Did You Know: Archive

If you dunk a fresh orange peel into your black tea oils from the citrus will seep into the brew. Regularly drinking this elixir can reduce skin cancer risk by 70%.

The outer peel of an orange contains d-limonene, the mortal enemy of UV rays everywhere. A University of Arizona study found that eating 1 teaspoons of orange peel per week reduced skin cancer risk by 30%. (Tip: Sprinkle orange zest on salmon or mix it into salsa and salads)

The peel of a cucumber is made of silica, a building block of skin-plumping, wrinkle-preventing collagen. There's no recommended minimum intake for silica, but experts suggest at least 5 milligrams a day- the amount you'l get in the peel of one cucumber. (Tip: Go organic. Regular cukes are usually treated with a coat of wax to preserve their shelf life, whereas organically grown ones are often left naked).

Chemical compounds in the fuzzy peel of a kiwi have been found to fight off bugs like staph and E. coli. (Tip: Don't want to feel like you're eating a caterpillar? Pulverize your kiwi in a smoothie, cut paperthin slices and mix them into salad, or bite right into the new gold variety, which has less fur).

Don't peel the skin off your eggplant as it is rich in magnesium, potassium and fiber, and also contains nasunin - an antioxidant that may prevent brain cell damage.

Thanks to Women's Health magazine for these great fruit and vege tips!!

If you want to keep ants at bay use chalk to draw a thick line around home entry points like the front door and kitchen windows - the calcium carbonate should repel them and keep them from crossing the line!

To give your brain a boost try peppermint - the oils in the plant increase alertness by stimulating your trigeminal nerve, the same nerve that's activated when you revive someone with smelling salts!

Green Tea is a better pick-me-up than coffee because it also contains theanine, a compound that has a stress-reducing effect on your brain. "It calms you while giving you mental clarity," says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic.

Eating a morning meal rich in fiber may make you more alert during the day. A recent study done at Cardiff University in Wales found that subjects who ate a high-fiber cereal in the morning showed a 10 percent reduction in fatigue, lower incidence of depression, and better cognitive skills. One theory: Fiber helps slow down the absorption of food in the stomach, so you have more energy for a longer period of time.

To improve memory try changing your routine: move furniture, change your route to work, brush your teeth with your opposite hand...non-routine actions activate seldom-used nerve connections in your brain, to help strengthen and improve memory and make you less likely to succumb to fatigue.

If you get bit by a jellyfish this summer try using vinegar on it - it can neutralize pain-causing jellyfish toxins on skin.

One of summer's most yummy fruits are cherries, which are a great source of pectin,which can help block fat storage and help you feel full longer, thereby aiding in weight loss.

Cherries also contain melatonin and Vitamin A which help to halt the formation of wrinkles.

And if you have high blood pressure cherries are full of potassium, which flushes excess sodium from the bloodstream, easing strain on blood-vessele walls, and can lower blood pressure by 25%!

If you want to speed up the healing of a bruise try eating blueberries. They contain proanthocyanidins, a compound known for strengthening the walls of capillaries that are weakened by an injury.

Blueberries may also help to reduce swelling - the flavinoids and vitamin C they contain improves blood circulation, thereby reducing swelling.

If you are looking for a unique way to beat stress try drumming! Dr. Barry Bittman of the Mind-Body Wellness Center says, "drumming amplifies feel-good alpha waves in the brain...as a result stress-inducing cortisol plunge, lifting mood within hours." No drum? Try tapping your fingers on a desk!

Research now indicates that white wine is as healthy for you as red wine. The reason is it has smaller, more easily absorbed antioxidants that can help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce wrinkles, and provide energy.

A weight loss of 5-15% of body weight can improve health and quality of life, and prevent certain health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some types of cancer.

If you eat and drink sweet things regularly you will continue to crave them.

Hydrogenated fats, highly processed ingredients and artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweetners may negatively affect your body and its normal functions.

Chronic stress can increase cravings for refined carbohydrate foods and encourage the body to store belly fat. (See Stress)

Strength exercise helps create more muscle mass in the body, raising metabolism, which significantly promotes weight loss.

Avoid tanning beds as they can provide more than 15 times the amount of radiation you get from the sun itself.

It is best to avoid the sun during peak hours, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Remember the ABCDs of skin cancer: Asymmetrical shape. Border that is irregular. Color that is uneven. Diameter that has changed.

