Anti-aging

On June 1, 2010, I was the guest speaker at a High School — one of the topics was cardiovascular health and healthy eating.  I told them I would write this blog in their honor.

I showed the class a picture of a pomegranate cut in half, and one of the boys said it looked like a heart.  I applauded him — that’s the “Signature of Plants”; it does look like a heart with vessels and blood cells.

The pomegranate has been clinically proven to help prevent cardiovascular disease.   Scientists have discovered an enzyme that blocks lipid peroxidation called PON-1.  Pomegranate has been shown to increase PON-1 levels and activity in the blood.

It has been studied for its benefits in increasing other enzymes that work as scavengers to cleanse the arteries; inhibiting inflammation; blocking carbohydrates in insulin resistance; protecting against aging skin, especially due to sun exposure; protection against cancer, especially in cases of estrogen-dependent breast cancer and modulating the immune system.

Pomegranate is also useful for menopausal & post-menopausal women because it helps to balance the hormones.   One of our customers claims she got unbelievable results using Life Extension’s Pomegranate.  Life Extension also makes Natural Estrogen with Pomegranate as well for women who need a stronger formula.

Life Extension has added pomegranate to their blueberry extract both high in ORAC – with cocoa, which contain polyphenols.  This blend helps protect all the cells in your body by helping fight free radicals, especially the heart.

Designs for Health makes a great product for cardio health called HTN with pomegranate in it.

Solaray Pomegranate  is another good product.

by:  Carol Lombardo

As women start menopause they may experience a decline in their sexual desire.  Don’t worry this is perfectly normal.  First, I suggest you have your doctor check your blood levels.  Progesterone starts declining as you approach menopause, so it’s usually a good idea to try natural progesterone cream, e.g., Organic Excellence USP Progesterone Cream.

Most of our customers keep coming back  for  Maca.   Maca has been used for centuries in Peru.  It is grown naturally as a root & has been known as a superfood.  I suggest the standardized brands by Gaia Herbs, Nature’s Way or Solaray, if you’re looking for a capsule form.  If you prefer powders, customers like Maca Magic.   Maca is one of the favored supplements from Peru, used by both sexes  — it not only boosts libido &  balances the hormones, but it helps boost immune system, energy levels and mental acuity.  

Irwin Naturals Steel Libido for Women, which contains a proprietary blend of supplements, is a very popular seller as well.   Many customers use this with the Maca.  However, I suggest using one product at a time. 

Also, it’s always important to stay on a healthy diet & get plenty of exercise.  Elevating endorphins by exercising is always an important measure in general, for  better mind, spirit and performance.

Do not use if you are taking medications without checking with your doctor first.

CAL

Has the novelty of having the kids home from school worn-off – for both you AND the kids?! Yep, it’s that time of year again – the younger half of the household is more restless than usual and getting the blues, while the adults try to downplay their relief!  Back-to-School!!

So let’s start with the wake-up.  If you don’t own a trumpet but, would still like to get the kids out of bed quickly – Take at least a week to slowly shift your kids’ sleep schedule back to meet their needs: At least 10 hours of sleep for six to eleven year olds and at least 9 hours of sleep for ages twelve and above.

To avoid having your carefully prepared bag lunch find its way immediately into the trash when out of your eyeshot – Make Lunch a Team Effort- When it comes to creating healthy, yet desirable school lunches, the trick is to involve the kids in planning and preparing new lunch ideas. Offer them 2 or 3 healthy options each day. When your child chooses one, ‘team-up’ to make and pack the lunch. Whether it’s spreading on condiments, rolling up tortillas or filling baggies; the effort will give kids a sense of pride when sitting down for a healthy lunch! Together come-up with a collection of favorite sandwiches and offer-up a fresh variety each day of the week. When children become bored of their school lunch favorites, often most of their lunch ends up in the trash instead of their tummies.

Be creative when using basic sandwich staples. Think chicken and corn, ham and avocado, cheese and carrots or cream cheese and jam. While there is no way to ensure that your child is not trading away their food, you are preventing them from buying school lunches which consist of mostly processed food.

