Kosher Vitamins Blog

Skip the Sugar - Start A Vitamin!

2010-05-10T09:00:00.003-04:00

The health world always provides new studies that confirm what is good and bad for us. One of the newest shows that people who include added sweeteners in their diet have higher levels of triglycerides, a kind of fat, than people who don’t. Subjects were also tested for cholesterol, which breaks down into two kinds – good, or HDL, and bad, LDL. HDL comes from lipoproteins, which are a combination of fat and protein, and help to transmit healthy fats to other parts of the body.

Those who eat a lot of added sugar have low good cholesterol and high triglycerides, a bad sign.
Most subjects consumed more than 15% of their calories from these added sugars. Soft drinks are the way most Americans consume added sugars. These empty sugars can stay in the body if they aren’t used, and quickly can become fat.

If you want to be healthier, cutting down on added sugar is a great idea, but you can take other dietary measures also. Kosher supplements, like maxi health vitamins or bluebonnet vitamins are a great way to get all of your necessary vitamins and minerals.

So if you want to look good and feel better, cut down on the refined sugars, and start taking kosher supplements today.

Being Overweight Can Be Healthy

2010-05-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

A new study shows that carrying a little extra weight can prevent against osteoporosis and make you look younger. It doesn’t affect your risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer since it is usually just subcutaneous fat. That means that it doesn’t affect your organs or cause a potbelly, factors that can greatly increase risk of heart disease and diabetes, but it resides in the hips, thighs, and glutes.

One study showed that slightly overweight people in their 70’s were more likely to live ten years than “normal” weight or obese people. Having extra fat in your face can relieve the sagging of age and provide more volume, making you look younger.

Being slightly overweight doesn’t mean that you can’t be healthy. It just demonstrates that there are different body types that don’t necessarily equate health with skinny. To stay healthy, take kosher supplements like kosher fish oil or solgar vitamins, in order to give your body the natural vitamins and minerals it needs.

Determining you body mass index can help you figure out your natural weight. Clicking here will tell you whether you can stand to put on a few pounds or move out of the obese range. Buy some kosher vitamins for the latter and kosher fish oil for the former.

5 Kosher Supplements You Should Be Taking

2010-04-26T09:00:00.003-04:00

Vitamin D: Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to health issues ranging from osteoporosis, diabetes, breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Most people get Vitamin D from the sunlight, but if you’re living in a habitually gray area, you will need to stock up on your vitamin D to feel your best.

Fish oils: Fish oil supplements are a great way to protect your body from strokes and heart attacks. And they work wonders for your skin, hair and nails. The Omega-3 is great for you, so if you don’t like fish, take the supplements as an alternative.

Selenium: Selenium is an essential mineral that most people are lacking in their daily intake. Particularly beneficial for males, selenium is said to increase sperm count and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Folic acid: Folic acid is incredibly important in the regulation of many essential body processes. Some of these processes include cell maintenance and repair, synthesis of DNA, amino acid metabolism and formation of white and red blood cells.

Multivitamins: Multivitamins are fail-safe ways to ensure your body is getting an adequate amount of the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs to function at its best. The health benefits of multivitamins are limitless and there are some that are specifically designed for men, women, kid, pregnant women, and more.

To stock up on the kosher supplements you need, visit www.koshervitamins.com!

Enjoy Spring with Kosher Supplements and Fruit Smoothies

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Spring for me spells long bike rides, lazy Sunday afternoon walks in the park, pottering around in the garden, enjoying Sangrias in the evening with friends – and plenty of seasonal fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi fruit, bananas, mangoes, passion fruit, blackberries, oranges, and papaya. And the best way to enjoy fresh fruit, in my opinion, is in the form of a smoothie with some Kosher supplements added.

To make a smoothie, you’ll need a blender, your favorite fresh fruits (frozen fruits work well, too), and a liquid base. Try experimenting with one or more of the following bases: water, milk, fresh goat’s milk, whole soy milk, yogurt, ice cream, frozen yogurt, nut or seed milk, fruit or vegetable juice, or green tea.

Next, add some flavorings to give your smoothie that extra kick. Sweeten up your drink with raw honey, brown sugar, dates, sultanas, fruit juice concentrate, maple syrup, golden syrup, molasses, or a dash of vanilla. Also try ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, coffee powder, or a little grated ginger to enrich your smoothie with a little spice and antioxidants.

You can get really creative by packing your smoothies with added fiber, carbohydrates and healthy monounsaturated fats like oats, peanut butter, wheat bran, brown rice, tofu, sesame seeds, and nuts.

