First of all, kids should not diet! They should play, burn calories and replenish them with good nutrition.

It’s only when children eat too many sugars (and too many calories) and then do not burn them that things start to go wrong. As a parent, there are many things you can do to improve the eating habits of your children, and breakfast is a good place to begin.

Cereals are too sweet to be true. Very few breakfast cereals are actually sugar free. Almost all of them contain large quantities of sugar. Be sure to read the labels when shopping for cereals, and opt for products high in fiber (at least 6 to 8 grams fiber per serving) and low in sugar (less than 20 grams sugar per serving). Good alternatives include oatmeal or sugar-free corn flakes.

Read the labels on cereals and look for the ones that are high in fiber and low in sugar. Encourage them to sweeten their cereal with fruit such as sliced banana, apple, pear, or a few raisins instead of sprinkling sugar. The best snack option for a child is a fruit. You should always have a mountain of fresh, appealing fruit at home for them to nibble whenever they feel hungry. Send them to school with some fruit rather than money for buying junk food.

Another good habit to develop in your children is eating vegetables with each meal and, as a rule, eating something raw. Many children eat too few vegetables. The trick is to prepare vegetables in a tasty way that tempts your child. Use different types of flavorings, seasonings and dressings to make a vegetable dish more palatable. Don’t overcook vegetables because it robs them of important nutrients. Raw carrots are usually a favorite with children as are peas and either mashed or baked potatoes. It’s best if you can help your child get used to eating potatoes with the skin intact; it’s much healthier. Serve something raw with each meal- such as carrots, cabbage or tomatoes helps children develop a taste for salad foods.

Protein intake is very important for growing children. Protein can be derived from meat, chicken, eggs, fish, and sprouts. For active children, and children entering adolescence, parents might want to consider a protein supplement, especially if the child is a pure vegetarian, and /or eats too many junk foods. You should ask your pediatrician and/or a nutritionist about whether this is appropriate. There are many protein supplements on the market so, if you are going to add them to your child’s diet, ask someone knowledgeable about which are best.

Now that many experts have raised awareness of what’s lacking in many children’s diets, caring parents are looking for solutions. Here’s what we know about some of the nutritional imbalances affecting many children.

Sugar imbalance Deficiency of vitamins, minerals, often zinc, B12 and niacin Deficiency of essential fatty acids (such as fish oil)
Consult your physician to recommend a good, chewable multivitamin and mineral formula designed for children. Children need all the nutrients but especially:
Vitamin A to help resist infection
Vitamin D to aid calcium absorption
Vitamins B and C for brain development
Zinc to assist growth
Plus chromium, selenium, magnesium and manganese.
Check that all of these are present in a multivitamin formulation for children, especially zinc.
For younger children, some doctors suggest liquid vitamins with droppers. Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been found to be associated with higher problem solving abilities in kids.

As a parent, it’s time for you to take the initiative for your child. You can take the first step by insisting on some good habits. Teach them to eat during designated meal and snack times. For example, don’t let them get into the habit of eating in front of the television, or eating freely all day and all night long.

So start building the foundation for a lifetime of good food and fitness habits in your children. Although you can expect some complaining in the short term, you’ll be glad you did it. And so will your kids.

Nitin Chhoda
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/diets-for-kids-76698.html

In this excerpt, Dr. Jameth Sheridan shares on iron and anemia and his top three tips for overall health.

Renegade Roundtable with Dr. Jameth Sheridan. Dr. Sheridan is a naturopath and nutritional consultant. He and his wife Kim co-authored “Uncooking with Jameth and Kim” and they co-own and operate Health Force Nutritional.

Kevin: A lot of people are wondering about anemia and wondering about how they can raise their iron levels.

Jameth: Iron is so easy being a vegan because pretty much everything green has a good amount of iron in it. Iron is another perfect example and it completely relates to EPA and DHA. I used to get in arguments with people being a vegan, or debates depending on the person, if they were coming at me with an argument or if we were just discussing it, it was a debate, about iron. There are two types of iron. There is heme iron and non-heme. Heme iron is a form of iron that occurs in supplements, isolated iron and also in animal products. It is more absorbable, at least some research in the past has indicated that it is more absorbable than the non-heme iron in plants. People would say, “Well what about that?” I’m like, “Well, I know I’m not iron deficient and I don’t have an exact answer for that technicality.” It’s like people try to get you on technicalities. I’ve since learned some other information which I’d like to share now. Iron in the form of an animal product, in the flesh of an animal, it clearly contributes to heart disease and nobody really that has studied it, disputes that. Iron actually has toxicity, it contributes to heart disease and people are dying of it. Iron is not an anti-oxidant. Beta Carotene for example is an anti-oxidant. Many herbs and most fruits and vegetables, almost all of them have a good degree of anti-oxidants in them. Iron is an oxidant. It oxidizes your tissues, it destroys and breaks things down. We want to avoid oxidation. Now iron in the form of an isolated supplement has killed people when they have taken enough of it. On every bottle, every multi-vitamin sold in America today and on every bottle of actual isolated iron, there is a legally mandated warning that says, words to the effect of “Warning accidental overdose of iron containing supplements is a chief cause of fatal poisoning in children under six.” They ate Flintstones vitamins, ate mommy’s this that whatever and their dead. Now that’s not a good thing. It’s super absorbable and it’s also super toxic if absorbed too much. Now iron in the form of a plant food, if someone already has enough iron in their body, if they’re sufficient in iron it’s much less absorbable, because the body will not absorb it because the body can selectively absorb iron from a plant food. But I have subsequently learned when you are deficient in iron, you actually absorb and utilize the iron from a plant food way better than that from an animal product or a supplement, and it has no toxicity whatsoever. And the iron in the form of a raw flesh or raw blood is just as toxic as when you cook it. There’s no difference there, just for those wondering that question.