The sun is a great source of Vitamin D which may help to prevent colon, breast and prostate cancer. It also may help to prevent a recurrance of breast cancer and prevent age-related rises in blood pressure.

One researcher suggests that as little as 5-8 minutes per day in the sun without suncreen can provide your daily requirement of Vitamin D!

(Thanks to Whole Foods for the great weight loss tips found in their Reshaping Weight Control brochure!)

Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D may help to prevent breast, colon and prostate cancer. And it may also help to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. It is also suggested that vitamin D may protect against age-related rises in blood pressure.

Not sure if you are getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D? Ask your doctor about a simple blood test that can check your levels. And if you aren't able to spend 15 min. a day, 5 days a week in the sun, Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and readily available.

Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and minerals and contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against urinary tract infections, ulcers and other diseases. It seems to prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract and bladder and can inhibit the adhesion of the bacteria associated with cases of ulcers in the stomach. They may also be helpful for heart health and cancer prevention. You will find them fresh, as a juice, as well as a supplement.

Strawberries and black raspberries show the most significant anticancer effects in cell studies. Strawberries are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenolics that may help protect brain function as we age. Make sure to buy organic when possible as they are high in toxic pesticides.

The positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids are blunted by omega-6, which is a fatty acid found in highly processed foods made from soy and corn. Flaxseed is naturally high in omega-3 that keeps your skin, nervous sytems and immune system functioning properly.

Flaxseeds can be stored at room temperature up to two years. Ground seeds require refrigeration in an airtight container up to 90 days. They can also be frozen.

The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is 1,000 IU and comes in two forms: D2 and D3. If your bones are thin or you don't get much exposure to the sun, you may want to take a Vitamin D supplement.

Vitamin D deficiency can make you more vulnerable to several major cancers (breast, colon prostate, and ovarian) and also to autoimmune diseases such as MS and type 1 Diabetes.

Drink soft drinks or fruit drinks and want to lose weight? Try cutting out two sodas or fruit drinks per day and you should lose a pound in a little more than two weeks, which adds up to 21 pounds in a year!

13 oz. of Soda contains 9 teaspoons. of sugar that goes straight to the blood stream! It also works like a diuretic and takes away more water than it provides so you need to drink 8-12 glasses of water for every soft drink you consume!! It can also leach minerals from the body, and if in an aluminum can leakage can occur. See News & Views for more info about BPA found in cans...

Saturated fats like butter and lard are bad for the heart, and may also increase the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. These fats make the cells stiff so it's difficult for messages to get from one cell to another. Unsaturated fats like those in olive oil and nuts make cell walls more flexible so they can communicate better!

Snacking may not be so bad after all - the right snack not only gives your body a nutritional boost, but it can also take the edge off your appetite so you don't overeat at the next meal. Try foods like cherry tomatoes, sweet red peppers, nuts, popcorn, whole-grain crackers, and even an occasional piece of dark chocolate.Mind-body research shows that doing things you love strenghtens your immune system, reduces stress and improves memory...so engage in activities that give you pleasure.Black Spruce is an essential oil that is said to promote regeneration of the adrenal cortex which comes under fire when you are stressed. Try putting 4-5 drops in the bottom of the shower and plug the drain - you will inhale it and also absorb it through the bottom of your feet. You should emerge feeling refreshed.Use lavender to help you relax...add a few drops of the essential oil to a warm bath. Or dab your pulse points with lavender oil to relieve stress. Massage a few drops onto your temples to relieve a headache. Pound for pound dried beans contain nearly as much protein as a steak. They are also high in fiber, a good source of nutrients that may help to prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol,and improve circulation.

Laughter is good for your health! Research suggests that laughter can boost heart rate, increase blood flow, improve energy, lower blood sugar, increase relaxation, burn calories and raise levels of infection-fighting antibodies.

Research suggests that dieters are less likely to overeat in sunlight! It seems people are more self-conscious in a well-lit area, so we eat less when outdoors. Also the sun boosts levels of seratonin, a hormone that suppresses appetite.

Can't fall asleep? Try wearing socks to bed - this will prompt small blood vessels in the lower extremeties to widen, thus diverting body heat from the core...warmer weather can interefere with the body's natural nighttime drop in core temperature.

A handful of cherries contains more melatonin than a person's entire blood supply (says Russell J. Reiter, PhD) which is a sleep-regulating neurotransmitter. So try a handfull of cherries each day to normalize the body's circadian rhythm.

