Vitamin Supplements for Macular Degeneration Prevent Visual Impairment

Vitamin Supplements for Macular Degeneration Prevent Visual Impairment
By: Paul Schechter

Macular degeneration affects central vision, and some sufferers can no longer read books, write out checks, find phone numbers in a directory, watch television, or see the facial expressions of their loved ones. Simple tasks become impossible and frustration is common. Patients may feel alone because no one they know can relate to macular degeneration's devastating effects. Not even a new prescription for glasses can restore the individual's poor eyesight. Many age-related macular degeneration patients fear that they will go to sleep and wake up to nothing but complete darkness.

What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a debilitating eye disease affecting the elderly. Within the eye is the macula, an area that allows people to see fine details and colors. Macular degeneration prevents the macula from properly functioning and the vision becomes blurred. The most distinguishing aspect of this eye disease is that round spots cover the sufferer's field of vision so that it is difficult to see things that are straight ahead. Fine details are impossible to see, but the person's peripheral vision is unchanged.

There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry age-related macular degeneration is the result of fatty tissues called drusen building up beneath the retina. Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessels forming in the eye. Up to 90 percent of people diagnosed with macular degeneration have the dry form.

Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration
Doctors say that there is no way to undo the harm that this eye disease has caused to the macula, but there are a few things that may lower your risks. These include quitting smoking, losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and taking a vitamin supplement for macular degeneration. Also, if you have a history of macular degeneration in your family, you are at a higher risk for developing the disease. You will need to see an eye specialist frequently for preventative care.

Take Your Vitamins
Doctors agree that nothing will reverse the damage caused by age-related macular degeneration, but studies have revealed interesting data in regards to this eye disease. Yellow and green vegetables help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Vegetables like squash, corn, broccoli, and spinach contain a variety of nutrients and antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids. These vitamins and minerals may actually prevent macular degeneration in some people.

Doctors suggest that people choose a vitamin supplement for macular degeneration like VisiVite i-Defense Gold Formula that contains lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. In fact, some retina specialists believe that this combination of vitamins and minerals are of benefit to people who are already suffering from macular degeneration in one eye. VisiVite i-Defense Gold Formula may actually slow the drusen forming in the macula and prevent the eye disease from forming in the other eye.

Keep Those Eye Doctor Appointments
One important aspect of senior eye health is to see your eye doctor often. You may already have age-related macular degeneration, but not be exhibiting symptoms. A retina specialist can determine if you have any eye diseases during an exam when your eyes are fully dilated.

Expect to have a dilated eye exam every few years or more often if you already have an eye disease. You may also need more frequent eye exams if you are overweight, are a smoker, or have a history of age-related macular degeneration in your family. All of these factors contribute to a higher incidence of this eye disease.

Learn to Adapt with Low Vision Aids
Being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration can be quite frightening. The important thing is to ask your retina specialist the right questions so that you know what to expect and how to properly cope with this eye disease. Your eye doctor can direct you on some important things that may help you manage your condition.

For instance, you might invest in some special lighting that can prevent glare. Optical devices and magnifiers are available for you to see things better close up, but you might have to shop around to find the best one to suit your individual needs. Large print books may enable you to continue with a cherished pastime - reading! Reading machines have given many people with macular degeneration the ability to cope with this eye disease by reading aloud information to users.

Final Thoughts
If you are diagnosed with a retinal disease like macular degeneration, it is very important that you realize you are not alone. You don't need to suffer in silence. Your eye doctor may have suggestions to help you adapt to the issues that age-related macular degeneration causes. Scientific evidence has shown that everyone with this disease should take a vitamin supplement for macular degeneration like VisiVite i-Defense Gold Formula to try and prevent your blurred vision from worsening and possibly improve vision. Also, there are many different low vision aids, magnifiers and optical devices, and other resources available for the visually impaired. Please remember that it is important that you see your retina specialist often, especially if your eyesight is worsening or if you suspect a problem.

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Grief is a Journey, Not a Destination

Grief is a Journey, Not a Destination
By: elaine williams

There are days you sit in a chair and stare out the window because living seems to take too much energy. Even to think about what to make for dinner is an all-consuming task. It can be daunting, feeling as if there is nothing in this world that will ever hold your interest again. The mail order catalog with the Valentine's Day gifts is a reminder there won't be any lover's keepsakes. No hiding in the cabinet those chocolate and peanut butter eggs my husband, gone two years, used to enjoy. How small and silly a thought, but how big a rip in my heart.

I had always been versatile and open to new ideas, but following my husband's death, life became a narrow focus of work and children. The joy had flown from most of my days and I worried if this consuming disinterest in the world would be permanent.

Time could move excruciatingly slow, and yet other days I couldn't account for the hours I'd lived through. On the dark days, I lamented that no one cared anymore about my worries, dreams or desires.

I hated being an empty vessel, and as I began dating, I expected that special someone to come along, fill me up, and make me happy. At that point, I mistakenly thought, things would return to normal. I'd be my old self. Little did I know at the beginning of my grief journey, my old self was forever gone. However, I wanted verification that I mattered to someone in some way. I wanted affection and caring, craving what I no longer had. My heart remained ever hopeful that I would find a happy ending, but due to some poor choices, I kept throwing myself on the rocks of dating disappointment.

With the loss of someone integral to mine and my children's lives, my sense of normalcy had changed. Sometimes I wallowed in uncertainty about my life, and the tears would leak out of my eyes to run down my cheeks. I kept those emotions hidden most of the time. I couldn't bear to have others see me so weak; it seemed too private to share. On rare occasions, I allowed myself to express my pain and anxiety. I wish now that I shared my grief more often.

One day I awoke and realized my life had never been a shipwreck and now was not the time to start. I was ever mindful that I was an example to my children, so I gathered my strength and took control of my destiny. Knowing the future was all in my hands was frightening and yet liberating. Becoming myself once more wasn't an easy process, but a slow, methodical movement forward.

I am no longer the woman I was, but then having gone through this journey, how could I expect, or want, to return to who I had been? Indeed, as the years folded one into another, I had no need to rehash the past. It was behind me as it should be, neither forgotten nor dwelled upon.


