By GARY CORSAIR, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — Mom was right when she nagged you to eat your vegetables.

But she also should have been spooning blueberries, pistachios and pomegranates onto your plate.

In defense of Mom, she probably didn’t know bok choy packed more punch than Popeye’s spinach. Mom didn’t know about anti-aging foods because, well, no one knew the benefits of eating foods supercharged with antioxidants.

Today, we do.

Researchers have discovered that antioxidants fight free radicals that break down cells and accelerate aging. Some researchers even believe eating foods rich in antioxidants promotes longevity.

Numerous laboratory studies (with microscopic worms, plus mice and rats) support that belief. Now scientists are trying to determine the effects of so-called super foods on humans.

It could be years before conclusive data is available, but researchers have already established that proper diet equates to better health — and longer life.
“The No. 1 thing for people is their diet,” said Luna Beck, M.D., an internal medicine practitioner at Spruce Creek Medical Center. “You have to make changes to your diet. Everything boils down to what you put in your body.”

And antioxidant-rich foods are the most potent fuel you can ingest.

We’re not just talking about foods that are good for you; we’re talking about foods that actually slow the aging process — that will keep you younger, longer.

Eat your berries

According to Tufts University researchers, people need about 5,000 oxygen radical absorbency capacity units a day to counteract free-radical damage.

Fortunately, a number of fruits and vegetables found in most supermarkets have high ORAC values.

According to the Tufts study, pomegranates provide more ORAC units than any food: 2,750. Blueberries (2,400), blackberries (2,036), kale (2,036), strawberries (1,540), spinach (1,260) and raspberries (1,220) are also antioxidant heavyweights.

Those are just a handful of foods researchers link to longevity. Below are others. But keep in mind this is not an inclusive list, and that the foods identified here are cited because of laboratory studies with animals. It remains to be seen how foods laden with antioxidants benefit humans.

Do black raspberries fight cancer? In one study, scientists exposed 2,200 animal genes to cancer-causing chemicals, then gave the animals doses of black raspberry powder. Surprisingly, 460 genes were restored to normal.

Studies indicate that blueberries are potent antioxidants that may inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and help protect the brain from oxidative stress. In February 2006, the journal, Aging Cell, reported that the natural compounds in wild blueberries increased life span and slowed aging in nematodes, a microscopic worm.

Cherries are one of the few known sources of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in delaying the effects of aging. A 2007 study indicated that melatonin neutralizes oxidative and inflammation process caused by aging. Researchers suggest daily melatonin intake in humans in excess of 30 units could potentially help delay illnesses related to aging.

Olive oil contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that may help prevent age-related diseases.

Pomegranates have a high concentration of natural ellagic acid and other polyphenols, which neutralize free radicals. Studies in animals showed a reduction of plaque build-up in arteries by 44 percent.

Prunes are No. 1 on the USDA’s list of foods with antioxidant properties. Prunes are loaded with vitamin A, copper, fiber and potassium.

Dark chocolate has anti-aging properties. The reason: Dark chocolate has at least 65 percent more cocoa content and far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. To get the most benefit from dark chocolate, eat it in moderate amounts.

Cruciferous vegetables like arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, radishes and turnips contain Indole-3-carbinol, a compound believed to modify a key enzyme involved with the spread of cancer. In 2005, a University of California at Berkeley researcher released a paper hailing indole-3-carbinol as “a promising anti-cancer agent.”

Village of Santiago resident Vic Seipke, a 77-year-old former bodybuilder, is a believer in the power of cruciferous veggies. “We’re real big on broccoli. We have it with our dinner all the time. And we eat a lot of salads,” says Seipke, a fit 5-foot 9-inch, 180-pounder who does not take any prescription drugs.

He does, however, consume lots of healthful foods. “We’re nuts about nuts,” said Seipke, who supplements his diet with regular exercise, vitamins and a high-protein drink. “And I don’t eat too much red meat. I usually eat fish, chicken and salad. I eat a lot of vegetables.”

Those staples of Seipke’s diet get high marks from anti-aging researchers.

Research shows that nuts are a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and antioxidant vitamins and minerals.

And fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show can help you live a longer, healthier life. But not all fish are created equal. Sablefish (1.93 grams per 3 oz. serving) and albacore tuna (1.5 grams) have significantly more omega-3 than rainbow trout (.98 grams). Not as good is tilapia, which is low in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, but high in pro-inflammatory omega-6.

Super supplements

If you really want to fight radicals, consider products made from exotic berries hailed for their antioxidant values.

One of the most potent is acai, a fruit native to Central and South America. “Acai berries have an ORAC of 10,000,” said Lake Nutrition Center owner Jeff Wittman.

Research supports Wittman’s claim. A Texas A&M University study showed that consuming acai pulp increased antioxidant capacity in blood nearly three-fold.

And acai isn’t the only exotic berry heralded for its antioxidant power. “Noni, mango stem, acai and gogi. I call them the four big liquids,” Wittman said. “Some of the new juices have big-time antioxidant values.”

None are bigger than Youth Juice, a drink made from pure organic berries and sea vegetables that packs an ORAC value of 123,000 per bottle.

“This is the latest buzz,” Beck said. “When it comes to aging, you talk about antioxidants and ORAC values. You know what juice is good by the ORAC levels.”

According to Wittman, there’s an even better way to get an antioxidant super-duper boost. “As a nutritionist, if you came to me and said, ‘Give me some upper-level antioxidant, I would give you CoQ10. I researched it myself. It boosts your antioxidant values by nine times,” Wittman said.

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in the body that plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell that produces energy.

As researchers continue to study oxidative stress in humans, we’re sure to hear more about ORAC levels, exotic berries and other anti-aging supplements. Keep in mind it will take years of trials in humans to clearly determine the benefits of antioxidants.

Nine A Day Plus Vitamins are an all natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals derived from organic sources. To learn more click here>>

These findings fall into the category of common sense, along the lines of “use it or lose it.” As you age, physical exercise becomes an ever more important aspect of optimal health and longevity.

How to Prevent and Reverse Muscle Wasting

This study explains the biological processes that cause muscle wasting as you move into your senior years.

As you likely know, protein is essential for proper muscle growth and maintenance, but this study found that as you age, your body becomes increasingly less able to use the protein in your food for building muscle.

In addition, they found that, in seniors, insulin no longer prevented the muscle breakdown between meals and overnight as it normally does in younger subjects.

This double-whammy adds up to significant muscle wasting in sedentary seniors. And poor blood supply, which prevents proper delivery of nutrients and hormones to your muscles, may be an important factor.

Exercise is the natural remedy for poor blood circulation, and the team confirmed that three weight training sessions per week over 20 weeks rejuvenated blood flow in the extremities to the point that they were identical to those in the younger group!

How’s that for results!!

Beware of Drugs That Can Cause Irreversible Damage to Your Muscles

Before going any further, I also want to remind you of one very common cause of excessive muscle wasting, aside from a sedentary lifestyle, namely: statin drugs.

Statins are a class of drugs used to lower your cholesterol, and are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world.

They have many dangerous side effects, one of which is a serious degenerative muscle tissue condition called rhabdomyolysis, which can be fatal (as your heart is a muscle, and can be affected by these drugs).

Statins such as Lipitor, Zocor, Pavacol and Mevacor lower your cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. But they can also activate the atrogin-1 gene, which plays a key role in muscle atrophy.

One recent study showed that even low concentrations of these drugs led to atrogin-1 induced muscle damage. And the higher the dosage, the greater the damage.

The Importance of Weight Training for Optimal Health

Unfortunately, many ignore weight training when devising their exercise plan, thinking they don’t want to “bulk up.”

But gaining more muscle through resistance exercises is an integral part of any well-rounded fitness program, especially if you want to lose weight.

However, weight training is not about vanity.

The intensity of your resistance training can achieve a number of beneficial changes on the molecular, enzymatic, hormonal, and chemical level in your body, which will help slow down (and many cases stop) many of the diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

Therefore it’s also an essential element if you want to prevent common diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, or weakening of your bones (osteoporosis), limited range of motion, aches and pains, and yes, prevent excessive muscle wasting as you age.

I recently published an article on exercise for weight loss, so let’s take a look at some of the other benefits of exercise as it relates to maintaining optimal health well into your senior years.

How Weight Lifting Can Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease

Your body has two types of fat: visceral and subcutaneous.

• Subcutaneous fat is the fat located just below your skin, and is the type that causes dimpling and cellulite.

• Visceral fat, on the other hand, shows up in your abdomen and surrounds your vital organs including your liver, heart and muscles. It is this visceral fat that has been linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke, among many other chronic diseases.

A key strategy to reduce your risk of heart disease (and a host of other chronic diseases) is to keep your inflammation levels low, and avoiding gaining visceral fat is part of this equation.

Exercise is a critical component for reducing heart disease risk because it both lowers inflammation in your body, and is one of the best weapons against visceral fat. For example, in one study volunteers who did not exercise had an 8.6 percent increase in visceral fat after eight months, while those who exercised the most LOST over 8 percent of their visceral fat during the same amount of time.

This occurs because muscle burns more calories, and it consumes calories around the clock, even when you’re resting and sleeping. So, as you gain more muscle, your body naturally increases the amount of calories burned each day, which reduces fat stores.

As for lowering inflammation, physical exercise accomplishes this naturally by lowering levels of a C-reactive protein (CRP) that is linked to inflammation.

High levels of CRP in your body is associated with a higher than average risk of cardiovascular disease, and has even been suggested as a better indicator of possible heart attack than high cholesterol.

How Strength Training Reduces Osteoporosis

Weight-bearing exercise is one of the most effective remedies against osteoporosis.

The last thing you want to consider is to take a drug to improve your bone density, as without question, that is more likely to cause long-term harm than benefit.