The best way to get iron is dark, leafy greens: kale, collard greens, and even better than that, things like nettles and spirulina and chlorella, super, super high in iron. To me, spirulina is probably the number one superfood you could possibly consume: lots of protein, lots of iron, lots of other minerals, lots of phycocianin, which can help to both protect and regenerate kidney cells, and an easy fix for anemia. And I have seen specifically either good amounts of Vitamineral Green, which contains spirulina, or just spirulina alone, correct people’s iron deficiency. The white blood cell counts come up and so forth.
And I’ve got a new version of that, version four, which is just a huge jump over the last version. I’m just super excited about it.

Kevin: Does it help build muscle mass?

Jameth: It sure does. Spirulina, chlorella, huge amounts of minerals, seaweeds, weeds, wild-crafted weeds, other things. It’s just probably the single best thing you can probably put in your body, and that’s the reason I designed it. I have a companion product to it called Earth, which is a grounding super food blend with sprouted seeds and other things in it.

Kevin: Great. One of the readers asked, “What’s the difference between something like Vitamineral Green and something like Revitafy?”

Jameth: They have a crossover. I designed them both. The Revitafy people came to me saying they wanted a superfood that would have some things in common with Vitamineral Green, but they also had a different focus to it. So, there’s a lot of ingredients in common that are just both completely awesome, and I told them, I said, “Well, I’ve worked with some network marketing companies in the past, and I’ve ultimately ended up not working out because of greed and lack of quality and just considerations thereof.” They convinced me that they were different, and they proved out to be because they wanted something that kicked ass. I said, “Well, do you want just a little bit of enzymes to put on the label and a little bit of probiotics to put on the label and a little bit of this, or do you want a therapeutic amount?” And every time it was, “We want a therapeutic amount. We want this to kick ass.” A primary difference they chose to do is they chose to not have any algaes in there, any single-cell algaes, no spirulina and no chlorella. Now I do consider spirulina the number one superfood in the world, and I absolutely have it in my superfood. I would never take it out. But by taking it out, you actually then have more room for things like nettles or horsetail or meringa, which is somewhat of a unique leaf product. So it actually has a bit of a more alkaline effect than Vitamineral Green, and you get more other things in there. Because there’s less spirulina and chlorella, you get more room for other foods. They’re both phenomenally good for you.

Kevin: Great. Well, that’s good to know, right?

Jameth: And they both have therapeutic levels of enzymes and probiotics and other things. Nothing’s token-ed.

Kevin: What do you think are your top three things that you think contribute to yours and anyone’s overall health? What are the three things that you do that you think get you the best results?

Jameth: OK. The first one I’m going to say is I’m a whole food organic vegan, meaning everything I eat is whole food. I mean, not everything. In my whole life, I haven’t been this way, in my whole 23 years into vegan or 24, raw vegan, I haven’t always eaten everything whole. I’ve done some processed and dehydrated or other things, but right now, I’m all whole foods. Everything I do is a whole food. Everything I do is organic for the most part. Occasionally, something might not be 100% organic. And everything I do is vegan. That alone is just huge. I don’t even do a lot of dehydrated things or other bars or other things. I don’t do any cacao, which is a whole other topic. But that is huge, being a whole food organic vegan. I’m eating whole food, no flax oil, no olive oil. The only time I use flax oil is for culinary expression. I do that sometimes on things, a little bit of flax oil on a nori roll with spirulina on top is insanely good, so I let myself do that. I don’t think that’s bad.

The second thing is I take a pretty wide range of superfoods and herbs everyday and I’m including some colon-supporting things in that, which makes an immense difference in my health. When I first got into health I was not at all into herbs or superfoods because natural hygiene taught me that they were all potions and elixirs and that isolated vitamin A was in the same category as spirulina and dried wheatgrass, which I find now absolutely ridiculous. They’re not even in the same category. So I take Vitamineral Green, I take the product Earth. I do a colon cleanse about twice a year. I do a lot of milk thistle and some other herbal liver extracts which I – not liver extracts from liver, these are plant extracts that support the liver, a product I have called Liver Rescue. I also do some herbal extracts as far as antioxidants. I have a product called Antioxidant Extreme. And I just take good, solid, superfood nutrition, which makes a big difference. I’ve been doing a good amount with maca these days. I have a product called Maca Force which is a lot easier to digest. As long as maca is whole, whole maca, maca extract can actually cause hormone imbalance in people. The whole maca never has. It’s just a really, really awesome power food. That’s number two. Number three is I’m a weekend warrior exerciser. Meaning I don’t just necessarily exercise on the weekends but my frequency is more like a weekend warrior exerciser. That makes such an amazing difference in your overall health. It’s just as important as those other two. I think those are my top three.

