Sunday, September 2, 2012

Perimenopausal Treatments

The perimenopausal years bring on hormonal fluctuations that may cause emotional outbursts and feelings of rage. Learn what you can do to achieve balance and get back to being your old self again.

Here are a few Perimenopausal Treatments for you to think about, please consult with your Doctor first and see what the best solution for you is, as we are all different and all have different symptoms.

Progesterone Cream

Progesterone is one of the hormones that affects the brain chemistry and it is also one that changes in the perimenopause years. In my practice, I’ve seen remarkable results in many women using this easy approach of low-dose natural progesterone cream. It is not a one-size-fits-all sort of option, but it is one easy thing to try, and it works for many women.

You can get the low-dose, over-the-counter formulas at most health food stores, or from many holistic practitioners’ offices. It’s important to look for “USP progesterone” on the ingredient list; that’s the active ingredient you want. Progesterone creams are also made to order at compounding pharmacies by prescription, which might be ideal (if this option is available to you) to ensure potency and quality.

For many women using progesterone cream, within days, it can feel like they’re taking in a breath of fresh air. If it is a good fit for you, you usually know right away. For others, it may take longer, or they might need something stronger or a different formula. I usually suggest giving it two cycles to see what it can offer you, along with nutritional support and dietary mindfulness.

I’ve seen very few side effects or serious concerns with natural progesterone, especially when taken in these low doses. Most of the risks in hormone use are linked to oral estrogens. If you have concerns about risks, you should certainly talk about them with your health-care provider, or choose another path altogether.


  Eliminate or Reduce Caffeine, Alcohol and Sugar

This natural and nutritional approach is my favorite. I have worked closely with women of all ages and the common theme we see is that sugar, caffeine, alcohol and stress will exaggerate any hormonal symptoms that are occurring. Unstable blood sugar and an over-activated stress response – on top of hormone fluctuations – create a perfect storm for emotional outbursts and perimenopausal rage.

If you can curb these dietary triggers, and pay more attention to what you put into your body, then your brain may be better able to cope with the hormone imbalances of perimenopause.

Alcohol may calm your nerves while you’re drinking it, but if you don’t drink in moderation, or if you use it nightly, then you may find it actually feeds your rage the next day!

There are so many benefits to the natural and nutritional support you get with a healthy balanced diet, and the basic foundation provided by certain key supplements that they can’t be ignored. The foundational support I suggest is:
  • High-quality multivitamin and mineral formula rich in B-complex vitamins and vitamin D
  • Omega-3 fish oil
  • Calcium and magnesium 

The Birth Control Pill

The Pill has been used for decades to help women in their 30s and 40s have easier periods. The Pill will suppress the hormones in your body that are affecting the brain. It may help even out the rollercoaster ride, and curb the highs and lows of your emotions. There are many types as well as new formulas to consider with your provider. If you didn’t like the pill 20 years ago, you should know that there are many different types today – and your experience could be much different this time around.

The current data shows the birth control pill to be very safe in healthy women who don’t smoke, but there are risks and benefits you have to discuss with your provider.

Antidepressants

Women in crisis may need to use this approach if they really feel they are “falling apart.” Antidepressants seem to support the brain chemistry and help stabilize mood despite the hormone changes that are happening. With this support, your brain might better handle any wild hormone fluctuations that are wreaking havoc on your emotions during perimenopause, and how you might be reacting to the triggers that result in rage.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Benefits of the Green Coffee Bean


Green Coffee Beans have been shown to inhibit fat absorption and also stimulate the activation of fat metabolism in the liver, both major supporters of weight reduction. 

The Chlorogenic acid found in Green Coffee Beans is a natural phytochemical that is found in a wide array of plants, with very high concentrations in Green Coffee Beans. It has been found to inhibit the release of glucose into the blood, particularly after meals, and appears to help people lose weight as a result. 

Chlorogenic acid may also be able to induce body fat loss by increasing body heat produced, thus promoting thermogenesis, the natural burning of fat for energy. It is also believed to reduce the generation of new fat cells due to its superior anti-oxidant effect.

Best Value Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract Plus + FREE Retinol Cream



In a study presented Tuesday at the American Chemical Society's spring national meeting in San Diego, 16 overweight young adults took, by turns, a low dose of green coffee bean extract, a high dose of the same green coffee supplement, and a placebo. 

Though the study was small, the results were striking: Subjects taking the full dose of the green coffee extract lost an average of 17.5 pounds in 22 weeks and reduced their overall body weight by 10.5%.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

4 Tips For Women Over 40

Aging gracefully is not easy, so here are 4 tips for Women over 40 to help you look 30.


As we get older, we need fewer calories and beans are a great way to boost the nutrition power of your meal without boosting the calories. A half-cup of beans has only about 100 calories.


My first tip is the healthy benefits of bean; beans are a super healthy, super versatile and super affordable food. Beans are high in antioxidants, fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc. Eating beans regularly may decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and helps with weight management. Beans are hearty, helping you feel full so you will tend to eat less.



There are so many ways to cook beans; you can cook variety of beans, more nutritious, try moon bean, boil when it soft, sauté in garlic, onion, a handful of pork fried, bitter melon or leaves., also in minestrone soup.







