Use Keywords In Page Titles

The purpose of this article is to provide a simple instruction on use keywords in a webpage title including variations of keywords and where they should be placed. This instruction will give you an advantage over your online competitors as it will help you learn obtain better search ranking results on the major search engines that is within their guidelines. The proper use of keywords in page titles will help bring not just more traffic to your website, but more quality traffic.

Instructions

1. Make sure the keywords you choose are topic centric to the subject of the page. The first step in proper placement of keywords in the page title is to perform a keyword search to find the keywords that prospective customers are searching on to find your types of products/services. Once you compile a list of keywords that are unique to your web site pages choose 2 or 3 for each page and make three-word phrases out of them. For instance if your website is about vitamins and you have one page that is about womens multi-vitamins and one page that is centric to mens vitamins you need to make sure that the keywords in the meta page title of the womens vitamins page are related to womens vitamins and the keywords in the title of the men's vitamins page are related to men's vitamins.

2. Now create the meta title. What is the meta title? It is the title that goes on the html side of your web page. It tells the search engines what the page is about and a keyword rich title is imperative if you want your web pages to show up in search engine rankings. The keyword thread should start with the most important of the keywords based on your keyword search, what words prospective visitors are searching on when looking for vitamins. This rule applies to all pages of a website. The following is an example of how you might form keyword phrases for a page title:Womens Multi Vitamins, Vitamins For Women, Womens Mineral Supplement

3. The next step is to take the keyword phrases and plug them into the meta title. You will need to access the html code on your web page to do this. If you do not know do it yourself, you can have your webmaster do it or find someone that is experienced in this area. Here is an example of the meta page title: Womens Multi Vitamins, Vitamins For Women, Womens Mineral SupplementThe meta title goes right after the tag at the top of the page so search engines can find it right away.

4. The other title that you want to make sure you place keywords in is the header title on the front of your page, the one your visitors will see. This one serves two purposes. It tells your visitors what your web page is about and it starts the page with keywords which are the keywords your prospective visitors are using to find you. When a person performs a search on a search engine by typing in a keyword in the search bar, the search engine robots are notified to go out and bring back the information the searcher is seeking. In a nut shell the search engine stores web pages with relevant content in it's index then pulls up the pages and ranks them based on the quality of the content and how relevant the content is to the keywords on the page when the search is performed. Because of this you want to be certain to place the most important keywords at the very top of your page in a way that makes sense to the reader, sort of like the title of a story or article. So, the womens vitamins page header will read similar to the meta title. Something like this: "Womens Multi Daily Vitamins and Mineral Supplements"

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What Is Centrum Silver Used For

Centrum Silver is a brand of multivitamin developed especially for people ages 50 and older. People of different ages have different needs for nutrition and calorie intake, and Centrum Silver is designed to address both--to supply necessary nutrients and vitamins for older adults at a time when a healthy diet requires them to eat less than they once did.

Key Components

Centrum Silver contains vitamins C and E, both of which are antioxidants. These protect cells from damage and aid in natural cell repair. Antioxidants are recommended as part of a lifestyle to help prevent certain cancers.

Centrum Silver also contains vitamins B6, B12 and Lycopene, which are said to be good for the heart; lutein and Vitamin A for maintaining good eyesight; and calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength.

Balance

Many multivitamins contain the vitamins and nutrients listed above. Centrum Silver, however, carries them in a specifically balanced amount to meet the needs of men and women over age 50.

For example, a Centrum Silver tablet contains 150 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, 417 percent of the recommended daily of Vitamin B12 intake, and 167 percent of the daily Vitamin E intake.

A chewable Centrum Silver contains slightly different amounts of those vitamins; 125 percent of the daily Vitamin C intake and 233 percent of the Vitamin E intake, for example. The chewables also contain 5 calories each.

It is, however, not meant to supply the full necessary daily amount of lutein; the makers of the vitamin recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to meet that need.

Men's Formula

Centrum also makes Silver vitamins specially formulated for men and women. These carry different balances of the vitamins above. For example, the men's vitamin contains a slightly higher amount of Vitamin C (200 percent) and 1,667 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, known for providing the body with energy.

Women's Formula

A Centrum Silver Women's vitamin also has a high B12 content (833 percent), and 200 percent of the daily Vitamin D intake, which is known to support bone health and is said to promote breast health.

The B12 dosage is especially important. "As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin B12 through food decreases. People over 50 need more B12 in a multivitamin," according to consumersearch.com's review of Centrum Silver.

Is It Best for You?

Centrum is a well-known maker of multivitamins, and its Silver product has sold well and been on the market for years. Still, it is best to talk to your doctor before making significant changes in nutrition, especially if you take medication regularly.

Tags: Centrum Silver, Vitamin intake, daily Vitamin, daily Vitamin intake, percent daily, percent daily Vitamin, percent recommended

Treat Multiple Sclerosis

To treat Multiple Sclerosis, one can use alternative medicine and exercise as well as prescribed medications. The early stages of MS can be treated by eating properly, exercising and relaxing. Stress is the worst enemy of someone suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. There is no cure for MS, but with the proper treatment, one can stay healthy and enjoy a normal lifestyle.

Instructions

Treat Multiple Sclerosis

1. Find a quiet room where no one can interrupt. Do some deep breathing exercises. This will relieve stress and relax the body. It is important that a time for quiet and relaxation sis done as much as possible throughout the day.

2. Eat the right foods. Foods that contain saturated fats should be avoided. The lean meats can give the body the needed protein to keep the body healthy. Try to maintain a diet of 20 grams of fat or less per day. Eat as many vegetables as you can such as peas and beans.

3. Take fish oil capsules, vitamin B12 and vitamin D to help relieve some of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The supplements are needed to keep the body healthy to fight against other health problems that can arise because of the Multiple Sclerosis.

4. Walking and light exercises can help keep the body functioning and healthy. Exercise is the most important treatment for MS aside from the diet. Bike riding, a tread machine (on low) and a few laps in a swimming pool will work well.

5. Lifestyle change is needed if the lifestyle is fast and stressful. To lower stress and keep the body healthy, give up any bad habitat such as drinking or smoking. Change the diet and the way you travel through every day. Slow down and take time to relax.

Tags: Multiple Sclerosis, keep body, body healthy, keep body healthy, Treat Multiple

Use A Neutrogena Wave

You can safely use the Neutrogena Wave in your daily skincare regime.

The Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser is a portable, battery-operated facial cleansing device designed to cleanse and exfoliate the user's facial skin. The Neutrogena Wave uses disposable cleansing pads designed to remove dirt and oil from the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells. It is water-resistant for added portability and use in the shower. Neutrogena claims it is effective against fighting acne and that users may safely use the Wave daily. The company designed the Wave for ease of use, and it's easy to get started using it.

Instructions

1. Wet your face by gently splashing warm water over it with both your hands. This will prepare your skin for cleansing, as the foaming cleanser of the Wave does not go on as easily over dried skin.

2. Snap one disposable Wave pad onto the attachment head of the Wave Power Cleanser. Ensure that it is completely attached all the way around; you will hear it click into place securely when it's properly installed.

3. Turn the water on and hold the pad directly under the running water. This activates the foaming cleanser that the pad contains.

4. Turn on the Wave Power Cleanser by pressing the pink "On" button on the side. It will immediately begin vibrating and making a soft humming sound.

5. Massage the foaming pad of the Wave over your entire face. Pass the foaming cleanser end over your facial skin in gentle circles, until your entire face is clean.

6. Turn off your Wave and set it aside.

7. Rinse all the foaming cleanser off your face by splashing warm water over the cleansed areas until they are free of any trace of cleanser. Gently pat your face dry.

8. Pry the used cleansing pad off the Neutrogena Wave and throw it away. Store your Neutrogena Wave in a clean, dry place for future use.