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Natural Alternative To Hormone Replacement Thereapy (HRT)

Natural Alternative To Hormone Replacement Thereapy (HRT)
By: Tony Luck

Most women experience the onset of the menopause at an average age of about 50, but it can start anytime from the early forties to the late fifties. Symptoms can vary: some women sail through but others suffer the miseries of hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, depression, lack of energy and loss of libido.

Orthodox medical practitioners invariably prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and often anti-depressants and tranquillisers, which can become addictive. However, there is a natural alternative.

HRT is prescribed to counter balance the reduced production by your body of oestrogen which can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and weakened bones leading to fractures. However, two large clinical trials have shown that HRT does not, in fact, significantly reduce the incidence of bone fractures, and there is an increased risk of heart disease, gallstones, and breast and endometrial cancer.

Rather than a shortage of hormones, it is said that most menopausal symptoms are more to do with an imbalance. By eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and natural supplements, you can boost the health of your bones, and balance sugar levels and your hormones.

It is well known that people in some parts of the world (for example Japan and the Mediterranean countries) rarely suffer from heart disease due to their different national diets. It is less well known that women in the Andes region of Peru do not suffer menopausal symptoms. Peruvian women take Maca, a tuberous plant related to the potato. As well as the beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms, Maca boosts energy and libido. Maca is also known as "Peruvian Ginseng" and "Peruvian Viagra".

Centuries ago, the Incas inhabited this area and, in order to boost their energy, their warriors used to take Maca before going into battle. When the Spanish conquered the area they found that their horses suffered from the high altitude. The locals advised them to feed Maca to the horses and the animals immediately experienced an increase in energy levels. The Spanish found that what was good for their horses would also benefit humans, so payment for the taxes levied on the locals was taken in Maca.

There are three phases of menopause: the peri-menopause or the year or so prior to the onset of the menopause when the your body misses the occasional menstrual period. During this time a low dose of 1500mg is recommended to counteract the slow down in the production by your body of hormones. During the actual menopause, increase the dose to around 4000mg each day for a period of 2-3 months, and then reduce the dose to 2000mg. In the post menopause phase, reduce your daily intake of Maca to 1500mg. The risk of osteoporosis is apparent from the onset of the menopause and thereafter. In addition to your daily intake of maca, you are advised to also take a daily dose of Forever Freedom, a natural health drink that contains aloe vera with added Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and vitamin C. This will ease stiffness and pain in the joints and promote mobility and good bone health.


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Taking a Chance on Healthy Living!

Taking a Chance on Healthy Living!
By: Dan Farrell

One of the most important aspects of living a healthy and prosperous life is understanding "risk." By this I mean knowing how to understand and analyze situations in life that affect health. Being able to accurately weigh benefits and risks when making health decisions is very important! Too often decisions are based on incomplete or inaccurate information and this is a huge mistake with significant consequences!

Failure to accurately assess risk keeps people locked in all kinds of unhealthy situations including poor eating and exercise habits (lifestyle), relationships and jobs. Sometimes people are just afraid to step out and make a change. They see "risk" in making a change when the REAL risk comes from NOT making a change. From my perspective, living with the stress, unhappiness and frustration of indecision and poor health is the greatest risk of all, and one that is definitely not worth taking!

Accessing "risk" is nothing more than collecting information, weighing the alternatives and then making appropriate decisions based on the information.

Some risks to our health are more "real" than others. For example, it is common knowledge that obesity is associated with a wide variety of health problems. On the other hand, there are some health risks that are so remote we rarely think about them. On a practical level, eating highly processed foods and avoiding a daily dose of fresh fruits and vegetables is rarely considered serious. But, as too many have already discovered, the long range consequences of this practice are real and devastating.

Failure to accurately assess risk limits us in many ways. We imagine the "risk" of talking with our children about drugs, dating or sex and we put off having the "talk," even though the risks of NOT talking are infinitely greater. Fear of flying and public speaking are two more "risks" affecting millions of people. But practically speaking, these fears are unfounded. People ride in cars every day, even though cars are far more dangerous than commercial aircraft! It's a failure to accurately assess risk, and it limits our health, prosperity and pleasure in life.

The goods news is that failure to accurately access risk is reversible! The effects of those decisions to eat inappropriately or NOT to exercise are, as the common expression goes, "do-overs." We can effect positive change in our lives by following a few simple steps to accurately access risk:

1. Accurately define your present situation and access your health "risks". Are you eating a healthy diet? Are you getting enough exercise and good quality sleep? What are the consequences if you DON'T change? Weigh the benefits of healthier living vs the potential risks such as increased cost, inconvenience or discomfort.

2. What do you stand to gain if you change your present circumstances? Assess the "up-side" potential. Too often we look only at the "downside" risk and forget the benefits. What good things might happen if you take the risk and win?

3. Limit the "down-side" if you happen to make a wrong decision. Don't continue down a path if it does not produce results. This is especially important when following weight loss programs. If the pounds are not coming off or if the weight loss is only temporary, find a new program! You not only want to lose weight, but want to sustain the weight loss for as long as possible. Take steps to ensure this will happen. Clear, concise, realistic objectives will definitely help.

4. Reduce your risk by being smart! Understand the situation and seek the advice of experts in the field of health and nutrition. This includes finding and forming partnerships to receive support and get good advice.

5. Have a fall-back position. If the decision you make fails to produce the desired results, be prepared to take a long, hard look at the circumstances and be prepared to change what you are doing.

Everything in life involves some element of risk. Driving your car, meeting someone new, crossing the street...but we do them every day. Winners in life are willing to accept the risk and continue on their way! Get involved, be smart about how you play the game, come prepared for a few failures along the way, but don't quite. You will reap the benefits for your effort and live a happier and healthier life. I like to remember the words of the great Winston Churchill when he said, "Never, never, never give up!"


