Thursday, December 29, 2016

Not All Calories Are Equal

If you've ever been on a diet then you know that calorie counting is often a part of the process. If you counted every calorie but still didn't lose as much weight as you wanted, it might be because not all calories are equal.

Recent studies show that calories from fat produce the most weight and fat gain, and calories from excess carbohydrates run a close second. The reason is that the body doesn't need to burn any calories to use fat. When you eat fat, it gets stored as fat right away. As they say, a bite of ice cream is "a second on the lips, an eternity on the hips."

Excess carbohydrates also present a problem. When you eat more carbohydrates than your body can easily digest, it converts those carbs to fat for easy storage. Calories from fiber and protein are less likely to be stored as fat since the body simply eliminates any fiber or protein it can't digest. Plus, the body burns calories as it digests fiber and protein.

So the next time you're counting calories and thinking about substituting ice cream for an equal calorie low fat dessert, think again. Fat calories become fat in your body. Reach for something healthy instead.

One of the lowest-calorie, highest energy whole foods your body can use is AFA bluegreen algae. This form of algae can also increase your metabolism, boost your energy, and cleanse your cells. And if you're looking for a sweet treat, look no further than these snack bars fortified with sprouted grains, greens, and bluegreen algae to give your body just the right nutritional punch.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products  on our website.



Thursday, December 22, 2016

How to Feel Great This Winter

Winter can be hard on our bodies because of cold weather, air that dries out our lungs and skin, constant flus and colds being passed around ... Yuck! The good news is that there are some basic steps you can take to feel vibrant and healthy this winter.

ONCE AN HOUR: Drink Up. In the dry winter air your body needs plenty of liquids. Drink pure water (or as close as you can get to it) at least once an hour. Drinking water throughout the day does more to nourish your skin and increase your metabolism than drinking lots of water at once.

ONCE A DAY: Feed Yourself. Since winter is the season in which nothing grows it's more important to feed yourself than ever. Have difficulty finding fresh fruits and vegetables that don't cost a fortune? Try feeding your body the green it needs with wild AFA bluegreen algae. It's the best square meal deal in a capsule in the world.

ONCE A WEEK: Boost Your Immunity. With all the colds and flus being passed from one person to another you need keep your immune system at top strength. It's simpler than you think. First, get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours a day if you can). Second, get the immune boosting nutritional whole foods you'll find in this algae supplement that contains six of the most extensively researched mushrooms that show positive immune system support and a WGP Beta Glucan formula that has been proven effective even against germs and viruses.

ONCE A MONTH: Kick Start Your Metabolism. With all the hearty stews and extra protein we consume during the winter to stay warm we need to take steps to keep our metabolism in high gear. Enzyme therapy is a great way to speed up your metabolism. Just add 400 milligrams of high-potency enzymes to your diet 5 times daily.

ONCE A SEASON: Clean Out the Works. When winter begins to transition into spring it's a great time to clean out the inner plumbing. Doing a 3 day juice fast can be an excellent way to keep yourself lean and clean inside and out!

Give these tips a try to give yourself the healthiest winter ever.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products  on our website.


Thursday, December 8, 2016

Bust Up Nasty Colds and Flus

Have you got the crud? A runny nose or hacking cough? If so, then sit back (in bed), relax and prepare to feel better. Adding some natural supplements and herbs to your regimen can help you clear colds and flus from your system fast.

The best protection you can have to avoid getting a cold or flu is an immune system that is working at its best. This means getting adequate quality sleep, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining good hygiene. In addition, adding foods or supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can help protect lungs from infections and support immune function by stimulating phagocytes which are immune system cells that fight off those invaders that bring illness. Vitamin D has also been shown in studies to give the immune system a boost and ward off colds. A study at Harvard reported participants with low vitamin D levels were 36% more at risk for getting an upper respiratory infection. This could be due to vitamin D being instrumental in the production of cathelicidin which is a protein that is able to kill viruses.

Here are a few other tips to help you get through the cold and flu season with a minimum of distress.

WASH YOUR HANDS: One of the best things you can do to keep from getting sick in the first place is to wash your hands frequently, especially during cold or flu season. Use warm water and soap and wash for at least 20 seconds. This will help you wash away viruses or bacteria that you may pick up on your hands and then enter the body by you touching your mouth or eyes. Did you know it is estimated that most adults touch their own face 15 times an hour? That's a lot of opportunity to ingest those germs that you pick up on your hands. Since germs are able to actually stay on wet skin even easier than dry skin, be sure to also dry your hands thoroughly and keep dry towels available. You might also want to consider using paper towels for drying rather than cloth to avoid spreading germs especially if you share a bathroom with someone who is sick.