And finally, I like to add powdered Kosher supplements and Maxi health vitamins to make my smoothies really healthful. Depending on your health needs, you may like to try Acidophilus, Calcium powder, Protein powder, Vitamin C power, Chlorella powder, Chlorophyll powder, Lecithin granules, or Spirulina powder.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your blender today and feel energized with a vitamin-infused smoothie!

Avoid the Caffeine Crash

2010-04-14T10:58:00.000-04:00

Avoid the Caffeine Crash

6 foods that will give you energy throughout the day
by Kathleen Finn

If coffee is a part of your morning routine, then the crash that follows the caffeine high is also part of your day. You can adeptly sidestep the energy dive by stocking your body’s energy reserves with a snack packed with fiber, complex carbohydrates, and lean, vegetable-based proteins. Stick to whole foods over processed, low-sugar over high, and healthy fats in place of trans fats, to sustain energy levels and help you stay alert.

Plan it and pack it
Make it easy on yourself to stay energized and healthy. Whether heading to the office or running to and fro at home, try putting together one of the following nutrient-dense snacks the night before or in the morning to tide you over:

1. Plain, low-fat yogurt
Sprinkle with dried fruit such as chopped papaya, pineapple, or mango or portable fresh fruit such as an apple or banana. Add flaxseeds for an additional shot of fiber and essential fatty acids.

2. Single-serving cheese
Think beyond your kid’s string cheese to Muenster, sharp cheddar, or Monterey jack. Pair with a handful of whole-grain crackers or a whole-wheat tortilla.

3. Trail mix
Mix dried fruit—banana chips, apple rings, cherries, cranberries, or traditional raisins—with nuts such as walnuts, cashews, almonds, and a handful of seeds including pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower. Add a multigrain, high-fiber cereal and you have a “go-anywhere” trail mix that's high in fiber, protein, and iron.

4. Cooked soybeans (edemame)
Add a packet of instant, low-salt miso soup and you have a generous shot of soy protein and healthy, monounsaturated fats.

5. Protein dips
Black and white bean dips, or others such as hummus (chickpea spread), pair well with carrots or broccoli florets, tortilla chips, or whole-wheat pretzels for a protein punch.

6. Nut butter spreads
Almond, cashew, or peanut butter spread on fresh apples or firm pear slices combine fat, protein, and complex carbohydrates for an unbeatable trio. For a heftier snack, smooth nut butters on one-half of a whole-grain bagel or slice of bread.

Don’t stop there
Expand your snack food repertoire to include grains from across the spectrum. Experiment with millet, wild rice, quinoa, barley, rye, or spelt. Do the same with vegetables and fruits, and try a new piece of produce every week for variety and nutritional complexity.

Your diet can’t do it alone. Make your wholesome eating habits part of a healthy routine that includes eight hours of sleep per night, daily aerobic exercise, and moderate (if any) alcohol. If you crave caffeine, try less fermented teas such as green teas, which have less caffeine and, therefore, less crash.

Kathleen Finn is a freelance writer and marketing consultant in the natural health industry who loves to boost her energy supplies with nut butter on toast.

If you need to stock up on kosher supplements or Maxi Health vitamins be sure to visit www.koshervitamins.com

Catnip is For Humans Too!

2010-04-12T09:07:00.000-04:00

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is also known as catmint, catswort, and field balm. It is believed to have originated in Europe but today grows frequently in the Northern Hemisphere. The plants have fuzzy greenish gray leaves and small white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers, leaves and stem are cut when it’s in full bloom and then dried for herbal preparations.

When taken orally, catnip works as a sedative for humans—and sometimes does the same for cats!

In humans, it is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. It contains nepetalacone, which is the key to it’s sedative properties. It has also been used to reduce the onset of migraine headaches. In addition, it has been used to relive stomach issues like colic, cramps, gas and indigestion. When used topically, it can be used as a treatment to reduce swelling in arthritis, hemorrhoids, and soft tissue injuries.

If you’d like to try the calming effects of Catnip, or need to stock up on other kosher supplements or maxi health vitamins, be sure to visit koshervitamins.com!

Omega-3 and Kosher Fish Oil

2010-04-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Fish is an incredibly nutritious food. The benefits of consuming a fish, which is dense in Omega-3, can be seem in numerous ways. In the early 1980s, researchers found that Inuit had low rates of heart disease, despite their high-fat diets of rich fish. It turned out that the Omega-3 fatty acids in the fish was actually beneficial to the heart and the rest of the body.

