Prosperity Abounds Blog

Want Better Hair? 5 Lifestyle Habits to Break Now

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

You can spend a fortune on beauty products that promise shinier, silkier hair, but to really have better hair you have to start with looking at your lifestyle. A healthy diet not only supports your overall body health, it also gives your hair the nutrition it needs to stay healthy. You really can't expect to have shiny, silky hair without it being healthy. So before you stock up on all the latest hair products, take a look at making some lifestyle changes to your diet and stress level. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself and determine which lifestyle changes you can make to have better hair.

1. Is Your Hair Getting Enough Protein?
Each strand of hair is made up mostly of protein. If you are not getting enough protein in your diet, then your hair will suffer. The average person has 120,000 to 150,000 strands of hair. Anywhere from 50 to 100 of these strands are shed per day. Hair growth goes through phases. Each one of your hairs has a growing phase of 2 to 3 years in which the hair grows about 1/2 inch each month and then a resting phase of 3 to 4 months. Hairs then are shed and new hairs grow to replace them. Without enough protein to support new hair growth you may have more hair in the resting phase than in the growing phase. If you start noticing a significant loss of hair, start noticing how much healthy protein you are getting in your diet.

When you start looking at the types of protein you have in your diet, make sure you are getting the "good proteins". This would include whole grains, soy foods, sprouts, blue green algae, fish, nuts, leafy greens, beans, carrots and white meat.

2. What Vitamins Does Your Hair Need?
Biotin is an essential B vitamin that promotes healthy hair growth, prevents breakage and protects against dry hair. As an extra bonus, biotin also contributes to healthy digestion of fats and carbohydrates. Foods such as beans, breads, egg yolks, fish, liver, meat, dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, whole grains and poultry are all sources for biotin. Your body however can produce biotin on its own. The healthy bacteria in your large and small intestine make biotin that is readily absorbed and used by your body. So one way to support your body in making more biotin for better hair is to support your gut probiotic growth with supplements of high quality acidophilus and bifidus.
Other nutrients to check for in your diet for better hair include vitamin E and certain trace minerals including selenium, copper, and magnesium
.
3. Are You Getting Enough Iron?
Iron is another must for healthy hair. Meat is the main way most people think of to get iron in the diet, but stick with healthy meats such as pork, lean beef and fish. For vegetarians, look for cereals fortified with iron, soybeans, white beans, spinach and lentils as good sources of iron. The body does not absorb iron from plant based foods as readily as it does from animal sources, so even if you eat a lot of soybeans and lentils you may not be getting enough iron. Iron supplementation may be needed to get enough iron and you should check with your health care provider for testing to see if you need iron supplements.

4. How's Your Stress Level?
More than 20 million Americans suffer from health problems related to chronic stress and 95% of visits made to healthcare professionals are for issues related to stress. Stress alone may not necessarily cause hair loss but there are certain stressors mostly related to physiological change in your body that can be the cause. So for example if you lose a considerable amount of weight or your body goes through some other type of drastic change, hair loss can be a result. High fever or a severe infection, major surgery, certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or a severe change in diet can all be physiological stressors that can affect your body and be related to abnormal loss of hair.

B vitamins, especially B-12, help us relax. When we are stressed, we tend to use up our body's supply of B vitamins and need to replace them before getting into a Catch-22 situation. Fortunately, we can replenish the body's supply of B vitamins naturally by replacing the probiotics or "friendly bacteria" in the intestines. These friendly bacteria produce the B vitamins in our bodies and taking probiotic supplements like acidophilus and bifidus can give your body a boost to keep producing these vitamins and help your body cope with stress.

5. Is Your Scalp Healthy?
Healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp. Getting omega-3 fatty acids in your diet does a lot to help keep your scalp healthy. Good sources for omega-3 include fish, nuts, leafy greens and AFA blue green algae. Most Americans tend to get too many omega-6 fatty acids in their diets and not enough omega-3s. AFA blue green algae is one of the best wholefood sources of omega-3 fatty acids and it has the exact ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that your body needs.

How did you do on answering these questions? We hope it gave you some tips and ideas on how to have better hair before investing in all the hair beauty products the media assures us will make us all look like hair models. For any part of the body to thrive and look good, being healthy is the key. Making some of these lifestyle changes can go a long way to helping you and your hair look good and feel good.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/theresa_mcmanus/

How to Get Clear Skin with These Homemade Facial Masks

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Skin is part of the immune system and the body's first line of defense in keeping out foreign invaders that can make us sick, but beyond that we all want our skin to look healthy and knowing how to get clear skin is a part of that. Since this part of our immune system is out there for all the world to see, knowing how to get clear skin and looking our best is important too. The beauty industry will sell you a multitude of products promising to keep your skin clean, hydrated, wrinkle-free, moisturized, and youthful looking, but do you really need all those expensive products? And do you really need the chemicals and man-made substances some of them contain? Personally if I have the choice of using inexpensive, natural ingredients that's the way I'd rather pick for how to get clear skin. Here are a few facial masks that can be used for all types of skin that are easy and made from natural ingredients that you may find already in your kitchen.

Oatmeal Honey Yogurt Mask –about.com beauty(http://ow.ly/kv0Wi)
This facial mask is good for rejuvenation and cleansing of skin. All you need is:

1 tbsp. finely ground oatmeal
1 tbsp. plain organic yogurt (with live active cultures)
Several drops of honey

Mix the oatmeal and yogurt together in a bowl. Hold a spoon over hot water or warm the spoon by holding it under hot water, then add honey to the spoon. This serves to warm the honey up a bit before adding it to the mixture. Stir all 3 ingredients together until mixed well and apply the mask to your face. After 10 minutes, rinse the mask off by splashing warm water on your face and then wash off any remaining with a warm cloth. You can then apply your favorite natural moisturizer and you're done.

Peach-Vinegar Facial Mask
This mask works well to clean all skin types. All you need is:

1 organic peach
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Peel the peach and mash it up to a fine consistency (or puree it in a food processor). Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the puree. Depending on the size of the peach you use, you may need to adjust the amount of vinegar you add. Add just enough vinegar so that the mask is firm enough to stay on your face after you apply it. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water and follow up with a natural moisturizer.

Sugar Scrub –about.com beauty(http://ow.ly/kv1Pn)
Skin is constantly regenerating itself. As new skin cells are formed at the lowest skin level, they push their way up to the surface and most of the dead skin cells fall off. Exfoliating the skin gets rid of the dead skin found on the surface which help keep skin pores clear keeping away blackheads and other small bumps on your face. Some people use salt to exfoliate their skin, but sugar is less likely to tear at skin. All you need for this is:

2 tbsp. of sugar
3 tbsp. of warm water

Pour the sugar into the water and stir until it is dissolved. Put it on your face and massage it all over your face. Use warm water to rinse it off. That's it, super simple and you've removed all those leftover dead skin cells and cleared out your pores.

Deep Cleansing Aciophilus/Enzyme Mask
This mask is great for deep-cleansing your pores and works well on all skin types. After using it, you'll notice your skin will be smooth and your pores will appear smaller.
All you need is:

1 enzyme capsule (open to pour out powder inside capsules)
1 acidophilus capsule (open to pour out powder inside capsules)
spring water

Mix powdered enzyme and acidophilus, which both usually come in capsules, with spring water until the mix achieves a mud-like consistency. Apply the mixture over your entire face or just over your T-zone. Leave the mask on until it dries completely, and then rinse your face with warm water. Follow with a natural moisturizer.

There you have it – how to get clear skin the natural way. Whether you need to exfoliate, deep cleanse, or clear out pores you can do so inexpensively and with all natural ingredients. That's the way I like it – all natural cleansing for my all natural skin. Give it a try and see what you think!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/ayushvedateam/

Aging Gracefully: Is Your Diet Aging You?

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

When you look in the mirror, what do you see – are you aging gracefully or do you look older than your years? If you don't appear to be aging gracefully, consider looking at what you eat. Beyond that consider what you are actually digesting. After all, no matter what types of foods you have in your diet, if your body is not getting the full nutritional value out of them then you are losing the health benefits. Either or both of these dietary concerns could lead to not aging gracefully.

What Are You Eating?
Not eating a healthy diet can certainly lead to looking older. Fast foods, junk foods, foods high in trans fats, sugar and/or carbs and lots of processed foods can cause an inflammatory state in your body. An unhealthy diet can not only lead to many diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, but can also cause damage to skin collagen and fibers. If your diet mainly consists of foods of this type, it's no wonder you don't find yourself aging gracefully.

Really start taking a look at the types of foods you eat and if you are not reading labels on products already, start doing so. Processed meats such as sandwich meats or hotdogs for example tend to be high in saturated fats, nitrates and sodium. Add some french fries with that hotdog or sandwich and you are adding trans fats to the meal. Anything deep fried has lots of trans fats which the American Heart Association recommends should be less than 1% of your daily dietary intake. They recommend that saturated fats be kept to less than 7% of your daily diet. These saturated and trans fats add to the inflammatory state in the body as well as contribute to problems with your arteries. Having too much sodium in your diet can lead to high blood pressure and higher risk of heart attack or stroke. If you just can't give up your sandwich or hotdog for lunch, look for a brand that has low or no salt.

The good news is that the inflammation caused by this type of eating can be reduced and you can start looking like you are aging gracefully by making some dietary changes. Eating a variety of high quality vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean meats and other protein sources is the best way to keep your body healthy, active and looking its best. Including fish such as tuna, salmon and herring which are high in omega-3 fatty acids can help fight the inflammation. Whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice and quinoa not only have been found to help reduce inflammation but also have thiamine and riboflavin which help keep skin healthy. Your skin also needs lots of good protein to keep it healthy. Look for lean meats and healthy alternative protein sources such as soy and beans. Eating a variety of food high in antioxidants can also help when it comes to aging gracefully. These foods added to your diet can help you get more antioxidants:

Lettuce, broccoli, spinach, and arugula are high in antioxidant vitamins A and C
Blueberries, green tea, sprouts, garlic, blue green algae, edible grasses and tumeric are all sources of antioxidants
Tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, asparagus and red cabbage are high in the antioxidant lycopene
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber, calcium, iron, and folate
Beans are a lean source of protein and have lots of fiber and antioxidant vitamins.

Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage, help with cellular repair, replace lipids in the membranes that have been damaged and act as cleansers or scavengers for free radicals. If your lifestyle is such that you just can't get in enough antioxidants through the foods you eat, you can add supplements to your diet such as one that contains the daily recommended servings of fruits and veggies in a capsule. Instead of giving up on the nutrition you need, search for other ways to get it that fits with your lifestyle.

Another consideration as we get older is what medications we are taking. There are some foods that may be in the healthy eating category that do not mix well with certain medications. For example, my father is on some medications that prevent him from eating dark green leafy type vegetables and cranberries. These are healthy to eat, but not for him. The nutrition he would get from eating these foods has to be found from other sources. Don't miss out on the nutrition from the foods you need to avoid, just search for another source that is acceptable. It is always a good idea when taking medications to ask your health care provider if there are any foods you need to avoid.

