Osteoporosis & Grandparent Guilt

Osteoporosis affects over 10 million people in North America. Two million of these are men. Osteopenia, a reduction in bone mass that usually occurs before osteoporosis, affects over 44 million people, 32% of whom are men. One out of every two women and one in four men age 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Each year, 80,000 men have a hip fracture and one-third of these men die within a year.Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including approximately:
300,000 hip fractures
700,000 vertebral fractures
250,000 wrist fractures
And more than 300,000 fractures at other sites. No wonder many grandparents are hesitant to lift their grandchildren!Grandparent guilt...

The issue of grandparent guilt has been discussed for many years. It arises when a grandparent cannot do the things he or she feels is necessary to fulfill their role. Concerns like osteoporosis, arthritis and even incontinence are listed as common reasons for not fully engaging with grandchildren.Watching the exuberance of youth reminds us of a time in our life when we were more carefree. An old Chinese proverb says, “Even the old horse in the stable yearns to run.” This wistful longing for a body that matches the mind (forever 19) can lead to melancholia and guilt. But guilt is not necessarily a bad thing.
Benefits of guilt
Guilt is a very misunderstood emotion. Feelings of guilt often arise from unrealistic expectations that we set for ourselves or that others set for us. So it's important to examine what's expected within the context of our life. We can use guilt constructively to remedy situations we feel badly about. Guilt can prompt us to change our behavior. For example, do you believe that aerobic exercise and resistance training could benefit you? Guilt concerning what you should do, what you are able to do and what you have been doing may prompt you to intensify your efforts to exercise more. This will leave you happier, healthier and more able to engage with those rambunctious kids – a very good result!Use this technique to examine other aspects of your life as well. Ask yourself:
What do I want?
Why do I want it?
What’s so important?
What should I do?
What will I do?
When will I do it?
Who will support me as I meet this new challenge?
Foundation for longevity
A few helpful hints from centenarians (people over 100 years of age) can help us all stay engaged with grandchildren and others as we go through life:
Reduce stress
Stay connected with other people
Cultivate optimism
Watch your diet
Exercise: even a little helps
Floss your teeth
Proper supplementation aids vitality as well:
Bone Builder for strong bones
Sublingual B-12 for brain health
Vital C for antioxidant and immune support
OmegaPrime to help increase circulation and reduce inflammation

Conclusion
Another old Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” (literally, “from where you stand”). Use that twinge of guilt to awaken you to greater possibilities for yourself and those you love. Decide what you want and why you want it. Then, take the first step!

The Controversies of Antibiotic Use

Many people are alive today because of antibiotics. And the lives of many people have been improved by the use of antibiotic medication. However, it is also important to understand that even appropriate use of antibiotics can damage your body.Here are some steps you can take to repair your system following antibiotic use and how taking a prebiotic/probiotic supplement with each meal may help reduce the likelihood of future infections.
Weed, seed & feed
To improve any terrain it is often necessary to remove weeds and unwanted plants. The same is true in the human terrain: In extreme cases we may need to remove certain pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria from our system in order to establish a baseline upon which to build a healthy immune system.Once “weeds” in the form of disease-producing bacteria, parasites, yeasts and other microbes have been removed, the system needs to be “re-seeded” with probiotics. Probiotics are any of the 300 to 400 different bacteria that live inside us and promote health. Many of these have names you will recognize such as Lactobaccilus acidophilus. Fermented foods carry many good bacteria with known health benefits. To encourage these health-producing bacteria to colonize (settle down and raise a family) they need to be fed regularly. Good bacteria thrive on healthy fiber and starches called prebiotics. A prebiotic is anything that supports the healthy growth of good bacteria. Examples of common foods rich in prebiotic fibers include okra, parsnips and artichokes.

Critical steps: People who vigorously apply the 10 Essentials have a reduced risk of infection. However, those who live an imbalanced life are more at risk or prone to infection; they are said to be in the “pool of susceptibility.” That is, they are susceptible to infection. To take oneself out of the pool of susceptibility we need to follow some simple steps:
Breathe deeply 20 minutes daily
Drink pure water: ½ your body weight in ounces
Sleep peacefully 7 ½ to 9 hours each night
Eat nutritious food: 5, 7 or 9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily
Enjoy activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
Cultivate healthy emotional and spiritual relationships
Seize your sense of purpose – your many purposes in life If you are recovering from antibiotic use you may add prebiotic fiber and probiotic bacteria such as those found in Digestive Complex.Caution needed

There is a dark side to antibiotic use: resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria develop when antibiotics are over-used or improperly used. Antibiotic-resistant microbes colonize and serve as reservoirs of disease. Antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis, pneumonia and meningitis epidemics have killed thousands of people and threaten to kill millions more in the coming decades. Dr. Jim Wilde, chief investigator of the misuse of antibiotics for the National Institutes of Health in concert with the Centers for Disease Control, states that many antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. This is because our own immune system can respond adequately to kill the infection and restore balance.

