Tag Archives: more energy

Best Laxative Foods: Studies on Flaxseed, Aloe Vera, Yogurt, Magnesium

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laxative foodsThe Best Laxative Foods:

It can make a person feel so healthy and energetic to have smooth digestion and elimination, and it can feel equally as bad to experience an upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea.

With infrequent bowel movements, the digestive tract can retain a large quantity of toxic material that can accumulate over time and contribute to many chronic health problems and conditions. Nature has provided us with some time-tested and research-supported laxative foods that not only relieve constipation but also deliver many additional health benefits.

One of these foods is flaxseed, which has been proven to have a dual effectiveness for both constipation and diarrhea.  The study on flaxseed comes from the Natural Products Research Division of the Aga Khan Medical College in Pakistan.  Flaxseed oil and its gel-like fiber was given orally to people and it caused a dose-dependent increase in looser bowel movements – meaning that the higher the dose, the more effective it was. Flaxseed is also an effective remedy for hot flashes, other menopause symptoms and high cholesterol.

When studied for its anti-diarrheal effect, flaxseed oil reduced diarrhea by 50%, when it was induced by giving castor-oil.  This effect was discovered to be from the ability of flaxseed oil to prevent low potassium levels.  The researchers confirmed the medicinal use of flaxseed for both constipation and diarrhea, with a sound basis for both.

Aloe vera leaves are commonly used as a remedy for constipation and the laxative effect of their plant chemicals is well-proven.  In one study of 28 adults, aloe vera had a laxative response that was stronger than a stimulant called phenolphthalein.  The German Commission E, which is a governmental regulatory agency that has evaluated the usefulness of 300 different herbs, has approved aloe vera laxative preparations for use as a constipation treatment.  Aloe vera is also rich and vitamins and minerals and it enhances dental health when used as a mouthwash, heals canker sores and helps heal burns.

The stomach-friendly bacteria in yogurt known as “probiotics,” have been increasingly researched as a remedy for constipation.  Scientists from the School of Medicine at King’s College in London reviewed 14 studies involving 1,182 participants. The consensus of the studies is that certain strains of probiotics from supplements can speed up the movement of food through the intestines and it increase stool frequency.  Probiotics are widely available in supplements, yogurts (unsweetened is best), and foods such as sauerkraut and pickles. Probiotics are also known to strengthen immunity and encourage healthy skin.

Magnesium is a long-time, traditional and effective cure for constipation. A recent study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirmed this by their study of magnesium in 3,835 women in Japan — 26% of which had constipation.  The researchers found that low magnesium intake was associated with an increase in constipation.

They also discovered that dietary fiber intake, intake of water, or water from other fluids were not associated with constipation. However, low intake of water from foods was definitely related to constipation.  The foods highest in water content include vegetables and fruits, and these are a great assistance for achieving smooth stomach health.

Magnesium is also a proven remedy for insomnia, heart health, bone strength and headaches. In one study from the Romanian Journal of Neurology, researchers conducted biochemical and neurological tests in cases of restless leg syndrome with insomnia. The investigators reported several examples of sleep disorders. They found agitated sleep with frequent periods of night time awakenings and a decrease of the duration and percentage of the deeper rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.  These things are also found in other forms of insomnia that are caused by magnesium deficiency.

This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002.  Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

The Candida Diet: Natural Food Remedies

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candida dietThe Candida Diet: Natural Food Remedies

What is Candida? It is one of the natural microscopic organisms that live in our intestines and mouth. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that has the role of helping to digest food.

Normally the stomach has an abundance of healthy bacteria that keep Candida under control, but an overgrowth can take place if a person eats a lot of sugar or highly processed foods, takes birth control pills, drinks alcohol or takes antibiotics.

Researchers have been on the trail of natural options in order to provide people who have Candida overgrowth with some alternatives to antifungal drugs. In fact, studies have revealed several natural remedies. How can a person know if they have Candida overgrowth? Some of the signs and symptoms include trouble focusing, chronic fatigue, depression, insomnia, stomach gas, congestion, allergies, recurring yeast or urinary tract infections, headaches and joint pain.

One of the top proven remedies for Candida is Turmeric. Turmeric is frequently used in Asian dishes and curry powders and it gives these their bright yellow color.  Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric that provides its many health benefits. One research study on turmeric comes from the Canadian Journal of Microbiology.  The researchers found that turmeric is effective against fourteen different strains of Candida.

Probiotics such as the healthy bacteria found in yogurt, have been found to combat Candida.  Physiology is the study of the normal functions of living organisms and their parts. A leading journal of physiology reported that probiotic therapy is successful in treating fungal colonization of the intestinal tract.  More specifically, acidophilus heals fungal infection, as well as the accompanying stomach inflammation.

