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Sunshine in a bottle: Vitamin D3

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The Harvard School of Public Health suggests an estimated 1 billion people worldwide have low vitamin D levels, with deficiencies noted across all age and ethnic groups.

You are at risk of missing out on vitamin D from natural sun exposure if you spend most of your time indoors, use topical sunscreens or wear long clothing for religious reasons.

This study from Health Impact News supports an important role for vitamin D in prevention of common respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu. Individuals with common lung diseases, such as asthma or emphysema, may be particularly susceptible to respiratory infections from vitamin D deficiency. Another study, done in Japan, indicated schoolchildren taking 1,200 units of vitamin D per day during winter reduced their risk of contracting the flu by about 40 percent.

Here is a list of vitamin D deficiency symptoms that most people ignore from Healthyway.com.

If for whatever reason you cannot get outdoors, or not frequently enough to receive sufficient UV exposure,consider taking an oral vitamin D3 supplement along with vitamin K2 and magnesium.

I take an excellent Vitamin D3 supplement that provides 2000 IUs of vitamin D3 to battle the effects of Vitamin D deficiency to support my immune system, bone health and mood. It’s the same vitamin D my body produces when exposed to the Sun without exposure to, harmful UV rays.
This combined with my Peak Performance = Optimal health!

Even if you are in good health, I encourage you to have your level tested twice a year by your primary health care provider and think about taking a vitamin D supplement like I do.

 

Household Items can be Dangerous

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You have probably read about the new “trend” on the Internet. Young adults (teenagers) actually ingesting Tide laundry pods on digital videos. The article below from FOX Business will give you some gruesome details. Solving this problem is about common sense in our teens.

While common sense and mentoring can solve this practice, there are other dangers that exist in our homes that we expose ourselves and our families to that are not as obvious. More importantly, we voluntarily take these risks in the name of cleanliness and convenience.

If I were to take you into a grocery or drug store where you buy many of your household cleaning products, in a blindfold, your nose would direct you to the aisle where the cleaning products were displayed. The chemicals in these products fill the air with scents…and TOXINS.

The other article from House Beautiful explains how some of the household items expose our families and homes to unknown dangers. In a world of “going green”, it is counter-intuitive to continue exposing our domestic environment to these unnecessary risks.

There is a reason why many traditional products are equipped with “child-proof” packaging and warnings that guard against manufacturer liability as much as consumer safety. Be aware of the chances you take every day. Breathing and exposing skin to these products presents the real possibility of risks to your health. Everything from skin cancer to respiratory or gastrointestinal infections are just some of the possibilities.

I learned of a manufacturer that I can actually purchase directly from for products I use every day WITHOUT all the toxins. I have been getting my products, like laundry detergent, from them for a while now. I absolutely love how well they work. I’ve learned that cleaning products do not have to have skull and bones and child-proof safety caps on them to be effective.  As adults, we can take all the safety precautions in the world and a child will still figure out how to access things they shouldn’t! We should not have to worry about making a trip to the hospital if that happens. And thanks to the manufacturer I purchase from, I don’t worry. 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/01/22/utah-state-university-student-hospitalized-after-eating-tide-pod.html

http://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/tips/a1492/dangerous-household-items/

Beauty Comes from the Inside

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Shiny hair, robust nails, and bright skin can be signs of a great beauty regime…the things you do for the outside of your body. But as the article below from “The Healthy Food Guide” explains, your skin, hair, and nails are even more dependent on what’s going on INSIDE your body.

Your diet can be a huge determinant of the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. The discussion from dietitian, Cindy Williams, speaks to the things that you can do to ensure that you are as beautiful as can be.

Be sure your diet includes plenty of protein (preferably lean) because our skin, hair, and nails are mostly protein. Essential fats are also part of internal health and beauty. Avoid the fats that are part of sugary snacks you may crave. The fats we refer to are essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 which occur in many seafoods. Eating fish, especially oily fish two or three times a week can help.

