Nutritional Supplements Are Important For Optimal Health

It's estimated we are receiving only 40 percent of the nutritional value of food nowadays. Some reports suggest this is untrue while many reports go even farther by saying this figure is actually lower. In any case, unless you are fortunate enough to have a garden close by with organic fresh food you can harvest and eat on a daily basis, I believe the food available in the supermarket does indeed lack in nutrition.

Many fresh foods travel great distances and many foods are processed to increase shelf life. To obtain the highest possible yield, producers are forced to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides for their crops, while other producers use growth hormones, antibiotics, and inhumane confinement for animal production. (By the way, from what I understand about antibiotics given to animals destined for the dinner table...they are not necessary if the animals are kept in clean, un-crowded environments where they are able to stretch their legs and get fresh air and sunshine daily. Another reason to shop organic.)

The availability of high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar, and low-fibre foods has rapidly become commonplace, and growing concern with processed foods is they are becoming much less expensive than nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables. The availability and lower price of processed and energy-dense foods rich in sugar and fat makes them appealing to the pocket book as well as the taste buds, but not without consequences. Obesity, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions are gaining a stronghold in North America and researchers are now beginning to admit that diet plays a huge role in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Balance, variety, and moderation are the keys to a healthful diet. A balanced proportion of foods from the different food groups, a variety of foods from within the different food groups, and moderation in the consumption of any food should provide us with the nutrients we need to sustain life.

Although developments in the food industry over time have improved food quality and safety, there are still concerns over the nutritional content the food actually contains. Nutrients should come primarily from the foods we eat, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to find foods that have not been grown in nutritionally challenged soils. Decades of poor agricultural practices are depleting foods of the nutrients we need for optimal health and wellness.

This is why nutritional supplements are important.

Nutritional supplements are designed to provide nutrients, both essential and non-essential, that you may not be getting from your diet. Also known as dietary supplements, nutritional supplements are an important part of a balanced health regime and can offer significant health benefits. They can help to correct nutritional deficiencies and help boost the immune system, and there is growing scientific evidence supporting the benefits of nutritional supplements and their role in maintaining optimal health.

Nutritional and dietary supplements are big business. It's estimated that over twenty-five billions dollars a year is spent in the United States alone on natural health products. So which supplements should you look for and which are safe to take?

In the United States, the FDA regulates dietary supplements. According to their website, "dietary supplements (are regulated) under a different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. * Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. *Domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States are required to register their facility with the FDA."

Although "the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that its dietary supplement products are safe before they are marketed" and "there are no provisions in the law for FDA to "approve" dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they reach the consumer", it's important to purchase nutritional supplements from a reputable company who has been in busy for many years. You can also read more on FDA regulations with regards to dietary supplements on the FDA website.

In Canada, the laws are much more stringent. On January 1, 2004 The Natural Health Products Regulations came into effect and apply to all natural health products. Products defined in the Regulations as natural health products include vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, probiotics, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines (such as Traditional Chinese Medicines), amino acids and essential fatty acids.

Natural health products that fall under these regulations require an NPN (Natural Product Number). Once Health Canada has assessed the product, an eight digit product license number, preceded by the letters "NPN" will appear on the label informing consumers that Health Canada has reviewed the product for safety, quality, and health claims, and the product has been approved to be marketed under the Natural Health Products Regulations and has authorized the product for sale in Canada. The Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) is the regulating authority for health products for sale in Canada.

Nutritional supplements that are considered food products or whole-food concentrates come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs. When purchasing nutritional supplements look for a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label to ensure the product has met the requirements of Health Canada, and also make sure the company selling the product is a reputable company with a good track record.

Including nutritional supplements in your diet and daily health regime doesn't need to be hard or cost a lot of money. Many companies offer high quality supplements at reasonable prices and it only takes a few minutes to mix up a healthy "green drink" from a barley grass juice concentrate such as AIM BarleyLife® or include a supplement caplet such as Kyolic® Aged Garlic Extract? with your meal.

There are many health benefits nutritional supplements have to offer. In these modern times, with the convenience, cost and available of fast and processed foods, poor dietary habits and the questionable nutrition content of nutrient-dense foods, nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular as an addition to complement the diet. Simply put, nutritional supplements are important for optimal health.

AIM provides a variety of superior whole food concentrates and nutritional supplements to support a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, and nourish your cells, and AIM Members enjoy the benefits of wholesale pricing.

As Members of AIM Canada, we have a dedicated team of knowledgeable people keeping on top of all the legislation and regulations, ensuring AIM Canada is compliant, so we will continue to have the right to use and share natural health products to protect our health and the health of others who wish to use Natural Health Products.

To date AIM Canada has acquired eleven NPNs with nine other AIM products in the licensing process. Food products such as AIM BarleyLife®, LeafGreens®, Just Carrots®, ProPeas? and RediBeets® come under the regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and do not require NPNs.

Joanne Jackson holds a certificate in Nutrition: Studies and Applications and a certificate in Natural Health Fundamentals, and is currently studying for her diploma as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Joanne is an advocate of healthy eating and proper nutrition and understands that the choices we make, and choosing them wisely, is the key to wellness and vitality. A Member of The AIM Companies for over twenty-three years, Joanne takes pride in sharing her knowledge of nutrition and the AIM products with others.

