Swanson Health Products Blog

Banana Zucchini Cranberry Muffins

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Ashley G


Yes, it's still zucchini season! And there are still so many more recipes I want to try. I ended up doubling this recipe and putting them in a container in the freezer to enjoy this winter dipped in vanilla yogurt, so good!

I added the cranberries to this recipe to boost its overall natural health support. Plus, we don't want anyone getting zucchini'ed out. The fresh cranberry season is generally October to December, and since we're early, Eden Foods' dried organic cranberries will work just fine. Also, I added the mashed banana since I had a few that were turning on us. This would be a great recipe to try with some organic raw nuts, organic pumpkin seeds or raw organic almonds (preferably chopped). 

Ingredients: Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
  2. Lightly grease 24 muffin cups with cooking spray and sprinkle with flour, or line with muffin papers.
  3. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light yellow and frothy. Add oil, sugar, grated zucchini, bananas, and vanilla; blend together until well-combined.
  4. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix in the cranberries and 3/4 of the nuts.
  5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with remaining nuts.
  6. Bake muffins for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.
  7. Cool on a rack. Store uneaten muffins in an airtight container.
This recipe makes approximately 24 muffins, depending on how large you like them. Enjoy!

Sidenote: It's now tomato season! Do you like salsa?

Is Maltodextrin Gluten Free?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Tuesday, September 7:  For people with celiac disease, every food they eat has to be carefully scrutinized, watching for any trace of gluten. Gluten free shopping is second nature to celiacs, a skill developed over time. But recently on the Swanson Health Products Facebook page, a customer posted a question concerning maltodextrin, a common food additive. She wanted to know whether the maltodextrin in a specific protein powder was derived from corn, potatoes or wheat, pointing out the fact that there are, indeed, two different kinds of maltodextrin. So what exactly is it, and is it gluten free?

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide—a type of sugar—that’s made by breaking down starch. It is easily digestible. The kind of starch used to produce the maltodextrin will determine whether or not it is gluten free. In the United States, maltodextrin is usually made from rice, corn, or potato, producing gluten-free maltodextrin. Europeans, on the other hand, usually make it from wheat, which contains gluten.

But according to GlutenFreeLiving.com, “Maltodextrin is gluten free. ...because maltodextrin is such a highly processed ingredient that the protein is removed, rendering it gluten free. If wheat is used to make maltodextrin, "wheat" will appear on the label. Even in this case, the maltodextrin would be gluten free.”

In the end, you know your body best. If you’re concerned about the origin of the maltodextrin in a particular food, check with the manufacturer to determine if it is made from wheat or not.

Top 15 Smoothie Ingredients

Monday, September 6, 2010 by Anthony N.
Tired of making the same old smoothies everyday? Here is a list of the top 15 smoothie ingredients to inspire you to try something new. This isn't a recipe for a smoothie. It's just a simple list of healthy additions to consider adding to your favorite recipe.Top 15 Smoothie Ingredients

1) Bananas- Delicious, affordable and full of potassium.

2) Yogurt or Kefir- Your best option is to find a natural, organic brand without high-fructose corn syrup and more likely have live probiotic cultures.

3) Raw Organic Nuts and Seeds- Great source of healthy fats and protein. Try organic almonds, raw organic cashews or even raw organic pumpkin seeds.
4) Liquid Essential Fatty Acids- Consider cod liver oil, liquid salmon oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil or any other healthy oil you have on stock. EFAs have numerous benefits including the promotion of good skin health.

5) Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil- A low calorie fat that contains medium chain triglycerides, which are a great source of energy. 

6) Berries- Blueberries, raspberries or strawberries are all good choices. If you don't have any fresh berries on hand, try using some organic freeze-dried strawberries.

7) Protein Powder- Whey protein powders come in a variety of flavors. Other options include hemp protein, pea protein or soy protein. Vanilla whey protein powder is my favorite.

8) Organic Flax Seeds or Hemp Seeds- These both deliver a delicious nutty flavor, fiber and a healthy serving of essential fatty acids benefits. If they are not already milled, make sure to grind the flax seeds in your coffee grinder before you add them to your smoothie.

9) Raw Honey- A great all natural sweetener to consider.

10) Chia Seeds- Possibly the most nutritious natural health food product available. Grind them up in your coffee grinder before adding to your smoothie if you want.

11) Apples- A low glycemic fruit that is a great source of fiber.