Your bones are actually very porous and soft, and as you get older, your bones can easily become less dense and hence, more brittle. Especially if you are inactive.

Resistance training can combat this effect because as you put more tension on your muscles it puts more pressure on your bones, which then respond by continuously creating fresh, new bone.

In addition, as you build more muscle, and make the muscle that you already have stronger, you also put more constant pressure on your bones.

A good weight-bearing exercise to incorporate into your routine (depending on your current level of fitness, of course) is a walking lunge, as it helps build bone density in your hips, even without any additional weights. You can see the video at the top of the page on how to do that.

The video is from our new exercise site which we hope to launch later this year.

Keep Yourself in Motion!

Optimal health is dependent on an active lifestyle; eating fresh, whole foods, avoiding as many processed foods as possible, and addressing the stress in your life.

Ignoring any of these basic tenets of health will eventually lead to a decline in health and any number of diseases. So start moving, and don’t stop no matter what your age.

And do include strength training into your fitness routine. It is the number one way for you to remain strong, young, and independent well into old age.

To feel younger, and build muscle – quality all natural supplementation can help. To learn more click here>>

More than 38.3 million sleeping pill prescriptions were dispensed last year according to one research firm that tracks health-care data. Sleep disorders cost a lot.

There are alternatives to taking potentially dangerous prescription drugs, including the non-invasive approach of supplements and herbs, homeopathics, and other alternative therapies.

Studies suggest that supplements can hasten sleep, ease jet lag, and provide improved quality of sleep without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills.

Three of the most promising natural solutions are valerian, melatonin and 5-HTP, all available in supplement form.

Valerian is a naturally sedative herb that has been used for thousands of years.

It increases GABA, a neurotransmitter that relieves anxiety and enhances relaxation, thus minimizing the time it takes to fall asleep. Valerian has minimal side effects.

The response rate can range from immediate to two to four weeks of regular use before experiencing effects.

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the pineal gland. As we age or experience excess stress, our hormone production decreases, lowering naturally occurring melatonin.

Melatonin slows the mind and lowers body temperature, natural effects associated with a healthy sleep cycle, and thus helps one fall asleep faster, reduces night awakenings, and helps regulate sleep cycles.

Melatonin also has been reported to strengthen the immune system by reducing free radical damage.

Stemulite Fitness Formula, contains melatonin, which helps induce REM sleep.

Five-HTP stands for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, an important, naturally occurring amino acid which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It has been used in Europe for decades as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid.

It increases REM sleep significantly (typically about 25 percent). It is naturally found in many foods and most commonly extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant.

Additionally, here are some tips that you might not have heard about. They are intended for the average adult, but not necessarily for children or persons experiencing medical problems:

Imaging. Think of a hammock—you’re up off the ground, wrapped in a cocoon of comfort, swaying gently in the open air. The sun is warm on your face and there’s a breeze blowing you back and forth.

This visualization helps get you in the mood to sleep. Visualization has proved helpful in developing the appropriate brain wave patterns for sleep.

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is part of bones and cells. Over 300 enzymes need magnesium to function properly. It is so important that the brain stores a safety supply. A little extra before bedtime can be helpful.

Nutmeg has a tranquilizing effect. Grind it fresh and drink with warm (organic if possible) milk and honey. Milk is naturally high in calcium and rich in tryptophan; all together they can be a lovely sedative.

Hot foot baths draw blood from the brain to calm a racing mind. Try soaking your feet in a hot foot bath with a cupful of Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil, which will soothe you. Your feet absorb the magnesium from the Epsom salts and relax you further.

Toe wiggling. Lie on your back and wiggle your toes up and down 12 times; do both feet at the same time. Your entire body relaxes.

According to the science of reflexology, your feet are a kind of master control panel for the rest of your body. Meridians in the body -those channels of energy treated by acupuncture -end up in the feet and connect with every part of the body.

Stomach rub. This soothes the digestive system and helps bring about relaxation. Lie on your back and place your hand on your navel. Begin to make small circles in a clockwise direction as you gently glide your hand over your stomach. Let the circles gradually become bigger.

When your circles reach the outside of your stomach, gradually reduce their size until you are back at your navel again. Reverse the direction; repeat the whole series with your other hand.

Listen to an audio book. The brain works like a tape player, with one main auditory loop that processes words. If you fill that loop with an interesting book, there’s no room for your own worrisome internal narrative.

When we sleep and dream more deeply, we wake with our batteries fully charged, and a brighter attitude toward life!

People who have taken Stemulite, have reported falling asleep faster, naturally, and waking up feeling refreshed. To learn more about this all natural supplement, click here>>

Author:  Samaya Jones

Who Uses Herbal Cellulite Body Wrap?

Celebrities have recently brought detoxifying products into the limelight as the new trendy way to lose weight. Herbal Body Wraps is just one of the many products that are intended to allow dieters to afford to detoxify the body. Herbal Body Wraps makes lofty claims that you will actually experience instant weight loss and lose several inches in less than one hour.

Herbal cellulite body wraps have been marketed to be and effective way to firm the skin, slim the body, treat cellulite, clear the skin, detoxify the skin, and help the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The weight loss benefits of body wraps have been shown to be temporary. Other than Dead Sea clay, there are no other ingredients found to be in any of the Herbal Body Wraps mentions in this review.

What are the benefits?

• May be effective for short term weight loss.

Are there any draw backs?

• The full list of ingredients in Herbal Wraps is unknown.
• The weight loss benefits of body wraps have been shown to be temporary.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of an herbal cellulite body wrap, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the skincare and massage specialist.

More than just a sweet treat, a sugar scrub can improve health of your skin

(THP) Exfoliation is the key to glowing, healthy skin. Using an exfoliating body sugar scrub can help you achieve smooth skin and more. The benefits of a natural sugar scrub go beyond just cleansing skin – the healing, hydrating properties found in a sugar scrub are perfect for all skin types. Read on for more reasons to use a sugar scrub as part of your skin care routine.

Why Use a Sugar Scrub?
Sometimes just using soap to cleanse skin is not enough to remove all the excess oil and dead skin cells – that’s where a sugar scrub can be extremely useful. Using a sugar scrub can help clean the skin’s surface and unclog pores which then helps with cell turnover. By using a sugar scrub weekly, you will see a huge difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

Why is a Sugar Scrub Different Than Other Body Scrubs?
Since a sugar scrub is all natural, there are no harsh side effects – this means you can use a sugar scrub no matter if you have oily, dry, combination or mature skin. The sugar scrub can contain other ingredients to help hydrate skin such as essential oils of sunflower, lavender, jojoba oil and organic oranges.

How To Use a Sugar Scrub
For the best results, use a sugar scrub while taking a shower. After rinsing the skin with a body wash, use a sugar scrub to exfoliate and condition the body.  Apply a handful of sugar scrub to wet skin and massage in circular motion over the entire body. After rinsing off your sugar scrub, all of the dead skin cells and dirt will be removed and your skin will feel refreshed and healthy.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of a sugar scrub for glowing skin or massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

Massage is meant to alleviate pain and enhance the body’s health.

Swedish massage is considered to be among the most basic methods of massage and is among the first styles of massage that new masseurs get to study. Developed by Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1700s, Swedish massage is particularly to allow the body to absorb more oxygen, thereby rejuvenating the body. Swedish massage is also geared towards detoxification by increasing the speed by which the cells of the body eliminate their waste materials.
But more than these, Swedish massage brings to the receiver an immense feeling of satisfaction and relaxation.

There are six techniques used in administering Swedish massage. These techniques are the following:

1. Effleurage. Effleurage is the technique most people associate with massage in general and Swedish massage in particular. In doing effleurage, the masseuse makes use of long and sweeping strokes that cover more than just one area of the body. Though it makes the client feel like his muscles are being broken down, the purpose of effleurage is actually to connect one part of the body to the others.

2. Friction. Heat makes the muscles relax and friction is used to make the area to be treated warm up. A masseuse would make use of the friction technique by rubbing the palms of her hands vigorously on the surface of the client’s skin. She can also do this by rubbing her palms together and then laying them on the skin of the client.

3. Petrissage. Petrissage is the act of kneading and squeezing the muscles of the body. Petrissage does not target or focus on any particular part of the body, but the process of kneading the body’s muscles allows for deeper and more penetrating effects of massage.

4. Tapottement. Tapottement are strokes that aim to energize the area of the body that the masseuse is treating. This is done by chopping the area with the sides of the hands. It can also be done by hitting the area being treated rhythmically with cupped or fisted hands. Tapottement is aimed towards energizing the area being treated, yet at the same time making it loosened and relaxed.

5. Traction. Traction involves pulling at the arms and legs of the client, and sometimes also the head. The act of pulling stretches the muscles of the client. Traction is always done as part of the last portion of the massage routine because pulling needs to have the muscles relaxed; otherwise, it would hurt.

6. Vibration. The vibration technique is used by the masseuse to shake up the area of the client’s body that she is treating. This is done by moving the heel of the hand, or sometimes the side of the hand, or even the fingertips, forward and backward across the skin to loosen the muscles of that particular area.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

(THP) If you’re carrying a little too much weight around the middle, you may want to give blueberries a second look. Studies show it could be a natural remedy for belly fat.

Looking for a solution for a fat belly? Carrying around excess fat in the abdominal region isn’t a positive when it comes to overall health. Not only does it increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, it also has social implications. This is why an entire industry has been built around marketing solutions for a fat belly. Aerobic exercise helps to some degree by reducing overall body fat, but it, by itself, may not be an effective remedy for belly fat. Dietary changes, particularly eating fewer simple carbohydrates, may help because it reduces blood sugar and insulin spikes which increase abdominal fat storage. Could there be another solution? According to a new study, eating blueberries for belly fat may be another strategy for slimming down the waistline.

Eating Blueberries: A Remedy for Belly Fat?