So, take yourself out of the pool of susceptibility by vigorously applying the 10 Essentials, eating foods rich in prebiotic fibers and taking probiotics as necessary.

Diabetes and the Glycemic Index

There is no doubt that type 2 diabetes is an epidemic in North America. Every year the number of people with this disease rises dramatically – and it does not appear to be slowing down.
How can we protect ourselves against this trend?
It is only with the vigorous application of the 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness.
Essential #4 encourages us to eat nutritiously. This requires a little education concerning the difference between a nutritious food and an “empty calorie.” Much of the information about the way particular foods impact diabetes is found in the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
Several years ago a group of researchers decided to create a chart based on the impact of carbohydrates on a person’s blood sugar. This would help people with diabetes select foods that would have the least impact on their disease.
The Glycemic Index (GI) measures the impact of foods on blood sugar when compared to pure sugar: glucose. The higher the GI number, the greater the impact on blood sugar and the worse a food was supposed to be for a person with diabetes. Later, the GI was used as a tool for weight loss and cardiovascular health.Glycemic Load is a way of refining the information of the Glycemic Index to find a truer nutritional value for food. For instance, the Glycemic Index may rate the carbohydrate value in a food as very high. This would seem to make the food unacceptable for people who want to restrict sugar. The Glycemic Load gives us a more global value of your food beyond sugar content.Glycemic Load takes into account the fiber, fat and water content of a food.
Let’s take the example of parsnips:
Parsnips are creamy-colored root vegetables in the carrot family. They are delicious and have therapeutic value as well. Parsnips have a GI rating of 97, compared with pure glucose at 100. That would seem to make parsnips “bad” – unacceptable as a healthy carbohydrate source. However, parsnips contain so much fiber and water, as well as protein and fats, that they have only a tiny impact on the total load of carbohydrates (the Glycemic Load). Because of their protein and fat, they help keep your appetite satisfied for so long that you may even eat less at your next meal. So, parsnips are really very healthful despite their high GI number. Potatoes have become taboo in most low-carb diets. Yet, potatoes have attributes similar to parsnips. They are good for you as long as you don’t deep-fry them and load them with bacon, sour cream, gravy, cheese and other high-calorie, high-fat condiments.Compound carbohydrates – the true “bad” carbsThough many fruits and vegetables are high on the Glycemic Index they are “good” complex carbs because they are low in Glycemic Load. Refined starches, such as pastries, pastas, pudding and pancakes, as well as gravies and similar sauces are a different story.
These foods: Contain low amounts of water and fiber
Contain high amounts of “bad” carbohydrates and bad fats
Quickly turn to sugar in your bloodstream
Trigger insulin and inflammation
Increase your risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes These are truly sources of “bad” carbohydrates. They are examples of “compound” carbohydrates: foods which have been processed beyond recognition from their original whole food sources. They are never good in any amount.
Diabetes epidemicIn conclusion, the way to place yourself in the lowest risk category for type 2 diabetes is to eat whole foods which minimally impact your blood sugar. But that’s not all; did you know that stress alone may cause diabetes? Breathing deeply breaks the cycle of stress. And, since type 2 diabetes and obesity are related, getting enough sleep is essential. Add in the lessons from all 10 Essentials and you have a bulwark of protection against the epidemic of type 2 diabetes.

The Power of Nopalea

The power of Nopal cactus Nopalea (Nō-pah lay’ uh) blends antioxidant-rich Nopal cactus superfruit with naturally sweet Agave nectar to bring you a deliciously unique concentrated wellness drink. Harnessing the power of betalains, a rare and powerful class of antioxidants that flourishes in the Nopal fruit, Nopalea delivers scientifically proven health benefits.

The purity of premium fruit Nopalea uses only the freshest Nopal cactus fruit and preserves its antioxidant potency in our state-of-the-art facility. We carefully harvest the fruit using sustainable wildcrafting techniques that have been practiced in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years.

The strength to heal and thrive Nopalea is a natural, low-calorie concentrated wellness drink that helps you live a healthier life.

