Celebrity Dieting Tips

The idea that "celebrities are just normal people" doesn't seem to hold up in view of the svelte figures that appear on the red carpet. If you have ever wondered how these public icons remain slim and well-preserved over the course of a lifetime, you may be in for a few radical surprises. Celebrities are public figures, and it is their job to look appealing and fit at all times. While the end result may look the same, diet tips and secrets of the rich and famous may range from healthy lifestyle choices to some extremely unhealthy decisions.

When it comes to maintaining a trim figure, diet is at least half the focus. The trouble with mirroring celebrity weight loss methods, however, is that not all celebrities employ the same regimens. Celebrities lose weight and maintain muscle tone through a variety of means, some of which are actually dangerous. Whereas some A-list celebs employ a personal chef, a restricted diet, and a personal trainer to keep up their glamorous appearance, others may look to prescription medication, dangerous drugs, and even end up with eating disorders.

It can be daunting for the average housewife and mother to see a celebrity give birth and then, two months later, appear primed and ready for a bikini shoot. ABCNews.com brings the issue to light, stating celebs often have a lot of help, even that of the surgical variety. There are so many tricks and tools available to celebrity budgets that simply aren't feasible for the typical American. In fact, the diet tips and secrets of many celebrities simply aren't much of a secret.

A svelt Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Gwyneth Paltrow appeared onOprah in 2008 claiming that she "just cannot diet." Instead, her post-pregnancy figure is attributed to a rigorous training program. For some celebrities, a restricted diet plan can be traded for intense physical workouts under the supervision of an experienced trainer. According to People, after many years as a devout macrobiotic, Paltrow now espouses a more fun and balanced nutritional program that features much fewer restrictions.

Miranda Kerr: In interviews, Victoria's Secret Angel Miranda Kerr attributed her sleek physique to a love of organic foods, particularly green vegetables. However, in 2011, Kerr claimed her postpartum weight loss was supported by a special blood-type diet that minimized meat consumption and also by a consistent regimen of coconut oil.

Drew Barrymore:Good Housekeeping keeps tabs on the dietary habits of many current stars. Drew Barrymore recommends enjoying favorite foods, and simply eating less of them, whereas Jessica Alba extols a more structured regimen of produce, lean sources of protein, and the avoidance of sugar and carbohydrates.

It is important to note that the healthy balanced diet of a celebrity is frequently a far departure from the standard American's eating program. Celebrities have the funds to purchase organic foods and upscale brands that allow for no additives and preservatives. They often consume diets that are high in fresh produce and low in processed foods and unnecessary carbohydrates. The secrets of many stars are actually very popular and well-recognized dietary principles: eat healthy enzyme rich foods as close to their natural form as possible.

CelebrityDiets.org is a fun website to visit when you desire a more detailed look into your favorite celebrity's eating habits. Though the dietary practices vary from star to star, one principle remains fairly concrete: the slender fit stars are not exactly eating "whatever they want." Most celebrities have to work to achieve their supernatural frames, and the celebrities that don't will often become to victims of tabloid articles.

The pressures of Hollywood can be severe. Some stars, whose so-called diet tips are touted as Pilates and a vegetarian diet, have much darker secrets to hide. Hollywood is a breeding ground for eating disorders and dangerous fad diets. People magazine has spotlighted the "Red Carpet Cleanses" of many A-list stars. These liquid diets are often used to slim down and detox a celebrity before she steps into the limelight, but such programs are not recommended for long term usage. Unfortunately, weight loss can be every bit as addictive to Hollywood icons as being in front of the camera. Some celebrities will employ laxatives or severe willpower leading to starvation in order to stave off pounds. Diet pills and other dangerous drugs are amongst other methods used to keep celebs camera ready.

An article in Daily Mail encloses the testimonies of celebrity trainers regarding the unhealthful and fanatical measures that some celebrities will take in order to maintain a chiseled look. While Renee Zellwegger reportedly only ate boiled eggs on set during the filming of Cold Mountain, her protein rich program may actually be one of the more innocuous regimens.