What Are You Digesting?
If you are eating a healthy diet, good for you! You are one step ahead in the aging gracefully game. Consider now how much of that food your body is able to actually use. How is your digestion? Another thing to consider for seniors is special problems that cause us to avoid some of the foods that can keep us healthy. For example, many people find beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other vegetables of this type cause them to pass excess gas and/or have stomach cramping or that dairy products cause them to have stomach distress. Instead of discounting beans, vegetables or dairy products that cause problems, try adding them in slowly a little bit at a time to your diet and/or drinking extra water when eating them. With dairy products, you may need to look for lactose free products. You can also use digestive enzymes to help in the digestion process of problem foods like beans. When taking digestive enzymes, be sure to get a high quality supplement that can breakdown foods under acid conditions such as one containing Mycopepsin.

Adding food enzymes to the diet can complete the metabolization of fat, proteins and carbs when taken with food. Taken between meals they are absorbed into the blood and can help clean out residual food particles. There are four types of enzymes that break down food molecules:

lipase for fat molecules
protease for protein
cellulase for cellulose
amylase for starch molecules

Enzymes found naturally in foods become inactive when food is over cooked or processed. Most of us don't get all the enzymes we need for proper digestion for this reason. Not having enough active enzymes puts extra stress on the pancreas, liver and spleen as they have to work overtime to produce enzymes that we are not getting from the foods we eat.

The beneficial bacteria in our intestines is also very important to the digestive process. They support proper digestion and help eliminate waste. The problem is that there are so many things that can throw off the balance of these friendly bacteria. Antibiotics, antacids, other medications, radiation, stress, chemicals in our food, water or air are just some of the things that can contribute to throwing off this balance allowing an overgrowth of yeast and unfriendly bacteria. Adding probiotics to the diet can help balance the friendly bacteria which aid in the digestive process and take stress off of the immune system.

Latobacilluls acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus, better known as acidophilus and bifidus, are found naturally in the intestines. Acidophilus is needed for nutrient absorption and is found along the wall of the small intestine. It activates vitamin production, helps in digestion of food, and in lactose tolerance. Bifidus helps with absorbing water from foods, helps prevent bloating and gas, and aids in the eliminating of waste materials.

Next time you look in the mirror and think you are looking older than your years, think about these two questions: What are you eating? and What are you digesting? Making some simple changes to diet and digestive health can go a long way to helping you with aging gracefully.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/consueloc/real-moments/

Been Venting your Spleen? That's Probably Why You Are Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Ever hear that old phrase about "venting your spleen"? When I was growing up that phrase referred to people getting angry and venting... a kind of cathartic process that helped them feel better afterward. It made sense to me. I started to think that the spleen was the organ responsible for anger, venting, release of frustration, and so forth.

Then I went to school to become a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and learned that the phrase should actually say, "venting your liver." The liver is actually the organ responsible for anger, ambition, passion, drive, and so forth. When the liver--always an organ easily stirred to irritation--gets out of balance, you end up with the whole cathartic shouting, arm-waving, venting process. But, the liver actually isn't to blame in the first place. For that, we have to go back to the spleen.

The Spleen and the Liver: A Big Difference
The spleen is actually the organ originally responsible for the liver getting out of balance. The spleen is the organ responsible for mental activity, such as thinking, planning, cogitation, and so forth. In today's workaholic society, everyone uses spleen energy like it is going out of style because everyone works way more than they should. At the same time, they take far too little time for rest, recreation, and rejuvenation.

As a result, the spleen gets burned out and stops working. At that point, the liver steps in and tries to do the spleen's job. While the spleen is truly good at supporting mental and creative activity, the liver isn't so good. The liver relies on drive, ambition, anger, and pushiness to get the job done. What's the result? A bunch of really tired burned out people who turn to anger and pushiness to get the job done--and end up venting their livers. Added stimulants like caffeine only make the problem worse. The end result is a lot of cranky people working together, apparently energized (by anger, caffeine, and the desire to just "push through it") but in actuality dead tired underneath all the buzz.

Yowza... how is that for workplace harmony?

Getting Your Daily Energy Back
If the above description sounds like you then you probably need to start supporting and nourishing your spleen. When your spleen is nourished you feel totally different than when you operate from liver energy. Liver energy is like a caffeine buzz--you have energy, but there is also a constant low hum of irritation, and you are ready to snap at any time.

Spleen energy, on the other hand, springs forth from within as vibrant creative energy that needs no pushing. When your spleen is working properly, then your work goes well, too. You feel moved from within to work, do, play, accomplish, and enjoy life. There are no Monday Morning Blues, nor do you have to wake up each morning with one or more cups of coffee. The spleen provides you with all the daily energy you need to do the mental and creative and thinking work that makes up the modern digital society.

So how do you support your spleen? There are many different ways, including but not limited to:

herbs
acupuncture or other forms of alternative healing
time off for rest and rejuvenation
supplements that support the spleen
light exercise
spleen-supportive foods

For herbs and acupuncture, seek the help of a recommended Doctor of Chinese Medicine in your area. While there are many patent herbs on the market to support spleen qi, it is much better to have a personal consultation, then have a herb formula made specifically for all your conditions.

Taking time off, getting plenty of sleep at night, and sticking to light exercise are all under your own control. By changing your lifestyle habits to accommodate these factors, your spleen will be much more likely to recover. These habits are not much in alignment with our workaholic society, but they will prolong your working life as well as your overall life span.

When it comes to diet, avoid raw and cold foods, as well as refined sugars, fruits, and fruit juices. Stick with steamed vegetables like carrots, beets, and yams. Cooked greens and whole grains are also good choices, as are onion and garlic.

Supplements that support the spleen include those that support healthy digestion as well as those that support mental and physical energy. My favorite supplement is actually a daily packet of supplements that includes supplements for all of these supportive functions. Each packet contains the beneficial bacteria acidophilus and bifidus to assist with digestive health, as well as enzymes, which also support digestion. In addition, there are two types of AFA blue-green algae. One form provides daily energy for the physical body while the other offers daily energy for mental activity. What I love most is the simplicity of having all of those supportive supplements in a single convenient packet.

So... the next time you notice yourself venting your, ahem, liver, consider some of the natural solutions mentioned above to support your spleen. Once your spleen is supported and nourished, your liver will once more be a happy camper and go back to doing its real job!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/ladyhorsfield/

Do You Need a Vacation from Your Vacation?

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:17:00 +0000

Let's face it: vacation always sounds like a great idea, but often times vacation is more stressful than work stress. To get ready for vacation, not only do we have to prepare for taking time off--often by working longer hours before the vacation--but then there is the anxiety and stress of modern travel. Have you been patted down thoroughly at the airport lately, or waited through endless lines so that you COULD get patted down? Talk about stress!

Luckily we humans are a fairly adaptive bunch, and we continue to travel, vacation, venture forth, and have fun with our friends and families (or solo) despite all stress and anxiety associated with travel. Even more fortunate is the fact that there are many natural solutions for stress relief, especially if you plan to travel this summer. Just be sure to prepare our All Natural First Aid and Emergency Kit, and toss it into your suitcase before you go forth like the intrepid adventurer that you are!

The All Natural First Aid and Emergency Kit
Nothing is worse than saving up a ton of cash, paying for a vacation, and setting off to have fun, only to find that you have to deal with stress when you arrive at your intended location (or even before)! All kinds of quirks can occur on vacation, including insect bites of unknown origin, pain from old injuries flaring up, minor health emergencies, catching a cold from the fellow sitting next to you on the plane, and even plain old constipation!

No worries, the All Natural First Aid and Emergency Kit will come to your rescue. Read through these simple ingredients that go into the kit (most of which can be bought at your local health food store) to understand how each item can help with stress relief on your vacation. To simplify, we have categorized the items into the type of stress relief provided: digestive, immunity, first aid, aches and pains, and so forth.

Digestive
If you plan to travel outside the country, you'll want to avoid Montezuma and his revenge. You'll also want to avoid any digestive complications so you can enjoy all the local cuisine with gusto. The following items will help.

Ume Plum Balls or Tar
Made from the umeboshi plum, this substance is so concentrated that it appears purplish black (don't get the ume plum sauce, which is light purple and not very concentrated). Extremely alkaline, ume plum tar is great for preventing jet lag and immediately soothing any sort of digestive upset. It's useful for Montezuma's revenge as well as overdoing it at a holiday buffet.

Acidophilus and Bifidus
Probiotics like acidophilus and bifidus are important because they keep your digestive system in good working order, which is especially important if you are going to eat strange food or just a lot of it. What's also important about probiotics is that they help your body produce B-vitamins. B-vitamins, as you may know, help boost your immune system, keep your energy levels high, and also help you stay mentally calm and focused. If you're going to be stressed this vacation season (perhaps by in-laws or other such guests), B-vitamins will help you stay calm ... and possible prevent you from ripping out your hair and running screaming into the streets!

Ginger
For nausea. Ginger in tincture form can be found in your local health food store. If you feel nauseous or motion sick, take 2 to 4 drops orally or in tea to alleviate symptoms. Ginger also helps keep your digestion on track when encountering foreign foods!

Immunity
If the fellow sitting next to you on the plane keeps sneezing and coughing in your general direction, you'll definitely want to boost your immunity! Else you might spend your entire vacation coughing and sneezing, too!

Vitamin C
This vitamin is essential for supporting the immune system. Vitamin C can be found in your local grocery or health food store in tablet, chewable, or powder form. Take as directed.

Immune-Boosting Supplements
Your health food store is well-stocked with immune-boosting supplements, which can include a combination of vitamin C, garlic, Echinacea and more. Another option is to take WGP beta-glucan, a special ingredient found in baker's yeast that has been shown to have a number of immune-boosting properties.

First Aid
Ouch! Did a rogue wave just throw you off your surfboard, just as you were getting up into "the position"? Got scrapes, rashes, or unidentifiable injuries? Check out these natural solutions for first aid.

Atomidine
This is a special form of iodine promoted long ago by Edgar Cayce. Atomidine supports the thyroid gland, has anti-aging properties (like preventing grey hair), and can be used topically for everything from cuts to bee stings. It's a definite first-aid must. Better than regular iodine, this special form of iodine will disinfect any injury in a hurry, plus take the pain and sting out of most injuries. A definite must on any vacation!

Rescue Remedy
This amazing flower essence combination works like a dream for acute stress. This wonderful Bach flower remedy can be found at your local health food store. Take 4 drops orally or put 4 drops in spring water and sip on it all day. Rescue Remedy relieves acute stress of all types -- mental, emotional and physical. This is a handy remedy to keep with you at all times.

Herbs
If you injure yourself while on vacation and have access to a health food store, herbs may be the answer for you. External poultices and plasters can be made up easily with the combination of heat-clearing herbs such as Arnica, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Angelica and Comfrey. You can also add astringent herbs such as Yellow Dock, Wormwood, Witch Hazel, Calendula, Shepherd's Purse, and Prickly Ash Bark, to mention a few. There are, of course many of these herbs that can be ingested to work from inside to clear heat as well, such as Boneset, Comfrey Root, White Willow Bark, Valerian, Myrrh, and Lobelia.

Aches and Pains
Sometimes traveling can cause old injuries to flare up. Or, new activities can cause new injuries to occur. Luckily, if aches and pains start to bother you while on vacation, this kit has the stress relief you need.

Arnica 30x Homeopathic Remedy
This homeopathic remedy works well for healing bruises and other soft-tissue injuries. Take the recommended dosage if you sustain this kind of injury. Arnica is available in most health food stores.

Magnesium
Magnesium has proven to be a wonderful muscle relaxer as well having a soothing influence on mood. This supplement can be found in tablets, capsules, and powder. Take as directed. As a bonus, magnesium can help you avoid constipation while traveling (remember the main ingredient in Milk of Magnesia?).

