Living Consciously

If you ask someone if they're living consciously, they'll most likely give you a strange look. So, my advise is not to worry about others, but rather, ask yourself, 'am I living consciously?'. What does that really mean? Actually, it's quite simple. Are you aware of what you are doing throughout the day? Do you make choices, or are you on 'autopilot'?

Ever go to the movies and watch someone eating popcorn and drinking one of those million ounce cups of soda? They will almost robotically put piece after piece of popcorn in their mouth until that huge, salty, dripping with artificial butter (oil) tub of popcorn is empty. Of course they'll top it off with finishing that high fructose filled (or aspartame, if diet) soda that will certainly not quench their thirst. This is just one example of being unconscious while eating something not healthy. I assert however, that when that movie goer first purchased their unhealthy snack, if they thought about the 'choice' they were about to make, then that would be living consciously.

Living consciously doesn't always mean making the right decision, it does however, being the one that makes the choice.

Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

Many people are having been getting colds and the flu for the past few weeks by now. However, it is interesting to note that the common cold or the flu can strike us any time in the year if our defenses our down and we're not careful.

As far as health is considered, colds and flu are not usually dangerous conditions although they can make us very weak. They make our noses run and make us cough intermittently, creating that miserable feeling.

The common cold and the flu are two different conditions, but both are caused by viruses. The common cold is caused by a virus - rhinovirus - and it attacks the nose and throat while the flu is caused by three viruses - types A, B and C. They go straight into the bloodstream and cause weakness and even loss of appetite. One sure sign that you have the flu are muscle aches and pains, high fever, headaches, loss of appetite and generalized fatigue.

If you just have a cold, count yourself lucky because you can expect to recover after about a week. The flu is a different story: it can last for weeks, and can recur. In serious and lingering cases you may want to see your family physician.

The elderly and those with impaired immune systems have to be watched closely when they have the flu.

Here's what you can do when you have the cold or flu:

1. Rest - call in sick and stay in bed. You don't want to spread your germs to others in the office plus complete rest will help you recover quicker.
2. Take extra care of your nose - when you're constantly blowing your nose, the skin around it easily gets irritated. Apply a lubricant. Try a natural decongestant such as Vaxa Sinus formula.
3. Eat light but nutritious meals - people who have the flu don't have much of an appetite; some of them have sore throats making swallowing painful. But try to eat as many citrus fruits as possible, and take your soup and apple sauce.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt at least twice a day - to ward off bacteria and to relieve your sore throat.
5. Call your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 7 days or you don't feel better in spite of medication. If you feel pain in the chest area and your mucus is green or yellow, see your doctor right away. He may want to prescribe stronger medication.
6. Ask your doctor if you can complement your medication with natural cold remedies or supplements specifically formulated for fighting cold and flu symptoms.

If your doctor says it's okay to take natural remedies you'd be pleased to know that there are excellent natural remedies out there that are not only effective, but are also safe because they're made from plant extracts. Vaxa Virexin is a natural remedy to help boost your immune system.

Select supplements that serve like a complete prevention package with anti-bacterial properties. There are supplements that target chronic sinusitis. They contain natural ingredients that will open up nasal passages that are blocked or filter secretions. Some natural remedies also provide eye relief and minimize dizziness.

You may also want to consider a neti pot - an effective nasal irrigation system for natural sinus relief. A neti pot will help you breathe and will eliminate allergens and pollutants. You can use your net pot with a special kind of salt, such as Scentgarden neti salt.

Whatever you do when you have a cold or flu, make sure to drink plenty of fresh water and get lots of rest.

Sprayology Natural Homeopathic Remedies

EarthTurns.com has recently added several of Sprayology homeopathic remedies to its line of natural health products. Perhaps the single most convincing argument you can say about sprays is convenience. These homeopathic sprays are safe and effective for a variety of uses. Simple enough, but far from simplistic. Let’s take a close look at each one.

Sprayology AllergEase
Sprayology AllergEase Homeopathic Oral Spray is a 41 ml spray bottle that was formulated to help you ward off potential allergies and hay fever and provides all-season protection. My whole family keeps a steady supply. No less than 14 natural ingredients go to work right away to relieve itchy eyes, runny nose, difficult breathing, skin rashes, headaches and other discomforts. Sprayology AllergEase is made in America to assure quality.

AllergEase Homeopathic Oral Spray contains red onion extract (Allium cepa) to relieve eye burn and runny nose; purple coneflower (Echinacea) for inflammation and skin eruptions; honeybee venom (Euphrasia) to unblock respiratory congestion and yellow jasmine (Gelsemium) for headaches and muscle aches and pains.

Sprayology SleepEase
Sprayology SleepEase Homeopathic Oral Spray – put an end to endless tossing and turning with this unique homeopathic insomnia remedy in a spray. The 41 ml bottle contains ingredients that will not cause adverse side effects. Put two drops under your tongue before bedtime or at 3:00 in the morning when you suddenly awake. I do it all the time!

Made entirely in the USA, SleepEase has passed FDA lab standards to guarantee desired results and to put your mind at rest about product quality and integrity.

SleepEase is also used to decrease anxiety levels and bring about calm when stress levels spike. You'll like its safe and natural ingredients: valerian root for trouble-free sleep; passion flower for nervousness and restlessness experienced by older people; and chamomile (minimize anxiety).

