Latest Articles by nutrition1 http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Why Should You Detox? http://www.articletrader.com/health/why-should-you-detox.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/why-should-you-detox.html Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
To get rid of toxins, our bodies are naturally equipped with a wondrous mechanism, our lymph system. The lymph system is designed to filter out toxic substances and excess fluid from tissues, all which is intricately involved in our immune function.

The lymph system is our body’s antibody roadway and it removes cellular waste and undesirable toxins that have found their way into our system. The lymph has been called “the River of Life” and cannot cleanse or purify if it is weak on congested. The lymph system does not have a pumping mechanism except for muscle contraction. Therefore, the need for physical movement, exercise, and periodic detoxification is imperative for a well functioning lymph system.

So what happens when our lymph system becomes overloaded? We experience toxic overload. Virtually any adverse symptom a person may experience can be caused by toxic overload. Toxins work in the body by competing for mineral receptor sites at the enzyme level. The inability of an enzyme to function properly can manifest itself in many different disease states depending upon each individual’s genetic makeup (DNA). Consequently, it is always important to address your own toxic load whenever you have any kind of symptom that does not seem normal. The speed of symptom onset, from acute (fast) to chronic (slow) depends upon the degree of toxic exposure as well as each individual’s genetic make-up.

Today, many of our unexplainable diseases are directly associated with high levels of tissue toxins. Some of them are as follows:

1. Fatigue and chronic fatigue
2. Foggy thinking
3. Memory Loss
4. Chronic Pain
5. Weak immune system
6. Weak thyroid
7. Arthritis
8. Constipation
9. Heart Disease
10. Skin Ailments
11. Depression

So how can we detox? One way is through the feet? Why the feet? It is said that whatever is happening inside the body is identical and similar at the end of the nerves in the hands and feet. The sole of the foot is viewed as an area that reflects the wellness of the body.

The feet are a map of the body; they are divided into zones that correspond to specific body systems. It is possible to target and cleanse ones liver, colon, kidneys, or other body systems by positioning detox foot pads on that target area of the foot.

Japanese researchers have developed a blend of powders with the unique ability to energetically stimulate reflex points and nerve endings on the bottom of the foot, which in turn stimulates the secretion of lymph fluid.

In essence, the secretion of the lymph becomes a fourth vehicle for tissue and organ detoxification assisting the liver, kidneys, and sweat glands. The beauty of the patches is that they work with the body’s most extensive detoxification system. This then takes pressure off the other systems.

So if you think your body has been exposed to too many toxins, the quickest and easiest way to address the issue is by starting with your feet.


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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Vitamin D and Fighting Cancer http://www.articletrader.com/health/vitamin-d-and-fighting-cancer.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/vitamin-d-and-fighting-cancer.html Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Studies have shown that the intake of Vitamin D3 controls cellular growth, which helps you absorb calcium from your digestive tract and at the same time, inhibits the growth of cancer cells. In order for Vitamin D to be activated, the body must be exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. With doctors telling us to stay out of the sun or to wear sunscreen due to skin cancer, our bodies are not getting the appropriate amount of sunlight to boost our Vitamin D levels. So what do we do?

According to Dr. Richard Hobday, author of The Healing Sun, he says, “our fear of the sun does more harm than good. Most recommended daily sunscreens block ultraviolet B rays, the same rays that trigger the production of vitamin D. The number of people who die from breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis -- all maladies that sunlight could benefit -- is far greater than the number of deaths from skin cancer.”

After reviewing 50 years of medical literature on cancer, Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh concluded that the benefits of regular sun exposure outweigh the risks of squamous-basal skin cancer, accelerated ageing and melanoma.

So, if you are going to take the risks of being in the sun more often, you might ask yourself what all of the benefits of Vitamin D are?

When vitamin D is produced in the skin or consumed in food, it requires chemical conversion in the liver and kidney to form dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Active vitamin D functions as a hormone because it sends a message to the intestines to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones to promote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, two forms of skeletal diseases that weaken bones.

Research also suggests that vitamin D may help maintain a healthy immune system and help regulate cell growth and differentiation, the process that determines what a cell is to become.

