Have you recently had an increase in restless nights and feel as though you may not be getting a proper night’s sleep? For some, getting enough sleep can necessitate experimentation with many different treatments – everything from the use of prescription medications and homeopathic remedies to stress reduction exercises and sleep therapy. Bouts of insomnia may also be a sign of other medical conditions such as sleep apnea or depression and can require the use of varied medical devices or even surgery...
Fortunately, we live in a time where research and treatment for sleep disorders is plentiful. As a result, we have plenty of ways to find the best solution and meet our individual needs.
If you are having trouble sleeping or wake up feeling tired or in a bad mood and seem to carry that feeling throughout your day, you will want to address your sleeping problems sooner rather than later. Fatigue can be an indication of deeper problems that may seriously affect your overall health in the long term. The following tips are meant to get you started on your path to getting a good night’s sleep.
Rabu, 24 Desember 2008
Breast Cancer
Cancer – It’s a risk all women face, no matter who we are. For us, breast cancer is a very real threat – one that threatens our livelihood and our beauty. It’s not uncommon that breast cancer survivors have one or both breasts completely removed, leaving them feeling like something more than just tissue is missing – it’s their womanhood. Not only the disease itself is scary, but also the chemotherapy and radiation treatments that are administered to kill the cancer. If there is only one thing you can do to prepare yourself for the fight against breast cancer, knowledge is the answer.
Billions of dollars have been spent on breast cancer research, yet the rate of breast cancer hasn’t gone down appreciably. In fact, if anything, we’re just finding a greater occurrence of the disease at earlier stages. But that’s a good thing, right? Not necessarily. As H. Gilbert Welch, M.D., M.P.H., points out in his book Should I Be Tested for Cancer: Maybe Not and Here’s Why (University of California Press, 2006), routine screening too often picks up things that we will die with and not from.
That’s the case with too many so-called “breast cancers,” which are really ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – not invasive breast cancer at all. Welch points out that in autopsy studies of healthy women in their 40s who died in car accidents, a striking 40% had evidence of DCIS in a least one area of breast tissue. In the vast majority of cases, this cellular abnormality remains dormant in the breast tissue. And some of these cellular abnormalities even go away, similar to about half of pap smears indicating the presence of pre-cancerous cells, which revert to normal without any intervention.
Billions of dollars have been spent on breast cancer research, yet the rate of breast cancer hasn’t gone down appreciably. In fact, if anything, we’re just finding a greater occurrence of the disease at earlier stages. But that’s a good thing, right? Not necessarily. As H. Gilbert Welch, M.D., M.P.H., points out in his book Should I Be Tested for Cancer: Maybe Not and Here’s Why (University of California Press, 2006), routine screening too often picks up things that we will die with and not from.
That’s the case with too many so-called “breast cancers,” which are really ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – not invasive breast cancer at all. Welch points out that in autopsy studies of healthy women in their 40s who died in car accidents, a striking 40% had evidence of DCIS in a least one area of breast tissue. In the vast majority of cases, this cellular abnormality remains dormant in the breast tissue. And some of these cellular abnormalities even go away, similar to about half of pap smears indicating the presence of pre-cancerous cells, which revert to normal without any intervention.
Senin, 22 Desember 2008
Therapy of Anti ageing
Q. I feel like I need another moisturizer when I use this system - which can use?
A. If your skin requires it, you can use an additional moisturizer along with the Nu Skin 180 System. Moisture Restore an intense moisturizer that is most compatible with the system. Additionally, if you prefer RJV, PCA Moisturizer, Enhancer, and/or Intensive Eye Complex, may be used safely with this system to alleviate dryness.
Q. Will this product system make my skin more sensitive to the sun?
A. Yes, the high levels of AHA's could make your skin more photosensitive, therefore always use UV Block Hydrator during the morning regime after the Cell Renewal Fluid.
