Activate Your Inner Healer » health

The Future of Health

issa — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:11:16 +0000

The Future is Now. Put this in mind when you’re thinking about how to live a healthy life, naturally. Take a look at the world around you. Reality is that population is growing bigger; Science and agriculture can barely keep up to meet the demands of the human body. When your very health is the very means for you to achieve your dreams, you only have to take a look back after all these years. Have you been living a healthy life.. or a healthy lie?

What Will the Future Hold for Our Health

There is a wave of awareness growing at the grassroots level these days, questioning what used to be the standard way of living a healthier life. We saw people rejecting flu vaccines during last year’s swine flu pandemic. Then, there are those who are going the traditional route to find their own healing. One can only wonder about the future trend of our health. Here are some predictions that are already visible on the world wide web:

1. An Exodus to Natural Healing

People are becoming aware that they have a choice: To choose those that are naturally healthy. We can see more people appreciating and purchasing alternative medicine in the hope of getting away from chemicals, synthetics, and preservatives. The fear of what these substances do to the body is a driving force in this journey and we will surely see a rise in demand for organic and natural products.

2. Preventive Medicine

Bio-nutrition is proving that there is virtue to be had in ancient wisdom. As people are becoming more aware of what they eat and its effect on their health, the rise on dietary supplements is growing. Because of stress and poor lifestyle diets, foods are not enough to supply essential vitamins and nutrients to the body. The future focuses more on preventing disease than curing it. We can see more people living until their 100th birthday as Science discovers new ways of prolonging your health and your life.

3. Emergence of New Products

Centuries ago, no one even knew what superfoods are. Because there will be a huge demand for food as the population grows, we will see more of those GMO or genetically modified foods in the market. Superfoods, synthetic or not, will also rise in the market. Energy drinks will become the new soft drinks and nutrient bars will soon replace processed snacks. It may not be totally better to your health, but they may present a better alternative for the hungry populace.

4. A Surplus of Weight Loss Products

Today’s unhealthy lifestyle choices will be tomorrow’s health nightmare. In the US alone, almost half of the population are at risk for obesity and more adults are obese in more than 2/3 of the states. With the rise of people having problems with weight comes a surplus of miracle weight loss products we haven’t heard of before.

5. A Wellness-Centric Age

With life becoming more stressful each day, people will be forced to seek out relaxation like a Holy Grail. Businesses in the health and wellness industry will truly profit from this as people want to get away to relaxing place to pamper themselves. Today, wellness tourism is creating a buzz in developing nations that offer health retreat for less – from Ayurvedic treatments, spa, to a soothing massage.

Whether the future of our health goes well or awry in the years to come, always put yourself as No. 1 on your list. Without good health, you won’t be able to do anything else. As early as now, try to make a change and live a greener, healthier life that’s lived in gratitude, joy and peace. Live Well!

I am Grateful

Truth is Stranger than Fiction

issa — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:43:02 +0000

You wake up one day to find a strange-looking rash on your leg, a bump on your navel, or even too much hair left on your comb. Is there something to worry about? It’s only normal to worry about changes in yourself, especially when they are related to your health. For this reason, we give you strange medical symptoms to watch for and a few tips whether it’s a cause for worry or not.

Solving the Mystery of These Five Common Health Symptoms

1. Hair Loss

Normal: Losing an estimated number of 100 strands throughout the day
Why It Happens: This can happen due to hormonal changes, a sudden stop in birth control pills, during/after pregnancy
When to Worry: When you lose a lot of hair due to stress, mineral deficiency, or an over/under-active thyroid

2. Eye Twitches

Normal: Eye twitches after hours of doing computer work or having too much caffeine/nicotine
Why It Happens: You are under stress
When to Worry: If your chin thrusts forward as you blink since it can be an early sign of Meige Syndrome, a rare yet treatable neurological disease

3. Too Much Hiccuping

Normal: Hiccups can last a few minutes to hours; Some experience it once a month
Why It Happens: It is believed to be caused by electrical impulses in the vagus nerve, extending from the brain stem to the colon – to your heart rate
When to Worry: If you continuously hiccup for a day. You can check with your doctor to rule out irritations of the phrenic nerve.

