Archive for the ‘Aging’ Category

Facts About Olive Leaf Extract and Anti Aging Supplements

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Here are some facts about olive leaf extract that you may be unaware of. Supplement companies often make broad non-specific claims, without providing links to supportive research. One of the best supplement companies has done the research and makes that information readily available on their website by providing links to PubMed.

PubMed is the best internet source for published research, although it makes for dry reading and you’ll likely need a medical dictionary close by to make heads or tails of what the reports are saying. Currently, there are 274 published studies listed on the PubMed database concerning the health benefits and medicinal properties of olive leaves.

You might think that’s impressive, but there are nearly 3200 studies concerning green tea, over 2600 concerning resveratrol, another 2600 concerning turmeric and over 300 concerning the lowly milk thistle, a common weed. All of these extracts, and many others, are important components of phytotherapy, a relatively new study concerning the medicinal significance of plants of all kinds. It is something of an extension of nutritional therapy, which involves the use of nutrients to prevent and treat diseases.

Some of the facts about olive leaf extract, according to the research include these:

Can be used to naturally reduce blood pressure and treat hypertension

Provides a significant reduction in cholesterol levels

Has antimicrobial activity, can be used to strengthen the immune system and treat anti-biotic resistant infections

Acts as a natural mosquito repellent

The facts about olive leaf extract as an antioxidant are quite confusing. According to some studies, one of the antioxidants found in the leaves has more antioxidant activity than green tea or coenzyme Q10. Other studies say that supplementation does not change the oxidative status of healthy young adults, indicating that it may not be beneficial for healthy people.

Traditional use has been to help prevent colds and other infections. Today, it is promoted as an immune system booster. Until we know more, the best choice for supplementation is one that includes a variety of different plant extracts, as well as essential nutrients. We may not know which ones are most effective, but we do know that people who are well nourished live longer, have more energy and fewer infectious diseases. We also know that cultures that make use of a wide range of plants in their daily diets have a reduced incidence of heart disease and cancer.

One of the most widely publicized uses of plant antioxidants is to reduce the risk of cancer. The facts about olive leaf extract, that we are currently aware of, is that it reduces the proliferation or spread of cancer cells, at very low concentrations. Green tea polyphenols may help reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer. Resveratrol acts on all stages of carcinogenesis. Curcumin kills cancer cells, but is not toxic to healthy tissues. Milk thistle reduces the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer cells. And, that’s only five of the known extracts that have anti-cancer activity.

So, those are some of the facts about olive leaf extract and other phytochemicals. You might be interested in learning more about the subject.

Valerie Rosenbaum has spent several years researching every anti aging supplement available. As a result of that effort she has found that it is critical to include olive leaf extract for an anti aging supplement to be truly effective. Learn more about what she discovered at her website NaturalBalanceSupplements.com

How To Fight Aging

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

It is a fact that we are all living longer and, what’s more, we are going to live longer still. According to the opinions of some eminent scientific bodies we shall very soon all be living to 100 years or more, which is wonderful, so long as we are healthy and can enjoy our lives to the full.

Normal ageing is a natural process. From the moment we are born, the cells which make up the organs, glands and all the other parts of our system are constantly dying and being replaced by new ones. Whilst we are growing and developing, the rate of our cellular reproduction is much greater than the rate of our cells dying.

Which means that we are producing more vigorous cells at this time to allow for this growing. It is estimated that the middle age normally starts somewhere around the age of 25, and the body begins its long wind down, which than continues through old age. The human body is all to often regarded as a collection of separate independent systems. This is why there are so many separate specialities in medicine.

We have Endocrinology dealing with the glands; Urology dealing with the bladder. Nephrology dealing with the kidneys, Gynaecology dealing with the reproductive system, Rheumatology dealing with rheumatoid diseases, Cardiology dealing with the heart and circulation – the list goes on and on.

In fact each of the individual systems within the body relies heavily upon each of the others. The body cannot survive without any one of the systems which confirms this fact. Therefore, in order for the overall health of the body to be good, all of the individual systems such as the circulatory system, nervous system, skeletal system, digestive system, endocrine system and immune system should all be balanced and should coordinate with each other.

This coordination depends not only on external things like good nutrition, exercise and freedom from stress, it also depends a great deal on the actual internal structure and health of each of the cells of each of the individual systems. From the moment we are born the cells within our bodies are dying and being replaced by new ones.