An apple a day really may keep the doctor away - the University of Hawaii credits the fruit's powerful flavonoids with slashing risk of developing springtime respiratory problems by 32%.

If you are looking for an alternative to prescription allergy medications check out the herb Butterbur. It can block the action of histamines and doesn't cause drowsiness.

Dandelion tea is full of phytonutrients that can increase the liver's production of detoxifying enzymes by 244% according to researchers at New Zealand's University of Otago. Detoxing may help the body burn more fat, leading to weight loss!

Raisins contain inulin, a fibrous carb that may incrase a rise in the gut's level of healthy probiotic bacteria, aiding in digestion. They are also packed with energy-revving iron and boron which can stimulate brain activity.

Tuna, salmon and other fish are rich in omega-3 fat which stimulates the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps in the process of converting fat into energy. Just one more good reason to add fish to your diet every week!

If you suffer with sleep apnea try products that contains MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) which can improve elasticity of the soft tissues at the back of the throat so they are less likely to block airways and disrupt breathing. Also try elevating the head of your bed 4-6" to keep your neck at the best angle to prevent soft tissue from blocking airways and shifting abdominal weight from the diaphram.

Household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment - so if you use them don't forget that the vapors from the rags and paper towels you used to clean can double the level of toxins in the air. Make sure to rinse cleaning rags right after using or throw them away to reduce toxic exposure.

University of Kentucky doctors report that practicing meditation can lower blood pressure by five points in two weeks by lowering hpertension-causing hormones like cortisol. For more about meditation click here.

Yawning can help to drive away drowsiness! It can activate certain muscles which may increase your heart rate...it also may have a cooling effect on the brain, which heightens attentivness. When you yawn you take in a large volume of air which sends a wave of cool blood to the brain, which can enhance brain function.

Breathing deeply through the nose has the same brain-cooling effect as yawning. And if you think yawning is contagious - you are right! It triggers an empathy reflex that causes those watching to yawn too!

The United Nations has declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato.They are a good source of nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. More than 350 million tons are grown each year, and with the world population rapidly growing, it is a much needed nutritious and fast-growing food.

If you are struggling to lose weight, quit smoking, or treat pain, depression or anxiety you may want to consider hypnosis. The University of Iowa found that it helped reduce pain in 12 patients who used the technique. The NIH found it can help improve the immune system by boosting white-blood cell counts. Other research had more mixed results, so it may not work for everyone. If you do decide to try it, be sure to find a reputable hypnotist. Check out aamh.com, asch.net, sceh.us, or natboard.com.

Within 30 minutes of a workout having some fruit or juice with a moderate amount of protein will help to jump-start the replenishment of energy stores and rebuild and repair muscle tissue.

People who eat at least one serving of fruit a day reduce their risk of developing mouth cancer by 62%, compared to people who eat less! Mouth cancer is the seventh most common kind of cancer.

A Spanish study found that among 755 women in the Canary Islands, where breast cancer rates are higher than in the rest of Spain, those who consumed the most olive oil were the least likely to get the disease.

Garlic has been shown to lower the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer. In addition it is also helpful in guarding your digestive tract, is good for the heart, and fights off germs!

There is another benefit to eating less besides losing weight - it appears that it can also cut down on the production of free radicals, which damage cells and lead to disease.

People who drink about 7 cups of water a day eat nearly 200 calories less every day than people who get less than one glass.

Tai Chi has been shown to offer many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, and increasing t-cell production (they attack virus-infected cells).

Walnuts are great for helping to regulate mood. They contain 200% of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid daily values, too! Try adding some to your yogurt or salad, or a handful just by themselves for a pick-me-up snack!

Essential oils can also be helpful to uplift mood and ease feelings of depressiona and anxiety: The scent of sweet orange is used to balance emotions and bring about a positive outlook. Lemon and tangerine refresh and stimulate. The oils of geranium and bergamot help alleviate stress. Lavendar and sandalwood have a soothing, calming quality.Yoga may also help to relieve depressed minds...the attention to breath and body, as well as keeping you in the present moment, may be why.Looking to recycle old CDs and DVDs?? The Compact Disc Recycling Center of America can help. Email them at: Info@cdrecyclingcenter.org or call 603-890-8996.Omega 3 Fatty acids are not just good for people, but may also work to improve a dog's immunity, metaolism and general health. One choice is Ultra EFA by Rx Vitamins for Pets. Want more info about keeping your pet healthy? Read 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog by Shawn Messonnier. (www.petcarenaturally.com)Listening or playing music has been shown to ease pain and anxiety. Temple University and Case Western Reserve University studies found that patients who listened to music reported less pain (adults who had chronic joint and disc pain), and those who were undergoing a colonoscopy needed less anti-anxiety medication when listening to a CD during the test!Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, prevent sleep, and dehydrate you, so limit your intake!