Tags: Neutrogena Wave, foaming cleanser, Power Cleanser, Wave Power, Wave Power Cleanser, your face

Use The Master Cleanse Detox Drink

The master cleanse detox drink is part of a detox diet that was invented by Stanley Burroughs. The master cleanse detox drink consists of fresh lemons, cayenne pepper grade B pure maple syrup, water, and non-iodized sea salt. To learn make the drink see related articles below.

The steps of this article will guide you trough properly use the detox drink as part of the master cleanse detox diet.

Instructions

1. ~ Prepare your schedule and support system for a 10 day fast ~

Before starting the master cleanse detox diet you will want to clear your schedule of any highly strenuous or long lasting commitments. The first few days of the detox diet will be very difficult leading to low energy and frequent urges to have a cleansing bowel movement. If you have supportive family or friends, enlist them to help you stay vigilant with the diet.

2. ~ Mix the detox drink every night fresh and refrigerate ~

If you mix the drink the night before the flavors will have time to blend better, and you will have the drink immediately available for energy in the morning. You need to have enough on hand to drink at least six servings of the drink per day.

3. ~ Eliminate all other foods except for salt-water and herbal tea ~

The detox diet allows your body to purge itself of built up toxins and extra matter in the colon. The salt-water or tea act as a natural enema encouraging frequent bowel movements to help the process. The maple syrup provides the energy you will need, especially if you are diligent in purchasing grade B organic maple syrup. The lemons provide crucial vitamin C.

4. ~ Push through days 2,3, and 4 of the master cleanse ~

These will likely be the most difficult of the detox diet. Your body will eventually move into a fasting mode, and provide you with increased levels of energy and sense of mental focus. Until then you have to push through the detox diet wall.

5. ~ Gradually reintroduce your body to healthy foods ~

Your body will not be ready to eat difficult to digest foods after this master cleanse. Many suggest taking probiotics to replenish your system. The detox diet also requires you to start with broth for a day. Then move to soft vegetables, and eventually fruits. Then follow common sense in slowly re-introducing your body to other foods. Especially avoid foods that are high in fat or processed sugar.

** See more tips below on using the master cleanse detox drink **

Tags: detox diet, detox drink, master cleanse, cleanse detox, maple syrup, master cleanse detox

Avoid Eclampsia Post Whelping

Puppies may deplete your dog of calcium after whelping.

If your dog is pregnant, it is important to prevent eclampsia, an acute life-threatening condition commonly taking place one to three weeks after giving birth. Eclampsia, also known as puerperal tethany mainly occurs when nursing dogs are depleted from calcium, and therefore develop hypocalcemia, the medical term for low calcium levels in the blood. Fortunately, eclampsia is easy to diagnose since most affected dogs develop typical signs such as restlessness, panting, stiffness, difficulty walking, tremors and high temperatures. However, as for all medical maladies, it is best to prevent the disease rather than treating it.

Instructions

1. Provide your female dog with a high quality, meat-based diet.

Feed your pregnant dog a well-balanced, high quality food. You need to check in particular that the calcium and phosphorus ratios are properly balanced. You want 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. Vitamin D must also be present in the dog food in adequate amounts. If unsure, ask your veterinarian about a good, meat-based, quality food to give during pregnancy, many vets recommend giving puppy chow.

2. Supplementing may do more harm than good if done incorrectly.

Avoid supplementing your dog with calcium supplements during pregnancy. It may sound like providing calcium would be a good idea but it is not, as supplying calcium alone will actually predispose your dog to post-whelping eclampsia. If you really want to supplement, you can ask your vet about supplementing with a balanced source of calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D. This should be added in small amounts to your dog's diet starting around mid-term pregnancy.

3. Weaning the puppies early may help prevent eclampsia.

Wean the puppies as early as possible, especially if your dog is a small breed and this is the first time she gives birth. This will put less strain on the mother and may help prevent post-whelping eclampsia. Puppies can be introduced to puppy mush as early as 3.5 weeks in age. Post whelping eclampsia may also be prevented by supplementing the puppies' milk intake with a milk replacer.

Tags: calcium phosphorus, during pregnancy, help prevent, high quality, phosphorus Vitamin, post-whelping eclampsia

What Is Vitamin B50

"B50" is vitamin industry jargon for B-vitamin supplements that contain 50 milligrams of several B-complex vitamins in one pill, capsule or liquid vitamin dose. Examples of marketed labels are "Formula B-Complex 50 High Potency B Vitamins," and "B-50 Caps Vitamin B-Complex Dietary Supplement." B-complex is also packaged in B-100 dosages.

Recommended Daily Allowance

Vitamins were chemically isolated and identified by various scientists beginning around 1900. Food rationing during World War II prompted national defense programs to study the minimum nutrition from dietary sources necessary to avoid disease in a healthy population. By 1941, dietitians had agreed on minimum Recommended Dietary Allowance required daily from dietary sources. Commercial vitamin supplements were marketed over the counter by 1950. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revises dietary guidelines as research progresses and requires a Daily Value assessment to be printed on labels of packaged food.

RDA for B-Complex

Fifty milligram dosage significantly exceeds Recommended Dietary Allowance for B vitamins. RDA for vitamin B1 (thiamine) is 1.2 milligram to avoid nerve disease. RDA for B2 (riboflavin) is 1.3 milligrams to avoid skin and membrane disease. RDA for B3 (niacin) is 16 milligrams to avoid pellagra, a skin disease. RDA for B6 (pyridoxine) to avoid nerve damage is 17 milligrams. RDA for B9 (folic acid) is 30 micrograms or only 0.03 milligrams to support production of healthy red blood cells, although twice that dosage is recommended during pregnancy or for women planning a pregnancy.

Linus Pauling

Chemist Linus Pauling won a 1954 Nobel Prize in chemistry for work that included analysis of the tetravalent potentials of the carbon atom, a related theory of hybridized electron bond orbits to explain shapes of organic molecules and a description of electronegativity, the degree of polar attraction of a molecule. In 1968, Pauling's work with vitamin C led him to advocate investigation of "orthomolecular" medicine, or therapy based on large doses of vitamins.

Orthomolecular

Orthomolecular theory suggests that many medicines developed by commercial industry essentially replace the functions of natural substances. For example, if a failure to properly absorb and utilize B3 (niacin) is a causal or contributing factor in schizophrenia, then orthomolecular doses (megadoses) of niacin are a potential treatment. Orthomolecular therapy is outside of mainstream medical practice and many mainstream medical organizations have issued statements concerning the danger of over the counter megadose vitamin self-medication.

Orthomolecular Studies of Niacin

Niacin is a success story in orthomolecular medicine. In 2004, a team of cardiologists at Walter Reed Army Medical Center first established that niacin taken under clinical supervision in support of statin drugs does help lower cholesterol levels in patients at risk of heart attack. However, niacin can complicate the conditions of patients with diabetes or stomach ulcers. A 1977 study published in Communications in Psychopharmacology by Ban, Lehmann and Deutsch confirmed that niacin did not support anti-psychotic medications in relieving patients with schizophrenia. At large doses, over-the-counter supplements become drugs and should not be taken without first consulting a physician.

Toxicity of B-vitamins

The liver and kidneys filter toxins from blood, and several B vitamins do pose a risk of liver damage if taken at megadoses. Other B-complex toxicities include, but are not limited to, slowing or decreasing insulin release, anemia, pernicious anemia, insomnia or depression, headaches, changes of blood pressure, changes in thyroid function, shortness of breath and episodes of acute anxiety. Although commercial B50 supplements are safe dosages for healthy adults when taken as directed on the product's label, megadosing with several daily doses of a B50 supplement or combining B50 doses with multivitamin supplements should not be done without medical supervision.