Not all celebrity diet tips are secrets. Moreover, some secrets should remain secret. Severely restricting your diet or "Master Cleansing" yourself down a dress size may affect your metabolism negatively in the long run. Unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices will take their toll on both your appearance and general wellness. Whereas many celebrities can afford the costly surgical and dermatological practices that keep their skin tight and glowing, the typical American will suffer greatly from crash diets and harmful chemicals. Instead, focus on keeping your weight loss healthy. Connect with a nutritionist or a dietician to ensure that you are eating adequate levels of nutrients to support metabolic processes. If it is within your budget, follow the celebrity principle of hiring a trainer that can tailor-make a workout regimen to fit your body's needs.

Most Effective Tricep Workouts

Woman using a dumbbell to perform triceps extensions

Your triceps muscles is the muscle group running along the back of your arms, forming a horseshoe-shaped muscle between your elbow and shoulders. Triceps muscles are responsible for elbow extension and pushing motions. You should work out your triceps at least two times per week as part of a balanced muscle conditioning routine.

When people work their arms, they often focus on biceps and skip the triceps. This can lead to injuries and strength imbalances. A balanced arm workout includes both biceps and triceps.It is important to balance workouts so that complimentary muscle groups develop strength and flexibility equally. Doing this can help you avoid injury and present an overall anesthetically pleasing appearance. In your arms, your biceps and triceps are complimentary muscle groups. While your biceps flex the elbow and help with pulling motions, the triceps extend the elbow and help with pushing motions. A balanced workout involves equal work of both sets of muscles.

The most effective triceps workout depends on your goals and fitness level. Some options for triceps workouts include:

If you pursue a regular weight training routine, then chances are you use your triceps to lift weights, even when you aren't performing specific triceps exercises. Triceps work is involved when you perform chest or bench presses and push ups, as well as when you work your shoulders. For this reason, it is best to perform your triceps workout on the same day you work your chest and shoulders. If you split your strength training routine into multiple days, you may wish to work legs, back, and biceps on one day, and chest, shoulders, and triceps on another. With strength training, it is essential that you leave at least 48 hours between workouts for a particular muscle group in order to allow the micro-tears you place in your muscles through strength training to heal and grow stronger muscle.

This is the area where you can tailor your workout routine to meet your goals and level of fitness.

Beginners need to gradually build strength in both muscles and connective tissue before pursuing a hardcore workout. Because of this, beginners should select a resistance that allows them to perform 12 to 15 repetitions. Select just one triceps exercise and perform two to three sets of 12 to 15 reps. After about six weeks, you will have reached the intermediate level. At this level, you can begin to lift slightly heavier weights and complete your exercises to failure. Choose one to two triceps exercises. If your goal is to build muscle, then perform two to three sets of six to eight repetitions. If you would like to tone and strengthen, perform two to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions. Once you have reached the advanced level, you may wish to try some techniques to spur even more growth like arm supersets. Advanced exercisers may also get more out of using free weights, which require additional work from supporting musculature. Advanced strength trainers should work every set to failure, selecting weights that allow them to perform between six and twelve repetitions for two or three sets.

Each of the following exercises are effective for isolating the triceps. Select one or two of these exercises for your workouts.

Skull crushers: Select a short barbell of the appropriate weight. Lie on your back on a bench with your feet flat on the floor. Grip the barbell with your elbows bent and your palms facing up. Tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Start with the barbell across your mid-forehead just above your eyebrows, holding the bar an inch or two above the forehead. Slowly extend (unbend) your elbows, carefully controlling the bar until your arms are fully extended at a 90 degree angle to your body. Lower the bar to the point just above your forehead again, and repeat. In this exercise, make sure your elbows remain stationary and only serve as a pivot. Kickbacks: Select a dumbbell of the appropriate weight. Grasp the dumbbell in your right hand with your palm facing inward. Place your left knee on a bench, and bend over to place your left hand on the bench in front of your knee. Tuck your right elbow into your side, bending your arm forward at a 90 degree angle. Now, use your elbow as a pivot and slowly extend the weight all the way back until your arm is fully extended. Lower the weight and repeat. Perform the same exercise for your left triceps. Pushdowns: Use a cable pulley machine with a straight bar attached to the upper pulley. Stand facing the machine with your elbows tucked into your side and your arms bent in front of you at a 90 degree angle, with your palms down over the bar. Grasp the bar with a loose grip and slowly extend your elbows, pressing the bar towards the floor. When your elbows are fully extended, Slowly return the bar to its starting position and repeat. Dumbbell triceps extensions: Select a dumbbell and sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor. Grip the dumbbell in both hands and hold it up above your head with your arms extended to the ceiling. Using your elbows as a pivot and keeping your upper arms tucked into the sides of your head, lower the dumbbell behind your head and then extend the weight to the ceiling again.

