4 Best Foods for Your Bones and the 4 Worst

What are the best foods for bone health? What are the worst? The answers might surprise you!

If you’ve turned on the TV or opened a magazine lately, you’ve probably seen one of those Got Milk? ads touting three glasses a day for bone health. The dairy industry spends billions of dollars to convince us that their products are the end-all when it comes to bone health.

Sure, milk is high in calcium, but there are actually a number of nutrients that come into play when we’re talking bone health. Magnesium is actually just as important for your bones as calcium, and dairy products are not rich in this vital nutrient. Vitamin K is another piece of the bone health puzzle that’s missing from dairy products.

Fortified milk products do have plenty of vitamin D, but you can also get your fill of this vitamin just by spending a few minutes a day outdoors without sunscreen. Boom! Sunshine vitamin? Check!

OK, so maybe dairy’s not at the top of the list when it comes to best foods for bone health, but where it does fall definitely surprised me. Check out the lists below of the best foods and the worst ones for your bones.

Best Foods for Bone Health

1. Dark Leafy Greens

Dark and leafies, like kale and collard greens pack a one-two-three of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K. When it comes to strong and healthy bones, these are your #1 for sure.

2. Seeds

Sprinkle some seeds onto your next salad for some bone-building power. If you want the most bang for your buck, opt for mineral-rich pumpkin seeds.

3. Nuts

Snack on a handful of nuts to protect your bones. You can add them to soups or salads, use them to top casseroles, or even puree them to make creamy vegan desserts. Want the most bone-protection power? Walnuts are your friend.

4. Beans

Beans aren’t just a cheap way to round out a meal. They’re also packed with nutrients to keep your bones healthy! Black beans in particular are great for building bone health.

Worst Foods for Bone Health

1. Dairy Products

You have all the reasons to be surprised! We knew that dairy wasn’t the end all when it comes to bone health, but it turns out that dairy products may leach calcium from bones and increase your risk of fractures over time.

2. Salt

If you’re trying to eat healthily, chances are that you’re already cutting out the table salt, and here’s one more reason to watch the white stuff: if may increase bone fragility. A Japanese study found that women who ate more salt were four times as likely to fracture a bone.

3. Cola

You may have heard that carbonated beverages or sodapop are bad for your bones, and I found some new research that uncovers what exactly is going on there. Scientists believe that it’s actually the phosphoric acid in cola specifically that depletes your bones.

4. Too Much Protein

Healthy eating is all about balance, and of course you need protein to stay healthy, but there’s some solid evidence that too much of the stuff can weaken your bones. What’s a little bit tricky about this research is that the group who ate less protein also ate a plant-based diet, so it’s unclear whether it’s the amount of protein or the type of protein that’s causing the damage.

Source: www.care2.com

5 Superfoods To Help You Quit Coffee

Ready to ditch caffeine for the long haul? These delicious and healthful superfoods will calm your jitters and boost your energy naturally. 

Do you need a massive cup of coffee in the morning just to get yourself out of bed? If so, you’re not alone - these days, many of us are both sleep deprived and addicted to caffeine. An occasional cup of coffee isn’t the worst thing in the world, but when you’re relying on your daily dose of caffeine to function, you’re at risk of covering up the important messages your body is trying to send you (like “go take a nap”). 

Don’t worry - lowering your caffeine load doesn’t have to be torture. These amazing superfoods will help boost your energy and keep you calm throughout the switch. 

1. Roasted Dandelion Root

If you aren’t quite ready to switch from dark, roasted coffee to herbal tea, dandelion root is a great option. It has a similar taste to coffee, but is caffeine free and is also beneficial for the liver. You can find instant dandelion root coffee replacer in most health food stores - just add some hot water and you’re good to go!

2. Maca

 

A member of the cruciferous family, Maca is grown at high altitudes in the mountains of Peru. Like raw cacao, maca can boost both mood and energy. But it also has the beneficial effect of reducing stress and - bonus - increasing sexual desire. You can buy Maca in powder form at your local health food store. Try adding a teaspoon to your morning smoothie (which you’ll have plenty of time to make now that you’re skipping your daily trip to the coffee shop, right?).

