8 Key Components For a Healthier Mind and Body

Health magazines and fitness gurus alike promote the importance of eating right. One of the most highly-concentrated forms of health food is the class of foods known as "superfoods." Ranging from fruits to plants to algae, a superfood is any product that has a high concentration of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant-derived compounds that are known for their health-promoting benefits by researches and health food companies.

Examples of some of the most popular and readily-attainable superfoods include cacao (raw chocolate), blueberries, aloe vera, bee pollen, alfalfa sprouts, blackcurrants, avocado, and dark leafy greens. With all of these choices, how does one choose the best superfoods formula?

It is important that any superfoods formula contains a generous combination of the best superfoods available. Variety is important, since the right combination of foods can together fulfill an impressive range of the body's nutrition needs. At the same time, if the goal is to consume the foods together in a convenient, easy-to-prepare manner, a comprehensive formula is best.

Here are 8 key superfoods formula components for a healthier mind and body:

1. Greens: People often associate the word "greens" with vegetable products like spinach. However, several algae products are also known as greens because they contain large amounts of chlorophyll. These are spirulina, algae, chlorella. Algae products are typically grown in natural lakes. They thrive on sunlight and moisture, and when grown properly they become extremely nutritious foods.

Together, spirulina, blue-green algae and chlorophyll offer a rich range of health benefits, including large amounts of protein, phenylethylamine for the brain and nerves, and beta-carotene for eye and bone health. They also serve as important detoxifiers for the body and help rebuild tissues.

2. Herbs: Any trip to independent or chain health food stores will reveal a plethora of herbs available on the market. Herbs like stinging nettle and aloe vera are an excellent choice for inclusion in your superfood formula because they exhibit anti-inflammatory and adrenal-enhancing properties. Herbs are also soluble and mix up well in shakes and juice drinks.

3. Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect the body against free radicals, which are defined as any molecule that has a single unpaired electron in an outer shell. When these come into contact with healthy tissues such as skin and internal organs, they are believed to contribute toward aging. Suggestions for any strong health food formula with antioxidant properties are goji berries and mangosteen extract.

4. Sea vegetables: The ocean offers human a bounty of healthy foods, including fish-based products. But, a less well-known source of the ocean's nutrition are the sea vegetables, examples of which are Icelandic kelp and Nova Scotia dulse. They are packed with essential minerals needed by the body.

5. Essential fatty acids: Essential fatty acids include linoleic acid and alpha-linolinic acid. These are called essential because the body cannot produce them internally and they must be consumed directly. The term "fatty acids" may initially sound unhealthy due to health enthusiasts' aversion to anything with the word fat in it. On the contrary, however, fatty acids are an important factor in bolstering the immune system and in blood pressure regulation. A healthy intake of essential fatty acids can contribute toward cholesterol reduction and mitigate the risk of heart disease.

6. Probiotics: Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially-beneficial bacteria or yeasts. They are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics bacterial cultures assist the body's naturally-present gut flora to re-establish themselves. In terms of health benefits, probiotics contain immune system-building bacteria that ward off harmful bacteria.

7. Energetic enhancement: Some of the body's most important nutrients require catalysts in order to bring them to their most beneficial best. These energetic enhancement products, such as cayenne pepper and Himalayan salt crystals, act as catalysts in enhancing the digestion and absorption into the body of many of the other nutrients found in your formula.

8. Enzymes: Finally, enzymes are proteins such as protease, amylase, lipase should be included in any respectable superfoods formula. Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy needed for a given reaction (such as digestion of a nutrient in the body), often increasing the reaction rates of common processes by millions of times. In terms of health benefits, enzymes act as cleansers that eliminate toxins that exist at the cellular level.

The superfoods formula you choose should have a healthy combination of nutrients from multiple sources, including algae, herbs, antioxidants, sea vegetables, essential fatty acids, probiotics, energetic enhancement, and enzymes. When you strike the right balance, you will have access to the kind of nutrition in one meal that can put you on the right path for the entire day.

Author: Billy Merritt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Children and Food Intolerance

Most parents think food allergy and food intolerance are the same. They aren’t.