Other exercises may contribute to a triceps workout, as well. For more variations try:

While strength is important, maintaining flexibility is also essential. After a triceps workout, be sure you incorporate slow stretches of the muscle group.

Working your triceps is an important part of an overall strength training program. Any of the above exercises will contribute to an effective triceps workout that will help you tone and strengthen this important arm muscle group.

Kettlebell Workouts

Kettlebells aren't just for hardcore bodybuilders, and the enthusiasm for them is backed by medical research. A study from the American Council on Exercise concludes that a 20-minute workout with a kettlebell can burn the caloric equivalent of running at a six-minute mile pace.

Try the following moves to get started. All you need is a single kettlebell and an exercise mat.

Grasp the kettlebell in both hands. Assume a squatting position, with your legs hip distance apart, your back straight, and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold the kettlebell between your legs. Straighten, stand, and swing the kettlebell outwards until it is at eye level. Contract your thighs. Return to the starting position. Do 10 to 15 repetitions.

Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent, feet hip-distance apart. Grasp the kettlebell in both hands. Raise it over your head, then swing it in a clockwise motion around your head. Repeat 10 to 15 times, then swing the kettlebell in the opposite direction.

Stand upright with your feet hip-distance apart and your feet turned outward 45 degrees. Grasp the kettlebell with both hands in front of you. Bend your knees, keeping your back straight, and place the kettlebell on the floor. Then stand and lift the weight up to chest height, your arms parallel to the floor. Grasp the sides of the handle and lift the kettlebell straight over your head. Lower the weight back down to your chest and return your hands to their original position on the top of the handle. Do 10 to 15 repetitions.

Lie down on your back with your legs straight. Hold the kettlebell in one hand with your arm extended in a straight line from your shoulder. Bend the opposite knee, prop yourself up with your other arm, and slowly rise off the floor, balancing the weight carefully above your shoulder. Stand, and reverse the movement to return to your starting position. Do five repetitions on each side.

Ready to torch those calories in a whole new way? While kettlebells provide stimulating exercise, don't get overeager. The challenge of a kettlebell can also be dangerous. Kettlebells offer a lot of bang for your fitness buck, but the reason they're effective is because they work your core and offset your balance in unexpected ways as you swing the weight around. That unsteady element means you risk injury if you aren't careful. Working out with a kettlebell can be more rewarding and more effective than using regular dumbbells, but the chance of pulling or spraining a muscle is greater.

If you've never used a kettlebell before, author of Kettlebells for DummiesSarah Lurie recommends starting with a lighter weight than you'd use for dumbbells. If you normally lift 8- to 10-pound weights, start with a 15-pound kettlebell.

Stand with good posture throughout your workout to prevent injury to your core. Maintain a natural S-curve in your spine to distribute the weight of the kettlebell correctly. Focus straight ahead, and keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your spine.

If you're a beginner with the kettlebell, don't try to do too much at once. A short routine or circuit is more than enough. Since kettlebell exercises are so efficient at burning calories, you'll still be getting the level of workout you crave. Put together the kettlebell exercises above into a simple circuit, moving through each exercise one right after the other. Repeat the circuit two or three times. If you need more than that, repeat the circuit again, or do more reps in each circuit until you're ready to move on to a more advanced workout program.

When you're ready to move from a beginner's workout to a more advanced routine, consider outside resources such as kettlebell classes, personal trainers, DVDs, and books to guide you in building a more advanced workout while mastering proper technique and form. Kettlebell resources include books like Russian fitness instructor Pavel Tsatsouline's Enter the Kettlebell or the more advanced Return of the Kettlebell. Also consider DVD programs, such as Phil Ross's Power Body: Advanced Russian Kettlebell.