Sign up for her informative free e-newsletter by visiting http://www.followthegreen.com/newsletter.html or visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth.

Acupuncture and Herbs Successfully Treat Endometriosis - Here's How, Plus Nutritional Tips!

Endometriosis, the formation of tissue outside of the endometrium (uterine wall), can create painful menstrual periods, premenstrual spotting, pain during intercourse, infertility, abdominal or diffuse pelvic pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Symptoms may also include low back pain or pain radiating to the inner thigh, pain upon defecation, fatigue or sometimes nausea or vomiting. The severity of the pain may not truly disclose the severity of the disease, as some women may present without pain.

Western View

Western medications and treatments include:

• Birth control used continuously to suppress ovulation.

• Danazol, Provera, Lupron, Duphaston, Synarel or Zoladex, used to suppress ovulation and the regular course of hormones during the menstrual cycle.

• A laparoscopy conducted to drain fluids and remove small patches of tissue. The cysts or tissues are sometimes referred to as "chocolate cysts" due to their coloring.

• More extensive surgery to remove larger areas of displaced or scar tissue or to unblock fallopian tubes. Surgery is not the final answer because tissue can and oft en does, grow back, causing recurrent symptoms.

TCM Pathology

Difficult menstrual flow accompanied by pain and clotting of tissue or by pain that disrupts other channels (Liver, Spleen and Stomach) causes abdominal or back pain, bloating or indigestion, fatigue, or headaches. Kidney Yang deficiency is usually the primary cause, often accompanied by Spleen Qi deficiency or Liver Qi stagnation. This leads to Blood stagnation. In today's busy world, each of us carries an enormous amount of stress. Stress among professional and working women is frequently chronic and overwork disrupts the even flow of Qi and Blood. The obstruction of Blood flow restricts the normal cycle. Environmental toxins and poor nutrition also contribute, as do traumas and abdominal surgeries.

If menstrual spotting occurs, it is due to the Blood unsuccessfully trying to flow evenly within the channels. Symbolically, it is being pushed out of the channels because it has overfilled the Uterus without any available open exit valve. Regulation of Qi and Blood during the four phases of the menstrual cycle is required. Therefore, regulation of hormones is part of TCM treatment, as contrasted to the suppression of the normal function of hormones. What to expect from TCM treatment?

The goal is to correct the root problem during each of these phases by fine-tuning the TCM protocol.

TCM Pattern Differentiations-Your practitioner arrives at one or more of the following diagnostic patterns used to develop your treatment protocol. Qi Deficiency:

• Feeling exhausted and fragile.

• Dull, aching pain before, during or after menstruation.

• Overworked, overwhelmed.

• Cold hands and feet.

• Insomnia.

• Poor appetite.

• Tongue body may have scalloped, teeth-marked edges.

• Tongue may have no coating.

Qi stagnation:

• High-level or continuous stress.

• Tension or migraine headaches.

• High blood pressure, irritability, anger or repressed emotions.

• The sides of the tongue may be redder than the body of the tongue.

• Sharp, stabbing pain or pain prior to or during menstruation.

Blood stagnation:

• Pain prior to or during menstruation.

• Sharp, stabbing pain.

• Palpable lower abdominal masses.

• Clots.

• Purple- colored tongue body.

Coldness (Can be deficiency or excess):

Many texts use the term "Cold uterus." Cold is typically inhibiting, confining, cramping and stagnating. The Kidney channel starts on the feet and runs through the Uterus therefore, TCM theory believes that coldness in the feet runs up the Kidney channel through the uterus, inhibiting or confining Qi and blood flow. This affects fertility and the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Traditional advice: "Wear socks and keep your feet warm!"

• Generally, one who runs/feels cold and feels better with heat.

• Frequent urination.

• Cramping, severe pain prior to or during menstruation.

• Tongue coating may be white.

Heat:

• Heat in the channels can cause the Blood to "boil over," producing a heavy, painful menstrual flow.

• One who runs warm, sweats easily or has a facial flush.

• Yellow tongue coating.

Dampness/Phlegm:

Dampness, characterized as slow moving and congealing, causes sluggishness

or lethargy, producing mucus and leading to stagnation.

• Tongue coating may be white and appear slimy, greasy or thick.

• Abundance of phlegm or mucus.

• Thirst but no desire to drink fluids.

• Feeling "heavy" or having heavy sensations or lethargy.

Nutritional Tips for Better Health

Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines:

Aphrodite Women's Health (2004) reported the incidence of endometriosis is 40% less among females who consumed more fresh fruit and green vegetables. Females with a high intake of beef, ham or other red meat, increased their risk of endometriosis by 80-100%. There is a connection between diet and endometriosis!

1. Eat a high-fiber diet consisting of whole grains (wheat, oats, rye, spelt, quinoa) and legumes.

2. Vegetables high in antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, and E) and bioflavonoids - like carrots and yams, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, green and red peppers are beneficial.