Tags: avoid nerve, Dietary Allowance, dietary sources, from dietary, from dietary sources, large doses, Linus Pauling

Vitamin D Dosage Information

Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement.

One billion people worldwide suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Since vitamin D occurs naturally in very few foods, it can be difficult to obtain the correct daily dosage through diet alone.

Recommended Dosage

For people 50 and under, the recommended daily vitamin D dosage is 5 micrograms; for people between 51 and 70, 10 micrograms will do. If you're over 70, take 15 micrograms per day.

Benefits

Sufficient vitamin D intake is integral for healthy bones, regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Taking vitamin D supplements can also reduce the risk of cancer.

Sources

Take a supplement or eat and drink fortified foods to meet your daily vitamin D intake. Exposure to sunlight is the best way to meet your need for vitamin D, but getting enough vitamin D this way is dependent on time of day, season and location.

Considerations

When considering the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, remember that exposure to UV rays can cause cancer. Sunscreens partially block vitamin D absorption.

Warning

Taking too high a vitamin D dosage can be dangerous. Side effects of too much vitamin D include constipation, weakness, nausea, abnormalities in heart rhythm, confusion, and the formation of phosphate and calcium deposits in your kidneys.

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Nioxin Hair Products

Nioxin is a brand that is manufactured by a company known as the Nioxin Research Laboratories. It specializes in head and scalp products and its items are usually sold in professional salons such as Regis Salon. Nioxin is most identified with treating thinning hair and baldness. The head office of this particular brand is located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Products

Nioxin offers various items to treat the hair and the scalp. One of these is an anti-aging line which includes Scalp Renew, a product that makes use of natural dermabrasion to make the scalp appear younger. The idea behind this is that the hair follicles open up to increase the production of new cells. The result will be the increase of collagen to make stronger and more lustrous locks. Nioxin also has eight different types of hair and scalp systems which are specifically formulated to alleviate thinning hair. Each set is equipped with a cleanser, scalp therapy and scalp treatment. Nioxin also has styling products formulated to smooth course hair or give body to fine and lifeless locks.

The Scalp

The principle behind the products manufactured by Nioxin is that the scalp is an extension of the face. Thus, it is deserving of the attention usually given to the latter. Just like other parts of the body, the scalp can also be affected by the environment and stress it is exposed to daily. Some of these stressors include sunlight, chlorine and pollution. When this happens, the scalp can age prematurely and be more susceptible to follicle instability.

Baldness

Nioxin products are also used to counteract the effects of baldness. Some of the causes of premature hair loss include acne and seborrhea. In both of these cases, it is the sebaceous glands, or the oil-producing glands, that are the culprit. These are usually indicative of a hormonal imbalance that can lead to the loss of hair. Other medical condition can also cause baldness. One example of this is the alopecia areata, a condition caused by genetics, stress and diet, which is distinguished by the formation of bald spots in the head. There are various reasons why baldness can occur, so the products used have to be specially formulated to treat the cause in order to effectively treat the hair loss.

Technology

Nioxin devotes much of its resources to research in order to come up with its products. As such, there are various developments in technology which are credited to this particular brand. One example is the Scalp Access, which is used on people who have thinning hair. When there is not much hair found on the head, it can result in the scalp become thicker and thus more difficult to penetrate. What Scalp Access does is to treat the area with antioxidants to ensure the nutrients and proteins reach the scalp and hair. Nioxin is also behind the Transactive Delivery System, a method to time-release nutrients into the hair and scalp to make them stronger and more nourished.

Safety

Although there are no known side effects caused by Nioxin, because there are chemicals in these products, it is necessary to take safety precautions. Nioxin is described as being hypoallergenic, although a very small percentage of users may experience a reaction to some of the chemicals. Do a skin test by applying the product on the inside skin of the wrist to check if any adverse effects will occur. Furthermore, breastfeeding and pregnant women should consult with their doctors before trying any of their products.

Tags: hair scalp, Nioxin also, thinning hair, hair loss, particular brand, Scalp Access, stronger more

Food Sources Of Vitamin C & E

Vitamins C and E are two essential nutrients needed in the human body; both are antioxidants and help in the fight against cell damaging free radicals. Today vitamin supplement pills are teeming with the two, but where are they found naturally? Vitamin C is found commonly enough in foods that supplementation is generally unnecessary. Vitamin E on the other hand, is not, and generally needs to be taken as a supplement, or as a fortification in processed foods.

Effects of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is among the most well known (at least by name) vitamin out there. Every orange juice bottle on the market screams vitamin C in bold letters as a selling feature. But why do we need so much of it? Vitamin C is known as ascorbic acid, it is an antioxidant needed in the human body to help fight against cell damaging free radicals. Deficiency of vitamin C is a condition known as scurvy. Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin and gums, it can help lower, but not prevent, the risk of cancer, and it significantly improves the body's ability to absorb iron.

Effects of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is among the nutrients most exulted by dietitians. Like C, Vitamin E helps neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. E is found in eight forms (the body needs all eight of these forms in different degrees) to help maintain healthy healthy internal and external organs. E is particularly known for its properties as a skin aid; it can help reduce wrinkles by increasing the skins elasticity and collagen levels, which smooths over wrinkles and adds a healthy glow to the complexion. Dry skin, acne and skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema can be eased by a sufficient consumption of vitamin E.

Types of Vitamin C Foods

And the winner is -- Papaya! Resting at 313 percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recommended human daily value of vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C include: all citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit), parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, strawberries, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, kiwi fruit, cantaloupe, and Brussels sprouts. Most commercial juices, whether 100 percent juice or not, are fortified with vitamin C, as are almost all daily vitamin supplements. Unripe fruits are much lower in C than a ripe fruit at its prime.

Types of Vitamin E Foods

Many foods are rich in vitamin E, particularly green vegetables. But to receive the recommended dose of vitamin E, you would have to consume nearly 3 lbs. of lettuce per day. As such, fortified foods and particular foods that are high in Vitamin E offer a smart alternative. Foods containing the highest levels of E include fortified cereals, sunflower seeds, nuts, vegetable oils, turnip greens, tomato paste, pine nuts, peanut butter and avocados.

Effects

Vitamin C and E act as a double-crime fighting team; the two nutrients work hand-in-hand to help increase antioxidant effects. C acts as a catalyst for the body's ability to absorb iron, but also is a critical factor in the body's ability to generate vitamin E.

Dosage

The recommended daily value of vitamin E is 15mg for adults, a dose that is often difficult to get because most foods containing vitamin E are consumed in small quantities. Therefore, many nutritionists recommend a vitamin E supplement or buying foods fortified with vitamin E.

The recommended daily value of vitamin C varies per person. Some may need as much as 10 times the amount as another depending on age and health. Find a link in Resources to a dosage chart.

Tags: body ability, daily value, daily value vitamin, Effects Vitamin, free radicals

Use Diet Green Tea To Lose Weight

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition states that adding green tea to your diet, along with 3 hours of exercise per week, will increase the loss of body fat in the abdominal area compared to exercise alone. Green tea's antioxidant properties are related to the polyphenol compounds found in green tea. Polyphenols are known for preventing free radicals---atoms known to damage heart cells. In green tea, there are four primary polyphenols, which are often called catechins. The study in the Journal of Nutrition focused on the level of catechins the study participants consumed on a daily basis. Adding a beverage containing 625 mg of green tea catechins per day, along with 3 hours of exercise every week, showed more body weight loss compared to the control group who didn't receive green tea.

Instructions

Lose Weight with Diet Green Tea

1. Quit drinking coffee and other caffeinated sodas or drinks and replace them with diet green tea.

2. Read the nutrition label on the diet green tea to see how many milligrams of catechins or antioxidants (flavonoids) per serving.

