Insights from the 'Physical Reflections' Category

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Weight Loss through a Good Night’s Sleep

November 5th, 2008

Reading Level: Leisurely

Your weight gain can be caused by a lack of sleep.

An estimated 50-70 million Americans are suffering mentally and physically from a lack of sleep (1). Though eating habits obviously play a role in weight gain, studies have shown that there is a definite relationship between a lack of sleep and weight gain.

Various hormones released during your sleep regulate your weight and appetite.

Leptin, released during sleep, is the hormone which tells your body that it is full and doesn’t need more food. The lower the levels of leptin in your body, the more of the hormone ghrelin is released to increase your hunger (2). The growth hormone is also released during sleep; while this hormone causes growth in children, it controls muscle mass and fat level in adults (1).

A University of Chicago research found definite relationship between too little sleep and increased appetite/weight gain. The people in the study who slept only 4 hours a night had leptin levels decrease by 18 percent. This caused the ghrelin levels, which stimulate appetite, to increase by 28 percent (2). These results should be motivational in getting a good night’s sleep. Many of us just stay so busy that sleep is the easiest thing to cut back on.

If stress is causing your lack of sleep, not putting into action a plan to deal with stress will only add to your weight problems.

Stress increases your levels of adrenaline and cortisol, mobilizing the body’s sugar supply, for the purpose of quick thinking and action in emergency situations. If you live in a frequent or continual state of stress, Immerse Yourself in the Full Healing Contemplation Here »

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Macular Degeneration and Eye Care

October 30th, 2008

Reading Level: Leisurely

Simple eye care supplements can improve your eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Age- related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 50. A hardening of the arteries which nourish the retina deprive the retinal tissue of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Cataracts and decreasing night vision are also affected by the result of a loss of nourishment to aging eyes.

The 2 nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, are carotenoids which play a vital role in the health of our eyes.

Carotenoids are found in plants such as spinach, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens broccoli, green beans, cabbage, honeydew, and kiwi. A 1995 study showed that eating spinach and collard greens five or more times a week was found to noticeably reduce the risk of MD. (1)

In a 2004 study, lutein has been shown to not only help prevent, but to actually reverse symptoms of ARMD. Immerse Yourself in the Full Healing Contemplation Here »

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Dental Care for Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

October 24th, 2008

This is a quick list of natural tips for improving the health of your teeth and gums.

This list is by Dr. David J. Foreman, Herbal Pharmacist, who writes a monthly newsletter for the Vitamin Shoppe chain of stores. We actually buy all of our supplements there, other than a few we get from our chiropractor. You can find more of Dr. Foreman’s articles at www.VitaminShoppe.com, click on Health Info, then on Herbal Pharmacist.

  • CoQ10 at 50-60 mg per Day
  • Folic Acid 800 mcg per Day
  • Brush with Natural Tooth Paste such as Tom’s of Main, Jason, or Xlear
  • Rinse with a Natural Mouthwash such as Spry Oral Rinse by Xlear or Healthy Gums Daily Oral Rinse by Natural Dentist
  • Chew Gum Containing Xylitol
  • Floss Regularly
  • Drink Green or Black Tea as it May Inhibit Bacterial Growth
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Depression Treatment: 3 Natural Helps

October 15th, 2008

Reading Level: Leisurely

3 natural ways to treat depression were discussed by Dr. Mercola in one of his recent newsletter articles.

The link at the end of this post is to the full article as well as to a video clip of his interview with Dr. Gordon, a rare physician who encourages people with depression to take control of their health by incorporating key natural therapies into a treatment program.

Here are excerpts of the 3 natural treatments for depression from Dr. Mercola’s article. Again, the link to read the full article on his site is below.

1. Optimize Your Diet

One of the best ways to beat depression is with nutritional approaches. This includes taking high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats daily. Omega-3 fats such as those in krill oil have been found to work just as well as antidepressants in preventing the signs of depression, but without any of the side effects. In fact, throughout my years of medical practice I’ve had large numbers of patients be able to stop their antidepressants once they started taking omega-3 fats…Next, you’ll want to

Immerse Yourself in the Full Healing Contemplation Here »

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