges, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, apples, pears, blackberries etc. Eating a healthy fibre rich diet is good for anyone wanting to lose weight, as they are generally lower in fat and good sources of other nutrients, and fill us for longer. Whole grain foods are also packed in iron and vitamin B.
By making sure you are eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables is a great way to increase your intake. Other easy changes to your diet can be made to include more fibre by eating brown rice, wholemeal pasta, baked potato and apples with skin.
Baked beans are an excellent choice as only 150 grams contains 10g.
Nuts are often overlooked for fibre, but a handful gives a generous amount - 6 walnuts about 2g, 10 hazelnuts - 2g, peanuts, almonds and Brazil are also a good source.
A tablespoon of raisins has 2g, so added to cereal will help boost your intake, a 200ml glass of orange juice contains 0.6g whereas a large orange has 2g.
Vegetables also contain a good source of fibre including broccoli, beans, spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts and Swiss chard.
Many people find that by suddenly increasing the intake can cause excessive wind and bloating to occur, so by gradually adding it to your diet can help stop this. Anyone who suffers from constipation should eat a fibre rich diet as this can alleviate it, but what is equally important is drinking plenty of fluid as this enables the fibre to work.
Remember eating good food gives you good health
Sandra & Ted
This article was composed by Sandra & Ted Wosko. We have always been interested in health issues especially having children, and as with most people, we all suffer with some type of ailment. We are always researching on more and more topics in the endless task of gaining more knowledge to increase our expertise, benefiting ourselves and other people alike.
fibre in your diet.
Foods containing fibre release their sugars far more slowly than refined foods, therefore curbing the appetite much better with a fuller feeling for longer and in so helping control blood sugar levels. Because of fibres excellent 'filling' properties it is helpful for people trying to lose weight or calorie count.
There are no recommended daily amounts (RDA) of fibre, but we should all aim to eat 25 - 30grams every day. I adore porridge and always start the day with a bowl and is quite a family favourite, especially now you can buy a variety with maple flavoured sultanas, dates and pecans - it has been known that I have tucked into another bowl during the evening!
Fiber is essential to our digestive health and system by aiding digestion, it is important in helping escort 'waste' from the gut out of the body, also it can help reduce cholesterol levels which is good for improving cardiovascular health.
Research has shown that by eating a fibre rich diet can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by up to 40 per cent, which is a sizeable reduction. My father died from bowel cancer, and in fact had the disease twice, luckily with a 17-year remission in between.
Because of this I ensure my family eats a fibre rich diet. I am assured that bowel cancer is not hereditary but that it can occur in family clusters sometimes, and so am lucky enough to be on a programme where I have a colonoscopy every 5 years due to this, so maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important for all of us.
Fiber comes in two types - soluble and insoluble. The insoluble form contains lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose and is the type most people associate with. Found mainly in pulses and grains and is easily attainable through wholegrain bread and cereals that assist the movement of stools through the digestive tract.
Soluble fibre contains pectin and gums that helps to increase the level and growth of good bacteria in the gut, helps to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Found in many fruits such as oranges, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, apples, pears, blackberries etc. Eating a healthy fibre rich diet is good for anyone wanting to lose weight, as they are generally lower in fat and good sources of other nutrients, and fill us for longer. Whole grain foods are also packed in iron and vitamin B.
By making sure you are eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables is a great way to increase your intake. Other easy changes to your diet can be made to include more fibre by eating brown rice, wholemeal pasta, baked potato and apples with skin.
Baked beans are an excellent choice as only 150 grams contains 10g.
Nuts are often overlooked for fibre, but a handful gives a generous amount - 6 walnuts about 2g, 10 hazelnuts - 2g, peanuts, almonds and Brazil are also a good source.
A tablespoon of raisins has 2g, so added to cereal will help boost your intake, a 200ml glass of orange juice contains 0.6g whereas a large orange has 2g.
Vegetables also contain a good source of fibre including broccoli, beans, spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts and Swiss chard.
Many people find that by suddenly increasing the intake can cause excessive wind and bloating to occur, so by gradually adding it to your diet can help stop this. Anyone who suffers from constipation should eat a fibre rich diet as this can alleviate it, but what is equally important is drinking plenty of fluid as this enables the fibre to work.
Remember eating good food gives you good health
Sandra & Ted
This article was composed by Sandra & Ted Wosko. We have always been interested in health issues especially having children, and as with most people, we all suffer with some type of ailment. We are always researching on more and more topics in the endless task of gaining more knowledge to increase our expertise, benefiting ourselves and other people alike.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Fruit and Vegetables that Pack a Nutritional Punch are Produce Powerhouses
No one disputes that consuming fresh fruit and vegetables can help improve health and increase longevity. But most people don't know that, when it comes to nutrition, all produce isn't created equal. Indeed, some fruit and vegetables are much more nutritionally dense than others. Given that we tend not to eat all of the fruit and veggies that we should, it's important to make sure that those we choose pack the biggest nutritional bang possible. Here are some that always come out on top:
Vitamin A: When it comes to Vitamin A, which plays a critical role in many of the body's functions, including vision, bone growth, and the immune system, carrots always win the race. A half-cup of carrot juice provides 450% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin A; one raw carrot will give you 175% of the RDA. Spinach, kale, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and apricots come in a respectable, though distant, second. There's only one food that beats out carrots: beef liver. Really, which would you rather have?