Kevin Gianni
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/dr-jameth-sheridan-shares-three-tips-for-overall-health-681933.html

From early 1970, existence of close relationship between the nutritional status and capabilities of immune response to pathogens has been accepted. Early work has shown that a protein-energy malnutrition, significantly affected the immune response, thereby increasing the risk of infection and the mortality rate of patients suffering from chronic diseases, cancer, influenza, tuberculosis, etc. More recently, it also appeared that obesity interfered with weak immune system. That is, people who have weakened immune system tend to gain weight more easily.

The immune system is a collection of mechanisms within an organism that makes it possible to identify and kill pathogens and tumor cells. It acts as a defense mechanism against pathogens (can cause diseases), such as virus, bacteria, parasites, cancer cells, some poisonous particles. Without the immune system, the body cannot defend itself against aggression.

Immunity and supplements

Many studies have confirmed that certain vitamins and supplements (immune supplements) are capable not only of boosting the immune system, but of also fighting against its aging.

Malnutrition and Immune Function – It has long been known that malnourished people have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases because of an inadequate immune response. A malnourished immune system not only cannot protect your body, but also can attacks harmless substances. It is a vicious circle. The consequences of certain diseases, including HIV, cancer and tuberculosis, are all more pejorative when your immune system is weak. A lack of protein has a negative effect on the various components of the immune system.

Other nutrients and immunity – Some fatty acids (omega 3 for instance) normally found in fish oils have an effect on immune function, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), reduce inflammation by modulating the production of cytokines by T cells. The acid alpha-lipoic, an antioxidant much studied in HIV infection seems to be able to regenerate vitamins C and E, increasing their antioxidant effect. Amino acids, particularly arginine and glutamine, play an important role in immunity. The glutamine is involved in the maintenance of the intestinal wall, and thereby prevents the migration of infectious organisms in the blood stream.

Vitamins and Immunity - various studies have highlighted among people living with HIV /AIDS blood low concentrations of certain vitamins, especially vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E and folate.

Vitamin A – The deficit in vitamin A deteriorating function of epithelial cells, essential in maintaining the structure of tissues. On this same vitamin A depend the production of B cells and T.

B Complex – It has been demonstrated that vitamin B12 improves the rate of T cells and NK cell activity in patients with a deficiency of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 and folate are both involved in the production of genetic material. The deficiency in vitamin B6 may occur following the administration of certain drugs such as isonicotinyl hydrazine (for tuberculosis). It seems to affect the function of T cells and the ability of NK cells to kill infectious agents among HIV-positive patients. The deficiency in vitamin B6 has also been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

Vitamin C - Deficiency of vitamin C impairs phagocyte function and cellular immunity (Chandra, 1986). This includes inhibition of neutrophil mobility, which, in turn, inhibits the formation of inflammatory reactions. Studies of mega dose vitamin C supplementation in healthy individuals have found the supplement to bolster both cellular and humoral immunity
Vitamin E – Vitamin E plays a key role as antioxidant in cell membranes. This earned him to be regarded as a nutrient “anti-viral. The combined intake of vitamins A and E in animals has shown an improvement of the function of neutrophils to destroy infectious agents.

The numerous and complex relationships between food, nutrients and specific immune system are an interesting field of study in the field of biomedical research. People with a good diet will be better prepared immunologically to fight against many modern diseases such as cancer, AIDS and tuberculosis. Several micro-nutrients have significant roles in the functions of the immune system. It is clear that maintaining a good nutritional status and adequate reserve of micronutrients in the body allows an effective immune response to opportunistic infections. However, it is very difficult to intake all those essential nutrients in a regular diet.

At VitalFoodStore.com, we offer a wide variety of natural products for your health. Whether you need natural immune supplement to boost your immune system, vitamin supplements, anti aging supplements, natural herbal remedies, we can provide you with what you are looking for. Visit our immune supplements website today

Raphael
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/immune-supplements-can-prevent-and-cure-most-of-socalled-incurable-diseases-446033.html

Do you have arthritis? If so you are not alone. 66,000,000 people do almost 1 in 3 adults.

Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Besides limiting daily activities arthritis can cause many lifestyle problems. You may assume there’s nothing you can do that will help. Don’t believe that. There are steps including supplements and lifestyle changes you can make to significantly improve your life.