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Cervical Spondylosis - Now 100% Guaranteed Cure For Neck Pain

Cervical Spondylosis - Now 100% Guaranteed Cure For Neck Pain
By: Pratik Lalwani

Cervical Spondylosis - Auxiliary Treatment - YOGA

There is a strong tendency for the symptoms of cervical spondylosis to subside spontaneously, though they may persist for several months and the structural changes are clearly permanent.

Treatment is thus aimed at assisting natural resolution of temporarily inflamed or edematous soft tissues.

In mild cases physiotherapy may be recommended (radiant heal, short wave diathermy, massage, traction or exercises).

In the more severe cases judicious use of a close-fitting cervical collar for supporting the neck (it should be worn for 1-3 months depending on progress) and rest to the neck is advisable.

In the exceptional cases in which the spinal cord is constricted, decompression from front or by laminectomy may be required and thereafter it may be advisable to fuse the affected segments of the spinal column by a bone-grafting operation.

Physiotherapy

Once the neck problem is diagnosed, treatment can be decided.

In most neck conditions, pressure on the neck causes pain and pain causes muscle spasms, setting up a cycle. The best way to break the cycle and stop the pain is to relieve both pressure and spasms. There are various approaches to achieve each of these goals. Many of them require daily applications, so they must be done by the patient at home.

Relief of pressure:

Lying down is perhaps the simplest way to relieving the neck of its heavy load. Bed rest gives the muscles a chance to recover. The duration of bed rest should be advised by the physiotherapist.

Not only is spinal molding a relaxing way to start and end your body, it also reshapes your spine into its natural curves. Begin by lying on the floor or g on a firm mattress with rolled-up towels under your neck and low back. Your legs may be straight or bent. Lie in this position for 15-20 minutes.

Cervical collar helps the neck muscles support the head, it also reduces neck mobility. The therapist may prescribe wearing of a cervical collar for the acute phase of neck problems and the duration of wearing it. The collar should fit snugly around the neck and be long enough to support the chin. Men can minimize irritation from the collar by shaving frequently.

Extension and flexion is especially helpful when you feel your neck and back stiffen. While sitting, place your hands on your knees and push down. Slowly arch your back and bend your back backward. Then slowly slump forward. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Side bends increase your side-to-side flexibility. Start by placing your fingers together and pointing your elbows outward. Bend at the waist, tilting your body to one side as far as you can. Then bend your head and neck in the same direction. Repeat on your other side. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

This exercise increases the flexibility of your entire spine. To begin, place your fingers together and point your elbows outward. Slowly and gently twist at your waist, rotating your head and neck to the same side. Repeat toward the other side. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Facts To Know About Perfume

Facts To Know About Perfume
By: Roberto Sedycias

Perfume (Latin "per fume" meaning "through smoke") was highly favored by the Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs. In East Asia, perfumes were incense based. People used to make perfumes from spices and herbs like bergamot, myrtle, coriander, conifer resin, and almond. The use of flowers came only after Avicenna, an Iranian doctor and chemist showed the process of distillation, whereby oils could be extracted from flowers. In 1370, at the behest of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, the world's first modern perfume - "Hungary Water" was made by blending scented oils in alcohol solution.

The composition of a perfume is of vital significance and is handled by an expert known as a perfumer, who deals with primary scents like rose, jasmine, cola, etc; modifiers like esters; blenders like linalool and hydroxycitronellol; and fixatives like resins, wood scents, and amber bases. The resulting scent is explained in a musical metaphor of three 'notes', namely, top notes (consisting of fast evaporating small size molecules) like citrus and ginger scents; middle notes (consisting of slow evaporating medium size molecules) like lavender and rose scents; and base notes (consisting of slowest evaporating largest size molecules) like fixatives etc. All these notes work together like a musical chord.

Perfume oils contain volatile compounds in high concentrations and thus have to be diluted by solvents, so that injury is not caused when applied directly on skin or clothes. The common solvent is pure ethanol or ethanol mixed with water. Fractionated coconut oil or wax, neutral smelling fats such as jojoba, can also act as solvents and dilute the perfume oil. The perfume oil is further mixed with other aromatic compounds. Generally, the percentage of aromatic compounds in perfume extract is 20% to 40%; in eau de parfum is 10% to 30%; in eau de toilette is 5% to 20%; and in eau de cologne is 2% to 5%.

The oil concentration in a perfume along with other aromatic compounds, determines the intensity, longevity, and price of the perfume and thus it is a closely guarded secret of every perfumer and perfume house. By adjusting the percentage level and the notes of the perfume, variations on the same brand may be created like Chanel's Pour Monsieur and Pour Monsieur Concentree.

Classification of perfumes is never complete, due to its ever-evolving nature. The traditional classification comprises of categories like Single Floral, Floral Bouquet, Ambery, Woody, Leather, Chypre, and Fougere; while the modern classification comprises of Bright Floral, Green, Oceanic/Ozone, Citrus/Fruity, and Gourmand. In 1983, Michael Edwards, a perfume consultant, created a new fragrance classification "The Fragrance Wheel", which classified and sub-grouped five standard families, namely Floral (Floral, Soft Floral, Floral Oriental), Oriental (Soft Oriental, Oriental, Woody Oriental), Woody (Wood, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods), Fougere (has fragrance elements from all the families), and Fresh (Citrus, Green, Water).

Perfumery has used a number of aromatic sources like plants, animals, and synthetic sources in the making of perfumes. Plants are used as a source of aroma compounds and essential oils. The parts of plants that are used are:

1 - Bark (cinnamon, cascarilla);
2 - Flowers (rose, jasmine, osmanthus, tuberose, mimosa, vanilla);
3 - Blossoms (citrus, ylang-ylang, clove);
4 - Fruits (apples, strawberries, cherries, litsea cubeba, juniper berry, vanilla, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit);
5 - Leaves and Twigs (lavender, patchouli, citrus, violets, sage, rosemary, hay, tomato);
6 - Resins (labdanum, myrrh, gum benzoin, Peru balsam, frankincense/olibanum, pine, fir, amber, copal);
7 - Roots, Bulbs, and Rhizomes (vetiver roots, ginger and iris rhizomes);
8 - Seeds (coriander, cocoa, mace, cardamom, anise, nutmeg, caraway, tonka bean);
9 - Woods (agarwood, birch, rosewood, sandalwood, pine, birch, juniper, cedar).