Drink Nopalea daily to help:
Protect against premature aging
Reduce inflammation
Promote optimal cellular health
Detoxify the body

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What to Look for on Food Labels

Many people have asked which is better for weight loss: low fat or low carb?
Well, that question has finally been answered: neither… and both!
As it turns out, calories are the key. Whether they are from fat or carbohydrate is not as important as the total number of them. To lose weight and keep it off, we simply must adhere to the simple rule of “calories in, calories out.”Be cautious about cravingsOur bodies were designed to communicate nutrient needs through cravings. Our bodies need protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber and water to be healthy. These are called macro-nutrients because they are large categories of food that contain smaller categories called micronutrients. A micronutrient is something we need in a very small quantity, like salt (sodium). We crave what we need.Food manufacturers create products to tempt these cravings the way a fisherman uses a lure to catch a fish. We can be induced to buy one food over the other because of added ingredients.
Three common additives that tempt our taste buds:
Sugar
Fat
Salt Salt has its own issues (see link below) but sugar and fat are often hidden sources of calories.Hidden calories
Are you watching your calorie intake?
Use these tips when looking at labels:
Watch out for added-sugar foods. Recommendations for carbohydrate intake range from 60 to 250 grams daily for the average adult. These carbohydrates should come from whole foods to avoid the “empty calories” of added sugar. If the label lists “sugar” as an ingredient, select another food without the added sugar.
Watch out for added-fat and high-fat foods. Fat contains very few nutrients. While it is a good source of energy, a little goes a long way. Protein and carbs contain four calories per gram, yet fat contains a whopping nine calories per gram. Fat is often added to improve the “mouth-feel” of foods. If a label lists the daily value (DV) at 20% or higher, it is a high-fat food. The DV should be between 2% and 10% for a single serving. Never eat trans-fats.ConclusionAs with most elements of life, selecting your diet is both a science and an art. Take a little time to learn the science behind food selections and then you can enjoy the endless, artistic variety of foods. Remember, moderation is the key!

Weight Loss with Leanology

What makes Leanology capsules so great?



Leanology weight loss capsules provide nutrients, instead of stimulants, to assist you in your weight loss goals. Moreover, the effectiveness of our weight loss capsules has been confirmed through a clinical study. During the four months of this study, participants lost weight every week and actually gained lean tissue at the same time.
The formula features a four-stage blend of nutrients that target specific areas of concern that impact weight loss.

Stage 1: Energy & metabolism
Key ingredients: Green Tea, L-Theanine, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, ManganeseThermogenic nutrients increase lean body mass in older age groups – even without exercise. This is a critical component to the formula because as one ages, lean muscle mass becomes more difficult to attain – and lean muscle mass is essential for a healthy metabolism. For example, L-Theanine helps increase our body’s natural energy-producing capabilities. Mitochondria, sometimes described as "cellular power plants,” are found within our cells. They help convert food molecules into energy. L-Theanine is an antioxidant that specifically recharges the mitochondria to help it reproduce energy.


Stage 2: Cortisol & anti-stress
Key ingredients: GABA, Korean Ginseng, Poria Cocos, Vitamin D, Dimethylglycine, Copper gluconateStress is a problem at any age, though stress-related obesity seems to be more prevalent after age 40. Many trophic or “muscle-building” hormones begin to decline as we age. Stress accelerates this process. Fat-storage hormones are produced in response to stress.Modern biochemistry has discovered that a protein receptor in your brain called a “GABA receptor” is responsible for stress sensitivity. By increasing GABA, a simple amino acid, we reduce the impact of stress on our nervous system and hormone balance.


Stage 3: Appetite control
Key ingredients: Glucommanan, Biotin, Magnesium, Zingiber rhizome (Ginger)Leanology contains specific nutrients that signal your brain to recognize signs of “fullness” earlier in the meal. It also restores the balance of signaling chemicals from your stomach to your brain. These chemicals can be weakened after a long, exhausting, stressful day. Therefore, Leanology minimizes evening cravings.Weight gain is a direct response to a calorie surplus. If you do not burn the calories you consume, they will be left behind as fat – especially if the calories are from unhealthy sources. Leanology works to minimize your cravings and therefore assist you in lowering your total caloric intake.

