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Could MSG Sensitivity Affect You?

May 21st, 2009 by Admin

The powerful link between food and mood can either
help or hurt our efforts to live a healthy, anxiety-free
life. Many anxiety sufferers have experienced first-hand
how ingredients like caffeine or aspartame (NutraSweet (R))
can trigger or worsen their physical symptoms.

MSG is another ingredient that may trigger symptoms in
some people. Most Americans consume MSG daily,
due to the fact that it is present in thousands of processed
foods.

What Is MSG?

MSG is shorthand for monosodium glutamate. It is a
manufactured flavor enhancer that is commonly added to
many of the foods Americans eat every day, such as
soups, processed meats, Asian cuisine, and frozen
dinners.

Glutamate is found in two forms. “Bound” glutamate is
linked to other amino acids, forming a protein molecule.
“Free” glutamate is not linked.

MSG is processed, “free” glutamate. MSG is created by
separating, or “freeing” bound glutamate from its links to
protein molecules. This manufactured separation process
adds an extra “punch” to the flavor of food.

MSG Sensitivity

When a person has an adverse reaction after recent ingestion
of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and/or any other ingredient
that contains processed, free glutamic acid, we call them
MSG-sensitive.

Note: The food industry uses the term “MSG” to refer to
monosodium glutamate only. In reality, consumers use the
term “MSG” when referring to any form of processed free
glutamic acid that causes adverse reactions.

Here are a few examples of adverse reactions that have
been reported after ingesting MSG. Keep in mind that
these are only a few examples, not a complete list
of the adverse reactions that have been reported.

– Anxiety
— Depression
— Migraine headaches
— Skin rash
— Mood swings
— Nausea
— Cramps
— Chest tension
— Dizziness
— Confusion
— Heart palpitations or rapid heart rate
— Flushing
— Burning sensations
— Sweating
— Numbness
— Excessive thirst
— Difficulty concentrating
— Lethargy or sleepiness
— Seizures
— Hyperactivity
— Swelling
— Changes in blood pressure

Do you experience any of these symptoms? If you notice that
symptoms are triggered or aggravated within an hour or two
after eating, then you may be MSG-sensitive.

Just as people have different symptoms to neurological drugs,
people seem to have different reactions to MSG. Some people
are affected by MSG and others are not. It’s unclear as to why
some people have adverse reactions and others do not.

MSG Symptom Complex

According to the FDA, two groups of people can experience
short-term reactions, which are referred to as MSG Symptom
Complex, as a result of ingesting MSG.

The first group of people are those that eat large does of MSG
(three grams or more), especially on an empty stomach. The
second group of people are those with severe or poorly
controlled asthma who consume MSG.

A few MSG Symptom Complex symptoms include nausea,
rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, chest pain, and difficulty
breathing.

The FDA states that a typical serving of food containing MSG
contains less than 0.5 grams of MSG. With that said, I know
from personal experience and by talking to others with MSG
sensitivity, in certain individuals even small amounts of
MSG can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Debate Over the Safety of MSG

In 1959, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified
MSG as a “generally recognized as safe” food ingredient
under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Hundreds
of scientific studies confirm the safety of MSG.

However, the use of MSG in food has remained controversial.
Several independent reports have questioned studies as
seriously flawed for a variety of reasons.

Here are a few of the reasons that bring some research
confirming the safety of MSG into question:

– Several pivotal MSG investigations used monkeys instead
of mice (mice more closely approximate human reactions);
— Placebos used included MSG-related products that could
make the placebo and non-placebo results indistinguishable;
— Studies included a narrow range of symptoms that participants
could select from when describing their reactions;
— People with MSG sensitivities were not accepted into study
participation.

Despite the FDA approval, many consumers remain skeptical
because several independent studies have shown adverse
reactions as a result of ingesting MSG.

Another concern is the fact that FDA approval is based on data
provided by studies that have been in some way financed by
groups with a vested interest in MSG’s success.

How Is MSG Different from the Glutamic Acid that Is
Present Naturally In our Bodies and Foods?

Glutamic acid, the main component of MSG, is one of the amino
acids that make up proteins. While some proponents of MSG imply
that it is naturally occurring glutamic acid, it is not. The MSG that
is found in processed foods is NOT identical to the glutamic acid
that is present in our bodies and foods naturally.