Stem Cell Booster
A stem cell supplement can be the fix-it for all kinds of injuries and strains, as well as chronic pain. Certain types of stem cell supplements stimulate the production of adult stem cells in your body, which your body then uses to repair itself. If you incur a painful injury while traveling, taking 1-2 capsules of a stem cell supplement can really boost your body's healing process. This type of supplement is also helpful for sprains, bruises, and chronic pain anywhere in the body, and overall muscle soreness.

Energy
Whether you are shopping, eating, celebrating, or just plain making merry, you don't want to be slowed down by low energy.

Blue-Green Algae and Enzymes
When you travel, chances are that you are laid back but also active. If you want to have plenty of energy to play all day and take in the night life after the sun goes down, consider taking a few supplements to boost your energy. Blue-green algae and enzymes give you the basic nutrition your body needs to produce energy. The algae provides the majority of the glycogen, vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals your body needs, while the enzymes ensure that your digestion works great. Before leaving for any trip, load up on algae and enzymes, and then take more as needed during the trip.

Pretty Natural and Basic
While we could certainly get into many more items with which to stock your All Natural First Aid and Emergency Kit, this should cover the basics. If you want more, check in with your local health food store guru.... they should be able to point you in the right direction!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/AvantGardenist/

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome, Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:31:00 +0000

These days we are inundated by commercials about intestinal and digestive health, not to mention hearing all kinds of terms such as probiotoics, enzymes, leaky gut syndrome, IBS, IBD, and much more. At the end of the day, despite all the educational articles and webinars--plus commercials--many of us end up with more questions than answers.

One of the major terms being thrown around a lot is leaky gut syndrome. Most people know that a leaky gut is not healthy, but don't really have a clue as to what it means.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
So what is a leaky gut, really, and why isn't it a healthy condition to have? Before we can answer that question, we first have to understand the function of a healthy non-leaky gut. So let's see what the experts have to say. According to Trent W. Nichols, MD and Barry W. Ritz, BS in "Making Sense of Leaky Gut, IBS and IBD":

"... intestinal health is the foundation of overall well being. That fact is clear. The intestinal lining is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the foods that we eat and serves as our most important immune barrier, protecting us from potential allergens in undigested food, as well as microbiological and chemical threats."

Clearly intestinal health is important to digestive health and immune health. From this understanding, we can then answer the question, "What is leaky gut syndrome?"

In short, a leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining becomes permeable in unhealthy ways. This intestinal permeability allows food allergens and toxins to "leak" from the intestine into the bloodstream. To understand how this intestinal permeability occurs, we first have to understand the two ways in which the gut does its job. The gut has two jobs:

1. providing immunity
2. absorbing nutrients from food

The gut does its job in two different ways:

1. through the activity of intestinal cells
2. through tiny openings (called tight junctions) between intestinal cells

With the first process, the intestinal cells facing inwards toward the intestine absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. These absorbed nutrients then pass through the same cells and exit into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This process is called the transcellular system.

The second process doesn't require the activity of cells. Instead, small nutrients (such as minerals and trace minerals) pass directly through tiny porous openings between the intestinal cells. These openings are called tight junctions, and the process is called the paracellular process. A leaky gut occurs when these porous openings between cells become damaged and enlarged, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to flood directly into the bloodstream. This movement of unwanted substances through the tight junctions is what is termed "leaky gut."

While there are many possible causes of leaky gut syndrome, the most common causes include damage from infectious agents--including bacteria, viruses, and protozoan organisms--ethanol (found in alcoholic drinks and certain sugar substitutes called sugar alcohols), and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) pain relievers (including aspirin and ibuprofen). Other causes include aging, malnutrition, intensive illnesses, shock, and a variety of digestive disorders.

What Happens When You Have a Leaky Gut?
Because a leaky gut allows a variety of unwanted substances to be spread throughout the body, carried by the lymphatic and blood circulatory system, a number of health problems can be the result. Most physicians recognize certain chronic conditions to be the result of leaky gut syndrome, including joint inflammation, skin disorders, food sensitivities or allergies, lack of focus, hyperactivity, digestive issues, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

None of these sound good. Luckily, since leaky gut syndrome is most often caused by lifestyle factors, changing certain lifestyle habits can make a significant difference to this condition. According to Nichols and Ritz:

"Managing leaky gut is preventative medicine at its finest... Resolving leaky gut can produce very real benefits to total health."

Pretty good news, right? If the information in this article rings any bells for you, stay tuned. In future articles we will cover a variety of lifestyle changes that can significantly affect your digestive, immune, and overall health.

Sources:
Galland, L. "Leaky Gut Syndromes: Breaking the Vicious Cycle." http://mdheal.org/leakygut.htm (accessed 5/10/13)
Nichols, T. W. and Faass N., ed. Optimal Digestion. http://www.stopleakygut.com/article (accessed 5/8/13)

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Eat This Healthy Diet to Live Longer

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

We all know that eating a healthy diet is good for us, but more specifically it can help with healthy aging. There is more and more research suggesting that the type of foods we eat is related to longevity of life. Eating healthy not only makes you look younger and feel younger, it may even slow down the aging process. First, eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish and nuts increases the body's overall health and can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes which can lead to an earlier age of death. As we grow older the body systems need more help to do their jobs and promote healthy aging. This help is available by making sure you get the right nutrition to support the body during the aging process.

Foods For Healthy Aging
For a healthier, longer life here are some tips on foods and nutrients you can add to your diet and how they help with healthy aging.

Bright Colored Fruits and Vegetables
These foods are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent damage to healthy cells from free radicals and fight off disease. One way to tell if you are getting enough antioxidants in your diet for healthy aging is to look in the mirror. Wrinkles can be a sign of cell damage or cells that are dying. Antioxidant rich foods include tomatoes, leafy greens, blueberries, raspberries, carrots, peaches, bell peppers, cantaloupe, cherries, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and beets.

The antioxidant resveratrol can help the body with healthy aging by reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease and early aging. This antioxidant is found in grapes, peanuts and red wine. The antioxidants vitamin C, zinc and beta-carotene, such as found in spinach, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables, can help with eye health and vision problems that occur as we age. Yellow and green vegetables are particularly helpful in keeping skin looking more youthful.

Omega-3
Getting enough foods with omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can help lower cholesterol, fight inflammation, increase brain health as we age and reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart attack. There is some research that suggests it can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The best food sources for omega-3 is fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, herring and lake trout. Other food sources for omega-3 are flaxseed, blue green algae, walnuts, olive oil, edamame, wild rice, soybean oil, spinach, kale and chia seeds

Whole grains
Whole grains are rich in fiber that help keep blood vessels healthy, may reduce the risk of cancer, are good for heart health, reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and keeps blood sugar levels balanced. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the risk of death from heart disease can be reduced by 17% for every additional 10 grams of fiber you eat daily. Good food sources for fiber include oats, brown rice, barley, wheat, quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, apples and raspberries.

Dairy Foods
Low fat dairy foods give you the calcium and vitamin D needed for bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. Choosing low fat dairy helps in the fight against high cholesterol levels while still getting the nutrients that keep bones strong and healthy. As we age the body doesn't produce as much new bone to replace the natural process of bone loss. Other food sources for calcium include spinach, bok choy, mustard greens, sardines, fortified cereals and juices, beans, tofu, and fish. Vitamin D can also be found in cod liver oil, fish such as tuna and salmon, and egg yolks

Healthy Fats
Most of us know there are different types of fats and that some are good fats and some are not. Monounsaturated fatty acids can actually help with healthy aging and help us live longer. It can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Nuts such as almonds and pistachios, olive oil and avocado are good sources of these healthy fats.

Proteins
As we age we have more damage to body cells. The body needs protein to repair these cells. Beans are a good source of protein as an alternative to red meat. This is a good way to get the protein you need without the saturated fat found in meats which can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fat free milk, egg whites, tofu, chicken, pork, and turkey are other good lean sources for protein.

Supplements for Healthy Aging

In addition to adding the above nutrition into your diet, nutritional supplements can help you get enough antioxidants, omega-3, calcium and other nutrition that you aren't getting from your food sources. There are other supplements that can also help in the quest for healthy aging.

Stem Cell Support
Stem cells occur naturally in most body organs and tissues and help with our overall general health. They are different than other body cells in that they are able to divide and renew themselves for long periods, and are able to develop into other types of cells. When a stem cell divides, it can either remain a stem cell or become a red blood cell, muscle cell, skin cell or any one of the many other cells in our bodies. These new cells can migrate to the areas they are needed most as we age and where problems are occurring to repair damage.

Adult stem cells are already in our bodies and are not controversial like embryonic stem cell use is. They maintain and renew body tissue, help in maintaining a healthy immune system as well as with other health conditions. As we get older, we don't produce as many adult stem cells and they don't regenerate themselves as fast as when we were younger. This is where supplementation can help. Research has shown that certain nutrients such as are present in a stem cell support supplement can help promote the renewal of stem cells. It provides nutrition that supports the growth of stem cells and provides antioxidants that protect existing stem cells from free radical damage. Using this type of supplement can help counteract the reduction in the body's ability to regenerate stem cells as we age.

Enzymes
According to Dr. Edward Howell, known for his enzyme research, Food Enzymes for Health Longevity:

"Diets deficient in enzymes cause a 30% reduction in life-span."

Eating mostly processed and cooked foods depletes the active enzymes in our diets. These enzymes are necessary for good digestive health and immune system support. Not getting enough enzymes from the foods we eat puts strain on the pancreas, liver and spleen to replace the enzymes we are not getting from our foods. Adding an enzyme supplement to the diet can insure that we get the necessary enzymes to digest food and reduce stress on the body.

Enzymes can help with healthy aging in a variety of ways. Amylase helps with the well-being of the mind and body and relieves mental fatigue. Not getting enough of this enzyme can result in an unbalanced blood sugar level and mood swings. Lipase helps the body to store and break down fat. A lack of this enzyme can affect circulation, affect the immune system by inhibiting the circulation of white blood cells, increase cholesterol levels and contribute to high blood pressure. Cellulase helps with the breaking down and assimilation of cellulose into glucose which is a form of sugar the body can easily absorb and use for energy. A lack of this enzyme can cause bloating, excessive gas and abdominal pain. To insure you are getting enough enzymes, adding a high quality digestive enzyme supplement to your diet can make a tremendous difference.

Give yourself the best chance at leading a long and healthy life by making sure your diet has the nutrition it needs for healthy aging. Then go a step further and make sure your body is able to use that nutrition to its benefit by adding high quality nutritional supplements. We all want to remain healthy and active as we age and getting the right nutritional help is the key.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

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5 Types of Power Foods That Boost Your Immune System

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Your immune system is your body's defense system that keeps you from getting sick. In order for your immune system to do the best job it can, it needs to be healthy. Your immune system will be depressed if you eat a diet with a lot of junk food and don't get enough fruits and vegetables. Eating a well balanced healthy diet can go a long way to help supporting your immune system, but there are certain vitamins and nutrients that are known to give it an extra boost. For example, B2, B5, B6, B9 and B12 vitamins are known to help with antibody and blood cell production thus giving your immune system a boost. Protein also aids the body in white blood cell production and antibodies. Fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products are all good sources of lean proteins. Here are a few more ideas of how nutrition can be used as a natural solution to help strengthen your immune system.