An animal study showed that rats that were given blueberry powder, equivalent to two ounces of blueberries per day for a human, not only lowered their cholesterol and triglycerides but also reduced overall abdominal fat. Even more surprising was the fact that this reduction in abdominal fat occurred while the animals were being fed a high-fat diet. Rats that were given the blueberry powder along with a low-fat diet fared even better with greater reductions in abdominal fat, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as a reduction in liver size which can be indication of a fatty liver related to obesity. Both groups of rats given the blueberry powder had improvements in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

How It Might Work

Researchers believe it could be due to the phytonutrients, particularly the anthocyanins found in blueberries. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give blueberries their distinctive purple color. Previous studies have suggested that the anthocyanins found in some plants such as berries can alter fat cell function and reduce fat storage. Another study showed that the anthocyanins in black soybeans had similar belly fat reducing effects in rats. Other foods that are rich in anthocyanins are cranberries, blackberries, acai berries, and red currants. Although eating blueberries may be effective for abdominal obesity, these other anthocyanin rich foods may also prove to be a natural remedy for belly fat.

The Other Benefits of Eating Blueberries

Eating blueberries for a fat belly can also benefit health in other ways. The anthocyanins abundant in blueberries are being studied for their role in preserving brain health and preventing memory related problems due to aging. Anthocyanins are also strong antioxidants and may lower the risk of other chronic diseases as well.

The Bottom Line

Although eating blueberries is unlikely to be a complete solution for a fat belly without an overall healthy diet and a regular exercise plan, it could be another small dietary change that“tips the scales”. So, instead of reaching for that piece of chocolate cake, help yourself to a bowl of blueberries instead.

Nine A Day plus contains nutrients derived from organic blueberries, which can help reduce belly fat and promote health. To learn more click here>>

Learn about how others are dropping up to a pound of fat per day with an all natural homeopathic protocol called the HCG – Fat Release System here>>

True Healthy Products, LLC

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Email: support@truehealthyproducts.com

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(THP) The cacao bean has a much longer history than most people even realize, it can be traced back to ancient texts where it was used in ceremonies, for medicinal uses and in cooking. There have been archaeological digs that have recovered whole cacao beans and vessels, which were believed to be used for drinking cacao and can be dated as far back as Belize between 600- 400 B.C. This was such an important bean to some civilizations that it was used as currency.

This bean is found on trees that can reach between 15 and 26 feet in height, and are botanically a part of the evergreen tree family Sterculiaceae, which are  native to tropical regions. The pod filled beans that grow on these trees are used to make both cocoa and chocolate.

The information that we have today about the cacao bean, which was not known by past civilizations, is the bean was used for medicinal purposes and as an editable – for health benefits. Today it is known that they contain nutrients that are important for good health, like Magnesium, Iron, Antioxidant Flavonoids, Vitamin C, Omega Fatty Acids and others.

One of the health benefits that chocolate lovers do not realize is its ability to act as an anti depressant, reduce heart attacks, and stroke. What the person eating chocolate realizes is the satisfying taste of this mixture that is made from cacao.

Research has proven that this is one of the most nutrient rich foods that is available, and while discussion goes on about other foods, and whether they are healthy or not the vitamin’s, antioxidants and omega fatty acids give chocolate a seal for good health.

Cacao has been linked with helping many different health problems, such as skin problems, weight loss, respiratory problems, and many other health troubles. The health benefits of consuming chocolate help to protect the cells from the damage that can be caused by free radicals. There is also evidence that this is brain food, since it contains properties like Serotonin, Dopamine, Anandamide, Typtophan, PEA and MAO inhibitors. These are properties that help increase mental awareness. It is reasons like these that many researchers believe that it is a super food, because the antioxidants found in these beans are approximately 500 times higher than those found in blueberries. There are also other chemical compounds, including Sulfur that is a mineral used by the body to promote healthy nails, and hair, but another use by the body is to detoxify the liver.

Chocolate lovers know that eating it makes them feel better, what is not evident is why, and that is because of nutrients like Magnesium, Anandamide and Phenylthlamine that are all found in the cacao bean and that help to balance the human brain. These chemicals also are known for promoting happy feelings in the brain, which makes sense to consume products made from the cacao bean when feeling down, although most people do not realize this, they like the taste.

The Doctor’s Chocolate is a healthy dark chocolate brought to you exclusively by True Healthy Products. People have reported losing weight, feeling better, and loving every morsel of the Dr.’s Chocolate. To learn more click here>>

All of us at some point in our lives must have wished for naturally healthy and glowing skin. Some are blessed with naturally beautiful skin where as others have to work hard to achieve it.

A surefire way to exfoliating your skin is the use of salt scrubs. Well, there are many benefits to using salt scrubs and they can truly restore the natural glow of your skin within a few weeks.

Benefits of using Salt Scrubs:

• Scrubs are basically used to remove the dead skin, which is achieved because of the gentle exfoliation that is caused by the ingredients used in the scrubs. It is their rough texture that helps to remove the dead skin and renew it, causing it to look more youthful.
• Using a salt scrub helps to remove the toxins that block the pores of the skin.
• Homemade salt scrubs are extremely beneficial as compared to products sold over the counter due to the absence of certain chemicals.
• Sea Salt scrubs even help to facilitate the blood circulation. This causes a natural glow.
• The exfoliating process caused by the salt scrubs also helps the skin breathe freely.
• This is beneficial for all types of skin.

To make an appointment, or request more information, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the skincare and massage specialist.

By Kashmira Lad
Published: 2/29/2008

-By Brenda L. Griffith, President, American Massage Therapy Association

A growing body of research shows massage therapy can be an effective part of pain relief and management.  This research data, and the experience of physicians, massage therapists and patients, should encourage pain specialists to consider incorporating massage therapy into their pain management programs.

Some base findings about the value of massage therapy for pain relief have included the following:

• According to Cherkin, Eisenberg, et. al. in the April 2001 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine,¹ massage is effective for providing long-lasting relief for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
• Data collected nearly 10 years ago indicates that therapeutic massage promotes relaxation and alleviates the perception of pain and anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients.² Recent studies have confirmed the findings and others indicate positive effects for massage in decreasing pain intensity among cancer patients.³
• In 1990, Jensen et al. published data indicating that massage was better than cold pack treatment of post-traumatic headaches.⁴ The October 2002 issue of the American Journal of Public Health reports that new research by Quinn, Chandler and Moraska showed muscle-specific massage therapy is effective for reducing the incidence of chronic tension headaches.⁵
• A pilot study in 2000, conducted by Gregory P. Fontana, MD at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, found that massage reduces pain and muscle spasms in patients who have multiple incisions.  When surveyed, 95 percent of patients felt that massage therapy was a crucial part of their hospital experience, while need for medications dropped on days they received a massage.

In their Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals: The Official Handbook, updated in August 2000, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) suggests massage as a non-pharmacological therapy that can be used successfully in pain management. Some hospitals are including massage therapists in patient care teams to fight pain. Their teams may include a physician, several nurses, a nutritionist, a yoga instructor, a chaplain, and a massage therapist.

Often, the hospitals are including massage because of public demand.  More research needs to be done to evaluate not only the effectiveness of such teams, but of the various elements within them, to determine which combination of therapies works best for different types of patients and different types of pain.

The effectiveness of massage lies in a simple and direct strategy: working from the external, outer mechanisms of pain to the primary, root cause. Massage therapists utilize a holistic approach, focusing on the entire body system and its relationship to soft tissue.  Their care isn’t focused only on the site of pain.

Another benefit of massage therapy from a patient perspective is how it helps patients become more aware of their bodies and better familiarize them with the pain they experience.  The massage therapist not only helps relieve muscle and other soft tissue pain, but also has an impact on the patient by virtue of human touch.  This is especially pronounced for women facing mastectomies and dealing with the outcomes of that surgery.

Massage helps them feel comfortable once again with their bodies.  This comfort level improves their confidence and allows them to better deal with pain, while benefiting from various other forms of massage that focus on lymph drainage and muscle pain, as well as other pain management therapies.

Although more research is needed to confirm the best uses of massage, the potential for a positive impact on patients with acute or chronic pain is clear. As it stands, enough research exists to encourage pain management specialists and massage therapists to forge professional relationships.  These pain management relationships should exist in the hospital, in clinics, in private practice offices and in home care.

Certainly, it can be a challenge for physicians and other medical professionals to know how to find qualified massage therapists.

To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

¹ Cherkin D.C., Eisenberg D., et.al. Randomized Trial Comparing Traditional Chinese Medical Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, and Self-care
Education for Chronic Low Back Pain. Arch Intern Med. 161(8):1081-8; Apr 23, 2001.
² Ferrell-Torry A.T. and Glick O.J. The Use of Therapeutic Massage as a Nursing Intervention to Modify Anxiety and the Perception of Cancer Pain. Cancer Nurse. 16(2): 93-101; Apr 1993.
³ Smith M.C., Kemp J., Hemphill L., Vojir C.P. Outcomes of Therapeutic Massage for Hospitalized Cancer Patients. J Nurs Scholarsh 34(3): 257-62; 2002.
⁴ Jensen O.K., Neilsen F.F., Vosmar L. An Open Study Comparing Manual Therapy with the Use of Cold Packs in the Treatment of Post-traumatic   Headache. Cephalalgia (Norway). 10(5): 241-50; Oct 1990.
⁵ Quinn C., Chandler C., Moraska A. Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches. Am J Public Health 92(10); 1657-61; Oct 2002.

Fat Reduction

There is no point in doing exercises for flabby arms if you have so much fat in that area that you are not going to be able to see the muscles you build. So you will need to drop you body fat at the same time you are doing exercises for flabby arms. The easiest way to reduce body fat is to burn off more calories than you consume each day. Cut back on high calorie foods and do at least thirty minutes of cardio vascular exercise three times per week if you want to reduce your body fat. With regular exercise and a sensible weight loss diet you should be able to lose two pounds per week. Bear in mind that the more overweight you are the longer it will take you to get rid of your flabby arms.