Q. I have heard that AHA's may cause my skin to age more quickly. Is this true?
A. The main theme of a study that was done was that using AHA's results in younger skin cells on the surface of the skin; because these cells are younger, they are more sensitive to the sun. If you don't protect the skin with a sunscreen, the sun could cause more damage to your skin then if you didn't use AHA's at all, due to the younger, more vulnerable skin cells.
Using proper sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, will protect these younger skin cells. Nu Skin scientists have been aware of this and for this reason both the 180 product line and the MHA product line contain products with SPF and provide full spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. We are on the cutting edge of this technology and have already implemented sunscreens in both our product lines to deliver safe and effective results.
Q. Is Nu Skin 180's Cell Renewal Fluid a chemical peel?
A. Nu Skin 180 is not a chemical peel. Chemical peels range from 20-70% glycolic acid and are applied by a Dermatologist. These high levels of acid are not applied every day like Nu Skin 180.
Q. How do Hydroxy Acids work?
A. First, hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin, allowing the removal of the outer layer of the Stratum Corneum. Second, they actually stimulate the rate of skin renewal to promote younger looking skin. Associated with skin cell renewal is the increased production of important molecules of the skin such as glycosaminoglycans, collagen and elastin. Glycosaminoglycans are water-holding molecules that can hold over a thousand times their weight in water. Collagen is the structural scaffolding of the skin that provides strength. Elastin is the elastic molecule of the skin that increases resiliency and firmness.
Q. Do I have to use all of the products in the 180 program?
A. The dramatic results seen in the clinical testing of 180 can be achieved by using the complete system. This is why the products are only sold as a set.
Q. How long should the system last?
A. Nu Skin 180 Anti-Aging Skin Therapy should last approximately 30 to 45 days depending on usage.
Q. How long will it be until I see results?
A. Most users will notice a change in the softness and smoothness of their skin in as little as 7 days. However with continued use you can achieve additional results such as reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, diminished appearance of pore size, improved elasticity, balanced, even skin tone, and reduced appearance of age spots and discoloration.
Q. What products is not compatible to use with Nu Skin 180?
A. Tru Face Skin Perfecting Gel and Ideal Eyes. This is due to the high concentration of Vitamin A (Tru Face) & Vitamin C (Ideal Eyes) found in the products.
Q. Who can use Nu Skin 180?
A. Nu Skin 180 is designed for women aged 35 and above who are experiencing advanced signs of aging. However, younger women who have premature signs of aging due to overexposure to the sun could benefit from the system.
Q. Can I use other product with this system?
A. Nu Skin 180 is a complete system dedicated to combat the advanced signs of aging including lack of skin firmness and resilience. Based on clinical study, the system, when used in the correct way is sufficient to the majority of users to bring about the desired effects. 180 is compatible to use with all Nu Skin products except Tru Face and IdealEyes. This is due to the high concentration of Vitamin A (Tru Face) and Vitamin C (IdealEyes) found in these products. There are a few that need supplementation on moisturizers. We suggest, to try the system first and see what particular supplementation is needed.
Q. What is the shelf-life of an opened Cell Renewal Fluid?
A. The Cell Renewal Fluid once opened should be finished within 6 weeks time.
Q. Can I still apply Sunright 35 after UV Block Hydrator SPF 18?
A. Yes, you may apply Sunright 35 if you will be subjected to excessive sun exposure like water sports, golf, tennis and the like.
A. If your skin requires it, you can use an additional moisturizer along with the Nu Skin 180 System. Moisture Restore an intense moisturizer that is most compatible with the system. Additionally, if you prefer RJV, PCA Moisturizer, Enhancer, and/or Intensive Eye Complex, may be used safely with this system to alleviate dryness.
Q. Will this product system make my skin more sensitive to the sun?
A. Yes, the high levels of AHA's could make your skin more photosensitive, therefore always use UV Block Hydrator during the morning regime after the Cell Renewal Fluid.