TIP 1 – Crunchy nuts make great snacks for older kids.

TIP 2 – Avocado is the perfect substitution for mayo on a sandwich.

TIP 3 – Pack meals in small portions as children tend to snack on several items at once.

And then there’s always the sneaky method of tricking your kids into eating healthier meals.  Let’s Play Hide n’ Seek with Veggies! Preschool children consumed nearly twice as many vegetables and 11% fewer calories over the course of a day when researchers at Penn State added pureed vegetables to the children’s favorite foods.

In their study, published July 25, 2011 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers served vegetable-enhanced entrées to 39 children between the ages of 3 and 6 on three separate days. “We incorporated several vegetables into the dishes, including broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes and squash,” said Maureen Spill, a post-doctoral fellow in nutritional sciences and the study’s lead author. “We were pleased to find that the children found the vegetable-enhanced versions to be equally acceptable to the standard recipes.”

According to Spill, the children ate the same amount of food regardless of the vegetable content of the meal. AND they found similar results when they served vegetable-enhanced meals to adults.

OK, even so – you’re not always sure that they’re getting enough balanced nutrition – we’ve got some amazing supplements – specially formulated just for kids!

Like: All-1’s Childrens Formula Vitamins & Minerals Powder which is a whole food powder and allows for better absorption.  It’s Hypoallergenic with no colorings, flavorings or sweeteners and contains not only a complete vitamin profile but important chelated minerals and amino acids too!

Or: Flora’s Kinder Love Childrens Multivitamin this formula provides Calcium, Herbal Extracts, B Vitamins and Vitamin C, A, and E making it an ideal multi-vitamin supplement to help maintain all-round health and vitality in children whose diet may be deficient in some of the nutrients they need.

And how about:  NutriBalance Children’s Formula which is intended to provide easily assimilated nutrition to support proper mental functioning and gastrointestinal health. It’s loaded with a balance of essential vitamins and minerals – but, it also contains probiotics to assist with digestion and has no yeast, wheat, corn, sugar or dairy products.

Best Health!

-Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

I have some homework for you, but don’t worry it won’t require any calculus or Shakespeare literature.  The next time you go food shopping, take a look at the ingredients list on the food you buy. I can almost guarantee that you will find one of these ingredients in your food:

• Corn
• Soy
• Wheat
• Gluten (common in many wheat/grain products)
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Peanuts

These foods won’t kill you per se, but they are known allergens and depending on the individual they can truly make your body feel sub-par. Many people think an allergen is something you have a physically visible reaction to. For example, many people are allergic to peanuts and have a serious adverse reaction to them. However, this is not always the case with these other allergens.

Why would you want to eliminate these foods, well here are a few reasons.

Tummy Problems:

If you have an gastrointestinal issue that has difficulty going away, like IBS, food intolerances, bloating, gas, indigestion, irregular bowel movements, then eliminating these foods from your diet may, and likely will, relieve or remove these symptoms.

Skin Issues:

If you experience acne or any other skin issues like eczema, dry skin or your skin just isn’t clear, eliminating these foods may give you insight as to the culprit of the problem. By eliminiating these foods, your liver will have the opportunity to actually cleanse the body and not worry about removing these allergenic foods.

Allergies:

If you deal with chronic allergies, not a specific food allergy  (like peanuts), but sinus issues or other allergy symptoms, then perhaps your body is trying to tell you something.

Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation can be very painful and depressing. Dealing with chronic inflammation, such as back pain, nasal issues, or other inflammatory responses can be reduced with eliminating certain foods and introduces others. The body does an excellent job at healing itself, and inflammatory response are the body’s way of trying to clear up and resolve a problem. But how can it do so without the proper nutrients?

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat and gluten are in a lot of foods, a lot, and yes it is hard to avoid these things. But it is not impossible, I know because I have done this exact program.