SEVERAL hours after a delightful dinner, your child begins having abdominal pains and severe diarrhoea. As the tears stream down your child’s face, you start to panic. Is your child suffering from a food allergy?

Before you jump to any conclusions, take a step back. While the prevalence of food allergy has increased dramatically in many countries over the years, especially among children, food intolerance still remains a much more common problem.

Food intolerance is generally less severe than food allergy. In fact, almost everyone at one time or another has had an unpleasant reaction to something they ate.

While food intolerance may not be life threatening, it is a cause of concern for growing children as it may limit their access to certain important nutrients that are essential to their development.

Ask a clinical allergist

If you suspect your child is suffering from either food allergy or food intolerance, seek professional help to help you differentiate between the two.

While there are many “DIY” testing kits/methods in the market claiming to be able to diagnose food allergies and food intolerance, a clinical allergist is still the best-qualified professional to diagnose either condition.

What is food intolerance?

Food intolerance refers to the adverse reaction(s) that people have to certain foods or ingredients that they consume.

These reactions may range from simple bouts of burping, to a case of full-blown diarrhoea that occurs every time the food is eaten, especially if in large quantities.

Food intolerance happens when something in a food irritates a person’s digestive system or when a person is unable to properly breakdown the food. Thus, food intolerance is actually a digestive system response.

How do I know if it is food intolerance?

As food intolerance is a digestive system response, most of the symptoms are also associated with digestive health problems.

Watch out if your child experiences unpleasant symptoms such as:

·frequent burping
·nausea
·vomiting
·bloating
·abdominal pain
·diarrhoea

These symptoms may develop quickly - within minutes of food consumption - or take up to a few days to manifest. Usually, they will worsen as they develop.

Watch out!

If your child develops symptoms such as skin reactions and breathing difficulties, bring him to the doctor immediately as your child may be suffering from a food allergy.

Food allergies are immune system responses that should not be taken lightly as they can elicit a sudden and fatal reaction.

How food intolerance occurs

Food intolerance can be caused by a few factors. The most common is a lack of enzymes that are needed to digest certain foods.

Enzymes are proteins produced by our bodies to break down food that we consume. When there is a lack or inadequate amount of a specific enzyme, some food may remain undigested and in larger components in the small intestines.

As a result, the level of fluid and salts in the large intestines increases. This helps the naturally occurring bacteria in our large intestine to ferment the undigested food into acids. This may cause symptoms of food intolerance such as bloating and abdominal pains.

Apart from that, food intolerance may also be a result of the chemical ingredients that are added to some food to enhance their taste and provide colour. As these ingredients are not naturally occurring, the body, especially the child’s body, may not be able to tolerate them.

It is important to be aware that it may not be a particular food itself, but the ingredients it contains that are causing the symptoms.

Parents, take note!

Food intolerance can begin at any age and it may run in families. Though you may not be able to control how and when it manifests, you can definitely play a big role in reducing your child’s risk of experiencing food intolerance.

·Breast milk is best

Breastfeed your child exclusively for as long as possible, especially in the first six months of his life. This works well as primary prevention for food intolerance as well as food allergy.

Not only is breast milk considered the most nutritious source of food for your child, it is dense with antioxidants that will boost Bifidus bacteria (Bifidobacteria) in the gut, keeping the intestinal lining healthy.

Additionally, breast milk also contains fewer foreign proteins that will irritate your child’s digestive system. So feeding your child breast milk lowers the chance of you feeding your child something that his body may not be able to tolerate.

·Cook healthy

Eating out increases your child’s risk of suffering from food intolerance, as you may not be aware of the additives or ingredients that are being used. Instead of eating out, make it a habit to cook your own meals for your child. Not only will you be able to control the ingredients used, you will be able to ensure that your child receives a wholesome and nutritious diet.

While preparing meals, always remember to check the food labels and ingredients for suspected triggers.

·Watch the quantity

If you have figured out the specific food(s) that trigger your child’s food intolerance, the next best step would be to avoid serving it. However, certain foods are needed for growth and it would not be wise to eliminate these completely. If your child is intolerant to such a food, try serving it in a much smaller amount, but more frequently.