Q. I have heard that AHA's may cause my skin to age more quickly. Is this true?
A. The main theme of a study that was done was that using AHA's results in younger skin cells on the surface of the skin; because these cells are younger, they are more sensitive to the sun. If you don't protect the skin with a sunscreen, the sun could cause more damage to your skin then if you didn't use AHA's at all, due to the younger, more vulnerable skin cells.
Using proper sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, will protect these younger skin cells. Nu Skin scientists have been aware of this and for this reason both the 180 product line and the MHA product line contain products with SPF and provide full spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. We are on the cutting edge of this technology and have already implemented sunscreens in both our product lines to deliver safe and effective results.
Q. Is Nu Skin 180's Cell Renewal Fluid a chemical peel?
A. Nu Skin 180 is not a chemical peel. Chemical peels range from 20-70% glycolic acid and are applied by a Dermatologist. These high levels of acid are not applied every day like Nu Skin 180.
Q. How do Hydroxy Acids work?
A. First, hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin, allowing the removal of the outer layer of the Stratum Corneum. Second, they actually stimulate the rate of skin renewal to promote younger looking skin. Associated with skin cell renewal is the increased production of important molecules of the skin such as glycosaminoglycans, collagen and elastin. Glycosaminoglycans are water-holding molecules that can hold over a thousand times their weight in water. Collagen is the structural scaffolding of the skin that provides strength. Elastin is the elastic molecule of the skin that increases resiliency and firmness.
Q. Do I have to use all of the products in the 180 program?
A. The dramatic results seen in the clinical testing of 180 can be achieved by using the complete system. This is why the products are only sold as a set.
Q. How long should the system last?
A. Nu Skin 180 Anti-Aging Skin Therapy should last approximately 30 to 45 days depending on usage.
Q. How long will it be until I see results?
A. Most users will notice a change in the softness and smoothness of their skin in as little as 7 days. However with continued use you can achieve additional results such as reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, diminished appearance of pore size, improved elasticity, balanced, even skin tone, and reduced appearance of age spots and discoloration.
Q. What products is not compatible to use with Nu Skin 180?
A. Tru Face Skin Perfecting Gel and Ideal Eyes. This is due to the high concentration of Vitamin A (Tru Face) & Vitamin C (Ideal Eyes) found in the products.
Q. Who can use Nu Skin 180?
A. Nu Skin 180 is designed for women aged 35 and above who are experiencing advanced signs of aging. However, younger women who have premature signs of aging due to overexposure to the sun could benefit from the system.
Q. Can I use other product with this system?
A. Nu Skin 180 is a complete system dedicated to combat the advanced signs of aging including lack of skin firmness and resilience. Based on clinical study, the system, when used in the correct way is sufficient to the majority of users to bring about the desired effects. 180 is compatible to use with all Nu Skin products except Tru Face and IdealEyes. This is due to the high concentration of Vitamin A (Tru Face) and Vitamin C (IdealEyes) found in these products. There are a few that need supplementation on moisturizers. We suggest, to try the system first and see what particular supplementation is needed.
Q. What is the shelf-life of an opened Cell Renewal Fluid?
A. The Cell Renewal Fluid once opened should be finished within 6 weeks time.
Q. Can I still apply Sunright 35 after UV Block Hydrator SPF 18?
A. Yes, you may apply Sunright 35 if you will be subjected to excessive sun exposure like water sports, golf, tennis and the like.