Coconut oil was proven in a recent animal study in Massachusetts to reduce the amount of Candida in the gut by more than 90%. The researches emphasized that antifungal drugs can be used to decrease and control Candida and prevent it from spreading to the bloodstream, but repeated use of antifungal drugs can lead to drug resistant-strains of fungal diseases. “Food can be a powerful ally in reducing the risk of disease,” said Alice Lichtenstein at Tufts University in Massachusetts.

Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”, sums this up the best when he said: “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”.

This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and a supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

References:

1. Are probiotics effective in the treatment of fungal colonization of the gastrointestinal tract? Experimental and clinical studies.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17242486

2. Curcumin as a promising anticandidal of clinical interest. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21358761

Remedy Arthritis with Natural Sulfur-Based Supplements

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remedy arthritisArthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It causes chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion, and usually affects the hands, knees, hips or spine.

Two recent landmark research studies have been done that tested natural sulfur-containing remedies for osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis.

Cartilage is the tough, elastic connective tissue that coats the ends of the bones inside the joints.

When cartilage deteriorates, the bones can begin to grind together, causing pain and limitations in movement and flexibility. Up until now, anti-inflammatory drugs have been the most common treatment for arthritis symptoms, but they can have many side effects and may even worsen the condition.

Sulfur-containing compounds such as glucosamine sulfate and MSM hold great promise for people with joint-cartilage problems. They have been shown in studies to remedy arthritis and provide relief.  Sulfur is particularly concentrated in the joints, nails, skin, hair and connective tissues. MSM sulfur is a white, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat. Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, making regular replenishment beneficial.

In one study of MSM, University of California School of Medicine professor Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., followed 16 patients with degenerative arthritis – a form of joint disease. The patients who took MSM daily for six weeks reported an 80 percent reduction in pain. Dr. Lawrence has also conducted studies showing that MSM increases hair growth and brilliance, as well as nail thickness and length.

Glucosamine is licensed in parts of Europe as a drug, but it is widely available in the UK and USA as a nutritional supplement.  An arthritis study was published in “The Lancet” that researched the long term use of glucosamine sulphate as a natural arthritis treatment.

Researcher Jean Yves Reginster of Belgium and his colleagues discovered that glucosamine sulphate not only improves the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis, but can protect and benefit the actual structure of the joints as well.  Both MSM and glucosamine are natural substances found in cartilage that tend to be lost as people age.

In the trial, 212 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned 1500 mg. of glucosamine sulphate or placebo once daily for 3 years.  Researchers measured the joint space width in the knee joint at the beginning of the study and again after 1 and 3 years.  The patients on placebo had a progressive joint-space narrowing, whereas there was no joint-space loss in the patients on glucosamine sulphate.  There was reduced pain and increased function after treatment with glucosamine.

This news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Joints and More, the natural solution with pure MSM for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Avocado and Estrogen: Reduce Estrogen and Balance Hormones

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avocado and estrogenAvocado and Estrogen: The Fabulous Fruit That Helps Balance Hormones in Women and Men
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This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Sleep Minerals II
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Avocados are a healthy, creamy, tasty food, whether they sit on top of a sandwich, an omelet or a salad — or become transformed into guacamole. Avocados balance hormones, contain beneficial fats, and feature over twenty vitamins and minerals.

They are a uniquely high source of plant sterols, which is the part of the plant that corresponds to cholesterol in people.  Eating plant sterols has been proven to lower cholesterol and increase heart health in several research studies from sources like the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Another key benefit of avocados is their ability to block estrogen absorption in the body. They contain key plant sterols that can reduce excess estrogen. This allows increased progesterone to be present in women and testosterone in men.

For women in menopause, it’s all about the balance between estrogen and progesterone. There’s little to no progesterone left in menopause while there’s still some estrogen. This can lead to estrogen dominance symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and insomnia. Avocado can help to increase progesterone and create more hormonal balance. Women who eat more wholesome plant foods tend to have a far lower incidence of menopausal symptoms.

Some other causes of excess estrogen in men and women include exposure to toxins and pollutants in the environment, chemical estrogens in plastics, hormones from food, and toxic cleaning products. Eating some avocado regularly can take the edge off the toxic load and provide better hormonal balance.

Increased estrogen levels can lead to weight gain, tiredness, headaches and a lower sexual interest.  Regarding excess weight, one study in the “Nutrition Journal” showed that adding half an avocado to the lunch time meal resulted in a feeling of satisfaction and a 40% reduction in the desire to eat during the 3 hours after lunch.