3. Raw Cacao

If going without your morning latte has sent your mood into a tailspin, raw cacao can help. Raw cacao contains Tryptophan (an amino acid), which is necessary for your body to produce feel-good chemical serotonin. While it has only trace amounts of caffeine, raw cacao contains theobromine, a gentler stimulant that can give you an all-natural energy boost. Add a little cacao to your dandelion “coffee” for a healthful mocha alternative.

4. Ginger:

Ginger helps boost circulation, giving you energy while also being warming and soothing. It’s also helpful for nausea, a common symptom of caffeine withdrawal. Try sipping some ginger herbal tea or adding fresh ginger to a smoothie or green juice.

5. Ginseng

Ginseng is known for its ability to reduce fatigue and increase energy, but it doesn’t stop there: it’s also an immune booster, a liver detoxifier and an adaptogen (it helps us deal with the effects of stress). You can take ginseng in a tea or in capsules.

Source: www.mindbodygreen.com

Difference between Homeopathy and Naturopathy

Many people think that homeopathy and naturopathy are one and the same thing. Naturopathy is a 'broad spectrum' descriptor in which practitioners are more likely to prescribe multiple treatment approaches like supplements, herbs and dietary adjustments. 

Conversely, homeopathy is a single system of medicine in which practitioners focus totally on the application of homeopathic medicines. Jon and Nyema originally trained as naturopaths, then went on to specialise in homeopathy. Following are some explanations to help you understand the difference.

NATUROPATHY

Naturopathy is an umbrella term for many natural therapies, which include herbal medicine, massage, nutrition, iridology, and can include homeopathy. Naturopathy's origin is in 'nature cures', when fasting and a diet of raw, whole foods and hydrotherapy was practised. Over time, various therapeutic disciplines have been added to become what is now known as 'Naturopathy.'

THE NATUROPATHIC CONSULTATION

When you visit a naturopath your treatment is likely to include dietary advice, vitamins and minerals and herbal medicines. Therefore, naturopaths are often considered to be the 'General Practitioners' of natural therapies. When naturopaths include homeopathic medicines in their treatment, it is often for acute symptoms, as one part of the whole treatment programme.

Philosophy: The philosophy of naturopathy is based on providing an environment which supports recovery from illness.

Herbal Preparations: Herbs are preparations made from plants, called tinctures or fluid extracts, are usually dark in colour and have a strong and sometimes bitter taste.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a scientific system of medicine, which grew out of the orthodox medicine of the 18th century. It matches a medicine to the patient's symptoms. The unique characteristic of homeopathy is the specific selection of a medicine to correspond with the patient's symptoms according to specialised homeopathic case taking. Homeopaths often consider diet and life-style as naturopaths do, but it is the prescribed homeopathic medicine, which is used to directly treat a patient's condition.

THE HOMEOPATHIC CONSULTATION

When you visit a homeopath your consultation involves gathering detailed information about the patterns of your symptoms. Your treatment will be a homeopathic medicine prescribed according to how closely the medicine picture 'matches' your particular symptoms. Prescriptions are highly individualized - several patients with headaches may all receive different medicines to treat their headache, based on the headache symptoms. These symptoms are things like the type of pain - sharp or dull, the time of day the pain is present, things that make the headache worse, (heat, movement,) and things that make the headache better (walking in the fresh air, cold compress). See the adult questionnaire for the type of information required in the consultation.

Philosophy: The philosophy of homeopathy is to find a medicine based on the law of similars, or 'what a substance can cause, it can cure'. For example, a homeopathic medicine made from the honeybee is used to treat the symptoms of bee stings and swellings, which resemble beestings.