The second tip to help your youthful appearance is an alternative to botox, which some of us can't afford, Dr Oz recommends Platinum Gaba skin repair cream, this is a Retinol cream that improves growth of skin cells and fades back lines, it really works.


 GABA, or gamma amino butyric acid, is a muscle-relaxant that's most often found in over-the-counter anti-anxiety supplements and pills. The philosophy behind the use of GABA as an anti wrinkle skin care product is similar to that of Argireline or Botox injections, this will help to relax the muscles in the face that cause some wrinkles.


These are powerful professional products that will bring your skin to a new level of youthfulness and health.


The third anti aging tip is exfoliation and the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System has a combination of exfoliating crystals and microvibrations that deliver refined texture and radiance in just one use.

This system is clinically proven to deliver the same results as a microdermabrasion treatment from a dermatologist. You will see smoother, more radiant skin instantly and firmer, younger-looking skin over time.
 


 The microdermabrasion kit boosts circulation and oxygen flow while increasing cell turnover. 



And the last tip is the Astragalas supplement that helps fight fatigue and helps with stress. Your dosage is 200mg two times a day.


Astragalas is used to boost the immune system, treat hepatitis, and even treat cancer. It is almost always combined with other herbs, complicating the evaluation of the health benefits of astragalas.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Reduce Your Pain for Under $10


Ease Your Pain for Under $10

Natural pain management techniques can make chronic pain more bearable, here are some cost saving pain management techniques worth considering.  
Hydrotherapy

This form of natural pain management involves using water to stimulate blood flow and reduce pain and inflammation. Water is typically administered using a shower, bath or sauna.

 Helichrysum Oil

Derived from strawflower, this ancient remedy has been used for hundreds of years in Africa. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which are excellent at reducing muscle tension and anxiety. In addition, helichrysum is also very effective at treating wounds, bug bites, burns, joint pain and arthritis.


                                     Hot/Cold Packs

Hot and cold packs are great tools for reducing pain, but you have to know how to use them properly.


When to Use Ice

Use ice when you first experience an injury to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by torn capillaries or blood vessels. 

When to Use Heat:

Use a heat pack after the acute stage of an injury has diminished and the swelling is gone. Heat is also a good way to prepare you for a physical activity. For instance, if you have chronic back pain and want to go to the gym for physical therapy, place heat on the affected area for 20 minutes, but no more since it can cause inflammation.  

 Telephone Headset

Using a telephone headset helps reduce pain by alleviating postural stress that happens when you cradle your phone, a common habit that causes all kind of problems including neck pain, shoulder pain and even headaches.


 Herbal Plaster

Medicated herbal plaster contains menthol and methyl salicylate, both of which provide immediate cooling relief for any sort of spasm, swelling or pain.


Dietary Changes

Altering your diet is thought to be useful for managing chronic pain but a link isn't fully proven so far. As far as nutritional supplements are concerned though, studies have suggested that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate can reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis in the knee and increase general mobility in this area of the body. Fish oils may have some benefits for relieving pain but a definite link hasn't been proven






Monday, June 25, 2012

Butt Busting Brownies

This is a Butt Busting Brownie that Dr Oz introduced and it is amazing, this no-bake brownie is not your typical dessert. The cayenne revs up your metabolism to get your body moving and the cinnamon helps process sugar intake, which helps keep fat from being absorbed into your bottom.

Ingredients
1 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 tsp cayenne
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup low fat milk
1 cup organic raisins
1 cup oats

Directions
 In a food processor purée the cacao, cayenne, cinnamon, milk and raisins until a smooth paste forms. Add the oats to the food processor and quickly pulse to incorporate them. Transfer the mix into a square or rectangular container lined cross wise with wax paper. Press down to form the ‘brownie' base. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares before serving.

Points to Note
Don't use a blender (too hard to get the dough out). Use a small cookie dough scooper and drop balls of the dough into powdered cocoa, then roll them in your palms to make a tighter ball = butt-busting truffles. Then finally, to clean the food processor/blender, add a cup or so of milk and blend until the leavings are incorporated into a drink, then drink your first truffle. Much easier to wash the food processor/blender.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Ayurveda Diet


Ayurveda Diet

The Ayurveda diet is based on the Ayurveda medicine, the science of life which balances your mind, body and spirit.

Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India and the oldest surviving healing system in the world (about 5,000 years old). “Ayu” means life and “veda” means knowledge, so ayurveda is the science of life. It is based on 3 fundamental concepts:


1. Food is medicine.

2. Disease can be prevented and eradicated through your daily habits.

3. Lifestyle recommendations are based on an individual’s physical, mental and emotional makeup.

Ayurveda is based on natural remedies that promote longevity, beauty and vitality.

Ayurveda is the most effective holistic approach to heal your mind and body.
The following are 4 common ayurvedic components and practices.
Curry Powder

There is no reason that eating healthy cannot be delicious, and that is the magic of curry powder. It is packed with spices that fight disease and serve as antioxidants. Ayurveda recognizes 6 tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. The American diet often has plenty of the first 3 – sweet, sour and salty – but is often missing the last three. Because curry satisfies all 6 tastes, it helps you eat less at each meal.