1. Zinc Power Foods
Most people in the U.S. do not get enough zinc in their diets and zinc is a crucial mineral for boosting your immune system. This is especially true for vegetarians as beef is high in zinc. Zinc aids in the development of white blood cells that are a part of your immune system that destroy foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. If you are a meat eater, then eating lean beef, pork, oysters and poultry will add zinc to your diet. Other sources of zinc for you vegetarians include fortified cereals, sesame seeds, milk, yogurt, and miso. Miso which is a soybean paste also has protein and B12 which are immune system boosters.

2. Beta-Carotene Power Foods
Vitamin A is an antioxidant nutrient that comes from foods with beta-carotene. The body takes beta-carotene from foods and converts it into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the vitamins that helps keep skin healthy and your skin is your body's first line of defense in the immune system for keeping out bacteria and viruses. Foods high in beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, apricots, blue green algae, carrots, squash, pumpkin and cantaloupe. Sweet potatoes also have the added benefit of phytonutrients that are good for healthy eyes and hearts.

3. Antioxidant Power Foods
Antioxidants fight the damage to our bodies' cells caused by free radicals. We get antioxidant enzymes naturally from the food we eat. Antioxidants come from fresh, raw foods that have minimal processing. Fruits and vegetables are the most commonly thought of source for antioxidants, but there are some that we can get more from than others and there are other consumables that also offer high levels of antioxidants.

Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and there is some evidence that suggests the same compound that gives them their blue color can help with diabetes. Oregano is another good antioxidant source which has the added benefits of helping with digestion and clearing congestion. Cinnamon is the spice that has the highest levels of antioxidants of all herbs and spices. It has also been shown to be effective in balancing blood sugar levels. Walnuts are not only high in antioxidants, but also have vitamin E which helps nourish the skin, selenium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking black and green tea is another way to get antioxidants into your diet and actually have more than fruits and vegetables do. Studies have also shown that when brewing your tea, if you bob the tea bag or tea ball up and down several times then you can increase the amount of antioxidants released by 5 times the amount. Green tea also has EGCG that may help in preventing heart muscle damage. Chamomile tea has also been shown to help with boosting the immune system. A study at London's Imperial College found that subjects who drank 5 cups a day for 2 weeks showed an increase in a compound that has antibacterial properties. Dark chocolate is another good source of antioxidants. It has flavonioids that may improve blood flow and aid in skin health too. As far as vegetables go, tomatoes can't be beat for providing immune boosting antioxidants as the lycopene in them helps white blood cells in the fight against free radicals. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published one study showing people consuming a diet with a lot of tomatoes for 3 weeks and then no tomatoes for 3 weeks. During the time they ate a lot of tomatoes their white blood cells had 38% less free radical damage than when they were not eating tomatoes.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day is the preferred method of getting antioxidant defense from free radicals and other nutrients that support your immune system function, and improve skin health. But we know sometimes it's hard with a busy lifestyle, traveling and eating out to get all the fruits and vegetables your body needs. When you can't get your antioxidants from the food you eat, you can supplement your diet with a fruit and veggie capsule. This supplement is a convenient and hassle-free way to obtain daily recommended servings of nutritious fruits and veggies in an all-inclusive, nutrient-packed vegetarian capsule. Each capsule has a premium phytonutrient concentrate, along with 12 organic berries, wholefood vegetables such as spinach, kale, tomatoes, carrots, and beets and the energizing superfood power from nutrient-dense organic blue-green microalgae. Even people who do get their daily recommended servings from foods can benefit from this type of supplement as it also contains a phytonutrient and antioxidant blend that includes Betacarotene and Lutein which promote overall eye health, Lycopene which promotes cardiovascular health, and EGCG found in green tea that is known for its antioxidant qualities.

4. Probiotic Power Foods
Your intestinal tract is also part of your immune system and is full of "friendly bacteria" or probiotics that keep harmful bacteria and other invaders from getting into your body through the intestinal wall. So many things we encounter today, such as antibiotics, chlorinated water, high fat high protein diets, environmental toxins, and other medications, destroy these populations of friendly bacteria that we need help replenishing them. Yogurt and kefir are two sources of these probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus. These foods are also good sources of calcium, phosphorus and protein. Be sure to look at labels before you buy and get brands that contain live active cultures. You want to particularly make sure there are active cultures of acidophilus and bifidus.

Acidophilus is especially important for keeping the small intestine healthy since without proper cleansing, the small intestine can accumulate harmful byproducts that impair natural digestive function. Taking a high quality acidophilus supplement can help the body process food efficiently and eliminate waste. Bifidus helps creates a favorable environment for the growth of "good bacteria" in the large intestine which is responsible for absorption of water from food that is consumed and passage from the body of remaining waste products. Lactobacillus casei is another probiotic known to give a boost to the immune system.

5. Beta Glucan Power Foods
Scientists found in the 1960s that the complex carbohydrate beta glucan has immune boosting properties. Beta glucan activates macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell produced in bone marrow, that travel throughout the body fighting off bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders. Oats are a great source of beta glucan and steel cut oats are reported to have twice as much as rolled or quick cooking oats.

You can also get your beta glucan through an immune system boosting supplement that contains a patented form of beta glucan called WGP beta glucan. Studies reveal that WGP beta glucan is able to activate macrophages (type of white blood cell in body's defense system). Activating these macrophages can result in a stronger immune system. Numerous studies conducted at such prestigious research institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Johns Hopkins University have documented this supplements potential for boosting the immune system through WGP beta glucan's ability to activate macrophages.

Now you know some of the key ingredients for cooking up a stronger immune system. By adding these power foods that have natural immune system boosters and adding a few select supplements to your diet, you can help your immune system in helping you stay healthy.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

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The Gut-Brain Connection: How Healthy Food Affects Your Brain's Reactions

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:48:00 +0000

You can probably see how eating healthy food makes for a healthy body which includes making a healthy brain, but there may be more of a connection between what goes on in your gut and your brain. Recent studies have been showing that probiotics in the gut have an affect on brain activity when we are anxious, stressed, depressed or afraid. These studies indicate that there could be a reduction of these types of behaviors through the types of foods we eat that keep the probiotics in our intestinal system healthy. The other indication is that this communication between gut and brain goes the other way and that brain reactions can affect the population of microflora in the gut.

These studies indicate that one way of supporting brain health is to also support intestinal health. This makes sense if you think about there being two nervous systems in the body. There is the central nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord and there is the enteric nervous system that is involved with the gastrointestinal tract. Both of these contain the same type of tissues and are connected by the vagus nerve. It is this nerve that facilitates the communication between gut and brain. Specific probiotics in the gut have actually been identified as being able to perform functions that affect regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain and that affect the corticosterone hormone which is responsible for reducing anxiety and depression type behaviors. Studies have also led to the discovery that serotonin such is found in the brain and controls mood, depression and aggression, is found in even greater amounts in the gut.

Studies have also found that an imbalance of gut flora can affect brain development and that low levels of these gut flora have a connection to symptoms associated with autism, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, and other conditions. While all these studies are relatively new and more research is needed, preliminary results are promising that increasing the friendly bacteria in the gut can be beneficial for brain health.

There are many foods that have been shown to not only increase general body health, but are particularly good for brain health. These include foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as berries, nuts, olive oil, vegetables and coldwater fish.

I know you've heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is absolutely true. Here's some high powered breakfast ideas that can help kick start your brain at the beginning of the day.

--Yogurt that has live active cultures is a good source of probiotics and protein and if you add some walnuts and berries to it, you get some omega-3 and antioxidants as well. Add in some whole grain cereal and you've got a breakfast that is also high in fiber which makes for slower digestion thus improving concentration.

--Make an omelet using olive oil instead of butter to get some extra omega-3s. The eggs will give you some protein as would adding some cheese. Put spinach and tomatoes on top before you fold the omelet over so that they end up in the middle and you'll be adding some good antioxidants. Get your fiber by putting the whole thing on a piece of whole grain toast.

--Make a breakfast shake for a breakfast-to-go by blending yogurt, berries, a little milk and some flax or chia seeds. For an even faster shake, you can get a powdered drink mix that contains soy and blue green algae and add to some fruit juice. This alternative gives you protein from soy, vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, K and niacin as well as the omega-3 and omega-6s and all the other amino acids and whole food nutrition from blue green algae.

--Cereal is always a good quick breakfast standby if you don't have time to cook in the mornings. Mix a high fiber cereal with a whole grain cereal, add some walnuts, almonds or pecans, fruit and seeds, then get some probiotics added in by using keifer instead of milk. If you've got a little more time, oatmeal is also a good breakfast for brain health.

--When you've got a little more cooking time, whole grain waffles or pancakes topped with fruit and yogurt makes a healthy filling breakfast. For an extra boost, stir some nuts like walnuts into the batter.

Basically anytime you take some whole grains, add in berries and walnuts along with keifer, you are getting antioxidants, fiber, probiotics, omega-3, polyunsaturated fat, and protein all in one meal. Stir in some powdered blue green algae and you've really got a power breakfast or lunch going. Of course other nuts can be used and flax or chia seeds stirred in also, but the Journal of Alzheimer's Diesease has cited walnuts as contributing to better memory and increased brain functioning. They also attribute the antioxidants in walnuts as being helpful in reducing the chance of cognitive decline as we age.

We've talked about how probiotics in the gut are associated with brain health, but digestive enzymes are another gut aspect to consider when thinking about brain functioning. Digestion requires a lot of energy and the more energy it takes to digest food, the less there is available for other physical and mental activities. We've all experienced that afternoon slump especially after eating lunch. Taking high quality digestive enzymes can help support the digestive process. Enzymes are present in every cell, tissue and organ in the body and responsible for every chemical reaction associated with the metabolism of the body. Enzymes are critical to the proper functioning of everything from breathing to thinking to circulating the blood. .

Now you know how your brain and gut are connected and how adding healthy food and some of the natural solutions discussed can give you a boost for your brain. Giving your brain the support it needs to stay healthy no matter what age you are now will pay off in keeping you mentally sharp into your elder years.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

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Healthy Lifestyle Tips: Worried About Cancer? You Have More Control Than You Think!

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:51:00 +0000

If you have done any research on cancer, you probably walked away with one of two responses:

1. Fear: OMG! What am I gonna do?
2. Empowered: Wow, I have more control than I think!

The truth of the matter is that it doesn't really matter what kind of reaction you had. Why? Think about it. If you had a fear reaction, then you can live in fear but you won't be helping yourself live a longer, healthier life. So while that reaction may be perfectly normal, if you are interested in a healthy lifestyle, it's time to dump that reaction!

The second reaction is far more helpful, not to mention far more truthful.

Why You Have a Lot of Power Over Cancer
If you read studies put out by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other researchers in this field of study, you may be amazed to discover these facts:

1/2 to 2/3 of our cancer risk is under our own control
1/3 of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are correlated with physical inactivity and diet

In other words, living a healthy lifestyle has a lot to do with whether we are at risk for cancer or not. Most of the factors that lead to a healthy lifestyle are common sense, and may have you saying, "Yeah, yeah... I've heard these before." You may have heard these tips before, but if you really want to reduce your risk of cancer, then you really have to LIVE these tips, not just read about them or know about them.

So please, read the following healthy lifestyle tips with an eye toward really integrating them into your everyday life, not just nodding along in agreement with no intention of actually using them.