Healthy ageing tips
1 Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
2 Don't smoke... it is never too late to quit!
3 Practice safety habits at home to prevent falls and fractures. Always wear your seatbelt when travelling by car.
4 Maintain contacts with your family and friends. Stay active through work, recreation and involvement in the community.
5 Avoid over-exposure to the sun and the cold.
6 If you drink, do it in moderation.
7 Keep personal and financial records in order to simplify budgeting and investigating.
8 Plan long term housing and financial needs.
9 Keep a positive attitude towards life. Do things that make you happy.
2 Don't smoke... it is never too late to quit!
3 Practice safety habits at home to prevent falls and fractures. Always wear your seatbelt when travelling by car.
4 Maintain contacts with your family and friends. Stay active through work, recreation and involvement in the community.
5 Avoid over-exposure to the sun and the cold.
6 If you drink, do it in moderation.
7 Keep personal and financial records in order to simplify budgeting and investigating.
8 Plan long term housing and financial needs.
9 Keep a positive attitude towards life. Do things that make you happy.
Jumat, 19 Desember 2008
Always Keep things ticking over
Getting regular, meaningful exercise is good for your heart - plain and simple. Consider the benefits of a ticker that's ticking along at optimum pace.
In one minute, with 45 to 50 beats, the heart of a well-conditioned person pumps the same amount of blood as an inactive person's heart pumps in 70 to 75 beats.
The average heart pumps up to 36,000 more times per day than the well-conditioned one. That works out at a stunning 13 million more times per year.
Not only does exercise make your heart work more efficiently, it also guards it against disease. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Studies have shown that heart disease is twice as likely to develop in inactive people as it is in active ones. Regular physical activity - even mild to moderate exercise - can help reduce your risk.
That regular activity will also burn kilojoules, which will help you lose weight or maintain a desirable weight. That in itself will lower your risk of heart disease.
The best forms of exercise to strengthen your heart and lungs are the aerobic ones, like swimming, cycling, jogging and brisk walking.
It's not just heart muscle and tissue that degenerates in humans - the arteries that serve the heart are also at risk, which in turn, puts the major organ in the firing line.
Here's where sensible diet and lifestyle come in. Combine the two and you're on your way to keeping your heart healthy.
Coronary artery disease is a major cause of heart attack all over the world. It develops when fatty deposits build up on the inner walls of the blood vessels feeding the heart.
Eventually one or more of the major coronary arteries may become blocked - either by the build-up of deposits or by a blood clot forming the artery's narrowed passageway. Eventually, the result is a heart attack.
But even if you have already developed heart disease or have had a heart attack, you should avoid inactivity.
Obviously, you will have to only exercise with the express permission and advice of your doctor, but unless you are in a dangerously, acutely volatile condition, most health professionals would tell you that your survival chances would increase with some form of activity.
Exercise can help control blood lipids, diabetes and obesity, as well as lower blood pressure. Exercise can help return your heart from a condition of disrepair to relative health.
If you are diabetic - or at risk of developing it - exercise can also decrease a person's need for insulin.
THE HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS
Cigarette smoking: Heavy smokers are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack than non-smokers. The heart attack death rate among all smokers is 70 per cent greater than non-smokers.
High Blood Pressure: The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. A BP of 140/90 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) or greater is classified as high.
High Blood Cholesterol: A blood cholesterol level of 240 mg/dl (milligrams per decilitre) or above is high and increases your heart disease risk. Cholesterol in blood is transported by different agents. One is a protein called high density lipoprotein or HDL, which has been called "good" cholesterol because its presence has been linked with lower coronary artery disease risk.
In one minute, with 45 to 50 beats, the heart of a well-conditioned person pumps the same amount of blood as an inactive person's heart pumps in 70 to 75 beats.
The average heart pumps up to 36,000 more times per day than the well-conditioned one. That works out at a stunning 13 million more times per year.
Not only does exercise make your heart work more efficiently, it also guards it against disease. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Studies have shown that heart disease is twice as likely to develop in inactive people as it is in active ones. Regular physical activity - even mild to moderate exercise - can help reduce your risk.
That regular activity will also burn kilojoules, which will help you lose weight or maintain a desirable weight. That in itself will lower your risk of heart disease.
The best forms of exercise to strengthen your heart and lungs are the aerobic ones, like swimming, cycling, jogging and brisk walking.
It's not just heart muscle and tissue that degenerates in humans - the arteries that serve the heart are also at risk, which in turn, puts the major organ in the firing line.