4. Fingernail Discoloration

Normal: White spots on your fingernails are a result of an impact and not of vitamin deficiency.
Why It Happens: You accidentally put pressure on your nails ( like getting your fingers caught in a drawer )
When to Worry: If you see discoloration all throughout your fingers and toes, you need to see a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of a fungus infection or psoriasis. Pitted nails can also be a sign of autoimmune disorders such as reactive arthritis and inflammation of the joints, eyes, or urethra.

5. Numbness or Tingling

Normal: Numbness or tingling of your muscles and nerves can happen when you are exposed to extreme cold. This can be remedied by putting on a pair of gloves, warmer clothes, or immersing in a hot tub.
When to Worry: If you still feel tingling and numbness even in warm weather, you might have a pinched nerve in your neck or lower back, nerve damage, or even diabetes. Talk to your doctor about options on how you can live a pain-free life.

Your healthy choices will definitely help you lead a better lifestyle. Know that a happy mind means a healthy body. Try to live a life that’s stress and worry-free. If in doubt, you can simply take a time off and meditate your way back to natural healing. You have the power of choice in your hands so listen to your body when it speaks to you. Take care… of You!

Psychology of Fear, Anxiety, Stress & Anger

Are You Sleeping in Neverland?

issa — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:02:13 +0000

We have all heard of the famous Thanksgiving turkey making you sleepy, and a lot of myths about sleep that you can only wonder as you try to get a good night’s sleep. We all know that getting quality sleep is very important in keeping us energized for the day’s task. Without proper sleep, one cannot function properly in his or her waking hours. A lot of road accidents have even been attributed to drivers lacking good sleep. When sleep eats up almost half of our lives, we need to make sure that we know the truth from fiction.

Six Most Common Sleep Myths

You may have heard of one or more from this list, and at some point, you may find yourself guilty of having believed it. These are:

1. Get Eight Hours of Sleep

What’s with the number? Know that each of us has different sleep patterns and you don’t really have to make it exactly 8 hours to feel rested.

2. The More You Sleep, The Better You Get

For older people, this may work. Even those who are sad, depressed, or anxious may benefit from more sleep to recover. Still, there is more to be known about this myth and long sleepers may actually be having a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, or they may suffer depression and diabetes that’s why they spend more time in bed.

3. You Can Do With Just 4 Hours of Sleep

You may be a short sleeper, but too little sleep is actually bad for your health. You can weaken your immune system and you can gain more weight. Getting less than six hours of sleep is the same as sleeping longer, where you are at higher risk of heart diseases and even death.

4. Lie-Ins are GREAT

Not Really! You may feel good, but if you lie-in longer, you might just feel groggy like you’re drunk. Your body needs regular sleep and the last thing you want is to wake up in odd hours because of disrupted sleep cycle.

5. Pop a Pill If You Can’t Sleep

Sleep medications are made for short-term purposes, but if you are becoming dependent on it, it’s time to take natural courses to find your way to a better sleep. There are simple ways where you can sleep well at nights like a simple meditation exercise, listening to binaural beats, or even a warm bath of your favorite scents.

6. Make Up for Lost Sleep During the Weekends

This might have been popular for those working on weekdays. Beware! You may get sleep bulimia which makes it even harder for you to get that reviving sleep. You just don’t bank on deficits when it comes to sleep. You need to be consistent with your sleeping patterns for you to get the most out of – sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, you can have better sleep by:

1. Using the bedroom ONLY for sleep and sex
2. Eating light before going to bed and avoiding spicy or fatty foods that can cause heartburn or discomforts
3. Getting a regular exercise routine
4. Avoiding caffeine at least 6 hours before you go to sleep
5. Setting time for sleeping and waking up to help set your body clock
6. Making sure to sleep on a comfortable bed with the right mattress and pillows
7. Avoiding any disturbances in your bedroom

The science of sleep is wrapped in mystery. Moderation is the key to getting a good night’s sleep. Be mindful of getting quality sleep and if you have chronic sleep problems, don’t hesitate to seek expert help. Sweet Dreams!