The difference is that the glutamate that occurs naturally in most
foods, such as meat, vegetables, and milk is “bound” to protein
and peptides. Because it is bound, it is not toxic.

MSG is created by “freeing” the glutamic acid from food, such
as corn and wheat through manufacturing processes. Manufactured
“free” glutamic acid is broken down rapidly in the body because it
lacks the links to other amino acids. The sudden increase in
glutamic acid can cause adverse reactions.

Naturally-occurring free glutamic acid present in some foods,
such as tomatoes and mushrooms, has not been shown to
cause adverse reactions. Only manufactured free glutamic
acid triggers symptoms.

Hidden Sources of MSG

Few people realize how prevalent MSG is. Fewer still realize that
there are many different names for processed free glutamic acid.
MSG is often combined with other substances and renamed, or
created by the manufacturing process.

These ingredients ALWAYS contain MSG:

– Monosodium glutamate

— Calcium caseinate
— Textured protein
— Monopotassium glutamate
— Glutamate

— Glutamic acid
— Gelatin
— Sodium caseinate

— Yeast nutrient
— Autolyzed yeast
— Hydrolyzed corn gluten

— Hydrolyzed soy protein
— Hydrolyzed wheat protein
— Hydrolyzed protein such as vegetable protein (the word
“hydrolyzed” on the label is a good tip-off)

If a product label says it contains some form of “hydrolyzed” protein,
it contains MSG.

These ingredients OFTEN contain MSG (or MSG is created during
processing):

– Maltodextrin
— Malt extract

— Carrageenan

— Soy protein isolate
— Natural pork flavoring
— Citric acid
— Malt flavoring

— Barley malt
— Soy sauce stock or soy sauce extract
— Soy protein or soy protein concentrate
— Bouillon and broth
— Natural chicken flavoring
— Natural beef flavoring
— Ultra-pasteurized

— Whey protein concentrate
— Pectin
— Protease
— Whey protein
— Whey protein isolate

— Protein fortified

Note: Even if a product label says “MSG free,” it may still contain
processed free glutamic acid concealed under one of its other
names. Read the label to be sure.

During a recent trip to the grocery store I found several items
containing MSG, including:

– Potato chips
— Soup
— Broth
— Infant formula
— Packaged stuffing
— Taco seasoning
— Packaged box dinners
— Salad dressing
— Soy sauce
— Frozen dinners
— Shampoo
— Cosmetics
— Canned vegetables
— Processed meats

That’s what I found in only ten minutes! Just think how many
items you’ll find on a more thorough check!

My Personal Experience with MSG

I first learned about MSG through my own adverse reactions
several years ago when I noticed that my anxiety symptoms
seemed to worsen soon after I ate certain types of foods.
To test this hypothesis, I kept a food diary for a few months
and tracked symptoms that occurred within two hours of
eating.

Much to my surprise, I found that MSG was present in most of
the foods that triggered my symptoms! I also noticed that my
body could handle a small amount of foods containing MSG
without symptoms, yet if I ate more than a small amount, my
body reached a trigger point and symptoms occurred.

Upon discovering this revelation, I decided to remove the
trigger foods containing MSG and tracked the results. I
quickly noticed a dramatic improvement in how I felt!

What You Can Do

Each person is unique. While many people experience adverse
reactions after ingesting MSG, you may not. The amount of
MSG you can eat without experiencing symptoms varies with
the individual too.

If you suspect you are sensitive to MSG, keep a food diary for
a few weeks. Track the foods you eat, note any symptoms that
occur within two hours of eating, and whether or not these foods
contain MSG. This process will help you determine if MSG may
be a factor in triggering or aggravating your symptoms.

Try removing foods containing MSG from your diet for a few
weeks and see how you feel. Print out this article and bring it
with you to the grocery store to help you recognize which foods
contain MSG.

I think many of you will find, as I did, that your symptoms
improve after reducing the amount of MSG in your diet.

Keep in mind that removing MSG from your diet is not a quick
fix or magic solution to overcoming anxiety. An anxiety disorder
is more than just physical symptoms. Anxiety-promoting thought
patterns and behaviors also play a key role.