Here's where sensible diet and lifestyle come in. Combine the two and you're on your way to keeping your heart healthy.
Coronary artery disease is a major cause of heart attack all over the world. It develops when fatty deposits build up on the inner walls of the blood vessels feeding the heart.
Eventually one or more of the major coronary arteries may become blocked - either by the build-up of deposits or by a blood clot forming the artery's narrowed passageway. Eventually, the result is a heart attack.
But even if you have already developed heart disease or have had a heart attack, you should avoid inactivity.
Obviously, you will have to only exercise with the express permission and advice of your doctor, but unless you are in a dangerously, acutely volatile condition, most health professionals would tell you that your survival chances would increase with some form of activity.
Exercise can help control blood lipids, diabetes and obesity, as well as lower blood pressure. Exercise can help return your heart from a condition of disrepair to relative health.
If you are diabetic - or at risk of developing it - exercise can also decrease a person's need for insulin.
THE HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS
Cigarette smoking: Heavy smokers are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack than non-smokers. The heart attack death rate among all smokers is 70 per cent greater than non-smokers.
High Blood Pressure: The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. A BP of 140/90 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) or greater is classified as high.
High Blood Cholesterol: A blood cholesterol level of 240 mg/dl (milligrams per decilitre) or above is high and increases your heart disease risk. Cholesterol in blood is transported by different agents. One is a protein called high density lipoprotein or HDL, which has been called "good" cholesterol because its presence has been linked with lower coronary artery disease risk.
Healthy Tips for Cold and Flu Season
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in the course of a year, Americans suffer one billion colds. With statistics like that, one might assume that most Americans know how to treat their cold and flu symptoms.
However, a new national survey commissioned by the makers of Coricidin (R) HBP, a line of cold and flu medications specifically formulated for people with high blood pressure, shows that almost half (45 percent) of Americans complain that the cold and flu aisle is by far the hardest place in a store to find the products they need. This confusion may lead to health trouble for some of the 72 million Americans who suffer from hypertension, since the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure.
Over-the-counter remedies can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold, but it's important to read labels carefully. On average, most people (56 percent) say that they spend more than five minutes looking at the options in the cold and flu aisle before deciding which medication to buy. This might have something to do with the fact that many don't know about the ingredients in their medications. Only one in eight (12 percent) Americans say they can easily explain the difference between an antihistamine and a decongestant, compared to the 52 percent who say they can articulate the difference between regular and diet soda.
While many people may be likely to ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice about over-the-counter cold or flu medications, they need to ask the right questions and make it known if they have high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association reminds people with hypertension to be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Unlike many other cold and flu medications, Coricidin HBP is the only cold brand specially made so it won't raise your blood pressure because it does not contain a decongestant.
As we prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season, it's important to equip your home and your family with tools for boosting your immune system. Lifestyle and diet decisions have an impact on a person's overall health and their ability to fight off the cold and flu.
"Anyone preparing for or living through cold and flu season -- especially those with high blood pressure -- needs to make healthy lifestyle choices, including smart nutrition and physical activity routines," says Rovenia Brock, Ph.D., nutritionist and author of the national best-seller, "Dr. Ro's Ten Secrets To Livin' Healthy".
Dr. Ro recommends establishing a daily physical activity routine to help maintain a healthy heart. However, it's critical to ease into an exercise program and consult a physician first. If you haven't been physically active in a while, you can start off slow and work your way up to meeting physical activity recommendations. Intense physical activity, like shoveling snow, should be avoided if you have not been physically active lately.
Dr. Ro also counsels her patients to know their numbers. Having regular doctor's appointments to monitor blood pressure will help you and your doctor monitor your hypertension program and make the necessary adjustments to keep it under control.