Healthy Lifestyle Tip #1: Exercise, Even a Little
Consistent exercise has been linked to a reduced risk in cancer, according to research on the subject. For instance, certain studies demonstrate that higher levels of physical activity are correlated with reduced rates of breast cancer. The ACS recommends a mere 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity--anything from gardening to a quick walk around the block!

Healthy Lifestyle Tip #2: Eat Right in Two Simple Ways
There are plenty of articles out there on how to eat right, so we won't bore you with all the details. However, there are two particular areas of dietary focus for supporting your body's ability to fight off cancer.

First, eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies daily, especially the colorful ones, which tend to have many antioxidant properties. When shopping, look for yellow peppers, leafy greens, orange fruits, and blueberries. If you think 5 servings sounds like a lot, you can supplement your dietary intake with antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies put into convenient capsule form.

Second, decrease your intake of red meat and go for more plant-based proteins, such as those from tofu and beans. Does that mean you have to give up all those juicy steaks and ribs? Nope. Just remember, a healthy lifestyle is all about moderation!

Healthy Lifestyle Tip #3: Get Your Beauty Rest
While our society currently rewards workaholic behavior and frowns on people who need their "beauty sleep," the truth of the matter is that people who get a healthy eight to nine hours of sleep tend to develop cancer less frequently than those who get seven hours or less of sleep. Some experts suggest that the hormone melatonin could be the cause. When we sleep, the absence of light triggers the body's production of melatonin, which seems linked to decreased risk of cancer. Although researchers are not totally clear on the connection, that connection is definitely present. So... get your beauty sleep as much as you can. Now that's a health tip that should be easy to follow!

Healthy Lifestyle Tips and You
Not to beat a dead horse, but if you managed to make it through the list of healthy lifestyle tips above, we have to ask: did you actually take any of it in? Did knowing that those simple tips can probably reduce your risk of cancer make you feel any more motivated to take action?

We hope so! I mean really... it's not like we suggested you run a marathon, give up all animal protein, or work harder. In fact, we suggested you sleep more and work less... how hard can that be, right? Sleep more, get healthier!

Well, the choice is up to you as always, especially since you now know that you have a LOT of control over your cancer risk. It's all about living healthy and being happy!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

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Why You Should Go "Wild" With Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:01:00 +0000

A lot of people come to me for nutritional counseling and I always suggest that they "go wild" when they choose their supplements. When I say "go wild," I don't mean that they should go buy up everything in the vitamin aisle, I mean that they should consider supplements that are made from wild, organic, whole foods. These kinds of supplements benefit is in four different ways.

1. Wild Foods Fit Our Bodies
Foods from nature are made to suit our bodies. We are all part of the same ecosystem and wild foods, especially ancient foods that have been on the planet for millions of years, strengthen our genetic and cellular integrity.

2. Whole Foods are Easily Absorbed
Our bodies often require enzymes, co-enzymes, and other co-factors to absorb and use vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Synthesized supplements often lack these co-factors, so our bodies can't use the supplements. They often just come out the other end. On the other hand, whole foods have a much higher absorption rate, so we get more nutrition for every bite.

3. Balanced Mineral Ratio
It's very important for the food we eat to have balanced mineral ratios. Many disease conditions are caused by imbalanced mineral ratios, so taking supplements that don't have a balanced mineral ratio can worsen pre-existing health conditions. Luckily, Mother Nature produces foods that tend to have balanced mineral ratios, so whole foods are always better than artificially created supplements.

4. Organic Foods Are Not Polluted
Many of the chemicals used in farming cause the vitamins and minerals in our food to be unavailable for our bodies to use, not to mention that these chemicals can cause serious health problems. Organically-certified foods meet a rigorous standard of testing and contain far fewer harmful ingredients.

So when you go to the health food store to pick out your daily supplements, go wild, go green, go natural, go organic. In other words, go healthy!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

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Healthy Aging Doesn't Have to Put a Dent in Your Wallet!

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:18:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed that products that are supposed to help with aging gracefully are more expensive than regular products in the same category? For example, skin moisturizers that are for "mature" or "aging" skin can be two to nine times as expensive as moisturizers designed for people in every other age group.

And here's the really crazy thing: the price of these products, such as moisturizers for aging skin, shoots through the roof just as people transition into retirement and begin to live on less income! Boy does that hit you where it hurts!

The good news is that aging gracefully does not have to stress you out or put a major dent in your wallet. You might be amazed at the number of simple lifestyle habits that you can incorporate into your life that will not only put you on the path to healthy aging, but don't cost very much. In fact, some of these lifestyle habits don't cost a single penny ... they only require a little of your time, attention, and dedication.

Three Strategies for Healthy Aging That Don't Cost a Penny!
The funny thing about lifestyle habits that contribute to healthy aging is that they are actually quite applicable to healthy living at any age. In fact, if you were to apply the three following lifestyle habits early in your life, you would find that aging gracefully is a cinch. You don't have to "learn new tricks" as you age if you practice and stick with healthy habits starting early in life.

Healthy Aging Tip #1: A Little Exercise Goes a Long Way
Experts in exercise science state that to remain healthy, we need to get 30 minutes of daily exercise, regardless of age. Exercise and movement promotes circulation, strength, and flexibility. Life is movement, and the longer you can stay active and moving, the longer you will hold off the effects of aging. Exercise affects the body on all levels, even down to the cellular level. Studies show that exercise can improve the efficiency of energy production at the cellular level. If simple movement on a daily basis can kick start every single cell in your body, imagine how much overall daily energy you will feel! And don't think that you have to go race around the track or take up kick boxing. Gentler exercises, such yoga or tai-chi, have proven just as effective in keeping you healthy. For instance, a regular yoga practice can keep the digestive tract in good working order, tone up the arms, flatten the stomach, improve muscle tone, increase energy, and increase flexibility.

Healthy Aging Tip #2: Drink the Right Amount of Water
Our bodies are mostly water, so staying hydrated is important to aging gracefully. Just think of your skin. When your skin doesn't get enough water, it loses elasticity and firmness. The result? Dreaded wrinkles! So drinking enough water is definitely one key to staying healthy as you age. At the same time, you don't want to drown your body with too much water, as this can overwork the kidneys. If you are not sure how much water to drink, read this article for a simple formula to help you calculate a healthy water intake for your situation.

Healthy Aging Tip #3: Eat Right and Be Merry
Tip #2 above was the "drink" part of the "eat, drink, and be merry" formula for healthy aging! The other two parts--eating and being merry--are also important. As we age, our bodies are less and less able to digest foods. The "gut bombs" we so easily ate as teenagers become a real burden to our bodies as we grow older. So eating right is actually "eating light." Find out more about how eating light is a lifestyle habit with many health benefits in this article. As for being merry, we all know that laughter is definitely good medicine. Studies have definitively shown that happy people live longer and stay healthier for longer. Whatever it means for you to be merry, go for it. Having hobbies you enjoy, a spiritual practice, or work that you enjoy can go a long way towards aging gracefully.

Now you may read the above tips and think to yourself, "Well, duh!" And you would be right.. these tips are not the stuff of rocket science. They are simple common sense. But at the same time you have to consider that we humans are not particularly good at doing what we know to be good for us. For many years now the top New Year's Resolution in the U.S. has been to lose weight. For the same number of years, less than 10% of people who make that resolution are still sticking to that resolution by February 1. Does that tell you how little we are able to commit to simple, common-sense lifestyle habits that we know are good for us? At the same time, if you can persist in adding one or more of the above tips to your daily life, you will find healthy aging is a no-brainer.

More Tips for Healthy Aging and Aging Gracefully
Want to know more about how to support, nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your body as you age? Here are some article that may have some of the answers you seek:

Natural Solutions for Staying Active as You Age

Simple Ways to Reverse Aging

Healthy Aging: How to Help Your Aging Teeth

Graceful Aging: Foods for Healthy Skin

Want to Slow Aging? Forget Time, Think Healthy Cells Instead

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

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Sugar Cravings? Yikes ... What to Do After Your Sugar Fix!

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:02:00 +0000

Get this:

-- The average American consumes his or her body weight in sugar each year! --

Wow, is that scary or what? That factoid comes from the American Heart Association, so it is not an urban myth. More specifically, the average American eats between 22 and 50 teaspoons of added sugar per day... adding up to about 150 pounds of sugar per year.

While sugar is sweet, the side-effects of eating that much sugar are not so sweet. Eating sugar to excess can lead to obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Sugar can also affect your mood, how you feel, and mess with your skin. Sugar side effects are definitely bitter rather than sweet. In fact, the above list of sugar side effects should give you pause the next time you consider munching on a candy bar or slurping down a chocolate malt!

The Worst Sugar Side Effect
We are all tempted to get a sugar fix from time to time, whether because we need some comfort food, we want to celebrate something good, or we just have a sugar craving. The reasons don't actually matter, but the side effects of sugar do matter. As discussed above, sugar can dramatically affect our health in numerous ways.

What we did not mention above is one of the most insidious and dangerous sugar side effects: the destruction of probiotics in the gut. Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that live in the gut and perform an amazing number of important bodily functions. These functions include:

acting as a first line of defense against foreign invaders
producing enzymes to digest food and deliver nutrients throughout the body
moving food through the digestive system, preventing constipation, gas, bloating, etc.
preventing harmful fungi from invading and taking over the gut (candida is a good example of harmful fungi)
support liver and kidney function
move toxins out of the gut and body

And that is just the short list of what the beneficial bacteria that live in our gut do for us. For us to remain healthy, studies show that we need to have a ratio of at least 6:1 of healthy to harmful bacteria in our guts.

So... taking all of this into consideration, you can see how damaging it is to eat excess sugar, which destroys the probiotics in the gut. Sugar not only destroys the probiotics, but also stops the gut from performing all of its digestive, immune, and other functions.

How to Avoid the Worst Sugar Side Effect After a Sugar Fix
Clearly eating too much sugar is a bad idea, but did you know that chugging even a single gigantic milkshake in a single sitting can have a serious effect on the probiotics in your system? Not only does it destroy a certain percentage of probiotics, but it can actually cause more sugar cravings. Seriously! One of the benefits of probiotics that we did not mention above is that probiotics can actually reduce sugar cravings. Why? Because the healthier we are (the higher the ratio of healthy bacteria in our gut), the less we crave sugar. So eating too much sugar kicks off a vicious cycle in which probiotics die off, sugar cravings increase, we eat more sugar, and even more probiotics die. The whole cycle is basically a downward spiral into poor health!

If you haven't guessed already, one of the best ways to avoid sugar side effects after eating a giant sugar fix is to take some probiotics. Acidophilus is one of the most effective probiotics for battling sugar side effects, and supports the health of the small intestine. Bifidus is another helpful probiotic, and supports the health of the large intestine.

We suggest taking probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus as a daily supplement. When you have eaten a sugar fix, take extra probiotics (especially acidophilus) with pure spring water as soon as possible. This reverses the vicious cycle described above, and starts your body on an upward spiral of health.

If you MUST have a sugar fix, don't worry. Just take some probiotics afterward to fix the effects of the sugar fix!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/missbribri123/

Eat Some Greens, Don't Break a Hip - The Importance of Vitamin K

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:41:00 +0000

Did you know that eating a serving of lettuce or some other green leafy vegetable per day cuts your risk of getting a hip fracture in half? That's as compared to eating just one serving of green leafy vegetables per day. This is reported in the "Harvard Medical School Guide to Eating Healthy."