Sprayology TravelEase
Sprayology TravelEase Homeopathic Oral Spray – r spray product to help reduce symptoms of jet lag. Different people experience varying intensities of jet leg syndrome, but this product will eliminate sluggishness so you can continue to be productive. There’s no need to dread crossing the Atlantic or the Pacific – as long as this 41 ml spray bottle is within easy reach.
Sprayology TravelEase will not harm any existing health condition because all ingredients that went into its formulation are 100% natural, passing the Made-in-the-USA criteria.

Don't let jet lag turn your bed topsy turvy. Two hours before boarding your flight, spray TravelEase twice under your tongue and then again after two hours from take off. It's also effective against dehydration (due to cabin pressure), insomnia and anxiety. Don't board an aircraft without TravelEase!

Sprayology Stress Relief
Sprayology Stress Relief Homeopathic Oral Spray – If you have chronic stress consider this all natural stress relief spray. 21st century lifestyles are characterized by high stress levels brought about by personal, health and on-the-job factors. Why not control your stress the natural way? Passiflora, Avena, Cinchona and Valeriana have been combined to reduce anxiety, calm turbo-charged nerves and control mood swings.

Spray Sprayology Stress Relief two to three times daily and observe how your nerves shift from high to low voltage. Take full control of your stress for the sake of your personal productivity.

WHAT KIND OF HEADACHES DO YOU HAVE?

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I hate it when I get headaches because they slow me down, but I count myself lucky when I hear some of my friends when they complain about their headaches.

Through conversations and my own readings I learned that there are at least five types of headaches:

• Tension
• Migraines
• Cluster
• Hormonal
• Other types

The first two – tension and migraine headaches - are the most common.

What does a tension headache feel like?

Tension headaches are usually felt on both sides of the head and feel like a vise-grip. Neck pain and tightness may also be associated with tension type headaches.

Migraine pain is usually on one side of the head and usually is throbbing or pounding. Usually, when a person has a migraine it makes them sensitive to light. Migraine headaches may also induce nausea. Happily, it lasts only from a few hours to a couple of days.

Migraine headaches are the type I wouldn’t even wish upon an enemy. One, they make you very weak, you’re almost immobilized. Second, they last a long time (some sufferers say their migraines could last up to as long as a week). Third, migraine victims prefer to sleep in a dark and quiet room, because the slightest noise or a speck of light heightens their ordeal.

Cluster headaches “behave” differently. People who have them say they cause a lot of pain. They are unpredictable. The pain is severe; add the fact that it can occur many times during the day. Cluster headaches also last a long time (anywhere from days to months) and usually attack in the morning or evening.

Not a significant number of people suffer from cluster headaches. From what I’ve read, less than 1% of the population has them. Just as well because those who have them say the pain is excruciating.

Hormonal headaches, on the other hand, are like menstrual headaches. Women get them during their periods, but unlike migraines, menstrual headaches are not preceded by an aura.

You need to speak to your doctor when:

• It’s a kind of headache you’ve never had before
• You’re having a headache after you’ve been in an accident or after sustaining physical injury
• You have symptoms that persist: drowsiness, blurred vision, stiff neck, vomiting, pain or swelling in the limbs and other parts of the body

OTC Painkillers or Natural Headache Remedies?

Ibuprofen, an analgesic, is what many people take for a headache. These analgesics are fine but they won’t solve the problem. Plus they’re habit forming. Once your body gets accustomed to ibuprofen, you’ll need to increase your intake just to make the headache go away.

There are many excellent made-in-the-USA natural remedies for headaches. Some products will not only relieve the headache but also relieve muscle spasms – those linked to arthritic, bursitis and backache conditions. There is one product, CryoDerm Roll-On that was specifically formulated for neck pain. This is an American-made product and has been recommended to patients by chiropractors, physical therapists and sports therapy professionals.

Combining Cryoderm roll-on with a natural muscle relaxer such as Formula 303 Natural Muscle Relaxant may also help to relieve tension headaches. Choose products that contain menthol and homeopathic formulations; an example of which is Arnica, known for its compounds that help inflamed and tense muscles.

For migraine pain, a natural migraine remedy that many people find effective is MigraSpray. Migraine relief can also be achieved by regular use of Headache Free, a natural vitamin supplement for headaches that was developed by a board certified neurologist.

Headaches certainly can affect your life, but with regular exercise, stress reduction techniques and eating a chemical free healthy diet, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your chronic headaches.

BOGGED DOWN BY FATIGUE?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Cleveland Clinic says that the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) is not known. There is also no cure. The Clinic says however that “there is symptomatic therapy.” Funny that symptomatic therapy does exist for something like CFS which the medical community has a hard time pinpointing cause or cure.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, according to the Cleveland Clinic, may be related to underlying illnesses such as fibromyalgia, tension headaches, multiple chemical sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, atypical chest pains and others.

The occasional fatigue we feel after a hard day’s work or after a stressful life event like a divorce or death in the family is normal, but if it persists long after we’ve recovered from the initial “shock”, then it’s time to speak to your doctor. It may be just a symptom of another health problem like insomnia, thyroid irregularities, or chronic stress. CFS can also be an offshoot of depression or over-anxiety.

