Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte » Articles

Boosting Immunity with Ayurveda

Dr. Aruna Patki — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:35:01 +0000

As we enter the cooler months, respiratory infections become more common. Improving our immunity is the best defense to these illnesses. The Ayurvedic approach to boosting immunity and combating diseases begins with maintaining a healthy mind-body relationship. Proper diet, a healthy lifestyle, reduced stress, and positive energy ensure the body’s natural defense mechanisms are strengthened [...]

The Cholesterol-Alzheimer’s Link

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:09:54 +0000

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research and the University of Kuopio, in Finland, recently reported that elevated cholesterol levels in midlife—even borderline elevations—significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia later in life. While scientists are still trying to pinpoint the genetic and lifestyle factors that cause Alzheimer’s and dementia, levels of [...]

Broccoli Helps Keep Prostate Cancer at Bay

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:06:05 +0000

An Institute of Food Research study now shows that eating one or more portions of broccoli every week can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and prevent localized cancer from becoming more aggressive. It turns out that broccoli, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, affect genes by changing cell-signaling pathways, thereby [...]

We Are What We Drink

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:05:02 +0000

When it comes to weight loss, what we drink may be more important than what we eat. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who examined the relationship between beverage consumption among adults and weight change, found that weight loss was positively associated with a reduction in liquid calories. They further concluded [...]

Invest in Happy Memories

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:03:30 +0000

Can money buy happiness? Yes, suggests a recent psychology study—provided we are buying life experiences, rather than material possessions. San Francisco State University research confirms that experiential purchases, such as movies or the theater or a relaxing meal at a restaurant with family or friends, result in increased feelings of social connectedness and well-being. Study participants [...]

Spotlight on Pumpkins

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:59:27 +0000

While savoring a slice of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, consider that this favorite and versatile fall vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse. Pumpkins are high in carotene, which protects against vision loss, heart disease and cancer. Pumpkin seeds, which can be eaten raw, baked or roasted, are particularly rich in zinc, which helps prevent prostate problems. Source: [...]

Immunity Now

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:58:21 +0000

During flu season, a strong immune system is a person’s first line of defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. To boost immunity, enrich the diet with fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants to help fight free radicals; eat less fat and animal proteins; manage stress; and get enough sleep. Green tea and herbs such as [...]

More Kudos for Nuts and Mediterranean Diet

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:57:14 +0000

According to a report in The Journal of the American Medical Association, a Mediterranean diet, with an additional daily serving of mixed nuts, can be helpful in managing some metabolic disorders in older adults. Research focused on metabolic syndrome, a set of metabolic disorders such as abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood glucose levels, [...]

Smell Stress Away

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54:01 +0000

When feeling stressed and tired, take a restorative whiff of bracing lemon, enlivening rosemary or soothing lavender—or any other plant that has a pleasant scent. Scientists in Japan have reported the first scientific evidence supporting the idea that inhaling certain fragrances alters people’s gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that reduce stress. The effects are [...]

Sleep Alert

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:52:03 +0000

New research reveals that insufficient sleep of six hours or less, a common shortcoming of our Western lifestyle, may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and reduced glucose tolerance, which in turn may increase the long-term risk of developing diabetes. The link was noted in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology [...]

Tricky Twésumés Social Networks – Speed Job Hunt

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:51:30 +0000

A new wave of job-seekers is leveraging Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networks as quick ways to access job referrals, screen potential employers and obtain interviews. Twésumés (personal bios in 20-word chunks) and Twinterviews (interviews conducted on Twitter) are helping to speed up the hiring process. All of it can help cut through red tape. “Instead [...]

Disposable Habit – Choose Rechargeable Batteries Instead

Rebecca Fowler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:49:02 +0000

Americans buy about 3 billion household batteries a year (about 10 per person), according to the Environmental Protection Agency—and nearly all end up in landfills. Unlike disposable alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries can be reused hundreds of times, saving money and resources, while reducing pollution associated with their manufacture and transport. A study by battery manufacturer [...]