However, you may find that reducing your consumption of MSG
reduces or eliminates many physical symptoms. When your
symptoms are reduced, it becomes easier to focus on changing
anxious thought patterns and behaviors — which are key to
overcoming an anxiety disorder.

Deanne Repich, founder and director of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc., is an internationally known anxiety educator, teacher, author, and former sufferer. Tens of thousands of anxiety sufferers have sought her expertise to help them reclaim their lives from anxiety, stress, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and social anxiety. She is the creator of the Conquer Anxiety Success Program, author of more than fifty articles, and publishes the Anxiety-Free Living printed Newsletter for anxiety sufferers. She has an a free e-book Anxiety Tips: Seven Keys to Overcoming Anxiety you can download immediately when you visit her website http://www.ConquerAnxiety.com.


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Fish: A Toxic Load

April 8th, 2009 by Admin

While our prior essays embrace the health benefits of fish, this writing may seem contradictory as this is a caution about the potential toxicity of fish. Namely, fish containing alarming and unsafe levels of mercury. As more and more of the fish population is tested, it is nothing short of alarming as researchers are finding fish carrying mercury levels that exceed what would be considered safe by the standards put forth by the World Health Organization. This is truly an emergency of monstrous proportions as mercury is a documented and dangerous neurotoxin. Mercury is especially dangerous to the delicate and developing nervous system of the innocent fetus. In fact, so dangerous that the FDA released a warning in 2004 cautioning expectant mothers to limit or cease consumption of canned tuna.

The United States alone is responsible for dumping an estimated 5 million pounds of mercury into the environment. This alarming figure does not take into account the millions of pounds dumped into our nation’s waters by other developed countries. This is a catastrophe of monstrous proportions. Most catastrophic due to the fact that this pollution and damage to the environment is irreversible. As published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2002, mercury, a potent neurotoxin can manifest symptoms in adults after acute exposure that include, demyelization of the nervous system, blurred vision and hearing problems.
Can you imagine what damage can occur to a developing fetus?

The Discovery Channel, during one of its shark specials aired January 2006, discussed in depth the mercury overload suffered by these feared and sorely misunderstood creatures. One of the major concerns was the absolute fact that cultures who enjoy as a regular part of their diet, dishes such as shark fin soup, also present with a higher than normal rate of neurological disorders. It seems that shark tissue is a favorite and potent storage haven for mercury. Neurodegenerative conditions that mirror cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurological issues.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has most definitely identified food containing mercury a health risk. The current recommendation is to keep whole blood levels of mercury less than 5.0 micrograms per liter. Ninety Five percent of the mercury ingested will be absorbed by the body as documented via laboratory testing. Mercury has an affinity for storage in the brain, kidneys and muscle tissue. And not surprising, of the people tested during a California study, those who ate the most fish as part of a healthy diet, also had the highest levels of mercury in their systems. A catch 22 it is.

Whatever your source for fish, ask if it is mercury free or mercury tested. You as a consumer deserve to know. Stay away from the larger fish species such as mackerel and tuna. Bigger fish have more time to mature and absorb toxins. Sardines are a safe bet when trying to get your heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. They are small and do not have the opportunity to absorb environmental toxins as their larger cousins do. Some may choose to supplement with fish oil and avoid the risk all together. Make certain your fish oil is molecularly distilled. This process will remove mercury and other contaminants.

Dr. Linda Posh MS SLP ND. “Doc Posh” brings a fresh perspective to natural health and nutrition. She packs a solid educational background with degrees in organic chemistry, psychology and a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Dr. sports a diverse work history including experience and expertise in acute care neurorehab services, special education, autism support services, spinal cord injuries, senior rehabilitation services and currently consults to both patients and colleagues in natural health. Recently, she has been in the laboratory, formulating revolutionary whole food nutritional supplements.

Nutra-Resources Liquid Vitamins Website donates all profits to providing free Health Care for those in need. Sign up for Doc Posh’s newsletter. Get the latest in health care discoveries, consumer deception and more. Visit http://www.Nutra-Resources.com for the finest in liquid vitamins.


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The Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

April 3rd, 2009 by Admin

Virgin coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) which has numerous health benefits. Here are some, based on several studies:

  • It has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties

    Virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is considered to be very helpful preventing infections caused by viruses, protozoa and bacteria. Lauric acid and its derivative monolaurin are both reckoned to be effective in destroying viruses such as HIV, herpes, influenza and cytomegalovirus.