The quality of the cells replacement depends on the quality of the cells they are replacing. In other words the dying cell is the blueprint of the new cell. Biological ageing starts when the quality of the cells throughout the body begin to deteriorate. When we are young the cells that die are replaced by new energetic ones.

This cellular replacement continues throughout our lifetime. However when the quality of the new cells being replaced declines, as happens through premature ageing or disease, then so does the quality of our whole life. At the end of the day we are only as strong or as healthy as each of our individual cells.

The Problem With Traditional Medicine

Have you ever been ‘dismissed’ by your doctor with a ‘pull yourself together talk’ when he could not diagnose any sick-related cause? Where you leaving the practise with a nasty feeling because you had the idea you where fretful? But still suffering vague health complaints?

If you are living a busy and stressful life and reaching your 40’s or 50’s, changes are you might experience health problems such as a diminished energy, vitality and interest to life. Or you have no interest in either physical or mental contact with other people and all too often the first function to suffer is your sexual interest and ability.

Unfortunately, today, the above scenario happens more and more. It is an undeniable fact that we are all living longer today and it would be unreasonable not to accept that in some respects our quality of life has been improved through orthodox medicine.

For example: heart bypass operations are now commonplace and many thousands of patients have been given a new lease of life as a result of this procedure. Blocked blood vessels around the heart are replaced with new ones taken from other parts of the body.

Many lifesaving drugs have been developed by the pharmaceutical industry, from the early days of antibiotics to the discovery and administration of Insulin for diabetic patients to highlight two. The list of these drugs goes on to include heart medication, pain killers and many others.

The question and the problem is, however, that the researchers and inventors of these drugs did not ever formulated them for permanent use. It is so often the problem of over-prescribing drugs where dangers of side effects and addiction are most noticeable. Most drugs are designed to deal with the symptoms of a particular illness or disease.

But there are times when we are not really ill, and where there is no life threatening disease diagnosed. There is only a constant feeling of tiredness. It is during these times when it is impossible to recharge the batteries through natural sleep that we wake up still feeling tired in the morning.

There is a huge doubt that the researchers and inventors of many of these drugs ever formulated them for permanent use. It is so often the problem of over-prescribing of drugs where dangers of side effects and addiction are most noticeable.

The majority of people have no desire to become dependent on some form of chemical medication to get them through their daily lives. They don’t want to be addicted, as so many people are, to tranquillisers, sleeping pills, anti-depressants, painkillers and blood pressure pills. All of these are know to have undesirable side effects, and none of them really solve the problem. Their primary action is simply to cover up the symptoms.

It is a fact that each new orthodox medical discovery seems to carry with it side effects. So many wonder drugs, initially regarded as major breakthroughs, are exposed later as having these undesirable side effects.

These include Valium, Ativan, Betablockers, Cortisone and now Halcion, which are a few examples of the kinds of medicines that have made the public, and to some lesser extent the medical profession itself, look for more natural, less toxic, harmful, and addictive methods of administering treatment to needy patients.

This awareness of the side effects is evident as the more well-known complementary or alternative techniques become fashionable and more desirable. These include homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Herbalism and list goes on.

Anti-aging and health secret of the ‘Rich and Famous’ little by little gets discovered by the public.

Doctor Peter M. Stephan from the Stephan Clinic in London has been practising biological medicine for more than twenty-five years. He received his initial training in Cell Therapy following the work and theories of the late Professor Paul Niehans who developed Cell Therapy in1931. His treatment involved the injection of new embryonic cells taken from sheep.

At the time the orthodox medical profession described his ideas as “quakery” and they say it would never work. They described it as potentially dangerous and yet the following people found their way to the clinics in Switserland and London. Britain’s Prime Minister: Sir Winston Churchill, President Charles de Gaulle of France, Chancellor Konrad Adenauer from Germany, The Emperor and Empress of Japan, President Dwight D. Eisenhower of The United States of America, and many more.

All these people were active in very old age and impressed the world with their vigour and vitality. They all had the best medical advice and yet they sought an alternative.

In his book “Total Wellness” Doctor Peter M. Stephan points out how you can achieve good health and longevity with his latest development called “Bio-Nutritional Therapy”. This involves a range of natural Bio-Foods that utilises the principles of the third generation of Cell Therapy and his 25 years of experience in the field of rejuvenation.