Food intolerance can be very difficult to deal with as different people may develop different reactions. If your child has food intolerance, be aware of the food that goes into his mouth, whether you do or don’t know if it may cause a bad reaction. Learn to identify the risk factors and ways of managing it early in your child’s life, rather than trying to treat them later.

> Associate Professor Dr Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff is a paediatric immunologist and president of the Malaysian Society of Allergy and Immunology. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association for the Positive Parenting Programme. For further information, please visit www.mypositiveparenting.org.

Source: Parenthots

CoQ10 Supplement - Coenzyme Q10 - For Everyone Over 40

Author: Jack Whitley

CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is a vital antioxidant found in every cell of our bodies. It is also known as ubiquinone. It was not discovered until 1957, and was not available inexpensively until the last decade. Low CoQ10 levels are associated with many illnesses and medical conditions. Taking CoQ10 helps with coronary heart problems, many types of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, periodontal issues, diabetes, and many other conditions. Taking CoQ10 slows down the aging process, builds up the immune system.

CoQ10 cannot be obtained from your diet because we synthesize our CoQ10. It is not found in your food. As we get older our serum (it is fat soluble and not found in plasma) and organ levels fall. Our heart levels fall severely starting at the age of twenty and our brain levels fall severely starting at the age of forty. This was not as much of an issue fifty years ago. Because of poor diet and lifestyle it is now a major issue. So how does CoQ10 relate to all of this? It is important for all people over the age of 40 to take CoQ10 supplements. You must take 100 mg of real Japanese bioengineered CoQ10 a day. If you are taking it for a serious condition take 200 mg a day for 6 months and then lower your dosage to 100mg. It is important to take CoQ10 with food or flax oil because it is oil soluble, meaning it needs oil to help with absorption. All “special delivery systems” are scams.

As with all supplements there are frauds to be aware of when buying CoQ10 supplements. Real CoQ10 costs about $800 a kilogram (2.2 pounds) in 2009. There are three different types of frauds: low dosage, cheap Chinese or Korean product, and ubiquinol. Low doses, like 30 mg offer false “special delivery systems”. Cheap Chinese or Korean CoQ10 is made from tobacco stems and is unstable. The price may look and sound good, but they deteriorate quickly. CoQ10 is expensive to produce. Do not buy cheap ubiquinol; buy real bioengineered ubiquinone. Ubiquinol breaks down quickly as is very unstable. There is no way to stabilize it.

CoQ10 is a great supplement for your heart and arteries. Coronary heart disease is THE leading cause of death around the world. In one study patients that were expected to die from heart failure rebounded with “extraordinary clinical improvement” (Bio. Research Comm. v 102). People with this disease generally have lower levels of CoQ10 in their blood and heart muscle. CoQ10 has the capabilities of lowering your blood pressure without any change in your diet or your exercise regimen. However, with this said, it’s always important to maintain a good diet and exercise for optimum health. Numerous studies have been done that support CoQ10 being good for the heart. In one study 65 cardiologists treated 806 patients for heart failure. They indicated “significant” benefits from CoQ10 (Klinische Wochenschrift, 1988, v 66). In another study patients were given 50-150 mg of CoQ10 every day for three months. 80% of the patients had improvements. (Clin. Invest., v 71S).

CoQ10 has been shown to help in the fight against cancer. Generally, cancer patients of most types show low levels of CoQ10 in their blood. Knud Lockwood, MD., a cancer specialist in Copenhagen Denmark studied 32 “high risk” breast cancer patients. His treatment was antioxidant vitamins, essential fatty acids, and CoQ10 (Bio Research Comm. March 30, ’94:199:1504-8). After 24 months all of his patients were still alive. One patient, age 74, had a tumor removed from her right breast. She refused additional operations to remove any additional growths. Instead she began taking 300mg of CoQ10 daily. In three months she had an examination and a mammography and it revealed there was no evidence of the tumor or metastases. Dr Lockwood has treated over 7,000 cases of breast cancer over 35 years. He wrote that until using CoQ10 supplements he had “never seen a spontaneous complete regression of a 1.5-2.0 centimeter breast tumor, and has never seen a comparable regression on any conventional anti-tumor therapy.”