Tips: How to Combat Fatigue

Following these tips will help us minimize the debilitating consequences of frequent fatigue:

1. Make sure you get your full night’s sleep – 6-8 hours. To achieve this, it is important to go to bed at a fixed hour every night. Erratic bedtime hours are a sure fire way to rob you off quality sleep. Also, wake up at the same hour every morning. Have a consistent sleep schedule.
2. Being overloaded with work aggravates your fatigue, so learn to say no when you’re asked to take on more projects, even if these projects are things you enjoy. When you have too much work, your mind is racing and your adrenalin levels remain high. If you think you can catch up on your sleep on weekends, think again. As with health and fitness, people who are weekend athletes are not really doing their bodies a favor.
3. Review your eating habits. Making healthier changes in what you eat – incorporating more fruits and vegetables, legumes, fiber – can spell a huge difference. Cut back on fat-rich foods like cheese, desserts and red meat.
4. Take care of your body. Give it the physical TLC (tender loving care) it needs. Get plenty of fresh air and engage in exercise regularly. If your job requires you to work on your computer, take frequent breaks and walk during your lunch hour instead of sitting in the cafeteria gabbing away.
5. Identify your stress triggers. At the first sign of stress, learn to take a few steps back. Better yet, walk away from those situations that will only contribute to more fatigue.

Fatigue: Natural Treatments

We highly recommend natural treatments for fatigue that are made in the USA. This is your only assurance that the ingredients are pure and 100% natural.

Here are some examples:

• Energy boosters – these natural treatments such as Optimize Energy Booster and Triple Boost work for you to help you combat stress, compensate for a poor diet and protect you from lifestyle habits. In addition, your mind becomes more alert, increasing your concentration skills.
• Plant adaptogens – Vaxa's Adapt Adaptogens help to combat stress which can cause fatigue. Adaptogens are herbs that were first found in Russia and given to Russian athletes so they perform better at competitions. Adaptogens help reduce stress, decrease levels of cortisol and sharpen concentration.
• Bee pollen products – millions now appreciate the beneficial properties of bee pollen concentrates and extracts. Super Bee Pollen by Dee Cee Labs is a great energy booster. The barks of trees contain bee propolis – a substance that not only eliminates fatigue but also boosts the immune system.
• B-vitamins – products with B-Complex vitamins such as Formula 34 as the main ingredients are particularly advantageous for people deficient in the B-vitamins. B-vitamins have the ability to deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream and to help lower homocysteine levels which are identified as a precursor to cardiovascular problems.
• Multiple Vitamins - sometimes, you just don't know what nutrient you are missing. The best multiple vitamin we have seen is Intramax Organic Liquid Vitamin with over 400 nutrients to provide your body with almost everything it needs.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes

DIABETES CAN BE TREATED NATURALLY

How sugar and insulin work in our body determines our vulnerability to diabetes.  When our bodies are incapable of processing sugar efficiently, that means we’re having problems with our insulin.  Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. 

There are two known types of diabetes:

a)       Type I – or insulin-dependent diabetes - means that the pancreas is no longer producing insulin.  People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes exhibit the following symptoms:  thirst, frequent need to urinate (especially at night), difficulty breathing, sudden loss of weight, itching in the genital organs and sensitive feet.

b)      Type II – is non-insulin dependent diabetes which means that the body is rejecting insulin.  Symptoms are similar to type I diabetes, and may also include poor vision and unexplained fatigue.

Most cases of type I diabetes are diagnosed in young people while type II is more common among adults, those in the over-40 age group.

People who are overweight are likely candidates for diabetes type II.  They weigh 30% more than they should and their fat is concentrated around their waist.  When people weigh more than the normal weight recommended for their height, it puts pressure on the pancreas to produce more insulin.  And when this demand can no longer be met, diabetes develops. 

Diabetics usually have a family history of diabetes and tend to have poor eating habits.

Diabetes can be Treated Naturally

Thanks to modern science and particularly to innovation in the natural supplements industry, diabetes is no longer a life-threatening disease provided people take the necessary measures to follow a strict diet and exercise program.

It is important to consult your doctor if you suspect that you have early symptoms of diabetes. Your doctor will ask you to go through some tests to measure your blood sugar level.  People who follow their doctor’s advice about making some changes to their lifestyle, eating healthier and more balanced meals and exercising regularly don’t necessarily need to be on medication.

Whether or not you are diagnosed with diabetes or seem a likely candidate for diabetes, ask your doctor about taking natural supplements or natural remedies.  Chances are that for as long as these supplements don’t interfere with your prescription medication, you can take them. Because they’re natural, these dietary supplements won’t cause any side effects.

What I recommend is first, choose products that are made in the USA.  You are guaranteed that the ingredients are pure and have been processed according to existing standards for certified US laboratories.

Second, buy natural supplements, such as Vaxa Diabin that are effective processing of insulin and in glucose metabolism. Another great natural remedy for diabetes is GTF chromium.  GTF stands for glucose tolerance factor; it stimulates insulin performance in the body.  When our bodies are deficient in chromium, we become vulnerable to diabetes. 

Fourth, another good product to look for is one that contains cinnamon bark powder.  Cinnamon bark powder, according to ancient herbalists, can counter-act the effects of high sugar levels. Diabetic II patients who took products with cinnamon bark powder were able to reduce their fasting blood glucose and to decrease their triglycerides and cholesterol. This is also made as natural cinnamon bark capsules.

For more information, visit Natural Diabetes Remedies.

PROBIOTICS AND BODY CLEANSING AGENTS FOR DIGESTIVE ILLS

Gas and Bloating

Two common digestive ills people complain about are gas and bloating. These conditions are caused by the build-up of gas in our digestive tract which certain foods like beans and cabbage trigger. Not everyone will have a reaction after eating beans or cabbage, but those who do can experience digestive discomfort.

Our digestive tract can be thrown off kilter when we eat on the run, eat fat-rich foods, or if we suffer from a health problem like IBS. Other signs of indigestion include constipation, cramping in the stomach, nausea or decreased appetite.

While these types of digestive discomforts are not life threatening, you need to see your doctor if there is blood in your stool. You also need to tell your doctor if you’re vomiting regularly and experiencing excruciating pain.