If you want to discover more about his Bio-Nutritional Therapy and learn how you can stay younger longer, you can download his book for free at our website.

Jasper Ravensberg is an alternative health practitioner and co-author of the book Total Wellness, at his website you can download this book for free to learn more about Bio-Nutritional Therapy. A safe and natural method to help you stay younger longer. See: http://www.foodsasmedicine.org to download

Why Would I Choose an Irish Ring When Aging?

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

With so many different types and styles of rings out there, you may be asking yourself why you would want to choose an Irish Ring above all of the other designs out there. Well, there is the fact that you might originally come from Ireland and will only buy jewelry that is specifically made in the Emerald Isle because you know the quality is top notch; and feel that you will not be able to get anything better anywhere else. Another reason that you might choose to buy an Irish Ring is that you are simply fascinated or captivated by the Claddagh or any of the other designs that are native to Ireland and really symbolize the Emerald Isles perfectly.

I would like to find an Irish Ring that has shamrocks

This is easy, as the most people equate the lovely little shamrock to the Emerald Isle automatically without thinking twice about it. Is it any wonder that people really want to find rings, key chains and anything else that has this beautiful little plant on or in it? There is a very beautiful Stainless Steel Titanium (combination) Sandblasted Shamrock Irish Ring that you can find that looks to be what you are asking about. This ring will appeal to the Lads as well as the Lasses with those little shamrocks all around the band. What makes this ring so beautiful is the sandblasting that was used in the manufacturing process to give the recessed part of the band something of a frosted or dulled look while the shamrocks themselves and the edges are shimmering.

I want a Claddagh ring without anything else in the design

This is not something that is that hard to find either as the Claddagh design is just as well known as coming exclusively from Ireland. There are many different sizes of this fascinating symbol of Friendship, Love and Loyalty out there that are not that hard to find in any jewelry store, catalog or website that specializes in jewelry. If you are looking for a Puffed Heart Claddagh Irish Ring you are in luck here, as there is just such a ring on this site that has the classic Claddagh design with the Heart in the center being slightly puffed out. This is available in sizes 4 through 10.

I am looking for a Birthstone Claddagh Irish Ring

I want to find a Birthstone Claddagh Irish Ring for myself to celebrate my birthday in Irish style and as a gift for someone very special to me; where can I find these? That is pretty easy to find as the Claddagh rings are also made with an Emerald that forms the Heart at the center of the design, as the Emerald is as much a symbol of the Emerald Isle as the Claddagh and the Shamrock are.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

Have you made up your mind yet about which Irish Ring you want now? It really is not surprising if you still have not made your choice yet.

Why Would I Choose An Irish Ring when aging? Because Irish Rings from http://www.irishindeed.com are only the finest quality, like the great Claddagh Ring.

Best Wrinkle Creams- 5 Quick Reasons Botox is For Dummies

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Are you thinking about turning to botox instead of sticking with the best wrinkle creams? Well, thank goodness — as you are still only thinking about opting for botox and have not yet made a final decision. Why is that good news? Because not only have you not wasted your money on this completely unnecessary procedure, but you have not yet risked your health either.

Here are the 5 Plain as Day Reasons Why Botox Is Ridiculous…

1. Of all the aspects of facial rejuvenation, botox only targets one particular problem; motion wrinkles. This leaves you with an enormous amount of ground to cover, as the treatment won’t help you with blemishes, fine lines, crowsfeet, dry skin, age spots, skin pigmentation, and/or any other skin problem you might be facing.

2. Poisonous. You heard correctly, botox is actually a bacterial neurotoxin called botulinum; one of the most poisonous substances on the planet. If this doesn’t scream “Stay Away”, what does?

3. Botox can only be used on LESS than 5% of your face. Less than 5 percent! That leaves 95% of your face unaccounted for.

4. Costs $700-$1000 per injection. A botox injection generally only lasts 3-6 months. This means you will have to spend anywhere from $2000 to $3600 a year just to keep away a FEW wrinkles. Sound like a smart idea? Of course not.

5. If botox injections are repeated again and again over time, there is a very plausible risk of skin and/or nerve damage. In addition, the skin adjacent to the injected area may actually become MORE wrinkled with time.

