The Best Supplements That Aid in Weight Loss

Obesity, or the battle of the bulge, is quickly becoming a worldwide epidemic. Did you know that one-third of the populations in all developed countries are of an unhealthy weight? What is worse is that 10% of the developed world is considered to be morbidly obese. This is alarming considering all of the health risks that stem from being grossly overweight. What is good is that
when overweight people learn about the complications from morbid obesity, they most often want to do something to fix it.

There are only three ways an overweight individual can overcome their problem and lose their excess weight. The first is to -


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Functions and Importance of Vitamin Supplements

It is important to be aware of the multiple functions of vitamins and effects of deficiencies to
understand the role of vitamin supplements. Vitamins allow nutrients to be digested and
absorbed and convert carbohydrates and fats into energy. They help to metabolize nutrients,
produce antibodies to strengthen immunity and develop resistance to diseases. Vitamins
strengthen cells, bind tissues, form bones, blood cells and genetic material, hormones and
chemicals of the nervous system and combine with proteins to produce enzymes. Each
group of vitamins performs more specific roles.

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Taking Antidepressants May Increase Stroke Risk

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to taking antidepressants. The good news is these medications can improve mood and energy levels in those who are depressed. The bad news is there are significant risks associated with taking them – some of which are serious. Now, a new study shows that one of the dangers of taking antidepressants is an increased risk of stroke and a higher overall death rate.

Risks of Antidepressants: An Increased Risk of Stroke?

In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers followed a large group of postmenopausal women with an average age of sixty – some of whom were taking an antidepressant and some who weren’t. At the end of a six year period, they found that women who taking an antidepressant were forty-five percent more likely to develop a stroke than those who weren’t taking these medications. Even more disturbing is the fact that they were thirty-two percent more likely to die prematurely. The only good news is taking antidepressants didn’t seem to raise the risk of developing heart disease. The increased risk of stroke and premature death was seen with both of the two most commonly prescribed classes of antidepressants – serotonin uptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.

The Risks of Antidepressants: Is It Really the Medications?

These findings are disturbing for postmenopausal women who take antidepressants, but researchers aren’t convinced that the effect is entirely due to the medications since women who are depressed may be more likely to have a stroke or die prematurely. It may not be the antidepressants but the depressed mental state that increases the risk of death.

Are There Alternatives to Taking an Antidepressant?

The increased risk of stroke and premature death from taking antidepressants wasn’t dramatic and there may be situations where a woman needs antidepressant therapy, but this study points out the need to consider all of the alternatives before taking an antidepressant. There are cases where counseling or cognitive behavior therapy may work just as well.

There are also natural treatments that work for some people with mild depression. Eating less processed foods, getting regular aerobic exercise, and taking in more vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids all may help. With depression, it’s also important to check a B12 level since B12 deficiencies are common and can contribute to depressive symptoms. St. John’s wort is an herbal treatment that’s been shown to be effective for treating depression.

The Risks of Antidepressants: The Bottom Line?

Discuss these alternative treatments for depression with your doctor and see if they might be appropriate in lieu of antidepressants. Your doctor can help you determine the best option for you.

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Aloe Vera: a Magical Moisturizer

Aloe Vera: a Magical Moisturizer
By Antonia Anderson

What does Brad Pitt have in common with Cleopatra? Just like the ancient Egyptian queen, he’s a fan of aloe vera. Cleopatra is said to have included aloe vera in her beauty regimen, while Pitt collaborated with beauty line Kiehl’s in 2008 to market an environmentally friendly aloe vera body wash.

Aloe vera isn’t just popular among celebrities. This green succulent plant has been used for thousands of years as a moisturizing ingredient in hair and skin care, being dubbed at various times “the plant of immortality,” “lily of the desert,” and “medicine plant.” Aloe vera originated in Africa and is now cultivated in most tropical areas all over the world. The name aloe derives from an Arabic word meaning bitter, while vera means true.

Aloe vera juice is 99% water, which accounts for the plant’s legendary moisturizing properties. It is used nowadays in a vast array of beauty products such as cleansers, gels, moisturizers, acne creams, sunscreen, shampoos, conditioners, and make up.

Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the healing and moisturizing qualities of aloe vera. Pure aloe vera gel can be purchased at most organic stores. Rub aloe vera into chapped heels and elbows for a near-magical cure, massage it into dry or sun-damaged locks, or add a few drops of an essential oil to create an all-purpose moisturizer. Once you add aloe vera to your beauty regimen, you’ll never want to go without this miracle plant.