PROBIOTICS: Probiotics, especially acidophilus, produces substances which are antiviral and antifungal. Probiotics also support the immune system by supporting the function of the digestive system. The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport reported athletes taking probiotics every day had 40% less colds and an analysis done in 2011 of 10 different studies concluded that 42% of those taking probiotics were less at risk for getting a cold. Mike Gleeson, PhD, professor of exercise biochemistry at Loughborough University in England especially recommends taking Lactobacillus which can reduce the likelihood of getting respiratory and gastrointestinal infections

HERBS: Demulcent and expectorant herbs like marshmallow, slippery elm, comfrey, mullein, and fenugreek help thin and clear out mucous. You can find most of these herbs in tincture form at a health food store near you or online.

IMMUNE SUPPORT ALGAE SUPPLEMENT: Beta glucan helps with inflammation by mobilizing white blood cells to areas of injury or inflammation. These white blood cells (macrophages) remove damaged tissue quickly before it has time to trigger more inflammation. Astragalus and zinc are also known to boost immune system function as are many medicinal mushrooms. A study in 2013 showed an increase in the production of immune cells in participants that ate shiitake mushrooms. Reishi, cordyceps, maitake, Turkey Tail, and Agaricus blazei are other mushrooms that have been shown to have anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and support the immune system. You'll find all these mushrooms plus astragalus, beta glucan and organic wild bluegreen algae in this immune system support supplement.

VITAMIN C and BIOFLAVANOIDS: These two supplements provide potent antioxidant benefits and support healing of the lung tissue.

H20: Water, water, water. It's the most important ingredient for healing since you need it to flush the colds and flus out of your system!

Feel better yet? If not, you will soon once you get some of these natural healers into your system. The best thing about these herbs and supplements is that they support your immune system rather than suppressing it (the way antibiotics do). As a result, you'll emerge from your cold or flu with a stronger immune system than ever!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products  on our website.


Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-sinusitis?ecd=wnl_wmh_100514&ctr=wnl-wmh-100514_ld-stry&mb=Xenvmz6dAtHtkRjp7Is6CeHnVev1imbCfXusP2Lh3sM%3d
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/prevention-relief-13/slideshow-cold-flu-tips?ecd=wnl_men_092714&ctr=wnl-men-092714_ld-stry&mb=Xenvmz6dAtHtkRjp7Is6CeHnVev1imbCfXusP2Lh3sM%3D
http://www.prevention.com/immunity
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/colds-flu-prevention-strategies-and-immune-boosters
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/natural-solutions-boost-your-immune-system


Thursday, December 1, 2016

Gift Your Pets with Vibrant Natural Health

During this season of giving you can give your pets the gift of natural health. That's a gift that can continue all year long and pay off in happier, healthier, longer living pets and less vet bills for you. Here are some of the things experts recommend considering for healthy pets.

Exercise
We all know that there is an obesity problem in this country for people, but did you know that 50% of dogs and cats are also overweight? This increases their risk of joint pain, arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes and reduced life span. Part of this problem is due to our busy lives and us not making the time to exercise ourselves, much less give our pets the exercise they need. Pets need exercise just like we do to burn calories. Louise Murray, DVM, DACVIM, vice president, ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City advises that playing 10 minutes each night with your cat can help him or her wind down for the night and burn off calories. Look too for ways to increase the amount of exercise your pet gets naturally. For example, for a cat put the litter box and food bowl far enough away from each other that the cat has to walk and maybe even climb to get from one to the other. You can use the same strategy for dogs that are left at home while you are at work with keeping food and water bowls on the opposite side of the house from the doggie door. Give some thought to the setup in your house and items your pet accesses and see what else you can come up with to increase exercise for them. If you live in a small apartment and absolutely can't get out to take your dog for a walk every day, check into a dog walker service or a doggie day care option in your area.

Strong Clean Teeth
Pets need healthy teeth just like people do, but there are around 78% of dogs and 68% of cats more than 3 years old that have various dental diseases that include tartar, gingivitis, receding gums, inflammation and tooth loss. According to Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, chief medical officer at Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, OR, keeping your pet's teeth healthy also can prevent bacteria getting into the bloodstream through the gums. If this bacteria gets into organs it can cause cardiac, kidney or liver disease. Kate Knutson, DVM, co-director of Pet Crossing Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Bloomington, MN, adds that pets that have their teeth kept clean can live 3 to 5 years longer. The best way to keep your pet's teeth clean is by brushing them. Be sure and get a toothpaste that is designed for pets though. Human toothpaste could have xylitol in it which can be deadly for dogs.