3. Make sure you drink enough diet green tea to reach 625 mg of catechins or antioxidants per day.

4. Add 3 hours of moderate exercise to your weekly routine.

5. (Optional) Attend 3 additional supervised exercise sessions per week.

Tags: diet green, along with, along with hours, catechins antioxidants, catechins study

Treat Spider Veins With Vitamin K

Treat Spider Veins With Vitamin K

Vitamin K is one of the most powerful anti-blood clotting medicines available. Used for centuries to treat thrombosis, it can also be effectively used to treat spider veins if a regular regimen is followed. Because vitamin K is a relatively unknown vitamin, is not commonly included in over-the-counter multivitamin tablets. For people who want to use it to treat spider veins, a prescription or a visit to a pharmacy may be required.

Instructions

1. Get tested for a vitamin K deficiency. This can be done through a simple blood test that measures the level and quickness of blood clotting. Most doctors will require such a test before they prescribe high doses of vitamin K.

2. Talk to your doctor about vitamin K injections, also known by their brand name, Aqua-Mephyton. They can be given under the skin on a weekly basis to help treat spider veins. This is especially helpful for patients who need medical supervision while they are under treatment.

3. Consult a medical professional before starting a regimen of vitamin K. Due to its powerful effect on constricting veins, vitamin K can be dangerous for people who have heart problems or other medical issues where perfect circulation is essential.

4. Use vitamin K creams to help the skin covering spider veins become stronger. The cream will enter your circulatory system, as it is absorbed through the skin and eventually reaches the blood. This works especially well when combined with zinc, since this stimulates the formation of collagen and helps with elasticity.

5. Take vitamin K tablets on a daily basis if you are in good health or have medical clearance. While the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for healthy adults is 65-80 mcg, clinical results cannot be seen in such low doses. Toxicity is rare, but intake must be monitored to ensure safety.

6. Increase your intake of foods high in vitamin K, such as beef, cauliflower, soybeans, spinach and cabbage. Natural vitamin K is not stored in the body, which means the risk of toxicity is almost nonexistent. Artificial vitamin K, on the other hand, can be toxic at high levels.

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Macrobiotic Diet Health Concerns

Macrobiotic Diet Health Concerns

Macrobiotic diets emphasize eating locally-grown and seasonal foods. While some proponents of macrobiotics eat fish, many are strictly vegetarian or vegan. Since macrobiotic eating is restrictive, followers should take the time to educate themselves about the nutritional factors of macrobiotic eating. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends following a macrobiotic diet with a doctor's guidance, and to report any signs of nutritional deficiencies.

Health concerns relate to a lack of animal proteins, which potentially leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies can cause circulatory, bone and cardiovascular disorders.

Features

According to macrobiotic philosophy, human beings become ill on every level when they eat foods that are not regional to their living environment. The idea is to bring the person into alignment with the seasons and the basic rhythms of life. Originally from Japan, macrobiotic diets include whole grains as the main dietary component. Fifty percent of a macrobiotic diet is whole grain. Vegetables must be locally grown, organic and seasonal. Macrobiotic eaters consume protein in fish, soy products (such as tofu), legumes, and small quantities of fruits, nuts, seeds and sea vegetables, e.g., seaweed varieties.

Concerns

While macrobiotic eating has benefits, it also has limitations and associated concerns. According to Dr. Weil, the diet is restrictive and includes too much sodium. Fruits contain essential phytonutrients, which macrobiotic eaters deny themselves in all but small quantities. The greatest concern in macrobiotic eating is a lack of animal protein, which is a source of vitamin B12.

Dr. Weil explains additional macrobiotic diet health concerns. Macrobiotic eating can cause deficiencies in vitamins D and B Complex, as well as protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron. These dietary deficiencies are potential long-term health hazards. You can supplement all of the missing nutrients; however. If you are on, or wish to begin, a macrobiotic diet, seek the supervision of a health care professional. Have your blood levels checked for nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Weil urges that those on a macrobiotic diet report "fatigue, pain in muscles or joints, increased irritability or susceptibility to infections."

Significance

Vitamin B-2 is a B Complex vitamin and may be categorized as a nutritional building block. Dr. Weil explains that vitamin B-12 is essential for red blood cell synthesis and a stable central nervous system, and is crucial for healthy child development. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause serious problems including anemia, stroke and irreversible neurological damage.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D stabilizes calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, an essential nutrient for healthy bones. The Mayo Clinic adds that recent research "suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases." While the sun is a major source of vitamin D, it also is found in fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil, some of which are not macrobiotic foods. Iron deficiency can cause anemia.

Solutions

If you choose a macrobiotic lifestyle, add B Complex vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and iron in supplemental forms. Also helpful are yeast extracts, soy products, spreads without animal fats and enriched whole grains. According to the Macrobiotic Guide, plant sources do not provide usable Vitamin B12. In whatever form you select, consume the minimum daily requirements as labeled on the vitamin packages.

Considerations

Keep health concerns in mind if you want to try macrobiotic eating. Weigh macrobiotic diet benefits, which are substantial. Dr. Weil praises the macrobiotic diet for its low fat, sugar and caloric properties. Macrobiotic diet is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. When you omit processed foods, you begin to strengthen your immune system.

Dr. Weil reports that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is studying macrobiotic diet to determine if it is superior to the American Heart Association diet. Since you can supplement the nutrients associated with animal protein, however, a macrobiotic diet may be a healthy lifestyle choice.

Tags: macrobiotic eating, macrobiotic diet, macrobiotic diet, animal protein, deficiency cause, Diet Health

Naturally Treat Seborrhea (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Seborrheic Dermatitis, also known as Seborrhea, is a scaling on the skin that is caused by a malfunction in the oil glands. Seborrhea usually occurs on the upper body, including the face, scalp and chest. Below are some natural remedies that can be used to help treat Seborrhea.

Instructions

1. Take 500 mg of Black Currant Oil with all three large meals of the day. Also take a Fish Oil supplement that has between 5 and 10 grams in it. Both of these help to treat seborrhea by moisturizing the skin.

2. Take a B-Complex supplement along with 100 mg of PABA with the first meal of the day. B-Complex vitamins are effective in helping to improve seborrhea.

3. Take 500 mcg of Biotin with all three meals of the day.

4. Take an antioxidant supplement that contains around 50 mg of Zinc.

5. Increase your Vitamin E intake to at least 500 IU per day.

6. Increase your Vitamin A intake up to 50,000 IU per day. If you are pregnant though you should only take up to 5,000 IU.

7. For seborrhea on the scalp, wash the hair with an Everclean Shampoo. Lather the shampoo for 30 minutes or longer before rinsing out with cool water.

8. Apply a mixture of 3 drops of Cedarwood Oil and 2 teaspoons of Vegetable Oil to skin areas affected by seborrhea.

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New Hampshire Vegan Restaurants

Maintaining a healthy diet is difficult when so much advertising caters toward unhealthy fast-food choices. Practicing a vegan diet means excluding all animal products from your food, including how your food is prepared. Eating out on a vegan diet can feel like a challenge, but many New Hampshire restaurants are going vegan, or offering vegan menu items.

Maia Papaya

Maia Papaya is a small coffee shop and vegan-friendly café, tucked into the mountains of Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Bethlehem offers a diverse and lively cultural atmosphere, with Maia Papaya in the heart of downtown. At Maia Papaya, the sandwiches are simple, and can satisfy any appetite. Soup options change daily, while subs such as the "Green Submarine" are a constant menu item. If you are looking for something on the sweeter side, Maia Papaya also offers dessert and drink options to suit any taste. All menu ingredients are listed beneath each item; however, some items do contain animal products, such as milk or eggs, so be sure to ask for clarification if you are unsure if a menu item is vegan. Maya Papaya is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with weekend hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Maia Papaya

2161 Main Street

Bethlehem, NH 03574

(603) 869-9900

Café Indigo

Café Indigo started with an exhausting search for a vegan wedding cake. The owners wanted to please vegans and non-vegans alike with flavorful baked goods. Through converting family recipes, Café Indigo quickly developed into a booming business that offers vegan cakes, which are available to order directly from the company website. Vegdining.com, part of the Vegetarian Resource Group, notes that all of Café Indigo's items are completely vegan. Café Indigo also offers tofu, seitan and veggie wraps. Café Indigo is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for brunch. The Café Indigo website has a complete menu.