Vitamin B6: To a large extent, Americans get most of their B vitamins from fortified cereals. The Vitamin B group is critical to many cell functions, and is instrumental in, for example, carrying oxygen to tissues. Good sources of Vitamin B6 include potatoes (35% RDA) and bananas (34% RDA). Folate, another B vitamin, can be found in spinach, asparagus, mustard greens, green peas, and broccoli.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and protects cells from the effects of free radicals. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables, broccoli, kiwifruit, and mango are all good sources of Vitamin E.
Iron: This abundant metal is critical in delivering oxygen to tissues, as well as in cell growth. Legumes (like beans and lentils) are great sources of iron, as is spinach. Popeye needed to keep the blood flowing to his muscles, right?
Magnesium: About half of the body's magnesium is in the bones, but the other half helps keeps organs functioning smoothly, the metabolism humming along, and tissues healthy. When it comes to fresh produce and magnesium, the greener the better. That's because the molecules that give green vegetables their color contain magnesium. However, bananas, potatoes, and avocados also contain magnesium.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy metabolism and is has wonderful antioxidant properties. Although we often association the vitamin with citrus fruits like oranges, there are many other fresh fruit and vegetables that have higher concentrations of Vitamin C. Guava, red peppers, and blackberries are wonderful sources of Vitamin C, as are broccoli and kiwifruit.
It's important to keep in mind that, if you want to get the most vitamins and minerals from your produce, you should eat it raw. Cooking vegetables drastically reduces their nutritional content, so if you must cook them, try stir-frying or steaming. Likewise, because many nutrients sit close to the skins of vegetables, try to avoid peeling them. Instead, give them a quick scrub with a veggie brush and some water, and eat the skins and all.
| Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Produce: Nutritional Powerhouses or Majon's Food directory Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson |
Low Impact Back Pain Relief? Aquacise!
Aquacising, or using water to add resistance to your exercise, can help many people who suffer from back pain target specific muscles that help bring relief. Since this program is one of the lowest impact routines, aquacise can offer a variety of benefits to every area of your body.
Starting with a warm-up that stretches the muscles is always recommended to help prevent injuries. When treating back pain by aquacizing this can especially be true if the water is cool. Ask your doctor or other trained professionals at your pool if you are not sure how to warm-up.
Most types of back pain can be helped if you target the core area of muscles in the abdomen, sides, and lower back while aquacising.
One exercise, the Jump and Dig, is a great place to begin. In a water depth that stays between your waist and chest, spread your legs, lower your torso, and jump. Try to jump high enough so your knees almost break the surface. This exercise works the lower body and abdominals, which will strengthen your core . As you progress, you should be able to increase the duration and the distance you can jump.
To add a workout for your obliques and lower back, the Dip, you use your hands as scoops. Alternate scooping in opposite directions below the surface bringing your hand up and to the side.
Use these exercises separately at the beginning for about three minutes each. Then, as you become more comfortable, combine them for a upper and lower body workout that will target the areas needed to bring back pain relief.
You should begin to notice some back pain relief almost immediately. The buoyancy of the water in aquacise really lets you reach your goals a lot sooner with more resistance and less impact on your joints.
Aquacise can be a good place to start your exercise program. Trim your belly, flatten your stomach and tone your muscles. Add a good diet and make sure to stay hydrated for a program that can help ease your back pain and give you an major energy boost.
| Author - Jeffrey Neal Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Neal |
A Great Stretch For Natural Back Pain Relief
Lower back pain is one of the most common physical complaints today. In fact, nine out of ten Americans will experience back pain sometime in their life. There are many causes of low back pain, but one surprising cause is a tight muscle that is the deepest in the body, the psoas.
The psoas attaches to the forward part of the lower spine, on the abdominal side. From there, it runs forward through the abdominal cavity to the inside of the hip point. The lower connection for the psoas is on the inside of the upper thigh.
When this muscle is tight, it can pull the lower back forward increasing the arch in the low back. This extra arch is one of the causes of low back pain.
The best relief for the psoas is a massage, however there are not many massage therapists who can do a good job. Stretching the psoas is another way to help relieve the problem. Here are two stretches for the psoas that might help you and your back.