Stage 4: Blood sugar control
Key ingredients: Garcinia camobogia, Gymnema sylvestre, Bitter melon, Cinnamon bark, Alpha Lipoic acid, Chromium polynicotinate, Vanadyl sulphate, Zinc gluconateBlood sugar control is the most critical component of any weight loss program. Elevated blood sugar causes the body to store sugar as fat rather than using it as energy. Leanology contains nutrients that help to utilize the carbohydrates and sugar we consume as energy – to keep them from being stored as fat. It also helps reduce the cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.We are more likely to develop insulin resistance as we age. The more processed and refined food we eat, the more insulin we require to metabolize it. The more insulin in our blood, the less responsive our cells become. As we age, this continual exposure wears out our tolerance for refined carbohydrates and sugar, and reduces our sensitivity to insulin. Therefore we are less likely to convert sugar and carbohydrates into energy, and more likely to convert them into fat.

Leanology a healthy weight loss product

Skin Disorders and What They Mean

Attractive skin is really a reflection of inner health. Good health comes only from healthy habits. This is a natural law.
Friends and enemies
Collagen and healthy fats are best-friends to healthy skin. They give skin its firmness and elasticity. Collagen is made from nutrients such as Vitamin C and glucosamine. Healthy fats in your skin come from healthy fats in your diet, including supplemental essential fatty acids. Fats in your skin are protected by antioxidants such as Vitamin E and those found in green tea.
Free radicals are your skin’s enemies.
These naturally occurring inflammatory substances overwhelm and harm your skin. As a result, your skin may become looser, weaker, less elastic and drier. Remember, when collagen and fat loss is making your skin look bad it is also aging your entire body.Your skin becomes the battlefield between free radical damage and nutrients supporting healthy skin. Trauma, toxins, deficiency and stress create free radicals. Antioxidants from your diet and dietary supplements neutralize free radicals. When nutrient reserves fail, skin disorders begin. The most common skin disorders include eczema, psoriasis and seborrhea dermatitis.
Eczema
Eczema is inflammation of the skin. The term eczema has come to be associated with a specific type of dermatitis, called atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-contagious condition.Symptoms: Itchy, inflamed skin.
Causes: Although eczema can develop at any age, it is most common in infants and children. It is estimated that 65% of people with eczema develop symptoms in the first year of life, and 90% develop symptoms before age five. The condition often improves in adulthood, but 50% of those affected as children are affected throughout life. Eczema is closely associated with asthma and hay fever. All together, they are called atopy. Atopy tends to run in families.
Responds to: Eczema responds well to essential fatty acid supplements, which help keep histamine levels low and nourish the fat pads under the skin. It also responds well to anti-stress herbs called adaptogens and Vitamin B-12, which help protect the collagen links from free radical destruction. Vitamin D and aloe vera have been used to balance the immune system response to anxiety and stress – known triggers for eczema.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition.Symptoms: Psoriasis is characterized by scaling and inflammation. The inflamed skin is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It may cause pain and discomfort by cracking.
Causes: Currently, it is estimated that 5.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. Psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. A type of white blood cell that normally protects the body against infection and disease triggers inflammation and causes skin to shed too rapidly. Psoriasis flare-ups may be triggered by a variety of factors, including infection, toxins, climate, certain medications and stress.Up to 11% of people with psoriasis develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis when the inflamed areas of the skin are accompanied by joint inflammation.
Responds to: Psoriasis responds well to nourishment with essential fatty acids such as those found in OmegaPrime. Stress protection with adaptogens and Vitamin B-12 is also helpful in many people. Vitamin D has also been used for people with psoriasis to balance the immune system response to stress.Seborrhea dermatitisSeborrhea dermatitis is a chronic skin condition.
Symptoms: Scaly, itchy rash. Most commonly affected areas are along the hairline, in and behind the ears, on the eyebrows, around the nose and on the chest.
Dandruff is a type of seborrhea dermatitis.
Causes: Common skin yeast organisms, called Malassezia, may play a role in seborrhea dermatitis. It seems to run in families and is associated with disorders of the immune system and the nervous system. Seborrhea dermatitis is strongly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Responds to: Seborrhea dermatitis responds to supplementation with essential fatty acids as do many other skin conditions. The EFAs in OmegaPrime help reduce inflammation, nourish the fat pads under the skin and soothe the immune system.
Seborrhea, like most other skin conditions, is triggered by stress. Protection against stress with adaptogens and Vitamin B-12 is often helpful.
Conclusion
The best expression of a balanced, healthy life is often reflected in your skin. Health only comes from healthy habits practiced daily over time. These habits are reflected in the philosophy of the 10 Essentials of Health and Wellness. Learn and live the 10 Essentials for enduring health. Take antioxidant nutrients, anti-stress nutrients, immune balancing nutrients and essential fatty acids and you are on your way to radiant health – inside and out!