Café Indigo

128 H Hall Street

Concord NH 03301

(603) 224-1770

cafeindigo.com

Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant & Natural Foods Store

Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant in downtown Keene is open for a lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and brunch on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with all vegan menu options. The Country Life Restaurant offers a daily soup made from scratch, veggie dishes, tofu dishes, and Italian and Mexican-inspired entries. Discoverourtown.com notes the Country Life Restaurant uses only fresh, natural ingredients, and the staff believes in the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. You can visit the Country Life Vegetarian store and bakery Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or visit the Country Life Restaurant website to view their menu options for each day of the month.

The Country Life Restaurant & Store

15 Roxbury Street

Keene, NH 03431

(603) 357-3975

countryliferestaurant.com/index.html

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Take Probiotics During Antibiotic Treatment

Antibiotics used to be prescribed routinely, but now, physicians are becoming more attuned to antibiotic-resistance and the tendency of antibiotics to remove both the bad bacterial flora from the intestinal tract and the good flora, leaving patients vulnerable to diarrhea, yeast infections and bladder infections. Recent studies have shown convincing evidence that the use of probiotics, beneficial live microorganisms found in human intestines, to re-balance the bacterial flora of the intestine should be routine when prescribing antibiotics to some patients. You should consult with your physician if you experience any intestinal upset when taking prescribed antibiotic medications.

Instructions

Take Probiotics During Antibiotic Treatment

1. Get your probiotics from the food you eat. Foods like yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, some juices and soy beverages.

2. Take your probiotics in supplement form. Your local health food store and drug stores has a variety of probiotic compounds in pill, capsule, or powder form that you can take daily while you are under antibiotic treatment to increase the amount of beneficial flora in your intestinal tract.

3. Research the best probiotic for you. Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are the most common probiotics available. Lactobacillus normally live in human intestines and vagina and produces vitamin K, lactase and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lacticidin and bacteriocin. It has few side effects, but should be avoided by those with weakened immune systems, intestinal tract damage, or those with severe overgrowth on intestinal bacteria. Lactobacillus is used not only to restore bacterial intestinal flora but for cases of bacterial vaginosis, as well. It is reputed to also have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancer properties. It is recommended for use against diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment.

4. Consider bifidobacterium for skin allergy conditions. Bifidobacterium is another probiotic to increase the microflora of the intestines, but it also has beneficial effects against vaginal bacterial conditions, and has been found to have some anti-allergy effects. There is also some research being done into anti-cholesterol properties of bifidobacterium and its ability to boost the immune system. It is used to help intestinal problems from irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, and is recommended to decrease diarrhea associated with long-term antibiotic treatment.

5. Add streptococcus thermophilus to the mix. This impressive-sounding lactic acid bacterium is often used in combination with lactobacillus and bifidobacterium for maximum effect in benefiting the intestinal tract in cases of travelers' diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions. It is found naturally in yogurt and mozzarella cheese.

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Side Effects Of Vitamin D 1000 Iu

Vitamin D 1000 IU also known as Vitamin D3, is an essential vitamin for proper body function. This vitamin is the only one that the body can manufacture on its own using sunlight through UVB rays. However, due to problems related to skin cancer, many people are deficient in this life-sustaining vitamin.

Overdose

Swelling of the throat, tongue, face, or lips, can mean an allergic reaction. Difficulty in breathing and hives or changes in behavioral patterns are other side effects. Vitamin D1000 IU overdose symptoms can include urinary problems, excessive thirst, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or muscular pain.

Treatment

Dietary sources can be the best forms of Vitamin D1000 IU or Vitamin D3. Eat plenty of fish, eggs, fortified milk and cod liver oil for natural sources in proper dosage.

Deficiency

Rickets, muscular weakness, weak bones and skeletal deformities are the classic signs of deficiency. Since this vitamin is responsible for maintaining normal blood levels and aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, it is essential to prevent osteoporosis and hypertension.

Significance

You should see a doctor immediately, if you experience any of the side effects or Vitamin D1000 IU overdose symptoms.

Warning

The elderly, breastfed infants and obese people are at the highest risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Those that have bowel or fat absorption illnesses, such as Crohn's disease or Cystic fibrosis are included in this high risk group.

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Vitamin Supplements For Weight Loss & Diabetes

People increasingly are in search of tips on lose weight these days, especially in the United States, where obesity is on the rise. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for people with diabetes. While many people know about the diet and exercise recommendations for weight loss, many aren't aware that vitamin supplements can also help them to trim down and combat diabetes.

Vitamins

Many people with diabetes do not metabolize vitamin C very well. As a result, diabetics will often benefit from taking a vitamin C supplement. Mineral ascorbates work better than ascorbic acid. The recommended dosage is between 500 mg and 1,500 mg per day, according to Michael Murray, N.D. a naturopathic physician. In fact, according to research in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, "Regularly consuming 500 milligrams or more of vitamin C may help you burn 30 percent more fat while working out."

A dose of 30 mg to 90 mg of vitamin B6 and/or 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 every day could help prevent neuropathy, a condition all diabetics need to avoid. In fact, taking a multi-B vitamin has been known to improve energy levels for diabetes and non-diabetics alike. Having more energy means you are more likely to be active and burn more calories. In addition, Vitamin D can protect diabetics from getting cataracts and may even reduce their resistance to insulin. People with diabetes also need more Vitamin E, a helpful antioxidant, than the average person.

Other Helpful Supplements

Besides the additional vitamin requirements for diabetics, supplements are also important. For instance, diabetics have an increased need for magnesium. They can also benefit from taking conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and coenzyme Q10.

According to Murray, chromium is good for diabetics because when the body lacks this particular chemical element, it can increase insensitivity to insulin. Take 200 mcg to 400 mcg per day.

Alpha lipoic acid can help balance blood sugar and reduce the risk diabetics run of damaging peripheral nerves. Take 10 mg to 100 mg of zinc every day to improve insulin action. Diabetics should also consider taking digestive enzymes to assist with the absorption of nutrients from the food they eat and the other supplements they take, Murray adds.

Cautions

Before taking any type of nutritional supplement, consult your physician to make sure that what you plan to take will not conflict with any medications you take.

You also need to be aware that some supplements may contain additives that could be detrimental to your health. Check the labels carefully and make sure the manufacturer is compliant with pharmaceutical GMP guidelines.

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Treat Prenatal Acne

Pregnancy is a time full of joy and excitement, but one of the side effects of pregnancy that is not so wonderful is prenatal acne. It's often said that women have a "glow" about them when they're pregnant. Well, that's because they have excess oil on their faces due to hormone production, and it can cause acne which is frustrating and embarrassing. During pregnancy, a woman is not supposed to use most normal acne treatments because they contain acids and other chemicals which can actually harm the baby. Instead, you have to go the all natural route.

Instructions

1. Wash your face twice a day (morning and night) with an all natural face wash such as Mario Badescu's cleansers (see Resources). For little pimples under the skin that are not red, use a drying cream which will dry out the pimple and kill it. For nodular cysts under the skin that are red and painful to the touch, use a buffering lotion which goes to the root of the problem under the skin and kills the bacteria.

2. Drink lots of water. The more hydrated you are the better. Water flushes out your system and helps your body deal with pore clogging bacteria which affects your skin.