12) Powdered Greens- Try the green max powder, organic barley grass powder or organic wheat grass juice.

13) Leafy Greens- Consider adding romaine lettuce, spinach or kale. All are packed with nutrients. If you want more flavor, consider fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

14) Coconut Water- An incredible source of electrolytes and a great way to thin out the consistency of your smoothie.

15) Ice Cubes- A cold smoothie is a delicious smoothie.

Enjoying a smoothie based on the natural organic foods above can be a great way to improve your health or maintain weight loss. Having a delicious smoothie can also be a great alternative to taking a bunch of pills. 

Do you have a favorite smoothie ingredient that is not on the list? Do you have the perfect smoothie recipe? Leave a comment below or tweet it to @swansonvitamins.

Top 7 Reasons Why People are Vitamin D Deficient

Monday, September 6, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Monday, September 6:  Vitamin D, also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, is one of the most important nutrients for overall health and wellness. New studies are coming out practically every month identifying new benefits of the hormone-like vitamin. But there’s a growing concern that many Americans are vitamin D deficient.  (Most healthy adults need a minimum of 2,000 IU a day.) So why are some people deficient? Here are seven common reasons:
  1. Lack of sunlight. The sun is the best vitamin D source available, as our skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. The farther you live from the equator, the less direct sunlight you receive, and if you use sunblock or sunscreen lotion, you’re also blocking your skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.
  2. Skin pigment. This one is simple, but unfortunately you don’t have any control over it. It’s in your genes. The darker your skin, the harder it is to produce vitamin D from sun exposure.
  3. Obesity. Because fat absorbs vitamin D and makes it unusable, overweight people have greater vitamin D needs... meaning a higher likelihood for deficiency.
  4. Age. Your ability to produce vitamin D naturally decreases with age. A 70-year-old makes just 25% of what they made when they were 20.
  5. Lifestyle. As a civilization, we’re living more and more indoors, reducing our exposure to natural sunlight. The less time you spend outside, the fewer opportunities your skin has to produce vitamin D.
  6. Culture. Just as we live mostly indoors, some cultures still maintain traditions of covering oneself while in public (i.e. outdoors). See a recurring theme here?
  7. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Even though a minimal amount of vitamin D passes into breast milk, new moms might need more to maintain healthy blood levels. Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends an intake of 400 IU per day for all babies. 

What are Functional Foods?

Sunday, September 5, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Sunday, September 5:  You’re probably hearing the term “functional food” a lot these days. But what exactly are functional foods, and what makes them different than regular food? Basically, functional foods are said to offer health benefits beyond simply providing nutrition, or fuel for your body. Food manufacturers often “fortify” or “enrich” their foods with added vitamins, minerals or other compounds to boost their health benefits...and allow them to make claims like “lowers your cholesterol” or “reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.” But the FDA doesn’t actually use the term functional foods, so it can be a bit confusing for the consumer to make sense of it all. In fact, the FDA is currently working out how best to evaluate these functional foods and clarify to the consumer whether or not they’re any more healthful than traditional food. In the meantime, your best bet is to continue educating yourself on the nutrients your body needs and how to get those nutrients from a healthy, balanced diet without adding undue stress and anxiety to your weekly grocery shopping. You can also shop at a natural products store or a health and nutrition store and ask questions of those who work there. They will be able to answer your specific questions on the spot about the foods you’re buying.

3 Ways to Boost Your Mood Without Drugs

Saturday, September 4, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Saturday, September 4:  Turn on the TV and watch for a few minutes... you’re sure to see at least one commercial for a prescription drug that promises to bring you out of the doldrums (albeit with a few inconvenient side effects that we won’t go into here). That’s one option, but it’s usually only recommended for people who are really suffering. When you’re only dealing with occasional bad day here and there, there are a few natural health options that can help make you feel better (without any adverse side effects!).
  1. Get some exercise. The natural act of getting your heartbeat up through exercise—even a 30-minute walk—will not only make you feel better physically, you’ll feel better mentally. There is a strong connection between physical well-being and mental well-being.
  2. Clean up your living quarters. If you get home and all you see are stacks of dirty dishes, bills on the table and a to-do list with nothing checked off, get to work clearing up your space. It’s hard to relax and feel content when you’re constantly confronted with clutter.
  3. Listen to your favorite album. Whether it’s classical or country, hip-hop or rock, listening to music has also been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, activating the part of the brain responsible for feelings of happiness. It also calms the body, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormone levels, and it might even make you smarter!