Homeopathic Preparations: Homeopathic medicines come in the form of drops or small white pills, which have a slightly sweet taste. The medicines have been diluted and potentised from the source material, which means they are non-toxic and have no colour. Homeopathic medicines are often thought to be 'herbs'. Homeopathic and herbal medicines are quite different, even though the origin of some homeopathic medicines is herbs. The two differ considerably in their prescribing methods and medicine preparation. Homeopathy uses highly diluted medicines, where western and Chinese herbal medicines are made directly from plant substances. Homeopathy offers a specific treatment for each patient's illness, whereas Naturopathy provides the supportive framework for recovery.

Source: www.karunahealthcare.com.au

How High Cholesterol Leads to Atherosclerosis

High cholesterol levels can lead to clogged arteries that come from a  process known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Having the right level of cholesterol helps lower the risk of problems caused by clogged arteries. That includes heart attacks and strokes.

But what makes cholesterol so bad for you? And how does treating high cholesterol help? 

Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis: The Bad and the Good

Cholesterol is a kind of fat found in your blood. Your liver makes it because cells and certain organs need it. Your body also gets cholesterol from some of the foods you eat. But if your body gets too much, the cholesterol can do serious damage, especially inside your arteries.

Some people think that all cholesterol is “bad.” But there are different kinds of cholesterol, and too much of one kind certainly is bad. But there’s another kind of cholesterol that is “good” because it helps keep your body well.

The "bad" cholesterol is called LDL or low-density lipoprotein. LDL can damage your arteries that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Then once the damage has started, LDL keeps on penetrating and building up in the artery walls.

As the deposits grow, your body tries to clean them up. White blood cells and other kinds of cells that are part of your body’s defense attack the buildup and chew it up. But over time, those cells and the resulting debris become part of the buildup. Over years, the deposits grow larger and form what’s called plaque.

The "good" cholesterol is known as HDL or high-density lipoprotein. HDL circulates through your body, acting like a cholesterol magnet. It gathers up the bad cholesterol and moves it out of your arteries. Eventually, much of the cholesterol is either eliminated from your body, delivered to tissues such as the liver, or used to make hormones.

As plaques grow inside your arteries, they eventually start to block the flow of blood. Some LDL-rich plaques grow in a slow, controlled way. While they may eventually narrow arteries enough to cause symptoms, the body generally adapts. And this type of blockage seldom causes heart attacks.

But other plaques are unstable. The white blood cells and other cells the body sends to consume the plaque also release enzymes. These enzymes dissolve some of the tissue called collagen that holds the plaque together. When that happens, the plaque deposit can rupture. Then the debris from it can cause a blood clot to form inside the artery. Sometimes, within minutes, this clot can cut off the blood that goes to the heart or the brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol Treatment: Down With the Bad, Up With the Good

As your cholesterol level gets higher, so does the likelihood that more plaques will form. The link between cholesterol and life threatening events makes treating high cholesterol a priority. Changes in lifestyle can improve cholesterol level and reduce the risks that come with atherosclerosis:

Continue reading below...

• Exercise with or without weight loss increases "good" HDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• A diet high in fiber and low in fats can lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.
• Oily fish and other foods high in omega 3 fatty acids can raise “good” HDL cholesterol. 
• Avoid deep fried, and processed foods  

6 Dietary and Lifestyle Tips To Lower LDL Levels

To dramatically lower your LDL cholesterol levels without resorting to high doses of Statins (and maybe even eliminating the need for statins altogether), follow these 6 dietary/lifestyle tips:

• 1. Limit your intake of foods full of saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol.

  Foods with a lot of saturated fat include butter, fatty flesh like red meat, full-fat and low-fat dairy products, palm oil, and coconut oil. If you see partially hydrogenated fat in the Ingredient List of a food label, that food has trans fats. Top sources of dietary cholesterol include egg yolks, organ meats, and shellfish.
  One type of fat – omega-3 fatty acids – has been shown to protect against heart disease. Good sources are cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, halibut, trout, herring, and sardines.