Knowing how many benefits Vitamin D provides, you might ask yourself, are you getting enough of the Vitamin and are you getting enough sunlight.

According to studies, season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreen affect UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. For example, sunlight exposure from November through February in Boston is insufficient to produce significant vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Complete cloud cover halves the energy of UV rays, and shade reduces it by 60%. Industrial pollution, which increases shade, also decreases sun exposure and may contribute to the development of rickets in individuals with insufficient dietary intake of vitamin D . Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8 or greater will block UV rays that produce vitamin D, but it is still important to routinely use sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer and other negative consequences of excessive sun exposure. An initial exposure to sunlight (10 -15 minutes) allows adequate time for Vitamin D synthesis and should be followed by application of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect the skin. Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. It is very important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet.

Because scientists are realizing the increasing benefits of how vitamin D may affect the risk of multiple sclerosis, asthma and diabetes, they are recommending that up to 4,000 international units per day is not toxic to the body and is suggested. Foods that naturally contain Vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon and milk that has been fortified – just to name a few.

So drink your milk and catch some sun – fighting cancer might be as easy as that.


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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Are you getting enough Vitamin D http://www.articletrader.com/health/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d.html Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
What is Vitamin D and what are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

When vitamin D is produced in the skin or consumed in food, it requires chemical conversion in the liver and kidney to form dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Active vitamin D functions as a hormone because it sends a message to the intestines to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones to promote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin and brittle.

When can vitamin D deficiency occur? There are three main reasons one would not be receiving the right amount of Vitamin D in their body: 1) Not enough intake 2) The body cannot adequately absorb the Vitamin from the digestive tract 3) Not enough time is spent in the sun so that the kidneys can convert Vitamin D to its active hormone.

Lack of Vitamin D intake often starts with those who are lactose intolerant or strict vegetarians. Infants fed only breast milk can also receive insufficient amounts of Vitamin D if they are not receiving supplementation.

Older adults are also believed to be at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency too. As people age, skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently and the kidney is less able to convert vitamin D to its active hormone form. It is estimated that as many as 30% to 40% of older adults with hip fractures are vitamin D insufficient.

Because of the amount of sunlight needed, persons with limited sun exposure such as homebound individuals, people living in northern latitudes such as in New England and Alaska, women who wear robes and head coverings for religious reasons, and individuals working in occupations that prevent sun exposure are unlikely to obtain much vitamin D from sunlight. It is important for people with limited sun exposure to consume recommended amounts of vitamin D in their diets or consider vitamin D supplementation.

Biologically, persons with fat malabsorption issues in that they have the reduced ability to absorb dietary fat may require Vitamin D supplements. Symptoms of fat malabsorption include diarrhea and oily stools. Fat malabsorption is associated with a variety of medical conditions.

What are symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? The classic vitamin D deficiency diseases are rickets and osteomalacia. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets. Rickets is a bone disease characterized by a failure to properly mineralize bone tissue. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness may indicate vitamin D deficiency, but symptoms may be subtle and go undetected in the initial stages. A deficiency is accurately diagnosed by measuring the concentration of a specific form of vitamin D in blood.

Because Vitamin D has so many benefits, having a deficiency could lead to many more concerns that those listed above. So, if you aren’t eating enough foods with Vitamin D, not getting enough sunlight or have a medical condition that doesn’t allow your body to absorb calcium, you might want to check out the supplement section nearest you.


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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Teaching Your Children About Money http://www.articletrader.com/finance/teaching-your-children-about-money.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/teaching-your-children-about-money.html Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The time to start teaching your children about money is as early as the age of three or any time the children learns to say ‘gimme’. Rather than buying your child a pack of gum, candy or a toy each time they want it, you can use the opportunity to teach them about money. This is a lesson than you can practice all the way into their teenage years.

How do you regulate spending money on your children while teaching them the value of the dollar? Here are a few steps.