Here are the 5 Simple Reasons Why Using the Best Wrinkle Creams is NOT Ridiculous…

1. The best wrinkle creams target all the aspects of facial rejuvenation; dryness, wrinkles, finelines, crowsfeet, age spots, blemishes, you name it. Not only will a good wrinkle cream repair visible wrinkles, but they will start working on the “invisible” ones too; the wrinkles which can’t be seen with the naked eye. As if that weren’t enough, the best wrinkle creams will even work to prevent future wrinkles.

2. Not Poisonous. Anti wrinkle creams, generally speaking, are made with natural ingredients that won’t harm you in any way. If there are unnatural, man-made ingredients within the cream, well, it’s safe to say they won’t be dangerous to your health.

3. The best wrinkle creams can be used on your ENTIRE face; the full 100%. This means you can use them around the mouth, eyes, nose, cheeks, and everywhere else.

4. Costs only about $80 to $200 every FEW months. The most you’ll spend on wrinkle cream in any given year should be no more than $400 to $600, if even that.

5. When the best wrinkle creams are used again and again, the result is that you’ll have even YOUNGER looking skin. The longer you keep up your anti wrinkle cream routine, the better the results will be.

So, after reading over this information, what is your verdict? Is botox the way to go? Or, are you going to keep using the best wrinkle creams for your skin?

Have you decided to take the “smart” route and use the best wrinkle creams to gain a more youthful appearance? If so, then you should head on over to http://www.WrinkleRemoverCreams.com and pick out a FREE anti wrinkle cream to try out.

Could Glutathione Be a Predictor of How Long You Will Live?

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

All cells in the body need water, oxygen, glucose and glutathione. The levels of glutathione in our cells could be predictive of how long we will live. For exhaustion and chronic fatigue sufferers reading this, the information that follows is vital to you!

What is glutathione? It is a tri-peptide, or a small protein composed of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Glutathione is made in every cell of the body and it must be made by the 3 amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Your body is either replicating healthy cells and delaying the aging process or it is replicating unhealthy cells and speeding up the aging process. Every cell makes and recycles glutathione.The largest amount of glutathione in our bodies is found in the liver, lining of the lungs, kidney, heart and brain.

Why is glutathione important?

1. It is a major antioxidant produced by the cell. It is able to neutralize free radicals and recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C & E. Glutathione actually helps your body more efficiently use the other antioxidants.

2. It is the body’s most effective detoxifier. It binds to undesirable toxins, pollutants, and cancer-causing chemicals, etc. and excretes them through the urine or gut.

3. It improves immune response

4. It helps regulate the cell’s vital functions, such as synthesis and repair of DNA.

5. It contributes to the production of red blood cells.

6. It helps in wound healing.

7. It helps build lean muscle mass.

8. It inhibits harmful viruses and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

9. It increases one’s aerobic exercise capacity by up to 13%.

While glutathione is produced naturally in our bodies, glutathione levels decrease with age at the rate of 1% a year after age 20. In addition, levels of glutathione can be reduced by stress, exercise, infection, injury and environmental toxins. People who live to 100 years of age, will have glutathione levels similar to 30-50 year olds.

Reduced glutathione levels can result in lower energy, insomnia, cellular damage, inflammation, accelerated aging, and a weakened resistance to various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and many other diseases. People with any defined disease have decreased glutathione levels compared with healthy individuals the same age. Low levels of glutathione are actually a marker for over 200 medical conditions. It could be said that low levels of glutathione equal cellular aging, disease, and death!

Glutathione helps to improve mental function, increases energy, improves concentration, permits increased exercise, and improves heart and lung function.

WHAT FOODS ARE HIGH IN GLUTATHIONE?

Avocado, watermelon, asparagus, walnuts, grapefruit, potato, acorn, squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli.

Glutathione must be produced within the cell itself. Oral glutathione in pill form is not absorbed and will be eliminated by the liver before reaching the blood stream. Injectable glutathione is degraded by the time it gets to the cell and much of it cannot pass the cell membrane.

HOW CAN A PERSON INCREASE THEIR GLUTATHIONE LEVEL?

In addition to being able to get glutathione in some foods (as listed above), the best way to increase glutathione is through a glutathione precursor. Since glutathione is produced within the cell itself and cannot be easily absorbed into the cell, a person needs to consume a product that will enable the body to produce its own glutathione within the cells. This product would be considered to be a glutathione precursor.