If you are looking to boost brain performance, and improve memory it appears that drinking fresh vegetable juice may help...and a study by the American Journal of Medicine found that it may help to delay the onset of Alzheimer's.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S.

Each day the average heart beats 100,000 times!

Inflammation is a common factor for people with heart disease according to the American Heart Association.

Inflammation occurs when the body responds to certain circumstances like injury, nutrient imbalances, and stress...white blood cells and bacteria-fighting chemicals rush to tackle the issue, inflamming tissue.

Vitamin D can play a role in reducing inflammation. Get Vit D from the sun or it can be taken in supplement form.

Hydrogenated fats significantly increase the risk of heart disease. These fats are found in many highly processed and fast foods. Good fats, like EFAs (essential fatty acids) can help prevent inflammation.

Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil are heart-healthy Omega 3s and are available in supplement form or in: dark leafy greens, walnuts, fish and flaxseeds.

Stress management is also beneficial to heart health. Check out our article on Stress to find ways to reduce stress in your life!

Other stress busters include yoga, massage, laughing, maintaining a positive attitude, napping, even playing with your pet!

CoQ10 could be the most important supplement for heart health as it supports energy metabolism, muscle contraction, and antioxidant activity.

Taking a multivitamin may help to lower risk for heart attack because the heart and cardiovascular system depends on so many different vitamins and minerals.

Get active to stay healthy - exercise can help to ward off heart disease. Walk, dance, cycle at least 3x per week for 30 minutes or more.

People with periodontal disease are at an increased risk for coronary artery disease...so make sure to brush and floss well every day!

Fat around the belly (abdominal fat) may be an indicator of greater risk for heart disease than weight or BMI index.

High blood pressure, which is the high force of blood pushing against artery walls can indicate impaired circulation. Stress, nutrient deficiencies, and an imbalance of sodium and potassium can play roles in hypertension. For more see High Blood Pressure

For information about heart health and disease: www.americanheart.org.
Also check your local Whole Foods store for a Healthy Heart Support Guide, a souce of information for these tips, or visit their website: www.wholefoods.com.

Drink an extra glass of water every day, your goal should be 8-12 per day. Filtered or spring water are best.

Get more exercise: take the stairs instead of the elevator, make small increases to your present level of activity, get up to change the channel instead of using the remote, take the dog for an extra walk each day

If you can't eliminate it, cut down on fast foods and junk food as they are high in calories and full of fat. If you want your body to run at optimum speed you have to provide it with good fuel!

Eat fish more often, especially wild salmon and sardines which have lower levels of toxic mercury.

A few times each day stop what you are doing and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Stress is the underlying cause of many diseases, so take the time now to prevent illness later!

Spend more time with nature, if you can't get outdoors more often bring plants into your home, or start a kitchen-window herb garden!

Each week try adding a new fruit or vegetable to your diet. Green leafy veges and berries are healthy choices and offer lots of varieties to choose from!

If you are a meat-eater, add one or more vegetarian meals to your diet each week. But watch the carbs like pasta and bread, try complex carbs like beans,veges, and brown rice.

Buy organic fruits, vegetables and meats whenever possible. Not only are they less toxic for you, but are better for the planet, too!

Have at least 5 servings of fruits and veges each day. Have a piece of fruit as a mid-day or evening snack...raw broccoli and cauliflower are also great when dipped in a little hummus.

Take time to enjoy eating. Sit, don't stand...and chew slowly, thoroughly enjoying each mouthful.

Learn to relax - try meditating, visualization or deep breating techniques.

Start a journal - writing is a great way to release frustrations and other emotions that are causing stress or even illness.

Take time to do things YOU love, that make you happy, and bring you joy - read that book you have been meaning to, take a long weekend and get away, go for a massage.

Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night...people who sleep too much or too little open the door to a host of problems, from illness to foggy thinking. For tips see Sleep Well.

Get sun each day - Vitamin D, which the sun helps to provide, can help to strengthen the immune system, plus it helps in the absorption of calcium.