Your doctor may ask a few of these questions:

• Where is your pain • When does it hurt • How long have you had it • Any swelling or redness • Family history of arthritis

He may wish to perform a movement test and have some x-rays taken.

Inflammation from your arthritis is a significant source of pain. Your physician may recommend OTC medicines or a prescription.

You should be aware of alternatives such as natural supplements and physical exercise.

Nettle Leaf Extract This supplement appears to suppress TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta. Nettle leaf may inhibit inflammatory cascade in rheumatoid arthritis. Also joint protection is assisted with nettle leaf.

MSM: Msm contain Sulfur and anti-inflammatory properties

Glucosamine Sulfate/Chondroitin: Reduces joint pain and may substantially rebuild cartilage. This may take a while to see results.

Fish Oil: DHA, EPA and Omega 3 found in quality fish oil. Reduces painful inflammation and may promote joint lubrication. Look for a high quality, low mercury supplements like Carlson’s fish oils. Flax seed is another practical choice.

Try high quality multivitamins such as Purity’s Perfect Multi Super Greens.

Vitamin E: Use a natural product like Vitamin E-8 daily.

Cherries: Recent research has shown that tart cherries contain powerful antioxidants that may help relieve the pain of arthritis and gout and also protect the body against cardiovascular disease and inhibit cancer tumors.

There is also a cherry capsule that is very good named Fruit Advantage.

Exercise: Exercise is important not only for arthritis but your overall health.

Weight Control: Even modest weight loss will bring healthy results. Start slow if you need to, and then try to reach your target weight.

Stress: Ah Stress. This one unnecessarily causes us so many health concerns. It practically seems to be the source of most health problems.

There are many options to help deal with excess stress. Exercise is one of these. Even if you begin by walking to the corner and back, then around the block pretty soon you will be walking a mile or more.

Other things you may consider are Yoga, Meditation, Music and a new hobby.

There is a rather unique procedure I came across a while back called Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT for short. This works on the principles of Acupressure and Acupuncture.

Wait! Don’t let that intimidate you. Even though EFT is a remarkable tool it is actually easy to grasp. I personally have seen significant results. You won’t have to poke yourself at all. It just basically requires limited number of words and some tapping on certain key points.

So don’t give up. There are many options for you to vastly improve your health.

Lambert Klein
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/do-you-have-arthritis-4012.html

Do you need Omega 3 fatty acid in your diet? The simple answer is yes. The question of the importance of Omega 3 fatty acids can be clarified by examining the medical evidence regarding the benefits of this essential nutrient.

Omega 3 fatty acids are important building blocks for the cell membranes. Omega 3 fatty acids play a role in the neurological health of the human system. A significantly reduced risk of heart and cardiovascular disease is a well-documented benefit of having the correct balance of Omega 3 in the diet.

Studies undertaken on the lifestyle of the Inuit (Eskimos) prove that Omega 3 plays a critical role in maintaining good health. The Inuit enjoy a diet rich in fish and other marine wildlife, which provide Omega 3 in abundance.

Humans need Omega 3 fatty acids for optimum daily functioning. Research shows that it is critical for nervous system development. Omega 3 also plays a crucial part in managing and preventing disease. This essential nutrient is one of the primary components of the brain, as well as the retina and other nerve tissue. It can affect the signalling of cells.

Scientific studies on Omega 3 prove that it is a necessity. Without Omega 3 in our diets, we find an increase in allergies and arthritis. Other chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer, are all impacted upon when we lack Omega 3 in our diets.

Continued research on this essential nutrient has shown another benefit. We find that with the aid of Omega 3 fish oil, we have a reduced chance of abnormal blood clotting within the blood vessels.

Available evidence on the Omega 3 benefit indicates that Omega 3 fatty acids should be included as part of a healthy lifestyle. Should your diet become unbalanced and your consumption of Omega 3 drop to low, then you may experience several of the following conditions:

1) Fatty food craving

2) Ear wax accumulation

3) Sun-induced headaches

4) Leg cramps caused by walking

5) Tightness across shoulders

6) Brittle fingernails

7) Low moods, irritability

Thin/thick cracked heel calluses

9) Poor/slow wound healing

10) Yeast / candida infection

11) Chronic inflammations

12) Dry skin, dandruff

Conclusion

If you find yourself suffering from any of the above conditions, it may be due to an incorrect balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 in your diet. Therefore, it is advisable that you improve your Omega 3 intake by eating more of the foods listed below.

Long chain Omega 3 fatty acids are found in:

• Oily fish and cold-water fish such as mackerel and salmon: these are both excellent sources of the longer chain fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). Small amounts of EPA are also found in eggs. • Pre-formed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is found in animal organ meat, such as brains, kidney and liver. • There are various supplements available to increase Omega 3 fatty acid intakes, based on fish oil or flaxseed oil. The below are also beneficial and rich in Omega 3: • Plant oils e.g. soya, rape seed and especially flaxseed oil • Nuts and seeds e.g. walnuts and pumpkin seeds • Dark green leafy vegetables e.g. spinach and broccoli

All these foods are a great source of Omega 3. It is strongly recommended that you always try and increase your Omega 3 intake through a healthy balanced diet, incorporating some of the food groups from above. If you are trying to obtain a therapeutic dose of Omega 3 to help alleviate a health problem, then supplementation with a high-quality fish oil supplement may be preferable due to the large doses required.