3. Eat anti-oxidant rich foods. This will not only help your skin but also benefit your baby, as these foods are loaded with other vitamins and minerals that are essential to the baby's proper development. Green leafy vegetables, blueberries, cantaloupe and tomatoes are all great sources of antioxidants.

4. Exercise. Get moving because it will get your blood pumping and flowing which helps tremendously with skin care. The more blood that your body gets moving the better your circulation will be, and thus it will be capable of pushing out harmful bacteria, fighting infection and reducing oil levels. Exercise also helps prevent and treat stress, another leading cause of worsening prenatal acne.

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency Dangers

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, around 15 percent of adults 65 and older suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Not having enough of this vitamin causes a number of medical complications.

Function

Vitamin B12 is important to the production of nerve cells and oxygen-carrying red blood cells. The vitamin also plays a role in making DNA, which is the building block for all new cells, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Sources

Foods high in vitamin B12 include liver, fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, fortified cereals and eggs. Synthetic B12 supplements are also available in pill form.

Dosage

Adults ages 14 and over require 2.4mcg per day, with pregnant women needing slightly more at 2.6mcg.

Causes

Often, vitamin B12 deficiencies occur due to poor diet, but vegetarians and vegans are also susceptible to deficiencies since B12 is found primarily in sources of animal protein. Also medical factors, such as pernicious anemia, which causes your stomach to improperly absorb nutrients, can lead to B12 deficiency.

Risks

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a number of possible problems, including irritability, personality changes, memory impairment, dementia, depression, psychosis, difficulty maintaining balance, confusion, poor memory, nerve pain and tingling in your extremities. Deficiencies also pose a risk for stroke and heart attacks, nerve damage and shortages of important red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

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Prevent And Tighten Loose Sagging Skin From Weight Loss Avoid Surgery To Repair Loose Skin

flat tummy no loose skin

Loosing weight is a wonderful accomplishment. Weight loss improves your overall health and quality of life. However, you don't want to end up with annoying loose skin after you have worked so hard to arrive at your goal weight. The good news is there are steps you can take during weight loss to avoid sagging skin. Below are a few tips that you may find helpful.

Instructions

1. First, lose weight slowly. Your skin is designed to stretch and to retract as you either gain or lose weight. However, if you lose weight too quickly your skins elasticity can not accommodate such a rapid change, thus leaving you with loose, sagging skin. Try to lose weight at paced level. It is after all more healthy to lose weight slowly and you will have an increased chance of keeping the weight off.

2. Drink a lot of water! At least 8 glasses a day. Water prevents dehydration and adds moisture to the skin tissue making skin more resilient. Resilient skin will bounce back into its rightful place easier.

3. Use Moisturizer morning and night. Moisturiser adds to your skins elasticity as well. Keeping your skin well moisturized will give it an extra boost of "bounce back" so that it can shrink as your body weight decreases.

4. Last but certainly not least, you need to exercise regularly. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day 5 days a week. Exercise builds muscle and muscle acts as a support system for skin. It actually boost your skin and prevents it from sagging. If you want a flat stomach you need strong stomach muscles, if you want to eliminate loose under arm skin you need strong arm muscles and so on. It is worth the effort. You don't want to end up looking like a Sharpe puppy.

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Vitamins That Cause Frequent Urination

A healthy, balanced diet rich in essential nutrients provides many benefits, including urinary health. Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water will go a long way in promoting normal frequency and quality of urine. Some vitamin supplements, when taken in excess, can cause frequent urination.

Some vitamins can lead to frequent urination.

Vitamin C

As with all vitamins, it's possible to get too much vitamin C. This is especially true of people who load up on this vitamin during cold and flu season. But the good news is that there aren't serious reported side effects of overdosing on vitamin C, per the Mayo Clinic. However, taking an excess of 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C may cause frequent urination, as well as mild diarrhea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms include a flushed face, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Vitamin C and Urinary Health

But vitamin C does play a role in urinary health. By warding off bacteria in urine, this vitamin has been shown to help prevent bladder infections and flush out harmful toxins. Another positive urinary health aspect of this nutrient is that vitamin C can reduce bladder cancer risks among smokers and those who drink alcohol.

Interestingly, a symptom of vitamin B6 deficiency is increased vitamin C in the urine. This means a deficiency of vitamin B6 can mean poor absorption and utilization of vitamin C. Since C is so important in urinary health and protecting against infections, getting too little B6 is doubly damaging.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B also has an impact on urination. The body eliminates excess vitamin B through urine. While excess vitamin B won't necessarily cause frequent or increased urine output, it will cause a change in the urine itself. Soon after taking vitamin B, or a multivitamin high in this vitamin, your urine will be a bright yellow or even green in color. The urine may also be stronger in odor. Neither the color change or odor change, if caused by healthy doses of vitamin B, warrant concern.

Vitamin D Toxicity

When too much vitamin D is in the body, this is known as vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis D, per Google Health. There are many symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, and among them is frequent urination, particularly at night. Excessive thirst is another symptom of this condition.

Vitamin B12 Injection

Taking too much vitamin B12 in supplement form hasn't been associated with frequent urination. But this can be one of the many side effects of getting a B12 shot. If you're doctor suggests getting a B12 shot, make sure you discuss all the possible side effects with him so you'll know what to expect, per the Mayo Clinic.

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The Best Energy Boost Vitamin For Women

Vitamins can provide the energy you need to get through each day naturally.

It's not unusual for women to feel fatigued throughout the day. You may turn to stimulates like caffeine for a quick fix, but in the end they can leave you feeling more exhausted than ever. Vitamins and other natural remedies are known for their ability to boost energy levels. Vitamin B complex is an essential part of your body's production and use of energy. These nutrients can help eliminate that haze of fatigue that leaves you dragging and instead provide you with the energy you need to maintain an active lifestyle.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential supplement for metabolizing food, boosting brain and nervous system development and enhancing energy to perform all of your daily tasks and make it through the day.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 produces energy in different ways, resulting in different chemical reactions, like increased oxygen use and efficiency so that the body's cells function at maximum capacity. It eases joint discomfort and allows those suffering from conditions like arthritis to move with more energy.

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, increases energy levels not only for physical exertion. The increased energy also strengthens the immune system to combat illness and speed recovery.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps the body absorb food, which is essential to replenishing your energy supply. Vitamin B12 also helps the body metabolize protein and fat.

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Blueberry Tea Benefits

Blueberries are an amazing food, nature's own pharmaceutical capable of providing a wide array of health benefits. While it has not been proven that all the health benefits associated with blueberries are equally present when the blueberries are consumed in tea, it's safe to assume tea made from real blueberries, not just artificial flavoring, will provide some of the same nutritional value as the fruit itself does. Tea itself is a healthy drink--combine the two together and you create a nutritional dynamic duo.

Nature's powerhouse for delivering antioxidants

Blueberries provide significantly more antioxidants than other fruits, including raspberries, strawberries and cranberries. Antioxidants are believed to be a powerful tool our bodies use to fight aging and diseases such as cancer. They block and neutralize the free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules present in the human body that contribute to the formation of cancer cells and other diseases. People can take supplements to provide antioxidants, but many scientists believe that food provides a superior source of this valuable nutrient.

Antioxidants have been associated with improved brain function, lowered risk of heart disease and stroke, urinary tract health, and improved vision.

Benefits of tea

Tea itself provides antioxidants, as well as the blueberries infused in blueberry tea. A recent study has shown that people who drink three or more cups of tea a day have a lower risk of stroke than people who don't drink tea at all. The study was presented Feb. 19 at the American Heart Association's annual International Stroke Conference in San Diego, Calif. Other studies suggest a strong link between drinking tea and a lower rate of cancers, including colon, oral, stomach, pancreatic, bladder and skin cancers.