Do your best to roll with the punches - remember some days you're the dog, and other days the hydrant!! :-)

Are microwaves making us fat? According to the Univ. Of London the obesity epidemic began the same time as microwaves became a fixture in American homes in the '80s. Perhaps because they are so convenient and require less prep time!

The new "green" compact fluorescent bulbs (twisted) use less than 1/4 of the power of regular bulbs but there have been reports of them causing migrane headaches, dizziness, and nausea in some people.

70 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation which can lead to illness, obesity and depression. Try getting 7-8 hours each night. For tips see Sleep Well

Think you are smarter than a chimp?? Researchers tested three chimps against a dozen humans to a computer touch test...while about as accurate as their human counterparts, they did complete the task faster!!

Volunteerring is as good for you as those you are helping.
A new study finds that adults who volunteer to help out in schools actually more calories and therefore lose weight!

True organic milk will have an official USDA "certified organic" seal, which means inspectors have guaranteed that it comes from cows fed an organic diet, and are never given antibiotics or growth hormones.

Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes, or those at risk for the obesity-linked disease, are less likely to be physically active than those who are not at risk. The benefits of physical activity in preventing diabetes are well-documented according to a University of Colorado School of Medicine study. One more reason to stay active!!

Exceeding recommended amounts of vitamins can be toxic and result in serious health consequences like increased cancer and heart disease risk, kidney stones and liver problems. 

Two servings of fish a week can reduce heart disease risk, and specifically the risk of sudden cardiac death, thanks largely to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon. 

Drinking moderate amounts of red wine - one glass for women and two for men - can lower heart disease risk. But consuming excess amounts can lead to health problems including high blood pressure, liver damage and obesity. And new research shows that drinking three or more glasses a day increases a woman's breast cancer risk by as much as smoking a pack of cigarettes.

A small piece of dark chocolate each day can lower your blood pressure and reduce cancer risk, thanks to the antioxidant effects of the flavanoid compounds found in cocoa. The bad news is that a "small piece" is just one square!

While exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, working out too much can weaken your immune system and cause stress fractures, insomnia and headaches. Medical experts believe hitting the gym isn't harmful unless you're working out for over hour a day.

Some experts believe that getting 15 to 20 minutes of sun is a healthy way for your body to produce vitamin D, which helps build strong bones and boost immunity. But, be sure to spend the rest of the day in the shade. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.

People who sleep more than eight hours may have more trouble falling asleep, waking up refreshed and feeling alert during the day than people who sleep seven to eight hours.

Excessive caffeine consumption can cause anxiety, irritability, abnormal heart rhythms, headaches and nausea, among other negative health consequences. If you are especially sensitive to caffeine, even just one cup of coffee could cause these unwanted side effects.

Avocados are packed with 25 essential nutrients like fiber, potassium and several vitamins. This delicious vegetable can also lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels, making it a heart-healthy choice. Plus, a recent study finds that Hass avocados may help fight oral cancer. But avocados are also packed with fat so stick with a two tablespoon serving size which adds up to 5 grams of fat and 55 calories

An ounce of cheese (equal to four dice) offers a healthy amount of calcium, protein and vitamins.  But this dairy favorite can also be packed with saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.  When choosing a cheese, keep in mind that soft cheeses, like feta, usually have less fat than hard cheeses, like blue. And go with a fat free or reduced fat option whenever possible.

Garlic may help to relax arteries and increase blood flow promoting heart health according to a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Adrenal Fatigue affects up to 80% of women, particularly those on low-sodium diets and who have chronic stress ...snacking on licorice, which contains glycyrrhiza glabra, an antistress herb, can help to up the body's production of adrenal hormones and increase energy.

Balance your digestive tract and reverse yeast overgrowth by limiting sugar and eating 1 cup of yogurt with live cultures every day. Yeast loves simple carbs and sugar...and the probiotics in the yogurt will crowd fungi out of the digestive tract.

Have a slow metabolism? Try Green Tea...a Swiss University study suggests that subjects who took green tea increased their metabolism by 34% and burned 80 more calories in one day!

Drink lots of water, but NOT at mealtimes - too much fluid will dilute your digestive juices!

People who describe themselves as feeling grateful to others, and either to God or to creation in general, tend to have higher vitality and more optimism, suffer less stress, and experience fewer episodes of clinical depression than the population as a whole.

Grateful people tend to be less materialistic than the population as a whole and to suffer less anxiety about status or the accumulation of possessions and they are more likely to describe themselves as happy or satisfied in life.