Brewed Benefits of Natural Tea

Friday, September 3, 2010 by Britta N
As summer comes to an end and the fall weather rolls in, I can’t think of anything better than snuggling up with a blanket and a hot cup of tea. Luckily, we have a wide variety of tea to choose from at Swanson Health Products. The choices are extensive, whether you’re looking for a caffeinated boost or a soothing drink, fruity flavored or minty, something sweet or just good old fashioned green tea.  If you’re looking for a place to buy organic tea, you’ve found it! (Not to mention the discount health products!) I have many favorites but I would like to share a few with you:

For mornings when coffee isn’t hitting the spot, I like Yogi Green Tea Energy. It’s a traditional green tea with the punch of caffeine I need to get me going. Green tea is packed with antioxidants for natural health support!

For the afternoon lull, I like to brew up Yogi Green Tea Blueberry Slim Life. It has a slightly sweet flavor that settles my mid-afternoon munchies with a bit of a caffeine boost. Plus it’s calorie free!

In the evening, I like to relax with a sweet cup of Yogi Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut. This caffeine-free flavor settles my sweet tooth and warms me up from the inside out. 

What’s the bright side of having MANY months of cool weather ahead of us? I have plenty of time to try all the different varieties of natural teas from Swanson Health Products!

Walking Boosts Brain Power!

Friday, September 3, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Friday, September 3: Did you know that walking at a moderate pace for just 40 minutes a day three times a week or more can keep your brain circuitry better connected? It’s true! Along with the proven physical health benefits of walking, new research by scientists at the University of Illinois at Champaign shows this moderate amount of exercise (which, let’s be honest, we all have time for!) helps maintain the network connections in the brains of older adults. These connections are responsible in part for cognitive performances like planning, scheduling, deciphering ambiguity, memory and multitasking—all good things when considering overall quality of life as we age.  So lace up those walking shoes and hit the trail!

Source:  lef.org

Lovaza VS Fish Oil: What Makes One a Drug, the Other a Supplement?

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Kurt Cameron
Ever wondered what makes one natural health solution a dietary supplement while another is classified as a pharmaceutical drug? And what about these new terms: nutraceutical, functional food, medical food? The answers are murky and, I’m afraid, they’re about to get even murkier.

Take, for example, Lovaza, Glaxo Smith-Kline’s new blockbuster Omega-3 prescription for high triglycerides. It’s just fish oil, right? Not according to GSK. They go to great lengths to point out that “you can’t get it at a health food store” and that it’s “the only Omega-3 medication that’s FDA-approved”. Notice the use of the term medication. Of course it’s the only Omega-3 medication that’s FDA-approved. All others Omega3 supplements are... supplements.

Confused? You’re not alone. Is Lovaza any better than high-quality over-the-counter (OTC) Omega3 supplements in regards to providing quality fish oil nutrition? GSK claims proprietary purification and concentration methods make it so, but I’ve seen no research to prove it. It’s certainly more expensive; but, since it’s classified as a pharmaceutical it’s likely to be covered by insurance. So ok, depending on your co-pay it may cost you less, but your insurance company is picking up the rest of the tab and GSK is making millions.

Each one-gram capsule of Lovaza contains 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA. That’s more than you’ll find in any one softgel of an OTC product, but it’s not beyond what can be achieved by taking more than one OTC softgel per serving.

So if Lovaza is a medicine, where does that put the supplement you’ve been taking? Is that medicine too? Or does a natural product become medicine only when subjected to intense scientific manipulation that qualifies it for patent protection, thereby making it worthwhile for a drug company to spend millions on clinical research and political maneuvering to obtain FDA approval?

Don’t get me wrong—I am not comparing fish-oil Omega-3 supplements to pharmaceutical drugs and I’m not arguing that they should be classified as such just because GSK managed to do so. Such statements would certainly violate FDA policy on marketing and representation of dietary supplements. I’m simply examining an issue that is sure to be on the minds of consumers and is bound to become more of a concern in the years ahead.

fish oilAnother interesting item that demonstrates this issue is the recent censure of two GSK executives for their involvement in an organization selling resveratrol supplements. The two executives came to GSK through the company’s purchase of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a firm founded to develop resveratrol-based pharmaceuticals.