  To help you translate the above guidelines into daily food planning, here are key guidelines:

  Select low-fat dairy foods only, 2 servings daily.
  Limit your intake of meat, poultry, and fish to no more than 3.5 to 4 ounces per day. From the choices below, which are listed from best to worst, try to select almost always from the top. At least two to three times weekly, choose omega-3-rich fish.
  1. Omega-3-Rich Fish. Best Choice.
  2. Mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels, scallops)
  3. Crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, lobster, crawfish)
  4. Poultry (chicken, turkey – white meat only)
  5. Game Meat (bison, venison, elk, ostrich)
  6. Red Meat (beef, pork, lamb, veal). Worst Choice.
  Red meats are the least desirable choice because they not only tend to have the highest proportion of saturated fats, they are also higher in heme iron, which likely raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and colo-rectal cancer. Red meats also alter the gut’s microbiome, which new research indicates may raise cardiovascular disease risk.

• 2. Eat a lot more fiber-rich foods (especially soluble fiber from foods like beans, oats, barley, fruits, and vegetables).

  Foods naturally rich in soluble fiber have proven particularly good at lowering cholesterol. Excellent sources include oats, oat bran, barley, peas, yams, sweet potatoes and other potatoes, as well as legumes or beans, such as pinto beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans. Vegetables rich in soluble fiber include carrots, beets, okra, and eggplant. Good fruit sources are berries.

• 3. Choose protein-rich plant foods (such as legumes or beans, nuts, and seeds) over meat.

  Common legumes include lentils, peas, and beans, such as pinto beans, red beans, white beans, and soybeans. They’re full of nutritional riches and are a very healthy, protein-packed alternative to meat. Legumes help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels, and may even lower cancer risk.
  Nuts and seeds have been proven to modestly lower LDL cholesterol levels. To avoid blood-pressure-raising salt, choose raw or dry roasted, unsalted varieties. To avoid gaining weight, don’t eat more than 1 ounce daily since nuts and seeds are dense with calories (averaging about 175 calories per ounce).

• 4. Lose as much excess weight as possible.

  Losing excess weight is beneficial for all sorts of reasons, from improving your cholesterol profile to preventing diseases epidemic in industrialized societies, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, gout, and many types of cancer.
  Do keep in mind that it’s important to limit fat intake, even so-called “good” fats like olive oil, because any fat is dense with calories, which means heavy consumption can easily lead to a heavy body.
  
  NOTE: The above steps contain the key food groups that have cholesterol-lowering properties. The supplements described in Tips 5 and 6 may provide additional LDL lowering.

• 5. Take plant Sterol supplements.

  Sterols are naturally occurring substances found in plants. A daily intake of 1 to 2 grams of plant sterols has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Your best choice is supplements, such as CholestOff (by Nature Made), because they do not have the calories, sugar, trans fats, and/or salt of many foods enriched with plant sterols.

• 6. Take psyllium (such as Metamucil).

  Psyllium husks are seed grains sold as a soluble fiber supplement and laxative. Metamucil is the best known brand, but psyllium is also available in less expensive store brands. Studies have shown that 9 to 10 grams daily of psyllium, the equivalent of about 3 teaspoons daily of Sugar-Free Metamucil, reduced LDL levels.
  To get the cholesterol-lowering benefit, take 1 teaspoon with water no more than 15 to 30 minutes before a meal.

Source: www.webmd.com , www.pritikin.com

5 Factors that Lower the Immune System and 

5 Immune Boosting Nutrients

Let’s review some common causes of a lowered immune system and why you may be more susceptible to a cold or flu in the first place.

FACTORS THAT LOWER IMMUNITY

1. Lack of sleep. Studies show people who lack adequate sleep (those getting 6 hrs or less) or shift workers are far more prone to the common cold and flu. Your immunity soldiers are affected –  reduced natural killer cell activity, suppressed interleukin-2 production and increased levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines — this is all bad news for your immune system.

This is why I personally love and recommend Pascoflair to my clients. It is one of my favourite herbs, passionflower, which helps you relax and ensure a restful sleep. It helps to calm your monkey brain and ease restlessness both of which reduce anxiety and help you sleep. The best part is it works as effectively as prescribed medication minus the negative side effects.