Research indicates our thoughts and emotions directly impact our physical and mental health and well-being, and gratitude may be one of the most important and impactful of our emotions.

In an experiment with college students, those who kept a "gratitude journal," a weekly record of things they should feel grateful for, achieved better physical health, were more optimistic, exercised more regularly, and described themselves as happier than a control group of students who kept no journals but had the same overall measures of health, optimism, and exercise when the experiment began.

Grateful people are more spiritually aware and more likely to appreciate the interconnectedness of all life, regardless of whether they belong to specific religions.

Grateful people (those who perceive gratitude as a permanent trait rather than a temporary state of mind) have an edge on the not-so-grateful when it comes to health, according to U of Calif. Davis psychology professor Robert Emmons. "Grateful people take better care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like exercise, a healthy diet, and regular physical examinations." His recommendations include:
*Maintain a gratitude journal. People who keep gratitude journals exercise more regularly, report fewer physical symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, and maintain greater optimism about the future.
*Create a list of benefits in your life. Ask yourself, "To what extent do I take these for granted?" Sometimes we need reminders to maintain mindfulness of our gratitude.

Gratitude research is beginning to suggest that feelings of thankfulness have tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems and stress.

By bringing attention to what we appreciate in our lives more positive emotions emerge which can calm the nervous system and lead to a healthier heart!

CFS Break-through? Dr. John Chia, an infectious disease doc and father of a CFS sufferer, has identified stomach viruses that may be a cause of chronic fatigue. Enteroviruses, which cause accute respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, were found in 82% of patients with CFS, compared with just 20% of healthy people. For more info check out chronic fatigue syndrome.

75% of American women may suffer from copper overload. Chronic stress and increased estrogen can cause cells to retain copper instead of release it. Zinc and alpha-lipoic acid can aid in flushing excess copper and rebalance the body, says Louise Gittleman, PhD. You should also watch your intake of shellfish, soy and calf liver.

Juice your way to good health...concord grape juice is great for reving up metabolism; apple juice increases the brain chemical that enhances learning and memory; and cranberry juice can aid in fighting all types of infection in addition to urinary tract infections.

Practice deep breathing throughout the day to oxygenate your body. You can live about seven days without water, about seven weeks without food, but only for five minutes without oxygen.

The healthiest fats and oils to choose include extra-virgin olive oil, almonds, avocados, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, flaxseed oil, fish oil and primrose oil.

Garlic has antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal ingredients. It will decrease the risk of developing stomach cancer according to Dr. Don Colbert, author of Walking in Divine Health.

Just say no to soda! In addition to the fact that it provides absolutely no nutritional value, a 12 ounce glass of regular soda contains up to 12 teaspoons of sugar at 15 calories per teaspoon!!!!

Having a “hot flash”?? Try plopping an ice cube in your mouth and cool off. Or sip on a chilled beverage. Whenever you feel a hot flash coming on, keep your cool with something cold.

To Cook Healthy, Reduce Heat: steam or boil meat for 10 minutes prior to frying or grilling so you can cook the meat at lower temps. Dr. Helen Vlassara discovered that cooking meat at 350 degrees or less recudes production of toxins created by overheating/overcooked meat.

Practice deep breathing throughout the day to oxygenate your body. You can live about seven days without water, about seven weeks without food, but only for five minutes without oxygen.

The healthiest fats and oils to choose include extra-virgin olive oil, almonds, avocados, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, flaxseed oil, fish oil and primrose oil.

Garlic has antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal ingredients. It will decrease the risk of developing stomach cancer according to Dr. Don Colbert, author of Walking in Divine Health.

Just say no to soda! In addition to the fact that it provides absolutely no nutritional value, a 12 ounce glass of regular soda contains up to 12 teaspoons of sugar at 15 calories per teaspoon!!!!

Having a “hot flash”?? Try plopping an ice cube in your mouth and cool off. Or sip on a chilled beverage. Whenever you feel a hot flash coming on, keep your cool with something cold.

Worried about something you’ve eaten might be bad? Don’t just wait for food poisoning to kick in…Try to head if off at the pass. Pour yourself a tall glass of mineral water and stir in 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar could kill the bacteria before it’s too late.

Caught in the middle of rush hour and feeling stressed out? Try a quick breathing exercise: put one hand on your stomach, then inhale slowly and deeply while counting from one to four. Exhale as you count backward from four to one. This mini meditation reduces stress, blood pressure and heart rate.