  • It increases metabolic rate

    Virgin coconut oil stimulates metabolism and provides an immediate source of energy. When you add coconut oil into your diet, you burn off more calories because your metabolism increases. Hence, it’s always a great idea to integrate virgin coconut oil into your healthy weight-loss plan.

  • It’s healthy for your skin

    Applying virgin coconut oil to your skin shall help your skin soft and smooth. It is also believed to help prevent skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkling of your skin.

    Above are only a few examples of the benefits of virgin coconut oil. Studies have proven also that it’s a great cure for many diseases and an amazing solution for many health problems.

    If you want to discover more benefits of virgin coconut oil, I suggest you read the summary at: the Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil…and you’ll be amazed.

    F. Aziz is the owner of all-about-Virgin-Coconut-Oil.com, a site that provides many valuable informations around Virgin Coconut Oil, its definitions, derivations, benefits and uses in the form of articles, reports, recommended sources, books, products and others. Visit all-about-Virgin-Coconut-Oil.com and see whether this miracle oil could help you improve your health.


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    Liquid Vitamin Supplements – More Effective Than a Chewable?

    March 16th, 2009 by Admin

    Background on the History of Vitamin Supplementation in America

    Did you know that, on average, an estimated 40% of all Americans take a multi vitamin or vitamin supplement? And yet, what they don’t know is that more than 90% of their vitamin supplement’s nutrients are not adequately absorbed by the
    body, rendering them virtually useless, or at the very least, very watered down and ineffective for their intended therapeutic purpose. You’ll see why a liquid vitamin supplement is so much more effective than the ever so common chewable or ‘horse pill’ vitamin that so many Americans take, thinking they are really gaining a benefit.

    So, why are multivitamin supplements so popular in American society? Well, it is largely due to our generally fast paced lifestyles, which can make it difficult to ensure we consume all the proper vitamins and minerals in each meal. Hence, the booming market of multivitamin supplements and mineral supplements was born in an effort to improve our lives by feeding our bodies what they weren’t getting through our natural diet and food selections, and to compensate for high stress, high anxiety lifestyles.

    Why a Liquid Multi Vitamin vs. a Chewable?

    The primary reason that liquid vitamin supplements are dramatically more effective in the human body is that, due to their liquid nature, they are much more easily digested and more readily absorbed by the digestive tract, rather than passed through the body in hard pill form, undigested, and unused.

    Since the body needs to work less to break down the vitamins and minerals in a liquid form, it is much more quick to absorb and disperse the nutrients to the various areas and organs of the body via the blood stream, to be utilized and used by the organs that need them the most.

    In chewable or whole pill form, many times the majority of the nutrients are not even broken down in the digestive tract due to the “dense” nature of the vitamins and minerals, and they are therefore passed through the body at the most crucial moments of absorption where the body “snaps up” the nutrients it craves and needs to most, as undigested.

    The popularity of the liquid vitamin supplement has grown leaps and bounds in popularity precisely for this reason. The American public has been growing more and more tired of feeling run down, and they want a vitamin that is going to really work, and make them feel great. Liquid mutlivitamins are answering
    that demand – and they’re proving to be extremely effective in doing so!

    Visit Liquid Vitamin Supplement for information on a very effective liquid multivitamin created by a master herbalist with many years in the naturopathic and herbal field. Danna Schneider is the founder of Herbal Therapeutics Herbal Medicine and Supplements, which offers the latest articles, products, product reviews, and helpful lifestyle tips in herbal medicine and alternative healing.


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    Ginseng – The Perfect Body Tonic and Anti-Aging Supplement for All!

    March 9th, 2009 by Admin

    Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb, and it is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine – with a legendary reputation as an overall body tonic, rejuvenator and anti-aging supplement.

    If you have not used Ginseng then you should consider it as part of your overall health regime.

    Types of Ginseng

    The Chinese have used ginseng in medicine for more than 7000 years, and today it is one of the world’s most popular supplements.

    There are three main species of ginseng, Oriental, Siberian and American. All three forms share many common elements – there are however subtle differences between them:

    Oriental Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)

    Is grown in both China and Korea. Red panax, as grown by the Koreans is the most popular form of ginseng. It gets its name from the processing of the root, which turns it red.