Minimizing the Effects of Indigestion

There are some steps you can take to minimize the effects of poor digestion:

• Cut back on your caffeine intake. Instead switch to herbal teas (mint, peppermint, chamomile, fennel)
• If you have not been taking fiber with your diet before, do not suddenly add large quantities the first time. Add small amounts gradually.
• See if eating the following foods cause you to bloat or have excess gas: cauliflower, brussell sprouts, garlic, spices, cabbage. If they do, don’t eat them and see if your condition improves.
• Avoid drinking soft drinks, chewing gum, milk, smoking, or adding artificial sweeteners
• Do what millions of people do: take natural dietary supplements!

Natural Remedies for Digestive Problems

I once knew a lady who complained incessantly of stomach cramps and when someone suggested that she might have parasites, she went to the doctor to ask him if it was possible, considering that she hadn’t been anywhere. A few simple tests confirmed it. She then went to a herbalist to ask about parasitic cleansing solutions, because she was totally against taking strong prescription medication.

Fortunately for her, the natural parasitic cleansing kit she purchased eliminated many of the parasites that were in her system.

People aren’t aware that they can be infected with parasites even if they have not travelled outside the United States. Food and drink, our lakes and rivers, and exposure to infected humans others can trigger the spread of parasites.

It often times is important to get a natural parasite cleanse to rid the digestive system of harmful parasites.

Supplements with digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, cellulose and others are also recommended. Find a product that contains papaya root. Since I’ve been in the dietary supplements industry for a few years now, I know of such products containing papaya root. Friends swear by papaya root.

I feel strongly about the need to take a full spectrum probiotic. Probiotic supplements not only kill harmful bacteria but also restore good bacteria so that our pH balance does not get disturbed by modern-day diets rich in fats and trans-fats. A good probiotic supplement can also support our immune system and protect our gut's lining, delivering the nutrients efficiently into our bloodstream.

Finally, I can't emphasize it enough: select products that are made in the USA. This is the only assurance you get if you’re after purity and integrity of ingredients.

Depression - Natural Depression Remedies

DEPRESSION

People are under the impression that depression is an illness that strikes more women than men. This is simply not true, and a considerable number of males also get depressed. There’s just one difference: perhaps men are not in the habit of talking about their depression even to loved ones. Women are more open about their feelings of depression, especially when they’re with friends who have suffered the same symptoms.

We ought to be able to tell the difference between depression and the “being down in the dumps” feeling. They’re not the same. In fact 99.9% of the population feel the occasional blues, accompanied by a lack of motivation and unexplainable lethargy. The blues, however, are temporary.

You could be feeling bad about something in particular and mope about for days, but you come back to your senses and snap out of it. It’s a simple case of melancholia triggered by something that really frustrated you. For instance, if you’ve been bypassed for a promotion, you were frustrated and resentful because it was a job that fit your skills to a T and you were sure that you were the top contender. The feeling of rejection is normal. It lasts for days – maybe even weeks – but after awhile you decide that life continues and you move on.

Depression is radically different. It feels like a cloud of darkness persistently hovers above you and you can’t make it go away. Depression is also of a longer duration and if left untreated, may deteriorate your quality of life.

Some people who are depressed don’t even know they are depressed; others accept it as part of life and experience the symptoms for two to three years. It is when they can no longer function and undergo changes in their personality that it becomes imperative for them to see their doctor.

Signs You Are Depressed

You may be depressed if you:

• Consistently have sad/morbid/suicidal thoughts
• Suffer from insomnia
• Have lost your passion for activities you were once passionate about (loss of interest lasting more than a month)
• Alienate yourself from friends and family
• Have lost your appetite or suddenly eating much more than usual
• Can’t concentrate or focus on your tasks
• Have been de-motivated for longer than a month
• Always feel tired
• Cry for no apparent reason
• Unable to control your anger

Depression: Known Causes

• Recent job loss
• Financial problems (bad credit, house foreclosure, etc)
• Divorce or death of a family member
• Stress on the job
• Other factors that can potentially cause depression are a family history of depression (or suicide), a disease that erodes quality of life, pregnancy, menopause, medication side effects, and change of seasons.

Take heart. If you’re opposed to prescription medication, there is one way you can help or prevent depression: taking natural antidepressant supplements regularly. It must be stressed, however, that if you or someone close to you believes that you are suffering from depression, don’t self-medicate. See your doctor right away. Only a medical professional specializing in mental problems can confirm whether or not you are depressed.

If your doctor says it is okay to take natural remedies for depression, choose supplements that have natural ingredients known for their anti-depression properties. An example is 5-HTP, a substance that restores and regulates serotonin. When the brain does not have enough serotonin, feelings of anxiety or depression can occur.

St. John’s Wort is a popular choice among depression sufferers. It became popular in Europe many years ago. If you’re on prescription medication, speak to your doctor first about St. John’s Wort as it may interfere with your treatment.

Choose anti-depression supplements that have been formulated with homeopathic principles in mind, are natural, and are made in the USA for product integrity. Deprex is a great natural product for depression. Many people have had very good results with Deprex by Vaxa.

Cardiovascular Health, Naturally

Today's blog is about the heart, specifically about heart health. The health of this vital organ depends largely on what we eat, drink and do. Our heart is a personal responsibility. The thing is, we could also use a bit of help either from our doctors or from natural products in the health and natural supplements industry because some heart problems develop which we can't control 100%.