Feel a tension headache coming on? Mix peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl. Gently sponge over your forehead and temples – avoiding the eyes. You should feel better in no time.

Stuffed up with hay fever or a cold? Try mixing a tablespoon of horseradish with a bit of honey. Both ingredients will kill bacteria, while the horseradish will break-up mucus and force your sinuses open.

Just one-fourth to one teaspoon of cinnamon every day could be enough to help control your blood sugar and avoid diabetes. Cinnamon can help your fat cells to recognize and respond to insulin better – a process that goes haywire in diabetes. Add cinnamon to your breakfast cereals, beverages and desserts, and always eat a sensible diet.

Have a mirror in your bedroom? According to Feng Shui expert Kathryn Collins a mirror can offset a befroom's cozy qi. If you must have one cover it at night and uncover after you awaken in the morning.

Another feng shui mirror tip: use whole mirrors, not segmented ones as they can reflect a fragmented image of yourself, which can leave you feeling "fragmented"!!Looking for an energy snack? Try mixing protein and healthy fats like raw almond butter on a sliced apple...fills you up, sticks with you - and it is nutritious!!

Cooking in iron, stainless steel, glass or porcelain can help you to avoid exposure to lead, plastic polymers and chlorofluorocarbons.

When buying furniture look for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or HAP (hazardous air pollutant)-free finishes…they give off less gas, which protects the air quality in your home and is better for the environment

Women who get their calcium from food rather than supplements have healthier bones and bone density according to a preliminary study beind done at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Want to add years to your life?? Check out www.eons.com/lifecalculator for tips and ideas for a healthier, happier, and hopefully longer life!!

Reclining is better for your back than sitting bolt upright! Research presented to the Radiological Society of NA showed that relaxed position (sitting with hips higher than the knees) strained spines the least because it maintains the lower back’s natural curve. Sitting straight or hunched over can put pressure on spinal disks, which can lead to pain.

Feeling foggy? Studies indicate that brisk walking increases brain volume which can improve cognitive function. So exercise your body and your brain – get walking!!

Have a cold sore? Try freezing them away…place ice or a frozen popsicle on the sore for five minutes several times a day. This may help them from growing bigger and heal faster.

You know how important calcium is to bone health…but did you know that kale, broccoli and cabbage can provide the same benefits as milk and dairy products. And if you take iron make sure to take it two hours before or after consuming calcium rich foods to improve absorption.

Feed your pet the very best by looking for foods whose first ingredients are meats: whole chicken or chicken meal rather than chicken byproduct meal. Other ingredients should be whole, like whole wheat rather than wheat gluten, wheat bran or wheat mill run. Also avoid corn products, artificial dyes, flavors chemical additives or preservatives.

Want a tastier, healthier salad? Add 2 tablespoons of toasted walnuts, almonds or soy nuts for added protein and Vitamin E. Try two tablespoons of sunflower or pumpkin seeds for vitamins, minerals and fiber…or ¼ cup of blueberries or blackberries for vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.

For germ-free cleaning UF researchers found microwaving a sponge will kill 99% of germs! Soak it in water (make sure it is not soapy) then microwave for 2 minutes. Handle with care as it will be HOT!Yoga does an even better job of relieving lower back pain than traditional exercises according to the Annals of Internal Medicine. Other benefits of yoga include easing of carpal tunnel pain (Journal of Am. Med. Assoc.) and it can also help you lose weight, especially more vigorous forms like power yoga.Looking for eco-friendly companies who care about our animals and planet? Check out www.caringconsumer.com for more details and information.

Pre-diabetic?? Before developing Type-2 Diabetes many people are pre-diabetic, their blood glucose is elevated but not yet in diabetic range. Simple measures like eliminating simple carbs (white flour, sugar, etc) and eating complex carbs (whole grains, beans nuts, etc.) plus getting plenty of exercise can help prevent the progression to full type diabetes.

Want to burn extra calories? Well then get walking... you burn one calorie for every 15 to 20 steps you take, so add more steps throughout your day: skip the elevator, take the stairs , park at the far end of the parking lot, and try walking instead of driving when possible!

Music activates the brain’s pleasure centers according to Daniel Levitin (PhD Professor of psych and music at McGill University in Montreal) which may help lower blood pressure; improve sleep, and reduce pain, depression and anxiety. And it doesn’t seem to matter what type of music so rock on!