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7 Tips for Healthier Skin

7 Tips for Healthier Skin
By Linda S. Mills

Every woman looks and feels her best when her skin is radiant and healthy. Regardless of age or lifestyle, a little bit of effort and a well-tailored regime can yield some glowing results in no time. The key is to recognize that flawless skin is a reflection of a well-planned diet, proper hygiene and conscious health habits. Here are 7 tips that will help improve the texture and appearance of any complexion.

1. Start with good nutrients

Protect healthy skin cells and ward off harmful sun damage by including fruits rich in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus and tomatoes. Salmon, walnuts, avocados and cold-pressed oils are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and monosaturates, beneficial in helping skin retain moisture and elasticity.

Avoid over-consumption of refined carbohydrates containing sugar and white flour. Recent studies point to an increase in certain hormones that may stimulate oil (sebum) production and encourage acne breakouts.

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential in keeping your skin supple and smooth. Limit your consumption of liquids that dehydrate such as coffee and alcohol. Choose mineral or spring water and immune boosting green tea. 8-10 glasses a day will help clear your system of toxins that cause bloating and puffiness around the eyes.

3. Establish a daily routine

Choose a gentle skin cleanser that does not contain harsh drying agents or perfumes. Washing your face in the morning and again in the evening should be enough to rinse away impurities. Avoid products that tighten, since your skin may rebel and overproduce oil to compensate for the extra dryness.

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface of the skin can make a tremendous difference. Those with sensitive skin should try rubbing gently with a damp washcloth or applying a mild, exfoliating mask.

For more resilient complexions, drugstore strength alpha or beta hydroxy lotions improve skin tone and help clear acne blemishes. Prescription creams such as Retin A or Renova produce more dramatic skin improvements and can significantly alter skin texture and open clogged pores. These vitamin A-derived creams work at a deeper, cellular level and stimulate collagen, the substance responsible for keeping skin youthful and wrinkle free.


5. Choose the right moisturizer

All skin types require good moisturizing. Not only does this help to maintain a balanced, healthy skin tone, but also enhances exfoliation by softening dead skin cells. Women with oily skin often assume that they have enough natural moisture, but the proper lotion or cream will help retain water content and diminish over production of sebum due to excessive cleansing or acne medications.

6. Wear sunscreen

Unprotected sun exposure is one of the leading causes of deep wrinkles, brown spots, skin abnormalities and premature aging. Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 20 or higher is a must, even on those cloudy days.

7. Protect your health

While many of us spend hundreds of dollars each year on make-up and skin care products, we often forget that our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and reflects how well we care for our health overall. Good quality sleep, positive stress management, a balanced diet and a smoke-free lifestyle go a long way in helping our skin to glow from within.

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Recommended Blood Glucose Numbers

What are the Right Numbers?

Depending on where you look, recommended blood glucose levels can vary. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) numbers differ from the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) guidelines. The ACE recommendations are more strict than the ADA's. How do you know which to follow? Ask your healthcare provider which goals are right for you. The table below compares the two sets of guidelines for blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

How many times a day should you check your blood glucose levels?

Checking your blood glucose levels often through out the day will help you to figure out how to keep good control. First thing in the morning before breakfast, two hours after a meal and before bed are good times to test. Other recommended times include before, during and after an exercise session, especially if it is strenuous or if you are feeling like your blood sugar may be low or high.

What is the A1C?

It's a blood test that helps you and your doctor monitor your overall glucose control.

It gives an average of the amount of glucose in your blood over a few months' time. It is usually ordered 2 to 4 times a year. If you are newly diagnosed or having trouble maintaining good day-to-day control, it may be ordered more often.

Sources:

"Checking Your Blood Glucose." American Diabetes Association. ADA. 15 Dec 2006

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology, "The AACE System of Intensive Diabetes Self-Management - 2002 Update." The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus. Endocrine Practice Vol. 8. 2002.

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Sleep Disorder, Snoring And fatigue?

During normal breathing, air passes through the throat on its way to the lungs. The air travels past the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, and tongue. When a person is awake, the muscles in the back of the throat tighten to hold these structures in place preventing them from collapsing and/or vibrating in the airway. During sleep, the uvula and soft palate frequently vibrate causing the distinctive sounds of snoring.

Sleep apnea is a condition associated with breath holding. Most patients with sleep apnea will be very loud snorers. Sleep apnea is a chronic medical condition associated with chronic fatigue, morning headache, sudden death, and car accidents.

Any person who is a loud snorer and is observed to have breath holding during sleep should be suspected as having sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study. I would suggest that you see your doctor regarding this problem. Fatigue can be related to snoring.

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