1. Include your children when discussing money. Most children don’t understand how much the cost of living is. You can share this information without worrying your child by providing a balanced view of money coming in and money going out. Include your children in decision-making and money management activities. Start a family savings account that will go toward a group event and encourage your children to contribute.
2. Give your children an allowance. The allowance does not have to be tied to chores. Doing this will make the child forgo the chores when they don’t need the money. Having a weekly income that they use for their own spending teaches them how to choose carefully what they want and don’t want. Explain to your child what they must buy for themselves and what you will pay for. Items a child can pay for can include CDs, movie tickets, gifts, and a savings.
3. Take your children to the store. Make a list, set a budget and allow your child to help you shop. They will recognize the value of items and learn to evaluate which items are the most cost effective. This is a lesson they easily can carry into their adulthood.
4. Teach your child how to save up for big-ticket items. When your child sees something he or she wants, make them wait at least a week, teach them to compare prices and shop around. Waiting will ensure they have enough cash and that the purchase isn’t an impulse buy. Who knows, they might change their mind and be grateful they had to wait.
5. Help your child set up long-term goals. Most children don’t think beyond the moment, so work with them on thinking about items they might want for the future – a car, motorcycle, college, etc.
6. Set up a savings account for your child. Take them to the bank and teach them how to add and subtract at a young age so that they can monitor their own bankbook. Show them how the pennies they collect can add up. Teach them to roll coins and add up the value as well. This can be added to their savings account and they will enjoy handling the money.

Taking just these few steps will help your children gain a giant leap in life’s financial game.


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Franklin Buck is the friendly spokes person for ThinkCash.com, a company that provides short term loans to individuals. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCash.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Adrenal Fatigue http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/adrenal-fatigue.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/adrenal-fatigue.html Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 • Tendency to gain weight and unable to loose it, especially around the waist.
• High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory diseases
• Tendency to tremble when under pressure.
• Reduced sex drive.
• Lightheaded when rising from a laying down position.
• Unable to remember things.
• Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.
• Often feel tired between 9 - 10 pm, but resist going to bed.
• Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.
• Crave for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.
• Increase symptoms of PMS for women; period are heavy and then stop, or almost stopped on the 4th day, only to start flow again on the 5th or 6th day.
• Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason

If many of these symptoms are familiar to you, you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue has a broad spectrum yet somewhat non-specific set of symptoms, which makes it easy for doctors to miss.

The adrenal glands are two small glands, located at the top of the kidneys. Their main function is to help the body cope with stress and help it survive.

Each adrenal gland has two compartments. The inner or medulla, modulate the sympathetic nervous system through secretion and regulation of two hormones called epinephrine and nor epinephrine that are responsible for the fight or flight response. The outer adrenal cortex comprises 80 percent of the adrenal gland and is responsible for producing over 50 different types of hormones. One of which is called cortisol. When our cortisol is lowered, our body is unable to deal with stress.

When a person experiences chronic stress, the cortisol level may rise to such a high level that its production reduces as the adrenal becomes exhausted. When this happens, DHEA, a hormone normally produced in the adrenal glands, starts to decrease.

Our adrenals after time cannot keep up with the increased demand for cortisol production. In response, cortisol output is therefore reduced.

Eventually our adrenals become totally exhausted.

But don’t despair. The good news is that adrenal fatigue can be reversed. It takes between six months to two years for the recover process to take place. To start, try these steps:

1. Remove life stressors. Look at what is causing stress in your life and find ways to work with them if not remove them.
2. Sleep. Get plenty of sleep. Try going to bed by at least 10 p.m. before the adrenal glands kick in its ‘second wind’ keeping us up between 11 p.m. and 1 p.m. This is also the time our adrenals work the hardest.
3. Avoid caffeine if possible. Try herbal teas or decaf coffee. Caffeine can interrupt your sleep patterns.
4. Exercise. Exercise reduces depression, increases blood flow and normalizes levels of cortisol, insulin, blood glucose, and helps with your thyroid
5. Nutritional Supplements. Supplements such as DHEA at 15 to 30 mg helps. Vitamin C, 500 mg to 3,000 mg; Vitamin B5, 900 to 1,500 mg; Vitamin E, 400 to 800 I.U; Beta-Carotene, 10,000 to 25,000 I.U.
6. Diet. Combine unrefined carbohydrates (whole grains) with protein and oils (nuts and seeds) at most meals—olive, walnut, fiber, flax and high-quality fish oil. Eat regular meals, chew food well, and eat by 10 AM and again for lunch. Avoid any hydrogenated fats, caffeine, chocolate, white carbohydrates, and junk foods. Diets should have a heavy emphasis on vegetables.