3.Vitamin C and green foods (wheat grass, chlorella, spirulina) clean, nourish, move the blood, create circulation and remove stagnation.

4. Eat foods high in Vitamin B, selenium and zinc.

5. Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, salt and animal fats.

Pattern Differentiations:

If the menstrual pain is derived from Stagnant Blood, it can be ameliorated by:

1. Foods that move and clean the Blood, like wholesome organic fruits and vegetables.

2. Eating foods high in antioxidants and bioflavonoids (tomatoes, lemons, limes, apricots, grapes, beets, celery, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries).

3. Adding kelp, seaweed, spirulina and chlorella.

4. Adding onions, garlic, scallions to move and warm the Blood.

5. Eating whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and 100% whole wheat.

6. Consuming linoleic and alpha-linoleic fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, primrose (gamma linolenic acid-omega 6) and olive oil.

7. Taking omega 3 fatty acids found in fish or linseed oil.

8. Avoiding refined and hydrogenated oils.

9. Avoiding animal products treated with steroids or antibiotics.

For Cold conditions, eat foods with properties that are neutral or warm in nature (beans, leeks, onions, carrots, garlic, ginger, wheat bran, millet, venison, beef, turkey, chicken, mangos, papaya, pineapple, figs, sweet potatoes, yams, red and green cabbage).

Liver Qi stagnation:

If you suffer from high stress, anger, tension or irritability try to:

1. Chew your food slowly, sit down and enjoy each meal without multi-tasking.

2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

3. Exercise.

4. Eat wholesome organic and nutritious foods rather than processed and refined foods containing chemicals and preservatives.

5. Yoga!

6. Let go of issues you have no control over and live the moment.

7. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine.

8. Heat conditions react negatively to alcohol, caffeine and spicy or greasy foods.

9. Heat conditions respond favorably to foods with cool properties, which include ocean fish, shrimp, crab, milk, yogurt, strawberries, pears, persimmons, tomatoes, pearl barley, brown rice, wheat, tofu, mung, black or kidney beans, mint, green, or chamomile tea, cilantro, American ginseng, sprouts, kale, broccoli, alfalfa, cauliflower, watercress, winter squash, eggplant, asparagus, beets, bok choy or endive.

10. Damp conditions worsen with sugars, juices and over-consumption of fruits.

11. Eliminate dairy products, alcohol, spicy, or greasy foods. Eat more alkaline grains such as barley or brown rice, spinach, watercress, brussel sprouts, turnips, avocado, zucchini or green beans. TCM addresses endometriosis and should be considered in addition to western therapy.

Kathie is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, author, and nutritionist in practice for over 15 years.

Beetroot Nutritional Benefits

Beetroot Nutritional Benefits
Beetroot and Swiss Chard belong to the same family. Beets have a lovely rich red color from pigments called anthocyanins. It is water soluble and cannot be destroyed by heat. Since ancient times, this vegetable has been used for medicinal purposes that contain many healing properties. The beetroot nutritional benefits range from aiding anemia by building red blood cells to aiding digestion and helping the gall bladder and liver function. When beet juice is mixed with carrot juice, this combination provides the body with enough minerals to encourage the healing process.
Beetroot Nutritional Benefits

Beetroots are a great anti-oxidant
Rich in fibre and micro nutrients
Rich in Iron and Calcium
Contain Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin C, Iron and Magnesium
Regulates blood pressure
Keep bowel movements regular
Helps to detoxify the body
Clears the gall bladder, liver and kidneys
Beet greens are best used for juicing

Tips on harvesting and cooking Beetroot

Harvest when the root is firm and swollen. It will usually be sticking out of the ground.
The bulbs should be scrubbed well till all the soil is removed.
The beetroot leaves can be used either when they are young or mature.
The leaves must be washed thoroughly and chopped then cooked.
The bulbs can be cut into fries, steamed or used fresh.
Beetroot juice is a very healthy and cleansing drink.
When juicing beetroots, be sure not to overdose.
Start by using half a juiced beetroot per week. Build up your consumption to one per week.
Recipe using Beetroot
Beetroot Salad

Beetroot (2-3 large ones)
4 large Carrots
1 Pineapple peeled and diced

Grate the beetroot and carrots; add the pineapple and you have a tasty salad.
Simple and nutritious - serve with fresh bread.
How to Grow Beetroot

The seeds, much like Swiss Chard are best planted directly in the place you want them to grow.
It is important to keep the soil moist around the seedlings.
In five to eight days after planting them, you will see the little leaves of the beetroot appear from beneath the soil.
They will shoot upwards and after about two and a half months, you should see the bulb beginning to form.
You can push the soil up around the beetroot bulb, as this will allow it to become larger. This is called ridging.
Be sure to give maturing roots space in which to grow without crowding them.

Companions of beetroot
They have many companions and these include: Beans, Lettuce, Garlic, Onions, Kohlrabi and Cabbage.
However, Beetroot is not fond of growing near Mustard.
This vegetable is extremely simple to integrate into your diet; its so easily available in stores or just easy to grow. But the best reason to eat beetroot is for the beetroot nutritional benefits that assist in good health.



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