David Mcevoy
http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/the-top-11-signs-that-suggest-omega-3-fatty-acid-deficiency-3930.html

Will Omega 3 fish oil really boost my child’s brain power? That is the question being asked by many parents who have been hearing the claims made by manufacturers. It does seem to be true that many children do benefit educationally from taking a daily supplement of fish oil, particularly if they are not already eating several portions of oily fish each week. Research has shown that children of all abilities benefit, not just those who are below average and have difficulty with concentration.
The research was carried out with two groups of children aged 6-12 and 8-9 years old. Both groups were given a combination of omega 3 and omega 6. After 3 months the underperforming children in the first group of 6-12 years old showed significant improvement in behaviour and short-term memory and after six months there were some significant improvements in reading skills. The second group already had a reading level 9 months above average, this increased to 18 months over a three period.

A lot of people become confused when they try to sort out the difference, if any, between fish oil, omega 3, DHA, EPA and omega 6. At the moment fish oil is the best source of omega 3. Omega 3 is an group of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two of these acids, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA for short, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are known as long chain acids and are essential for health. Omega 6 is a short chain fatty acid. It is generally accepted that a western diet provides sufficient omega 6 as it is found in processed cooking oils. In fact we may be consuming too much as the balance between omega 3 and omega 6 is thought to be important in maintaining optimum health.

The benefits of fish oil have been recognised for generations. Children in the 40’s and 50’s were given cod liver oil and malt. Unfortunately many found the taste almost unbearable and now most people prefer to take it in capsule form. Many adults, suffering from aching joints, find that cod liver oil helps to ease the pain and continue taking it as a preventative measure when they improve.

The Inuit population of Greenland has a low level of heart disease and research into the reason indicates the beneficial effect of fish oil on cardiovascular disease. With an increasing number of children suffering from obesity parents should be considering ways to reduce the risk of future heart problems and diabetes. A healthy diet is essential and this should include omega 3. It now appears that a number of other illnesses can benefit from taking omega 3 fatty acids. For example depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD and ADD.

For parents with children suffering from ADHD or ADD, who may be concerned about giving medication such as Ritalin to young children, discovering that using a natural remedy like omega 3 can be beneficial in treating the problem will be a relief, although no one should change treatment without consulting their physician.

There is evidence to suggest that many children are suffering from depression or anxiety. A number of reasons for the cause have been put forward. Parental pressure, expectations by parents and schools to achieve high exam results or bullying at school may all contribute. It is difficult to judge whether depression is on the increase, or whether we are more aware than a generation ago. Nevertheless if omega 3 can help to improve brain function and ease or prevent the symptoms of depression naturally, parents should include it in their children’s diet. However if you are concerned that your child may be suffering with depression you should also talk to your physician.

If your child does not like eating oily fish and you decide to buy a supplement, the recommended daily dosage is 400-500mg. Fruit flavoured capsules, to make them more palatable to children, are available.

There is ongoing research into developing genetically modified plants that will produce omega 3. With fish stocks declining, this may be the main source in the future.

Never give supplements without consulting your physician.

This article is for information only and the author accepts no liability for any action taken.

Margaret Tye
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/omega-3-for-children-59098.html

Our soil is rapidly becoming depleted of its valuable minerals and especially trace minerals, which affect our food supply and ultimately our health. Added to this is the tendency we have to eat fast and prepared foods on the run, and we have a nutritional crisis going on. This can be seen by the poor quality of health found in most developed nations. We can take a vitamin pill, but even if some of it is absorbed, it still doesn’t cover the vast amount of missing nutrients in our diet.

That’s why many experts agree that it is important to supplement your diet with superfoods. Superfoods are whole foods that have a natural concentrated abundance of nutrition and phytonutrients in a form that the body can easily absorb and utilize. Phytonutrients are natural plant-based chemicals that promote proper metabolic functions, such as: general nutrition, cardiovascular health, cholesterol, blood sugars, neurological support, skin care, vision, liver health, and energy.

A few of the many popular superfoods right now are:

Blueberries– which are high in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that reduce free-radicals in the body, which may help to slow the aging process.

Leafy Dark Green Vegetables– such as spinach, kale, swiss chard and romaine lettuce. They contain beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that work together to support overall health, as well as vitamin B and some minerals.

Omega-3 Fish– Cold-water fish like cod, wild salmon, tuna and trout contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Sea Vegetables (Seaweed)– have anti-inflammatory and stress-relief qualities, as well as the ability to lower the risk of heart disease. Certain types of seaweed, such as kelp, also have very high levels of iodine, which is essential in regulating the thyroid — the gland that controls most of the body’s physiological functions. Some varieties of sea vegetables can be a great sources of vitamin B, magnesium, iron, folate, and calcium.

