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Natural Life Extenders And Nutrition For Aging
Posted On 30-07-2010 , 9:25 AM
 Aging is the one condition that all living things have in common which can make the body more vulnerable to disease. Each person’ s lifestyle choices and stresses vary, and they all influence the aging process.
Do not assume that all illness and pain are certain to happen as you age. You can feel better at sixty than you did at thirty by making changes in your lifestyle and in your diet.
The overall health and condition of your immune system is vital to longevity. Without the ability to ward off the simplest of diseases, the body degenerates. Adding the right supplements should give you the added power needed to boost immunity and prevent or cure most disorders.
As the body ages, its systems slow down and become less efficient. So the correct nutrients are more important than ever for the support, repair and regeneration of the cells. There are no supernatural potions, only the simple fact that if you give your body the correct fuel, it will perform for you.
Natural Life Extenders
1. Exercise One aspect of daily living that science has found to lengthen and protect against aging is exercise. Exercise contributes to the wellness of the emotional condition by lessening anxiety, depression, tension and the general effects of many kinds of stress in life. Additional health benefits include preventing joint stiffness, gives you more energy, makes bones and muscles stronger and protects you from heart disease.
2. Eat Flavonoid Rich Foods Flavonoids are plant chemicals that inhibit the effects of free radicals, the molecules in the body that damage cells in the arteries, brain and immune system. The best food sources are: broccoli (4.2 milligrams per cup), green tea (8 milligrams per cup) and strawberries (4.2 milligrams per cup). Getting 31 milligrams of flavonoids daily is recommended.
3. Combine Vitamins C and E Both are antioxidants that prevent cell damage from free radicals. Both reduce cancer risk and maintain the elasticity of arteries. However, taken alone; each has very limited benefits in prolonging life. They are much more powerful combined because each vitamin protects different parts of cells. Vitamin C protects the watery parts of the cells and vitamin E protects the fatty parts of the cells. Take 400 milligrams of vitamin C three times daily and 400 IU of vitamin E daily.
4. Eat Fiber Early In The Day Eat fiber at breakfast to slow the rate at which the stomach empties. This is particularly helpful because it prevents spikes in blood sugar that can damage arteries and increase the risk for heart disease and fatty buildup. You will also less likely snack and get excessive calories later in the day.
Supplements For Aging
Glutathione A potent free radical scavenger and mental booster that acts as a mood elevator. In addition, it destroys ammonia, which interferes with brain function. 500 milligrams daily, on an empty stomach.
Coenzyme Q10 Aids circulation, increases tissue oxygenation, protects the heart and is vital for many bodily functions. 100 milligrams daily.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is an adrenal hormone that enhances immune function. It has been found to help prevent and treat many of the disorders associated with aging. Take as directed on label.
DMG (Dimethylglycine) is a derivative of the amino acid glycine. It improves tissue oxygenation and boosts immune function. Take as directed on label.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that acts as an antioxidant. The body produces an abundant supply early in life, but as we age, production steadily declines. It may also help counteract insomnia, boost immunity and prevent cancer. 1.5 - 5 milligrams daily, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime.
Mushrooms Maitake, morel, reishi and shitake are mushrooms that the ancient Chinese praised as superior medicine that give eternal youth and longevity. They are found fresh as well as in supplement form.
PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid) is one of the B vitamins. It keeps skin healthy and delays wrinkles. Take as directed on label.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) keeps hair healthy with little graying and prevents premature hair loss. It is also important for normal adrenal and immune function. As prescribed by physician.
Helpful Herbs For Old Age
Burdock root and red clover cleanse the bloodstream. They can be used separately or in combination.
Chaparral has antioxidant characteristics.
Echinacea helps to boost the immune system.
Garlic helps immune function and protects the heart.
Ginseng and ginkgo biloba extract are good for giving extra energy, increasing circulation and improving brain function. (Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure.)
Gotu Kola is called the “fountain of youth” herb in China and is thought to work with the immune system.
Horsetail, taken in form of tea or extract, is an excellent source of silicon, which is important for maintaining the strength of bones and connective tissue, and possibly the walls of blood vessels.
Ligustrum has immune fighting properties and is used to reverse prematurely graying hair and to retard aging.