While development of the drugs has been encouraging at times and generated lots of excitement early on, activity has slowed due to recent setbacks that included the halting of one large-scale study due to potentially harmful side-effects. Meanwhile, the market for natural resveratrol supplements has skyrocketed.

Although the organization was apparently nonprofit, it seems as though the former Sirtris execs were afraid others were making money off their basic discovery while their proprietary drugs remained off the market and mired in the big-pharma development process. So they founded an organization called the Healthy Lifespan Institute and began selling natural resveratrol online at a price of $540 for a year’s supply.

When GSK discovered their commercial activity, the two execs were forced to resign their posts at the Healthy Lifespan Institute and the organization immediately altered its website to remove the commercial sale of resveratrol. In a statement, a GSK spokesperson was careful to point out that “The two products – resveratrol and SRT501 [GSK’s drug] – are different formulations. The resveratrol is a 250 mg powder capsule. SRT 501 is a 5g liquid suspension. SRT501 is a formulation of resveratrol with higher bioavailability than the chemical alone”.

It appears that with the growth of natural health options, the positive results of clinical research on health and nutrition supplements and the increasing amount of investment in such studies, big pharma may be slowly reversing their course of attack and adopting an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach.

To those of us in the supplement field, this new climate provides some sense of validation for our work. But what does it mean for the future of both dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals? More important, how will it affect our health care, our access to affordable options and our freedom as consumers?

Only time will tell, but if only I had a crystal ball . . . then again, I’ve yet to see a double-blind placebo-controlled study on clairvoyant glass orbs.

12 Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Thursday, September 2:  Most farmers today are turning to chemicals to help keep their plants growing without interference from insects, pests, weeds, fungus, and rot. Although this would seem practical, many of the fruits and vegetables still contain said chemicals upon customer consumption. To prevent this from happening, organic foods are available as a benefit to those who are looking at avoiding the chemically-treated versions of their favorite fruits and vegetables. The list below is the top twelve fruits and vegetables that should be purchased organic.
  • Celery
  • Peaches
  • Strawberries
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Nectarines
  • Bell Pepper
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Cherries
  • Potatoes
  • Imported Grapes
Source: Prevention

Kohlrabi: A Natural Health Resource

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by Ashley G
I came across this book on a co-workers desk, "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth" by Jonny Boden, Ph.D., C.N.S.. My first instinct was to look up the vegetables and foods that we eat the most at our house. With summer coming to a close on us, our kohlrabi are all ripe for the picking.

I found out that this member of the cabbage family not only looks like a cross between an octopus and a space capsule, but the name comes from the German kohl (cabbage) plus rabi (turnip). 

We eat this natural organic food raw and generally rinsed and straight out of our garden. As you can see from the image on the right, they are getting quite large and need to be eaten up! The book also states that both the leaves and the stem are edible, which I assume you would have to eat cooked, well worth the try!

Kohlrabi and its relatives, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage kohlrabi, all contain important phytochemicals such as cancer-fighting indoles, sulforaphane, and isothiocynates. They are also a good source of vitamin C (983 mg per cup) and an excellent source of potassium. They are not, however, a good vitamin D source. But talk about a nutritious snack... only 36 calories per cup and you get 5 grams of fiber in that as well. 

I don't plan on experimenting with any kohlrabi recipes but I have researched and here are some ideas:

After peeling the outer layer of you kohlrabi off with a paring knife you may:
  • Grate into salads as added fiber
     
  • Substitute in recipes calling for radishes
     
  • Add it to this Two Cabbage Coconut Slaw recipe
     
  • If the leaves attached to the kohlrabi bulb are fresh and green, they can be eaten as a fresh green. Wash the leaves and remove the ribs. Blanch in boiling water until just wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and squeeze excess water from leaves. Chop leaves, then saute in a little Swanson Organic Olive Oil or butter. Season with Swanson Himalayan Crystal Salt and Swanson Organic Peppercorns. Add a splash of vinegar or squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Quick Tips for Weight Loss—Part II