Numerous Options

When a person has flabby arms their triceps are usually lacking in muscle tone. Therefore all exercises for flabby arms involve toning the triceps. The only equipment you will need to tone your triceps is a set of five pound dumbbells. You can use the dumbbells to do exercises for flabby arms at home. Kickbacks and extensions most often work best. You should do sets of ten at least thee times a week. Another option is to do exercises for flabby arms at your local gym using various machines that are meant to tone the upper body. Also, you can perform pull ups. Swimming or using a rowing machine can also do a lot to tone up flabby arms.

Don’t Expect Overnight Results

If you take the appropriate measures to reduce body fat and do various exercises for flabby arms you will eventually notice results. However, do not expect to have toned looking arms immediately. It may take months of sensible eating, cardiovascular exercises and resistance work on your triceps before you start to notice the results. The flabbier your arms are the longer it is going to take to tone them up. The trick is to never give up or let yourself get discouraged just because you don’t get immediate results. If you keep trying then at some point you will reach your objective.

Quality supplementation can help you achieve optimum health, build muscle, sleep better, and have glowing skin. To learn more click here>>

In fact, no matter how busy you are, with all the health benefits it provides, you can’t afford not to strength train.

• Maintains strength. Everything we do requires bodily strength. From the simplest movements each day such as eating, to more complex tasks such as lifting and pushing, your body needs strength to move. Following a full-body well-rounded resistance training program helps maintain your ability to carry out everyday tasks without difficulty.

• Reduces risk of injuries. Resistance training not only strengthens the muscles, but strengthens connective tissues such as tendons. Tendon injuries in sports and ordinary activities can be very common, but regular strength training will reduce the likelihood of these injuries.

• Prevents osteoporosis. Impact activities such as walking and jogging are excellent at building bone density in the legs and spine. However, common fracture sites also include the wrists, elbow and shoulder where impact activities have no effect.

The answer is to strengthen the entire skeleton through resistance training, because lifting weights stimulates the skeleton to get thicker and stronger, which help counteract brittle bones.

• Helps weight management. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue, so the more muscle your body has, the more calories you burn. Just one extra pound of muscle equates to burning an extra 50 calories a day.

• Prevents sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the naturally occurring muscle wastage that happens as we age. Unless we get moving, muscle mass is lost at a rate of 3 percent to 5 percent per decade from age 30 on. However, doing a resistance workout two to three times a week can not only prevent sarcopenia, but can actually reverse it, so it’s never too late to start.

• Is essential for power and speed in sports. Muscle power is a key factor at every level of sports performance. If you do not have good muscular strength, then your ability to run, jump, throw or kick will be reduced.

Resistance training enables athletes to specifically target the muscle groups that are relevant for their sport,helping them become faster and more physically able to cope with the demands of their sports on their bodies

• Helps you feel good. As with any form of exercise, finishing a weight training workout brings about a feeling of well-being and accomplishment, which generates a feeling of confidence and gives you a mental boost.

As I said before, no matter how busy you are, you can’t afford not to spend time strength training.

Stemulite Fitness Formula helps you build strength through creating new muscle mass. To learn the science behind Stemulite click here>>

- Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist from Fort Myers.

Mitochondrial Function is key for optimal health

Each cell in our body comes equipped with its own energy mini-engine. This engine is called mitochrondria and ALA is essential to mitochrondial function. Mitochondria are cellular organelles that act like tiny engines to convert unusable forms of energy (sugar, protein, fat, amino acids, etc) into a usable chemical form known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), so that vital cellular chemical reactions throughout the body can occur. They do this by oxidizing (burning) fuels, such as lipids from the diet, and transporting free electrons liberated from these oxidation reactions through a series of proteins called the “electron transport chain.”
To learn more about alpha lipoic acid, and how it works in Stemulite Fitness Formula click here>>

Other human studies are also currently under way, but so far there are no published human studies available, although positive studies in animals continue to proliferate. Last year, for example, American researchers demonstrated that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation in older racehorses reduced the oxidative stress burden even under light training loads, while a number of other animal studies have shown that acetyl L-carnitine (ALC)/ALA supplementation reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function in a number of tissues, including brain, muscle and heart.

In one of these studies, researchers examined the effects of acetyl L-carnitine (ALC)/alpha lipoic acid (ALA) therapy on aging and hearing in rats, and found that it reduced the normal age-associated deterioration in auditory sensitivity and improved inner ear function. They concluded that these improvements were related to the acetyl L-carnitine (ALC)/ALA combination’s ability to protect and repair age-induced mitochondrial DNA damage, thereby boosting mitochondrial function and improving energy turnover. However, while the initial evidence from animal studies looks extremely promising, the jury is still out as far as humans are concerned.

Click here>> and discover the fountain of youth!

Your immune system is your body’s defense system against illness and disease.

(THP) WHAT can we do to help our bodies cope better with infectious illnesses?

It definitely helps to have a strong and healthy immune system. Here’s how it works – the immune system is like the security system in your home. This system is continuously monitoring the environment for anything that is out of place, and when an unusual situation is detected, it dispatches the most appropriate defense mechanisms.

The immune system recognizes viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and mutant cells, and it has a variety of “soldiers” (immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells), each with it own weapons and methods of attack to destroy these invaders.

Harmful free radicals and the human immune system

The harmful free radicals from our environment are a major cause of ill-health. These free radicals can come from exposure to the sun’s rays (UV light), pollution, radiation, stress, and poor diet.

Immune cells also suffer from free radical damage. This results in lowered immunity. The good thing is that we are not completely powerless. Antioxidant supplements can help protect our immune system from the damage of free radical “bombardment”.

Antioxidant army

We have our own army of defense against free radicals and they are called antioxidants. Antioxidants have the ability to render free radicals harmless. As long as there are adequate amounts of antioxidants within our bodies to handle the free radicals produced within the cell, there is little or no damage to surrounding tissues.

The body has the ability to make some of its own antioxidants, five of which are Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10 and Glutathione Peroxidase. However, the body may not be able to produce enough antioxidants on its own to neutralize all of the free radicals that are produced.

Although many antioxidants can be obtained from food sources, it is difficult to get enough to hold back free radicals constantly generated in our polluted environment. That is why we need to get the rest of the antioxidants from supplements.

Alpha lipoic acid

Dr Lester Packer, professor of the University of California, Berkeley, department of molecular and cell biology, is among the world’s leading antioxidant researchers and has described alpha lipoic acid as very close to an ideal antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid can also recharge other antioxidants that have been used up. In the body, it helps regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.

In addition to that, alpha lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the level of intracellular glutathione, a cellular antioxidant of tremendous importance. Besides being the body’s primary water-soluble antioxidant and a major detoxification agent, glutathione is absolutely essential for the functioning of the immune system.

The active ingredients found in standardized extracts of grape seed are Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Research indicates that OPCs may be 20 to 50 times more potent as an antioxidant than vitamin C and E.

The body produces many types of free radicals – singlet oxygen, superoxides, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, peroxyl, etc, and almost all are damaging to the immune system and other parts of the body. Different antioxidants neutralize different species of free radicals. Hence when it comes to antioxidant supplementation, it makes sense to take a supplement that contains a variety of antioxidants.

Learn more about alpha lipoic acid and how it works in Stemulite Fitness Formula by clicking here>>

Eminence Organically Harvests The Finest Ingredients Available – True Healthy Products Brings It To You

(THP) After harvest, the ingredients are stored in temperature-controlled conditions for four months, during which time all traces of bacteria die off. They are next blended with a rare and completely unique thermal water sources rich in minerals and potency.

Research revealed that the combination of salt and fresh waters in the ancient sea contained plant and animal life trapped for thousands of years by the earthquake, which submerged the lake.

The resulting properties, including mineral salts and trace elements, produced rare and unique ingredients, and the 9.5 pH level of this lake proved soothing and good for dry skin. The layers of earth through which this water emerged also provided rich ingredients that had been fermented, heated (at approximately 73 degrees Celsius) and preserved for centuries. As a result, our line of Spa products contains many ingredients previously unavailable to the beauty professional.

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

The Health Benefits of Orally Administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System

Article published by TIME magazine-America’s Obesity Crisis – http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/covers/1101040607/article/how_we_grew_so_big_diet01a.html

It’s hardly news anymore that Americans are just too fat. If the endless parade of articles, TV specials and fad diet books weren’t proof enough or you missed the ominous warnings from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association, a quick look around the mall, the beach or the crowd at any baseball game will leave no room for doubt: our individual weight problems have become a national crisis.

Even so, the actual numbers are shocking. Fully two-thirds of U.S. adults are officially overweight, and about half of those have graduated to full-blown obesity. The rates for African Americans and Latinos are even higher. Among kids between 6 and 19 years old, 15%, or 1 in 6, are overweight, and another 15% are headed that way. Even our pets are pudgy: a depressing 25% of dogs and cats are heavier than they should be.

A TIME/ABC News poll released this week shows that 58% of Americans would like to lose weight, nearly twice the percentage who felt that way in 1951. But only 27% say they are trying to slim down—and two-thirds of those aren’t following any specific plan to do so.

It wouldn’t be such a big deal if the problem were simply aesthetic. But excess poundage takes a terrible toll on the human body, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, infertility, gall-bladder disease, osteoarthritis and many forms of cancer. The total medical tab for illnesses related to obesity is $117 billion a year—and climbing—according to the Surgeon General, and the Journal of the American Medical Association reported in March that poor diet and physical inactivity could soon overtake tobacco as the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. And again, Americans recognize the problem. In the TIME/ABC poll they rated obesity alongside heart disease, cancer, AIDS and drug abuse as among the nation’s most pressing public health problems.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System Is A Solution For The Crisis Of  Obesity

When integrating the orally administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin – Fat Release System, the body signals to itself  “not enough calories” are being taken in. The body, in turn, signals to burn the excess fat that is stored, first, as energy. This all takes place because of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin – Fat Release System imprint that is placed under the tongue, while taking the protocol.