Foods high in iron not only will help maintain the cosmetic results you are seeking, it will bolster your energy levels, as well. Red meats are the best source of iron. If you avoid meats, you can get iron from legumes and whole grains, remember to assure proper absorption by supplementing with vitamin C.

Whole grains will add vitamin B (the skin vitamin) and the powerful antioxidant, vitamin E, will guard against dry skin. Nuts should also be part of your “beauty diet”. They provide additional essential fats. Nuts also offer a healthy alternative to higher calorie snacks and control your appetite.

Citrus for vitamin C, orange, yellow, red and green vegetables provide beta-carotene and vitamin A. Finally, hydrate with water and black, green and white tea to get the benefits of flavonoids which will help protect your skin from UV damage. 

I’m excited that the company I am associated with keeps its pulse on the consumer trends. They just developed an incredible supplement designed to target skin, hair, and nails. I plan on adding it to my daily supplements. Balance your dietary changes with healthy exercise and supplements that really work!

https://www.healthyfood.co.nz/articles/2008/june/8-steps-to-healthy-skin-hair-and-nails

Contamination in Cosmetics

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We all know that we have to take care with what we put IN our bodies. It is not as evident that we must take care of what we put ON our bodies, as well. Recently, news came to light about asbestos discovered in cosmetic products at Claire’s stores. They were quickly removed from the shelves.

There are other dangers that can be associated with cosmetics and other beauty products. We assume that government regulations are protecting us, but as the article below points out, The F.D.A. has only 6 inspectors to monitor the millions of cosmetic shipments coming into the U.S. each year.

I have included two articles below (of which there are many) that point out some of the risks that we take when using cosmetics and other beauty products. The majority of imported products are safe, but a surprising number of those imports (15-20%) led to adverse findings. Among the problems found were bacterial contamination, illegal color additives and unsafe chemical substances like mercury were discovered.

The problem is that the F.D.A. does so few inspections of imports (less than 0.3 percent) from South Korea, China, India, Canada, and France that it is impossible to predict how widespread the problems really are.

The government is attempting to get more control over the problems. Yet for now, the best anyone can do to protect themselves is to purchase and use domestically produced personal care products from companies that use the highest standards for approval methods. I’m proud to be associated with a company that applies only the highest standards in their ingredient formulation and manufacturing processes. For the safety of myself and my family, I choose to use products that have already been proven safe and effective. 

www.nytimes.com/2017/08/02/us/politics/fda-has-6-inspectors-for-3-million-shipments-of-cosmetics.html

www.asbestos.com/news/2017/12/28/claires-recall-asbestos-makeup/

FOOT CARE AND YOUR HEALTH

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They are our foundation. They help with our balance, posture and our personal presentation. With all this considered, it is also true that many of us, especially men, pay little attention to our feet. Unless we identify a problem they, for the most part, are an afterthought in our daily hygiene.

The article below, from HealthLine, focuses on the diabetic implications of your feet, but it also offers many suggestions that have nothing to do with that particular diagnosis and points out ways that you can prevent serious problems with a few simple steps in your foot care regimen.

You should take care of your feet every day. Develop healthy foot habits. Pay attention to the risks that this article points out. It, as you read it, will surprise you with the ways in which we “ignore” our feet. When was the last time you washed and dried your feet separate from your shower?

The article also discusses toenail care and footwear selection and care. Your feet are an important part of YOU; treat them that way and many problems can be avoided. For example, using a moisturizer regularly can help you avoid dry and cracked skin on your feet, but never use moisturizer between your toes.

I have become increasingly aware of my feet and their care. My company has developed and manufactures a super moisturizer that really makes a difference. They also provide me with first-aid applications when I experience cuts or cracks on my feet. They’re your feet…stay on top of them.

www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-foot-care#overview1

Wellness Consultants Wanted

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Part-time Wellness Consultants needed!

We are expanding rapidly and looking for more at-home representatives to enroll and help new members. Great opportunity for stay-at-home Moms, Dads, singles, retirees, or anyone looking for extra cash or to replace their income!
We are an affiliate marketing company—there is no selling involved and no collecting of any money. The hours are flexible and can be done alongside a full-time position as well as around your schedule. We are approved by the Better Business Bureau with a A+ rate and the Torch award. No sales and No inventory!