Milk thistle promotes good liver function.
Stinging nettle is full of vital minerals, good for prostate, hypoglycemia, allergies, depression and urinary tract disorders, and a host of other problems.
Valerian root is valuable as a sleep aid and tranquilizer.
Wild yam contains natural steroids that have a rejuvenating effect. Steroids are what help exercise to melt off more weight and build muscle.
As with all supplements, herbal supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
Do you have any suggestions on how to extend aging?
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13 Natural Remedies For Your Restless Legs
Posted On 14-07-2010 , 12:54 PM
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is not dangerous, but, it sure can interrupt your sleep and quality of life. RLS sufferers generally have more leg discomfort when sitting or lying down than when standing. The leg discomfort is worse at night, making it hard to fall asleep.
The uncontrollable urge to move your legs around can strike at any age, but usually occurs after the age of 40. Often, it gets worse over time. The origin of the urge is unknown. However, researchers suspect an imbalance in the brains chemistry - possibly a deficiency of the neurotransmitter "dopamine".
Here are 13 natural remedies that may help give you some relief and let you fall asleep without that "urge" to move your legs.
1. This technique is good for leg cramps or the feeling of RLS.
- Lie down with legs and arms outstretched, keeping the toes touching one another and the heels apart.
- Extend the legs as far as possible, maintaining the toe to toe contact and heels apart.
- Repeat this stretch 10 times. Do this one to three times a day.
2. This is also a great stretching technique.
- Start with standing about three feet away from a wall. Facing the wall, keeping your feet together, place your forearms (not your hands) flat on the wall.
- Lean forward keeping your heels flat on the floor. Feel the stretch in the back of the calves?
- To make the stretch more intense, stand further from the wall - keep your feet together and those heels flat on the floor.
3. Walk. Since RLS seems to strike when you are at rest, fulfill the legs urge to move with a walk around the bedroom -or- walk before going to bed. Exercise changes chemical balances in the brain (endorphins are released), this may promote a more restful sleep.
4. Wiggle your feet back and forth when symptoms flare up.
5. Try changing sleeping positions. Some people develop symptoms while sleeping in one position than another.
6. Soaking your feet in cool water works for some people. Do not use ice - it could cause nerve damage.
7. Some people find using a heating pad is effective. Others claim that cold gives them relief.
8. Massage your legs with an electric vibrator. Some people said it made their symptoms worse. Others claim this is an effective practice.
9. Some people claim taking two aspirin before bed helps reduce their symptoms.
10. Take a multivitamin daily. Several studies have found a connection between iron deficiency and RLS. In addition, a folic acid deficiency has also been connected. If you suspect any deficiencies consult with your physician. However, multivitamin supplements can protect you against deficiencies of either/or both.
11. Ginkgo biloba is known as an effective herbal for RLS. It helps with circulation. Take 2, 40 milligram tablets of ginkgo biloba extract three times a day. With your physician's approval of course.
12. Chinese herbalist suggest soaking your feet in a herbal ginger bath before bed. Grate 1/2 of a ginger root into a pot of steaming water. Let it cool and soak your feet for ten minutes.
13. Lower your stress level. Stress worsens the symptoms. Give yourself some quite time and practice various relaxation techniques. Natural healing herbs that help to deal with stress include chamomile, passion flower, rosemary, siberian ginseng, and skullcap.
Herbs that can help alleviate the symptoms of restless legs are passion flower and white willow.
What’s your remedy for restless legs?
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Natural Nutritional Supplements For Osteoporosis
Posted On 29-06-2010 , 8:46 AM
 Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones". A lack of calcium is the major cause of osteoporosis; a silent disease in which bones lose some of their calcium and other minerals making them brittle and fragile. It does not give an advanced warning. Usually, the first sign is severe low back or hip pain, or a broken bone.
With aging, almost everyone experiences some loss of bone mass. However, it is more common among women than men because women have about 30% less bone mass to begin with. Also, estrogen appears to play an important part in female bone metabolism, which is why women lose bone mass at an accelerated rate during the first 5 to 10 years after menopause. Estrogen protects the skeletal system by promoting the deposit of calcium in bone.