Animal sources include Ambergris, Castoreum, Musk, Rom terpenes, Honeycomb, and Civet. Other natural sources include Lichens and Protists. Synthetic sources include synthetic odorants synthesized from petroleum distillates, pine resins, etc. Modern perfumes are mostly made from synthetic sources as they allow fragrances not found in nature, like Calone is a synthetic compound that imparts a marine metallic ozonous fragrance. Synthetic aromatics are more consistent than natural aromatics, and are hence, widely used nowadays in modern available perfumes.

Insomnia solution

Insomnia solution
By: Philip Jubb

An insomnia cure. Hmm... Before we go for a cure it may be a good idea to try and know our enemy. What are our signs and symptons. What type of Insomnia do we have. Perhaps a working definition would be helpful.

The experts seem to agree that something along these lines would suit.

"Insomnia" is any episode of unrefreshing sleep, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or waking up too early in the morning and not being able to drop back off. Women and the elderly seem to be the most frequent sufferers. We can divide these episodes into three collective groups and label them Short-term Transient or Chronic.

A quick explanation of these three would be as follows;

Transient, a simple disturbance in sleeping patterns. A short illness, a sudden change in lifestyle, stress, isomething that leads to a short term change

Short-term insomnia is is less fun. It lastsfor about 2-3 weeks. Causes could be something like a new job, divorce, serious illness, financial problems, or a family berevement.

Chronic as the name suggests is the real thing. Chronic insomnia is the rarest and most serious type, with Insomnia lasting longer than a few weeks. I've just been reading a learned article that says Chronic Insomnia is fairly rare. That may be so but if 10 percent of the US population suffers from it thats over 20 Million people leading a life of misery.

While it would be nice to blame insomnia on things outside our control , many cases of insomnia are self inflicted by such things as caffeine, smoking, poor eating habits, alcohol and lack of exercise.

Caffeine is one the most widely blamed causes of insomnia. An ingredient in coffee, tea, colas, chocolate, and some medications, caffeine is a stimulant . We insomniacs DO NOT NEED stimulants. Quite the reverse. Insomnia solution number one - Cut out the caffine.

Alcohol is often reccomended as a nightcap. Forget it. Thats only beacuse your Doctor drinks it. Alcohol actually lightens and fragments sleep, causing you to wake up as your body metabolizes it. You may think you're in a deep sleep, but your not getting the deep sleep that Insomniacs need for a cure. Insomnia solution number two - No Alcohol with a couple or four hours of bedtime.

Eating. Yes, I know I can't ban you from eating but I can jump on the slimmers bandwaggon. Eat a light last meal a couple of hours before going to bed. Avoid spicy and fatty foods that cause indigestion. Lets hear it for MILK. Milk has an amino acid that the body converts to a sleep-enhancing compound in the brain. Calcium is a natural relaxing agent along with several other vitamins such as the B vitamins and magnesium. Have a look at the bottom of the page for details on how to find others. If you get hungry at night, have a light snack before bedtime. Some foods are helpful and actually promote production of melatonin, a hormone associated sleep. Try cheese, soy nuts, chicken, pumpkinseeds, and turkey. High-carbohydrate foods such as bread act upon another hormone, serotonin, which helps to reduce anxiety and contribute toan insomnia solution. Insomnia solution no three. Be careful what you eat.

Nicotine products are universally bad for you. For the Insomniac nicotine has to go. It's a stimulant that increases blood pressure, speeds up the heart rate, and stimulates brain activity. Insomniacs do not need increased blood pressure, a fast heart rate and a stimulant. Insomnia solution number four. No more ciggies!

Regular exercise is good in fact its excellent, (here comes the but) but, not just before bed. If you work out too close to bedtime, the increase in your heart rate and metabolism will make your body too excitable to sleep. Exercise earlier in the day and give the body a chance to produce that warm rosy glow and relax as the body reacts by producing melatonin to take your temperature down to normal. Exercise for an insomnia solution!

Make your bed as comfortable as possible. Experiment with what works best for you. Choose a position conducive to sleep. If your partner is the source of your insomnia consider a change of rooms for a while. Get rid of the alarm clock . It only acts as a stressful reminder that you aren't sleeping.

Control the amount of light in your bedroom. Excessive brightness not only affects your eyes, but it also influences the hormone production that helps to establish a healthy sleep cycle. Wear a sleep mask if necessary. Dark is usually good for an insomnia solution.

When it comes to noise, many people find repetitive sounds easier to sleep through than intermittent and abrupt ones. Ear plugs or a continuous background sound such as a fan can help mask disturbing noise (the next- door neighbors barking dog in my case). Consider is a white noise machine.

Control the thermostat. Temperature extremes, whether too hot or too cold, are no fun for the light sleeper. Cool is usually good for an insomnia solution.

Hope some of these help. Drop us a line and let us know,

How to Obtain Optimal Health

How to Obtain Optimal Health
By: Monique Hawkins

You should already know that nutrition is very important to your quality of life. If you want to have a healthy life and lifestyle, you will need to have a healthy diet with proper nutrition. You might hear all the time that your nutrition greatly affects the way you live and your quality of life but have you ever really thought about why? Do you really understand why it is so important?

If you really want to take the steps to live the long life that you deserve and to be as healthy as possible and enjoy those years, than you need to learn all you can about the importance of optimal nutrition. What you eat really affects your body and health.

1. What is optimal nutrition?
2. What nutrients do you need to be healthy?
3. What foods give you these nutrients?

Importance of Optimal Nutrition
Optimal nutrition is very important to your overall health and fitness. Studies have shown that people can actually live longer if they have healthy nutrition. It is proven that there is a link between optimal nutrition and long life and long term health.

If you take a look at society, you will notice an increasingly large number of people that are overweight and obese. You will also see problems such as poor teeth and acne, dry, brittle skin, dry hair and other problems. You will find many people on medications for headache, stomach problems, acid reflux, constipation, heart disease, high blood pressure and more. What may be more alarming than the high amount of medications is the fact that most people receive very little information about what is actually causing their disease or condition. Instead, they get a pill.