Sleep Doctor’s Video on Turkey:

Kick Out the Boredom and Move!

issa — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:42:59 +0000

When it comes to getting on the move and being fit with doing exercises, the excuse is truly limitless. There simply is a reason why you would prefer to do something else than getting a good sweat from all those stretching, toning, and cardio-pumping moves. When exercise becomes something you dread, it is high time to bring back the fun with these simple, easy-to-follow ways:

1. Find an Exercise Buddy

Sometimes, working out with a friend can be fun and something you can look forward to each day. You may compare fitness goals and notes with that person, and have a healthy competition on achieving your weight loss goal.

2. Join a Group

Meeting new people can motivate you to pick up the pace and keep moving on your very best. There is simply a big difference between watching an instructional exercise DVD and having a live instructor gauge you in your every move. You may also choose a team sport where you can interact with others.

3. Do Something You Love

If the usual gym workout and aerobics is wearing down on you, immerse yourself in outdoor activities that you love, which will keep you fit as well. You may also participate in indoor sports, if the outdoors is not your cup of tea. You may do hiking, biking, swimming, and many more. Just make sure you love doing these things.

4. Pump Up the Volume

The next time you hit the gym, you may plug in to your favorite upbeat music or audio book while doing your usual rounds on the treadmill or stationary bike. You may program yourself to listen to a great collection of music and books each time you exercise, making the activity something to look forward to.

5. Shop for Sporty Fashion

From shoes to shirts, you can always get motivated when you take the time to put your sporty-fashion sense forward. Think of the word ‘comfort’ when shopping for your brand new apparel and gears.

6. Choose Variety

Normally, boredom sets in when you do the same moves each day, making it a part of your daily routine. Instead, you may mix your exercise regime each day, or take alternative classes on fitness sessions you want like having a Pilates this week and Belly Dancing in the consecutive week.

7. Stop Looking at Your Weighing Scale

Instead of checking out how many pounds you have lost, measure your vital statistics and see the huge difference. Sometimes, you still weigh the same and this is because as you started losing fats, you are replacing them with muscles. A cheap, tape measure can help you see your progress through a period of time.

8. Try Multi-Tasking

There are gyms that let you watch TV or video when you are doing your workout. A little bit of distraction while running on a treadmill can be good, specially when you are going to exercise in a couple of minutes. The next time you go for a run, you’ll always be looking forward to watching the next TV series you’ve been wanting to watch.

9. Relax and Meditate

When you cool down for a few minutes of rest, take this advantage to enter deep relaxation by lying on the floor and closing your eyes. This will help you realize the exhilarating rewards of doing an exercise, making you come back for more.

There are simply plenty of options that you can take in making exercise a fun-filled activity. Remember that exercise doesn’t only keep your body toned, but it also makes you feel confident and happy with the release of energy from within. When you try things you have never imagined, just for the sake of exercise, you allow yourself to take control of your health, coupled with natural and healthier choices – you can never go wrong in your health goals. We all know that when done right, exercise can give us tremendous health benefits that will reduce our risk from cancer and many types of serious diseases. Just seek a professional advice if you suffer any chronic condition, before you engage yourself in a new physical activity. Love Your Moves!

An Innovative Concept on Putting Fun to Usual Things:

Have You Managed Your Pain?

issa — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:34:24 +0000

Each year, millions of pain relief medications are sold over-the-counter to give ease to people’s body and muscle pains. In fact, back and neck pain have been one of the most common complaint of many people and the number is simply rising. There are just far too many temporary solutions promising instant relief, until pain strikes back to unleash its vengeance to the unknowing victim. The mere idea that we are living in stressful times is more than enough to send bouts of pains and spasms to your relaxed life. Suddenly, everything just seem so painful and tensed.