When we speak of heart trouble, the vast majority of people think that the heart suffers only one problem, or that there's only one kind of trouble. One thing is clear: when the heart does not receive sufficient blood because the arteries are blocked, then that's when the problems start.The cardiovascular question then is not one question, but several. What I mean is that there are at least six types of heart problems. I'll give a brief description of each:

• Stroke - There's a heart and brain connection, and when this connection is not in synch, a stroke occurs. Someone gets a stroke when the blood vessels in the brain do not receive adequate oxygen because they are either blocked or impaired. This stroke can either be ischemic (it is a temporary condition usually lasting 24 hours) or permanent (clot or coronary thrombosis).
• Heart attack - a heart attack develops when the heart cannot pump enough blood for distribution to other parts of the body. Again, this means that basic heart functions are impaired or the heart muscles are damaged.
• Rheumatic heart disease - children aged between five and 15 years old get this condition when they are exposed to bacteria that cause rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can inflame the body's connective tissues, particularly the heart, joints, brain or skin. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, "about 60% of people with rheumatic fever develop some degree of subsequent heart disease." Rheumatic heart fever is, however, not an exclusively childhood disorder because it can affect adults later in life.
• Ischemic heart disease - this type of heart disease is prevalent in modern, industrialized societies. Signs of ischemic heart disease are blocked arteries, chest pain or shortness of breath. A total blockage can result, leading to damaged tissues or a heart attack.
• Peripheral vascular disease - known as PAD. It is a condition that develops when fat deposits accumulate in the arterial walls that impede blood circulation. The arteries leading to some vital organs like the stomach, kidneys and the extremities (hands and feet) are affected. Early symptoms are leg cramps, fatigue or pain in the buttocks during activity. PAD should be detected and treated early because those who are diagnosed with it are subject to a higher risk of death from heart attack and stroke.
• Congenital heart disease - this occurs at birth. The infant could be born with a hole in the heart affecting circulation. This is usually corrected by surgery. If not treated, this disease can lead to severe disability or death. Some of us mayhave heart problems and not even know it because for some heart conditions, there are no clear warning signs. This is why it is a good idea to have our hearts checked at least once a year. It is even more crucial to have these tests if we've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.

I care about my heart, so I don't wait for a problem to start. I take natural supplements. Since they are 100% natural, they are more safe than traditional medicatons. Fact is, I'd rather be taking natural supplements than heart medication so I'm doing what I can now to stave off any potential problems.I carefully choose my heart dietary supplements.
The are several natural heart supplements that many people find effective:

• Cholesten LDL or CholestSure - naturlly lower LDL cholesterol
• HDL Booster - promote HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol)
• Heart Supplement (Oral Chelation) - act as natural chelating agents
• intraMAX - supply over 415 vitamins and minerals in one product
• Omega 3 - contains molecularly distilled fish oil
• Resveratrol (red wine complex) - like drinking almost 50 glasses of red wine
• Anti-Oxin - provide antioxidant support

I don't think you'll find one product that will provide all the above, but because they're all natural, you can take two or three natural remedies at the same time without problems. For example, if you have high cholesterol, you can choose those supplements that are developed for lowering bad cholesterol and boosting good cholesterol and combine them with antioxidants or a product with all the required vitamins and minerals.

BLOOD SUGAR: ARE YOU HYPERGLYCEMIC OR HYPOGLYCEMIC?

Blood sugar problems such as Type 2 diabetes are becomming rampant in the America and the rest of the world. You must learn about blood sugar to understand how to naturally prevent and help blood sugar problems.

Monosachharides – also known as simple sugars – are sugars in your blood.  As long as your sugar levels are within the normal range, you should be fine.  Your body and brain are "in sync."  But when your sugar levels shoot up, you should start worrying.  When your sugar levels go down significantly, you should also be worried.  Depending on the severity of your sugar levels, your doctor may want to put you on medication that will keep your glucose levels balanced. 

There are two – actually three – conditions associated with blood sugar.  One is hyperglycemia.  It means that you have too much sugar.  Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, means that you don't have enough sugar. 

The third condition – euglycemia – is what we should all strive for.  It means our sugar levels fall within the normal range of 3.5 and 5.5 mmol/liter.  When your sugar level registers below 3.5, you have hypoglycaemia; when it registers above 7.0, you may be diagnosed with hyperglycaemia.  Being hyperglycemic all the time does not bode well for your health.  You could be a candidate for diabetes.

There are times when having low blood sugar is only temporary.  It can be triggered when you've skipped a meal and you feel very hungry.  It can also be triggered when you take certain kinds of medication on an empty stomach.  Generally, hypoglycemia symptoms are not as bad as hyperglycemia symptoms.  Hyperglycemia symptoms range from mild (hunger, sweating, numbness), to moderate (changes in mood, headaches, blurred vision, incoherent speech) to severe (failure to concentrate, prolonged confusion, losing consciousness, and even changes in personality).  

Natural Remedies for Blood Sugar Control

In the past, my blood sugar levels were not always consistent; that's because I lead a hectic life and tend to skip meals or eat on the run.  Or else I binge on sweets and sweet wine during special occasions – and then sugar blood levels go up.  I also noticed that my sugar levels would go up during the holidays.  I know I've overdone it because I feel some of the symptoms mentioned above.

I have always been careful with my blood sugar, though, because the last thing I want to have is diabetes.  What I've done in the last three years is taking natural remedies for hyperglycaemia to keep my glucose levels in check.  I'm extremely satisfied with the dietary supplements I've been taking.  They're all made in the USA so I am assured that the ingredients have been tested and formulated under rigorous lab conditions.