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Low Sodium Foods to promote heart health

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Most people eat much more sodium (salt) than they need. This can lead to health problems like high blood pressure. To lower the amount of sodium in your diet, follow these tips when you go food shopping:

  • Choose fresh instead of processed foods when you can.
  • Use the Nutrition Facts label to check the amount of sodium. Look for foods with 5% Daily Value (DV) or less. A sodium content of 20% DV or more is high.
  • Look for foods labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “no salt added.”
To preserve your heart and keep pressure in check, get plenty of fruit and vegetables.
  • Any fresh fruits, like apples, oranges, or bananas
  • Any fresh vegetables, like spinach, carrots, or broccoli
  • Frozen vegetables without added sauce
  • Canned vegetables that are low in sodium or have no salt added
  • Low sodium vegetable juice
  • Frozen or dried fruit (unsweetened)
  • Canned fruit (packed in water or 100% juice, not syrup)
Breads, Cereals, and Grains

Compare labels to find products with less sodium. When you cook rice or pasta, don’t add salt.

  • Rice or pasta
  • Unsweetened oatmeal
  • Unsalted popcorn

Tip: If your food comes with a seasoning packet, use only part of the packet. This will lower the amount of sodium in the food.

Meats, Nuts, and Beans

Choose fresh meats when possible. Some fresh meat has added sodium, so always check the label.

  • Fish or shellfish
  • Chicken or turkey breast without skin
  • Lean cuts of beef or pork
  • Unsalted nuts and seeds
  • Dried peas and beans
  • Canned beans labeled “no salt added” or “low sodium”
  • Eggs
Dairy Products

Choose fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt. Be sure to check the label on cheese, which can be high in sodium. Milk and yogurt are also good sources of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

  • Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
  • Fat-free or low-fat yogurt
  • Low- or reduced-sodium cheese (like natural Swiss cheese)
  • Soymilk with added calcium
Dressings, Oils, and Condiments

When you cook, use ingredients that are low in sodium or have no sodium at all.

  • Unsalted margarine and spreads (soft, tub, or liquid) with no trans fats
  • Vegetable oils (canola, olive, peanut, or sesame)
  • Sodium-free, light mayonnaise and salad dressing
  • Low-sodium or “no salt added” ketchup
  • Vinegar
Seasonings

Try these seasonings instead of salt to flavor your food.

  • Herbs, spices, or salt-free seasoning blends
  • Chopped vegetables, like garlic, onions, and peppers
  • Lemons and limes
  • Ginger
Supplements

Sometimes food alone doesn’t work and we want to avoid a regimen of prescribed medications. So we had supplements to keep high blood pressure away.

  • Grape Seed/Skin Extract
  • We use a super-concentrated, natural extract associated with maintaining healthy blood pressure already in the normal range and also supports healthy endothelial function. The power of nearly 10,000 grapes in every bottle—ProvexCV® Blood Pressure Support.

 

Heart-Healthy Foods to Prolong Your Life

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When it comes to your heart, what you eat matters. Follow these tips for heart-healthy eating:

  1. Eat less saturated and trans fat. Stay away from fatty meats, fried foods, cakes, and cookies.
  2. Cut down on sodium (salt). Look for the low-sodium or “no salt added” types of canned soups, vegetables, snack foods, and lunch meats.
  3. Get more fiber. Eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to add fiber to your diet.

Take this list with you the next time you go food shopping.

Vegetables and Fruits

Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. Buy vegetables and fruits that are in season, frozen, or canned.

  • Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, and broccoli
  • Leafy greens for salads, like spinach and kale
  • Canned vegetables low in sodium (salt)
  • Frozen vegetables without added butter or sauces
  • Fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, pears, and peaches
  • Canned fruit in 100% juice, not syrup
  • Frozen or dried fruit (unsweetened)
Dairy Products

Look for fat-free or low-fat milk products. Or choose soymilk with added calcium.

  • Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
  • Fat-free or low-fat yogurt (choose options with less added sugar)
  • Cheese (3 grams of fat or less per serving)
  • Fat-free or low-fat soymilk with calcium
Breads, Cereals, and Grains

For products with more than one ingredient, make sure whole wheat or another whole grain is listed first.

  • 100% whole-wheat bread
  • Whole-grain breakfast cereals like oatmeal
  • Whole grains such as brown or wild rice, barley, and bulgur
  • Whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta
Meat, Beans, Eggs, and Nuts

Choose lean cuts of meat and other foods with protein.

  • Seafood, including fish and shellfish
  • Chicken and turkey breast without skin
  • Pork: leg, shoulder, tenderloin
  • Beef: round, sirloin, tenderloin, extra lean ground beef (at least 93% lean)
  • Beans, lentils, and peas
  • Eggs and egg substitutes
  • Unsalted nuts and seeds
Fats and Oils

Cut back on saturated fat and look for products with no trans fats.

  • Margarine and spreads (soft, tub, or liquid) with no trans fats
  • Vegetable oil (canola, olive, peanut, or sesame)
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Light mayonnaise
  • Salad dressings that are oil based instead of creamy
Daily Supplements

For most people, diet and exercise aren’t enough to deliver optimal heart health. That’s why we use proven, natural solutions yo address six controllable factors for optimal heart health.

  • Omega-3s are good fats—polyunsaturated fats—that are derived from fish, nuts, and seeds. Our favorite is Crème Delight®— Peach Mango Tango with 1,080mg of research-proven EPA/DHA essential fatty acids, this supplement provides daily support for eye, heart, and brain health–in a flavor the whole family loves.
  • Mom used to give us cod-liver oil every morning especially in winter to help us avoid flu and keep us healthy. The taste was not a favorite and we weren’t enamored of it. Today we use Vitality Coldwater Omega-3® a pure, concentrated DHA and EPA Omega-3’s for superior cardiovascular and brain health benefits. Two soft gels include the research-recommended dose with no fishy aftertaste.  
  • CardiOmega EPA®— with 1,000 mg of EPA plus 100 mg DHA this supplement is designed to support high levels of activity, since we’ve become serious about fitness and getting to a healthy weight, we find this helps promote rapid recovery and reduce activity-induced inflammation all while protecting our heart. 

Take care of your heart, it’s the only one you have!

Whole Grains & High Fiber

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In this society that is possessed with health and healthy weight, and that is a good thing, many have chosen to increase their consumption of whole grains and high in fiber foods.

Whole grains are high in nutrients and when you eat them, you just feel good. That’s not surprising since they are not only high in vitamins, they contain a good amount of essential minerals, like zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese, as well.

But, as the article I have included below, points out there are great differences between whole grains and refined grains, even when enriched. There are many choices when selecting your whole grains and, in most cases, there are a variety of preparations, which will allow you to add interest to your menu.

In addition to delicious variations you will be able to concoct that will make your fare delicious, you will be adding great benefits to increase your health and prevent or protect against many maladies that plague our contemporary, fast-paced lives.

Whole grains (and high fiber) will reduce your risks from heart disease, stroke, and obesity. If you are going to increase your intake of whole grains you may want to consider some supplementation to assure that your diet is balanced and truly healthy.

www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-whole-grains

 

Keep Your Heart Healthy

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Take steps today to lower your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

To help prevent heart disease, you can:

  • Eat healthy.
  • Get active.
  • Stay at a healthy weight.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Control your cholesterol (“koh-LEHS-tuh-rahl”) and blood pressure.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Manage stress.

Everyone is at risk for heart disease. But you are at higher risk for heart disease if you:

  • Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
  • Smoke
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Don’t get enough physical activity
  • Don’t eat a healthy diet

Your age and family history also affect your risk for heart disease. Your risk is higher if:

  • You are a woman over age 55
  • You are a man over age 45
  • Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55
  • Your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65

But the good news is there’s a lot you can do to prevent heart disease. Throughout National Heart month we will be sharing healthy heart tips and stories.