Most people are sitting in front of their pc at 8 hours a day minimum, doing work like a human machine. Without small breaks to stretch a bit, one can become easily a candidate for RSI or repetitive strain injury. Other than this, not being conscious of your posture in the way you sit, stand, walk, and sleep can help aggravate the situation. You are simply doing more damage to your muscles and spine by putting unnecessary pressure to the vulnerable parts of your body.. until you feel a sharp pain rising. Everyone doesn’t want to feel pain. It can be discomforting and quite distracting. In a sudden attack of pain, we reach for the nearest anti-inflammatory solution, just for the pain to go away. Seldom do we realize that this pain is our body’s silent language telling us that something is really wrong from within.

The easiest way to achieve comfort is to relax and rest. Sitting can wreak havoc to the muscles and bones of your lower back, and you may lie down to reduce the pressure. Backaches can be really nagging and here are ways on how you can combat back and neck pain, for real:

YOGA

If you’re not into high-impact sports, which can do more damage to your back bones and muscles, you can try flexibility and toning exercises through the ancient pose system of yoga. Just make sure not to exert too much effort to achieve the poses. If you feel pain, you have to stop, take a breathe, and try poses you can achieve comfortably.

CORE TRAINING

Strengthening your core can greatly help realign your body’s balance, making you more aware of having proper posture. Many rehab clinics are using core training exercises to help their patients get back to their health. Your instructor will help you choose a program that is right for you.

HYDROTHERAPY

Water can reduce pressure on your muscle and joints, giving your body ways to heal without the resistance of gravity. Water’s buoyancy can support you as you move and do exercises. This is great for those who have joint injuries or people who are suffering arthritis.

OFFICE EXERCISES

There are many CDs and help books you can buy to help you achieve maximum health, even when you’re working long hours. There is no excuse why you cannot get a 20-minute stretch and be mobile. These exercises involve simple stretches that will not distract your colleagues at work, which can help blood flowing into your brain and body.

EGOSCUE TECHNIQUE

Developed by Pete Egoscue, this unconventional way of restoring your body’s natural motion can be designed using methods that will specifically address your severe musculoskeletal pain.

CHINESE HOLISTIC THERAPIES

From the slow-flowing moves of Tai-Chi.. to the flaming needles of ancient acupuncture, nothing shall come close to these two oriental healing arts that are famous for bringing your body’s energy back to balance, in sync with the universal energy. Just make sure that your chiropractor has a good track record before you proceed to have the acupuncture performed.

AROMATHERAPY

From warm bath that smells of subtle scents of lavender to pure-grade essential oils, nothing beats the indulgence of a sweet aroma filling your whole being, making you achieve deep relaxation and sleep. Make sure to use organic, non-toxic, and pure-grade materials for your bath and massage.

Beating pain can be a long-time ordeal, when life becomes more demanding with the passing of the year. You may find your conventional relief through cold or hot compress which can relax your tensed muscles, helping you gain rest and mobility. Although there are prescription pills that can give you instant relief as well, you may want to find your natural healing. The last thing you want is find addiction, instead of a cure. Be Relieved!

Some Easy Exercises to Relieve Back and Neck Pain while at Work:

Is Being Healthy a Luxury Nowadays?

issa — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:40:23 +0000

To stay healthy during these tough times can be a hard thing to do, specially when there are plenty of bills to pay and income is short. Many people don’t prioritize their health and would even cut on expenses for buying supplements, even prescription pills. Staying healthy on a budget becomes a luxury, instead of a necessity. What is truly missed is not the point that being healthy would mean having a membership in one of the posh gyms in town, but there are ways that you can truly be healthy without needless spending. It’s all about resetting your mind frame.

The negative images that staying fit and healthy had brought are false images of people being enslaved to their fitness machines, expensive spa treatments, over-priced miracle vitamins, and many more. The simple act of walking your way to health have been frowned at, just because everything is too convenient and easily available. Why bother using the stairs to go to your second floor office when you can easily be there with a simple touch of an elevator button. Or perhaps, life has been too fast for us that we can barely keep track. For this, we have always been rushing to and fro, without simply appreciating the time and space that are needed to re-balance your overall well-being.