What many people never know is that what they are eating (or not eating) can be causing these health problems. You also need to understand that you will have to make changes and adjustments to your intake over the years and stages of your life. Just like toddlers need a different diet from teenagers, you also need to alter your diet as you continue through all of life's stages. Understanding what is best for you through each stage of your life is the best way to remain in optimal health.

Micro and Macronutrients
Many people hear that they need proper nutrition but just what does that mean exactly? What nutrients do you need to be healthy? Optimal nutrition will include a variety of different micronutrients and macronutrients. Micronutrients include certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats that make up the foods you eat.

There is too often a lot of myth surrounding the nutrients, our bodies and how we use these nutrients. This is why it is very important that you get all the facts when planning to change your lifestyle and diet. Many people are suffering from malnutrition and may not even know it. Many overweight individuals may be suffering from malnutrition. Just because you are eating does not mean you are eating the right things.

Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs to be healthy. The specific ones and amounts of each will depend on your body, sex, age and other factors. Every person is different so there is not one set plan that works for everyone. You need to learn what works for you. As you change, grow older, etc. this will change again and you will continue to have to adjust this.

Macronutrients are the carbs, proteins and fats that you get from foods. The amounts of these that you need will vary as well. This is where many myths come in about what you should or should not eat. The facts are that too much of anyone can be bad and not enough can be bad. It's all about finding a balance. This means those "All-Carb" or "No Carb" diets that are so popular on the market are really not the best thing for you.

What you choose to ingest in your body has a big impact on your overall health and your general well-being. People now eat more fast foods and frozen dinners and other quick meals that are not very nutritious at all. Some of these foods even have additives in them that can make them addictive so that you want more and more. People typically eat out of hunger and many of these foods do not work to satisfy your hunger leaving you wanting more or something else. Yet, they still have many calories and fat and other things that your body does not need.

Make the Committment
If you are serious in obtaining optimal health to the best of your ability, then take a look at your lifestyle in general. Are you eating the right foods? Are you exercising? Are you getting plenty of fresh air on a daily basis? Do you have positive relationships? If you find yourself answering "no" to these questions, then make the commitment to change. Talk with your family, friends, or a nutritionist. Check to see if there are support groups in your area related to health and lifestyle changes. Look into joining your local gym. Do your research and then purchase the right nutritional supplements that will help you achieve your goals.

The Mini Pill

The Mini Pill
The action / Application:

The special thing about the mini pill is that it only contains the hormone progestin. Through this hormone, the endometrium is inadequately developed and solidified the mucus in the cervix. Ovulation is inhibited in many women by the mini-pill.

There is a drug that completely inhibits ovulation. This mini-pill containing the progestin desogestrel.

The mini pill must be taken every day at the same time and must be taken more than 2 hours late. Exceeding the two hours of protection against pregnancy is already no longer exist. By up to 12 hours may be delayed in taking the above mentioned product with desogestrel. This is an exception!

Safety:

Since the mini-pill has no effect as other triple pill species, ovulation is generally not prevented. For this reason, the safety of the mini-pill is not as great as with combination pills.

Advantages:

Since the mini-pill is low dose, take therefore also less side effects than the combination pills. However, the reliability is lower because ovulation is not generally prevented.

Especially women who are breastfeeding, the mini-pill is recommended if they want to avoid hormones. For normal combination pills inhibit lactation and the baby would take too large amounts of hormone from the milk.

Disadvantages:

Through the mini-pill is most frequently caused between periods and the cycle can be very irregular. For this reason, the mini pill is prescribed only rarely, such as estrogen intolerance.

Many women are affected by the exact time of intake, because it requires a lot of discipline and respect in everyday life is difficult.

The Condom

The Condom

The condom is probably the oldest contraceptive on the market. Even before the introduction of the pill and the coil has been applied most often the condom as a contraceptive. Today, the condom is second, because mainly provides protection against HIV infection.

The condom is by the female condom, the only contraceptive that protects only an unwanted pregnancy, even before infection of sexually transmitted diseases.

For those who have sex with new or multiple partners, condom should be used in addition to reducing the risk of infection and protect against unwanted pregnancies.

The action or application:

Using a condom is simple and easy to understand. A condom, the penis must be rigid, so that the closed end "rubber hose can be übergerollt. The semen is collected in the tank and can not enter the woman's vagina.

With the condom, the penis does not come into direct contact with the vagina and fertilization can be excluded if used correctly. In addition, the condom prevents transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Safety:

The condom safety depends on proper handling. This should be practiced before the first use, in any case, otherwise it can quickly reach errors. If a condom is used correctly, is very safe.

If it happens to take off the condom, the woman should go immediately to your gynecologist to determine whether fertilization could have occurred.

Application Error:

* Condoms can be damaged when the package is opened with scissors or nails.

* The condom is put on too strong, rather than rolled

* The condom is misplaced, then turned around to use

* The condom is put in without leaving the air force

* The condom slips when they pulled out his penis from the vagina

* Concomitant use with grease or oily substances to improve the lubricity

Notes:

* Use only products marked with the seal of quality

* Check the expiry date

* Set Holiday condoms always enough, because the quality in other countries is
not necessarily the

* Condoms not exposed to the sun

* Store is not where it could be damaged

* Never use condoms often



Advantages:

The advantage of condoms is double protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The application is easy and the condom is available without prescription.

In addition, there will be no side effects because it does not interfere with the body. Rarely can cause latex allergies. But even this is available in pharmacies that latex condoms are free.

An important advantage from the perspective of women is that men can actively participate in prevention.

Disadvantages:

For many, it's awkward with a new partner about using condoms to speak. Any person who tends to forget the prevention of sex, therefore, prefer to avoid different. And everyone should remember that there is proof of love to give infectious protection.

The Female Condom

The female condom

Called the female condom - up Femidom - not in Germany on the market. However, you can not ask on the application, under different names in the pharmacy.

The female condom is like a normal condom also a recipe.