If you're wondering how green leafy vegetables and hip fractures are related, then you'll be interested to know that the magic link is Vitamin K. Vitamin K is one of the key vitamins in a protein necessary to maintain build bone health.

Recent research shows that low levels of circulating vitamin K in the body has been linked to low bone density. In fact, people who supplemented their diet with foods rich in Vitamin K showed increased bone density. The Nurse's Health Study indicates that women who don't get enough vitamin K in their diet are twice as likely to break a hip as women who do.

Unfortunately, the average American does not get enough Vitamin K in their diet, even though, when surveyed, most adults thought they got plenty of Vitamin K. The younger members of the population are particularly at risk for low intake of Vitamin K, since their diet generally has fewer leafy green vegetables. The average American adult eats just under the recommended daily amount of Vitamin K, which is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women.

The leafy vegetables highest in Vitamin K are kale, collards, spinach, and turnip greens. For those who don't like salads all that much, other sources of this vitamin include blue-green algae, chlorella, and wheat grass.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/lettrice/

Natural Solutions for Better Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:43:00 +0000

Having better hair doesn't have to mean hours at a salon or wrecking your wallet with expensive hair treatments. The fact of the matter is that many salon treatments may help your hair look better temporarily, but many of these treatments actually damage your hair. For instance, excessive coloring, perming, and highlighting actually stresses your tresses.

If you want better hair and you don't want to stress your tresses, try some of the natural solutions we discuss in this article. Most of these solutions are simple, practical, and can be achieved with ingredients in your kitchen cabinet.

Natural Solutions for Better Hair from the Outside In
Changing just a few aspects of your daily hair care regimen can give you better hair. You just have to know a little bit about how hair grows and is nourished. Consider a few of these natural solutions that can help your hair look and grow better:

Sun Protection: Like your skin, your hair can suffer from sunburn. Mild sun exposure can give your hair some great highlights, and won't do much damage. However, prolonged sun exposure, especially in the hours between 10 AM and 3 PM, can damage your hair. The results can be split ends, dry hair, and a general lack of health. Wear hats or use specially-formulated shampoos or conditioners that include sunscreen.

Comb Rather Than Brush: Depending on your hair type and fullness, try combing your hair rather than brushing your hair. The bristles on brushes can damage hair shafts, while broad-toothed combs don't. Obviously, people with super thick or curly hair may not be able to use a comb. If you have this kind of hair, choose a brush that has bristles with rounded tips to limit damage.

Treat Your Scalp at the Right Time: If you are going to use any kind of scalp treatment, timing is important. Scalp treatments are more effective when the pores are open, so the perfect time to apply any scalp therapy is just before you step into a warm bath. The pores in your scalp will be open and dilated, and thus more able to respond to any kind of applied treatment. After you have rinsed out your scalp treatment, consider rinsing your hair with cold water. The cold water re-tightens pores and has the tendency of leaving your hair shinier.

Natural Solutions for Better Hair from the Inside Out
The above tips help support hair health from the outside in. You can get better hair by supporting your hair from the inside out. Your lifestyle often has a big influence on the health of your hair. For instance, check out these simple natural solutions for better hair from the inside out:

drink enough water
get plenty of sleep
eat plenty of healthy fresh foods
exercise regularly (enough to sweat and open your pores)
avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake

These lifestyle solutions are pretty much "no-brainers" because they support your body's general health as well as hair health.

Supplements are another way to get better hair. When it comes to healthy hair, most people immediately think of biotin. While taking oral supplements of biotin may help you have better hair, your body's ability to absorb nutrients plays a big factor in this supplement's effectiveness.

What often seems to work better is to support your liver as well as your body's level of probiotics. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver governs the head hair. If your liver is healthy, your hair will also be healthy. Eating foods that support the liver, such as leafy greens and sprouted greens, will help you have better hair. If you can't slow down enough to prepare fresh foods, consider adding to your diet a powdered supplement of sprouted greens that gently supports your liver health. Just mix the powder with any veggie juice and drink it down. Voila... mission accomplished!

Another way to support hair health from the inside out is to ensure that the probiotics that live in your gut are healthy and happy. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut, and provide a variety of health benefits. These benefits include assisting with digestion, preventing harmful bacteria from taking up residence, and providing a first line defense against foreign invaders.

But when it comes to having better hair, probiotics are important for a different reason: they produce a variety of vitamins, including biotin. Probiotics also produce vitamin K, folic acid, and a variety of B vitamins. All of these support general health. Biotin helps with healthy hair growth. As always, the body seems to accept and assimilate the vitamins produced by its own systems rather than synthetic or other forms of vitamins not ingested in natural or whole foods. At the end of the day, it seems a better idea to take probiotics, such acidophilus and bifidus, orally rather than taking a single biotin supplement.

Better Hair from the Outside or Inside
Are you getting the message that natural solutions that produce better hair are simple, practical, and plain common sense? That's what we have discovered. No matter what "type" of hair you have, these natural solutions are equally applicable. More importantly, by boosting your hair's health using these solutions, you also support your body's overall health.

Now that's a no-brainer, right?

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/karlitasway17/

Natural Solutions for Spring Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Spring has definitely sprung, and many of us are out in the garden, playing sports, and getting fit again! As a result, many of us are also dealing with the effects of getting active outdoors: cuts, bruises, sprains, sunburn, and picnic food!

Luckily, we have some great natural solutions that can support your health, keeping you active and participating in your outdoor activities. Check these out, try them, and enjoy!

Japanese Ume Plum Tar for Too Much Picnic Food
For stomach upset, diarrhea or nausea. This can be found in your local health food store. A tiny amount of Ume Plum Tar will almost immediately improve the state of your digestive system and alleviate feelings of nausea.

Ginger for Travel
For nausea. Ginger in tincture form can be found in your local health food store. If you feel nauseous or motion sick, take 2 to 4 drops orally or in tea to alleviate symptoms.

Probiotics as a Natural Antibiotic
For supporting the immune system, preventing the onset of colds and flus, and improving digestion. Did you know that acidophilus is a first line of defense in your body? If you feel you are about to catch a cold or flu, take 6 to 8 acidophilus with spring water, then take 2 every 2 hours thereafter. Your cold will vanish before it starts. Taking bifidus at night ensures restful sleep and a full-spectrum probiotic prevents constipation.

Rescue Remedy for Any Kind of Stress
This wonderful Bach flower remedy can be found at your local health food store. Take 4 drops orally or put 4 drops in spring water and sip on it all day. Rescue Remedy relieves acute stress of all types -- mental, emotional and physical. This is a handy remedy to keep with you at all times.

Arnica 30x Homeopathic Remedy
For healing bruises and other soft-tissue injuries. Take the recommended dosage if you sustain this kind of injury. Arnica is available in most health food stores.

Blue-Green Algae for Energy
For a steady source of energy and immune support. While sugar and caffeine provide temporary sources of energy, neither are permanent and both can cause you to "crash. Blue-green algae, scientifically proven to support your immune system, provides a steady source of high energy and mental clarity to help you truly enjoy the spring season.

Natural Recipe for Cuts and Scrapes
Mix spring water with acidophilus and powdered blue-green algae into a paste. Apply to open cuts and scrapes, and either bandage or allow to dry in open air as needed. This mixture supports the body's natural healing processes, and can support skin healing without damage. This mixture also works well, diluted, for poison ivy or sunburn.

Antioxidants for Stress
For detoxifying the body. Stress and over eating are 2 of the major contributors of toxins to our body, which cause us to feel tired and unwell. Fortunately, taking anti-oxidants such as wheat sprouts and coenzyme Q10 can rid the body of these toxins.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/stackylynne/

Getting Fit: Natural Solutions to Ease the Ouch!

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:07:00 +0000

Between New Year's Resolutions and spring weather, a lot of people spend the first part of any new year thinking about getting fit. Sadly, statistics show that by February 1st of any given year 92% of people are no longer engaged in their New Year's Resolutions! And weight loss--thus, getting fit--tops the list of resolutions.

Luckily, spring weather usually offers people a second opportunity to think about getting fit. The thought of how one will look in summer clothes (think bikini and swimming trunks) gets people motivated all over again.

I know this happened with me! The spring weather had me out mowing the lawn, weeding, moving hoses... and panting like the last horse in the race! So, having been in the Marines in my youth, I decided to set myself up for a self-created Boot Camp!

Boot Camp: Can You Say Ouch?
What does boot camp look like for a 76-year old man? It may not look like the Marine Boot Camp I did in my youth, but nevertheless it is rigorous. In addition to the yard work inspired by spring, my Boot Camp involves:

daily workouts on my Total Gym
weight lifting with free weights every other day
full yoga program on days with no weight-lifting
light yoga daily

I had my wife measure my body before I began. I then set out to follow my program intensely and fully for two weeks. I decided two weeks was the optimum time to see whether the Boot Camp was the correct level of intensity.

The first three days, my mind was filled with this question: What was I thinking?

Yeah, can you say ouch? I expected there to be plenty of muscular soreness, but thought that I could alleviate that with the yoga. Unfortunately, I forgot that when you have not done a full yoga program for a while, that even the resting poses (such as down dog) don't feel restful at all!

Natural Solutions That Help
Luckily, being a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and a life-long student of health and nutrition, I was able to dig through my cabinet of natural solutions and come up with some supplements that would support my body as I went through my self-created Boot Camp.

Liver Support: Since the liver governs tendons, ligaments, and muscles, I added a gentle liver support supplement to my daily regimen.

More Stretching: I realized that my full yoga program was a bit much to do every other day, as some of the poses (such as the full regimen of Sun Salutations) were straining certain muscles and tendons/ligaments that were already tired. I replaced one of the days of full yoga with a gentler stretching program.

More Sleep: Never one to sleep a great deal, I have discovered that sleep is a wonderful natural solution for helping the body recover and recoup energies expended through extensive exercise.

Cellular Support: Since my Boot Camp was asking my body to build a bunch of "new" muscles and enhance my current body structure, I also decided to add a natural supplement to boost stem cell production.

The results? At the end of two weeks, with the addition of the above-mentioned natural solutions, I am ready to expand my Boot Camp regimen. I am excited that at age 76 I am able to do these physical exercises. No, I can't do pushups Marine-style anymore... but hey, at least I CAN do pushups. I am thrilled!

How about you? How are you going to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate your body this year for health and happiness?

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/armedforcesgear/photos/

How to Get Clear Skin with Simple Home Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:10:00 +0000

Want to know how to get clear skin with ingredients from your kitchen cabinet? Then read on to learn a few simple home recipes that can keep your skin glowing, healthy, and vibrant. There's nothing we love better than "kitchen table health," and these kinds of home-made recipes are the epitome of this kind of health! The great thing about these recipes is that the ingredients are right at hand, and are easy to integrate into your regular skin routine.

How to Get Clear Skin Part 1: Exfoliation
The first step for having clear skin is exfoliation. Our bodies keep producing new skin cells to replace old and dying cells. The new skin cells look vibrant and glowing, but the problem is that most of the time they are hidden under the older skin cells on top. To get that fresh, young, and glowing look, the first step is to get rid of the old skin with exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of using a slightly coarse substance to "rub away" the older skin, revealing the clear healthy skin cells underneath.

Here is one of our favorite home recipes for exfoliation. Integrate this easy recipe into your skin routine twice a month and your skin will thank you. Plus, you will love the results!