2. Sugar. The standard diet is loaded with processed foods and refined sugars. This is a feast for the bad guys - bad bacteria, yeast and fungi thrive on sugars. Since your gut is home to 70% of your immune system, an overgrowth of the bad guys can seriously hamper your immune system function. Also, when white blood cells, the defenders of the immune system, are exposed to high levels of sugar, their ability to fight bacteria decreases significantly, which makes the body more prone to ALL infections.

Adding insult to injury, sugar causes nutrient depletion of B-vitamins, vitamin C. 

3. Drinking alcohol excessively or binge drinking. While you may not consider yourself an excessive or binge drinker, if you are someone who goes out on weekends and has 4-5 drinks in one evening then you fit into this category. Alcohol impairs your immune system by reducing function of T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and monocytes and macrophages, decreasing the inflammatory response and altering cytokine production — translation? Alcohol is horrible for your immune system. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to have the opposite effect – hurray for those who like an occasional glass of red wine. Thanks to those antioxidants that are beneficial to your immunity.

4. Stress. Stress is the number cause of illness so it’s no surprise that studies show psychological stress has also been shown to increase susceptibility to viral infection. Subjects exposed to stress showed increased infection rates from 74% to 90%, and colds rose from 27% to 47%. Stress also leads to the release of histamines, which can trigger severe bronchial constriction in asthmatic. You’ve likely noticed when you are in the midst of a crisis or major deadline at work you get through it and then get sick. This is because you are likely secreting massive amounts of adrenalin to keep you going and as soon as that stimulus goes away and you have a chance to relax you get sick. 

5. Other factors to consider: Smoking, second hand smoke, exposure to chemicals and heavy metals, too much exercise.

5 Immune Boosting Nutrients

1. Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin! One of the many functions of vitamin D is to help the body better identify and destroy bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately more people need to supplement because between 40-70% of Canadians are vitamin D deficient during the winter months.

Food sources: mushrooms, salmon, sardines

Supplement: D3 – capsule or liquid is best.

2. Healthy Bacteria
The function of healthy bacteria is to train the immune system. 70-80% of your immune system lives in your gut. The beneficial bacteria that call your body home have many roles:

o   Help train the immune system to differentiate friend (food) from foe (pathogens, toxins)

o   Rebalance the immune system when it gets out of whack

o   Reduce gut inflammation

o   Limit the amount of bad/pathogenic bacteria in the gut

Food sources: kimchi, miso, tamari, yogurt, kefir, kombucha

3. Vitamin C 

The function of Vitamin C is believed to act against cold viruses by stimulating the white blood cells which defend the body against viruses. Vitamin C is also incredibly protective to the damaging effects of stress which you already know lowers the immune system! Humans, unlike other animals do not make vitamin C. Interestingly, when animals are exposed to stress they significantly increase vitamin C production in the body. Since we can’t make it we need to consume foods that are high in vitamin C every single day by eating at least 5 to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables. If you do a lot of air travel, then you definitely need to make sure a vitamin C supplement is part of your daily regime to stay healthy.

Food sources: Citrus, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, leafy greens, berries (especially goji berries).

4. Protein

Protein helps the immune system because it makes antibodies that fight off infection. Much research has shown that protein malnutrition can have a variety of negative effects on the immune system. Research has shown that deficiency of high-quality protein can result in depletion of immune cells, inability of the body to make antibodies, and other immune-related problems. In addition, animal studies have shown that the immune system can be significantly compromised with even a 25% reduction in adequate protein intake. Source: whfoods.com

Food sources: Eggs, fish, chicken, chick peas, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds, tempeh, protein powder.

5. Happiness. Yes! Happiness is absolutely a nutrient. Countless studies show that a positive attitude and optimistic outlook help to lower the negative effects of stress. As mentioned previously it is a well known fact that stress lowers the immune system.