The action or application:

The female condom is made of plastic and has flexible rings at both Hüllenenden. The ring protects the cervix from which a diaphragm is located between the pubic bone and the posterior vaginal vault.

The second ring is in the labia majora so that it can not fall into the vagina. This established a tube, which prevents sperm from the cervix arises passes into the uterus.

The female condom should always be coated inside and out with a lubricant.

Safety:

The female condom correctly is as safe as a condom for the man advantage: The birth control offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases and allows women to protect themselves, even if the man wants to use a condom.

The female condom may already be in place before intercourse and is the only contraceptive methods, in addition to condoms for protection from infection.

Disadvantages:

The management of the female condom is proving very difficult. The placement of the rings is very inconvenient for many women. Just as the condom for the man of Femidom only for individual use is appropriate.

The acquisition often seems to be very expensive and the cost is quite high. These are reasons why it has not been common in Germany.

The Spiral

The Spiral

The action or application:

The operation of the spiral is not clearly understood. For the copper in the spiral of the uterine lining and mucus changes in the cervix. The coil is wound with the exception of the hormone IUD with a thin copper wire in the shaft.

The spiral is available in different sizes and shapes, and is also called intrauterine device or IUD shortly.

The spiral is used by the gynecologist. The optimum is when the coil is used in the last days of menstruation through the cervix into the uterus. This is to ensure that the spiral is used with an existing early pregnancy.

The location of the spiral is a gynecologist immediately after insertion and then every six months. The investigation was carried out through an ultrasound device and must be paid to private. However, even women can feel for each month of the bleeding, if the Sicherheitsfädchen still there.

Safety:

The spiral is a very safe contraceptive methods. It is for women not yet born, but more often come to the expulsion of the spiral, which means that protection is no longer given.

Advantages:

Women should be in the period in which the spiral in the uterus does not have to worry about is prevention. A change of the spiral are held every 5 years.

Many women find it an advantage not have to give up their natural life. Especially women who have had children, are fine with the spiral.

Disadvantages:

Heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual pain is a common side effect of the spiral. These signs may also be an indication that the spiral is not positioned correctly. For complaints, therefore, always sought the first thing the gynecologist.

It can also occur at the beginning of the cycle, when flow is driven by unnoticed. For this reason, the seat should be checked regularly.

For young women at increased risk of pelvic infections, especially if sexual partners are changed often. Before inserting a spiral should always be tested if a Clamydieninfektion or gonorrhea.

Should take place despite the spiral of pregnancy, often it is an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, if a pregnancy should be quickly identified by a gynecologist, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.

In an intact pregnancy, the spiral is drawn, otherwise it could cause infections. In a fifth of cases occur here to a miscarriage.

Women who have had children should not have any reason related to their fertility very carefully weigh the benefits and risks.

The hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD

The hormonal IUD since 1997, offers women the opportunity for SIU (Intrauterinensystem) to prevent it. That means a mode of action of the pill and the coil.

The action or application:

The hormone IUD contains a hormone little station, which releases the hormone levonorgestrel. This hormone thickens the cervical mucus is in the cervix and therefore impervious to sperm during ovulation.

If you must go with the sperm, which are inhibited in ihrer mobility. In addition, the hormone through the construction of the lining of the uterus is reduced, so that it can not implant a fertilized egg.

The hormonal IUD is effective up to 5 years and is similar to that used conventional spiral gynecologist.

Safety:

Through experiences of practice and by studies showing that the hormonal IUD is very safe.

Advantages:

The benefits of hormone IUD are the same, the copper spiral. However, the decrease in the hormone IUD bleeding strength in women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Disadvantages:

In the hormonal IUD is more often causes permanent and irregular bleeding. Especially at the beginning occur frequently spotted, tension headache and breast tenderness.

Also in the hormone IUD increasingly occur in pelvic infections and ectopic pregnancy and uterine perforation are not uncommon.

Using hormone IUD is difficult, since the introduction tube is thicker than in other spirals. Especially for women who have not yet taken the children in the world insertion difficult, as appropriate, the cervix must be stretched.
The hormonal IUD
For this reason, these women should not take hormone IUD as a method of choice for consideration. Only when no other reliable methods come into question, it might be possible for the gynecologist chooses the hormonal IUD.

Implanon

Implanon

Implanon since mid-2000 is available on the German market. The bars for a contraceptive implanted under the skin specialist gynecologist in the inner arm.

Implanon prevents pregnancy by reliably for a period of 3 years, as small amounts of progestin are submitted to the body. By the hormone progesterone, which is included in the Implanon, prevents ovulation and mucus of the cervix and uterus is changing.

Therefore, the wife of about 3 years before an unwanted pregnancy is protected by the Implanon.

The rod is a local surgery between 1 and 5 plants and the cycle can be removed at any time again. The effect of Implanon is given immediately after insertion.

Moreover, the fertility of women is after removal of Implanon dice again soon. There are also cases of unwanted pregnancies known, but here was the rod of contraceptives are not used properly. It is therefore important that the gynecologist checks the correct position of Implanon.

Safety:

Implanon for high security against unwanted pregnancy is Givens.

Advantages:

They have, especially for women who have difficulty with regular use and use of other contraceptives, Implanon is a suitable alternative, as they regularly do not think it should.

Disadvantages:

Like any drug, there are also side effects of Implanon. In 10% of Anwenderinnen especially side effects such as headaches, acne, breast tenderness, depression and weight gain occurs.

It can also occur occasionally in the use of prolonged or frequent bleeding with Implanon. Instead, other women, menstrual periods are rare or absent altogether.

If you decide before the expiration of 3 years to remove Implanon, is comparatively more expensive contraceptives.

The injection three months

The injection three months

The action or application:

Within three months of hormone injection included progestin. The injection three months injected into the gluteal muscle in the first place and prevents ovulation. As its name implies, is given every 3 months.

The injection three months only suitable for women who can not tolerate other contraceptives or no deal with taking supplements of the pill. In addition, three injection months is appropriate only for women with normal menstrual cycle.