Bathing
Pets do need to be bathed, but too much can dry out their skin. Once a month or even once every 2 months is enough for dogs and cats should only normally need a bath once or twice yearly. If your pet has skin problems, they may need more, so check with your vet in those cases to see what is recommended. When bathing, it is best to stay away from heavy chemical shampoo and go with a natural one specifically made for pets or use castile soap.

Nutrition
Your pet has different nutritional needs than humans do and there are many people foods that are actually harmful to pets. For example, chocolate can make a dog extremely sick or even lead to death. Giving people foods to your pets also contributes to the pet becoming overweight in many cases. On the other hand there are some people foods that make good low calorie treats and are safe for your pets.

Cats need double the amount of protein recommended for people and for dogs and the best source for it is meat or fish. Marla J. McGeorge, DVM explains that cats need animal protein in order to get all the amino acids they need for natural health. In fact animal protein is the only way they can get the amino acid taurine which is necessary for heart and eye function. Most other animals can make taurine from other amino acids, but cats can't. Cats also need fats for energy, but don't get foods with too much fat as it can contribute to them being overweight. Most dry cat foods have around 40% of calories from carbohydrates which can also lead to the cat being overweight and there is no minimum recommended amount of carbs for healthy pets. Read the label on cat foods you buy and look for high protein from meat or fish sources, some fat and low carbs.

Dogs only need to have about 18% protein in their diets and animal protein is the best source for them too. Dogs also can benefit from some vegetables and need healthy fats for energy and for coat, skin, nose and paw pad health. Keep the fats down to about 9% to 15% of their calories daily so that you don't contribute to an overweight pet. Many pet treats also contain fats, so figure those in too. Carbs are not important for pets like for people. Just like with cats, dogs don't have a recommended amount of carbs per day. They can use some carbs for energy, but that is not the most important source for the dog's energy. When choosing dog food, look for protein from meat sources, some healthy fats and low on carbs. Many dog foods are heavy on grains and don't have enough protein.

When planning for healthy pets, don't forget water. Clean water every day is an absolute must and if your pet has participated in something extra strenuous, make sure you offer water afterwards.

There are also supplements that can help with the goal of having healthy pets. This powdered algae supplement can be used for people or animals to provide nutrients not provided by regular meals. With 2 forms of AFA bluegreen algae, a blend of 12 strains of live beneficial bacteria and enzymes, and antioxidant rich wheat sprouts, this supplement provides a wide array of micronutrients for general well-being, and the probiotics supply friendly bacteria that are essential to the health and balance of the gastrointestinal tract of both people and animals. Another way to get AFA bluegreen algae, enzymes and probiotics for pet health is with these convenient packets of capsules. If you are traveling or on the go a lot, this may work better than the powder for you and your pet. Antioxidants are a major defense against free radicals that can cause oxidative damage to cells and are partly responsible for negative changes associated with aging and various health problems. This algae supplement contains ingredients with a wide spectrum of antioxidants and provides nutrition that enables the body's natural stem cells to flourish.

Healthy Treats
Our pets love treats and in some cases they are necessary for beginning to train your pet. Many pet treats that you buy however don't support natural health and can add to obesity. Using toys and attention as much as possible to reward a pet is a better solution than treats, but when treats are necessary look for natural treats that are low fat and low in calories. You can also use green beans, baby carrots, apple or pear chunks, or watermelon without seeds as healthy treats. Don't use stringy veggies or fruits as they can cause digestive problems and get stuck in teeth. Grapes and raisins are also a no-no as they can cause renal failure in dogs and avocados are very toxic for dogs. Milk is also not a good treat for dogs or cats as they can't break down the lactose like most humans can. Diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive issues can result from your pets drinking milk. For other foods that may be dangerous for your pets, check out the ASPCA or other pet related websites.

We all love our pets and want them to be with us as long as possible. The best way to insure a long happy life for your pet is to follow the steps to support natural health. Read food labels, provide the proper nutrition, make sure your pet gets exercise, keep teeth clean and follow any other recommendations your vet has made specifically for your pet and you'll have healthy pets to bring you joy for a long time.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products  on our website.

Sources:
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/pet-health-care-myths-ignore
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/pet-health-your-dog-or-cat-too-fat
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/how-prevent-pets-getting-sick
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/pet-health-6-tips-dog-cat-teeth-cleaning
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/how-dogs-help-prevent-allergies
http://pets.webmd.com/features/pet-nutrition