Mix 1 part cornmeal with 1 part organic oatmeal, and store in a sealed container. (If you have sensitive skin, mix 1 part cornmeal with 2 parts organic oatmeal for a softer scrub.)
To use this mix, dampen your face (or any part of your skin you want to exfoliate) with warm water. Pour a handful of the mixture in your palm and gently rub it on your skin. If the mixture starts to feel too dry, just add more warm water. After you are done scrubbing, rinse the area with warm water, and then pat dry. Moisturize as usual (or see step 3 for deep moisturizing).

How to Get Clear Skin Part 2: Cleanse
Once you have exfoliated your skin, you are ready to move onto step two in the process for getting clear skin ... cleansing. By using a cleansing mask, you can cleanse and tighten your pores, giving your face (or any skin) a clean healthy look. Again, the following recipe can be made at home with ingredients that are in your fridge or kitchen cabinet. Add this recipe into your skin routine once a week to keep your pores clean and your skin glowing. This simple recipe works well, and gives you that requisite salon "funny green face" look.

Mix 2 capsules of acidophilus, 2 capsules of enzymes, and 2 capsules of blue-green algae with spring water to form a paste.

To use this recipe, apply it evenly over your face, paying special attention to any problematic areas, such as the oily T-zone. Avoid putting this paste around your eyes. Allow the paste to dry, and then rinse with warm water. Pat dry and moisturize. The acidophilus and enzymes will pull toxins and other pore-cloggers out of your skin, while the blue-green algae provide direct nourishment to your skin cells. This formula also works well on skin problems elsewhere on the body, including feet that have that dang itchy foot fungus.

How to Get Clear Skin Part 3: Nourish and Protect
Once you have integrated exfoliation and cleansing into your skin routine, the final step is to nourish and protect your skin. Exfoliation and cleansing are great, but without this last step the first two steps can dry out your skin. Use this home-made nourishing and cooling mask after each time you exfoliate or cleanse your skin using the above two recipes.

Mix the whites from 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Be sure to mix well.

To use this mixture, apply it to your face and leave it on for 2-4 minutes. Rinse well afterwards with warm water, and then pat dry with a soft washcloth. Moisturize with a lotion that will continue to protect and nourish your skin all week--preferably an antioxidant lotion. NutraBeautiful is an amazing restorative lotion that works for all skin types. Burt's Bees products are also wonderful. Or use your own favorite lotion that you love! Moisturizing is an essential part of any healthy daily skin routine.

So ... now you have three great recipes that you can at home for "salon style" pampering. Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/zaggora/motivation/

Are You a Mutant and Can You Help It?

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:27:00 +0000

No, don't take that the wrong way ...when we ask you whether you are a mutant, we aren't asking if you are some kind of freak or are from Mars. We just refer to the fact that the average rate of human DNA mutation is roughly 100-200 new mutations per generation (from mother to daughter, for instance--read more at http://bit.ly/Yt7snU).

That sounds like a lot of mutation, but scientists have identified that a lot of these mutations are harmless. So don't lose too much sleep over this number. In addition, the normal processes of the human body can and do "repair" mutations in the DNA, both between generations in the family, and during your lifetime.

Causes of Human Genetic Mutation
Obviously, you can't change the mutations that occur in translation from your parents' DNA to your own. These errors in replication occurred during the very early parts of your life, during conception and gestation. But what about now? What about your life from now moving forward? Can you reduce the amount of genetic mutation that occurs?

YES.

Why are we so certain? Well, consider some of the more ordinary causes of genetic mutation:

stress
physical trauma
environmental agents and toxins
poor nutrition

If these sound like factors that you feel like you can control, then you can affect the health of your genetic material. Sounds pretty right? Do some meditation, cut down on stress, eat healthier, reduce your exposure to environmental toxins ... you get the picture, right?

Let's Add More to the Picture
We personally know that you can affect genetic material because we have seen it in our lives. We also have read studies that show that better nutrition, for instance, can turn certain genes on or off.

It's well known in the scientific community that the juvenile diabetes (type I) gene is turned on in children who frequently drink cow's milk or eat foods high in MSG. Yet children who eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals tend not to get juvenile diabetes.

At the other end of the spectrum, research shows that the development of cancer is the result of many genes being switched on over a period of time, making older people more likely to develop cancer. Phytochemicals, the colored pigments in plants that protect them from the harmful effects of UV radiation, have been shown to inhibit the activation of cancer genes or by preventing the cancer gene's instructions from reaching its destination.

For instance, one kind of cancer gene may send instructions to certain enzymes to produce a special protein that will promote the growth of cancer. In the presence of phytochemicals, however, those instructions never reach their destination, the special protein is not formed, and cancer never occurs.

A Story About a Cat ...
And here we feel the need to add an anecdotal story about genetic change being affected by nutrition. True, this is a story about a cat and not a person, but the story is so startling that we felt we had to include it here. We had a friend who bred hairless cats. The "hairless" trait in cats was bred-in, capitalizing on a specific genetic change that produced cats with no body hair. This friend heard about the health benefits of supplements like blue-green algae, so she began feeding her cats this supplement. Lo and behold ... her prize-winning hairless cats got healthier. The only problem? They ALL started growing hair!

Does that tell you something about one's ability to affect one's genetic material? Read more about the effect of blue-green algae on genetics here.

Stem Cells Play a Role, Too
Then there are stem cells. Stem cells are the undifferentiated cells our bodies produce that can replace any cell in the body. Recently Deepak Chopra and other scientists like Dr. Rudi Tanzi (see a preview here) have been discussing the importance of one's own stem cells in developing the super brain. It turns out, according to their research, that when brain damage occurs, repair can happen when the body has enough access to stem cells. Taking certain supplements can increase our own production of stem cells by up to 70%. Sounds pretty good for supporting our body's natural inclination to heal or replace damaged or mutated cells! Learn more here.

So ... want to avoid being a mutant? Just kidding ... but you can definitely affect the factors that cause cellular mutation. We've given you some tips in this article, and you can read more by looking up studies on the super brain and other research by scientists in this field. Mutation is part of being human, but it doesn't have to affect your health!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/webcod/

Ready to Learn How to Have More Joy in Your Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:01:00 +0000

Are you ready to figure out how to have more joy in your life? If so, then this is the article for you. Nope, this isn't an article about how to be more productive, how to be a better multi-tasker, or how to juggle your life more efficiently. Nope, this article is about the good stuff in life ... joy! Most of the time we write about how to live a healthier life by making practical lifestyle changes, but every now and then, we need to "go off script" and write about other stuff ... like joy.

After all, if you don't feel joyful in your life, why bother? We humans are not meant to be cogs in some great work machine. We are fully-functional emotional beings who are equipped to feel an entire range of emotions, from rage to boredom to joy. So today, we talk about joy!

How to Have More Joy -- Simple Ways
The emotion of joy often springs up unexpectedly in our lives, such as when we smell the sweet scent of spring flowers or when we hear some funny quote out of the mouths of babes. But we can also learn to live joyfully, on purpose, just as we can learn to laugh on purpose (you've heard about laughter therapy, right?). Check out these two simple natural solutions to a more joyful you!

Practicing Joy
Experts have actually studied the process of joy and written some great tips on how to have more joy in your life. Here are some links to web pages where you can learn about being joyful on purpose. These experts know what they are talking about ... and it can't hurt to try these tips. All you'll lose is a little time!

11 Things We Know About Joy
14 Ways To Find Joy
How to Find Happiness in Unexpected Places

Eating for Joy
In addition to practicing the "art of joy," you can also eat your way to a more joyful sense of being. It turns out that there is a chemical basis for the feeling of joy, mostly related to the health of our brains and our guts. Get the details in this article

So ... at the risk of sounding like a pun, follow these tips and "enjoy"!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/scarletsun/cultures-from-around-the-world/

How to Have a Healthy Brain: Eat These Brain Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:22:00 +0000

If you suffer from "brain farts," "brain fog," or other possible signs of poor brain health, then you'll want to know about the brain foods we discuss in this article. The fact of the matter is that you can literally eat your way to a better brain. This is important for all the obvious reasons, such as the fact that we literally can't do anything without our brains. However, did you also know that your brain is the most energy and nutrient-hungry organ in your body? Yup, it's an energy and nutrient hog. So you definitely need to feed your brain if you want a healthy brain.

But--and here's the kicker--your brain is not only a hog when it comes to nutrients, but it's also quite picky as to which nutrients it allows in past the "blood brain barrier." Only certain types of nutrients can get past the barrier to your brain, so feeding your brain with healthy brain foods can be slightly more complicated than you might think. But, don't stress your brain worrying about this. We will explain it all in clear detail below.

Get a Healthy Brain by Feeding It Brain Foods
The sad fact is that most Americans are starving their brain cells because they eat a SAD diet--that is, the Standard American Diet. The SAD diet lacks almost all the nutrients necessary to feed your brain! So how do you feed your brain? Before we can tell you that, we have to explain about the blood brain barrier, or BBB.

The BBB is just what is sounds like--a barrier that restricts which types of molecules can pass through and reach your brain. In layman's terms, the BBB basically only allows very small molecules (such as oxygen, hormones, carbon dioxide) to pass through. Other types of small molecules, such as glucose, can also pass through the BBB, but they have to first be paired with the appropriate proteins before they will be allowed to pass. As you can see, trying to feed your brain with the right brain foods that will pass through the BBB is a little more complicated than you might have thought at first.

What Kinds of Brain Foods Really Feed Your Brain?
Your brain has several types of "preferred" foods, namely glucose, essential fatty acids, and certain amino acids. Let's take a closer look at each of these.

Glucose
Glucose is basically sugar. It's not table sugar, but the sugars that your body extracts from digesting simple and complex carbohydrates. Best food sources for glucose include whole grains, complex carbohydrates, AFA blue-green algae, dark chocolate, and, in a pinch, a glass of juice. Skip the simple sugars found in candy bars because you will experience a brain crash after getting a temporary brain high from eating said candy bar!

Essential Fatty Acids
Did you know that "fat brains" are happy brains? It turn out that our brains are made up of about 60% fat, so our brains are always starving for essential fatty acids like omega-3. To get essential fatty acids to your brain, feed yourself brain foods like seeds and nuts, avocados, AFA blue-green algae, and deep water fish.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which your brain needs to function well. Your brain needs a variety of different amino acids to be well-fed. These amino acids include glutamine, GABA, isoleucine, phenylalanine, arginine, taurine, methionine, valine, lysine, glycine, leucine, alanine, and histidine. While you can certainly supplement these separately with capsules, it's much easier to eat healthy whole foods. These healthy brain foods are no different than the foods you would find on any healthy lifestyle diet plan: fruits and vegetables, plenty of unsaturated oils (olive oil is a good choice), and a variety of whole grains.

Dine well on brain foods and you will not only have a sharper mind, but you will also feel better. A healthy brain produces better moods, as scientific studies have recently indicated. A healthy brain is crucial no matter what kind of lifestyle you have or what levels of stress you cope with in your life. So eat right, rest well, and enjoy!

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/beccapdx/fitness/

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Healthy Aging: How to Help Your Aging Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:24:00 +0000

A big part of healthy aging is keeping your aging teeth healthy. After all, if you can't chew your food well, you can't live a healthy lifestyle and achieve everything you want to … like learning to water-ski at age 99 (and there is a man who does water ski at age 99 -- look it up in a past issue of National Geographic)! While many adults are under the misconception that they no longer have to worry about cavities as they age, they are operating under a misunderstanding. The fact is that aging teeth are more susceptible to damage, such as cavities, as time passes.