Cumin and coriander in particular help with digestion. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, gas and abdominal cramps can be remedied with regular use of these two spices.

The real “superstar” of curry powder is turmeric. It is a potent antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that has been studied in relation to several conditions including cancer, wound healing, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. You can use turmeric in curry powder or get it in tablet form to increase your consumption.

Holy Basil

Holy basil, or tulsi, is considered one of the most important herbs in ayurveda. It is used for many different conditions, but its ability to fight stress has led modern herbalists to label it as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help the body fight stress by reducing the production of stress hormones that result in the fight-or-flight response.

Sandalwood

 A sandalwood face mask will give your face an instant lift, the natural way. Sandalwood detoxifies the skin by removing impurities directly as it dries on the skin. It also removes toxins by increasing circulation in the skin, leaving it glowing and feeling tighter. Sandalwood also has an alluring fragrance.

To make your own sandalwood face mask, use about 5 teaspoons of sandalwood powder and slowly mix in water until you have a thick paste. If you have a tendency toward acne or rashes, add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder. If you tend to have very dry skin, you can add some castor or almond oil to the paste. You can apply the mask for 1 hour on a weekly basis for regular skin care or leave it on overnight every few months for a deep skin cleansing.

Daily Oil Massage (Abhyanga)

We tend to think of only getting massages from a therapist on special occasions. But you can treat yourself as often as you want to a warm oil massage in your own bathroom. This daily oil massage has several benefits including reducing stress, keeping skin youthful, and improving immunity. You and your partner can also do this massage on each other on the weekends to create an easy, affordable, and health-promoting romantic experience.

For the majority of people, the best oil to use is organic, cured sesame oil. But if you produce a lot of body heat, tend to get rashes easily, or are susceptible to inflammatory conditions, then organic coconut oil may be a better choice.







Wednesday, June 6, 2012

3 Tests Woman Should Take

There are 3 tests every woman should take and they are available through your doctor or pharmacist. These tests detect and fight diseases and improve your health and may even saving your life.

Test 1: A Comprehensive Weight and Fat Assessment
A comprehensive weight and fat assessment is more than just standing on a scale and counting the pounds. This seven-in-one test gives you insight into your overall health by measuring the following: Body Weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage, Body Age, Resting Metabolism, Visceral Fat, and an important measurement that may be new to you, Skeletal Muscle. And while you may assume men are more concerned about muscle mass, knowing your percentage of skeletal muscle is just as crucial for women. In fact, skeletal muscle is the secret key to your body’s ability to burn fat over the long term and lose weight. Your doctor can tell you your ideal percentage based on a variety of factors, but generally women should shoot for close to 30%, while men should be closer to 35%. If your percentage is too low, it’s time to ramp up your muscle mass.

There are two great ways to build muscle for men and women. First, eat more eggs. One egg contains about 10% of your daily protein requirements – vital for building muscle – and is loaded with vitamins A, D and B12, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin. While most people think eggs are high in cholesterol, the amount contained in the yolk is actually negligible. To build even more muscle, add a creatine supplement to your daily shakes and smoothies. Consuming 2 grams of creatine a day while exercising provides your muscles with more energy, allowing them to grow as they’re pushed to work harder and longer. Put simply, the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn.


  Test 2: Blood Pressure
Heart disease is the number-one killer of women, yet when it comes to blood pressure – a major contributor to heart disease – so many people continue to go unchecked and undiagnosed. Healthy arteries are vital for transporting blood through your heart and to the rest of your body.

Above-normal pressure puts too much force on your arteries, and can lead to arterial damage, including weakening, scarring, risk of plaque build-up and blood clots, and overall coronary artery disease. High blood pressure is associated with the development of life-threatening conditions such as stroke, kidney failure, and type 2 diabetes. An ideal blood pressure reading should be 115/75; anything over 140/90 is considered hypertension, while prehypertension is any reading in between.

Medicinal and all-natural options exist to lower your blood pressure. Try taking Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone. It’s an over-the-counter supplement that helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Taking 200 mg per day has been demonstrated in studies to help reduce blood pressure. You should also add more garlic to your diet. Eating at least 1 clove a day may lower your blood pressure and slow the hardening of the arteries.

Test 3: Blood Test for Glucose and Cholesterol
This painless, finger-prick blood test measures both your blood sugar levels and cholesterol. The best part? You don’t have to fast beforehand!

If you haven’t eaten within a couple hours, your blood sugar levels should be between 70 and 100. A measure of 100-125 is considered prediabetic, and 126 means you’ve got diabetes. If you’ve eaten recently and your blood sugar level reads above 200, it also places you among the 80 million Americans living with diabetes. And as the sugar builds up in your body due to insulin resistance, it acts like shards of glass, scraping away at the walls of your arteries, leaving them severely weakened.

Walgreens have some special buses that will take these tests for you please check out the Walgreens Way toWell website, These free health tests include: total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, body composition, skeletal muscle, resting metabolism, visceral fat, real body age and body weight