As one of my favorite professors, Dr. Sheldon Watts, once said, “Eat as close to the farm as possible.” Although most of us live very farm from farms, we can find foods in the market that are not processed or filled with corn, soy and the such. By eating more fruits and vegetables, and gluten free grains like oatmeal, buckwheat, brown, rice and quinoa, this program is absolutely possible. Add protein like, Purity’s Ultra Protein Vanilla Shake, wild salmon, free-range chicken, bison meat, or lamb.

This may seem difficult, but by eating healthier in just a week you will feel 10 times better than you thought you could.

Side Note:

• Try to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, soda, and black tea. Opt for ginger tea, decaf organic coffee and WATER!
• If you can try to buy organic or free-range chicken. Bison meat is naturally free-range. Also, wild fish like wild salmon is a much better option, given the additives that are found in farmed fish.

-Ralph

If you like my blogs follow me @nutritiondocnyu on twitter!

“It’s generally believed that having a nightcap may aid sleep, especially getting to sleep” says Seiji Nishino, Director of the Sleep & Circadian Neurobiology Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine. “This may be true for some people who have small amounts of alcohol intake. However, it should be noted that large amounts of alcohol intake interfere with sleep quality and the restorative role of sleep.”

This was no surprise – For a long time researchers have known that large amounts of alcohol shortens the length of time that it takes you to make that transition from full wakefulness to sleep (or Sleep Latency); increases your slow-wave sleep (SWS) and suppresses rapid eye movement (REM) during the first half of your sleep. During the second half of sleep, REM increases and sleep becomes shallower.

How do they know what happens? A study just released that was done on the acute effects of alcohol and the relationship between sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep, has shown that alcohol interferes with the restorative functions of sleep. Alcohol directly affects overall sleep architecture,” said Yohei Sagawa, a physician in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at the Akita University School of Medicine.

For this study, they gave 10 healthy, male university students with (average age of 21.6), 3 different alcohol beverages at 3 week intervals: 0g (control), 0.5g (low dose) or 1.0g (high dose). On the day of the experiment, a holter electrocardiogram was attached for a 24-hour period; the student was instructed to drink one of the 3 alcoholic beverages 100 minutes before going to bed; and polysomnography was then performed for 8 hours while they slept. The researchers were focused on the relationship between the students’ heart rate variability and their sleep.

The team found that alcohol increased heart rate and interfered with the restorative functions of sleep — and the more alcohol the participants drank, the greater the effect. “Although the first half of sleep after alcohol intake looks good on the EEG, the result of the assessment regarding the autonomic nervous system shows that drinking leads to insomnia rather than good sleep.”

The effect on habitual drinkers might be even worse, a study co-author said. “This study evaluated the effects on sleep after only a single dose of alcohol and easily found negative health consequences,” Seiji Nishino, said in an August 2011 news release. “Many people habitually drink alcohol and if the reduction of healthy parasympathetic nervous system activity during sleep occurs routinely as the result of drinking, the negative health consequences may be much larger and could bring about various diseases.” It is reported that habitual drinkers with high blood pressure are often associated with reductions of parasympathetic nerve activities.”

Sagawa agreed. “Many alcoholics and habitual drinkers suffer from insomnia” and it’s been shown that “suppressed parasympathetic nerve activity is the result of alcohol drinking. Thus, it is concluded that suppressed parasympathetic nerve activity is associated with insomnia, which includes difficulty getting to sleep, early-morning awakening, lack of a sense of deep sleep and difficulty maintaining sleep.”

But don’t worry – skip the nightcap!  At House of Nutrition we’ve got some incredible sleep aids that won’t break the bank!

Solgar’s – Sweetest Dreams Gaia’s – Sound Sleep Liquid Phyto-Caps

Natrol’s – Sleep n’ Restore Enzymatic’s – Fatigued to Fantastic Revitalizing Sleep Formula

Not a “pill person” – prefer a liquid?  We’ve got you covered too! Check-out:

Herbs etc.’s (Alcohol Free) – Deep Sleep Bach’s – Rescue Remedy Sleep

Michael’s – Sleeping Spray Herb Pharm’s – Relaxing Sleep Tonic Compound

And find many more sleep solutions here:  House of Nutrition – Sleep Aid

Best Health!

Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

Straight from the docks – fresh evidence that Fish Oil is absolutely essential to your health – especially for cognitive brain function, as well as aging.

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders Center have found positive associations between Fish Oil supplements and cognitive functioning as well as differences in brain structure between users and non-users of Fish Oil supplements. The findings suggest possible benefits of Fish Oil supplements on brain health and aging.

       The results were reported at the recent International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, in Paris, France that just wrapped-up on July 21^st; and truly provide new hope for anybody concerned about the long-range health of their brain.hmmmm, are you taking Fish Oil?

       The study included 819 individuals, 117 of them reported regular use of Fish Oil supplements before entry and during study follow-up. The researchers compared cognitive functioning and brain degeneration for patients who reported routinely using these supplements to those who were not using Fish Oil supplements.

       Lori Daiello, PharmD, lead researcher, reports that compared to non-users, use of Fish Oil supplements was associated with better cognitive functioning. However, this association was significant only in those individuals who had a normal baseline cognitive function and in individuals who tested negative for a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease known as APOE4. This is consistent with previous research.

       The unique finding, however, is that there was a clear association between Fish Oil supplements and brain volume.In other words, Fish Oil use was associated with less brain shrinkage in patients taking these supplements during the study compared to those who didn’t use them.

Hey, but before you click over to House of Nutrition to get your brain healthy product – you should probably ask – How do I chose a Fish Oil supplement? 

Glad you asked!  Here are some easy tips.

• Look for the seal. Companies including USP and NSF analyze supplements for the real vitamin level and for any impurities. The seal on the label tells you an independent company has reviewed the supplement.Also, a reputable company will also ensure that the purity, quality and your safety are guaranteed.
• Look for oil which is molecularly distilled, a process that takes place in a vacuum to avoid oxidation of Fish Oil. This is the only process that successfully removes impurities and contaminants from Fish Oil. This process also produces a more concentrated form of Fish Oil supplement with high potencies of EPA and DHA.
• Look for a product that’s “species specific,” with fish like wild Salmon, Anchovies and Sardines on the label (btw these are the specific varieties which have the highest levels and the best Fish Oil for Omega-3). This is the only way to know where the oil came from. When a supplement label just says “fish oil” or “marine lipids,” they’re hiding something and the product should NOT be considered.
• Look for supplements that have a balanced ratio of all eight Omega-3 fatty acids. Research has proven that all eight members of the Omega-3 family are vitally important to your health. The Omega-3 nutrients need to be complete and balanced, just like they are in nature, in order to be beneficial. Many people have heard of ALA, DHA and EPA – they’re the Omega-3 ‘all-stars’. But DPA, HPA, ETA, ETA and SDA are all just as important. And when the whole Fish Oil family is present, they’re much more powerful than any individual fatty acid.
• Lastly, make sure there are no unlabeled oils or strange ingredients hidden in the product. How? Take a moment to add up the individual Omega-3 fatty acids listed on the label. They should equal the total amount of oil in the product. Otherwise, you’re getting ripped off!

So now that you know what to look for come by and check out some great prices on some really superior Fish Oil products like:

Futurebiotics Omega-3 Fish Oil

Schiff’s Omega-3 Fish Oil Enteric Coated

Natrol’s Omega-3 Fish Oil

Carlson’s Very Finest Norwegian Fish Oil

Best Health,

Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

Anti-depressants are as common today as beanie babies were in the 90s. Whenever someone tries to tell me that they are on anti-depressants they act as if it’s such a crime. I get the wandering eyes, the awkward smile and then the whisper, “I’m on anti-depressants.” Yeah, well, so are about 27 million other Americans, and almost 121 million American are depressed. Why? Well, that requires a lot more writing and time than we both have. But perhaps I may suggest a few natural mood elevators.

Feeling stressed, anxious, agitated, down, blue, unmotivated? I know I sound like an infomercial but really, feeling this way is not fun at all! Before taking the plunge for the prescription, perhaps its best to consider the natural route. Here are a few natural ways to feel back to your old self.