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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Nutritional Supplements for Allergy Relief http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/nutritional-supplements-for-allergy-relief.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/nutritional-supplements-for-allergy-relief.html Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
On a scientific level, the first time an allergy-prone person is exposed to an allergen, large amounts of the corresponding IgE antibodies are produced. The IgE antibodies cause the mast cells to release inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling of tissues, as well as histamine and several other chemicals that cause itching, engorgement of blood vessels, increased secretions, and bronchospasm (tightening of muscles that surround the airways). Some of these chemicals attract white blood cells known as eosinophils. The eosinophils add more inflammatory chemicals.

There are different types of allergens. If you recognize the symptoms in your eyes, nose and lungs, your reaction is to something airborne. If you have problems with your stomach, mouth or intestines, the allergen had been ingested.

Scientists are discovering that nutritional supplements may be the simplest way to relieve allergy and sensitivity symptoms. Which vitamins are most noted?

• Vitamin C – This vitamin works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to block asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Vitamin C also helps remove environmental toxins from the body and helps with the formation of collagen to rebuild joint tissue damaged by allergy-induced arthritis.
• Vitamin E – Acts as an anti-inflammatory that blocks the activity of an enzyme that provokes inflammation. It helps maintain the elastic quality in cells. Research has shown asthma patients are often low in Vitamin’s C and E.
• Vitamin B5 – Produces adrenal hormones such as cortisol and has an antihistamine effect. This vitamin also reduces stress in the body.
• Magnesium – Serves as an adrenal and immune stimulate that relaxes smooth muscles and serves as a natural bronchodilator and antihistamine.

In addition to vitamins Chinese herbal medicine and botanicals can help you with your allergy relief. Chinese herbal formulas include apricot seed, astragalus, centipede, corydalis, chrysanthemum, ginseng, magnolia, perilla seed, and xanthium. Botanicals include but are not limited to Stinging Nettle, Ephedra, Ginkgo Bilboa, Licorice root, Chinese Skullcap, and Feverfew.

Choosing natural remedies first instead of over-the-counter medications will not only strengthen your body but will provide you with additional benefits. There is also fewer side effects.

So if you are looking to battle those allergies and recurrent reactions, look to nature first.

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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Allergies, what are they exactly? http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/allergies-what-are-they-exactly.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/allergies-what-are-they-exactly.html Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 When we think of allergies, we imagine somebody sneezing over their cat or watery eyes because of the ragweed. But allergies are even more diverse than that.



The definition of allergy is quite simple; it is when the immune system’s hypersensitivity upon re-exposure to a sensitizing agent causes release of inflammatory chemicals and therefore the development of various symptoms. Our bodies then become intolerant of a particular chemical or process needed to digest a particular food.



The term allergy dates back to 1906 when an Austrian pediatrician named Clemens von Pirquet noted that some people had a different reaction to a substance than other people, which he called ‘altered reactivity’. Today an allergy is described in reference to allergens, or a substance that provokes allergy symptoms. The body judges the substance to be foreign and dangerous and then attacks it. Allergic responses vary and include fatigue, headache, sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy sinuses. Allergic reaction symptoms are even broke down into two categories, immediate and delayed. Food allergies can occur two to 72 hours after eating.



The most common source of environmental allergies are the pollen of plants from trees, weeds, grasses and molds. As for food allergies, common culprits are yeast, wheat, corn, milk, dairy products, eggs, soy, shellfish, peanuts, chocolate and food dyes and additives.



There are many theories as to why some are more sensitive to pollutants and foods than others. Some speculate it is genetic. Others feel it is toxic overload from the pesticides and chemicals in our society or vaccinations we received as children.