A study with the common cold and emotions showed that participants with happy emotions exhibited a greater ability to fight off the cold when given a squirt of the rhinovirus!

Source: www.joyoushealth.com

Fight aging and look younger by balancing your hormones

Do you have lifeless hair, dull skin, and weak nails? If so, your new year’s resolution may be to turn back the clock and resolve these issues. I suggest starting your anti-aging regimen with an inside look at your hormones. Hormones affect everything from our immune response and inflammation to cellular growth and tissue repair. Let’s address each of the major hormones that impact our appearance and discuss methods you can use to achieve the healthy balance necessary for radiant, youthful looking skin.

Insulin

High levels of insulin can accelerate wrinkling of the skin. Excess insulin occurs with an overindulgence of foods high in sugar, such as pastries, muffins, white pasta, white rice and juice cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin. Avoiding these foods while also consuming a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats every three to four hours will help keep your insulin levels balanced. Supplements such as chromium or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help improve your insulin sensitivity, which results in less insulin release and overall lower insulin levels. Sleep deprivation is also associated with high insulin levels, so a good “beauty sleep” is essential.

Cortisol

Stress is not only bad for your health, it also has documented aging effects on our skin cells. Studies conducted on laboratory rats, revealed that cortisol-induced collagen loss in the skin is ten times greater than any other tissue; It is one of the biggest culprits of dull, thin, and sagging skin. Anything that beats stress, beats aging too – Relora is one of my favourite supplements for reducing excess cortisol levels and increasing youthful DHEA levels. For best results, take two pills at night and one in the morning.

Estrogen

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries prior to menopause and by the adrenal glands after menopause. Your adrenal glands will produce less estrogen if they are fatigued, which is common with a stressful lifestyle, sleep disruption, irregular eating habits or illness. Estrogen levels begin to decline in most women in their mid to late 40s although some women, particularly those who are very thin, may experience a drop much sooner. Less estrogen production that naturally occurs with age makes our skin thinner and less elastic, which leads to more wrinkling and sagging. As estrogen dips, less collagen and elastin are produced. Estrogen also helps skin stay moist by boosting hyaluronic acid. A 1997 study of 3,875 postmenopausal women concluded that estrogen supplementation helped aging women have younger looking skin and also helped maintained skin’s collagen, thickness, elasticity and ability to retain moisture.

Simple dietary changes can also help support healthy estrogen levels through the intake of phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed and fermented soy products. Have one serving of organic, non-GMO soy along with two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in your smoothies or salads, daily. Increase your intake of vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts—they contain indols, compounds that are essential to healthy estrogen balance. Herbal products such as licorice, angelica, red clover or black cohosh are also used to support healthy estrogen levels. Natural hormone replacement in the form of creams containing two types of estrogen (estriol and estradiol) may also be beneficial, but these need to be obtained by prescription through your MD or ND practitioner.

Testosterone

Excessive testosterone, in women or men, may result in acne on the face, chest or back. With age, women tend to experience an increase in androgen (a male sex hormone) levels and a decline in estrogen, while men tend to experience the opposite – an increase in estrogen and a decline in testosterone, which causes the skin to dry out. If a testosterone deficiency is suspected, herbs such as tribulus terresteris, stress management and weight-bearing exercises may help to restore optimal levels for both men and women. You can also ask your health practitioner about bioidentical testosterone cream. For women who suspect too much testosterone, consider a supplement of saw palmetto.

DHEA
Dry skin is a problem that increases with age. Interestingly, DHEA turns on oil production and seems to help combat this problem and improve hydration. DHEA is a hormone that is a precursor to other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels tend to decline with stress as well as with age. DHEA also increases the production of collagen, making skin appear smoother and younger looking. Our skin’s immunity also appears to improve with DHEA, which may help healing. DHEA supplements are not, however, without risks and, like all other hormones, should not be taken unless a clear deficiency has been established through proper assessment. Relora has been found useful to increase DHEA levels and to lower levels of cortisol. Good sleep habits may also help establish healthy DHEA levels.