1. 5-HTP:
   1. Many people also know this as 5-Hydroxytryptophan; it is derived from the amino acid tryptophan (the Thanksgiving turkey bedtime nutrient). This nutrient helps raise natural serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have shown 5-HTP to alleviate depression symptoms better than prescription medications AND… way less side effects.
2. SAM-e:
   1. SAM-e is no stranger to the body, as it is found in every human tissue. Research has shown the beneficial anti-depressant effects of SAM-e. But even more surprising is that SAM-e works even faster than most anti-depressant medications. Try taking 400 active milligrams of SAM-e, which should come in a foil blister pack to preserve its efficacy.
3. Omega-3 Fish Oil
   1. Fish oil? To elevate your mood? Yes, I know it may sound off but many studies are showing the effects that fish oil has as an anxiety reliever. A recent article in ScienceDaily showed that fish oil relieved anxiety in young students. The most amazing part of this research is that it was done on young medical students, which means that it may even have a greater impact on middle-aged and elderly people.
      

      Don't fake happiness, be happy!

Trying to deal with a depressed mood is difficult, but if you’re reading this now, it is important for you to understand that you can make the fix and get on to feeling brand new.

Cars, like humans, require gasoline and the better (high octane 87,91,93) the gasoline the better the car drives. Well, the same goes for us humans. If you tend to eat a lot of white foods like breads, sugars, and starches along with other less healthy options, then you’re less likely to feel upbeat and motivated. Your body wants to stay clean, just like a car engine, and eating low quality foods will make you feel lazy. Try cutting back on the simple carbs and throw in a few extra apples, pears or cherries here and there, and I’m sure your body will crave the veggie/fruit goodness.

When you see your doctor to discuss your options, it may be a good idea for men to get their testosterone levels checked. Commonly, depression and fatigue can go mis-diagnosed as a low testosterone issue. So that may be a hidden cause worth taking a look at.

As always, consult with your doctor to decide on your best options. But remember, keep your mind free and your options open!

-Ralph Esposito

Will Toothpaste destroy the common pimple?! Why, Yes! Because common, boring old toothpaste is usually high in sodium content, it dries out your pimples. But, most toothpaste does not have any ingredients that will directly control your acne breakouts or kill the bacteria-causing those pimples.

Therefore, this treatment is only best for overnight or “emergency” purposes. Let’s say there is a huge pimple sitting comfortably on top of your nose the night before a very important date.

You can take a pea-sized paste, spread it on top of the pimple and let it dry overnight. Or you can simply leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off.  Either way, you’ll be minty fresh and have dried-up that pimple quite a bit.

But we’ve got some even better suggestions! Try out:

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

This incredible all natural acne spot treatment is actually clinically proven to reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin. Salicylic acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark extract, penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. Meanwhile Tea Tree, Calendula, Yarrow and Parsley extracts help soothe skin and reduce redness and Borage Extract promotes healthy skin resulting in clear and smooth skin, naturally.

We also carry: Dermisa’s Acne Treatment

Another clinically proven treatment this vanishing formula is enriched with Aloe Vera to help soothe skin. It also dries-up excess oil that can plug pores and cause acne AND unlike toothpaste – it is gentle on the affected skin and will not irritate, peel or dry it while effectively combating acne-causing bacteria.

We have a couple of great homeopathic formulas for you too!:

Nelsons Acne Gel

This well-known healing, soothing homeopathic remedy is designed to relieve acne, pimples and blemishes. It is made from organically grown healing plants and homeopathically prepared sulfur.

It contains soothing, healing ingredients: Hypericum perf, Calendula, Arnica, Sulfur and Tea Tree Oil in a ‘no-mess’ Water soluble gel base.