Generally speaking, when a woman is pregnant, this HCG hormone is integral to protecting the fetus from starving. In the event, the mother goes without food, the HCG present in pregnancy almost immediately works in overdrive to burn excess fat to feed the baby. However, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is something that naturally occurs in men, and also in women.

When the Fat Release System is introduced as a potent signal - with the right strength of HCG present, the body then recognizes the low caloric intake, and the necessity to burn the fat.

This signal is all that is needed to let the body start “releasing” the stored fat, no matter where it is in the body. Additionally, this is why many people do not feel or report hunger pains. The body has all the stored fat necessary – which is now being used for energy. The efficacy of this protocol is precisely how it addresses the issue of obesity.

Obesity, can place extra duress on joints, organs, and vital functions of the body. When this “weight” is released through the Fat Release System, the weight comes off, which enables a person to be more mobile.

Some people choose to go several rounds on the orally administered human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System. The decision to complete more than one round of this protocol depends entirely on the individual, and weight loss desired.

To learn more about Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System – click here>>

When a person drastically reduces their calorie intake the usual side effects are irritability, headaches, light-headedness, and feelings of weakness.  Not only are these a thing of the past, but our clients have said that they are far less cranky, are able to focus well, and have tons of energy, while taking the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System.

Many people, whom were seriously obese and had several health issues, have seen their health greatly improve while on the orally administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System.  They have been able to stop taking their medications (after a doctor’s ok) for diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure and not had to go back on them.  Needless to say they are no longer obese since being on the orally administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System.

The clients whom have had stable cases of diabetes have found that after starting orally administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System - their blood sugar levels have dropped from day to day, and in a steady and consistent way.  Other clients with cholesterol and blood pressure issues, have seen remarkable results as well while on the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System.  Of course we must say if you have any of these issues, please consult a doctor before altering your medication in any way while on the orally adminstered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System.

With the orally administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System users have seen thier bodies & health completely transform.

To learn more about Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System – click here>>

• High prostate PSA levels dropping 75%.
• Doctor reports that some diabetic patients reduced their insulin by 80%.
• Parkinson’s Disease patient reported improvements in walking and speech with in two weeks.
• More restful sleep and needing an hour or less sleep per night.
• Improved memory.
• Significant increase in libido in both males and females

To learn more click here>>

Recover From Sports Injuries And Soreness Quicker With SerraPeptase

(THP) SerraPeptase flushes off congregated waste protein and naturally eases minor pain and inflammation from overexertion or everyday activities by breaking down extraneous fibrin, mucus and other inflammatory compounds the congregate when the body’s natural repair functions are working. It supports the body’s natural process for both drainage and repairs and therefore thought to be extremely helpful in supporting cardiovascular health.

How SerraPeptase Can Assist Athletes In Extreme Sports Recovery When Taking Stemulite Fitness Formula

SerraPeptase which is found in our supplement can be taken as a preventative before an athletic event to allow the body to immediately begin repair from inflammation caused by extreme workouts or physical traumas. It enters inflamed areas that have been isolated from the body’s circulation, caused by sprain, swelling, or bruises allowing for recovery time to be greatly accelerated. Therefore it is very useful for athletes who incur any type of muscle damage.

Click here>> to find out how Stemulite Fitness Formula works today!

Nine A Day Plus Presents Citrus Berry Shake - Nutrients available for growing baby from organic sources

(THP) 9 a Day Plus is formulated to be the best and most complete supplement available. True Healthy Products has partnered with Mother Nature to deliver the most complete daily nutrients available.

It is whole food! There is absolutely nothing synthetic in the formulation! From its one of-a-kind vitamin B complexes to its patented amino acid chelated minerals, and 9 servings of Fruits and Vegetables. Clinical data and independent research conducted by Doctors Research, Inc. of Arroyo Grande, California concluded after lengthy studies that ‘naturally derived vitamins are nutritionally superior to synthetic one’s.

There are 2 great ways to get your 9 daily servings of Fruits and Vegetables:

• 9 a Day Plus: A small, convenient pack of capsules.
• 9 a Day Plus – Citrus Berry Shake: Mix Citrus Berry powder with water or milk for a delicious shake. You can also add fruit to make a meal replacement shake.

This all vegetarian formula contains nothing synthetic, no fractionated vitamins or inorganic substances and all ingredients are free of herbicides, pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals.

To learn more about how to get your folic acid through an all natural quality berry shake click here>>

Enhances Glucose Utilization

Enhances Amino Acid Transport

Lowers Blood Sugar

Increases Creatine Uptake

ALA increases your muscles glycogen uptake. This increases muscle cell volume and contributes to that full, pumped feeling when you workout.

This is a very desirable effect as the increase in muscle glycogen also increases other important nutrient transports that contributes to cell volume and muscle growth.

ALA is not a thermogenic but it does appear to contribute to favorable body composition changes. This is believed to be due to a nutrient partitioning effect where nutrients are channeled more to lean tissue and away from fat tissue.

ALA will help enhance the efficiency of many different supplements and pharmaceuticals. It enhances the absorption of creatine into the muscle cell by providing a transport vehicle through its unique ability to mimic insulin.

ALA is also one of the most potent antioxidants available. And, when taken with other antioxidants it actually enhances their antioxidant abilities.

To learn more about the science behind Stemulite Fitness Formula click here>>

Protein Power Mix

Protein Power Mix utilizes two different types of proteins for the daytime and the nighttime formula.

The daytime formula is designed to be taken either first thing in the morning before breakfast, an addition to breakfast, as a meal replacement for breakfast, or a post workout supplement.

(THP) The science behind these reasons lies with the daytime’s type of base protein, whey protein. Whey protein is produced when cheese is made from milk. As milk is being processed into cheese there is watery after product that is separated, this after product is the all natural whey protein.

It is important to understand the biochemistry of whey protein and to understand why it is in the Protein Power Mix’s daytime formula. Most commonly, whey protein is a mixture of beta-lactoglubolin, alpha-lactalbumin, and serum albumin, which constitutes a large amount of amino acids. This substance breakdown allows us to see that whey protein has the highest biological value (BV) of all proteins. In terms of Biochemistry, whey protein is easily digestible (when other additives are natural and easily digestible themselves), easily broken down, and absorbed quickly into the blood stream. It is these specific characteristics of whey protein that make it suitable for a morning protein and post workout supplement.

Protein Power Mix uses the isolate form of whey protein because it has the least amount of fat content, thus, resulting in fat loss when Protein Power Mix is combined with a balanced meal plan and workout regimen. Protein Power Mix is not only backed by scientific research, but by solid nutrition study as well. Anyone can use Protein Power Mix for any healthy goal. Another way one can take advantage of Protein Power Mix’s whey protein base, is to drink it as a post workout shake. We have learned that the whey protein isolate is easily and quickly digestible, which is the main reason why an individual would consume it immediately after a workout.

When we workout we use up energy. We use that energy to tear our muscles down, so we can build them back up. The best way to begin that recovery process is to get recuperative nutrients into the blood as fast as possible. Muscles are made up of proteins and use proteins to build and repair themselves.

Whey protein isolates contain no fat and can get to your muscles fast to begin the repair process. Along with the other all natural nutrients in Protein Power Mix, you will experience immediate energy recuperation and muscle rejuvenation when you drink your shake after you workout.

As you can see using Protein Power Mix is easy. It will stop your muscles from breaking down in the morning and after you workout.

Most individuals do not realize that the body does not completely shut down at night while you are sleeping. The body’s biological processes simply slow down while the body continues to burn calories as we sleep (just at a slower rate). As we sleep we are essentially fasting (not eating) for six, seven, or eight hours. Hence, it is crucial, whether we are trying to gain weight or lose fat, to give our bodies quick, easily digestible, healthy nutrients first thing in the morning. Otherwise, our bodies will become catabolic and reach into our muscles for energy. Our bodies will excrete amino acids and convert them to energy rather than burning stored fat for energy.

If we fill our muscles with protein and other crucial nutrients first thing in the morning, our bodies will no longer deplete our muscles for energy because they are full of protein. Our bodies will reach into an alternate form of stored energy, fat!

To read reviews about protein power mix click here>>

Mitochondria are the chief source of endogenous oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. This high flux of oxidants would not only be expected to damage the cell overall, but also certainly would damage the mitochondria in which the oxidants are produced.

Despite an impressive array of antioxidant defenses, such as vitamin C, glutathione and vitamin E, the level of oxidative damage to mitochondria is enormous. Experiments have shown that oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (the only organelle with its own DNA outside the nucleus) is 8 to 10-fold higher than the levels found in nuclear DNA and accumulates even higher levels of damage with age.

Chronic steroid use in exercise training and body building often leads to prediabetic conditions or prediabetes. One hallmark of the insulin-resistant state of prediabetes and overt type 2 diabetes is an impaired ability of insulin to activate glucose transport in skeletal muscle, due to defects in insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)-dependent signaling. An emerging body of evidence indicates that one potential factor in the etiology of skeletal muscle insulin resistance is oxidative stress, an imbalance between the cellular exposure to an oxidant stress and the cellular antioxidant defenses. Therefore, anyone who has any kind of a chronic high glucose should daily take ALA. Exposure of skeletal muscle to an oxidant stress leads to a vicious cycle of impaired insulin signaling and subsequently to reduced glucose transport activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that treatment of insulin-resistant animals and type 2 diabetic humans with antioxidants, including alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), are associated with improvements in skeletal muscle glucose transport activity and whole-body glucose tolerance.