If you feel that staying healthy on a tight budget is impossible, think again. Here are seven ways where you can still achieve optimum health without spending for things that you don’t really need:

1. Meditate your way to health. When your mind is at ease, your body will be. Besides, meditation is a great stress-buster that you can do at the comforts of your own home, for just a few minutes a day. Rebalance your energy and be happy!

2. When it comes to sleep, don’t just count the number of hours, but make sure you get quality rest as well. Nothing can be more healthful and refreshing than a good night’s rest.

3. Move your body and feel the heat. Devote at least ten minutes each day to exercise, if you’re really too busy. Exercise helps your body’s metabolism, making you burn fat that can cause obesity. If you suffer from a back or neck strain, you may try doing a low-impact exercise program like yoga, pilates or tai-chi. Just don’t push yourself over the limits of what you can do.

4. Skip the gym membership and run at a local park near you. Besides, being hooked on treadmills for even an hour is something very boring. By getting out there, not only will you have a treat for your body, but your eyes will surely love nature’s beauty at its prime.

5. Avoid processed and fast foods. You can buy fresh, local produce and cook them yourself. This way, you can control the way you prepare and eat food that can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on dining outside your home.

6. Find inspiration and laugh your way to health. There’s surely a reason why there’s a saying that ” Laughter is the Best Medicine of All. ” When you’re happy, everything seems so bright for you.

7. Check out non-perishable foods that are on sale. Make sure to know their expiry dates to avoid food poisoning. Also, instead of spending a couple of dollars in designer fruit shakes or smoothies, you can search the web for online recipes which can save you a penny and make you truly healthy.

These are just few among many money-saving habits that help you stay healthy.. without saying goodbye to your money. There are natural products in the market that are truly safe and effective, which can maximize your health potential. In the end, there’s nothing to regret when you are investing in your very own health. You are the key to your dreams and for this reason, you must take care of you at all means, no exceptions. Love Yourself and Be Healthy!

Here’s a Video on Staying Healthy in a Tough Economy:

“… Your Health, NOT your money, is your most important asset! ”

The Secrets of Green Tea

issa — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:56:59 +0000

Green Tea is a popular brew in the East, a counterpart of people’s love for coffee in the West. Since ancient times, the Chinese have known the healing properties of green tea and they used it to cure headaches and depression. Garnered from the leaves of the Camelia Sinensis plant, what makes it different from a black tea is caffeine. It has very little amount of it and green tea is known to have antioxidant powers that’s great for overall health and well-being.

Many researches have been fascinated with green tea’s cancer-fighting properties that people are becoming more appreciative of the subtle art of tea drinking. The National Cancer Institute have even published in its journal ( 1994 ) the positive results of green tea against esophagal cancer in Chinese men and women. The results are simply astounding.

Recently, a team of researchers in Hong Kong have found another intriguing benefit of drinking green tea. They suggest that green tea helps against bone diseases. This is great news for women who are more prone to bone loss and osteoporosis. This study was made by the Institute of Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong. Bone loss is something really serious since unlike tissues, you just don’t grow back what you’ve lost. The study also found that the catechins in green tea help stimulate the enzymes that promotes bone health. This is another breakthrough in the fight against osteoporosis, specially when millions are suffering bone-related malady.

Why is Green Tea Special? The answer lies in Catechins, nature’s powerful anti-oxidants. This means better disease-fighting properties inside your body that lessens your risk for major sickness like cardiovascular disease. Like the French paradox, Asian people who have green tea in their daily diet live longer and healthier than their non-drinking counterpart. The steaming process makes it keep more of the healthy compounds than those of black tea. Since green tea contains a lesser amount of caffeine, too much of it can give a person insomnia.

What are the Benefits of Drinking Green Tea?

Defense Against Free Radicals
Helps Fight Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Diseases
Aids in Weight Loss and Metabolism
Reduces Your Risk to Heart Diseases and Cancer
Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels in the Body
Eases Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Helps Repair Your Immune System
Prevents Tooth Decay by Destroying Bacteria and Plaque
Great Anti-Bacterial Properties Help Fight Infection
Fights Bone Loss
Helps You to Relax and Focus

There is always a wisdom from the East that one can truly benefit from. When it comes to your favorite cup, try ditching the coffee and taste the wonders of your aromatic green tea. Always choose natural and organic blends, and read your packaging labels for the expiry date. The freshest green tea has a powerful scent that escapes its sealed packaging. Enjoy and Drink up to Health!