Since natual blood sugar supplements are 100% natural, there is minimal risk of experiencing any side effects often associated with prescription meds.  When looking for natural treatments for blood sugar and type 2 diabetes to stabilize glucose levels, look for products that stimulate proper utilization of insulin.  Also, be on the lookout for supplements that have GTF chromium as an active ingredient.  Chromium is an important factor for glucose tolerance. 

Another great supplement for blood sugar balance is cinnamon bark powder or, cinnamon bark capsules– most of the literature I've read suggests that cinnamon has been recognized as a natural treatment for type II diabetes because it can help lower blood sugar.

Many people have not heard of Gymnema Sylvestre. It has a strange name, but has been shown to help with blood sugar problems.

Whatever supplement you take, you should understand more about Insulin Resistance. Good luck and stay healthy.

Attend by Vaxa - Video Explanation

Attend is the natural ADD remedy by Vaxa. It is a homeopathic medicinal that helps adults or children with ADD or ADHD. Here, Leslie explains the benefits of Attend.
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Formula 303 Review

Formula 303 is the natural muscle relaxer that works! Listen to another satisfied customer who shares her thoughts about Formula 303.

Bad Breath Doesn't Have To Last Forever!

I once heard someone say that as one gets older, the more susceptible one is to bad breath. He said that people acquire a certain smell as they get older, so it's only logical that their breath gets to smell rather unpleasant with time. I don't know if that's true, frankly I have doubts.
What I do know is that bad breath is not age-related. Nor is it necessarily caused by certain foods. Oh sure, garlic will make you feel like your mouth's on fire; reason why people avoid garlic before going out on a date.

Bad breath - or halitosis - is caused by bacteria that stays lodged in between the teeth, so both old and young can get bad breath if they're not careful about brushing and flossing regularly.

Bad breath can also be caused by a throat infection, lung disease, or diabetes. Bad breath usually strikes in the morning when we wake up. This is because the mouth is dry. If you're healthy, a good rinsing of the mouth should do it. If you have chronic bad breath and it's beginning to affect your social life, you may want to see your dentist or oral hygienist.

The Obvious
There are some steps you can take to ensure that you don't get bad breath. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. If you have to smoke or drink, brush your teeth or gargle vigorously. Follow your dentist's recommendations on oral hygiene. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day (to avoid drying up of the mouth and esophagus). Minimize your intake of strong spices and maximize your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Natural Remedies for Halitosis
The commercial mouthwashes you see on shelves are manufactured with certain chemicals. While they are effective, the benefits are only short term. If you're susceptible to bad breath, you may want to try products that are 100% natural. Natural products for bad breath have no side effects whatsoever.

There are 3 products we can recommend:

• OraMd - this natural tooth oil is made in the USA and gets straight to work on bacteria that remain in between teeth and on gums. It has been used to treat periodontal disease and gingivitis - major causes of halitosis.
• Breath Freshener - this is truly an all natural product, also made in America. Its main ingredient is parsley - a favorite herb of many to freshen breath.
• Chlorophyll Concentrate - the benefit of chlorophyll is not only evident in the process of photosynthesis in plant life, but it has been identified by researchers as the perfect solution for bad breath and body odor.

Natural Arthritis Treatments

The thing I remember most about my grandfather was his deformed hand. As a kid I would avoid looking at it because it was grotesque; my parents would tell me to not run about and to avoid bumping into him. They'd say, "granddad's in pain, don't ask him to play with you."
I'd sit quietly and listen to him, enthralled by what he told me about penguins. He seemed to know so much and I could tell he had a burning passion for these creatures. Once he gave me a video on penguins and encouraged me to watch it over and over again. "It may be the same video, but you pick up something new each time you watch it", he said.

Since then I've had a fascination with the Arctic. But while the Arctic had its own mysteries, it was hard for me to visualize the cold there. I was aware that older people dreaded cold weather; my grandfather suffered pain the most during cold weather. My parents tried to get him to move to Florida at least temporarily but he wouldn't budge. "I'd much rather suffer with my arthritis here in the cold than travel to another state." He was as hard-headed as his ten fingers - hard, shriveled and painful because of arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

I was surprised to learn that there are more than 100 types of arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta say that 1 out of 3 Americans (that's about 70 million) suffer from some type of arthritis.

I can't name all 100 types, but here are a few:

• Osteoporosis - a condition where bones become fragile and hence are susceptible to breaking if not treated or controlled. Bones of the hips, spine and wrists are the bones that break frequently;

• Osteoarthritis - this is the most common form of arthritis and affects about 16 million Americans, mostly women. When someone is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, that means the cartilage has practically disappeared and bone-to-bone rubbing occurs. By the time you reach age 50, you shall have some change in your cartilage.

• Rheumatoid arthritis - inflammation is the most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, which is often called a symmetric disease. It affects the joints in both sides of the body. Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis will suffer pain in the ankle or foot; the reason is the foot has a large number of joints and is one part of our body that is subject to a lot of wear and tear.

• Cervical arthritis - this type of arthritis causes neck pain because the upper spine is affected. The pain in the neck eventually spreads to the arms. Risk factors for cervical arthritis include age, poor posture and injury.

Other types of arthritis - juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis and many others also affect men and women. Arthritis has been known to significantly reduce quality of life.

Treating Arthritis Naturally

Probably because of my grandfather's arthritis, I have been reading anything and everything about this disease. I've also been researching natural treatments and have come across some effective supplements that can help alleviate the painful symptoms and inflammation caused by this terrible disease. This is why we included these supplements on EarthTurns. They are all made in the USA and have those natural ingredients that target cartilage, joints, bones and the spine.