Difference between tea and tisane

Tea is actually only made by processing the leaves or buds of a specific plant, the tea bush Camellia Sinensis. Herbal teas are not truly tea, but tisane, a drink made by infusing the stems, leaves or fruit from any other plant. Some herbal drinks contain both tea and another plant, such as blueberries.

Other health benefits of blueberries

It would be difficult to exaggerate the health benefits of blueberries. In addition to the many benefits associated with their high antioxidant content, blueberries are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and dietary fiber, and they contain smaller but significant amounts of many necessary vitamins and minerals.

Drink to your health

Crazy for Tea (crazyfortea.com) offers this blueberry tea recipe, courtesy of Southern Living.

This recipe will make a 5-cup pitcher of iced tea.

2 cups of frozen blueberries

1/2 cup of lemon juice

4 cups of water

4 tsp. loose tea of your choice or teabags

3/4 cup of sugar (or try 3/4 cup Splenda!)

Ice

Bring the blueberries and lemon juice to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Gently boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Strain your blend through a fine strainer to remove the solids and extract the blueberry and lemon juice. Discard the pulp.

Bring water to a boil and let sugar dissolve. Let water cool a little depending on the type of tea you are brewing. Brew your tea as you normally would. Do not oversteep.

Mix the warm tea and blueberry lemon juice in a tall iced tea pitcher and refrigerate. Serve over ice in tall glasses with a sprig of mint or lemon to garnish.

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Should One Give An Infant Vitamins With Fluoride

If your pediatrician is concerned that your infant is not receiving adequate nutrition, he or she may recommend that you give a multivitamin with fluoride. Multivitamins have numerous essential minerals and vitamins that may be missing from the child's diet. The fluoride is provided as a way to prevent tooth decay. However, there are concerns that giving an infant a multivitamin with fluoride is not safe.

Types

Multivitamins with fluoride are marketed under names such as Poly Vitamin with Fluoride, Poly-Vi-Flor, Tri-Vi-Flor and Soluvite F. It is available in both liquid and chewable forms. It will usually be recommended that the infant be given a daily dose that can be taken with a small amount of food, juice, infant formula or breast milk.

Dangers

The main consideration regarding multivitamins with fluoride is that the infant may develop a condition called fluorosis. This condition can occur during the years that a child will develop teeth, typically between ages 1 and 4. It can cause permanent damage to the child's teeth and potentially other cells of the body. Fluorosis occurs when a child consumes too much fluoride. Nursing women should also be cautious of taking a multivitamin with fluoride since the fluoride can pass through the breast milk and be consumed by the infant.

Features

The chief symptom of fluorisis is discoloration to the teeth. You may notice white streaks across the enamel of the infant's teeth. The enamel may also feel rough to the touch. If you do notice these, stop giving the infant the multivitamin with fluoride and contact your doctor.

Considerations

A multivitamin with fluoride is usually only recommended when the amount of fluoride in your area's drinking water is not adequate. Typically, 0.6 parts per million or higher is an adequate amount and will not require that your infant have fluoride supplementation. Your city's water department can let you know the exact amount of fluoride found in your water supply. If the amount is adequate, your doctor will likely recommend a multivitamin that does not contain fluoride.

Warning

Make sure you follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor if you are to give the infant a multivitamin with fluoride. Also, avoid allowing the infant to use toothpaste and dental products with fluoride during supplementation. They should especially avoid swallowing the toothpaste. However, fluoride should not be completely forbidden since it does prevent tooth decay when taken at the recommended doses.

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Do Freshwater Turtles Need Light At Night

Freshwater turtles require UV light to maintain healthy shells.

Freshwater turtles, including red-eared sliders, river cooters and painted turtles, are among the most popular reptile pets. They require calcium in order to maintain healthy shells and must have access to vitamin D from either sunlight or artificial UV bulbs to properly metabolize calcium. This need for light is the source of much confusion among turtle owners, and many mistakenly believe their turtles need constant light.

Circadian Rhythms

Most freshwater turtles are diurnal, which means they are primarily active during the day and sleep at night. Turtles in captivity take cues from their environment to determine when to sleep and when to be active. Consequently, freshwater turtles should have a period of darkness in order to maintain healthy circadian rhythms. Turtles that are exposed to light constantly or at unpredictable intervals may become lethargic or ill.

Heat Lights

Most freshwater turtles thrive in water temperatures slightly above room temperature, ranging from 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the species. Turtles living in water below 60 degrees Fahrenheit normally stop eating. Many turtle owners ensure that their pets' water temperature is adequate by placing a heat light above the aquarium. Though turtles should not be constantly exposed to light, they must be maintained in stable temperatures, so heat lights pose a problem. A better option for providing heat is to use an aquarium heater. Some pet stores also sell heat bulbs that produce heat but no light.

Night Lights

Some turtle owners, concerned about the effect light has on their turtles' circadian rhythms, believe turtles should be kept in total darkness at night. This is not necessary. Turtles in the wild are exposed to periodic bursts of light as well as low-level lighting from stars, nearby houses and cars. Thus turtles living in captivity are not harmed by nightlights, televisions and other minor interruptions to nighttime darkness.

Ultraviolet Light

Most turtle owners keep their turtles in indoor aquariums and use artificial UV lights to provide their pets with access to vitamin D. Because these lights produce less UV light than sunlight, they must be left on longer every day to ensure a turtle has adequate access to vitamin D. Turtles need a minimum of 10 to 12 hours of light from a bulb each day, and some bulb manufacturers recommend using their bulbs for as long as 18 hours each day. Turtle owners can provide their turtles with ample UV and a period of darkness by placing lights on a timer and taking their turtles outside in natural sunlight for 30 minutes each day.

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Vitamins For Nail Growth

The key to successful nail growth is to establish and maintain healthy nails. On average, your nails grow .5mm to 1.2mm each week. But even the swiftest-growing nails will not stay around for long if they are in weak or poor condition.

Healthy nails are strong, free of fungus, discoloration, peeling, ridges and hangnails. And while the thickness and strength of nails is largely hereditary, there is much that can be done to naturally improve the overall condition of your nails, thus optimizing their growth and longevity.

Healthy natural nails

The Nail-Body Connection

Nutrients for nail health.

The condition of your nails, in large part, reflects the state of your physical health. Nails rely on sufficient supplies of protein, minerals and vitamins to stay healthy. When your body does not receive enough of these nutrients, or does not utilize them properly, it is manifested in the condition of your nails. Having (and keeping) long, strong and healthy natural nails, then, relies on the consistent intake of proper nutrition.

Your Nails Reflect Your Overall Health

Natural sources of nail nutrients.

Overall nail health---the basis of proper nail growth---can be improved by eating a balanced and nutritious diet, supplemented with the use of a high-potency vitamin and mineral complex. There are formulations that have been created specifically to meet the nutritional needs of nails, with a mix of vitamins, minerals and herbs selected due to their effectiveness when taken together. However, a basic vitamin and mineral complex formula can be just as effective for ensuring optimum nail condition and growth, provided it contains the following stars of nail health.

Vitamins A, B, C, D for Nail Health and Growth

Supplements for nail growth and health.

Vitamin A. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry, brittle nails. Vitamin A also helps the body process protein, needed to sustain the nail bed (made of the protein hard keratin) and ward off hangnails.

Vitamin B. A lack of vitamin B may cause ridges and fragile nails. The following of the vitamin B family are notable in their support of nail health: riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2), folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) and biotin (also known as vitamin B7).

Vitamin C. Persistent hangnails usually indicate an inadequate intake of vitamin C, folic acid and protein. As an antioxidant, vitamin C also helps the body fight fungal infections, including nail fungal infections.

Vitamin D. This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium, which improves the strength and growth of nails. Fish liver oil is an excellent natural source of vitamin D.