You experience your peak bone mass around the age of 35. After the age of 35, the body creates less new bone and is less efficient in absorbing and storing dietary calcium. This results in the loss of bone mass of about 1% a year. Until you hit menopause, then you lose about 2 to 4% a year for about the next 10 years.
Once you stop producing bone mass your body still needs calcium for functions, so your body has to take the calcium from your bones leaving them brittle and fragile.
Other causes of osteoporosis are an inability to absorb enough calcium through the intestine, prolonged jaundice, a calcium-phosphorus imbalance, lactose intolerance, a gastrectomy and a lack of exercise.
Certain drugs; such as, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, thyroid medications and high doses of steroids can also be a factor in calcium loss.
Healthy bone metabolism requires a certain amount of stress on the bones. Therefore; regular exercise that gives weight-bearing bones a good workout is essential. Good bone building exercises include walking, jogging, bike riding, dancing, tennis or other activities that require moving about.
The best ways to prevent osteoporosis is to build strong bones early in life, especially under the age of 35 while still building bone mass. Then take steps to keep the bones healthy by eating more calcium rich foods or taking supplements.
A diet adequate in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin D is the best prevention and treatment for osteoporosis. Additional minerals important to the health of your bones include boron, copper, manganese, silicon and zinc.
Calcium is the largest and most difficult molecule to utilize. It is most effective when taken in smaller doses throughout the day and at bedtime. When taken at night it will also promote a sound sleep.
Magnesium plays a role in the formation of bone metabolism. It assists in calcium uptake.
Phosphorus is needed for bone formation. A balance of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus should always be maintained.
Vitamin C is important for collagen and connective tissue.
Vitamin D is required for calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization. It is especially important for normal growth and development of bones. The body manufactures vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight and is found in fortified milk and multivitamins.
Boron improves calcium absorption and is needed in trace amounts for healthy bones.
Copper aids in the formation of bone. It is essential for the formation of collagen, which makes up the connective tissue of the bone matrix. One of the early signs of copper deficiency is osteoporosis.
Manganese is vital in mineral metabolism. It is required for normal bone growth and reproduction. However, do not take calcium and manganese together - they will compete for absorption.
Silicon (silica) is necessary for calcium utilization and bone strength. Silica tablets contain high amounts of calcium in a form that is easily absorbed.
Zinc is important for calcium uptake and is important to the health of your bones. A deficiency impairs the body's ability to utilize proteins.
Excellent sources of easy to assimilate calcium are buckwheat, buttermilk, cheese, dandelion greens, flounder, kefir, kelp, molasses, nuts and seeds, oats, seaweed, tofu, most vegetables, wheat germ, whole wheat products and yogurt.
Herbal supplements you might want to try if you have osteoporosis include the herbs feverfew, horsetail (silicon) and oatstraw (a form of silica).
If you are worried that you are at risk for osteoporosis, you may want to consult with your doctor to discuss an exercise and prevention plan.
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13 Natural Remedies That Lower Your Cholesterol
Posted On 11-06-2010 , 12:31 PM
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Cholesterol is not all bad. Your body naturally produces it, and it plays some pretty important roles. It helps build new cells, produce hormones and insulates the nerves. But, when you have too much, it becomes a health problem.
When cholesterol levels are high, it means you have too much yellow, mushy fat substance circulating in your blood stream, which can clog your arteries and restrict blood flow leading to heart attack, stroke or angina pain.
Another problem with cholesterol, is all the terms that come with it; such as, dietary cholesterol, serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Here is how to keep them all straight.
Dietary cholesterol is what is contained in food (mostly of animal origin). The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily intake to 300 milligrams.
Serum cholesterol is what is in your bloodstream and what the doctor measures with a cholesterol test. (A reading less than 200 is desirable, a reading between 200 - 240 is borderline high risk, and a reading greater than 240 is high risk.)
HDL cholesterol (“High” Density Lipoprotein) is a distinct part of serum cholesterol that is considered “good” because of its artery cleansing ability. The “higher” the HDL level, the better.
LDL cholesterol (“Low” Density Lipoprotein) is considered to be HDL’s evil twin because of its artery clogging ability. The “lower” the LDL level, the better.