To learn more about Stemulite Fitness Formula click here>>

Beautiful melatonin skin skin is created by a body that is functioning properly – that is eliminating waste efficiently, digesting food and transporting nutrients around the body. It is not something exclusively reserved for the genetically blessed.

By ensuring that our skin is in the best possible condition, we can not only improve our overall health – after all, what’s good for our skin is good for our body as a whole – but also our confidence and happiness.

Whether you are suffering from a condition such as acne or psoriasis, or you just want beautiful skin, I have devised a natural dietary and lifestyle approach that will help you get the healthy skin you’ve always wanted.

Neutralizers: Avocados, limes and raw tomatoes have alkalizing properties that help to create beautiful skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It protects us from invading bacteria, helps regulate body temperature and keeps our insides from falling out. It is made up of three layers – the outside layer, the epidermis; the middle layer, the dermis; and below that, the subcutaneous layer.

New skin cells form at the bottom of the epidermis and move gradually outwards, and the top layer of dead cells then sheds. This trip takes about four weeks, which means that with the right materials you can create better skin in a month.

The Healthy Skin Diet is based on an anti-inflammatory eating program originally designed for those with skin conditions such as eczema.

It is also effective in eliminating psoriasis and dandruff, as well as improving mood swings, energy levels and rosacea. However, you don’t have to have bad skin to follow this routine as it is fantastic for overall health and well-being.

To get you started, here are seven basic guidelines . . .

THINK GREEN AND FRIENDLY

An essential step for beautiful skin involves ‘friendly’ gut flora, ‘green’ foods and drinks that have an alkalizing effect on the body, and avoiding acid-forming foods.

Some parts of your body should be acidic, such as your stomach when it produces digestive acids. However, in general, your body’s tissues and blood should be slightly alkaline.

There are two ways you can find out how acidic you are. Your GP can test your blood pH, or you can test your saliva or urine with pH strips from your local pharmacy.

These are made of litmus paper which changes color when acidic or alkaline substances come into contact with it. When your body’s pH is in balance, this reading should be between 7.0 and 7.5.

‘Green’ foods such as asparagus have an alkalizing effect on the body.

There are many types of acid-producing foods and when your body is continually trying to counteract an acidic state, acid can become a poison. The worst offenders are vinegar (except for apple cider vinegar), alcoholic drinks, margarine, pork and beef, salmon and mackerel.

Also acid-forming are coffee and black tea, yellow cheeses, pickles and mustard, chickpeas, most nuts, white rice and high-sugar and white-flour products.

However, you do not have to avoid these foods completely to be healthy. They can be enjoyed in moderation, but limit them to no more than three servings a day. The equivalent of two servings is two glasses of alcohol, or one coffee, and salmon and chickpeas for dinner.

Green drinks – those containing chlorophyll and wheat-grass – are the best way to create good acidalkaline balance. A liquid chlorophyll supplement, available from chemists, can give you an extra dose of vegetables daily. It can help to neutralize acids in the body so your blood is less likely to become sluggish and inefficient.

Alkalizing foods include spinach, peppers, courgette, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, cabbage and sweet potatoes – and surprisingly lemons and limes (although the fruit is acidic, it is actually alkalizing in the blood). Avocado, asparagus (below), garlic, onions, radishes and uncooked tomatoes are also mildly alkalizing.

Other points to good acid-alkaline balance include limiting your caffeine intake, having four alcohol-free days a week, avoiding smoking, and drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day. Encourage friendly gut flora by taking a pro-biotic supplement.

To learn more about quality all natural pro-biotic supplementation click here>>

EAT MOISTURIZING FOODS

Certain fats are moisturizing to your skin – they moisturize you from the inside out. The good fats include GLA (found in Evening Primrose Oil), EPA, DHA and omega-3 (all found in oily fish and flax seed).

Omega-3 is particularly good for your skin. It is abundant in cold-water fish such as sardines, trout and herring and although they are acid-forming, salmon and mackerel are good sources, too. Omega-3 is also found in flax seeds, walnuts and green vegetables.

Omega-6, also found in flax seeds, walnuts and leafy greens as well as eggs and fish, converts eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which decreases inflammation and improves skin moisture. It also helps normalize blood pressure, helps with cardiovascular health and can reduce your risk of certain cancers.

If you have dry skin, psoriasis, rosacea, dandruff or premature aging take an omega-3 fish oil supplement (or flax seed oil if you are vegetarian) in addition to eating oily fish two or three times a week.

Saturated fats in dairy, meat and fried foods can cause inflammation, dry skin and premature ageing. They can also increase your risk of heart disease, asthma, eczema and acne.

Limit your intake, and increase the amount of foods that help protect from the damaging effects of these fats, including onions, ginger, turmeric, red wine (which contains flavonoids), Vitamin E and selenium.

EAT LESS

Melatonin is a hormone released during sleep. It has an antioxidant effect that helps to protect against DNA damage. As you age, the body’s ability to produce melatonin plummets.

When your body doesn’t produce enough, you will experience difficulty falling asleep and wake up after eight hours still feeling drowsy. However, a study published in the Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology And Metabolism showed how melatonin levels can be manipulated by diet.

Scientists carried out a 12-year study on monkeys and found sensible calorie restriction not only improves melatonin production but reduces body fat, lowers blood glucose levels and delays and greatly reduces age-related problems and the risk of certain cancers.

You don’t need to calorie-count. For meals, fill half your plate with salad or vegetables, the other half with carbohydrates and protein. Eat carbs that release energy slowly, such as grainy breads, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. Avoid ‘hit and run carbs’ that have a high glycemic index, such as white bread, chips, mashed potato and white rice.

Snack less and stick to healthy snacks such as almonds or an apple.

Make sure you include protein in two of your main daily meals. When eating animal protein, have a portion the size and thickness of the palm of your hand. Have a maximum of two servings of red meat a week, including lean lamb, beef and organic liver, and a maximum of two servings of white meat per week, such as skinless chicken. And eat up to three servings of seafood a week.

And don’t starve yourself. Excessive dieting is bad for the skin so be sensible and never skip a meal.

HAVE A GOOD SKIN CARE ROUTINE

You might be surprised to learn that many skin products contain ingredients that scientific studies have deemed ‘harmful to our skin’ or ‘not beneficial’.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) penetrates the skin and damages its protective barrier function. Formaldehyde can irritate the skin and trigger allergic reactions such as rashes and heart palpitations. It can also aggravate asthma. Parabens DEA and MEA can cause skin and mouth irritations.

Sunscreen should play a starring role in your quest for younger-looking skin. Apply to the parts of your body that age the fastest – face, neck, decolletage and hands. Look for one that is formulated for children or toddlers as these are likely to be fragrance-free and lower in synthetic chemicals.

If you have dry or flaky skin, or wrinkles and premature aging, exfoliating with a granulated cream or scrub will leave your skin looking and feeling smoother. Don’t exfoliate your skin if you have acne or broken skin such as wounds, bites or rashes.

BE A SLEEPING BEAUTY

During sleep your body releases a series of hormones that control significant functions in your body. One of the most vital is melatonin.

Light suppresses the release of melatonin and darkness stimulates it, so a night in a darkened room increases your chances of optimal melatonin production.

It’s not just about night-time sleep – you have to start your day right. Get a dose of sunshine in the morning. Choose a wake-up time and stick to it (even after a late night out) and make sure you get ten minutes of sunlight before 10am. This will help you reset your body clock and boost your Vitamin D levels so you are more likely to wake up feeling refreshed.

Foods that promote a more restful night’s sleep are those which contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, sleep-inducing hormones.

Tryptophan-rich foods include milk, cottage cheese and plain yogurt. However, since the Healthy Skin Diet is dairy-free, eat other tryptophan-rich foods such as seafood, turkey, wholegrains, brown rice, beans, houmous, lentils, eggs, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds.

Melatonin, a key ingredient in Semulite Fitness Formula, is an excellent way to catch your zzzzz’s, and wake up feeling refreshed. To learn more click here>>

BECOME A HAT PERSON

Sunlight is essential to health. You need to have small exposure on a regular basis so your skin can produce a form of Vitamin D.

Minimum UV exposure is the key – about ten minutes a day of unfiltered sunshine directly on the skin will keep Vitamin D deficiency away.

But too much sun can be damaging. UVB rays are more likely to cause some forms of skin cancer and UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and promote free radicals that age your skin prematurely.

UV radiation is increased by reflective surfaces such as sand, water and snow.

UV rays can also penetrate through windows, windshields and thin clothing. When out in the sun, wear protective clothing and a hat.

Learn more: Click here>> and learn how others are waking up with beautiful skin with Stemulite Fitness Formula.

This two-pronged ‘punch’ to aging cells seemed to work, with the two supplements together producing better results than either one alone. After a month on the supplements, elderly (24-month-old) and lethargic rats had more energy and did better on memory tests, while their mitochondria worked better. The decline in overall activity typical of aged rats was reversed to the level of young-to-middle-aged adult rats, aged 7-10 months. The researchers likened this result to a group of 80-year-old humans throwing away their walking sticks and starting to act 35 years younger!

Click here>> to learn more …

To combat this, a regular skin care regimen should be adhered to that includes daily skin care as well as periodic deep cleansing facials. Deep cleansing facials are ideal for rejuvenating the skin to make you appear more youthful.  In addition to the positive skin care benefits, the process is also very relaxing and can make you look and feel better immediately.

You should also continue with this at home by using one of the great products offered by True Healthy Products.

A skin care specialist at a spa can determine your particular skin type and any specialized issues you may have to customize a deep cleansing facial program for you. The skin will be cleaned from dirt and toxins leaving your skin revitalized and healthy. Dead skin cells are removed to promote production of new skin cells with stronger elastin and collagen contents. Your skin will feel fresh and clean. It will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help treat any acne or blemishes currently on the skin. The treatment will also make your skin more able to fight off any future break outs.