If you aren't familiar, Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid which means our body can’t produce it on its own and needs outside help.Unfortunately, not everyone likes fish and would rather go without eating these Omega-3 rich foods, than get vital building blocks for their body. If this is the case for you or someone you know, kosher fish oil supplements are a great way to still get those essential fatty acids, without having to ingest your least favorite food.

There is a multitude of benefits to the Omega-3 found in fish and kosher fish oil supplements. Omega-3 lowers triglyceride levels, improves concentration and memory, promotes healthy hair and nail growth, can help improve symptoms of depression, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, reduces the risk of strokes, and promotes the growth of muscles and the burning of fat.

So stock up on kosher supplements, like Kosher fish oil, and feel the benefits!

Calcium: Building Block of the Body

2010-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

This mineral, number 20 on the periodic table, (Ca) is essential to bone growth and development and is the most abundant mineral in the body. Although calcium also functions to contract muscles and dilate and contract blood vessels, its most prominent function is to maintain the structure of teeth and bones. Bones constantly undergo deformation and reformation, the balance of which changes according to how we age. For children, reformation occurs more frequently than deformation but in older folks, it is the other way around, which is why osteoporosis is more common for seniors than it is for middle aged adults.

From late childhood on, about 1000mg of calcium are recommended daily. Dairy products are especially high in calcium, as are sardines, broccoli, and kale. If you are lactose intolerant, however, it can be especially difficult to get your daily dose of calcium. Even if you aren’t it still might be beneficial to your diet to consume kosher supplements, which are rife with essential vitamins and minerals. Kosher supplements are a great way to get calcium and other vitamins which can help you feel and be healthier. So shop for Maxi Health vitamins and Bluebonnet vitamins on www.KosherVitamins.com!

Kids Kosher Supplements

2010-03-15T09:39:00.000-04:00

For children, it’s especially important to have a well balanced diet to promote growth and well being. But for moms with finicky eaters, that can be difficult. That’s why taking kosher supplements can be so beneficial for young kids. They are sweet and tasty and have essential vitamins and minerals.

Calcium is important for strong bones, nerves and muscles. Zinc is good for the immune system, and vitamins like A, B, C, D and E are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, which many kids snub. Vitamin C is essential for the immune system and brain functions and holds together our skin under the surface. B Vitamins (see below) are crucial for metabolizing carbohydrates, and the refined sugars and starches that kids are so fond of deplete B vitamins. Omega 3 fatty acids are also crucial to brain development, and are found in fatty ocean fishes, which many kids don’t choose to eat. Kosher fish oil is a good alternative.

So if your child has dietary problems, it’s a good idea to try kosher supplements. There are tasty flavors like fruit punch and cherry and they come in tablets and liquid form. www.KosherVitamins.com has tons of tasty kosher supplements that your child will love.

There are so many kinds of sugar. I've heard that none of them is very good for you, so what are they all for?

2010-03-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

There are so many kinds of sugar. I've heard that none of them is very good for you, so what are they all for?

I’m not a nutritionist, but what you’ve heard is pretty much correct: sugar, for the most part, is sugar, though refined sugars are metabolized by the body more quickly than starch. (Therefore refined sugars tend to disrupt body chemistry more than starch does.)

While you might want to sometimes try satisfying your sweet tooth with fruit, when something sugary is the only thing that will do, here are a selection of sugar varieties for you to try:

Brown sugar—both light and dark—has a molasses-like flavor and aroma. Both types are typically used in baking in the same measurements as regular sugar. They’re also great for sprinkling on hot cereals.

Turbinado sugar, sometimes called raw sugar, is used predominantly in baking though it’s become popular in a lot of coffee shops as well. Its larger crystals are somewhat less processed than refined white sugar, but its effects on the blood sugar are the same.

Brown rice syrup is a mild, minimally refined sweetener. Substitute it one to one for sugar, but reduce the total amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup per cup of brown rice syrup used.

Honey is one of the least-refined sweeteners, but, like other sugars, it raises the blood sugar quickly and should be used in moderation. Always look for raw honey, which has its natural nutrients and enzymes intact. (Caution: Do not give honey to babies under 12 months of age because it may contain Clostridium botulinium spores that can cause botulism in an immature immune system; they are harmless after the first year of age.)

There is one natural sugar alternative that is gaining popularity: Kosher Stevia root, which is available in packets or liquid extract. Though very sweet, it isn’t a sugar, so it doesn’t affect blood sugar the way sugar does. It doesn’t taste exactly like sugar, but its fruity taste works well in teas and baked goods.