Other signs of aging teeth include:

cavities in the tooth root (due to gum erosion)
sensitivity to hot or cold
oral cancer
bone loss
receding gums
loose teeth

Healthy Aging Tips for Your Aging Teeth
Don't let the list of symptoms above scare you! Aging happens to all of us, whether we want it to or not. At the same time, there are practical steps you can take to support your aging teeth and keep them healthy as long as possible. In addition to visiting your dentist every six months, check out these natural solutions that support not just the health of your teeth, but your overall health as well! We are not kidding.

For instance, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, people who have periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this isn't surprising since the heart governs gum health, and the tongue is considered the "root of the heart." So oral and heart health are obviously related. Therefore, by supporting your oral health you will also be supporting your heart health!

Tip #1: Prevent Acid Erosion
If you eat a lot of sugary or starchy foods, or drink carbonated beverages, then you are setting up your aging teeth for acid erosion. These types of foods and beverages tend to cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid, which in turn eats away at the enamel of your teeth. Once the enamel on your teeth becomes thin or pitted, tooth decay starts to occur. Not good. How do you prevent this process from happening? Try these simple tips:

avoid sugary or starchy foods and carbonated beverages if possible
brush and floss at least twice daily (but wait 30 minutes if you have just eaten acidic food)
avoid snacking all day long, which causes mouth acid to remain high all day
if you can't brush and floss for a while, swish with water and chew sugar free gum
swish with mouthwash or chew gum with xylitol -- the bacteria in your mouth thinks xylitol is food and will focus on that rather than attacking your teeth

Tip #2: Support Gum and Heart Health
Did you know that the tissues of your gum and the tissues of your heart are very similar? That's why heart and gum health are so closely related. What's more, both your heart and your gums benefit from supplementation of an enzyme called co-enzyme Q10, of CoQ10 for short. CoQ10 is not only key to cellular health and energy production, but is extremely supportive of heart health and immunity. For instance, multiple studies have revealed that supplementation of CoQ10 has remarkable results on cardiovascular health, immunity, and rejuvenation of energy-producing processes.

Supplementation with CoQ10 is especially important for healthy aging, since our bodies reduce production of CoQ10 as we age. Taking extra Q10 is also important because a stressful lifestyle can deplete our natural supplies of CoQ10. In addition, most manufacturing processes (such as the refinement of grains) remove most of the CoQ10 that naturally occurs in the foods we eat. So if you want to support your gum and heart health, add CoQ10 to your daily regimen. Studies also show that omega-3 fatty acids can support gum health, and eating foods high in omega-3's (such as AFA blue-green algae and leafy greens) can reduce gum inflammation.

Tip #3: Prevent Dry Mouth
One of the biggest signs of aging is dry mouth. Dry mouth is often caused by certain medications. In fact, there are at least 800 known medications often taken by mature adults that list "dry mouth" as a side effect. Dry mouth can really harm aging teeth because of the reduction of the flow of saliva in the mouth. A healthy flow of saliva helps keep your teeth clean and also neutralizes mouth acid. To prevent dry mouth, chew sugarless gum (especially those fortified with xylitol) or swish with a mouthwash created specifically to prevent dry mouth.

There you have it … three simple natural solutions to support aging teeth so you can continue on the path of healthy aging. You can't stop time, but by taking practical steps to ensure oral health you can slow the effects of time on your body!

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/highlanddental/

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What is Indigestion and How to Avoid the Embarrassment and Discomfort

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:33:00 +0000

What is indigestion, really? Well, if you want the medical definition, here's what WebMD has to say about the topic:

"... indigestion is a term used to describe a feeling of fullness or discomfort during or after a meal."

What is Indigestion in Your Terms?
If you want to translate that into layman's terms, just think of symptoms like gas, stomach bloating, constipation, diarrhea, burping and acid reflux, and a general sense of discomfort in your digestive tract. You know the feeling ...

What's worse than the feeling of indigestion, which is bad enough, is suffering through indigestion in public. Whether you are at a dinner party or simply suffering from gas at the office after a "gut bomb" lunch, indigestion can range from uncomfortable to downright embarrassing! Luckily, there are quite a few common sense steps you can take to relieve those icky indigestion symptoms, such as stomach bloating.

Let's take a look at each symptom and see if we can't figure out the answer to the question, "What is indigestion?" in each case.

Stomach Bloating
Stomach bloating is really a sign that your stomach isn't properly digesting the food you just ate. As a result, instead of your lunch being properly digested and pushed through to the next stage of digestion, the food just sits in your stomach ... rotting, really, and generating a lot of uncomfortable gas that causes the bloating. Acid reflux and burping usually also originate from the stomach, and like stomach bloating, are a sign that the food in your stomach isn't headed in the right direction.

What can you do to "speed things along"? Some people have low stomach acid, believe it or not, and need to take supplemental Betaine HCL (available at your local health food store). Others need additional enzymes. Read how enzymes can help with stomach bloating problems during the digestive process.

Constipation
At the other end of the digestive system, there is constipation, or the inability to have regular bowel movements. Constipation can make you feel full and uncomfortable all the time, and is a signal that you have too little water in your digestive tract. Too little liquid in the digestive tract means that partially digested food gets stuck, unable to exit your digestive system. There are multiple natural solutions for constipation. Read this article for more details and simple solutions.

Diarrhea
The opposite of constipation is diarrhea, in which the digestive tract has too much liquid and bowels are runny. This condition could have you running for the bathroom often (and praying all the way that you don't have an accident). As with constipation, diarrhea is an indicator that your digestive tract is out of balance. Similarly, you can also use simple natural solutions to relieve this symptom of indigestion. Check out the details here.

Gas
Now if there is one symptom of indigestion that is truly embarrassing, it's gas. Not only is intestinal gas smelly, but if you are unable to pass gas you feel very uncomfortable. Either way, digestive gas is a complication that you definitely want to avoid. Read this article to find out how to avoid gas and how to cope with gas if you've got it!

Hopefully you now have a better idea of the answer to the question, "What is indigestion?" More importantly, the natural solutions suggested above should help you avoid the embarrassment of coping with the symptoms of poor digestion, like stomach bloating, gas, constipation and others. None of these solutions is difficult to implement or expensive ... you just have to be prepared!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/ayushvedagroup/home-remedies/

Do I Have the Flu or Do I Have a Cold? It Matters How You Treat It

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:09:00 +0000

A lot of people confuse colds and flus, which may not matter if you treat both with natural solutions that support your immune system. However, if you have the flu and you treat it like a bacteria-based cold with allopathic (or Western) medicine, you can expect to feel worse rather than better. Before we dive into the topic of why this occurs, just take a quick look at the difference between colds and flus:

There are several major symptoms that indicate you probably have the flu. These include:

fever
muscles aches and soreness
rapid onset of symptoms
severe symptoms
overall fatigue that lasts for one to three weeks

Symptoms that are unique to colds include:

often starts with a sore throat
stuffy or runny nose without fever or fatigue
milder symptoms
slower onset of symptoms
few lingering side effects once major symptoms have resolved

For more on the difference between colds and flus, check out this article.

Do I Have the Flu or Do I Have a Cold? Treat the Right Condition
Treating for the flu or cold gets complicated when it comes to Western medicine. Why? Because both colds and flus can come from viruses, while certain colds can be bacterial in nature. It just depends. The tricky part is if you think that you have a bacteria-based cold and treat it with antibiotics, you may think you will get better. However, if you have a virally-caused cold or flu, the antibiotics are only going to make you feel worse. Why? Because viruses do not respond to antibiotics. The antibiotics will not harm the virus causing your discomfort, but they will kill off most if not all of the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut, such as acidophilus and bifidus. This is bad news because 70% of our immunity comes from these beneficial bacteria (also known as probiotics). Kill these off, and the virus that is causing you to feel crummy has a free license to run rampant in your body.

The better solution may be to support your body's natural immune response with natural solutions. In addition to getting enough rest, hydration, and chicken soup, you can also add supplemental probiotics into your regimen. For more natural solutions on supporting your body's immune response to colds and flus, read this article.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/healthcareguide/healthcare/

Health Tips: 3 Easy Ways to Save $$ on Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Alan Joel) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

When it comes to buying supplements, the bill can be downright scary, especially people who are trying to cut costs and live frugally. Luckily, there are simple ways that you can cut costs related to your supplements--and that's exactly what we are going to cover in the health tips offered in this article. Just because you cut costs does not mean you have to cut quality when it comes to your supplements. Just read through the 3 following health tips and see if they don't seem quite logical (and cost-saving) to you!

Cut Costs Tip #1 - Skip the Weekend
Many people think that they need to take all their supplements all the time. As a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and health counselor, one of the most frequent health tips I offer is that the body needs a rest from supplements from time to time. Depending on the supplement, of course, the body can need a break every weekend, one week out of the month, one week every several months, or one month a year. This "taking a break" approach does not, of course, apply to allopathic or Western medications--you need to check with your physician about these. I am referring to wholefood supplements like slippery elm or aloe, blue-green algae, probiotics, etc.

To cut costs and give their bodies a break, many people will skip a portion of their supplements one to two days per week. Whether you can use this health tip to cut costs on supplements depends on your general health, and the reasons you take the supplements that you take. For instance, some people take an energy-supporting supplement like AFA blue-green algae. Since many of these people tend to be less stressed and more rested on the weekends, they feel they can skip a day or two of taking this supplement on the weekend (or at least reduce the amount that they take). On the other hand, I never recommend that people who tend to suffer from digestive ailments skip taking supplemental enzymes on the weekends. As you can see, this health tip to cut costs on supplements is entirely dependent on your overall health, health needs, and health goals. Often, you will know what you can and can't skip in terms of supplements. If you are not sure, check with your healthcare providers. This approach also works very well for animals and certain whole food supplements that we add to their diets.

Cut Costs Tip #2 - Buy Quality
When you start out with quality supplements, you need to take less to get more benefit. This is best demonstrated with a supplement like probiotics, which are the beneficial bacteria (such as acidophilus and bifidius) that live in your gut and support your digestion and immune response. If you look at price, the least-expensive probiotics are often the ones that are not stored in the refrigerator. Many probiotic capsules are not even "active"--meaning there are no live strains of bacteria in each capsule--when tested in a lab. Other probiotic strains are not strong enough to pass through the acidic environment of the stomach. Finally, still other strains are easily destroyed by stress, chlorinated water, and other lifestyle habits. So when you go to by probiotics, buy the best quality you can get. My two favorite forms are acidophilus and bifidus, both lab-tested and quality approved by experience!

Cut Costs Tip #3 - Common Sense
You know what they say about common sense--it's the least common item around! Well, when it comes to health tips that cut cost, using your own common sense is one of the best action steps you can take. What do I mean by common sense? I mean the simple stuff. Get some regular exercise, even if you just walk around the block a few times. Eat right--shop for good food and cook it at home. Keep the gut bombs to a minimum. Have fun and laugh a lot--laughter truly is good medicine. Get enough restful sleep so your body can recover and rejuvenate. These are all common health tips that you have no doubt read somewhere and already know. So just put one or two into action, and your body will thank you!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/itsmedoubled/time-to-relax/