According to Michael Lam, M.D. who specializes in nutritional medicine: ”Plants contain over 5,000 known sterols that have progesterone enhancing effects. People who eat more wholesome plant foods have a far lower incidence of menopausal symptoms because their pre- and post-menopause levels of (hormones) do not drop as significantly.”

Avocado and estrogen: Simply adding some avocado to meals is a great way to help balance hormones — half an avocado is a good amount.  Avocado oil is another concentrated form of plant sterols that can be used for cooking in any high heat application like stir-fry, bar-b-q or roasting. It also makes a great base for salad dressings and sauces. An avocado in any form is a great food for overall health and particularly good hormonal health.

This natural health news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Are avocados good for hormones?

One key benefit of avocados is their ability to block estrogen absorption in the body. They contain healthy plant nutrients that can reduce excess estrogen. This allows for increased progesterone to be present in women and testosterone in men.

Do avocados increase estrogen?

No, in fact plant foods like avocado contain thousands of known nutrients that have progesterone enhancing and hormone balancing effects. Women who eat more wholesome plant foods have a far lower incidence of menopausal symptoms.

 

6 Fantastic Fruit Colors Provide Many Natural Remedies

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Greetings to you,

Have a look at this magnificent chart of fruits below and what they heal.  Whether its grapefruit for urinary tract infections, blueberries for diabetes, watermelon for reducing blood pressure, or pomegranate for women’s hormone health.

This health information is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for arthritis, pain relief, allergies and more energy.

fruit

 

Top 8 Ways to Supercharge your Immune System

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Greetings to you,

There’s an informative chart below that has the top 8 ways to boost your immune system  What exactly is the “Immune System”?  The body’s immune system protects us against disease, germs, viruses and microorganisms every day of our lives.  Some of the parts of the immune system are the tonsils, spleen, and bone marrow (where white blood cells are made).

Usually the immune system does a great job of protecting us from illness and disease.  Sometimes a lack of sleep or exercise, chemicals in foods, toxins in the environment, excess sugar, or prolonged stress weakens it.

Regarding white sugar, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that when healthy volunteers consumed a large amount of sugar, their immune system’s white blood cells had an impaired ability to destroy bacteria for at least five hours.  One healthy alternative is whole raw fruit, which makes great desserts and snacks.  Enjoy the chart below and put it to good use!

This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and the natural solution for joint relief, allergies, pain relief and increased energy, Joints and More.

To your good health,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
immune system

Study Shows MSM Reduces Knee Pain and Improves Activities

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, arthritis is the number one cause of disability among adults.

It is defined as painful inflammation, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints.

Arthritis can occur in any joint, but usually it affects the hands, knees, hips, neck or spine.  The cartilage covering the surface of joints can wear away.

In a study published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage”, researchers noted that MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a popular dietary supplement and they set out to conduct a placebo-controlled trial to find evidence to support its use as a remedy for knee pain.

MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.

Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM. In one study, sulfur concentration in arthritic cartilage was shown to be about one-third the level of normal cartilage.

The recent study published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage” was done at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. Fifty men and women, 40 to 76 years of age with knee pain, were enrolled in an outpatient medical center. Part of the group received 3,000 milligrams (3 grams) of MSM per day, twice a day, for 12 weeks – 6 grams per day total.  The other part of the group received a placebo.

The results showed that compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in knee pain and significant improvement in physical function.  MSM use also resulted in improvement in performing the activities of daily living. Important improvements in stress and cardiovascular health were also observed.  These are good advantages, as there are many side effects from the usual drugs used for arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation’s web site lists the most common side effects of the medications used to treat arthritis.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can create edema (swelling of the feet) heartburn, stomach ulcers and possibly increased risk of blood clots and heart attack.

Corticosteroids (cortisone) may contribute to cataracts, elevated blood sugar levels and bone loss.  Injections at the arthritis site can create redness and swelling and increased risk of infections.

One example of a natural arthritis remedy that contains MSM is Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  Joints and More is made from “organic” sulfur (meaning coming from living things) and is a 99% pure, simple molecule, indistinguishable from a molecule of MSM found in nature.

Stanley Jacob, M.D. the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’ says: “MSM is a surprising supplement.  When you start taking it, you may notice a number of good things happening in your life in addition to pain and allergy relief — more energy, cosmetic benefits such as softer skin, thicker hair, stronger nails; as well as decreased scar tissue and relief of constipation.”

For more information on Joints and More visit https://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/joints-and-more-natural-joint-relief-hair-growth-more-energy-nutrition-breakthroughs/

Announcing Joints and More: Natural Joint Support and So Much More

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Joints and More
An estimated 50 million U.S. adults (about 1 of 5) have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, arthritis is the #1 cause of disability among adults.