Chef Steve Petusevsky, a graduate and former instructor of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, is a nationally syndicated columnist whose writing appears in Natural Health, Fine Cooking, the Los Angeles Times, Food & Wine, and the Chicago Tribune.

Don't Worry, 'B' Happy!

2010-03-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you’ve been feeling a little down in the dumps lately, it might be because of vitamins, or a lack thereof – specifically B Vitamins. These vitamins help to keep you happy and promote cellular growth and regeneration.

Here’s a quick list to refresh your memory if you’ve forgotten which B Vitamin is which:
• Vitamin B1 –thiamine
• Vitamin B2 –riboflavin
• Vitamin B3 –niacin
• Vitamin B7 –biotin
• Vitamin B9 –folic acid
These are some of the more common B Vitamins which if you don’t ingest either in food or kosher supplement form, can cause problems in the body. These vitamins improve the health of the skin, eyes, hair, liver, muscles and facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates into energy.

These vitamins are found in a variety of foods such as bananas, meats, rice and countless vegetables. As long as you eat a balanced diet, you shouldn’t worry about getting your B vitamins, but if you feel like your diet has recently been poor and you can feel the difference, getting a kosher supplement might make up for it. So feel better by living healthier, and whether it’s through what you eat, or the vitamins you take, start being happier today!

Exotic Fruits and Berries Boast Big Antioxidants

2010-03-03T18:47:00.000-05:00

Exotic Fruits and Berries.

Healthnotes Newswire (February 25, 2010)—From South America to Malaysia, from Hawaii to China, fruits, berries, and their juices are being hailed as the new superfoods. Boasting high amounts of antioxidants and other vital nutrients, these superfoods can play a supporting role in a healthy diet. They are widely available as antioxidant juices, supplements, or added ingredients in smoothies, recipes, and other premade products.

Rush of antioxidants

Antioxidants are the body’s armed forces, working to prevent free-radical damage to the body’s cells, which is associated with premature aging and disease.

• Pomegranate: Ruby-red pomegranate is an antioxidant superstar. The distinctive sweet-tart flavor of the seeds and juice adds flare to food and drink. Native to Iran and the northern Himalayas in India, the pomegranate today is grown in California and Arizona.

• Açaí: Another rich antioxidant source with a notable taste, açaí is a cross between dark chocolate and berries. Derived from Amazon palmberries, its rich purple pigment denotes a high antioxidant level. According to the manufacturers, açaí is also high in amino acids and fatty acids, which help to keep cell membranes supple. You’ll find açaí in smoothies, juices, teas, and powders.

Exotic fruits for vitality

A host of other fruits from around the world show promise for their health-promoting properties, though research is needed to confirm their benefits:

• Goji: The berries and juice of the goji fruit hold its nutritional treasures. From the Ningxia province of China, goji, a fruit of an evergreen shrub, was traditionally regarded as a longevity-promoting and strength-building tonic. Goji is high in antioxidants and amino acids, according to the manufacturers.

• Mangosteen: The juice of the native Malaysian mangosteen Garcinia mangostanas contains a class of antioxidants called xanthones, which hold promise for their disease-fighting properties.

• Noni: Noni, or the morinda tree, is found in the Polynesian Islands and Hawaii. The fruit and its juice are used traditionally as a laxative and topically for skin ailments. Today noni producers tout it for its ability to aid a wide variety of conditions from improving asthma to assisting in weight loss.

• Maqui: According to the manufacturers of the maqui products, this Chilean berry has the highest known antioxidant content of any fruit and has been traditionally used by Mapuche Indians for supporting stamina, increasing strength, and promoting healthy immune response.

Keep it real

When trying new products—especially those that make big promises—do your research and consult your healthcare practitioner so you can make informed choices. Remember that moderation and variation are the keys to health, and a wide variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts and other protein sources, will work together to promote health and vigor.

Kathleen Finn is a writer and marketing consultant for The Natural Word. She specializes in natural health, food, and fitness material, and has worked on staff at Delicious! Magazine and written for Yoga Journal, Spa Magazine, Natural Foods Merchandiser, and Nutrition Science News. She holds a master's degree in Journalism from University of Colorado in Boulder.

Losing Weight and Feeling Good With Kosher Vitamins

2010-02-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

If you really want to lose weight you probably already know the basics: eat right and exercise. But did you know that taking a multivitamin also helps?

That’s right. When you don’t get all the necessary vitamins, your body will make you hungry to try to obtain those essential nutrients. When taking a multivitamin, your body is satiated with the nutrients it needs, and while this doesn’t mean that you should eat less, it does mean that you will be less hungry. Kosher vitamins are really helpful if you want to lose weight but aren’t getting the results you want.