The skin will also be moisturized with products that contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the skin. The process will allow your skin to better ward off the elements that it is exposed to daily and there will be a reduction in blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. When used regularly you will see a drastic improvement in the vitality of your skin, wrinkles will diminish, you will be less prone to breakouts and your skin will be stronger and more elastic.

To make an appointment for a facial, or request more information on Eminence Biodynamics Skincare line, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

1. Pick Your Spot: You don’t have to massage the part of the body that hurts most. If you’re shy about letting a friend touch your aching lower back, for instance, she could help by massaging your shoulders instead. This is because massage creates chemical changes that reduce pain and stress throughout the body. One way it does this is by reducing a brain chemical called substance P that is related to pain. In a TRI study, for example, individuals with a form of muscle pain called fibromyalgia showed less substance P in their saliva (and they reported reduced pain) after a month of twice-weekly massages.

2. De-Stress, Stay Healthy. Massage may boost immunity. Several studies have measured the stress hormone called cortisol in subjects’ saliva before and after massage sessions, and found dramatic decreases. Cortisol, which is produced when you are stressed, kills cells important for immunity, so when massage reduces your stress levels and hence the cortisol in your body, it may help you avoid getting a cold or another illness while under stress.

3. Blood Pressure Benefits: Massage reduces hypertension, suggests a good deal of research. This may be because it stimulates pressure receptors that prompt action from the vagus nerve, one of the nerves that emerges from the brain. The vagus nerve regulates blood pressure, as well as other functions. In a 2005 study at the University of South Florida, hypertension patients who received 10 massages of 10 minutes each over three weeks showed significant improvements in blood pressure compared to a control group who simply rested in the same environment without any massage.

4. Technique Tactics: There’s little evidence to support one kind of massage over another, says Field, so don’t worry about whether your therapist is schooled in Shiatsu, Swedish or some other technique. The key is pressure firm enough to make a temporary indentation in the skin. If you try massage with a partner, use massage oil, which you can find in a health-food store or pharmacist, but test a little on your skin first to make sure you are not allergic.
To make an appointment, or request more information on the benefits of massage, call the True Healthy Products – Wellness Spa toll free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen.

]]> http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/2879/health-benefits-of-massage-true-healthy-products-wellness-spa-in-merritt-island-fl/feed 0 http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/1825/stemulite-contains-beta-glucan-alpha-lipoic-acid-to-accelerate-muscle-growth-bodybuilding http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/1825/stemulite-contains-beta-glucan-alpha-lipoic-acid-to-accelerate-muscle-growth-bodybuilding#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:02:24 +0000 THP http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/?p=1825 (THP) Beta-glucan and lipoic acid both participate in the processes of cell growth and differentiation. The process then may become accelerated much in the same manner as steroids effecting muscle growth and inflammation. This has enormous implications in improvement in human health and fitness. A healthy and enhanced immune system provides the body with continual surveillance and immediate defense against disease.

Beta Glucan, Alpha Lipoic Acid & L-Carnitine Combination In Stemulite May Help Athletes Reduce Recovery Time

The immune-stem-cell health potential in fitness and bodybuilding is enormous. In the United States, over 200,000 cases of tendon tears are treated by physicians annually. Millions of fitness buffs are constantly slowed or hindered by sprains and muscle pulls which interrupt the training regimes. Within professional sports, injured athletes can incur staggering financial loss. Stem cell recruitment and anti-inflammatory action by a beta-glucan/lipoic acid/acetyl carnitine combination may be able to drastically reduce both the injuries and the recovery time of such injuries.

To learn more about beta glucan and how it works in Stemulite Fitness Formula click here>>

Along with the use of hydrotherapy, the use of paraffin wax therapy can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire.  In those ancient times, the Romans would pour hot waxes on the body in preparation for massage therapy.  Later the French embraced paraffin therapy by melting paraffin wax and spreading it on wounds to accelerate healing.  In World War I, the British used paraffin wax therapy as a protocol to treat orthopedic disorders in military hospitals.  In modern times, paraffin therapy is quite common and widely used to aid in the treatment of conditions such as the following:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia
• Fibrositis
• Inflammation
• Muscle Spasms
• Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
• Psoriasis
• Scar Tissue
• Stiff Joints
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow
• And more…

Paraffin therapy is also widely used in the treatment of sports related injuries and other conditions where heat therapy and exercise therapy are needed.  One of the overlooked benefits of paraffin therapy is that it soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm in the patient.

A great way to use this therapy is by using a spot paraffin therapy bath.  Using such a modality will enable you to treat specific areas of the body and pinpoint the management of treatment.  Not only are such modalities increasingly being used in rehabilitation and therapy clinics, but they are now widely available to the public.  Using a paraffin therapy bath is easy and doesn’t take very long at all, but there are some guidelines to follow.  Be sure to remove all jewelry prior to treatment.  Thoroughly wash and dry the area that is to be treated.

When conducting a paraffin dip, relax the body part to be treated and immerse it gradually in to the warm paraffin wax.  While dipping the area into the paraffin therapy bath, layers of paraffin wax will build up.  Allow it to harden.  Once the treatment is complete, the wax is peeled off and the area is then ready for massage, stretching, exercise, or additional therapeutic measures.

Paraffin wax occurs naturally as a component of crude mineral oils.  Paraffin wax is produced by refining or separating the wax out of the crude mineral oils.  It is then purified through boiling and then chilled and pressed through a filter which creates a heavy oil, or paraffin wax.  Paraffin has been laboratory tested to be hygienically safe to use.  It is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and extremely heavy in molecular structure. Since paraffin is heavy in molecular weight, it increases the blood supply to the area being treated and traps moisture from underlying layers of the skin, resulting in rejuvenated and nourished skin.  Paraffin therapy reduces pain and stiffness around joints by removing excess fluid from surrounding tissue while providing lubrication.

Paraffin treatments are not recommended for people with the following conditions:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Varicose Veins

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line, relaxing massages in spa ambience, and parrafain wax treatments. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation, or massage call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare and massage specialist.

(THP) There has been some controversy surrounding the HCG shots for weight loss.  While it is generally agreed that HCG shots for weight loss effectively cause people to lose weight, there are some who are committed to the idea that HCG injections are unsafe.  This stems from the philosophy that says such lengths (visiting HCG clinics for HCG injections) should not be done in the name of losing weight.

The thing about HCG shots for weight loss is that dieters are required to get injections each and every day.  Injections–as you probably know–can be quite uncomfortable, if not downright painful.  And not only do they create discomfort, but they are also expensive.  HCG injections cost a pretty penny; they are only available by prescription so this means you must visit a doctor to have them prescribed.  It is likely for these reasons that HCG injections have acquired somewhat of a bad reputation.

The good news is that Homeopathic Orally Administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System is now available in an oral solution, so there is no longer a need to receive HCG injections.  You can attain the same results with Homeopathic Orally Administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System as you can from HCG injections.  By this, I mean that you can lose up to 26 pounds in 26 days, or as some have reported, a pound of fat per day.  And not only is Homeopathic Orally Administered Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System effective, it is also much cheaper than HCG injections.

To learn more about Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) – Fat Release System – click here>>

A facial can offer many benefits. The face is always subject to elements such as the sun, maybe smoke or an improper at home regime. Facials offer you the opportunity to work with a professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin, help you improve your complexion and show you how to take proper care of your skin.

A facial can give you a deep cleansing, deeper than the cleansing you will get at home. A facial includes cleansing as well as exfoliation which can help to unclog your pores. Extracting open comedones will also help rid the skin of acne. Your skin care specialist will help soften the skin with steam, hot moist towels, and enzymes or other exfoliants.

A skin care specialist or esthetician will choose the ingredients to help your skin type. The esthetician may choose a mask to detoxify your skin or hydrate your skin. By getting a proper analysis you will not only learn your skin type, but an esthetician will be able to create a facial experience that addresses your skin’s needs.

A facial helps increase circulation and stimulates the skin. It can also help slow down premature aging by custom-targeting your skin care. Facials are a great preventative treatment to help you beat wrinkles before they occur. Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep the skin moist and stop dehydration.

A facial may help you understand the proper skin care products for your skin. Most people are using the wrong products for their skin type; this causes the skin to become sensitized. A good esthetician will work with you to create a home care regime that will be both easy to use and work with your individual skin type. Skin type is determined by pore size, tone, and texture. It is also determined by oil production, called sebum.

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

The most sought after approach to organic skin care is the use of organic fruits and or vegetables. Cucumber, papayas, turmeric and apples are a few of the popular selections typically used for organic skin care. It has been known that these fruits and vegetables provide a refreshing and invigorating effect on your skin for some time. If you happen to read a book dealing with skin care, there is probably a section solely for organic skin care. With so many types of organic fruits and vegetables available, you can experiment with them until you find a combination that is suitable for your skin.

Milk products have proven to have good cleansing properties. Many modern products that have this ingredient advertise the excellent benefits. It is noted that a combination of ground oatmeal mixed with milk works as a great cleanser.

Ground oatmeal has become a very common product in the organic skin care process. It is known to do extremely well with oily skin, with various combination of sort. Ground oatmeal works well with a variety of other organic products such as: egg, milk, fruits, honey, and fruits. It can be used to provide an organic facial skincare pack.

Wheat germ has become a great source for organic skin care. Just like Ground Oatmeal, it has been known to do well in dealing with oily skin. With the richness of vitamin E, and the ability to exfoliate and moisturize, wheat germ is an organic skin care product to use. Wheat germ use with several of other organic products works fabulously as a facial mask for normal and dry skin. Another way to use wheat germ is as oil for organic skin care.

There are other organic products that can be used for many different organic reasons such as:

Sour cream and yogurt works together not only as a moisturizing agent, but also as a skin exfoliation agent.

Organic honey has become very popular, it helps retain moisture and gives a superb glow to the skin.

Organic skin care allows you to use a combination of many organic produce that work well together and even strengthen the effectiveness of each other. Additionally, these organic skin care properties can neutralize the possible adverse effects from other organic properties.

Organic skin care can yield phenomenal results and is cost efficient. Once you find the organic skin care properties for you, the issue concerning skin care is no longer an issue.

Bryan D. Parker
True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

Chemical Peels

Patients who have never heard of this treatment before will want to know, what are chemical peels? A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. Typically administered as a facial peel, a chemical peel enhances and smooths the texture of the skin. It is an effective treatment for facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation or if you simply want to rejuvenate your skin.

Chemical Peel Candidates
In general, patients with fair skin and light hair are the best chemical peel candidates. However, patients with other skin pigmentation and hair color can achieve good results as well. Ideal candidates for the chemical peel procedure are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their skin, have realistic expectations of their procedure, and do not smoke.

Cost of Chemical Peels
The cost of chemical facial peels varies from state to state and doctor to doctor. The current chemical peel price range is approximately $600 to $900. Possible additional expenses to keep in mind, especially with deep chemical peels, are the cost of anesthesia, use of the surgical facility, and a possible hospital stay. The final cost of your procedure will depend on the type of peel you want, the condition of your skin, and other factors unique to your case. Light chemical peels can cost as low as $150, while deep chemical peels are generally the most expensive, as much as $6000.

Risks and Benefits of Chemical Facial Peels
Chemical peels rarely result in serious complications, but certain risks do exist. These risks include scarring, infection, swelling, changes in skin tone, and cold sore outbreaks. You can reduce the risks associated with facial peels by following all of the doctor’s instructions completely and by providing your doctor with a complete medical history.

A chemical facial peel can provide several benefits to the skin. The procedure can restore a more youthful appearance to skin and reduce wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damage, and blotchy patches.

Light Chemical Peels
Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on the characteristics of your skin and your desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or fruit acids. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Medium Chemical Peels
For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This chemical works well for treating fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Similar to the light chemical peel, medium chemical peels require less downtime than a deeper peel. TCA peels are the preferred choice for patients with darker skin.

Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels are the strongest of the facial peels. The chemical used for deep chemical peels is phenol acid. Deep peels are used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by aging or sun exposure, and pre-cancerous growths. While a deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic, longest-lasting results, the procedure takes longer than other peels (one to two hours) and requires the most healing time. Phenol acid is typically used only for facial peels. Because a deep chemical peel may cause permanent lightening of the skin, prospective patients should seek advice from a qualified cosmetic dermatologist before undergoing the procedure.

Acne Chemical Peel
Certain chemical peel solutions are useful for treating acne blemishes and diminishing existing acne scars. Light chemical peels administered with a solution of alphahydroxy acids (AHA) can be beneficial for treating acne. A lower-strength AHA solution can be mixed with a facial wash as part of a daily skin-care routine.

Chemical Peel Side Effects
When performed by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon, chemical facial peels are safe. With light and medium peels, relatively mild chemical peel side effects such as redness, stinging, and crusting usually subside within a day or two after the treatment. The side effects of deep chemical peels are typically more pronounced, and recovery time is longer. More serious side effects, such as infection and scarring, are possible, especially with medium and deep chemical peels. However, serious side effects are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified doctor.

Chemical Peel FAQs
Before undergoing a chemical peel for the first time, patients often have many questions and concerns. Being well informed about every aspect of your chemical peel procedure can help ensure that you are satisfied with the outcome of your treatment.

True Healthy Products Wellness Spa features the finest organic ingredients available with Eminence Biodynamics skincare line. To order Eminence Biodynamics, or make an appointment for a skin consultation call Toll Free: 888-400-2920, and ask for Karen, the resident skincare specialist.

(THP) In my last article, I touched upon the pitfalls of what can keep our bodies from changing. People go to the gym, workout, do some cardio 5 days a week, and still don’t see the result in their physique. One of the most challenging obstacles to overcome is how we view food. Unless you compete in figure, fitness or bodybuilding competitions, your diet does not have to be strict all the time. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to follow a diet that is so strict that they lose the vision of having fun. The end result is misery. The rate at which you desire change – should be the guideline of how strict your diet is.

Before I go any further, let’s talk about the word diet. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:

1 a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed b : habitual nourishment c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason d : a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one’s weight
2 : something provided or experienced repeatedly <a diet of Broadway shows and nightclubs — Frederick Wyatt>

When you mention the word diet to most people – the first thing that comes to their mind is restricting the amount of food you are eating. My wife is a national level figure competitor, before she started competing, if she wanted to lose weight she would skip breakfast, eat a salad for lunch, and have a small plate of food for dinner, and her body  sent out the signal that it was starving. Most all the food she was eating was being stored as fat. Once she decided to start competing and started eating every 2-3 hours, her physique changed all for the better.

Now the big question “What, when and how often do you need to eat.”

As a rule you need to eat every 3 hours. Your main staples need to come from egg whites, oatmeal, fruits, green vegetables, chicken, lean red meat, nuts and at least 64 oz. of water per day. As I mentioned before, my wife is a national level figure competitor, and I compete in bodybuilding. All of our food is measured and/or weighed year round. Off season, we have 1 cheat meal per week, this keeps our food desires in check. When we start our contest diet, cheat meals end. I may get a re-feed (increase in carbs, up to 100 grams per meal for 1 day) but we don’t consider that a cheat meal.

Here is a sample of my current diet:

5:30am 8 egg whites

60 grams oatmeal

3 fish oil tablets

8:00am 6 oz chicken breast

1 cup brown rice

1 oz almonds

10:30am 6 oz Top sirloin

1 serving fruit

1:00pm 6 oz chicken breast

1 cup brown rice

1 Lg salad w/ balsamic vinegar

3:30pm 2 scoops protein powder

1 Tbs peanut butter

5:30pm 2 scoops protein powder

½ bagel w/ 1 Tbs jelly

7:00pm 6oz Top sirloin

3 fish oil tablets

9:00pm 1 scoop protein powder

We make small changes throughout the year depending on how my body is responding. As far as supplements, I take BCAA’s between each meal. I also take 9 A Day Plus (one pack in the morning and one at night) Protein Power Mix, and Stemulite (one daytime in the morning and one nighttime before I go to bed) all from True Healthy Products. Does it take more than this to reach my goals? Absolutely, this is just the tip of the iceberg. But it’s a start for someone looking to change the way they look.

Do you need to eat like this? That depends entirely on your personal goals. Perhaps, you only want to look better. Start by making better food choices. Continue to lift weights and do your cardio, and a better physique is just around the corner. We no longer look at food as food; we look at it as fuel. Start making small changes in your diet and see big changes in you physique.

To learn more about sports nutritionals, and the difference they can make in your health click here>>

posted by Audrea Huff

By Sarah Baldauf
(c)2009 U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

Added sugars, which are sprinkled on and processed into packaged foods and beverages, have become all too common in the American diet, says the American Heart Association (AHA).

The group argues that sugar binging is helping drive the uptick in metabolic changes in the American population, including the exploding obesity rate, and has now recommended an upper limit on daily consumption.

The AHA recommends that women should consume no more than 100 calories per day of added sugars, and men should not top 150 calories per day.

There goes the soda habit: One 12-ounce can contains about 8 teaspoons or about 33 grams of added sugar, which equals approximately 130 calories, notes the AHA. (One gram of sugar serves up 4 calories, according to the American Dietetic Association.)

With math like that, it’s not surprising that the average American rings up an average of 22.2 teaspoons, or 355 calories per day, of added sugars, mostly from sugar-sweetened beverages.

But those who shun sweet-tasting drinks are not off the hook.

Part of the challenge of avoiding added sugars, argues the AHA, is that they have become far more prevalent over time; the amount of added sugars in Americans’ food options increased 19 percent between 1970 and 2005.

Sneaky dietary sources surprisingly high in added sugars

– Fortune cookies. Just one fortune cookie packs about 3.6 grams of added sugar.

– Flavored booze. Exercise good judgment when you drink: One ounce of creme de menthe has 14 grams of added sugar; 53-proof coffee-flavored liqueur has 16 grams of added sugar per ounce.

– Baked beans. A serving of canned baked beans with no salt added will cost you almost 15 grams of added sugar.

– Dried, sweetened cranberries. Without the sweetener, this fruit can be incredibly tart. But one serving — a third of a cup — of this treat will hit you with 25 grams of added sugar.

– Ketchup. A favorite condiment, a single serving of regular — or low sodium  — ketchup racks up nearly 40 grams of added sugar.

– Cream substitutes. One serving of a liquid “light” cream substitute packs 22 grams of added sugar, while one cup of a powdered “light” cream substitute adds a whopping 69 grams.

– Barbecue sauce. A serving of this summertime favorite adds 9 grams of added sugar onto those ribs and chicken.

– “Reduced” salad dressings. A serving of reduced-calorie French dressing heaps 58 grams of added sugar, and a serving of reduced-fat coleslaw dressing hits a home run with 103 grams of added sugar.

– Lemonade. A serving of this refreshing drink has a massive 200 grams of added sugar.

– Flavored popcorn. Think the added sweetener can’t be that bad here? Fat-free-syrup caramel popcorn has 18 grams of added sugar per ounce serving.

– Granola bars. Often deemed a healthful snack, some are tricky — a granola bar with oats, fruit, and nuts has 11 grams of added sugar.

To combat negative sources of sugar, 9 a day plus citrus berry shake is an all natural source of sugar, vitamins and minerals derived from organic sources such as fruits, and veggies. To learn more about taking control of your sugar intake and health click here>>