All these powerhouse foods, and others like them, are important to consume on a regular basis. Even if you eat a well balanced organic diet, and are getting most of what you need, a trace mineral could be chronically missing from your diet. Without this mineral, you could find it hard to stay energetic and may even effect your weight your moods your hormones and many other areas of your health. So supplementing with superfoods may be the answer.

One of the most complete whole food superfoods in the world is marine phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are collectively known as micro algae. These single-cell plants are the basis of all other life forms on planet earth, they are the ‘vegetation’ of the ocean. Phytoplankton are responsible for making up to 90% of Earth’s oxygen.

Marine phytoplankton have the unique ability to transform sunlight, raw inorganic minerals, and carbon dioxide into invaluable superfood for living things. Phytoplankton have all the vitamins, minerals (from 200 sea vegetables), essential fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids that are required for good health. And since they are so nutrient dense, very little is required to achieve significant nutritional benefit.

Marine phytoplankton are a better source of minerals than any other vegetable because they contains all the minerals found in human blood, because the minerals in sea water are similar to those found in our blood, with nearly identical concentrations.

The best source of marine phytoplankton is in an amazing product called FrequenSea?. With over 200 types of diverse chlorophyll rich plankton nutrients for achieving maximum health benefits, FrequenSea? is one of the best tasting and healthiest supplements ever made.

FrequenSea? is processed with an exclusive patented AMP Technology (Aqueous Molecular Partitioning) – a process for emulsifying the whole plant in it’s integrity, in water, without the use of any chemicals or heat. It combines the benefits of marine phytoplankton’s phytonutrients with a natural and balanced composition of sea minerals. This new process has made all the ingredients completely and easily assimilated and bio-available. It is a raw living food.

FrequenSea? gives your body what it needs most and is an optimum solution for a high impact total food. The body requires key elements in order to perform as intended and the natural elements in marine plankton provide critical nutrition elements to our bodies and feed our cells with exactly what they want and need most.

FrequenSea? contains marine phytoplankton specially blended with other key superfoods such as frankincense, astaxanthin, ionic sea minerals, aloe vera, sea vegetables, cranberry and blueberry.

Dianne Ronnow
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/is-marine-phytoplankton-a-superfood-121693.html

If you suffer from muscle or joint pain you know how much it can impact your life. From not being able to play active sports to missing out on family fun – the effects can be far-reaching and upsetting. So, its natural that we search for pain remedies.

Almost everyone is familiar with pain relief formulas. Over 30 billion over-the- counter tablets and 70 million prescriptions are sold annually just in the USA. Known as ‘Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ (NSAIDs), a few commonly known names include Aspirin, Ibuprofin, Advil, and Motrin as well as prescription products like Celebrex and Vioxx. What most people might not know is that over 16,000 Americans die from NSAIDs a year and approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for NSAID related gastrointestinal complications.(1)

There is an alternative. Natural pain relief therapies can decrease inflammation and help repair tissues. The following are some starting points for investigating natural solutions further:

1. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night: During the deeper stages of sleep the human body produces growth hormone, which results in tissue healing and repair. Inadequate amounts of sleep contribute to pain. Natural sleep remedies that can help you get a deep and restorative sleep are Melatonin, Hydroxy L- tryptophan (5-HTP), Calcium, Mangesium and colloidal gold. You can also listen to relaxing music – try searching on itunes for ocean sounds.

2.Take a green-lipped mussel oil supplement: If you suffer from pain, swelling or other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, you may benefit from taking green-lipped mussel oil from New Zealand. In a clinical trial conducted at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow, UK, preparations of green-lipped mussel extract were shown to benefit 76 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 percent of osteoarthritic patients (2) The omega-3s contained in green-lipped mussel oils (more potent than fish oils) cannot be manufactured by our body and decrease inflammation. The EPA and DHA essential fatty acids have been so effective that some people have been able to discontinue their use of other medications altogether.

3. Take MSM, or “organic sulphur”. It can lessen inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to arthritis, muscle, or back pain and helps to balance the blood chemistry in these conditions. MSM helps supply the sulfur amino acids needed for healing.

4. Massage a blend of essential oils of arnica, Calendula and St John’s work into the affected painful area. Applying essential oils directly on the area nourishes cells and enables the body to metabolize waste and heal injuries more quickly. Herb Pharm makes a a blend called “Trauma Oil” which is very effective. Essential oils can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation.

5. Eat a whole food, mineral rich diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Vegetable juices and green chlorophyll-rich foods can help relieve muscle inflammations by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. Cut back on the amount of meat containing large amounts of saturated fat, which impacts the effective functioning of the liver – possibly leading to inflammation and irritation. Animal fats also contain arachadonic acid which can stimulate inflammation.