However, a new national survey commissioned by the makers of Coricidin (R) HBP, a line of cold and flu medications specifically formulated for people with high blood pressure, shows that almost half (45 percent) of Americans complain that the cold and flu aisle is by far the hardest place in a store to find the products they need. This confusion may lead to health trouble for some of the 72 million Americans who suffer from hypertension, since the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure.
Over-the-counter remedies can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold, but it's important to read labels carefully. On average, most people (56 percent) say that they spend more than five minutes looking at the options in the cold and flu aisle before deciding which medication to buy. This might have something to do with the fact that many don't know about the ingredients in their medications. Only one in eight (12 percent) Americans say they can easily explain the difference between an antihistamine and a decongestant, compared to the 52 percent who say they can articulate the difference between regular and diet soda.
While many people may be likely to ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice about over-the-counter cold or flu medications, they need to ask the right questions and make it known if they have high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association reminds people with hypertension to be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Unlike many other cold and flu medications, Coricidin HBP is the only cold brand specially made so it won't raise your blood pressure because it does not contain a decongestant.
As we prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season, it's important to equip your home and your family with tools for boosting your immune system. Lifestyle and diet decisions have an impact on a person's overall health and their ability to fight off the cold and flu.
"Anyone preparing for or living through cold and flu season -- especially those with high blood pressure -- needs to make healthy lifestyle choices, including smart nutrition and physical activity routines," says Rovenia Brock, Ph.D., nutritionist and author of the national best-seller, "Dr. Ro's Ten Secrets To Livin' Healthy".
Dr. Ro recommends establishing a daily physical activity routine to help maintain a healthy heart. However, it's critical to ease into an exercise program and consult a physician first. If you haven't been physically active in a while, you can start off slow and work your way up to meeting physical activity recommendations. Intense physical activity, like shoveling snow, should be avoided if you have not been physically active lately.
Dr. Ro also counsels her patients to know their numbers. Having regular doctor's appointments to monitor blood pressure will help you and your doctor monitor your hypertension program and make the necessary adjustments to keep it under control.
Kamis, 18 Desember 2008
Defend with organic food
Even though we are supposedly living in a health conscious society, there are more overweight and obese people than ever before. Since many of us are trying to change our diet and live a healthier lifestyle, we buy health books and magazines and find ways to cook more balanced meals. We also limit our sugar and fat intake and become increasingly aware of nutritional labels and the vitamins and minerals that we need. Others, however, are suspicious of what they believe is a "health craze", due to the contradictory information we receive about salt, sugar, red meat, and many other things. So what exactly is a healthy diet and can it actually be done? The answer is yes. By changing dietary habits in the four areas Americans have problems in their diet (sugar, bread, water, and artificial foods); one can experience a change in their health, energy, and overall well-being. The changes are not complicated or difficult and can be applied at your own pace without stress or guilt.
The first problem Americans face in their diet is sugar as we (as a country) are consuming over 120 pounds per person, per year. Even though there are natural sugars in fruits and vegetables, the problems with Americans' sugar intake is that the majority of it is refined sugar. Refined sugar does not have the vitamins or minerals that are needed by the body for burning and storing it, as sugar cane and sugar beets do. Therefore, the body must burn the sugar by tapping into its internal stores of nutrients, which can often lead to stress on the body. High intake of refined white sugar can suppress the immune system.
The next problem is America's bread. Because almost every bread item in the grocery store uses refined and enriched flour, the bread we eat lacks important nutrients, especially fiber. The best solution to this problem is to find a grocery or health food store that carries unrefined products, made with whole grains preferably organic sources. This means not just breads, but pastas, cereals, and any other grain dishes.