Not only that, but taking a multivitamin will help you feel better. During the winter, when you may not be getting the sunlight you need, a multivitamin gives you that necessary Vitamin D, a vitamin many Americans are greatly deficient in. There are many other vitamins that are beneficial that you may not realize you don’t consume. Taking a multivitamin as a dietary kosher supplement is a great way to ensure prime physical well being.

So visit www.KosherVitamins.com today to start feeling better – whether you want to lose weight, shape your diet, or just be happier, a multivitamin will help you achieve your goal!

Sporting Fun with Kosher Vitamins: Tips for Healthy Living

2010-02-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

I’m a big fan of Kosher vitamins, and I take Vitamin C tablets every day to keep my immune system strong and able to ward off coughs and colds. I also take kosher Vitamin A tablets, which help control my acne, and plenty of kosher Vitamin D during the long winter when there’s more snow, cloud and rain than sun. I’m a big believer in combining vitamins and supplements with exercise – preferably in the form of team sports.

I’ve played badminton since I was a child, and while my friends have the perception that the sport doesn’t offer much of a workout (because their way of playing badminton is to not run for the shuttlecock when it’s a little out of reach), I always leave the court hot and sweaty.

Quick feet are needed to be a good badminton player: you have to be able to race from the back of the court to the front of the court to hit that shuttlecock that’s dropping sneakily over the net.

And that's not all! I run for 45 minutes each night to give me the endurance and stamina to get through a long match, and do sprints to make sure I have the aerobic energy that’s needed to get through those fast rallies where you can’t miss a beat.

I also lift weights to build up the strength in my arms; strong biceps are a must for those all-important overhead smashes. Smashes have got to be powerful so you can drive the shuttlecock into the court and win the point.

Badminton is a fun way to keep fit – and best of all, because it’s an indoor sport, I can play it through those long and gloomy winter months. So give it a try! Take plenty of kosher supplements and kosher vitamins and go out there and play! Now that's healthy living.

The Virtues of Fish and Kosher Vitamins

2010-02-19T12:49:00.001-05:00

Fish has many virtues. It tastes great, is versatile, and best of all, it’s high in Omega 3 fatty acids. Scientific studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids, which are naturally found in fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies and sardines, as well as flaxseed and some nuts, have a whole host of health benefits.

An intake of Omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and pain and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke, and breast, colon and prostate cancer. Fish oil can also give you better brain function and help improve your memory, and make you feel happier: studies have shown that fish oil fatty acids can help reduce depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

There are loads of Kosher vitamins you can take to make sure you get your share of fatty acids and essential oils. Many chewable varieties are available, and these usually have fruity or lemony flavors.

If you’re not keen on taking Kosher supplements, enjoy the health benefits of fish the old-fashioned way: by eating it. Try pan-frying some salmon in an Asian-style soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic and sesame seed marinade. Or for something refreshing and zesty—and completely healthy—bake some mackerel with tomatoes, basil leaves and lemon juice.

Pomegranate: A Healthy New Twist for Old Favorites

2009-11-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

Pomegranate: A Healthy New Twist for Old Favorites
By Mary Duffy

Healthnotes Newswire (November 12, 2009)—The rich ruby pomegranate has been featured in art, literature, and mythology for centuries. Today, the versatility of this flavorful fruit is inspiring chefs, from the family kitchen to four-star restaurants.

Dress up any dish

Each pomegranate contains hundreds of tiny seeds encased in juice-rich ruby pulp. Devin Alexander, a chef and author of The Most Decadent Diet Ever, suggests adding seeds to a salad and using the juice to make salad dressing. “The seeds are also great to add natural sweetness to black rice and whole grain pilaf dishes,” she notes.

The pomegranate’s sweet-tart taste, deep red color, and many little seeds can add flavor, beauty, and crunch to a wide variety of dishes. Sprinkle seeds into soup or add to baked goods. For a fresh twist to an old standby, add a tablespoon of the juice and three tablespoons of seeds to guacamole. Or try Alexander’s favorite use of the fruit, a variation on the traditional Purple Cow ice cream soda. “I love making Pomegranate Cows. I use pomegranate juice and vanilla frozen yogurt instead of grape juice and ice cream for a much healthier treat.”

Why pick pomegranate?

You’d be hard pressed to find a healthier treat than the pomegranate. It’s filled with nutrients and loaded with antioxidants. Research indicates that it can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, prevent the cartilage damage that leads to osteoarthritis, slow progression of prostate cancer, and protect the arteries from plaque buildup. So isn’t it time to try this superfood?