A simple way to help prevent pancreatic cancer is to keep your gums in good shape. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health tracked the medical records of almost 52,000 adults for 16 years and recorded 216 cases of pancreatic cancer. They concluded that people with severe periodontal disease, chronic gum inflammation, tooth loss, etc. were 63% more likely to develop the cancer. So brush your teeth and tongue twice a day with a soft brush, floss daily, and see a dentist every 6 months.

Are you eating really whole grain?? Read labels carefully – the bread you are eating may not be if the first ingredient is not 100% whole wheat flour. If it is “wheat flour” or “unbleached enriched wheat flour” the product is made from refined, processed grains that have been stripped of their nutrients. Also check the fiber content – whole grain products usually have at least 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.

Exercising 6 hours per week can reduce heart attack risk by 20%, 18 hours reduces it by more than 50%! Another benefit of exercise is that your muscles release substances that signal cells to grow! And another study found that women going through menopause feel better if they exercise.

Good Sleep is vital to good health. To promote sound natural sleep, Dr. David Simon suggests you gradually decrease mental activity after 8 PM. An hour before bed take a warm bath – add a little lavender to calm you even more – add soothing music and dim the lights…ahhhh! Also try writing in a journal for 10 minutes to “download” your day and clear your mind so you can rest peacefully!

Concerned about pesticides on your produce?? The worst offenders are: peaches, apples, berries, cherries, imported grapes, cucumbers and lettuce. Low-pesticide picks include: asparagus, broccoli, frozen peas and corn, onions, avocados, bananas, watermelon, mangoes, papaya and pineapples.

 Want to strengthen your bones? Then eat Vitamin K rich foods: spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, and beet greens.

Seeds prevent Brain Fog?? Research shows that the folic acid in sunflower seeds reduces levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory amino acid that has been shown to disrupt neuronal communication in the hypothalamus (memory center of the brain).

Boost your immune system:
You can boost your immune system by stimulating your thymus gland…tap on the middle of the breastbone with your fingertips for several minutes each morning.

To avoid a drop in blood sugar:
stay away from sweets and simple carbs (like white bread)… they are easily digested & enter the bloodstream quickly, but after a brief energy spike, will leave you feeling more fatigued.

Energize and enhance circulation:
Energize and enhance circulation with hot-cold showers… alternate hot then cold water in 3 minute intervals!!

Olive oil & cholesterol:
Olive oil has a beneficial effect on cholesterol and is easily digested…use only extra virgin to ensure that it has been cold- pressed from freshly harvested olives & does not contain chemicals.

Ginseng is a popular herb but:
Ginseng is thought to be helpful for fatigue, concentration and to boost immune function. You should not take it for longer than 3 months or at higher than recommended doses as it can cause sleep disturbances, restlessness and anxiety.

Purify indoor air:
and lift your spirits by simmering a pot of these essential oils:
4 drops lavender oil
2 drops bergamot oil
2 drops lemon oil

Want to eat less?
Use a smaller plate… larger plates and portions tempt you to eat more… and eat slowly, it takes the brain 20 minutes to register feelings of fullness.

Fish is a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, but also contains mercury and PCBS. For a list of the best and worst fish to eat go to www.oceansalive.org or www.mbayaq.org.

Smog a problem where you live? The American Lung Association suggests:
Fill your gas tank after dark as the vapors can react with sunlight to create ozone. Also, use hand-powered or electric equipment instead of gas mowers & blowers, which pollute the air even more than car exhaust!

How much water should you drink each day? According to Healthy Edge magazine, about half your weight in ounces. For example if you weight 150 lbs. you should drink 75 ounces – or about nine 8 ounce glasses. Experts also say the more soda and sweetened beverages you drink, the more likely you are to be obese!

For Mental Fatigue: try Eucalyptus Essential Oil to stimulate the nervous system and promote concentration. Combined with Lemon Oil in a diffuser it can improve mental exhaustion and listlessness. 4 drops Eucalyptus oil; 2 drops Lemon Oil

Food Allergies? Allergies to rice are rare, so it is a good choice for people with allergies and sensitivities. There are many products made from rice today, including pasta, beverages, even “cheese”. And it is gluten-free for those with gluten allergies.

Parsley is a natural diuretic that purifies the blood and accelerates the excretion of toxins. Use fresh rather than dried as it is more tasty and healthful. Keep it fresh in the refrigerator by sprinkling with water, then wrapping it in paper towels in a plastic bag. Or place stems in a glass of water (like flowers!) and refrigerate.