A good glutathione precursor helps your body neutralize free radicals and build healthy cells. Your body replaces about 1% of your cells everyday. Your skin, body, organs, tissue are all constantly in a state of regeneration. Otherwise, your body cells are constantly dying and being regenerated. Thus, in about 3 months time, your cells and you, as a person, can make positive strides in getting healthier!

TO SUMMARIZE

The levels of glutathione in our cells are predictive of how long we will live. Few other factors are as predictive of our life expectancy as is glutathione. It may be referred to as the “master antioxidant” since it regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E in the body. It is the most important antioxidant to overall health.

Judy Thompson invites you to try some great nutrition products, including an awesome glutathione precursor and a great liquid vitamin-mineral supplement, or to join her team in sharing these super products with others. For more details, go to http://www.LiquidVitaminsHere.com or http://www.ARealHealthNut.com

Retinol Skin Care Products For a Youthful Skin

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

For those of us with skin that is no longer youthful retinol skin care products products may help to decrease the number and depth of lines and wrinkles and to help prevent dryness by increasing the level of natural oils in the skin. Retinol skin care products have also been found to benefit those who suffer from chronic cystic acne by improving the appearance of the skin. Retinol is a milder form of vitamin A than is found in prescription only products and may be more suitable for those who have sensitive skin.

For those people who have tried a glycolic acid or chemical peel and experienced red, scaly, flaky or very dry skin a daily application of a retinol skin care product may be more suitable.

Studies of the Effects of Retinol Skin Care Products

The beneficial effects of retinol containing products have been shown in a number of scientific studies. Recently Sewon Kang, MD of the University of Michigan published a study on the effects of retinol skin care products on the skin of thirty six healthy elderly people. After an initial skin biopsy they applied a retinol containing lotion to the skin on their upper arms daily for six months. A final skin biopsy was then taken and compared with the initial one. The test showed that there was significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The effect was not permanent however as a slow return to the former ‘wrinkly’ condition was noticed by eleven of the participants after six months without using the preparation. The effect was fairly long lasting and does indicate that using a retinol skin care product regularly can have a significant effect on the number and depth of lines and wrinkles.

What Type of Products Are Available?

There are a variety of skin care products containing retinol available. It is recommended that you do not use more than one type at any time as this could increase the possibility of experiences side effect.

Skin Care Serums

Serums should be used if your skin needs a more effective treatment than lotions or creams provide. They are designed to penetrate deeply and should be used once a day before bed. They are best used for sun damaged or skin that is prematurely aging.

Skin Care Lotions

Lotions containing retinol are effective as moisturisers and will help to rehydrate dry skin. Use after washing the hands or showering. Carry a small bottle with you in your purse to use whenever your hands feel dry.

Retinol Skin Care Creams

Creams containing retinol rehydrate the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines especially around the eyes. Apply daily before going to bed.

Skin Care Eye Masks

Eye masks containing retinol are very useful for treating fine lines around the eyes. Used regularly they will greatly improve the appearance around the eyes and help them to sparkle.

Acne Treatments

Retinol containing acne treatments are excellent at preventing outbreaks and will also help to improve skin scarred by acne. Retinol is often used in combination treatments which also contain an anti-bacterial agent and a pore cleanser.

Other Uses of Retinol Skin care Products

Acne Treatment

Retinol containing products are useful in the treatment of acne as they are very good exfoliating agents and are effective in unclogging pores.

Dry Skin

Retinol skin care products are good moisturisers so they are excellent for the treatment of very dry skin.

Side Effects of Using Retinol Skin Care Products

Retinol is a mild form of vitamin A and is not as harsh as the derivatives found in prescription only products so side effects should be few. You may experience some redness or mild irritation when you first use these products but it should disappear in a day or two. This is expected and should not be a reason to stop using the product. Retinol is also known to increase sensitivity to the sun so it is best used at night before bed.

Conclusion

Retinol skin care products are very useful in the prevention and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles in aging skin and are also effective in the treatment of acne. The anti-wrinkle is not instant but you should see some improvement after about four weeks of daily use. After twelve weeks a significant reduction of lines and wrinkles is usually experienced.

For more information visit Retinol Skin Care Products or read What You Need to Know About Retinol Skin Care Products