Check out Arthritin, MegaFlax Joint and Arthoplex. To alleviate the pain of arthritis, we recommend two amazing natural topical analgesic remedies; either Cryoderm or Sombra.

Natural Anti-Aging Remedies

Anti-Aging Supplements and Remedies

Madge and her husband used to go to the mall every Sunday. They'd have lunch at the food court, walk around the shops and then buy a thing or two for the house. That was their Sunday afternoon routine up until three months ago. They're not as enthused about their Sunday afternoons anymore.

Madge said, "after lunch one Sunday, I went to the shops as usual but I suddenly felt very tired. I told my husband I wanted to go home right away and take a nap. Surprised, he said that he was going to suggest the same thing because he too was feeling beat. Once in the car, we looked at each other and realized we were getting old. It dawned on me that this aging process is not going to be pleasant at all."

The problem is, Madge and her husband are only in their mid-50s. That's an age where you're supposed to be still running on a full tank. But many people their age are feeling bone-weary and sluggish. What happened to the saying that the new 80 is 60? Tell people that and they'll probably think you're dreaming in technicolor.

Anti-Aging Remedies
Of course it's a question of lifestyle. Someone once said that the human body is a wonderful machine. If you treat it well, it will serve you well. But how many of us can honestly say that we've been kind to our bodies consistently? Think back to the years when we drank too much, ate too much junk food, deprived ourselves of sleep and spent countless hours on the couch in front of the television. Something's got to give.

How do we ward off pre-mature aging? It's never too late to adopt some changes today.

1. Nutrition - Nutrition means more natural foods (instead of processed), more color (go for dark green, dark orange, dark red fruits and vegetables) and more fiber. You need roughage to help prevent gastro-intestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or the more serious diseases like colon and pancreatic cancer. A really good probiotic will help ward off many GI problems before they start. Restoring the normal bacterial flora is the first defense for a good immune system and improving overall health.
2. Exercise - three times a week for 45 minutes per session should help you regain the stamina you once had in your youth. The more frequently you engage in exercise, the better. Ideally, you should be exercising most days during the week. Go for a well-rounded workout by combining cardio and resistance training. If you have sore, tight muscles that prevent you from exercising, try Formula 303, a maximum strength natural muscle relaxant.
3. Relaxation - Squeeze in some rest and relaxation into your busy schedule - you know the saying, all work and no play makes a man dull. Re-invigorate your brain by breaking your routine. By taking frequent time outs and spending quality time with loved ones, you distribute oxygen to your cells more efficiently. When you work 12-hour days, seven days a week, what do you think that does to your mental capabilities? If you have trouble sleeping, a natural insomnia remedy may help. If you are suffering with chronic stress, Extress, a natural homeopathic stress remedy may help.
4. Protect Your Skin - the skin is our largest organ. Most people don't realize that by putting chemical laden beauty products on their skin, they are absorbing harmful chemicals and increasing the chances of getting wrinkles. Protecting your skin with a natural sun screen when you are in the sun is a first step to helping your skin stay young. You should follow this up with moisturizing your skin with a chemical free face moisturizer.
5. Consider taking anti-aging supplements - most of us agree our diet is deficient in vitamins and minerals. This deficiency makes it easier for free radicals to invade our system, making us susceptible to various bacteria and viruses. Because we lack essential nutrients, we feel weaker, easily get tired, and frequently get headaches and the common cold. Focus on supplements that are formulated with antioxidants. Eternal-In is a wonderful anti-aging supplement.

For supplements that are formulated to delay the aging process and are excellent sources of antioxidants, click here:

Helping Anemia Naturally

What to Do if You Have Anemia

If your doctor says you're anemic (also known as anaemic), there's generally nothing to worry about because it's not a life-threatening disease.  But it can rob you of quality of life, and the way things are looking at the moment, quality of life is hard to come by these days.  Health do's and don'ts abound, you're confused as to what supplements to take, and you're no longer sure what vitamin and minerals are good for certain conditions.

What is Anemia?

The Mayo Clinic describes an anemic person as someone who has "tired blood."  There aren't enough healthy red blood cells that transport oxygen to various tissues and organs.  Symptoms vary from mild to severe.  If your anemia is severe, you ought to take the steps leading to better health.

CBC stands for complete blood count.  It's one of the ways to test for anemia.  A physical exam and certain blood tests are two other ways to test for this condition.  If your diagnosis is iron-deficiency anaemia, your doctor may order additional tests just to make sure you don't have an underlying condition like internal bleeding or benign polyps in the colon.

The College of Family Physicians in Canada say that in some cases, there are no symptoms and energy levels don't change.  Other people may feel chronic fatigue, have pale skin, experience shortness of breath, and feel rapid beating of the heart.

Are there ways to prevent anemia?  Fortunately, there are.  The word "iron" and "hemoglobin" should be your guiding principles.  Hemoglobin is the protein in blood that carries oxygen.  So an effective way to prevent anaemic symptoms is to load up on iron.  Eat foods that are high in iron:  liver, sardines, nuts, dried fruits, beans (lima beans are highly recommended) and greens.

There's a strange word that relates to anemia - "megaloblastic."  Don't worry, it sounds like your cells may have gone ballistic, but it's just a type of anemia that is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12.  Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of red blood cells and for stabilizing the central nervous system.  Unique B12 is an American made sublingual B12 supplement that many have found helpful. Hemo-Chelate-Iron is another very good supplement you can take that provides essential nutrients and iron. 