Picking and prepping

Look for fruit that is heavy for its size (and therefore juice-filled) and has bright, unblemished skin. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, pomegranates will keep for up to two months. Loose seeds can be refrigerated for up to three days, or frozen in single layers on trays and in airtight containers for up to six months. Juice can be refrigerated for up to three days, or frozen for up to six months.

To prepare the fruit fresh: Cut the crown end off the pomegranate, and then.....

To read full article on Pomegranate click here

Natural Cold and Flu Remedies: Do They Help?

2009-11-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

Natural Cold and Flu Remedies: Do They Help?

With the increased attention on the cold-and-flu season this year has predictably come stronger claims on both ends of the treatment spectrum: from those who cling fervently to favorite remedies that may or may not be supported by research, to conservative practitioners who dismiss anything but flu shots and decongestants as a waste of time and money.

As might be expected, for many people the answer lies somewhere in between: There is simply too much research to completely dismiss some traditional remedies, but not enough to call any one treatment an actual “cure.” While it is common to have studies with differing results, it is important to look at both the study details and the entire body of research to really understand what they are telling us. Keep in mind too that sometimes “a lack of evidence” means that a treatment has simply not been studied, but traditional use may in some cases suggest benefit.

Though most of these much-talked-about remedies below have had their share of research demonstrating both sides of the issue, they ultimately remain well supported as steps to shorten the life of a cold or flu and may help you get back on your feet.

1. Boost immunity with supportive supplements

While evidence on the effectiveness for preventing infections is mixed, immune-boosting supplements may help strengthen your body’s defense system. A short list includes:

• Vitamin C—Studies have shown a higher-than-normal dose of 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day may make your cold shorter and milder. (These amounts are tolerated by most people but may cause diarrhea in others, so pay attention to how your body reacts.)

• Echinacea—At the onset of a cold or flu, 3 to 4 ml of echinacea in a liquid preparation or 300 mg of a powdered form in capsule or tablet can be taken every two hours for the first day of illness, then three times per day for a total of seven to ten days. Though inconclusive, some studies have shown it may shorten the duration of a cold in adults. It has not been shown to be effective for children.

• Zinc lozenges—Lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate, providing 13 to 25 mg every two hours, may help slow the cold virus and shorten the illness. (Avoid zinc sprays, however, as recent reports confirm that they may sometimes seriously damage sense of smell.)

For more on Natural Cold and Flu Remedies click here.

Taming Fear of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine

2009-11-11T11:10:00.000-05:00

Taming Fear of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine.
Research has not clearly demonstrated how successfully flu vaccines protect against the flu, but, relying on historical precedent, the healthcare community’s prevailing opinion is that certain groups should take the precaution. This year, the extra focus on the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus has made many people consider seeking the vaccine for themselves or an at-risk family member, but for some, concerns about H1N1 are outweighed by mistrust of a “new” vaccine.

Old news

In reality, H1N1 isn’t any newer than many previous seasonal flu vaccines. Over time, the influenza virus evolves and sometimes it changes enough that a “new” vaccine must be developed. But the H1N1 vaccine mostly contains the same materials found in related flu serums—with an added particle from the newly evolved virus. The new H1N1 particle stimulates the immune system, which is what is needed to create immunity against the virus.

While it is impossible to predict how all people may react to the new portion of the serum, this type of adjustment has historical precedence, and the calculated risk appears very low, and is so far supported by use. To date, 10,000 to 15,000 children and adults have been vaccinated with the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, without reports of serious side effects.

Not for everyone

While the H1N1 vaccine is considered safe for the healthy general public, just as with the seasonal flu vaccine, no vaccine is completely safe for every person.

Some people should be more cautious than others and talk with their doctor about their personal risks. For example, people with egg allergies should work with a doctor if they are considering the flu vaccine.

Similarly, not all forms of the vaccine are right for all people. For example, administering the vaccine by nasal spray (FluMist) is being more widely used, but should not be used by people with compromised immune systems or people around them, such as cancer patients in active treatment, people with HIV/AIDS, and those who spend time around infants less than 6 months old.

Safety statistics

So, while it’s reassuring that around 100 million people received the seasonal flu vaccine last year without safety problems, there are no guarantees that a rare, negative side effect won’t happen. Health experts estimate that approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1 million people vaccinated may experience serious reactions to any influenza vaccine.