    White Oriental ginseng on the other hand is the ginseng root, which has been allowed to dry naturally.

    American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium)

    Used to be plentiful in the United States however, excessive harvesting in recent years has seen it become scarcer. Today, only licensed ginseng harvesters are allowed to harvest wild ginseng.

    Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticocus)

    In fact, Siberian ginseng is not actually ginseng at all, but is a derivative of the Oriental species.

    It is a distant cousin to panax ginseng found in the Orient. While Siberian ginseng shares many of the same properties of the Oriental species, it is easier to cultivate and is generally cheaper.

    An Adaptogen

    Ginseng is an adaptogen, in that it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs. For example, it lowers high blood pressure, but raises low blood pressure.

    A Tonic

    It is used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system.

    Research has shown that Ginseng support the central nervous system, liver function, lung function and circulatory system.
    Ginseng therefore acts as a general tonic for the whole body.

    Sexual Health

    Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence for centuries.

    Ginseng is used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, as it increases estrogen levels in women.

    Prevention and Cure

    Oriental medicine sees ginseng as an essential element in a wide range of prescriptions, and regards it as both a preventative and a cure.

    It is said to remove both mental and body fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors, and reduce the effects of ageing.

    Ginseng is used for:

    Diabetes

    Radiation and chemotherapy protection

    Colds

    Chest problems

    A sleep aid

    Appetite stimulation

    Ginseng is prescribed to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities – which are impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.

    Active Ingredients

    Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6, and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defence system.

    The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called “ginsenosides.”
    These ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance, and counter the effects of stress.

    The glycosides seem likely to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.

    Ginseng and other Essential Herbs

    Ginseng works well by itself – but when combined with other herbs, further health benefits result.

    More health and wellness information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org


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    Discover Normal Testosterone Levels and Testosterone “Boosters”

    March 4th, 2009 by Admin

    A lower than normal testosterone level in a man can cause low energy levels, low sex drive, anger, irritability, sadness, nervousness and many other problems.

    A doctor can check testosterone levels with a simple blood test. Saliva self-tests are also available. There are many products that claim to boost testosterone levels. These are herbal supplements and vitamin products. Some have supporting clinical trials and research and some are folk remedies. Others contain other hormones or steroids.

    Two products were recently banned by the FDA, because they were found to contain anabolic steroids, which are controlled substances and cannot be sold without a prescription. Safety and quality assurance of “nutritional supplements,” including those that boost testosterone levels, is completely up to the manufacturer.

    The FDA hears about a product first when the manufacturer sends a copy of their disclaimer statement “these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease” and second when serious problems are reported by consumers.

    This leaves the consumer pretty much on his own when trying to maintain a normal testosterone level without using prescription products.

    Reputable manufactures are concerned about the quality of their products, not only because it is the “right” thing to do, but because they want to maintain their customer base. They want customers to be happy with the products they sell.

    When purchasing products to boost testosterone levels or to correct symptoms associated with a lower than normal testosterone level, select a reputable company that guarantees satisfaction and quality.

    Even if the listed ingredient is one that is known to be effective, some companies try to cut cost by using chemical additives. Pure all natural herbs are expensive, so cheap products often mean cheap ingredients.

    Two herbs to look for if you are interested in maintaining a normal testosterone level or if you are experiencing symptoms related to a low testosterone level are tribulus terrestris and eurycoma longifolia. These are known to boost testosterone levels naturally and are not known to cause any dangerous side effects.

    Tribulus terrestris was first used in China, India and Greece to treat many conditions including headache, nausea and sexual dysfunction. More recently it has been used by athletes to enhance performance and muscularity. It is believed to boost testosterone production by stimulating the body’s production of Luteinizing Hormone which, in turn, stimulates the body’s production of testosterone.

    Eurycoma longifolia, also known as Longjack and Tongkat Ali, was originally used in Asia to treat mental as well as physical fatigue. It is said to “support” the body’s natural production of testosterone and improve blood circulation.

    Maintaining a normal testosterone level is important to maintaining an overall sense of health and well-being. Choose products to boost testosterone levels carefully.