6. Take Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring element in the body that plays a crucial role in the building and healing of cartilage. Glucosamine may be efficient in treating and even delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Some studies have hinted that glucosamine may be as effective as NSAIDs in treating joint conditions, while having fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

7. Magnetic therapy: Magnetic therapy is a safe method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps speed the healing process and improve quality of sleep without any adverse side effects. A study from the University of Virginia showed that that a magnetic field of moderate strength can result in significant reduction of swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury. Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow to the affected area. Individuals wearing magnetic jewelry have reported diminished muscle soreness and lessening of cramps. Try sleeping on a magnet mattress pad to help ease the pain of muscle soreness or apply magnet straps to sore muscle or tendonitis areas.

8. Take Vitamin D: Researched conducted by the University of Minnesota found that 93% of all subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient. Taking Vitamin D and CoQ10 can help alleviate muscle pain caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Vitamin D can also be synthesized naturally by the body upon exposure to sunlight.

9.Cayenne pepper:A teaspoon of cayenne shaken in 2 ounces of olive oil can be used as an ointment and rubbed directly into sore muscles. Cayenne contains capsaicin which eventually inhibits secretion of the neurotransmitter Substance P, that transmits pain to the brain, lessening muscle soreness, sprains and cramps.

10. Try an Epsom salt bath: The magnesium sulfate of Epsom Salt acts as a muscle relaxant, and by easing muscle pain it helps the body to eliminate harmful substances. Due to changes in agriculture in the past century, most Americans are deficient in Magnesium. Studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath will increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
About Alchemy Radiant Health:?Alchemy Radiant Health offers services to help people achieve premium physical performance, mental clarity, and well-being through holistic wellness programs that promote radiant health and longevity. Our approach and philosophy is based on ancient Chinese nutrition combined with the latest developments in super-foods.

Sources Used in this article:
(1) July 1998 issue of The American Journal of Medicine?
None of the statements in this article have been approved by the FDA. Any products or services referred to are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or health condition.

All content in this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Alchemy Radiant Health assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this article indicates your agreement to these terms.

©2008 Alchemy Radiant Health. All Rights Reserved.

Josse Ford
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/10-tips-to-reduce-muscle-pain-naturally-without-side-effects-749262.html

Vitamins are micro nutrients that are needed by the body in tiny amounts. They do not take the place of the macro nutrients your body needs for fuel on a daily basis, like protein, carbohydrates and fat. However, without adequate levels of vitamins, your body cannot function properly. They work as catalysts, or helpers, and aid your body’s metabolic processes, converting the macro nutrients to body tissue and energy. Vitamins are essential for growth, vitality, proper aging and for immune system strength. They help all sorts of organs and body systems function properly.

Vitamin RDA’s

RDA’s or Recommended Daily Allowances were set up as guidelines to make sure people don’t get some of the most severe deficiency diseases. They were never designed to represent optimal vitamin and mineral levels. In spite of these low levels, a recent survey by the US Department of Agriculture showed that out of 21,500 surveyed, not even one person got 100% of the RDA for all the nutrients in the survey over a period of three days!

Although the above study showed that everyone needs to either increase the level of vitamins and minerals in their diet or take supplements, there were certain population groups who were the most affected. These include people with diseases or on medication that interfere with digestion or absorption of nutrients, the elderly and pregnant or nursing women, those who recently were injured or burned, or recently had surgery, and vegetarians and dieters.

If you fall into one of the above categories, you probably fall even shorter of your nutritional requirements as far as vitamins and minerals are concerned, and you might want to think about supplementing as well as eating more nutrient-dense food.

Vitamin Deficiencies

It is difficult to know when you have certain vitamin deficiencies, as they can take weeks or months or even years to develop. Often your body will slowly function less and less well when it does not get proper nourishment, before finally succumbing to disease.

The reverse is also true with supplementation and/or changing your diet for the better will not make you feel better or cure diseases overnight. This is because it takes time to rebuild the degenerative changes that got you sick in the first place, and is also the reason why those who supplement with high quality, food based vitamins and super foods often get better faster than those who simply make positive changes in their diets.

Some health care professionals believe that using higher amounts of supplements for a short period of time followed by lower amounts for a longer period of time brings better results than simply supplementing with the amounts you need on a daily basis. Those who start from a position of great lack often need more to begin with to make up for that huge deficiency. If you don’t see any results from supplementing, you need to ask yourself 1) Are you taking potent, high quality, 100% food-based supplements, 2) Is your body absorbing these supplements, and 3) Are you taking high enough levels to get your body to overcome the long-term short-fall?

Some of the super or power foods that can be used to add a more concentrated source of vitamins and minerals back into your diet include greens for many of the vitamins and minerals, especially pro-vitamin A, K1, biotin, choline, folic acid and many minerals, nutritional flakes and natural living source B complex for the B vitamins, camu-camu berries for vitamin C, coral calcium for calcium, magnesium and trace minerals, and cod liver oil for the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA and vitamins A and D. Don’t forget to search out 100% living food source supplements with no toxic added fillers and to take higher amounts initially for the best results.