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Wednesday, September 1:  Need some more quick and easy tips for weight loss? Check these out:
  • Buy small. Buying in bulk can result in larger consumption due to availability and expiration dates. Purchasing only what is needed for a short period of time is the best way to ensure that you don’t overeat. Making a meal plan could also help with this.
  • Break into a jog. It’s not about the time spent running, but rather the distance gone during that time. Kicking it up a notch and going from a walk to a jog or a jog to a sprint can help burn fat and calories faster. The increased impact will also help strengthen bones.
  • Drop and do ten. When temptation of eating from a bag of chips or tub of ice cream, set your sights on a quick round of pushups or sit ups instead to get you mind back on track.
  • Order fish. Omega3 sources of fish improve fat metabolism in the body. Overweight people who were on a diet that included fish lost about twenty percent more weight than those on a fish-free diet.
  • Trick your taste buds. Sucking on a menthol/eucalyptus drop or hard mint can help stop food cravings.
  • Post inspiration. Writing little notes of inspiration on key motivation spots – fridge, television and computer – can help keep you from acting on impulse.
Source: Prevention

New Mobile Site for SwansonVitamins.com

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tara Kessler
Before I purchased my smartphone I didn’t really understand all of the puns comparing this particular type of phone to a highly addictive drug. However, now I understand—I understand all too well.

I truly love all of the ways that my smartphone has made my life easier and accessing information more convenient. But one additional perk is hands-down my favorite; I can shop on my phone. Shopping on a mobile device can be challenging when you are trying to access a traditional website on the small screen of a mobile phone.

 

To make this experience more efficient and enjoyable, Swanson Health Products has developed a mobile site  as an extension of swansonvitamins.com. The Swanson Health Products mobile site was developed to give customers access to the same discount vitamins and health products and natural health resources as the full website offers on a platform that is designed for the mobile Internet. The goal when creating the m-commerce site for swansonvitamins.com was to develop a site that can be used across all different phones. Any phone with a browser can view our new mobile-optimized website.


Check out our new mobile site on your smartphone or iPod touch and let us know what you think. You can give us feedback immediately. Just take our monthly survey...which, this month, is all about mobile shopping.

Quick Tips for Weight Loss

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips Update for Tuesday, August 31:  If you’re looking to lose some extra calories without having to spend too much time on a specific routine, try some of these quick calorie-burning tips.
  • Walk while you talk. Moving around during phone conversations – walking, doing laundry, watering plants, etc. – will help burn extra calories.
  • Sip green tea before a walk. The caffeine in green tea will help free fatty acids to help burn more fat, while the polyphenols help to increase calorie burn.
  • Pack a lunch. Dining out at least five times a week generally makes people consume up to 300 calories more per day than those who stay in for meals.
  • Sprinkle flax on your food. The high-fiber content of flaxseed can help curb your appetite and eliminate calories. It tastes great in yogurt or in bread mixes.
  • Supersize your H2O. The bigger the bottle, the more you’ll drink.
  • Log your food. Keeping track of what you’re eating will help you be more aware of food choices. It will also help you stay in control and cut calories.
Source: Prevention

Why Did You Become a Fan of Natural Health?

Monday, August 30, 2010 by Anthony N.
I admit it. I knew nothing about natural health four years ago. I was unaware that there was an obvious problem with the current state of traditional medicine--a system that treats symptoms with prescription drugs instead of treating the root causes of disease and promoting prevention with healthy lifestyle choices and a natural foods diet. I didn't even realize there were alternatives to the traditional treatment methods that we hear about on the news, in magazines or from our doctors.

Getting a job at Swanson Health Products helped me realize how much control I have over my own health, and how many factors go into it. Diet, exercise, avoiding toxins, getting good sleep, nutritional supplementation, stress management and on and on. All of the things I just listed are completely under my control.

Below is the first part of a fantastic health video interview between Dr. Joseph Mercola and raw food expert David Wolfe. This video series is a great resource for anyone just getting into natural health.



To watch the rest of this interview, visit ihealthtube.com.

Being an employee of Swanson is what did it for me. What did it for you? What led you to live a lifestyle focused on natural health?

Tips for Children’s Health and Nutrition Supplements

Monday, August 30, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips for Monday, August 30:  Young children are either in school or about to go back to school. Along with reading, math and science, children are also exposed to germs. Keep your little one healthy and strong by starting his or her day off with children’s vitamins. Here are some tips for picking out the right vitamins and health supplements for kids:
  • Choose a multivitamin that is designed for your child’s age group.
  • Pick a multi that contains 100% of the daily value for all vitamins and minerals.
  • Store vitamins out of reach and teach your child to know that they aren’t a treat or candy.
  • Don’t use multivitamins as a replacement for food. Make sure you still give your children healthy meals and snacks.
  • If your child doesn’t get enough vitamin D through diet or sunlight, try a vitamin D supplement to support healthy bones and help the body absorb calcium.
  • Give your children’s immune system a boost by supplementing with vitamin C.
  • Calcium is necessary to build a strong foundation for healthy bones. If you child isn’t getting by eating dairy products, supplement 800 mg in younger children and 1200-1500 mg in older children and adolescents.
Source: Mayo Clinic and keepkidshealthy.com 