Minerals for Nail Health and Growth

Minerals for nail growth and health.

Calcium. Calcium is needed to prevent dry, brittle nails, and is especially beneficial for nail growth. A stand-alone calcium supplement should contain magnesium and boron.

Iron (also known as ferrous sulfate). Anemia or lack of iron can cause darkened, pale or thin nails. Vertical ridges, or a whitish, crescent shape at the base of the nail may also result from a lack of iron.

Zinc. This mineral supports your body's utilization of enzymes and minerals, and increases the strength of nails. A lack of zinc may cause white speckles on the nail.

Other Natural Aids for Nail Health and Growth

The following are excellent for boosting the overall condition and optimum growth rate of your nails:

Essential fatty acids. Fatty acids moisturize the nail bed, thus reducing dry, brittle nails and encouraging healthy nail growth. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil and borage seed oil. (Essential fatty acids work well in tandem with the amino acid methionine.)

Silica. This trace mineral helps the body utilize calcium properly, and improves the strength of nails. A natural source of silica is found in the following herbs: horsetail, nettle and oat straw.

Sulfur. This mineral helps in the formation of keratin. (Note that your nails are principally composed of hard keratin.) Organic sulfur is available as a stand-alone supplement known as MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane.

Phosphorus. This mineral is needed for the growth, maintenance and repair of all tissues and cells, and helps harden nails. Phosphorus also helps your body assimilate nail star nutrients vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and zinc.

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Prepare Hot Stones For A Hot Stone Massage

Prepare Hot Stones for a Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is a Swedish massage where heated stones derived from riverbeds are strategically placed on the body. The hot stones are used as massage tools and come in various sizes that are tumbled for smooth edges. Once the stones are placed in oil, they will become permanently black.

Instructions

1. Clean and disinfectant your stones before using. The stones also must be oiled prior to use with your favorite massage oil or olive oil.

2. Heat the stones in a stone pot, regular crock pot or electric skillet, uncovered, in a small amount of hot water. The stones should warm for about 30 minutes before your client arrives.

3. Add essential oils to the water for scent and to aid relaxation. Check with your client to make sure she isn't allergic to oils. You may choose a specific scent for aromatherapy purposes also.

4. Check stones before client arrives to make sure they aren't too hot. If you can't handle them with your hands, they will be too hot for the client's skin. You may also place them with a towel between the client's skin and the stone.

5. Wash and sanitize the stones between clients. Soak stones in water that is between 130 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is not hot enough, it will not kill bacteria. Just be sure the water isn't anymore than 125 degrees prior to placing them on a client.

6. Store your stones in clean velvet when not in use to avoid scratching or chipping the stones.

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How Long Stop Taking Fish Oil Before Medical Procedures

Omega-3 oils, which are available in plants and fish and as supplements, are fatty acids (molecules found in plants, animals and cell membranes). They reduce cholesterol and help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, strokes and high blood pressure. Because they act as blood thinners, however, and have other potential side effects, patients may be advised by their physicians to avoid omega-3 well before undergoing surgery or other invasive medical procedures.

Characteristics

Omega-3 fatty acids -- which are found in some plant sources, such as flax, linseed and nuts (especially Brazil nuts), as well as fish or fish oil supplements -- lower triglycerides, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks, heart arrhythmias, plaques on the arteries of the heart (which cause hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis) and other forms of heart disease and strokes. It also slows the buildup of plaques in the arteries and lowers blood pressure slightly. Heart and kidney transplant patients can also benefit from taking fish oil supplements. In addition, when taken regularly over several months, fish oil, which is also used as an industrial lubricant, can reduce morning stiffness and joint tenderness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Side Effects

Because they are blood thinners, high doses of omega-3 can hinder blood clotting and cause or worsen bleeding when taken in high doses. This can cause serious post-surgical bleeding or lead to hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke, nosebleeds and blood in the urine. Fish oil may also slightly increase low-density lipoprotein (the "bad" form of cholesterol) and has also been known to cause stomach upset, diarrhea and burping, acid reflux and heartburn, indigestion and abdominal bloating. People with allergies or other sensitivity to fish should avoid fish oil or omega-3 supplements, as should those who have high levels of low-density lipoprotein or low blood pressure. In addition, because fish often absorb significant levels of mercury from polluted waters, young children and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should limit their intake to one or two 6-ounce servings per week. Some fish oil sources, especially those produced from fish livers, may contain high levels of vitamins D and A. These types of oil can increase risk of vitamin A and D toxicity, as can oils drawn from fish liver, and may also deplete or inhibit the effectiveness of vitamin E, which supports the body's immune system. Many of these side effects can compromise the health and recovery of surgery patients.

Recommendations

Physicians and the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommend that anyone who eats foods or supplements containing significant amounts of omega-3 refrain from doing so for a week before undergoing medical procedures, with the exception of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. A study published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids indicated that eating fish oil shortly before this type of surgery is conducted may reduce patients' risk of developing postoperative myocardial damage.

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How Long Do Carbonated Drinks Last After Their Expiration Date

If stored properly, a can of soda is still good months after its expiration date.

Carbonated drinks are safe to consume almost indefinitely beyond their expiration dates. However with time, the sweeteners in the beverage break down and the taste of the drink is altered.

Expiration Dates

Any food item labeled with an expiration or sell-by date is usually safe to consume after that date has passed. This is because most expiration dates are used as a point of reference for grocers to know what date to sell a product by. It is after that date that the item begins to deteriorate, though it might be safe to eat for days or even weeks after it has "expired." Each food is different.

Carbonated Drink Shelf Life

Soda has a longer shelf life than its expiration date would suggest. Diet soft drinks will last three to four months after their sell-by date before the artificial sweeteners break down and alter its taste. Regular soft drinks (that contain sugar and not artificial sweeteners) will last six to nine months past their sell-by date.

Storage

To maximize a soda's shelf life, store cans and bottles in a cool, dry place. Clear plastic soda bottles should be kept out of sunlight, as the light will cause the sugars to break down faster.

Safety

Because carbonated drinks are comprised mostly of water, sugar and artificial flavors, they never really go bad. If the sugars in the beverage break down, the taste will be different, but it will still be safe to drink.

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Treat Hpylori With Metagenics' Zinlori

Zinlori is a dietary supplement, used for gastric upset, bloating and discomfort as well as in the treatment of H. pylori. H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a bacterial infection of the stomach and the small intestine. Zinlori is best used as an adjunct treatment with antibiotics for H. pylori infection.

Instructions

Suggested Method of Taking Zinlori for Treatment of H. Pylori

1. Antibiotic treatment with usually two different medications is the method most often used. Treatment is usually for a two-week period. The two antibiotics are used to try and ensure the bacteria don't become resistant to just one medication.

Discuss with your health-care provider your intention to take Zinlori (zinc carosine) to supplement your current H. pylori treatment or instead of your current treatment. Because many health-care providers also recommend/prescribe a medication to decrease the stomach acid during the antibiotic treatment (to enhance effect of the medications), your health-care provider may be open to the use of Zinlori as an adjunct treatment.

2. Before taking your Zinlori, be sure to have eaten to avoid the potential for Zinlori's report of occasional heartburn-like symptoms if taken on an empty stomach.

3. Fill a 4- to 8-ounce glass of water or other drinkable non-alcoholic liquid. Remove the 75mgm Zinlori tablet from its container and place in your mouth, swallowing it with the drinking liquid in your glass. Repeat this procedure, totaling 2 doses of Zinlori 75mgm tablets daily.

4. Information on Zinlori is rudimentary, at best, which in and of itself does not mean the product is without merit. You should be aware that products that classify themselves as dietary supplements don't have to adhere to the same standards as even over-the-counter medications.

5. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should definitely discuss the use of Zinlori with their health-care providers before taking the dietary supplement.

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