The best stretch I know of for the psoas requires a little help. They don't need to be skilled, they just need to be able to move slowly and respond to your instructions. Start by lying down on a massage table or high bed. You need some height, so that the leg you are working can be hanging down off the side. Lower is okay, as long as you can bend your knee so that your knee can be drawn down.
Let your leg drop completely, relax it. If need be, the top of the foot can be resting on the floor. Have the other leg extended fully so it is flat. Your helper then takes your foot in one hand drawing it up and slightly and towards your head while the other hand gently and very slowly draws the knee down.
Tell them exactly what you need, this is a very strong stretch, and they could easily hurt you. You might want to have them move in stages, moving just a little and stopping so you can relax all the areas involved assessing weather you need more stretch or not. It is okay if your back arches a little, as long as it doesn't hurt your back. Be careful not to overdo the stretch. Be patient and try the stretch again another day. I can't over stress the importance of not over stretching this muscle. Most likely it hasn't ever had a good stretch, so give it time to let you know what it needs.
The other psoas stretch can be done on your own. Lie on your back and bend your right knee so that the foot is off to the right side with the knee at a ninety degree angle. With your left foot, gently press your right knee down. This will probably make your back arch, this is fine as long as it doesn't hurt. The same cautions from the previous stretch apply: move slowly and be careful.
These two stretches are a good start for back health. A regular exercise regime along with stretching, a good diet and necessary supplements are the main factors in having a healthy back. And, there are alternative ways to back health that work a lot better than the standard western model of drugs and surgery. Take some time to find out what else might be available.
| Kalidasa is the developer of Self Adjusting Technique which is designed so that just about anyone can adjust their own back hips and ribs simply and without pain or cracking. Now you can be from back pain in minutes using Kalidasa's Self Adjusting Technique -- guaranteed. Go to http://SelfAdjustingTechnique.com for more information on natural back pain relief. You can find information about the downloadable book "Kalidasa's Self Adjusting Technique" at http://selfadjustingtechnique.com?page_id=7 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalidasa_Brown |
Effective Anti-Aging Tips
In order to avoid aging or adjust to the inevitable results of aging, here are some anti-aging tips that are believed to be effective:
1. Try to stick to a diet that is low in fat but high in complex carbohydrates.
2. Maintain your body's endurance and strength with regular exercise or a programmed workout.
3. As mush as possible, maximize your intake of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E that can be sourced from food supplements, vegetables, and fruits.
4. Wage an all out war against the sun's deadly rays. Protecting yourself from the sun's deadly and damaging rays is indeed one of the most effective ways to fight aging. Make sure that you apply complete sun protection with sunscreen and sun block with high SPF content.
5. To avoid prolonged exposure to the sun's rays, try not to go out outdoors during high-intensity hours- from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.-because this is the time when the sun's rays are most damaging.
6. Another way to protect yourself from the sun's deadly rays is by wearing protective clothing. By covering your skin with articles of clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats, you can keep your skin away from UV rays. Also, opt for fabrics that are can offer better protection form the sun.
7. Don't smoke. Or if you are a smoker, try to quit. Studies say that the nicotine derived from smoking greatly accelerates the skin's normal aging process.
8. Make sure that you take time to wash your skin gently. Cleaning your skin contributes to delayed aging. Aside from being an essential part of taking care of the skin, washing it can lessen the risk of having skin diseases from the pollutants in the environment. Try using warm water during baths and try to limit the time spent on bath time.
Also, avoid strong soap that can lead to a dry skin and stop using products that contain irritating additives such as perfumes and dyes. If you're using make up, make sure that you remove it carefully after a day's work. Lastly, learn how to pat your skin dry gently to keep it moisturized.
9. Choose a gentle moisturize. Moisturizing regularly can help you maintain a youthful glow. By using moisturizers, you can help maintain the skin's natural moisture levels. Make sure that you choose a moisturizer that is suited for your specific skin type.
10. Learn the art of shaving gently and carefully. Although shaving is the most common means of removing unwanted hair, it doesn't have to be done on a daily basis. But if you shave often, make sure that you press a warm washcloth on the skin before shaving to soften the hair and apply a shaving cream, lotion, or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate the skin.
| If you would like to read more tips and advice about anti aging please feel free to visit http://anti-aging-solutions.blogspot.com/ for further information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Dodds |
Monday, February 18, 2008
Tart Cherries and Gout Pain Relief
Tart cherries and gout pain relief – What do these two unrelated phrases have in common? The answer most people would say is: A love-hate relationship.
The Love Relationship: Tart cherries are the favorite fruit of millions. The color, the taste and the increasing amount of research indicating the natural relief of joint pain from tart cherries. Cherries are among the leading foods offering natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The Hate Relationship: People hate the pain cause by gout. One symptom of gout is the swelling of the big toe. One cause of gout pain is high uric acid and crystal-like needles that form in the joints that can cause extreme joint pain.