Safety:

The injection three months has a high security in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

Advantages:

Especially women, who wish to become non-daily to keep your ideas, gives the injection three months exactly. But only for women) the closure of certain diseases, because (for example, sickle cell disease can not tolerate hormonal contraceptives, is usually the three injectable drugs months before the election.

Disadvantages:

Like all other contraceptives, are also the three months effects of the injection side. There are provisional and before verhäuft location. They can cause headaches, nervousness, dizziness, depression, acne and weight gain.

Due to the high hormone dose, the injection of three month of many women is not tolerated.

Studies have shown that prolonged treatment can lead to the injection of three months to a decrease in bone mineral density. Riski This is especially important for women of 18-21 years.

Another disadvantage of three months of Sprite is the long time until the normal cycle and fertility, a feeling. This possibly up to one year duration after the last injection. For women who do not want to establish long time, this method of contraception, less adequate.

The vagina

The vagina

The vaginal ring NuvaRing ® under the name of the manufacturer is known since 2003 in the German market. The flexible plastic ring is used for hormonal contraception, and contains a low dose estrogen / progestin combinations.

The NuvaRing only one size, but this fits perfectly to any woman.

The action or application:

The effectiveness of the NuvaRing is equated with the pill. The hormones prevent ovulation and change the consistency of mucus in the cervix also. So it is no longer possible for the sperm to penetrate.

The active ingredients do this directly through the vaginal wall into the bloodstream.

In the first application of the ring is between 1 and 5 day of menstruation of the woman inserts into her vagina. In the first seven days after the beginning would be essential to prevent additional, not yet complete protection Givens.

You must already have hormonal contraception should be discussed is time to change the gynecologist. This is in fact vary from product to product.

The NuvaRing can be made better when lying down or standing. The ring is left for 3 weeks in the vagina and can be removed independently from the woman after that time. After a break is the week that usually starts bleeding. After breaking a few weeks is a new ring inserted into the vagina - even if menstruation has not yet ended.

Of course, given the protection against unwanted pregnancy and in the ring free week.

We must ensure that the NuvaRing ® is used always in the same day and at the same time (eg Sunday) at 21:00 clock.

The ring is similar to a tampon is inserted into the vagina and should be pushed too far as possible. But it has no effect on the protection, how and where the NuvaRing is in the vagina. The important thing is that the ring of women is not regarded as a nuisance.

The removal of NuvaRing ® is easy. She pushed a finger into the vagina and has the lower end of the ring. Perhaps the NuvaRing hinausrutscht when removing a tampon, or during sex. This is no cause for panic. The contraceptive effect is not lost as long as the vaginal ring is used within 3 hours again.

The NuvaRing should be washed with warm water, never use soap or disinfectant solutions!

Do not use vaginal rings are kept in the refrigerator. If NuvaRing ® can be stored at room temperature must be used within 4 months after the due date of pharmacy.

If present, a fungal infection that has kept pace with the consultation be gynecologist, since some drugs may affect the effectiveness of the ring. In severe reductions in the vagina NuvaRing ® should not be used.

Safety:

Security is established in several studies, compared with the pill - which is very high.

Advantages:

The management of NuvaRing ® is easy. Because women can adopt independently and remove the ring, which do not depend on the involvement of the gynecologist. Nor should it be for 3 weeks thinking about prevention. This feeling of many women as an advantage to have the problems with the regular use of contraceptives.

Another advantage is that the effect empfängnisverhütetende also not affected by stomach upsets, vomiting or diarrhea.

The medical reasons for the vaginal ring) may be different diseases (eg, eating disorders, bulimia, inflammatory bowel disease.

Disadvantages:

Common side effects of NuvaRing ® are headache, vaginal inflammation and discharge from the vagina. In addition, in rare cases can be painful acne, mood swings, abdominal pain, nausea, breast tenderness and painful periods, and added.

Not known to affect the way the ring compared with the pill, the risk of venous thrombosis. You can expect a reduction in effectiveness if the antibiotic cure for epilepsy, and St. John's wort is taken in parallel.

The women who for medical reasons should not take the pill is not recommended even before the implementation of the NuvaRing.

The patch

The patch
The patch has been approved recently in Germany. The contraceptive patch contains a fleshy estrogen / progestin combination and may be outside of the arms, abdomen, buttocks, and the upper body (chest sticking).

The action or application:

The effect is basically the same as for all other hormonal contraceptives. The patch is 1 day of menstruation is attached to a skin site.

It is important that the area of the skin is clean, dry skin is not red or wounded. If contraception was used before any other, should be discussed when the bill to the gynecologist.

The patch should be well compacted so that it adheres well and remains in this space then for a week. The headquarters of the review should check every day to exclude the possibility that it may have come loose.

On 8 and 15, the cycle is then switched birth control pills. The change must be the same day, time plays no role. It is important that the patch each time elsewhere, but is stuck in the same area of the body.

Near the review of prevention of creams, lotions, makeup or other cosmetics should be used.

From day 22 patch is no longer supported. In this patch-free week usually comes to menstruation. After seven days, then re-paste a contraceptive patch. This happens if no bleeding has occurred or is not finished yet.

If it happens that the change of the revision will be forgotten, can be rescheduled within 48 hours. The pause of 7 days, although this can not be exceeded. If this remains the case, you should use additional contraceptive protection, since there is no sure protection against pregnancy.

The constancy of the contraceptive patch is all in swimming, sauna and also in sport. If there is still time to resolve partially or completely, you may be stuck again only if security continues to be responsible. Protection against pregnancy is within a range obtained by 24 hours.

Can be used only a patch.

Safety:

Studies have shown that the contraceptive patch is very safe. These studies have been conducted only in women 18 to 45 years. For women weighing more than 90kg, the effectiveness of prevention of the sidewalk to be reduced.

Advantages:

The management of the review is quite simple. In addition, he is considered one of the contraceptive methods that are very safe. The load on the liver by the hormone is significantly less than with other contraceptives, as they are released directly through the skin into the bloodstream.

Even with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, the protective effect is maintained.

Green Medicine for use of the patch may prevent certain diseases such as eating disorders are especially bulimia and chronic intestinal inflammation, in which the absorption of the hormones through the mouth is not guaranteed.