Green Tea is Good for Your Brain:

Skip Your Diet Soda

issa — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:22:56 +0000

Whoever thought of the word ” Diet Soda ” would have been very rich by now for running a very effective soda campaign. Many people think that diet soda is better than regular soda. In fact, there is just a misconception that diet sodas are great for having that perfect shape and still being able to enjoy your soda pleasure. When it comes to keeping your body fit and healthy, there is no such thing as a friendly soda that will aid you in your weight loss diet. Instead, you are sabotaging your chances of losing weight for good.

Would you drink a cocktail of nasty chemicals to stay healthy? Drinking diet soda means drinking a nasty mix of artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, which will make your gut fat and cause a variety of health risks for your body. There is nothing truly healthy about a soda, diet or not. Studies even show that there’s a 41% risk of becoming obese for each can or bottle of your favorite soda you consume each day.

When you’re drinking diet soda, you’re tricking your taste buds that you’re drinking something sweet with all these fake sugars, which will make you a likely candidate for a sugar crash and a rush to fulfill you instant food cravings. Studies show that if your tongue can’t distinguish between a natural sugar and an artificial one, your brain will do the math for you. This means you just can’t trick the brain into thinking of getting the sweets, without the calories. For this reason, there will be a craving for more calories to supply what was missing.

Do You have to give up your diet soda? In my honest opinion, YES. I have given up on soda, diet or not, a long time ago and here are good reasons why you should do the same too:

1. Soda is bad for your teeth and gums. The artificial sweeteners in your soda can wreak havoc to your smileys.

2. For obvious reasons, diet soda makes you more fat than you can ever imagine. What zero calories mean is that you will crave for more calories which are absent in your sweetened soda.

3. Soda, diet or not, increases your body’s acidity, which is not good for you. Acid influx increases your risks for illnesses.

4. The more soda you drink, the more you will crave for unhealthy food. Soda can also make you drink less of that needed water to flush out all the toxins from within.

5. Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame are still under the hot seats and the least you want to do is to drink something laced with a substance that’s not good for you.

There are natural ways in losing weight than succumbing to the false image a diet soda can give. If you don’t like the bland taste of pure water, you can enjoy natural fruit juices and drinks, without the artificial sweets. There is nothing more harmful than voluntarily drinking to your heart’s delight, even if you know it can harm you in the long run. Drink healthy and be worry-free!

Here’s a Video on How Diet Soda Causes Weight Gain:

What Vitamins Should Women Take?

issa — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:05:38 +0000

There are too many vitamins out there on the racks and suddenly, you are lost on what to buy as you are flooded with the sight of various colorful labels promising you perfect health. If this scenario sounds familiar, chances are, you are not alone. Many of us are just confused with thousands of choices out there on how to achieve optimum health in the most natural and safe way that our money can buy.

Women have various physical and psychological needs at every stage of their lives and it must be addressed to properly. From puberty, pregnancy, to menopause, women indeed need all the help from the right nutrients that will ease their way through these ordeals. The problem is knowing which really works on what age, and what program must one follow to support one’s health.

Vitamins give the body essential chemicals at a cellular level, making each organ function properly. Women can get essential vitamins by taking 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables from the healthy food pyramid chart. In reality, this is not met and vitamin deficiencies arise. It is important to know that not all vitamins are the same for each woman, and that one must consider her age and hormones before buying one. A woman at her 30s has various nutrient needs than a woman at her 50s.

Here’s a List of Vitamins Women Need to Have:

1. Vitamin D

More often called as the Sunshine Vitamin, your body can’t produce it and for this, you need to get a supplement. Vitamin D helps strengthen your bones and teeth. Research shows that it can work great against PMS, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. This vitamin also helps in better calcium and phosphorus absorption which is great in fighting osteoporosis.