Here are 13 natural remedies that lower your cholesterol.
1. Watch your weight. Studies have shown that the more overweight you are, the more cholesterol your body produces. Every 2.2 pound rise in body weight elevates your cholesterol 2 points. Aim for a diet composed of two-thirds fruit, vegetables, cereals and whole grains. Only one-third of your calories should come from meat and dairy products. (Which are often high in fat and calories.)
2. Watch your fats. Saturated fat elevates blood cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fat lowers blood cholesterol. So, it would be wise to cut back on such sources of saturated fat as meat, butter, cheese and hydrogenated oil. Replace these sources with fish, poultry, low-fat dairy products and polyunsaturated oils like corn, safflower and soybean.
3. Eat less eggs. You don’t have to cut them out completely. Just limit yourself to three whole eggs per week. Since only the yolk contains cholesterol, use the egg whites freely. You can substitute two egg whites for every whole egg. Even when baking. You can make scrambled eggs or an omelet using one whole egg with two to four egg whites.
4. Eat more beans. Beans, and other legumes contain pectin, which surrounds cholesterol and escorts it right out of the body. One cup of beans; navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lima beans, soybeans, black-eyed peas and lentils, will all perform this cholesterol lowering activity.
5. Eat more fruit. Fruit also contains pectin. Try to eat a variety of fruit. For instance, a half a grapefruit at breakfast, an apple at lunch and some orange sections at dinner, could probably lower your cholesterol quite nicely.
6. Eat your oats, brans and barley. Oat bran, corn bran and barley appears to lower serum cholesterol in the same fashion as pectin rich fruits and does as good a job as beans. Oatmeal can also reduce cholesterol.
7. Eat carrots. Carrots also have pectin content. Studies have shown that eating just 2 carrots a day can lower high cholesterol 10 to 20%. That could be enough to bring levels into a safe range.
8. Drink skim milk. A compound in the nonfat portion of skim milk inhibits cholesterol production in the liver.
9. Take garlic. Large quantities of raw garlic can reduce harmful blood fats. Unfortunately, it can also reduce your number of friends. One gram daily of liquid garlic extract, however, can reduce your cholesterol level an average of 44 points in six months.
10. Fiber rich psyllium seeds. Psyllium seeds are the main ingredient of the bowel regulator Metamucil. Metamucil and other psyllium seed products may be a good alternative treatment when diet alone does not bring blood cholesterol levels down.
11. Exercise. One of the best ways to lower your levels of LDL cholesterol is through vigorous exercise. It also increases the body’s ability to clear fat from the blood after meals.
12. Do not smoke. A Swedish study showed that smokers tend to suffer from low levels of HDL cholesterol. But when a group of habitual smokers kicked the habit, they all experienced rapid and noticeable increases in HDL concentrations.
13. Drink Tea. The tannins found in tea may also help lower cholesterol. A study found that people on a high cholesterol diet that habitually drank tea had blood cholesterol levels within a normal range.
Some nutritional supplements that may help to counter cholesterol are Vitamin C, E and calcium. Studies have shown that when Vitamin C is added to a pectin rich diet, cholesterol drops even lower than with pectin alone. Another study showed that Vitamin E can significantly increase HDL levels. And yet another study showed that 2 grams of calcium carbonate taken daily, reduced cholesterol by 25% in 12 months.
Herbal supplements that are beneficial in lowering LDL levels include alfalfa, black cohosh, cayenne and ginseng. Skullcap may be beneficial for increasing HDL levels.
Do you have any natural remedies for cholesterol?
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Herbal Baths For Health And Beauty
Posted On 30-05-2010 , 11:27 AM
 Herbal baths not only smell good, but also perform the important function of soothing and hydrating the skin, leaving it looking and feeling younger. Not to mention the broad range of health benefits.
Some herbs act as diaphorectics, opening up the pores to allow perspiration and waste matter to escape; others act as astringents, tightening poor old tired pores.
Herbs are used in baths to help one sleep, as aphrodisiacs, in weight loss, to relieve itchy skin, relax a tense back - just about anything you want them to do.