It is defined as painful inflammation, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints. Millions of people are seeking joint support from natural supplements.

Arthritis can occur in any joint, but usually it affects the hands, knees, hips, neck or spine.  Common limitations from arthritis include difficulty with climbing stairs, walking, lifting, reaching, bending or kneeling.

Nutrition Breakthroughs of Clearwater Florida is announcing their newest product called ‘Joints and More‘, which contains a natural form of sulfur known as MSM.

According to research studies, MSM is known to help aching joints, muscle soreness, headaches, allergies, hair growth and more.  This is done by supporting collagen in the cells and reducing inflammation. Collagen is the main protein in connective tissues. The body’s hormones, enzymes and immune system also depend on MSM on a daily basis.

MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.

Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM. In a 1995 study, sulfur concentration in arthritic cartilage was shown to be about one-third the level of normal cartilage.

The Arthritis Foundation’s web site lists the most common side effects of the medications used to treat arthritis.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can create edema (swelling of the feet) heartburn, stomach ulcers and possibly increased risk of blood clots and heart attack.  Corticosteroids (cortisone) may contribute to cataracts, elevated blood sugar levels, increased appetite, and bone loss. Injections at the arthritis site can create redness and swelling and increased risk of infections.

In the breakthrough book called “The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain,” Stanley Jacob, M.D., the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’, and Ronald Lawrence, M.D. share their experiences with successfully treating people with MSM. Together they have treated over 12,000 people with MSM for a variety of conditions at the Oregon Health  Sciences University in Portland  Oregon.

Dr. Jacob says: “MSM is a surprising supplement.  When you start taking it, you may notice a number of good things happening in your life in addition to pain and allergy relief: More energy, cosmetic benefits such as softer skin, thicker hair, stronger nails, decreased scar tissue and relief of constipation.”

Ellen N. of Littleton, Colorado says: “I had developed painful arthritis in both knees. The orthopedist prescribed physical therapy, knee braces, ibuprofen daily and an eventual surgery.  Someone I know who works for a nutritional supplement company offered me a sample of MSM. I started taking it, I began noticing improvement, and this continued.”

“Soon I had the same spring back in my legs just like before all this started.  I was feeling major relief. Now I’m walking faster and even climbed on my roof to trim some trees. I feel like a new woman.” (from the book “The Miracle of MSM – the Natural Solution for Pain” by by Stanley Jacob, M.D., the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’ and Ronald Lawrence, M.D.).

In one research study, patients suffering from degenerative arthritis were treated with either 2,250 mg per day of MSM or placebo. Sixteen patients were enrolled in the study. With the MSM group, the researchers reported “A better than 80 percent control of pain within six weeks of beginning the study.”

There is no known cure for arthritis.  According to Dr. Stanley Jacob, “Steroidal drugs such as cortisone are widely prescribed to reduce the inflammation associated with a wide array of painful conditions.  These frequently lead to unhealthy weight gain, high blood pressure and even diabetes…..MSM offers a natural way to reduce pain and inflammation without serious side effects.”

For more information on joint support, allergy relief, hair and nail growth and more energy, visit the Joints and More page.

Today’s Health Tip – Listen to Your Body

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Greetings to you,

Many of us are seeking out ways to be healthier and have more energy.  One of the best ways to do this is to listen to your body.

How can one do this?  There are some specific ways and times that you can increase your awareness of the effects certain things are having on you.

1. When you eat certain types of foods, how do you feel afterwards?  If your energy is increased that’s a great sign.  If you feel more tired, your stomach aches, or you get heartburn, that’s a good time to examine what you ate and make some changes to create a better effect next time.

2. When you take nutritional supplements, try to add new supplements one thing at a time so you can isolate where any effects are coming from.  If it helps to energize you, that’s great.  Unless its a sleeping supplement!  In that case, take a smaller dose and see if it relaxes you instead.  A good natural sleep aid should help to relax you and also help you sleep sounder and longer.  If there are any after-effects such as grogginess in the morning, take less of the supplement or take it earlier in the day than bedtime, such as at dinner.

3. If you do exercises or take walks, etc. try to notice the effect it has afterwards.  A good exercise should not completely exhaust you or make your muscles overly sore.  If you have a muscle spasm or cramp, you can either reduce the amount of exercise next time, or increase the calcium and magnesium in your diet (or use supplements).

This health information is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep remedy Sleep Minerals II.  Here’s to your good health and well-being.

Best regards,

Jobee Knight
President
Nutrition Breakthroughs