    Learn more about normal testosterone level and how to boost testosterone at http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com


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    Vitamin C Deficiency

    March 4th, 2009 by Admin

    Vitamin C is instrumental in the formation of a protein which gives structure to bones, cartilage muscle and blood vessels. It also aids in the absorption if iron. Scientific researches have shown that there are no known advantages in consuming excessive amounts of Vitamin C.

    Some of the more common signs of mild Vitamin C Deficiency include weakness, lassitude, swollen gums, nosebleeds and scurvy. Possible reasons which can result in this deficiency include inadequate diet, alcoholism and homelessness. There are some other risk factors which can ultimately result in Vitamin C Deficiency. Babies borne from women who take higher levels of Vitamin C during late pregnancy are two to three times more likely to develop wheezing when they reach two years of age.

    Researchers warn women against intake of Vitamin C supplements and try to maintain adequate levels through dietary controls. Another research study also shows that infants taking multivitamins were more vulnerable to asthma and food allergies. Iron deficiency anemia is caused from Vitamin C Deficiency. This results in reduced red blood cells from insufficient iron. Vitamin C Deficiency is also of the contributing factors for anemia. It is essentially a lack of red blood cells, which reduces the amount of oxygen content in the blood. Fatigue, weakness and pallor are some of the initial symptoms of a mild form of this disease. Acute forms of the disease, such as from blood loss, has more severe symptoms, such as dizziness and unconsciousness. Scurvy is another disease resulting from Vitamin C Deficiency. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, irritability, aches and pains, poor healing and bleeding symptoms. There are also indications of swollen purple spongy gums and/or bleeding gums.

    Maintaining a controlled diet with adequate Vitamin C content seems to be the most medically accepted way of avoiding any deficiency related diseases.

    Vitamin C provides detailed information about vitamin C, benefits of vitamin C, topical vitamin C, vitamin C creams and more. Vitamin C is the sister site of Frequent Sinus Infections.


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    7 Reasons Why You Need Supplements

    February 28th, 2009 by Admin

      1.Food irradiation: is a food processing technique to extend the shelf life of food by destruction of harmful microorganisms and delay of ripening. The food is exposed to ionizing energy and radiation. However, this process also eliminates the essential nutrients especially water soluble vitamins and antioxidants. Food irradiation is widely used in products like chicken, meats, and vegetables. This technique is approved and used in more than 40 countries world wide.

      2.Environmental Pollution: Everyday millions kilograms of chemicals are dumped into our environment. These wastes go to the air, water and food that we eat. For example, if you eat fish, you are quite likely to consume excessive mercury at the same time. Studies show that environmental pollution is the main cause for degenerative diseases. Thus, you need quality and potent health supplements to detoxify your body against the pollution and boost immune system.

      3.Soil depletion: Aggressive farming, acid rains, use or artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides have caused soil depletion. These activities deplete the essential nutrients in the soil. As a result, nutritional values of fruits and vegetables are greatly reduced. In fact, the vegetables you eat today taste bland due to lack minerals in the soil. According to a recent study sponsored by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), about 17% of land in the world has been damaged. However, soil remains is either slowly losing nutrients, or no longer contain the essential nutrients.

      4.Lifestyle: Depending on your lifestyle and behavior, you may need nutritional supplements. For example, smoking destroys certain vitamins. Both first hand and second hand smokers need to take extra antioxidants to protect the body against free radicals. Excessive alcohol consumption impairs the body’s ability to absorb many nutrients and inhibits the production of digestive enzymes. In the above mentioned situations, taking supplements is MUST to stay healthy. Other examples that require extra supplementation include: athletes, pregnant ladies, people who work in radioactive environment and those who work in physically demanding occupation.

      5.Stress: is not an unusual terms to many of us. Stress can deplete your energy, lead to acceleration of aging process and degenerative diseases. The symptoms of stress include fatigue, depression, panic, anxiety, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Fortunately, there are supplements that can work to effectively reduce the detrimental effects of stress, and also relief the symptoms of stress.

      6.Pesticides in foods: Pesticides are widely used in agricultural activities to control and destroy pests. Pesticides are poisonous and reside in our foods. According to a study by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the health benefits of fruits and vegetables are reduced by use of pesticides. When you eat foods that contain pesticides, they may cause health problems to immune system, nervous and hormonal system. Unfortunately, there is no way you can detect pesticides in foods.