The third problem deals with water, a basic necessity to life. The issue is not about pure water, but rather what's in it and how it is purified. Since our own sewage is dumped directly into our rivers from every city in the nation, chlorine and other chemical agents are put into the water to kill the bacteria in the water. However it's a loose-loose situation, as we either drink the parasites or the harmful chlorine and bromine used to kill them. When at home, a ultra-violet only and combined UV-ozonating treatment units are the best bet as a water purifier. Although there is no ideal solution for our water problem, any steps taken to protect yourself are better than not knowing the dangers you face daily when drinking tap water. Bottled water may be the only option for some but 99% of all bottled water comes in plastic containers. In the past plastic has been known to leach into the water its holding which is undesirable and not healthy. Manufactures today claim that the plastic they use does not leach into the water, but one doesn't know for sure unless they have the water tested for plastic polymers. Fortunately some people have well water they drink from which is generally healthier due to the fact that the water in your well has to go through 50 - 100 feet of dirt and this dirt cleanses the water purifying it. Clean water is critical for good health.
The final issue with the American diet is artificial substances and processes. Almost every food label mentions numerous colors, flavors, and preservatives. It is hard to believe that these functions are simply for marketing, not nutritional purposes. We should take some degree of caution when eating a product with many artificial ingredients. It is simply adding more chemicals in your diet to be ingested into your body and harm your health. Although the solution to this problem is a bit more difficult, as we are surrounded by artificially made foods, drinking soy milk instead of regular milk and eating fruit instead of the usual processed snack is a good start. Starting a garden in your back yard and sticking with natural and organic foods can go a long way for better health even though buying organic is a bit more expensive can you really put a price on good health? By taking a few of the steps listed above you can be well on your way to a better healthier life style.
The first problem Americans face in their diet is sugar as we (as a country) are consuming over 120 pounds per person, per year. Even though there are natural sugars in fruits and vegetables, the problems with Americans' sugar intake is that the majority of it is refined sugar. Refined sugar does not have the vitamins or minerals that are needed by the body for burning and storing it, as sugar cane and sugar beets do. Therefore, the body must burn the sugar by tapping into its internal stores of nutrients, which can often lead to stress on the body. High intake of refined white sugar can suppress the immune system.
The next problem is America's bread. Because almost every bread item in the grocery store uses refined and enriched flour, the bread we eat lacks important nutrients, especially fiber. The best solution to this problem is to find a grocery or health food store that carries unrefined products, made with whole grains preferably organic sources. This means not just breads, but pastas, cereals, and any other grain dishes.
The third problem deals with water, a basic necessity to life. The issue is not about pure water, but rather what's in it and how it is purified. Since our own sewage is dumped directly into our rivers from every city in the nation, chlorine and other chemical agents are put into the water to kill the bacteria in the water. However it's a loose-loose situation, as we either drink the parasites or the harmful chlorine and bromine used to kill them. When at home, a ultra-violet only and combined UV-ozonating treatment units are the best bet as a water purifier. Although there is no ideal solution for our water problem, any steps taken to protect yourself are better than not knowing the dangers you face daily when drinking tap water. Bottled water may be the only option for some but 99% of all bottled water comes in plastic containers. In the past plastic has been known to leach into the water its holding which is undesirable and not healthy. Manufactures today claim that the plastic they use does not leach into the water, but one doesn't know for sure unless they have the water tested for plastic polymers. Fortunately some people have well water they drink from which is generally healthier due to the fact that the water in your well has to go through 50 - 100 feet of dirt and this dirt cleanses the water purifying it. Clean water is critical for good health.
The final issue with the American diet is artificial substances and processes. Almost every food label mentions numerous colors, flavors, and preservatives. It is hard to believe that these functions are simply for marketing, not nutritional purposes. We should take some degree of caution when eating a product with many artificial ingredients. It is simply adding more chemicals in your diet to be ingested into your body and harm your health. Although the solution to this problem is a bit more difficult, as we are surrounded by artificially made foods, drinking soy milk instead of regular milk and eating fruit instead of the usual processed snack is a good start. Starting a garden in your back yard and sticking with natural and organic foods can go a long way for better health even though buying organic is a bit more expensive can you really put a price on good health? By taking a few of the steps listed above you can be well on your way to a better healthier life style.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)