The most important thing to remember is that the risk of negative side effects from vaccines is considered by most health experts to be much lower than the risks from the disease itself. Solid historical data indicates that serious health risks from vaccines appears to be very small, while there is a known risk of serious complications, and even death, from the flu—including the H1N1 strain.

Who and why

Given the low risk of vaccine reactions, getting the vaccine should be a particular priority for people who are at much higher risk of complications from the disease, namely:

• H1N1 is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and is proving to be much more dangerous to a woman and her unborn child than the vaccine. Currently, the death rate among pregnant women hospitalized with H1N1 flu is over 20%, while risk of complications from the vaccine is estimated to be around 1 to 2 in one million.

• People with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, or diseases requiring immunosuppressive medications should be vaccinated as early in the season as possible.

• Children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old with cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, type 1 diabetes, or significant lung disease resulting from premature birth should also be vaccinated as early as possible in the season.

Take-home message

Much like advocates of natural remedies sometimes rely on traditional use when there is a lack of controlled research, historical practice has led most health experts to concur that for the vast majority of people in the US, the vaccine will provide far more benefit than harm. If you have questions or concerns about whether you and your family should be vaccinated, talk to your doctor. Additional ways to help stay healthy during flu season include:

• Keeping your immune system in top shape by getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables everyday.

• Taking vitamin C (100 to 1,000 mg per day) and vitamin D (1,000 to 2,000 IU per day) supplements if your diet is low in these nutrients.

• Washing your hands frequently; avoiding touching your mouth, nose, and eyes; and staying home if you’re sick.

(National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/H1N1)
Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD, an author, speaker, and internationally recognized expert in chronic disease prevention, epidemiology, and nutrition, has taught medical, nursing, public health, and alternative medicine coursework. She has delivered over 150 invited lectures to health professionals and consumers and is the creator of a nutrition website acclaimed by The New York Times and Time magazine. Suzanne received her training in epidemiology and nutrition at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health at Ann Arbor.
Copyright © 2009 Aisle7

Study Shows Creatine Supplementation May Prevent Aging and Degeneration

2009-04-02T12:41:00.000-04:00

KosherVitamins.com is proud to bring to you Kosher Creatine.
The dietary supplement, creatine, has risen to prominence in recent decades largely because of its effectiveness in helping to increase muscular size and strength. But, while creatine is still widely though of as a mere “sports supplement,” this remarkable substance is slowly beginning to gain the respect it deserves as a remarkable anti–aging nutrient as well.

On a cellular level, high creatine stores allow for the rapid recycling of the universal energy molecule, adenosine triphosphate, or, ATP. More specifically, supplemental creatine is able to increase stores of a chemical called creatine phosphate, which donates phosphate and “recharges” ATP (which means that ATP doesn’t have to be produced again “from scratch”). But, while the mechanism by which creatine works may be simple, the repercussions of this single chemical reaction are nothing short of profound for our health and longevity.

Energy is Life

When it comes to maintaining the vitality of youth, all of us are only as good as the efficiency of energy production, or in other words, the functioning of our mitochondria. In fact, keeping these energy–producing cellular structures intact and free from harm (or, finding ways of replacing them if they do become damaged) is increasingly being seen as a fundamental goal of anti–aging science.

To make a long biochemical story short, the mitochondria in our cells are unique among cellular structures in that they contain their own DNA (as you may remember from high school biology class, the vast majority of what we consider “our” DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), though relatively simple relative to the complex nuclear DNA, is still remarkably important as it contains the blueprints which encode for the building of the energy “assembly line” known as the respiratory chain.

Note: The fact that “our” DNA in the nucleus of the cell, and the mitochondrial DNA appear to be of different evolutionary origin has led many scientists to believe that human mitochondria were once bacteria which have adapted over eons to become a normal part of our physiology.

Because it resides on the “front lines” of energy production within the mitochondria, mtDNA is quite susceptible to damage via reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are natural byproducts of energy metabolism. This means that, unlike the DNA which is protected within the cellular nucleus, mitochondrial DNA is relatively easily damaged, and nearly impossible to repair.

Scientists have begun to gather evidence that damage to mitochondrial DNA is likely to play a fundamental role in such things as neurodegeneration, skin aging (a.k.a. photoaging), muscle loss and cancer:

Study Link – Analysis of potential cancer biomarkers in mitochondrial DNA.

Study Link – Mitochondrial DNA mutations in human cancer.

Study Link – Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA deletion mutations in aged muscle fibers: evidence for a causal role in muscle fiber loss.

Study Link – Mitochondrial DNA mutations in disease, aging, and neurodegeneration.