Natural Allergy Remedies - There is Hope!

Dealing with Allergies

When I was young, I suffered from all kinds of allergies.  They were mostly seasonal allergies while a few were reactions to certain foods.  My mother would tap me on the head and assure me that my allergies would disappear as soon as the weather got better or when my stomach had recovered from the ingested food.  She didn't give me any medication for my allergies because her own mother – my grandmother – told her that there was no need to treat allergies.  "Leave them be.  They'll just go away on their own," she used to say.

Grandma was right.  They do go away eventually.  I went through life tolerating my allergies and in a way, I'm grateful that I wasn't fed any syrup or decongestant or given tablets and capsules to get rid of them.

Ever since I can remember, I was always wary about taking medication – over-the-counter or prescription allergy medication.  I'd rather live with my allergy than take drugs to cover up the symptoms.  I'm sure grandma would be proud of me if she were still living today.

The Cleveland Clinic classifies allergies into major types:  environmental, drug, and food, including pediatric allergies.  It defines an allergy as the immune system's incorrect reaction to a foreign substance.  The immune system reacts to a foreign body as though it was harmful.  

Allergens are substances that trigger allergies.  Your allergy may be different to the allergy of your co-worker down the corridor. If you have food allergies and you're not sure if the foods you buy contain allergens, you'll be happy to know that the US Food and Drug Administration now require food manufacturers to include the eight (8) top allergens in their labels if they are included in manufacturing the product.  (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-allergies/AA00057).

These eight allergens have to be listed on the label:

• Milk

• Eggs 

• Peanuts 

• Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts) 

• Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder) 

• Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp) 

• Soy 

• Wheat

Be careful though:  if the label says "non-dairy", it doesn't mean that the product is completely dairy-free.  A milk derivative (like casein) could be present.

If you're looking for natural remedies to relieve allergies, I would give the following products a try:

• Aller-sine Allergy Remedy by Vaxa – a product that is made in the USA and helps relieve runny nose, watery eyes and minimizes reactions to pollen, mold and animal dander. Contains no medication.
• Vaxa Sinus Formula – helps individuals deal with their chronic sinus infections
• Ceramic Neti Sinus Pot – the all-natural product for your nasal cleansing/irrigation needs.

You don't have to take allergy medication to get relief. I would try the Neti Sinus Pot first to try and eliminate with a natural salt solution the allergens that may be in your nasal passages. If you need additional help, you can try the Sinus Formula or Aller-Sine allergy remedy.

Good luck.

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER - Natural Remedy for ADD

In the last few years, we have spoken with many parents who state that they feel helpless about their children who are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD).  Their specific complaints: 

(a) Doctors are quick to prescribe medication that produce side effects

(b)The lack of information about natural treatments for ADD 

Parents tell us, "Why should I start my 12-year old on medicines that I'm not sure are safe or will bring about complications? It raises my antennas when we're pumping young bodies with medicines containing strong chemicals.”

It's intuitve to be cautious about giving children ADD/ADHD medication, some of which have caused controversy among medical circles.

ADD is attracting a lot of attention (no pun intended) because studies show that it is behind poor academic performance, rebellious behaviour and anti-social qualities.  Over 1.6 million suffer from this mental disorder according to the American Psychiatric Association.  Five percent of American children are diagnosed with ADD; that represents about two million American children.   

How do you know if your child has ADD?  If your child exhibits these symptoms, have your doctor examine him or her:  your child cannot focus on his school work or on simple tasks, is nervous and anxious (your child can't sit still and wanders around frequently), talks excessively, tends to lose or misplace things.  Some children with ADD also interrupt people who are talking and have no sense of organization.  

Ask your doctor about natural remedies that can either replace prescriped meds or be taken as complementary homeopathic treatment.  Your doctor is the best person to advise you.

We recommend Attend by Vaxa to those with ADD or have children with attention deficit disorder. It contains essential nutrients that promote brain health by reinforcing neurotransmitters and a person's memory functions.  For more information, go to:  ADD/ADHD Alternative Treatment.

Chemical Free- No Parabens, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Earth Day has been a time for many to reflect on how we can all help the planet and ourselves at the same time. Now is the best time to consciously shop with your health and the environment in mind. With so many amazing chemical free products available, it has never been easier. Even Oprah is now exposing the harm that chemicals can cause to our body and our planet.

What is Chemical Free and Why is it So Important?
Basically, if you think you need a PhD in biochemistry to read the label, don't buy it. Sadly, most products on the store shelves contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, Diethanolamine (DEA), fragrances and other synthetic chemicals. Most of these are hormone interrupters and are potentially cancer causing.

What are the Alternatives to Products with Chemicals?
The good news is that now many amazing natural cleaning products, natural shampoo and even natural skin cream is available at reasonable prices. Many of these natural health and beauty products are even organic.

Fundamental Face Cream is a wonderful line of natural, organic products that uses shea butter as a main ingredient in many of their products. Shea butter closely matches the bodies own moisturizers and is a wonderful ingredient. 

Vermont Soap Organics is another fantastic line of natural, chemical free products. Some of their best sellers include foaming hand soap, veggie wash and bath and shower gel.

We must do what we can each and every day, in our small way. Use rags instead of paper towels, take reusable shopping bags to the grocery store, carpool and turn off the lights when you are not using them. Every little thing helps our planet.

At EarthTurns.com we buy 'carbon credits' that offset our carbon footprint by purchasing trees that help remove carbon dioxide from our air. We don't package with plastic, and we use as little packaging material as possible.

We welcome your comments on how you do your part to help the planet and live a chemical free life!