Karen Pijuan
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/vitamins–what-are-they-and-are-you-getting-enough-118864.html

Have you heard? Fish oil supplements are being recommended for everyone! Believe a lot of the hype, with my usual caveats!

Fish oil and whole, un-processed oils in general are just what the doctor ordered. Especially coming out of our 30 year “fat fast” where Americans avoided as much fat as possible, it is good to hear that we can add some good, healthy fats into our diet. There’s been increasing media attention being paid to the use of omega-3 fish oils (The Today Show, January 31, 2007), and even primary care providers are recommending them for their patients.

Fish oils have been proven to lower our risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Why is fish oil important?

As with a variety of fats, our body requires a significant amount to survive. In many of my articles and in my book, I discuss the “exchange of life”; the process by which water, oxygen and nutrients are brought into each of our 100 trillion cells and how carbon dioxide, wastes and toxins are moved out of the cells. This process must flow freely in order for our cells and our bodies to be healthy.

The cell membrane, made up of mostly fats, is at the center of this exchange process. These membranes are like its skin: a protective barrier that is selective about what it lets in and out; the softer and more supple it is, the more functional and more beautiful we are, inside and out!

Stress, toxicity, poor diet, poor rest/sleep and poor water intake can all cause the cell membranes in our bodies to be come rigid and prematurely aged. The more rigid and unhealthy our cell membranes, the more likely we are to suffer from symptoms like lethargy, aches/stiffness, headaches and more. Left uncorrected, symptoms can lead to more serious concerns of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and even chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Don’t fret!

By improving our lifestyle and getting the proper amount of healthy fats into our diet, we can create soft, supple, healthy cell membranes. This is the path to truly regaining and maintaining our health.

All sounds pretty good so far, right? Well, actually it is. So what are my caveats?

1. While I most often recommend patients get the nutrients they need directly from their source (in this case by eating fish), I actually do not recommend patients eat fish 2-3 times per week. Because of the reports of fish contamination, especially with mercury, it is not a good idea to eat fish too often. A couple of servings per month is plenty.

2. Don’t just use fish oils. Current medical research indicates the VARIETY of fats in the diet is as important as what types and how much. There are many healthy, delicious oils out there for you. There’s the classic olive and sunflower oils, but what about the nut oils? Almond, walnut, sesame and peanut (actually a legume) oil are all excellent choices. These oils will improve the health and flexibility of your cells’ membranes all while highly satisfying your taste buds!

You can and should use a small to moderate amount of more saturated (thicker) oils like butter (organic when possible) and coconut oil. Again, the body needs a variety of fats. Too many of the same kind of fat can lead to imbalanced cellular membranes and can also degrade our health. Healthy oils are always sold in glass bottles or in the large metal cans, like olive oil. Oils sold in plastic are a no-no, as the packaging indicates that the oils are over-processed and not very healthy for you.

3. Avoid processed, trans or hydrogenated fats. These fats have been processed and altered in ways that make them unhealthy to the body. This includes margarine, processed butter substitutes, cheap vegetable oils (in plastic containers) and foods fried in hydrogenated oils (chips, snacks, restaurant fried foods).

4. Cook with fats and oils as little as possible. Heating fats can damage (denature) them, making them less or un-usable in the body. I suggest cooking with just enough to keep food from sticking to the pot/pan and then adding the oil to the food on your plate like a condiment. This is not a new concept, as it is done in many countries throughout the world.

So how much oil do I need in a day, doc?

Well, that is different for everyone. As part of my Bio-Logikal Diet, I am able to calculate how much fat a person needs in a day and we build it into their meal plan. Most people need 2-3 servings (teaspoons) of fresh, pure oil daily.

Choose your oil supplements with care. The toxicity that may be present in fish may spill over into supplements if the manufacturer isn’t taking the utmost care to purify them out, and without damaging the oil. Only use a fish oil product from a manufacturer that provides specific information on their purity specifications.

Fish oil can also present a problem with flavor. Manufacturers are using different natural flavorings to conceal the taste of fish that might “repeat” or be “burped”. Flavorings must be strong to conceal the fish flavor (lemon, orange, strawberry) and often patients burp up the flavor taste instead. Therefore, I strongly recommend using an “enteric coated” fish oil product. This natural (extra) coating process allows the softgel to move through the stomach and into the small intestine where it opens and is absorbed. This minimizes or eliminates the “repeating” and makes taking this kind of supplement much more rewarding. The enteric coating process is a bit expensive, so you will see EC products are a bit higher in cost, but worth it in my opinion.

I recommend Terra-EPA, a highly purified, enteric coated fish oil (600 EPA/400 DHA). I am also increasingly recommending our Terra-EFA which contains a combination of fish, flax and borage oils all blended together in a softgel capsule.

In health,

Dr. Brett Saks

DrSaks.com

Dr. Brett Saks
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/omega3s-going-fishing-for-fish-oils-106960.html