Back to the Basics of Natural Health Support

Sunday, August 29, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips for Sunday, August 29:  Good health comes from eating good food. But let’s face it; we’re not good 100% of the time when it comes to eating healthy food only. For those times we sneak away from the best foods, health and nutrition supplements can make sure our body still gets what it needs.
  • Don’t like greens? Try eating plenty of the vegetables you do like and take a multivitamin that gives you at least 700 mcg vitamin A, 1.3 mg vitamin B6 and 2.4 mcg vitamin B12 a day. If you’re not eating any vegetables at all, take a fiber supplement that provides at least 4 mg fiber a day.
  • If you’re not lifting weights to promote strong bones or getting enough sunlight, take a vitamin D supplement. Health experts say the current RDA for vitamin D may be too low. Many nutritionists are recommending at least 800 IU a day. Vitamin D is needed to help bones absorb calcium and is needed to keep bones healthy and strong.
  • Exercise helps fight free radicals, but if you’re workout routine is lacking, supplement with vitamin E. This antioxidant helps defend cells, organs and tissues against free radicals.
  • For people who don’t get enough dairy in the diet or those that are allergic to it, take a calcium supplement, or achieve more health benefits by taking a calcium vitamin D supplement. Most multivitamins don’t provide enough calcium, so add it to your supplement regimen. It helps keep bones healthy now and as you age.
  • Instead of the caffeine high from coffee or soda, look for natural ways to boost energy with B vitamins. Drinking a lot of coffee everyday is linked to high levels of homocysteine, which can be harmful to the heart. Even if you can’t give up caffeinated beverages altogether, take folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 to help maintain healthy homocysteine levels.
  • If you’re lifestyle isn’t healthy – you’re not getting the exercise you should, not eating right and not getting enough sleep – boost up your immune system. Zinc supplements, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 all help your immune system function optimally.
Source: Prevention Magazine

Good Health Supplements for the Urinary Tract

Saturday, August 28, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips for Saturday, August 28:  Promote a healthy urinary tract naturally! Drinking plenty of water each day can help flush toxins out of urinary system. As for good health supplements for the urinary tract, start with cranberry. This yummy berry works in either juice or supplement form. Research shows that a substance in cranberries prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder and urinary tract walls. A review of studies by the Cochrane Library shows that women with recurring UTIs who took cranberry saw a reduction in the number of infections. Drink 16 to 18 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice or 500 mg of cranberry extract supplements to get the benefits of cranberries. Probiotics have also been shown to support urinary tract health. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which may benefit the urinary tract as well.

Source: Prevention Magazine

Top 10 Things Your Doctor Won't Tell You

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Anthony N.
Doctor List
Via: Term Life Insurance Blog


Here are a few other items I have never heard from my doctor, but would like to:
  • Omega3 supplements are needed by almost everyone eating the Standard American Diet.
  • Natural food products can be as good for blood pressure support as prescription drugs.
  • Use all natural hand soap instead of antibacterial soap on a daily basis.
  • You should research and buy natural health supplements to maintain your current health.
  • The best health products available, are natural and organic fruits and veggies.
Does your doctor share this type of information with you? Do you have any natural health tips that your doctor should be sharing with others?

Top Herbal Health Supplements for Energy

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Health Tips
Daily Health Tips for Friday, August 27:  Energy: It seems like it’s something everyone is looking for and wants more of. The key to feeling energetic is a healthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly, sleeping well, managing stress and eating a balanced diet can help you feel that you’re at the top of your game.

There are all natural health supplements that can help increase your energy. Prevention Magazine recommends natural products called adaptogens. These supplements help the body adapt to stress and improve physical and mental stamina. American ginseng is a popular for boosting mental and physical energy. Cordyceps sinensis, a mushroom, fights fatigue by promoting the body’s use of oxygen, especially during physical activity. Rhodiola rosea has been shown to improve stress-induced fatigue and mood. Along with lifestyle changes, try these natural products one at a time for six to eight weeks for improved energy.

Source: Prevention Magazine