Disadvantages:

As with all other hormonal contraceptives, the contraceptive patch is also the first time they come to irregular bleeding. The most common side effects include chest pain, headaches, skin irritation and nausea.

Importantly, the review must not be used if the woman has an existing or previous venous or arterial thrombosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer, focal migraine with aura, liver disease and hypersensitivity to the active and excipients.

The risk of thrombosis is increased by the use of the contraceptive patch. However, it is not yet proven whether the risk is lower, equal or superior to the pill.

Concomitant intake of antibiotics, anticonvulsants and St. John of the effectiveness of the contraceptive patch may be reduced.

Diaphragm

The appearance of the membrane is similar to a rubber cover. The diaphragm is a round spiral or spring of specialists, the dome is covered with rubber. The diaphragm is available in latex and silicone materials.

It will be offered in nine different sizes and custom needs of the individual woman by a gynecologist, a family planning center or a counselor. Most women diaphragm after onset, but does not feel is right.

The optimum size of contraception is so important, because the vagina with a little added excitement. The woman has to check every time you install the right seat of the diaphragm with the fingers, by palpation through the cervix through.

The action or application:

Through access to the membrane of the uterus is blocked, so that no combination of egg and sperm can take place. In addition, however, must still apply a gel or a cream that prevent sperm from entering.

This means that with the active ingredient Nonoxynol kill sperm. There are also natural Diaphragmagele lactic acid or citric acid. However, it should be noted that these creams only inhibit sperm mobility. The advantage is, of course, natural gels are medically less stressful.

All creams or gels applied to the diaphragm, which then sit on the cervix. The important thing is that even the inner edge is well covered with cream. Through this combination, the cervix is doubly protected, and prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

The diaphragm is inserted 1-2 hours, or immediately before intercourse in the vagina and placed against the cervix.

Safety:

The diaphragm is a very safe if properly used contraceptives. In principle, therefore, as reliable as the condom. Depending, of course, security is of adequate size, appropriate use and fit Exatas

The correct insertion can be practiced best in the doctor's office. With the hold that the diaphragm of the posterior vaginal vault to the front range in the niche behind the pubic bone. It is important that the cervix is completely covered by rubber and is easily palpable.

We must ensure that the time between initiation of sexual intercourse and not exceeding 2 hours. Staying after intercourse, the diaphragm must necessarily 8 hours in the vagina, while the sperm can survive there. No later than 24 hours, but then it should be removed.

Should it come after the first intercourse at an event also must be combated with a finger or Einführhülse cream or gel.

The diaphragm must be strictly observed in the large fluctuations in weight (more than 5 kg) or births, as it should be adjusted if necessary.

Many women use contraception at the start of others until they feel safe in the implementation of the diaphragm and the necessary experience.

To prevent the rubber is porous or cracked, the diaphragm requires careful maintenance. It is washed after each use with hot water, dried completely, and possibly with corn or potato starch rubbed in order to keep it dry.

The diaphragm can be used up to two years and must be replaced by a new one after this time.

Advantages:

The use of the diaphragm should be made only when actually comes to sex. For this reason, it is especially suitable for women who are not as likely to have sex. Do not interfere with the body of the woman and is still relatively cheap.

The insertion of the diaphragm is estimated by some women as a valuable self-knowledge, to learn about herself and her body better.

Disadvantages:

A woman should learn to examine themselves and be able to palpate the cervix can be safe in the vagina. The only way to ensure proper insertion. It takes lots of practice at the beginning of the operation.

It is also an obstacle for many couples in their sexual spontaneity.
Diaphragm
Moreover, some creams or gels can cause a burning sensation in the penis. In such cases, be made to another product.

Weight Loss-Weight loss diet

According to result of a survey conducted by a London-based agency, there are more than 2 billion overweight people worldwide and many more have some less extra fats on their bodies. Obesity is spreading like an epidemic and not only adults or elders; younger generation is also becoming overweight. Overweight may not be a severe problem for some, but its consequences are much dangerous. Too many people are dying with the diseases like heart attacks, brain strokes, cancer and gallbladder diseases. Overweight may also cause sleep apnea and osteoarthritis resulting severe problems like hypertension.

So what will you like to do to overcome the overweight problem? You have the option to use the weight loss supplements available in local drug stores all around you. These weight loss supplements may or may not reduce your extra weight, but one thing is guaranteed. These supplements may cause many other problems due to their side effects. It is always better to lose weight in natural way. Mix some exercise with natural weight loss supplements. You will feel the difference.

According to weight loss experts, an effective weight loss program should consist of these four essential components.

1. Strength training for building lean muscle
2. Cardiovascular training: effective in increasing the metabolic rate
3. Feeding the body with proper nutrients
4. Mental toughness for sticking with the weight loss program

Some natural weight loss supplements that should be included in the weight loss program are bitter orange, cayenne, coleus, ephedra, garcinia cambogia, green tea, guarana, guggul etc. These are the natural herbs and supplements and many people are harnessing their power to lose the weight in the natural way. These are not only effective in reducing the extra fats from the body, but are also harmful and inexpensive. These may be used for a long time without any side effect on the body. This is the reason that natural weight loss supplements are preferred over others by most of the aspirants of losing the weight.

Experts also suggest using much of fiber rich supplements. Fiber is a powerful tool for reducing the extra bulge. It is capable of sweeping the colon of excess waste and undigested or half digested food from your body. This makes your digestion system more strong. It will lessen your diet if you use it before the meals. Some of the fiber supplements are available with the brand names like fat blocker, fiber wafers and psyllium pure and capsules.

Citrimax the extract from garcinia cambogia is also a proven weight loss ingredient. The product is clinically tested and has shown much positive results in weight loss tests. This works like an appetite suppressant. It also prevents our body from converting the carbohydrates into the fat. You may find some Citrimax supplements in the health stores like Super Citrimax and Healthy Weight Formula.

The nature has gifted us with so much natural weight loss supplements. It is not easy to list all the supplements here. To know more about natural weight loss supplements, you may visit one of the most reliable website online.