So, even a brief look at the research makes it very clear that anti–aging science is in dire need of substances which can protect the mitochondria (and its DNA) from the relentless assault of reactive oxygen species.

Creatine Prevents Damage To Mitochondrial DNA

A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology shows that creatine may be just such a substance:

Study Link – Creatine supplementation normalizes mutagenesis of mitochondrial DNA as well as functional consequences.

The researches who conducted the above study tested the effects of in vitro creatine supplementation in ultraviolet A–treated fibroblast cells.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) is known to be the spectrum of ultraviolet light largely responsible for skin aging [and, although ultraviolet B (UVB) is commonly implicated, some research suggests a significant role for UVA in the development of skin cancers as well]. The researchers attempted to test the effects of creatine against physiologically–relevant levels of UVA as could be obtained from sunlight “during a regular summer holiday.”

Although such exposure to UVA was sufficient to cause functionally–relevant mtDNA mutations, these mutations were prevented in the presence of creatine.

The researchers reported:

Our data suggest that mtDNA mutations induced by sublethal repetitive UV–exposure of a magnitude acquirable during a regular summer holiday suffices to result in functionally relevant changes and that creatine supplementation of cells is able to normalize mtDNA mutagenesis and functional impairment.

Interestingly, the researchers noted that in this case, creatine didn’t confer its protective effect upon the mitochondria via scavenging ROS directly. That is to say that creatine didn’t exhibit a direct antioxidant effect per se. Rather, as the researchers hypothesized, the rapid recycling of ATP caused by the presence of creatine may have taken a metabolic “burden” off of the mitochondria.

In not having to produce ATP de novo (“from scratch,” so to speak), the mitochondria therefore don’t have to run the entire “assembly line” of energy production. The result is likely to be less reactive oxygen species generated from de novo ATP synthesis, and less overall free radical damage to the mitochondria.

Such cell–protective effects of creatine have already led to investigations of the nutrient’s role in muscular, cardiovascular, and neurological health; and if creatine can reduce cell damage caused by ultraviolet radiation as was shown in the above study, it appears we can add dermatological health to this list as well (it’s easy to imagine that we may see creatine–based skin care products hit the market before long).

Again, the take home message is clear: Creatine is far more than just a bodybuilding supplement. Creatine improves the efficiency of energy production at a fundamental level, and offers cellular protection to a wide range cells throughout the body. The implications of this may very well be a slowing of the aging process and an extension of lifespan for those who maximize their creatine levels.

Only time will tell.
KosherVitamins.com is proud to bring to you Kosher Creatine.

Get a Jumpstart on Your Hay Fever

2009-04-02T12:20:00.000-04:00

Want the most from medicines your doctor has recommended this allergy season? Then taking them at the right time is the best way to get rid of symptoms—but the right time may be earlier than you think.

Taking once-a-day antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays a week or so before spring and fall allergy seasons are set to start could put you ahead of the game, says Marjorie Slankard, professor of medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. For example, in many parts of the country, ragweed season starts in mid-August, so you’d want to start your medication around the second week. “Once you start taking antihistamines, there’s a maximum buildup by day five to seven,” says Dr. Slankard.

Take your allergy medicine every day

Keeping your dose of medicine constant will help relieve allergy symptoms, so be sure to take it every day.

• If your symptoms are worse in the morning, be sure to take the drug at night, recommends Dr. Slankard, as it will give the drug time to build up in your body and be effective when you most need it.

• Even though you can take allergy medicines at any time of day, taking them at bedtime is also a good idea if they cause sleepiness (ask your doctor or pharmacist if yours does).

Keep your medicine on hand

Be sure to renew and refill prescriptions on time so you always have your medicine when you need it.

• Think ahead when you’re planning vacations or business trips and have prescriptions renewed or refilled beforehand, or be sure to carry your prescription and insurance information with you.

• Ask your doctor and pharmacist the easiest way to renew and refill prescriptions, and mark your calendar.

Explore other symptom relief

Medicines are important allergy management tools, but keep these points in mind for more relief:

• Over-the-counter saline sprays may help relieve a stuffy nose, and saline rinses can help flush pollen and other allergens and soothe irritated nasal passages.

• Many people find relief using herbal remedies, such as nettle tea, and nutritional supplements such vitamin E.

• Sharing other people’s allergy relief products is never a good idea.

• Using air conditioning, instead of open windows, and using an air filter during allergy season can help keep pollen out.

• Showering before bed will allow you to sleep pollen-free.

Fran Kritz is a freelance writer from Silver Spring, Maryland. She tries to remember to take her allergy medicine before the sneezing starts.

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