So what are some simple steps we can take to build our immunity and defend ourselves from allergens?



1. Drink plenty of water. Water can act as an antioxidant by flushing oxidants and other toxins through the kidneys. Being well hydrated can help with our mucous membranes and sinuses as well. Try drinking water that has been purified through reverse osmosis, activated charcoal, de-ionized, ultraviolet light or distillation.


2. Clean Your House – Wash pillows, blankets or all bedding to remove dust mites. Keep windows closed during allergy season and use air filters and purifiers. If you have a choice, avoid carpet as it collects dust mites and molds.


3. Eat More Healthy – Try eating organic, foods that have not been processed with additives and chemicals. Eat more high-fiber plant foods such as grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Avoid refined sugars, synthetic fats, refined flours and commercial red meat and poultry.


4. Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. Giving your immune system a boost to help fight off bacteria and viruses will give you the strength to digest and ingest what the environment has to offer.



Practice these four things and certainly you will see an improvement. It may not happen overnight, but nothing worthwhile ever does.




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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Is Hoodia the next weight loss miracle drug? http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/is-hoodia-the-next-weight-loss-miracle-drug.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/is-hoodia-the-next-weight-loss-miracle-drug.html Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Everybody is looking for the next supplement that will assist him or her in losing weight. Over the years, there have been a number of ways people have been told how to lose weight. But sometimes the next best thing is located away from the labs and opinions of others and is in your own back yard. Well, maybe it’s only in your backyard if you live in the African desert.



Hoodia, a cactus, found primarily in the Kalahari is this next best thing. In the Kalahari, the plant is called the “Bushman’s Hat or “Queen of Namib” and is used by bushmen or hunters to survive the harsh desert by being able to travel for days without food. How does it work? The plant, Hoodia Cactus as it is often called, has a natural capacity to suppress appetite. What was thought to be an African folklore is now being discovered by drug companies through millions of dollars in research, to be true.



So what is it about the plant that makes it work? The plant contains steroidal glycosides, which in effect mimics the effect glucose has on the nerve cells in the brain. These glycosides tell us we are full when we are not. To be more scientific, it acts on the hypothalamus of the human brain in the same way that an increase in the amount of sugar in the bloodstream would. It basically tricks the brain into believing we have had enough calories to get us through the day and therefore suppresses hunger.



So what are the side effects of Hoodia? So far, the only known side effect is an overall felling of well-being; a side effect most don’t mind. Combined with other natural weight loss substances such as ephedra or caffeine –Hoodia has become a very efficient weight loss drug. Packaged together by companies like Lipodrene, the product gives dieters a way to lose weight while feeling like they have extra energy - all without hunger.



Who is using this new miracle drug? It seems the stars of Hollywood discovered its benefits first with rumor of Nicole Richie and the cast from Desperate Housewives, enjoying its benefit. Today the general public is learning about it.



Skeptics have traveled to the deserts of Africa to try it themselves. One woman, working as a journalist, reported that after a day of traveling and feeling famished, she tried the herb and found that she wasn’t hungry for forty-eight hours. As a reporter, she found that encouraging when finding time to stop and eat isn’t always easy with a busy schedule.



So, whether you are too busy to eat at any given moment or you’re somebody who fights eating when you aren’t necessarily hungry, as in using food for emotional reasons or to fight boredom, this natural substance might be the trick in helping you find balance. It just could be the next miracle cure for many.





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About the Author: R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Stay healthy, boost your immune system http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/stay-healthy-boost-your-immune-system.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/stay-healthy-boost-your-immune-system.html Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500
What is the immune system? The immune system is made up of cells that are designed to kill off virus or bacteria encounters. These cells, called killer cells or macrophages digest and destroy anything offensive to the body.

So what can we do to help our own body help itself?