2. Vitamin A

Not only great for vision, Vitamin A is great in boosting the immune system with its anti-oxidant powers. Beta-Carotene should make at least 20% of this, which can be found in many carotenoid fruits and vegetables like carrots, apricots, pumpkins, and tomatoes.

3. Vitamin B

Women need this vitamin to keep the balance in their hormones. Not only is it great against nerve disorders, but it is also great for the brains and immune system. At a later stage in life, this vitamin can help protect against heart diseases.

4. Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid plays an important role in healing, from the inside to the outside, from the red blood cells to skin wounds. Vitamin C is great for making one cope with stress and boost one’s immunity against the aging process.

5. Vitamin E

Pure, topical vitamin E can help diminish facial wrinkles and fine lines with a few drops in the evening before going to bed. This is a very important antioxidant for women, which helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.

6. Vitamin K

This vitamin helps in the blood’s clotting abilities, which is essential for bone formation and prevention of heart diseases. Older women will surely benefit from Vitamin K and find them abundantly in green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach.

7. Iron & Folate

Iron helps form healthy red blood cells which can help fight iron deficiency or anemia, and folate helps prevent birth defects in women’s pregnancy. Folic acid prevents neural or spinal cord defects in the first 28 days of a woman’s pregnancy. You can get breads and cereals fortified with folate, or get this vitamin from asparagus, cantaloupes, citrus fruits, legumes, eggs, and beans.

There is no way that we can get all these essential vitamins from the foods we eat daily, specially with so many nutrient-deficient, processed foods that proliferate the market today. It is important to consult your physician to know the safe, recommended daily dosage that’s right for your age. Know the right units to take and always choose supplements that are safe, natural, and effective. Love Your Vitamins!

Dr. Oz gives you a no-fuss guide on what supplements to take in his video:

Are Your Hormones Making You Fat?

issa — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:00:49 +0000

Wonder why all those exercises you’ve done seems to have lost its magic? This is specially apparent when you are over 30 and you just can’t help scratching your head in confusion. What have worked before has lost its amazing powers. You are suddenly baffled why you can’t get rid of those unwanted fats and pounds that make you dread facing the mirror once again.

The answer lies closely to your hormones than you can ever imagine. Hormonal imbalances just add inches to your waistline, and make you look older by taking away years from your life. Dr. Randolph, an internationally-acclaimed medical expert, has quoted this from his book with co-author, Genie James, entitled, From Belly Fat to Belly Flat. Many people have been telling their physicians that they feel something’s wrong with their hormones and many of these concerns are dismissed. The truth is, many suffer the plague of hormonal imbalances and find it hard to lose weight. They are gaining it, than losing these unwanted fats.

What exactly is hormone all about? Hormones are powerful compounds controlling every aspect of you and your physiology. Hormones control your emotions, appetite, metabolism, muscle size, energy levels, and even your desire to exercise. Feeling sluggish lately? You might as well blame it on the hormones.

Just how do hormones make you fat? It’s simpler as it sounds, and hormones can simply prevent fat to breakdown, or worst, hormones can stimulate insulin and cortisol levels in your body that makes it impossible for you to lose weight. Women are mostly affected with hormonal imbalances, specially during puberty and menopause. The fluctuations in the body’s estrogen and progesterone levels can cause many problems other than weight loss, like irregular periods, memory loss, bone density loss, hair loss, low libido, unexplainable weight gain, mood swings, and thyroid function imbalances. For this reason, both estrogen and progesterone levels need to be balanced in the body.

How can you correct hormonal imbalances? You can avoid foods that can make your estrogen levels go higher like dairy or meat. You can also consult your doctor to have yourself tested and see if a solution can be made for you. If you like natural solutions, all you need to do is get quality sleep to restore and bring back the balance to your hormones. For this, you can use aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, meditation techniques, and sound therapy to help you sleep better at nights.

When stubborn belly fat doesn’t seem to melt away with the usual diet you are taking, it’s time to check out your hormones and learn natural, healthy ways to give you that perfect svelte you have always dreamed of.

Here’s a Video from Ask Dr. Berger: