7 Ways to Boost Your Energy

By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

Fatigue is one of the biggest problems of modern life, but we’re trying to fix that problem in all the wrong ways.

Trying to “get” or “find” energy is like trying to grab a fistful of water. If you want water (energy) to sit in your hand, you have to first create the conditions under which it’s possible — in the case of water, keeping your fingers tightly together and your hand cupped while open will do the trick — but trying to grab the water will not. It’s the same thing with energy.

Energy isn’t something you get or grab, but rather the by-product of certain conditions that allow it to show up in your life. If your health and attitude and body and mind are all aligned in the right way, there’s nothing else for you to do but to feel energized. It’s the natural “side-effect” of a healthy life — it just comes with the territory.

Let’s say you were a swimmer wearing a weight belt and you wanted to increase your time in the 50-yard freestyle. You could spend a lot of effort researching the latest titanium high-tech bathing suit — which might add a second or two to your time — but wouldn’t it be a lot more effective to simply drop the weight belt?

Most of us are carrying around weight belts and looking to increase our energy with coffee and stimulants when in fact if we just dropped the weight belt we’d automatically go faster.

Some of the items on our weight belt are: too little sleep, disorganization, toxic relationships, high-carb diets, undetected food sensitivities, and all sorts of other facts of modern life that I discuss in detail in my book, The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy. In this article I’m going to suggest seven ways to help drop the weight belt from your energy tank. Do them and you may be surprised at what a boost in energy they give you.

1. Support your liver. You can help your liver do its job more effectively — and boost your energy in the bargain — by taking a daily dose of an herb called milk thistle. I consider the liver to be the most misunderstood and under-appreciated organ in the human body, because when it’s not working right, the first thing to suffer is your energy. Giving the liver all the nutrients it needs to perform its daily tasks is one of the most important things you can do to boost your energy.

1. Get ten minutes of sun every day. “The sun gives you strength, lifts your spirits and is a source of energy”, says my friend Al Sears, MD, author of Your Best Health Under the Sun. Like a growing body of health experts, Sears thinks we’ve become so sun phobic that we’re missing out on the myriad mood-boosting and energy-enhancing benefits that vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin has to offer.

1. Disconnect for a day. One of the great energy drainers of the 21st century is information overload. We’re deluged with stuff coming at us from emails, RSS feeds, blogs, social networking sites, TV, magazines, radio, fax machines, Blackberries… you get the picture. Knowledge may be power, but information overload is just… well, noise. Try a media-free day and feel your own energy accumulate — rather than dissipate as you attend to millions of distractions.   Most of the chatter, when you think about it, won’t make much difference in the long run anyway. (If you find the idea of disconnecting for a day a frightening thought, you are exactly the person who needs to do it the most!)

1. Try the “No-Frills, No-Excuses, Anytime-Anywhere” workout.  We all know that exercise helps with energy — at least I hope we do — but when it comes to working out,  time remains a big obstacle for many people. Here’s my own “no excuses” lo-tech workout that you can do just about anywhere in as little as 15 or 20 minutes for an amazing boost in energy: 1) run a mile, 2) do some squats, 3) do some push-ups, 4) do some crunches. Stretch and go about your business refreshed and energized.  And if you can’t go out and run the mile, do some jumping jacks in your office, or run the stairs.

1. Revive your “qi”. Acupuncture is based on the precepts of traditional Chinese Medicine that says the body and mind are inextricably linked; that vital energy, or qi, regulates a person’s spiritual, mental and physical health; that each of us is a delicate balance of opposing and inseparable forces called yin and yang — and when that balance is disrupted, vital energy becomes blocked or weakened. When our qi (energy) is at optimal levels and flowing smoothly, we’re ready to take on the world.  Spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically we’re strong, healthy and energized. One terrific way to balance that energy is through acupuncture.

1. De-clutter and deep-six the energy drain. Here’s a rule I’ve found to be a universal truth: your energy has a perfect inverse relationship to the accumulation of stuff you don’t need. The more unwanted, unused, unneeded stuff you have cluttering up your life, the less energy you have. Believe it or not, the condition of your desk (and desktop) and office and living space actually reflects a lot of what’s going on in your head.  If you take time to organize and de-clutter, you’ll actually be freeing up a lot of psychic space, and that can really turbo-charge your energy.

1. Take the right supplements. While supplements don’t really “give” you energy, they can correct metabolic issues that are draining it. They can also speed along certain pathways that are nutrient-dependent and that get sluggish (and energy draining) when those nutrients are in short supply. One terrific energizing nutrient is coenzyme Q10.  It helps transform fats and sugars into energy and is a potent antioxidant.

To find out more about essential supplements, please sign up for my free audio by clicking the link below.

[Ed. note: Dr. Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition and health. You can learn more about essential nutrients by listening to his free audio course, The Seven Supplements You Need Now.   His new book, The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Energy Naturally is available now.  For more information, click here.]

“This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul.  For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com“

If times are tough, or if you just don’t like going to big, expensive commercial gyms where stinky bodybuilders hog the equipment and girls “dressed-to-impress” intimidate you in the exercise area, then you’re going to love the alternative fat burning workouts that you can do at home — without any equipment at all!

I still remember the day Carla showed up for her first workout with me in my home studio. She was a cardio queen but her fat loss program was stuck in neutral. “I run four days per week,” she said, “but cardio isn’t working anymore. I’ll never be able to lose the fat on my thighs.”

She Was Skeptical About Bodyweight Workouts
As she wandered around my home talking about how cardio just wasn’t working anymore, she was also surprised by the lack of equipment in my workout area. “How am I going to burn fat if you don’t have any machines?” she asked. Little did she know I was about to introduce her to the fun and effective bodyweight circuit workouts that she could do anytime, anywhere, while losing fat and sculpting her body without paying an outrageous amount of money for equipment that usually takes up entire rooms.

Carla would meet me three times per week after dropping off her kids at school and she would do a 30-minute fat burning workout with bodyweight exercises. Each weight loss workout session would start with a circuit of bodyweight exercises including an easy lower body exercise like bodyweight squats or lying hip extensions, kneeling pushups, stability ball leg curls, and side planks.

Sculpt Your Body with Bodyweight Exercises
This simple little circuit of four bodyweight exercises prepared her for the full bodyweight circuit workout to come. After the warm-up, we did two advanced bodyweight exercises to build strength. Like most women, Carla struggled with full pushups, but within just two weeks she was able to do two reps with perfect form.

Over time we added over a dozen pushup variations to her bodyweight strength program, such as close grip pushups, decline pushups, and stability ball pushups, allowing her to sculpt her arms and get rid of the body fat that often hangs underneath the triceps.

After the bodyweight strength exercises, it was time to move to the bodyweight circuits. The best way to burn fat is to use interval training¹, but without cardio machines.  And because of the cold Canadian winters, we were stuck inside and needed to find a replacement.

But thanks to my years of training large groups of female athletes all at one time in big gymnasiums without any equipment, I had developed a secret system of bodyweight exercises that puts “turbulence” on the muscles and helps them sculpt your body better than ever before — even compared to long, slow boring cardio workouts.

Sample Bodyweight Circuit Workouts
Bodyweight circuits can be used in your weight loss program if you don’t have access to any machines, bikes, or a place to exercise outside.

For bodyweight circuits, you’ll pick three easy lower body exercises and three easy upper body exercises, and alternate between lower and upper body movements.² For Carla’s workouts, we also made them more difficult as she increased her fitness by adding one easy total body “dynamic” exercise at the start of the circuit and a harder power move to the end of the circuit.

Her bodyweight circuit workout looked like this.

Total Body Exercise - Jumping Jacks (20 repetitions)
Prisoner Squat (10 repetitions)
Close-Grip Pushups (3-5 repetitions)
Split Squats (10 repetitions per side)
Mountain Climbers (8 repetitions per side)
Reverse Lunge (8 repetitions per side)
Elevated Pushups (3 repetitions per side)
Running in Place (20 seconds)

Go through the circuit using as little rest as possible between exercises, and then rest one minute at the end of the circuit. Repeat the weight loss program circuit up to 2 more times if you are advanced.

Diet + Bodyweight Exercises = Flat Tummy and Slimmer Thighs
Of course, Carla and I also had to have a quick talk about nutrition. She needed to toss the junk food out that she was eating each night. We even implemented a rule that there was no eating after 8 pm. There’s nothing magical about when you eat, but just imposing that limitation mentally helped her avoid the evils of night eating.

Plus, Carla focused on adding one serving of fruit and one serving of raw, fibrous vegetables to her daily diet for four weeks. This helped her fill up and have more mental energy all day long while also reducing her daily calorie intake. Combined with the bodyweight circuit workouts, these small, but powerful changes helped her lose almost two pounds per week for four weeks straight.

No Equipment? No Problem!
If you have no money, no equipment, or no desire to go to a gym, it doesn’t matter! With proper nutrition and bodyweight circuit workouts, you can burn fat in the comfort of your own home without having to fight through busy gyms, line up for machines, or be intimidated by cardio bunnies who try to turn the gym into a nightclub.

Simple bodyweight circuit workouts are short, fast, and effective. You’ll sculpt your arms, firm your tummy, and slim your thighs in just three short workouts per week.

References

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUV7Xiy2HAQ.
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=452DfYDuzew.

[Ed. Note: Craig Ballantyne is an expert consultant for Men's Health magazine. If you're looking to burn fat, build muscle and quickly step into the body you have always wanted with just three workouts each week, check out Craig's fat-loss system, Turbulence Training for Fat Loss.]

“This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul.  For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com“

The real truth is that unless you live in a bubble, it is impossible to avoid germs. And, germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, are EVERYWHERE.

Remember your morning train ride into work? That guy sitting next to you just kept coughing and didn’t cover his mouth. You were unfortunately exposed to any number of common cold viruses or worse, bacterial pneumonia.

Prescription antibiotics have been around since the 1940s. Antivirals and antifungals came later. All of these medications have been greatly overused, allowing germs to “outsmart” modern science and become resistant. The medical establishment is currently running out of ways to treat many types of infections.

Since you are constantly being exposed to all kinds of bacteria, viruses and fungi, you are at risk to get all kinds of internal infections including colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, stomach bugs, gum disease and the flu. Skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, dandruff, oral herpes, and nail fungus are also very common.

Many people do not want to take the traditional anti-infectives. As stated above, many infections are resistant, and there are other serious concerns about side effects, cost, and reactions to these drugs. So, what can you do?

Mother Nature to the Rescue…

Look no further than your kitchen counter for a100% natural antibiotic — garlic! Garlic has a long proven history in treating bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Its active compound is allicin, which is similar to penicillin.

Garlic helps staph and strep infections, germs that are resistant to traditional antibiotics. It also covers a broad spectrum of bacteria. You can add one clove of chopped raw garlic to food two to three times a day. Garlic oil can be used for ear infections, 10-20 drops three times per day in the ear, and can be applied topically to the skin for scrapes, burns and abrasions.

Garlic capsules can be taken if you don’t like the taste and smell of the oil or raw preparation. Aged garlic supplements have been shown to be particularly effective.

Echinacea works in a similar fashion to garlic, fighting bacteria, fungi and viruses. It stimulates the immune system by increasing production of the cells that attack infection. It can be taken in a liquid (3-4 mL), tablet (300 mg) or capsule (300 mg) form every 2 hours for the first day of an illness. It is then taken three times per day for 7-10 days. Echinacea should not be taken for more than 10 days.

You’ll probably find both cinnamon and honey in your kitchen cabinet. These can be combined to help a number of infections and illnesses.  The daily use of honey and cinnamon powder powers the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viruses by strengthening the white blood cells. Make sure you use pure, unpastuerized honey (raw honey) because pasteurization kills some of its active ingredients.

One teaspoon of lukewarm honey and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon once a day for 3 days will help your cough and cold and clear your sinuses. For a toothache, make a paste with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 5 teaspoons of honey. Apply to the painful area three times per day. Bladder germs are killed by 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 5 teaspoons of honey in 8 ounces of water.

For skin infections, eczema, ringworm, insect bites, and burns, use equal parts of cinnamon and honey to make a paste and apply as needed.

Acne can be helped with 3 tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon applied overnight and washed off of the next day. Do this daily for 2 weeks and to get deep inside the skin where acne starts.

It’s phenomenal that olive leaf can fight almost any type of infection — bacterial, viral, fungi and parasites. Use olive leaf extract capsules, 250 mg, three times per day with meals to treat the flu, colds, sinusitis, herpes, psoriasis and allergies.

Wild Indigo is a powerful natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory herb. It will help your sore throat, swollen glands, tonsillitis, bronchitis and mouth sores. Take 30-40 drops of the liquid, 3-4 times per day for up to 6 weeks. It also can be combined with echinacea.

In Part 2 of this article, I’ll tell you about some natural substances that have amazing healing properties when applied to the skin or mouth area.

[Ed. Note: Lisa Forgione, MD, is an Emergency Medicine Physician practicing in Wadesboro, North Carolina.  She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Forgione participated in the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and has received several Physicians Recognition Awards for teaching from the AMA and AAFP.]

“This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul.  For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com“

Educator Lori Steiner Talks about Aging and Bioidentical Hormones

by Barbara Minton, Natural Health Editor
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(NaturalNews) Proactive is a great way to describe Lori Steiner. When other women were lining up to get hormone substitution drugs in the late 1990s, Lori realized their dangers and began researching aging and bioidentical hormones. Having worked all her life as a teacher and administrator in the Los Angeles public schools, educating herself came naturally, and she ended up creating her own anti-aging program. Because bioidentical hormones are exact copies of the hormones made naturally in the body, they cannot be patented by the drug companies, and there is no media hype to sell women and doctors on how great they are. Much of what is known about them comes from the actual experiences of pioneering women like Lori, who has used bioidenticals for the past ten years. She has agreed to share her journey and conclusions about aging and bioidentical hormones with NaturalNews readers.

Barbara: Lori, I am thrilled that you have agreed to this interview. Tell us about the time period in your life when you made the decision to attend to your health in a big way. What were the motivating factors?

Lori: My interest was initially motivated when I watched helplessly as my own parents eroded from the ravages of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Their reliance on allopathic medicine and their lack of knowledge in the areas of natural healing and nutrition were contributing factors to their suffering. I was determined to carve out a totally different path for myself and my family. It was a gradual transformation. The cumulative effect is that I have developed a life long commitment to safeguard my health and the health of my family. I began voraciously researching all the available data on vitamins, nutrition, bioidentical hormones, and supplementation. My philosophy is that mind, zest for life, spirituality, health, and lifestyle are all so inextricably intertwined that one aspect cannot function independently of the others. All areas must be addressed, and all components must be ready for acceptance before a person is able to begin the journey.

In this journey I have found that the first line of defense against aging and disease is nutrition, wholesome food, and the elimination of harmful substances that are lurking in so much of the food consumed on a daily basis by an unsuspecting public. My parents suffered so much from health issues brought on by a lack of knowledge about the impact of nutrition on well being. My father died at the age of 62 from complications of diabetes. He became blind from the disease. My mother survived on coffee and something sweet to accompany it. Her focus was never food, and that was a negative. She had colon cancer before developing Alzheimer’s, and Western medicine did not have the answers to help either of them. I started to distrust doctors as I lived through the trauma with my family.

Gradually I began learning about the impact vitamins and minerals, from food primarily but also from supplements, have on health. As I began to raise my own family, nutrition became a major consideration. I believe, however, that it was when I began the transition to menopause that I escalated by efforts to protect my health in order to avoid ending up like all the horror stories I was hearing and reading about. I researched everything I could get my hands on. The message resounding loud and clear with me was “Let food be thy medicine.” I watched my weight, ate balanced meals, and prayed I wouldn’t suffer through menopause. Yet I knew I was changing in some strange way. I felt nervous and anxious every so often. It was then that I began to research the impact of declining hormones on emotional and physical well-being. I was also very concerned about the aging process, both the obvious outward manifestations as well as its effect on health and wellness. Being an educator and avid reader, I began to read all I could about the pros and cons of hormone replacement. At that point, I was on my way to taking full charge of my health, an action which ultimately has affected my appearance, the way I perceive myself, and the way others perceive me.

Barbara: At the time you decided on hormone replacement, hormone substitution drugs were extremely popular, and their detrimental effect on women was not yet known. What made you turn your back on this traditional form of hormone replacement and seek out someone who would prescribe bioidentical hormones?

Lori: My research convinced me, beyond a shadow of doubt, that bioidentical hormones were the way to ease the transition and that progesterone in particular helped maintain and build bone mass. I read the books of Dr. John Lee, then Harvard Medical School professor. His convincing arguments against synthetic hormones and in support of bioidenticals made tremendous sense to me. Yet with all my research, my gynecologist was of the conventional mind-set that upheld the drugs Premarin and Provera as the ultimate solution to the woes of menopause. This was ten years ago when mainstream medicine refused to recognize the efficacy of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (bHRT). I was scolded for my thinking, and chastised that I was being foolish and irrational to refuse hormone drugs. I was warned that my heart, bones, and brain would suffer the consequences of my ill-conceived ideas.

Just as I was finding it difficult to counter the wisdom of traditional medicine, I had the opportunity to hear the wife of television celebrity Judge Wopner speak. She had suffered a coronary while on synthetic hormones, and attributed this near-death experience to the very hormones her doctor had told her would protect her heart. She warned the audience, over a decade ago, not to take synthetic hormones. This was the impetus I needed to stand my ground. I felt empowered once again and certain I had made the correct decision despite the opposition of many medical professionals. This was three years before the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative that rocked traditional wisdom with evidence supporting the possibility that synthetic hormones increased the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and stroke in menopausal women.

Barbara: You are one of the true pioneers that have so much information to offer women who are contemplating these decisions today. What have you learned about bHRT along the way?

Lori: I have learned that bHRT must never be equated with hormone drug replacement (HRT), the first being a natural alternative, and the latter being a foreign element that the body rejects. If a doctor lumps these two vastly different approaches into the same category, it is time to fine a different doctor. I believe that declining hormones make a person more susceptible to the ravages of the aging process across the board, from skin elasticity to disease resistance. If hormones are replaced utilizing bioidenticals so that they approach youthful, pre-menopausal levels, the results can only assist in the journey to remain as vibrant as possible through the latter stages of life. Bioidenticals coupled with a healthy attitude toward nutrition, exercise, and sleep, will make each passing year something to look forward to. With each passing year I feel mature, but I am keeping aging at bay. Aging is not something I fear and dread. A sense of control is empowering in and of itself. Confidence in one’s well-researched conclusions and knowing that what feels right is right makes all the difference.

Barbara: What have you learned about the medical profession?

Lori: I have lost confidence in the vast majority of medical practitioners because their philosophy doesn’t match my own. It is unfortunate that we as Americans have medical insurance coverage that that benefits us only when we see doctors who promote pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry is propelled by greed and deception. Being that I hold firm to my beliefs in the powers of nature to prevent and cure disease, I approach any appointment with a doctor of Western or allopathic medicine in a way different from the average person. I am armed with knowledge and no longer intimidated if my belief is in opposition to the doctor’s. I have been able to utilize conventional physicians to get the blood tests that I want, and I keep my own records. Knowledge is so very powerful. I refuse to blindly accept the decisions of the medical community as the ultimate truth. The proponents of conventional medicine are dragging their feet when it comes to prevention of disease. My metamorphosis, though, did not happen overnight. It is a process that proves that experience is the best teacher. I hope to empower others to take responsibility so their later years can be as rewarding and fulfilling as they should be.

Barbara: How would you describe your current health status, including your looks and weight?

Lori: I am above all an extremely spiritual individual. Balance is the key to wellness, and this balance involves a synergy that radiates from a healthy mind, body, and spirit. I am in excellent health at the age of 61. My weight is optimal, and I look several years younger than my age. I’m not on an ago trip, but just stating a fact for which I am very grateful. My family is all important to me. If I forsake my health, I will not be able to reap the benefit of what my husband and I have created. I plan to enjoy life as long as I can. I believe it is imperative to pursue everything in as positive a light as possible. If you enjoy whatever you do, you will never work a day in your life. That is my philosophy. I love everything I do.

Barbara: Tell us about your health regimen

Lori: My health regimen is focused on prevention, so I live to protect and preserve by life and the lives of my family members. Because my first line of defense is nutrition, I focus on that. Raw, fresh, organic produce, free-range poultry, wild fish, and whole grains are the foods I purchase. I drink water as my primary beverage, and believe in a balanced diet. I eat super foods high in anti-oxidants, like blueberries and kale, and foods high in fiber, like kidney and black beans. I remember to include the good fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts, while excluding hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated products. I read labels and can identify ingredients that may be detrimental but have been renamed to appear innocuous. No artificial sweeteners. Safeguards include supplements which I research regularly. Exercise, adequate sleep, social interaction. I have periodic blood tests for monitoring purposes. And of course, my bioidentical hormones. I believe the merits of bHRT should be explored by both men and women who want to remain youthful in mind, body, and spirit. As of now, I believe bioidenticals will remain a lifelong commitment for me, and I will continue to be an advocate for bHRT.

Barbara: Sleep and sex seem to be the areas of greatest interest for women contemplating bioidenticals. When hormones are declining or out of balance, sleep becomes almost impossible. Sex becomes impossible too because of lack of interest and lack of physical response.

Lori: Yes, I can attest to the fact that hormones that are out of balance can make trying to sleep a nightmare. However, this was an issue for me only once in my life after the birth of my second child, when my hormones could not handle additional stress in my life. At that time, I was not aware that bioidenticals could help remedy such a situation, so I resorted to medicines that me doctor prescribed. In retrospect, how much quicker and easier a process this would have been had I known what I know today. Being that I have kept my hormones at pre-menopausal levels through menopause, I have not experienced any sleep issues since that time some 29 years ago.

As to sex, I remember when I was younger feeling bloated and sexually irritable one week out of every month. Therefore, I was not as cavalier in experimenting with hormones for the sake of reviving a rip-roaring sexual upheaval. I am pleased that I still have an interest in being sexy, looking attractive, and maintaining an interest in sex. I attribute this to not allowing testosterone to wane to the point where none of this mattered anymore. The wonderful part of bioidenticals is that they are natural and match as nearly as possible the hormones I once naturally produced. Symptomatically, one can tell if one’s hormones are too low. It shows up in mood, temperament, and appearance. Although bioidenticals may not be a panacea, they most assuredly should be a part of the equation for the woman looking to age slowly and gracefully, and to hold on to feelings of peace and tranquility while still maintaining a sexual side.

Barbara What advice can you give to women thinking about bHRT?

Lori My advice to any woman contemplating bioidenticals would be to find a knowledgeable anti-aging specialist and go for it, because there is everything to gain and nothing to lose. Ignore the rantings of traditional doctors who, like a broken record, repeat that they cannot condone bioidentical hormones for lack of adequate studies to prove they are safe. There should be no fear. If we wait for more research, it may very well be too late. The time to take charge of your future is now.

For more information see:

http://www.naturalnews.com/025340.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/025485.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/025301.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/025399.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/025407.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/025293.html

About the author

Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using “alternative” treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.

Help Depression Through Exercise

by Sheryl Walters, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) For a person with depression and anxiety, exercise may seem like something that is hard to include in an already difficult life. Depression often results in a lack of energy and increased feelings of tiredness, so the thought of getting ready, out the door, and exercising might seem overwhelming. However, exercise has been proven to be beneficial to mood and to help ease the symptoms of depression.

Research done at Michigan State University compared a group of non-exercising depressed women against a group of depressed women that exercised for thirty minutes two times per week. Inventories taken at three weeks and at the end of the nine week program showed that the women who exercised had a significant reduction in depression symptoms. The women who did not exercise had no change in their depression symptoms.

Research shows that regular exercise helps decrease feelings of depression and anxiety, improves sleep, and reduces stress. During exercise the body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are a “feel good” chemical. They act as an analgesic to reduce the perception of pain and also elicit a calming effect on the body. In addition to these emotional benefits you also receive the physical benefits of exercise such as strengthening your cardiovascular system, weight loss, decreased risk of diabetes, and many others.

Starting out with even small amounts of activity, a 10 minute walk for example, can improve mood. Increasing activity to 30 minutes three to five days a week has been shown to greatly reduce depression symptoms. A structured exercise program isn’t necessary - any activity that elevates heart rate is beneficial. Walking, gardening, golfing, dancing, and even vigorous housework are all examples of moderate exercise that can help. Forming an exercise support system is helpful both to stick to an exercise program and build relationships that are important in helping depression. Some people find that joining a group exercise class or walking with a friend helps greatly.

When starting an exercise program consider factors that will increase your chances of being consistent. Choose an activity you love; if you don’t enjoy the exercise you are doing it is much more likely that you will not stick with it. Schedule exercise into your day and make it just as important as any other appointment. Make sure that you schedule your exercise session during a time when you feel most energetic; if you are not a morning person don’t schedule yourself for an early morning walk.

Sources:

-Why exercise helps depression (http://bps-research-digest.blogspot…)

-Exercise and depression (http://www.webmd.com/depression/gui…)

-Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/de…)

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous.
And her latest website www.raiselibido.com offers a vast quantity of information on how to increase sex drive and enjoy a vibrant sex life.

Women in Unhappy Marriages Hit by Physical Health Problems

by Reuben Chow, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) Natural healers and even segments of the conventional medical community recognize the crucial role which emotional wellbeing and positive inter-personal relationships play in the balance between good health and disease. In fact, some even believe that toxic relationships and emotional patterns could sometimes or often be the main cause of ill-health. Along these lines, a recent study which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Chicago has found that while an unhappy marriage can make both husband and wife depressed, the women were more likely to also suffer from physical health issues arising from their depression - what they suffered was a number of symptoms clustered under a condition called “metabolic syndrome“.

Previous studies have already drawn a link between distressed marriages and poorer health. For example, a recent US study had found that marriage problems were linked to poorer breast cancer recovery outcomes for women (Read more at http://www.naturalnews.com/025410.html). This latest study, though, went a little deeper, investigating the possible role of depression in the disease process.

Details and Findings of Study

The study team had communicated with 276 couples via questionnaires on various aspects of their marriages, including positive ones such as mutual support and sharing, as well as negative ones such as arguments, hostile feelings and disagreements. The study subjects, who were aged 32 to 76 (median age 54), were also asked about symptoms of depression. On average, the couples had been married for more than 27 years, and most were in their first marriage.

According to the study team, which was led by Nancy Henry, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Utah, the negativity of the unhappy marriages contributed to depression, which was then linked with the physical symptoms that were part of metabolic syndrome. These include high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, unhealthy cholesterol profiles, belly fat, and high levels of blood sugar, which are risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Interestingly, though, while men in unhappy marriages were as likely as their female counterparts to be hit by depression, the link with physical health issues only applied to the women in the study. Although the exact reason was not clear, according to Henry, this could be because women may be more affected by the marriage problems than men.

One thing to note about the study is that most of the subjects may be Mormons, and would thus be less likely than persons practicing other religions to get a divorce. This means they are more likely to stick through unhappy unions.

Another researcher looking into similar areas, Debra Umberson, a professor of sociology at the University of Texas in Austin, found similar negative effects of unhappy marriages on health. The difference between men and women, however, was not evident in her research. “Basically, we find that marital strain undermines the health of men and women,” she said. According to her, it was possible that the men in the Utah study may have encountered health problems in other areas.

Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist and the medical director of New York University’s Women’s Heart Program, summed up the importance of the Utah study’s findings when she said: “I think we’ve got to get used to the fact that a toxic relationship is toxic to your whole health.”

Improving Marriage Health and Emotional Wellbeing

What, then, should those in unhappy marriages do? Each of the experts had something useful to offer.

Firstly, Umberson pointed out the importance of finding the right partner. “Choose your partner carefully. A strained marriage is bad for your health,” she said. And she added that those who were already in problematic marriages should focus on confliction reduction.

Henry also said that divorce was not necessarily the answer. “We can’t really say ‘Dump your spouse, and you’ll be fine,’” she said. She added that there were many other factors which played a part in health, and that the more pertinent question was whether we wanted to treat physical symptoms, or look at the patient as a whole person.

Regarding looking at patients holistically, Goldberg concurred. A couple of tips she gave to improve emotional health were being in supportive environments and undertaking delegation. “You can’t have a to-do list with 20 things on it if you can only do five,” she said. Exercise also helps for stress reduction, while those who need help should seek counseling. “Talk to someone,” she said.

These are simple pieces of advice which could go a long way.

References

Bad Marriages Harder on Women’s Health (http://health.usnews.com/articles/h…)

Unhappily ever after: Why bad marriages hurt women’s health (http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/…)

Distressed Marriages Negatively Affect Breast Cancer Recovery (http://www.naturalnews.com/025410.html)

About the author

Reuben Chow has a keen interest in natural health and healing as well as personal growth. His website, All 4 Natural Health, offers a basic guide on natural health information. It details simple, effective and natural ways, such as the use of nutrition, various herbs, herb remedies, supplements and other natural remedies, to deal with various health conditions as well as to attain good health. His other websites also cover topics such as depression help, inspiration, as well as cancer research and information.

Increasing Fruits and Vegetables Leads to Permanent Weight Loss

by Barbara Minton, Natural Health Editor

(NaturalNews) Although most Americans find their waistlines expanding with each year, a few manage to stay slender and trim throughout their lives. These are the ones who capture attention and never seem to look their ages. How they do it was the subject of a recent Consumer Reports investigation that sought to determine if these people were genetically gifted, or whether they were in possession of a magic secret resembling the fountain of youth. The study found that getting a large part of nutrition from fruits and vegetables played a big part in keeping these people trim and youthful.

Eat more fruits and vegetables to reach and maintain ideal weight

Consumer Reports National Research Center asked subscribers to their magazine about their lifetime weight history and their eating, dieting, and exercising habits. A total of 21,632 readers completed the survey which identified three key groups: people who were never overweight during their lives, people who were once overweight but have kept themselves at least ten percent lighter for the last three years, and people who were overweight and would like to lose but are still close to their heaviest weight. The always thin people made up 16% of the sample, and the successful losers were 15% of the sample. Failed dieters made up 42%, with the rest not fitting into any category.

The group that had always been thin included a tiny 3% who said they never exercised and ate whatever they wanted. The rest of the always thin group was a lot like those in the successful losers group. This statistic belies the notion that people who have always been thin have some sort of hereditary advantage.

An analysis of the data revealed six key behaviors shared by the always thin and successful losers groups. These behaviors were defined by Consumer Reports as correlating highly with a healthy body mass index (BMI). Leading the list was the eating of fruits and vegetables. 49% of the always thin and successful losers groups said they ate five or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables for at least five days out of a week.

What about fruits and vegetables allows people to achieve a healthy BMI? Fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in volume, and high in critically important nutrients. They provide the feeling of satiety that goes with fullness. When the stomach is filled with high volume foods that are not high in calories, there is less room to pack in more calorie dense foods.

Fruits and vegetables help weight loss by reducing energy density

A recent study from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Pennsylvania State University studied the relationship of energy density to dietary outcome. They found that lowering the energy density by increasing the volume without changing nutrient content can enhance satiety and reduce energy intake at a meal. Satiation was shown to be influenced by energy density when the portions of macronutrients were constant. Since people tend to eat a consistent weight of food, when the energy density of the food is reduced, energy intake is also reduced. The effects of considering energy density have been seen across broad ranges of adults as well as in children. Both population based studies and long term clinical trials have shown that reducing the energy density of the diet by the addition of fruits and vegetables was associated with substantial weight loss even when people were not told to restrict calories. This study is from the March 19 edition of Physiology and Behavior.

Substituting beans and lentils for meat is a great way to lower the energy density of a meal. The calories are about the same, but beans and lentils are high in fiber. Beans and lentils are more filling than meat because a quarter pound of beans has a greater volume than a quarter pound of meat.

Fruits and vegetables are nutrient packed

Eating fruits and vegetables can turn off cravings for other types of foods and short circuit the food addiction cycle, helping to provide a boost to weight loss efforts. Nature has built into each of us the desire to eat because eating provides the body with the nutrition to function and maintain itself. If people choose to eat foods that do not contain the nutrients needed, the body will continue to send the signal that more eating is needed. Fruits and vegetables are nutrition powerhouses containing the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, antioxidants and protein needed for good health and avoidance of disease. When they are eaten, the body is satisfied and the signal to continue eating is extinguished.

The average person in American eats a diet containing only 8% fruits and vegetables. This does not provide nearly enough nutrition to extinguish the signal to eat more. If the other 92% of food eaten consists of nutrient poor processed foods or anything claiming to be low carb or low fat, the signal to keep on eating remains strong. To get real impact on weight and health, intake of fruits and vegetables must be drastically increased. Fruits and vegetables should make up the largest single block of food in the diet, with other foods added in small amounts. People increasing their fruit and vegetable intake while lowering the intake of foods deficient in nutrients will begin to see a difference in their weight and their energy levels.

Choose fruits and vegetables by their color

To gain full spectrum nutrition, eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables at every meal. Here are the superstars of nutrition in each color group:

Super greens: These vegetables should make up the foundation of your daily vegetable intake. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, turnip greens, mustard and collard greens, and deep green lettuces, are high in folate, a B vitamin that shows promising results in preventing heart disease. They are treasure chests of detoxifying chlorophyll. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a potent phytochemical found in all cruciferous vegetables that has been found able to detoxify carcinogens before they do damage to the body. Sulforaphane is also a potent antioxidant with a life in the body of up to three days, vastly surpassing many other antioxidants in staying power. Broccoli sprouts are the best source of supforaphane.

Super reds: Red fruits and vegetables are chocked full of lycopene, the carotenoid that offers high levels of protection against prostate cancer. Find lycopene in red bell peppers, watermelon, pink or red grapefruit, and tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes contain much greater levels of lycopene than tomatoes eaten raw. Red cabbage is full of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in Vitamins C and K, and has all the anti-cancer benefits of other cruciferous vegetables. And don’t forget to include red beans. They are one of the best sources of molybdenum and are loaded with protein.

Super oranges: Orange fruits and vegetables are high in beta carotene, notable for its ability to prevent cancers of the lung, esophagus and stomach. They lower risk of heart disease and boost the immune system to keep infections away and make sure cancers don’t get started. Carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, pumpkins and oranges are the main representatives in this group. Each offers a unique profile of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are extremely rich in carotenoids and can be eaten by people allergic to nightshade alkaloids.

Super purples: Grapes, blueberries, prunes, and eggplant are the main representatives of the purples. They are known cancer fighters. The anthocyanins providing their distinctive color also give these foods the ability to ward off heart disease by preventing clot formation. Lutein, a carotenoid found in blueberries, reduces the risk of heart disease and stoke and guards against age-related macular degeneration. Prunes are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants lead the fight against aging.

Super whites: Potatoes, white beans, cauliflower, mushrooms, bananas, onions and garlic are each unique in what they have to offer. Potatoes offer more potassium than just about any other food. Bananas provide energy boosting natural sugars along with Vitamins B6 and C. White beans offer lots of fiber and high quality protein along with a broad spectrum of minerals. Mushrooms are good vegetable source of Vitamin D. Onions and garlic are legendary for their ability to fight cancer, heart disease, and increase the overall antioxidant level of the body.

Super browns: This category is all about beans and lentils. These are foods with some of the highest levels of protein in the vegetable kingdom. Add some rice or corn and this protein is perfect for humans. Pintos and lentils are great sources of manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, and Vitamin B1. Their high fiber content keeps cholesterol levels right where they should be.

Upping the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet is easy

Look at the list of super fruits and vegetables and pick out the ones you really like. Phase in your favorites at first and slowly phase out the processed foods and meat. You don’t have to give them up entirely, because your goal is simply to make fruits and vegetables a greater part of your diet. Once you begin eating more of them, you will find that you no longer have cravings. Even the craving for sugar and other sweets will be stilled by the delicious sweet taste of the fruits you choose. Try visiting a salad bar for lunch or dinner and filling your plate with a multitude of colors. As you add more and more fruits and vegetables you will build up your nutrient reserves and start to feel really great. The extra energy you have may even increase your interest in exercise. Replacing many meat and dairy products with fruits and vegetables will help you quickly lose any unwanted pounds. After awhile it will be you who looks young and captures attention.

For more information see:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/…

http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekl…

http://www.peertrainer.com/diet/why…

About the author

Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using “alternative” treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.

If I Had To Pick Just One…

By Dr. Bill Stillwell

If I were asked to pick just one supplement for optimal joint health, I would have to go with fish oil.

Why fish oil? Well, fish oil contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), commonly referred to as omega-3 fatty acids or just omega-3’s. These omega-3 PUFAs have a number of beneficial effects on the body, including the joints.

In any type of arthritis, pain comes from two main sources:

1. Exposed and irritated nerves in the bone which are vulnerable to friction and chemical irritants when the protective cartilage layer is destroyed.
2. Inflammation which causes the synovial membrane of the joint to swell, grow, and produce excessive amounts of joint fluid (”water on the knee”).

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation by interfering with the production of inflammation-producing chemicals which stimulate pain nerves in the tissues.

While it is true that there are some vegetarian sources of omega-3’s like walnuts, flaxseed (linseed) oil, canola oil, soybean oil, etc., all of these are short chain polyunsaturated acids which must be converted by the body into longer chain PUFAs to be useful.   Since fish oil already contains long chain PUFAs, it’s the best dietary source.

In fact, fish oil is so effective, that some studies have shown that it can relieve pain symptoms even in cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).   RA is a serious autoimmune condition that can affect joints and soft tissues throughout the entire body.

One study showed that fish oil reduced morning stiffness and joint tenderness and increased the effectiveness of NSAIDs in patients with RA.¹ Another study suggested that the long-term use of fish oil (over 12 weeks at 6 grams a day) may decrease the need for NSAIDs and other RA medications.^2,3

Finally, a recent Australian study showed that fish oil reduced the use of NSAIDs by 75% in RA patients and reduced inflammation-causing chemicals by up to 41%.⁴

When you add these benefits to the others known to be associated with fish oil like lowering triglycerides, “thinning” the blood (reducing the risk of clots), and benefitting both the heart and brain (60% of the brain is fat and half of that is DHA), there is no doubt that it’s the king of joint supplements.

When taking fish oil supplements, it is also a good idea to take vitamin E (3 mg for every 1 gram of fish oil) to protect against oxidation.⁵ A garlic supplement can also be taken to prevent increased levels of LDL cholesterol.

References

1. Mayo Clinic, National Standard Patient Monograph 2008.
2. Geusens, P et al. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 37:824-829, 1994.
3. Kremer, JM et al. Ann Int Med. 106:497-503, 1987.
4. Darlington, LG and Stone, TW, Brit J Nutr. 85:251-269, 2001.
5. Cleland, LG et al. J Rheum. on-line, 2006.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Bill is William Thomas Stillwell, MD, FACS, FICS, FAAOS, FAANAOS, FAAPGS, a board certified orthopaedic surgical specialist, President and CEO of Dr. Bill's Clinic, Inc. and author of the new healing program, How to Avoid  Knee  Surgery. To learn more, click here.]

“This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul.  For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com“

Three Tips for a Sexier Chest

By Jon Benson

What guy doesn’t want a better chest? Greater tone, a bit more size, perhaps more fullness… it is every man’s dream.

And ladies, you too can really benefit from stronger chest muscles.  Training the upper chest can have a slight breast augmentation effect… and at a cost that no surgeon can touch.

The chest is one of the attributes of a “man’s man”, at least according to a survey published in Men’s Health on what women find sexy about men. And women can also increase their attractiveness to men simply by looking more fit.

But that’s not all.  A survey conducted in preparation for National Orgasm Day (who knew?) revealed that eight out of ten women increased their orgasm frequency and intensity through just three days a week of strength training.

Maybe that infamous line from Arnold Schwarzenegger in Pumping Iron isn’t such a put-on after all.  While “the pump” you get from weight training may not be “as good as [having an orgasm]”, as Arnold proclaimed, the benefits can definitely help both men and women enjoy their lives to a fuller extent in every area. That includes the bedroom. And, as fate would have it, weight training for most people centers around the chest.

But there is a challenge for beginners.  Most weight trainees do not know how to work their chest for maximum progress. Since I am all about getting the best results in the least amount of time, I’d like to share three quick tips that anyone can apply to achieve a better chest with less time in the gym.

1. Think “Contraction” and “Explosion”

A major problem with chest training is that most people cannot feel the muscles as well as they should. A lot of guys just “bench” and call it a day. Bad idea. Most men are not structurally suited for bench presses. The ones that are, gain size and fullness easily from bench pressing. The rest of us, myself included, need to be a bit more clever in our approach.

My suggestion is to either opt for dumbbells with your palms facing in toward your head or use a Smith Machine for all chest work. Palms-in dumbbell presses are not commonly seen, but you should try it if you want to protect your shoulders.

The rotator cuff is always susceptible to injury during pressing movements. However, turning your palms in (obviously not possible with barbell movements) takes most of the strain off the rotator cuff region. This tip was given to me by an orthopedic surgeon many years ago, and I credit it to saving my once-ailing left shoulder.

Now that your shoulders are better protected, you should lower the weight slowly (about 3-4 seconds down) and then explode up. Force a hard contraction at the top of the movement. Squeeze the chest muscles, then lower the weight slowly again. You will find you will not be able to press as much, but who cares? Are you after a better chest or a bigger ego?

2. The 4/8 Bulgarian Method

For intermediate and advanced trainees, try alternating sets of four reps with sets of eight reps. Warm up by gradually increasing the weight. Then do four hard reps in the same style as described above.

Do not go past failure. Lower the weight by 30%, rest only 45 seconds, and try for eight reps. Rest for 1-2 minutes, then repeat. Only two cycles of these Bulgarian-style supersets are needed.

3. Decline Cable Crossovers

The “Iron Guru” Vince Gironda claimed this was the best movement for the lower pectoral line. I tend to agree. Take a decline bench and situate it between two opposing cable machines. Most gyms have cable machines set up for just this kind of movement. Put the bench at a slight decline… nothing too steep.

Then, using relatively light weight, perform a crossover movement. Your elbows are slightly bent as you pull the cables to the lower part of your chest, slightly crossing them at that point. Lower slowly, and be sure to think “contraction” the entire way through.

Apply these three tips and your chest will become a thing of beauty.

[Ed. Note: Jon Benson is a lifecoach and nutrition counselor who specializes in helping individuals discover a life-altering mind/body connection. His work in the field of fitness and mental empowerment has helped thousands rediscover their youthful body and positive outlook. Discover how you can do the same by, click here.]

“This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul.  For a complimentary subscription,
visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com“

Break Out the Coconut Oil: It is Good for You

by Amie Sugat, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) If you could make one change in your current diet which would positively affect all other areas of your life, would you do it? If you knew that just three tablespoons of a saturated fat would positively benefit your current health condition, would you take those three tablespoons of medicine?

The Secret Fountain of Youth

The secret Fountain of Youth, of health and longevity, has been located. No, it`s not actually water, but the fountain-like tree of the Coconut Palm or Cocos nucifera, which is a member of the Arecaceae family. This family also includes the famous acai fruit, dates, and other drupe fruits which are popular in tropical and subtropical regions.

Many common products and foods are derived from the palm family. In fact, all through history palms have become symbols of life, victory, peace, fertility, and sustenance. The Coconut Palm, in particular, is often called the tree of life in the many cultures which rely on it for sustenance. Virtually every part of the Coconut Palm is used for something - from roof thatch to boats, from clothing to firewood, from garden mulch to a variety of culinary uses. In Sanskrit the name is kalpa vriksha, which means “the tree which provides all the necessities of life.” While those in Malay refer to it as pokok seribu guna, or “tree of a thousand uses.” In the Philippines, the coconut is affectionately termed “The Tree Of Life.”

Wherein Coconut is The Main Course

If a person were to take a look at the countries in which coconut oil and milk were staples of the diet, they would notice that those who have not adopted any part of a western diet are beautiful and robust. If you were to take a trip to Sri Lanka, where coconut products are used in every meal and the population consumes an average of 120 coconuts per year, you would notice the health and fitness of the inhabitants. A little more research would show you that merely one or two deaths of every 1,000 are contributed to heart disease, compared to heart disease in America, which contributes to nearly half of all deaths.

Other countries which rely heavily on coconut include most parts of India, the Philippines, and most islands of the Pacific. You would notice that these people who have not adopted the modern Western diet - which contains unsaturated margarine and vegetable oils - and who consume this saturated fat of the coconut oil also have low instances of any major illnesses. Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and many other common complaints of the Western World are virtually nonexistent. Their secret is coconut oil.

When people of these regions have adopted the Western diet, researchers have found that the instances of these diseases became comparably close to that of Americans. In fact, a major study was performed on the remote islands of Pukapuka and Tokelau. The entire populations of these islands took part in the study. Before the study, coconut oil, milk, and meat was the main staple in the diet contributing to 60% or more of the populations` daily intake of calories from fat, while the American Heart Association only recommends that up to 30% of daily calories consumed come from fat and that no more than 10% of that fat should be saturated.

Despite this recommendation, those populations were consuming 50% of their calories are from saturated fat from coconut products. Yet, these people showed no evidence of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, or any other immunological or degenerative disease common in the Western World. In fact, atherosclerosis and arthritis were not even heard of!

When researchers had half the population in the study begin eating a Western diet, they began to develop the disease found in the Western world within days to weeks of adopting the new Western diet. When they returned to their traditional coconut-based diet, the diseases disappeared.

The Right Kind of Fat

Make no mistake; this article is not discussing hydrogenated coconut oil. Refined and/or hydrogenated coconut oil, just like other refined or hydrogenated oils, should never be consumed. Refined or hydrogenated oils of any kind contain harmful metals and toxins as well as nonmetabolizable and indigestible fats, which promote diseases. When you hear reports about studies which claim that coconut oil does raise cholesterol levels and promote heart disease, they are leaving out the crucial point that the study was done with hydrogenated coconut oil.

No, this article is discussing pure, unrefined, organic, coconut oil. Dozens of studies over the past few decades have shown that natural coconut oil, the organic extra virgin kind, has no adverse effects on cholesterol levels. In fact, researchers have found quite the opposite is true. The fact is if unrefined coconut oil was the cause of disease, then these countries which rely heavily on it would show evidence of disease. In reality, quite the opposite is true.

Bad Publicity

Unfortunately, the fallacy of the reported negative research has slipped up many reporters and by and large the misinformed writers, healthcare professionals, and the public. While the reports were accurate, the conveyed information left out that refined and hydrogenated coconut oil was used in the studies, which developed diseases in the participants. This problem is compounded because everybody recites and repeats each others` false statements. If the public and health care professionals were only to read the new research and the full reports, they would find that they were in the dark ages of nutritional knowledge. So, if you hear about negative aspects of coconut oil and product, realize that the person is misinformed and kindly do some research of your own.

On the other hand, research performed with unrefined coconut oils resulted in some amazing findings. People who consumed the unrefined and non-hydrogenated coconut oils were healthier at the end of the study than those who consumed the refined and hydrogenated coconut and/or vegetable oils or a low fat diet. Manufacturers have become so pleased with the health benefits of coconut oil that they have begun to use it as a “secret” ingredient in their baby formulas and adult nutrition formulas used in hospitals for tube feeding. Research has now confirmed that coconut oil is one of the most nutritious and healthful foods available. It is recommended to everyone, including those with health problems, to include unrefined coconut oil into their diets daily.

The Miracle Non-Nut

While coconuts are called nuts, they are not actually nuts. Rather, they are the monocot seed of the palm family. It is rare that anyone has allergies or adverse reactions to the coconut. So rare, in fact, that none have been reported. However, many report the positive reactions they have felt from the coconut. Those who have diabetes have reported lower blood sugar counts. Those which have high cholesterol have reported lowered cholesterol. Those who experience lethargy or low body temperatures have reported their energy levels rising and their body temperature normalizing.

Even those experiencing common addictions have reported quitting smoking and drinking without even realizing it. Those who suffer from obesity have reported a reduction in food cravings and astounding weight-loss of around 2 pounds per week. They claim that the weight melts right off!

How much do you need to take to receive health benefits? The recommended daily dosage is three tablespoons. Of course, you can feel free to take more than that. Coconut oil is heat-stable oil. You can cook with it, fry with it, bake with it and even eat it right out of the jar. It is a delicious butter replacement and melts easily onto your toast. It adds a delicious, light flavor to everything it complements.

Since it is solid at room temperature and liquid at body temperature, it is shelf stable for months, even years, in the right conditions. Unlike other oils, even olive oil, it does not develop cancer-causing chemicals at moderately high heat. So, go ahead, replace your butter and cooking oil. You can even replace your favorite skin cream and lotion. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and provides excellent health benefits both outside and in.

Resources:

1. Eat Fat, Look Thin By Bruce Fife
http://www.piccadillybooks.com/eat-…

2. Wikipedia: Coconut
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut

3. Wikipedia: Arecaceae
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecaceae

4. The Coconut Diet By Banahaw Health Products Corp.
http://www.coconutdiet.com/

5. Nutiva Nourishing People & Planet
Coconut Info Page
http://nutiva.com/coconutinfo.php

About the author

Amie Sugat is a journalist and writer who is passionate about health and the natural treatment of dis-ease.
Her passion for health started at an early age and has lead her through an education in herbology, natural health and nutrition, natural skin care, health and wellness support through proper nutrition, and has resulted in her being ghost writer for companies and natural health doctors (NHD) around the country.
In 2001 she began her education and career as a writer and journalist. She currently covers other topics in addition to those relating to natural health and wellness and these can be found on her blogs.
Amie does not accept payment to write about health and wellness companies or products, although she does ghost write for a few websites as a website content developer. When she isn’t writing, she can be found cooking or studying health related books and following health related news stories. Currently she is working on starting up her own online business in addition to landing her dream position, writing for Natural News!
Check out her main blog at: http://amiesugat.wordpress.com/
Her Health Blog:
http://amiesamazinghealth.blogspot.com/

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