The skins surface is covered with hundreds of pores that function as passages for accumulated waste matter to escape from the body. If the pores are encrusted with dirt or oil, the waste matter can not escape and the body loses one of its main excretory surfaces and begins to suffocate on its own poisons.
Your skin breathes for you. It also has a healthful effect on circulation and metabolism. It is beneficial that one learns and practices the gentle art of bathing.
Methods Of An Herbal Bath - Hot baths are enervating. Warm baths are pleasant. Cold baths are stimulating.
Method 1
1. Take a ½ cup of herbs and simmer in 1 quart of water in a covered nonmetal pot for 10-20 minutes.
2. While your herbs are simmering, take a quickie shower to remove the surface dirt.
3. Fill the tub with warm or hot water, strain the decoction and pour the herb liquid into the tub. Wrap the solid herbs residue in a wash cloth and tie with a ribbon or rubber band.
4. Enter the tub and soak for at least 20 minutes. Relax and rub your body vigorously with the herbs tied in the wash cloth.
Method 2
1. Place a large handful of herbs in 2 cups of boiling water in a covered nonmetal container. Simmer for 10-20 minutes. Strain.
2. While your herbs are simmering, take a quickie shower.
3. When through with your shower, wrap the solid herbs residue in a wash cloth and rub the body vigorously.
4. Use the liquid as a rinse after the shower and the rub.
Method 3
1. Wrap a large handful of herbs in a cloth bag (bath bag) and tie securely.
2. Place the bag right into the bathtub or onto the shower head and let the hot water run through it.
Method 4 - Steam method.
1. Mix a little coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil with water.
2. Plug in a vaporizer into a bathroom outlet.
3. Add the oil and water mixture into the container and drop in some fresh pedals and scented herbs.
4. Keep the bathroom door shut and sit, the steam will rise, perfuming the air and steaming your skin of impurities.
Herbal Bath Remedies
Calming Bath
Mix together a small handful each of cannabis, chamomile, hops, linden, passionflower, valerian and yarrow. Simmer in one quart of water in a covered nonmetal container for 10 minutes. Sip ½ cup of the liquid with a little lemon and honey. Pour the rest in your bath water and soak for at least 30 minutes.
Dry Skin Bath
Mix equal parts of orris root, almond meal, oatmeal and cornmeal - enough to equal 1 cup - wrap and tie firmly in a bath bag or wash cloth. Put it in your bath water, it will release slowly a milkiness that soothes dry, itchy skin.
Oily Skin Bath
Mix equal parts of lemon grass, orange buds, mint, white willow bark and witch hazel leaves - enough to equal 1 cup. Simmer in a covered nonmetal pot for 15 minutes, strain and pour the liquid into your bath water or use as a rinse after you shower.
Tranquil Bath
Mix together 1 handful each of valerian, linden, lavender, chamomile, hops and burdock root in a cloth bag and tie securely. Place the bag right in the bath water and soak for 30 minutes.
Simple Bath
Mix together equal parts of sage, rosemary and lavender. Use any herbal bath method.
Beauty Bath
Mix together equal parts of lavender and rose flowers, leaves of rosemary, mint and thyme and comfrey root. Use any of the above methods.
Any number of herbs and flowers can be used in a bath. Other additions to the bath bag are oatmeal and bran, which act as gentle abrasives. You can also add a tablespoon of sea salt or a cup of powdered milk or honey to the bath water. Herb and flower vinegars may be added also, for softening skin, soothing muscles and relieving skin irritations.
Suggested herbs for bathing for beautiful skin include chamomile flowers for cleansing and softening; comfrey leaves for soothing; dandelion leaves for revitalizing tired skin and improve circulation; fennel leaves for softening and smoothing; horsetail leaves as an astringent and toner; lemon balm leaves as an astringent; linden flowers whiten skin, improve circulation and smooth wrinkles; mint leaves for scent, as an astringent for their stimulating, antiseptic properties; mullein flowers used for lightening hair; parsley leaves whiten skin and improve circulation; rosemary leaves for scent and astringent properties and for darkening hair; thyme leaves for deodorant and antiseptic properties; and yarrow leaves for their astringent effect on oily skin and improve circulation.
Do you have an herbal bath recipe you would like to share?
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