      7.Food Processing: Most of the foods from supermarkets are processed. Processed foods are not fresh and contain fewer nutrients compare to fresh foods. For example, grain peels which contain natural fiber are removed in the processing stage. Processed foods also contain no live enzymes. Enzymes are necessary for digestion and metabolic function. Lack of enzymes can cause degenerative diseases. In addition, processed foods contain refined sugar, extra salt, unhealthy fat, and chemical additives. These substances may bring negative impacts to your body.

    Yi Lai is editor of All About Supplements : Info on choosing the most potent supplements for your health. Find out more about quality supplements at Choosing best vitamin supplements


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    The Fallacies About Vitamin Supplements – Are All Vitamins Good?

    February 12th, 2009 by Admin

    There are many fallacies about vitamin supplements, with many people believing that all supplements are beneficial to health, and that you simply can’t get too many vitamins. Some people think that vitamins are some sort of nutritional alternative, and can quite easily replace a good, healthy diet. However, all of these fallacies about vitamin supplements have to be taken with a pinch of salt, as although there is some truth to them, there are also reasons to be cautious. Ratings show that all types of vitamin supplement have become increasingly popular over the years, but it is important to know some of the facts in order to benefit fully from vitamin supplement intake.

    So, is there anything in these fallacies about vitamin supplements? Well, it’s true that vitamin supplements can promote good health, but this is through taking them responsibly and as directed rather than assuming that the more you take the better. You should never overdose on any supplement, as this could cause more damage than good. It is important to enjoy balance as well, which means that you should not go over the top with one particular supplement whilst possibly being deficient in another – a blend of vitamins is often a good idea.

    Looking At Quality – Another Important Factor

    Another important factor when it comes to vitamins is the quality of the supplement. Vitamins that are not up to quality standards and do not use high quality ingredients can cause more harm than good. Therefore, when looking for supplements to suit your needs and aid nutritional balance, look out for quality over cost. In addition, do not be tempted to use supplements as an alternative to a good diet.

    Adam Minsky runs http://www.nutritional-supplement-resources.com,
    where he reviews all the latest trends in vitamin and nutritional supplementation.
    If you want to keep up with the very latest information on Amino Acids and health food supplements generally then visiting this site is an absolute must!


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    Health Giving Nutrition

    January 23rd, 2009 by Admin

    Today, we are living in a world of instant gratification. At every turn, ready made foods are packaged attractively, promoted attractively and priced attractively. One cannot but be swayed by the colours, smells and tastes out there.

    We, however need to eat a balanced diet to maintain our mental and physical health. We all know that all the necessary nutrients are available in natural foods. But, the question is, how many of us are following the precepts of nature; do we eat all the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables? Most of us do not. Put it down to the acquired preferences as well as our innate rebellious nature that, makes us do the exact opposite of what our parents tell us!

    On the one hand we do not maintain a proper food habit and, on the other hand we poison ourselves with the muck on the store shelves. One consequence is the ugly obeseness that we see all around. Nutritional shortfalls exist for many nutrients in our normal diet. Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, Folic acid, Zinc, Copper, Calcium, Iron, and magnesium are all lacking in the normal diet.

    It is also a fact that conventional agricultural practices as well as the cold storage chain to which harvested produce is subjected depletes a lot of the nutrients from even natural foods. One way to overcome this deleterious effect will be to eat only organically grown produce. This however may not always be affordable as it costs considerably more than conventional produce.

    One way then is to get nutritional supplements. These are available in a wide range of combinations and along with the conventional vitamins and minerals also include the rare salts and elements necessary to maintain a healthy body. Neutraceuticals is today a multi billion dollar industry and these products are affordable and tailored to suit the individual requirements.

    It is thus essential to learn about proper nutrition and what your body needs in order to stay healthy. A lot of the chronic diseases of today are caused by nutritional deficiencies and, as such, can be prevented by seeing that you provide your body with the building blocks of good health that it needs. Our body’s ability to renew itself and protect itself is amazing provided that it is given all of the essential nutrients.

    Paramesh

    Exciting Lessons, Free Mentoring and more at http://www.InternetProfitMentor.com 12+ Hours of Video coaching and invaluable tips


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