Melatonin 

A proper beauty rest is achieved by sleeping in a pitch black room. Melatonin and serotonin, our happy hormone, are produced in our skin from the amino acid tryptophan. Note that if we do not get enough protein in our diets, melatonin levels may also decline. According to a July 2005 article from the journal Endocrine, melatonin is involved in hair growth and protection against melanoma. As an antioxidant hormone, melatonin guards us from UV radiation and appears to play a role in repairing burned or damaged skin. Whether it’s applied topically or taken internally, melatonin may shield us from environmental and internal stressors. If you choose to supplement with melatonin, 1 to 3 mg taken sublingually at eight to nine p.m. is optimal.

Progesterone

Contrary to estrogen, progesterone levels often begin to decline in women in their mid to late 30’s, which leaves our skin looking dull and lacking luster. Ever wonder why pregnant women seem to have that special glow? The secret is the high level of progesterone. This revitalizing hormone is beneficial for skin elasticity and circulation. Progesterone levels decline with menopause as well as with stress. Low progesterone levels are also associated with conditions like PMS, fibrocystic breast disease, infertility, increased risk and incidence of miscarriage as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Men with prostate conditions also tend to have low levels. Progesterone levels may be supported with the use of evening primrose oil, herbs such as vitex (chasteberry) or natural progesterone creams. Stress management and sleeping well is also crucial to maintaining healthy progesterone levels.

Growth hormone

If your skin is sagging—in your cheeks, chin or above the knees—declining growth hormone is probably the culprit. Since growth hormone tends to drop off as we get older, supplements are promoted as a way to “reverse” the effects of aging. Growth hormone is essential for skin-cell repair and the prevention of sagging. The production of growth hormone is closely linked to our exercise, sleep and nutritional habits. If we fail to exercise, sleep well or do not consume enough protein, we are literally accelerating the aging process because of a decrease in this repair hormone.

Source: The Hormone Diet - by Natasha Turner, N.D.

Birth Control Pills Cause Changes in the Brain

If you or someone you love is currently taking birth control pills, you may want to read this. A new study performed at the University of Salzburg in Austria has linked hormones found in birth control pills to changes in the gray matter of the brain. While some of the changes found were actually positive, the fact that these contraceptives are changing women’s brains in previously untested ways is cause for concern.

For their study, researchers recruited 60 women; 20 of the women were not on oral contraceptives, 18 were using birth control pills with androgenic progestins, and 22 were on birth control pills with anti-androgenic properties (many modern birth control pills are in this latter category). Each woman’s brain was scanned using an MRI machine. 

When researchers controlled their results for age, they found that the women who were using anti-androgenic oral contraceptives had “significantly larger” gray matter areas than the control group in certain brain regions, including the hippocampus, which is integral in memory. Women taking androgenic pills, on the other hand, had less gray matter in these regions than the control group.

Researchers also found that the longer a woman had been using the anti-androgenic pill, the larger the gray matter areas were. As may be expected, when all of the women were given a facial recognition test, those who were on anti-androgenic birth control pills, and displayed the larger gray matter areas, performed better.

The researchers do state that their study has limitations, due to its size. They also assert that the study does not show which exact compound in each birth control pill had the effect on changing the brain’s structure. It is exactly this unknown that is troubling.

Some birth control pills have been linked to a higher risk of hypertension, and others may increase risk of breast cancer. These pills also have many potential emotional side effects, including mood swings and depression, though these are individual to each specific woman.

Today, over 100 million women around the world use oral birth control pills. Until more is known, there are risks, plain and simple. If you don’t want to take the gamble, you may wish to have a talk with your doctor about non-hormonal contraceptive options that may work for you.

Note: Birth control pills will cause women to have higher levels of cortisol. Also keep in mind that birth control pills deplete the body of some essential nutrients: vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, Folic Acid (B9), vitamin C, Magnesium and Zinc.

Source: www.thealternativedaily.com