Our brains are subject to strong free radical damage and we need effective antioxidants to prevent this. Therefore, the CoQ10 supplement should be added to this list of brain supplements. For example, Huntington’s chorea is a neurodegenerative disease in which brain cells die prematurely. It’s been shown that Huntington’s patients have low levels of CoQ10 (Ann. Neurol. V41, 1997). There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but CoQ10 has been proven to have value in prevention of this disease (Lancet v 340, 1992). It was also shown that patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease also have low mitochondrial levels of CoQ10 (Neurochem. Tnt. V25, 1994). In conclusion, the supplementation of CoQ10 can help benefit your brain and help you have a clear, sharp mind all of your life.

CoQ10 also is beneficial for many other illnesses and medical conditions. It has also been shown that diabetics have low levels of CoQ10 (Medicine v7: 1976). This would also include other blood sugar metabolism problems such as hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. People with various lung diseases have been shown to have low levels of CoQ10 (Clin. Invest. V71:1993). Those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and bronchitis may benefit from taking 100mg of CoQ10. Infertility is another huge problems in America. This comes from, like many other medical conditions, poor diet and lifestyle. Evidence has shown that CoQ10 can help with low sperm counts and inability to conceive. Other studies have shown that CoQ10 helps in sports performance and physical endurance, which would also help improve one’s sex life.

What about gum problems? Well, generally, people with any kind of periodontal condition have low levels of CoQ10. CoQ10 has powerful healing properties for the gums. It is not easy to find a toothpaste made with real CoQ10.

Taking CoQ10 can also help you age slower. It will slow down the aging process, which is basically caused by oxidative cell stress. CoQ10 will also help you build up your immune system. This will help increase the white cell count in the blood, which is very important for immunity. It also increases the power of the macrophages to help with stronger immunity. CoQ10 also raises your immunoglobin G levels for stronger immunity. Research has shown that AIDS patients can benefit from the supplementation of CoQ10.

As you can tell CoQ10 supplements are very powerful. It is beneficial to the immune system and for numerous medical conditions. New research continues to be done on the benefits of CoQ10. It should be one of the most important supplements you take for a long and healthy life. Everyone over the age of 40 can benefit from the supplementation of CoQ10.

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June 2009, Volume 2,3, copyrighted

Co-Enzyme Q10

Author: naturalremedies

CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is regularly produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. CoQ10 plays a very important role in producing energy for the human body and since levels are said to gradually decrease with age, taking a CoQ10 supplement is very beneficial and can easily increase natural levels over time. It is often used and recommended to help numerous conditions.

CoQ10 enzyme is similar to Vitamin K. It provides support in cellular reactions that lead to energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. The body has some reserves of ATP that can sustain heavy exertion of 5-8 minutes. After this the body needs to produce more ATP, which requires excessive amounts of CoQ10.

CoQ10 Advantages:

Fighting Disease - CoQ10 has many benefits. Its antioxidant properties can help with a number of diseases such as gingivitis, diabetes, etc. It can also slow down the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

The Nervous System - CoQ10 helps in electron transfer, cell respiration, energy production and oxidation reactions.

Burning Fat - CoQ10 can stimulate metabolism of the body, which could help in reducing weight.

The Heart - CoQ10 is present in huge amounts in the heart for its proper functioning. Proper amounts of CoQ10 in the body can reduce the risk of heart failure.

Coenzyme Q10 has many benefits. Its antioxidants alone help with a number of diseases such as gingivitis and diabetes. CoQ10 helps in electron transfer, cell respiration, energy production and oxidation reactions and is clinically proven to support heart health. It is necessary for energy production and is also sometimes recommended by caregivers to help individuals with other ailments such as:

CoQ10 Deficiency Causes:

- Heart Failure

- Heart Attack (Prevention and Recovery)

- Cardiomyopathy

- High Blood Pressure

- Diabetes

- Gum Disease

- Kidney Failure

- Migraines

- Parkinson's Disease

- Alzheimer's Disease

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The advantage of co-enzyme q10 is that with help of this you can loose some considerable amounts of weight along with proper weight loss program but only if you have deficiency of co-enzyme q10. Weight loss results are not much astonishing for those who don’t have deficiency of co-enzyme q10 but still take it as an added supplement. Exercising and eating properly must be first objectives and then add co-enzyme q10 supplement to your diet so as to kick start your weight loss program effectively.