Liddell’s Acne Formula

This amazing product works from the inside out. A Homeopathic treatment that draws on centuries of holistic science to treat blemished skin naturally and effectively; it relieves symptoms associated with acne, such as pimples and blemishes, redness, itching as well as, inflammation. Treat acne, reduce redness from broken capillaries and reduce inflammation all in a safe, natural way. This is an advanced sublingual (under your tongue) “two sprays, three times a day.” AND it helps to prevent the occurrence of future breakouts!

So now you get to choose between these….or toothpaste.  Even so, there are a few new habits that you need to develop: (1) Eat healthy, (2) exercise regularly, (3) don’t sleep on your face and wash your pillow case frequently, (4) get enough sleep, (5) wash your hands regularly, (6) manage your stress, and (7) Do NOT pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples.

Best Health!

-J. Ricks, CHC, AADP

A simple drink that can keep skin healthy, erase sun damage AND reverse the signs of aging!

While there’s no shortage of products on the market that help you look younger, you can also drink nutritious Green Drinks that have scientifically documented anti-aging benefits.

It’s true: Consuming Green Drinks on a regular basis can repair damage, prevent premature aging and keep your skin taut and wrinkle-free. Green Drinks like Vibrant Health’s Green Vibranceare a specially formulated mega-concentration of grasses, green vegetables and natural fibers. They are some of the lowest-calorie, lowest-sugar and most nutrient rich foods on the planet! The power of the nutrients in deep green leafy vegetables to heal and rejuvenate a body is unmatched by any combination of synthetic medicines or supplements.Green Drinks have been credited with everything from cures for cancer to super weight loss enhancers.

How?

Green Drinks infuse your body with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids,chlorophyll, micro-nutrients and antioxidants in a way that is extremely easy for your body to immediately absorb and put to use. Being highly alkaline which will reduce any physicalacidosis, they also help to boost your body’s energy levels and remove toxins from yourlymph system while encouraging new cell growth.

What’s in them?

Spirulina an amazing blue-green algae, is just one ingredient commonly found in high quality Green Drinks.  According to New York University Langone Medical Center, Spirulina is high in B Vitamins, carotenoids and essential minerals and is loaded with protein. Your skin consists primarily of proteins collagen and elastin, which break down as we age. Spirulina is one of the richest sources of protein and selenium is essential for protein synthesis, states the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Several factors contribute to aging, such as inflammation, sun exposure and free-radical oxidation that damages cells and tissues. There is even some evidence that Spirulina may help fibromyalgia and there are even reports that it aids in weight loss.

At House of Nutrition we carry an assortment of high quality Green Drinks which are as refreshing as they are nutritious:

Here are a couple of Green Drinks that you can carry with you anywhere!

Nature’s Plus Source of Life Green Lightning Energy Drink (20Pkts)

Allergy Research’s ProgreensStickpack(15 packs)

Mix these with your favorite juices!

Kyolic’sKyo-Green Drink Powder

Crystal Star’s Energy Green Renewal Drink Mix

Or try a flavored Green Drink:

Garden Greens SpiruGreens Drink Vanilla

Garden Greens SpiruGreens Drink Chocolate

       You can easily pack-in a lot of nutrition with Green Drinks, but you won’t be getting any of the natural fiber, and the sugars in them will go directly into your bloodstream – so carefully check the label to make sure that you choose one with minimal amounts of sugar. Green Drinks are an extremely beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle – although it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet. So eat well and Drink Green!

Best Health

-J. Ricks

Studies show the importance of a healthy diet — no kidding.  Alzheimer Patients given a Meditarrean Diet showed a significant change/improvement in the cerebrum.  Refer to my archive “Cognitive Health” dated Feb. 9th 2010.

For those who refuse to add good fats to their diet, supplement with Nordic Natural’s ProOmega’s or Designs for Health OmegAvail Hi-Po with Lipase.  Also, include nuts &/or nut butters to your diet.  Use whole grains like black or brown rice, ezekiel bread, kamut, quinoa & tempeh should be included.  Don’t use margarine regardless what commercials say — they are not good for you.  Choose coconut oil, nut spreads or virgin olive oil instead.

Remember to keep active & challenge your brain.

CAL