Increased levels of uric acid can be used by eating high-purine foods and having a diet rich in fatty foods. Although, most people know that eating fatty-rich foods can cause gout, it is sometimes hard to stop eating the foods we love, even if it is a just nibble.
Tart Cherry to the Rescue of Legions of Gout Pain Suffers
Research indicates tart cherries are a natural way to fight joint pain caused by gout. In fact, Montmorency tart cherries are the leader among foods that offer natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The tart cherries has a number of natural compounds that are believe to work synergistically together to provide the amazing, natural relief so many have relied upon for generations. Some of compounds naturally found in tart cherries include anthocyanins, meltonin, boron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
One interesting fact about tart cherries is they are a natural and high source of Melatonin. This helps to regulate circadian rhythms and maintain nightly sleep patterns. Also, cherries have been shown to have naturally occurring anthocyanins. Also, anthocyanins are present in the cherry. Research indicates Anthocyanins also helps to fight joint pain. So in other words, the Anthocyanins compounds in the tart cherry are natural COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. That is probably why many swear by the pain relief offered by tart cherries not only for gout but arthritis, too.
Tart cherries are available in several ways and depending on your lifestyle, you’ll know which is the best way to get the gout pain relieving properties of tart cherries in your diet.
Fresh Cherries: The absolute best way to get the tart cherry. However, you will not be able to find them year-round in your grocery store. Fresh cherries have a very limited harvest season and only keep a few weeks on the refrigerator.
Frozen Cherries: This is a good way to get tart cherries. They are the frozen version of the fresh fruit. However, many grocery stores don’t carry frozen cherries. You can look for them on the Internet or a good source is Blue Ridge Farms. They can ship frozen cherries from Michigan to your door. Call them at 1-989-874-9735
Dried Cherries: Dried fruit is a convenient and simple way to get the great health benefits of tart cherries. You don’t need any special storage and they can be eaten anytime of the day and are great snack at work.
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate: Cherry juice has been around for decades. It takes approximately 100 cherries to make just one ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate.
Tart Cherry Capsules: Cherry capsules are simply tart cherries that have been manufactured using the freeze-dried process. This process maintains 100% of the nutritional ingredients of the fresh fruit and tart cherry are very convenient.
The Love Relationship: Tart cherries are the favorite fruit of millions. The color, the taste and the increasing amount of research indicating the natural relief of joint pain from tart cherries. Cherries are among the leading foods offering natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The Hate Relationship: People hate the pain cause by gout. One symptom of gout is the swelling of the big toe. One cause of gout pain is high uric acid and crystal-like needles that form in the joints that can cause extreme joint pain.
Increased levels of uric acid can be used by eating high-purine foods and having a diet rich in fatty foods. Although, most people know that eating fatty-rich foods can cause gout, it is sometimes hard to stop eating the foods we love, even if it is a just nibble.
Tart Cherry to the Rescue of Legions of Gout Pain Suffers
Research indicates tart cherries are a natural way to fight joint pain caused by gout. In fact, Montmorency tart cherries are the leader among foods that offer natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The tart cherries has a number of natural compounds that are believe to work synergistically together to provide the amazing, natural relief so many have relied upon for generations. Some of compounds naturally found in tart cherries include anthocyanins, meltonin, boron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
One interesting fact about tart cherries is they are a natural and high source of Melatonin. This helps to regulate circadian rhythms and maintain nightly sleep patterns. Also, cherries have been shown to have naturally occurring anthocyanins. Also, anthocyanins are present in the cherry. Research indicates Anthocyanins also helps to fight joint pain. So in other words, the Anthocyanins compounds in the tart cherry are natural COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. That is probably why many swear by the pain relief offered by tart cherries not only for gout but arthritis, too.
Tart cherries are available in several ways and depending on your lifestyle, you’ll know which is the best way to get the gout pain relieving properties of tart cherries in your diet.
Fresh Cherries: The absolute best way to get the tart cherry. However, you will not be able to find them year-round in your grocery store. Fresh cherries have a very limited harvest season and only keep a few weeks on the refrigerator.
Frozen Cherries: This is a good way to get tart cherries. They are the frozen version of the fresh fruit. However, many grocery stores don’t carry frozen cherries. You can look for them on the Internet or a good source is Blue Ridge Farms. They can ship frozen cherries from Michigan to your door. Call them at 1-989-874-9735
Dried Cherries: Dried fruit is a convenient and simple way to get the great health benefits of tart cherries. You don’t need any special storage and they can be eaten anytime of the day and are great snack at work.
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate: Cherry juice has been around for decades. It takes approximately 100 cherries to make just one ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate.
Tart Cherry Capsules: Cherry capsules are simply tart cherries that have been manufactured using the freeze-dried process. This process maintains 100% of the nutritional ingredients of the fresh fruit and tart cherry are very convenient.
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