As the person grows older, its density in our body decreases. Its rate has a considerable dip after the age of 30 years. CoQ10 plays a major role in absorption and usage of oxygen by our body’s cells. It also helps the body in energy production with protection and strengthening of our immune system. This is very important for body builders and athletes. It helps the energy production in the form of ATP. This enzyme helps in many disease like congestive heart failure, diabetes etc. It helps heart by increasing the flow of blood with oxygen to the heart and thus preventing cholesterol buildup. This enzyme also helps in fat loss and thus weight loss but its effects are not very well known. In a study conducted on overweight people it was found that almost half of them has low level of this enzyme.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/coenzyme-q10-939423.html

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Read About Fast Weight Loss also Read about Co-Enzyme Q10 and Weight Loss and Running

Enzymes - The Future Of Sports Nutrition?

An understanding of the importance of enzymes might just be one of the key elements missing in ones awareness of optimal health. When I first heard about enzymes I had no idea what they were. I had a clue that they had something to do with digestion but I felt there was more to this miracle biological element. In fact, the more I have learned about enzymes the more I am convinced they are probably one of the most important elements in a lifestyle which lends itself to super nutrition.

When we put food or liquids in our mouths the enzymatic process begins to break down foods. This process continues in the stomach and the small intestines and is critical to breaking down foods so that the nutrients in the food can be broken down and absorbed. These nutrients include Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals. If our bodies are not able to absorb the nutrients, we feel weak, tired, and unfulfilled. Why wouldn’t our bodies be able to absorb the nutrients?

There are several reasons:

1 – The food we are eating does not contain the nutrients either because the food was overcooked and the nutrients were partially destroyed or the food was grown in nutrient deficient soil

2 – Our bodies lack the necessary enzymes because the biological processes that produce the enzymes have been compromised and overloaded with toxins

Every time we put food or liquids into our mouth we are indeed making a choice as to how we want to live our life. Foods that are deficient in enzymes force the body to overwork itself to produce what is needed to break down the foods. Have you ever wondered why people take naps after they eat? The body is overworking to digest the food which has been consumed. Most people will not feel exhausted after eating an organic salad and fruit which are rich in enzymes.

Why else are enzymes so important. Just as important as their role in digestion, enzymes are the key that transport nutrients into our cells. They transport the nutrients throughout our body and bring them to where they are needed. And what might possibly be the most important thing about enzymes is that when enzymes do not have anything else to do in the digestive track they become like soldiers moving around the body working on inflammation.

This can be a huge concept in our understanding of health and nutrition especially for very active athletes who frequently are inflamed after workouts. I personally take enzyme supplements such as Bromelain and papain once or twice a day or after a hard race or workout. Papayas are high in the enzyme papain and pineapples are high in the enzyme Bromelain. These enzymes can also be purchased in supplemental form.

It is important to get high quality supplements if you want to take enzymes in supplemental form and they should be taken with food if you eat a lot of cooked foods (Which most people do). You can also take them on an empty stomach and they have a cleansing affect on the body as they will perform like little Pacmen that go around the body repairing tissue and reducing inflammation.

If you really want to get the most benefit from enzymes and their amazing affect on the human body get them from fresh squeezed vegetable and fruit juice. You can go to your whole food grocers which can juice them for you on the spot using cucumbers, carrots, celery, beets, kale, parsley, etc. You will not only get the squeezed out enzymes but you will also be getting the vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll which will help keep your body in an alkaline state and as vibrant as ever.

You can take this to any level you want.

Level A – Xtreme Health

Eat raw living foods more frequently (uncooked). Take enzyme supplements daily before eating. Take enzyme supplements between meals occasionally to help roam the body and do their job as pacmen roaming the body and reducing inflammation and eating bad toxins.

Level B – Much better than most people.

Take an enzyme supplement at least once a day.

Level C – A step above what you’re doing now.

Eat something raw with every meal. Pineapple, celery, carrots, other raw vegetables or fruits.

Have the most Awesome day Ever.

Author: Will Byron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com