1. Cut back on processed sugar. It is said that as little as one teaspoon of sugar shuts off our killer cells activity for up to six hours. Cutting out sugar will not only help your immune system but will also renew your energy levels and weight distribution. Alternatives to sugar are stevia or artificial sweeteners; but stevia is certainly healthier.
2. Take supplements such as Vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Finding a company that offers such vitamins in addition to supplements aimed specifically for immune support, like Jarrow Formulas, help zero in on what you are trying to accomplish. Vitamins A, C, E and B are certainly necessary for immune support but so are antioxidants, and IP6, which enhances the body’s natural killer cells.
3. Reduce stress and get a good night’s sleep. Stress, whether emotional or physical send out to the body a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol drops our DHEA levels and makes our interleukin levels rise. Sleep itself, from six to ten hours, helps balance our hormone levels, including our cortisol.
4. Drink plenty of water. Most people don’t drink enough water to purify the body of its toxins. Try adding lemon to your water. Lemon restores the acid-alkali balance which helps return your body’s pH level to a place where it supports healthy bacterial instead of the bacteria caused by viruses.
5. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. Do this especially if you are not taking a supplement to assist your body.
6. Spend time out in the cold. It seems that this is contradictory to getting a cold, but exercise and getting out of the indoors where you inhale other people’s germs, helps the body. Exercise also releases endorphins, which increases immune support.
7. Nurture your well-being. Research has shown that our nervous system directly communicates with our immune system. Feelings of joy and self worth improve and boost our immunity. It has also been proven that prayer; a positive attitude and a spiritual sense of well-being enhance our killer cell activity.

Sound easy enough? It is, so practice at least two of the above mentioned and you will notice your health improving drastically.

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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Feeling Tired? Check your Hormones http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/feeling-tired-check-your-hormones.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/feeling-tired-check-your-hormones.html Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 If you are like most women over the age of thirty, you might be asking yourself why you are so tired lately? Studies have shown that fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance affecting close to 80 percent of women premenopausal and menopausal. The good news is that you aren’t alone and such fatigue is treatable or gets better after menopause.



So what causes fatigue? Before you start blaming all of your tiredness on hormones, read through this checklist, just to be sure your tiredness is not due to other things.



1. See a doctor and get a complete physical to rule out any diseases or illnesses. Thyroid dysfunction can cause fatigue as can an infection.

2. Are you emotionally stressed? If so, lack of sleep can be a factor. Stress and anxiety can keep you up tossing and turning all night while depriving you from a good night’s sleep.

3. Is your body lacking proper nutrients? Do you take a supplement? Without the right foods are body’s cells won’t get the necessary nutrients, which stresses our systems even further than all of our other every day stressors.

4. Dehydration is a big one, especially if you live in a warm climate. It is recommended that you drink at least four glasses of water a day and more if you are active.

5. Inactivity can lead to fatigue. One might think being active makes you tired, but to the contrary, the body needs both rest and movement.

6. Do you have food allergies? Going undiagnosed, food allergies can overtax your immune system leaving you exhausted. Digestive imbalances over time and food allergies can over time trigger multiple chemical sensitivities. Chronic inflammation taxes the immune system making you more sensitive to other allergens.

7. Adrenal fatigue is again tied to stress and anxiety but this fatigue isn’t just from lack of sleep, it is an overall fatigue that is caused from our adrenal glands being ‘on’ longer than they should. Adrenal stress index tests can be done to discover whether you are ‘on’ more than ‘off’ when it comes to taxing your adrenal glands.



If none of these apply to you, then the last consideration is certainly your hormones combined with daily stressors. How do the two work together? When our adrenals are producing high levels of cortisol, they forget how to work and don’t produce a chemical called DHEA(dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA is a precursor to the hormone estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and helps balance our body’s hormones. Our body naturally produces DHEA and it’s at its highest when we are in your twenties. As we age, amounts slowly declined and many doctors recommend taking it as a supplement. Low amounts of DHEA can also lead to bone loss, loss of muscle mass, depression, aching joints, decreased sex drive and low immunity.




If you are experiencing fatigue most typically with PMS, ask you doctor about DHEA and have your hormones checked. Also ask for a simple blood test, which will gauge your iron levels.



There is no need to be consistently tired and there are methods for getting to the bottom of your fatigue, whether you’re perimenopasual, menopausal or none of the aforementioned.



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R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of MRM DHEA products. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>