If you're looking to kick your workout a few notches or find your way out of a fitness rut, a relatively simple set of kettlebell routines can lead to fast results and increased cardiovascular fitness. Remember to warm up and cool down with stretches before and after your workout. The kettlebell will challenge your muscles and core in new ways, so preventing injury and speeding recovery is key to an enjoyable workout.

Why Metabolic Burnout Makes It Hard to Lose Weight?

If you struggle to lose weight, you may suffer from metabolic burnout. What is metabolic burnout, and why does it make weight loss difficult? LoveToKnow recently spoke with Valerie Berkowitz, registered dietitian and author of The Stubborn Fat Fix, to learn more about metabolism burnout and how it may be affecting your weight.

LoveToKnow (LTK): What is metabolic burnout and how is it caused?

Valorie Berkowitz (VB): Metabolic burnout is a term described in my book, The Stubborn Fat Fix, and it is exactly what the name implies. Metabolic burnout is the result of many years of abuse (stress, lack of sleep, prescription and over-the-counter medications, poor diet and exercise patterns) that cause your organ(s), i.e. your adrenal glands, pancreas or thyroid, to work less efficiently. Your internal balance is thrown off and the body struggles to bring itself back into equilibrium.

LTK: How can someone know if they have metabolic burnout?

VB: There are many different symptoms but a few are: fatigue or inability to fall asleep, hunger and difficulty losing weight. In chapter five of The Stubborn Fat Fix there are easy to answer questions that help identify and categorize the factors that cause metabolic burnout and lead to "Stubborn Fat" such as yeast overgrowth, thyroid, adrenal and hormone issues and insulin imbalance.

LTK: How can metabolic burnout lead to cravings?

VB: This is a good question. There are many different ways but here are a few scenarios:

If your tired, you may crave food to give you energy If your blood sugar is not balanced and it dives too low, you get hungry Poor food habits can lead to too many calories but not provide enough nourishment to help the body function properly, so cravings are signals from your body to communicate that it is hungry

LTK: Why is it so difficult to lose weight, if someone suffers from metabolic burnout?

VB: The body is shifting its energy to help maintain balance of the organ systems that are affected by metabolic burnout because health, not weight loss, is its priority.

LTK: How important are supplements and why?

VB: Supplements are very important because they provide reinforcement of the nutrients that have been missing or are not being utilized appropriately. They help restore balance to the organ systems that have been dealing with metabolic burnout for so long.

LTK: What specific supplements do you recommend for balancing metabolism and weight loss?

VB: Use brands that have a GMP (good manufacturing practice) seal or ask your healthcare expert on the brands they recommend and are reliable such as Nordic Naturals, Solgar, Puritan's Pride or Rainbow Lite.

Supplements cannot trigger weight loss without a proper weight loss diet. With that said, I suggest a multivitamin, Omega-3, calcium with vitamin D, magnesium and boron, L-carnitine, COQ10 and alpha lipoic acid. A probiotic can be useful if you have yeast overgrowth.

LTK: What are some tips you can share to help balance the metabolism and start losing weight?

VB: Change bad habits, it is not easy but it is necessary. A quick fix will not work. Get more rest and practice stress management techniques. Follow the nutrition plan in The Stubborn Fat Fix - avoid commercially prepared foods and eat a variety of unadulterated whole foods and supplements that provide nutrients that build good health.

LTK: Anything else you can share about metabolism burnout and losing weight?

VB: If it's difficult to lose weight it may not be your fault. You may be following your nutrition plan and not getting results because your body is not on board with your plans. Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

Cutting fat and calories does not always work; nourishing your body with nutrient dense foods like fiber rich healthy carbohydrates from non-starchy vegetables, protein and healthy fats will bring your body back into balance and get you the weight loss you deserve. Lowering fat is not always good for weight loss because fat fills you up and helps to curb hunger. It also helps support the immune function, hormone balance, nerve and heart function and inflammation.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Valerie Berkowitz for sharing her insight on metabolism burnout. To learn more, check out The Stubborn Fat Fix. If you are in the New York area, you can also visit the Center for Balanced Health where Valerie serves as a registered licensed dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified lifestyle counselor.

TNP - Organic Produce

TNP - A Unique Phytonutrient Supplement

Phytonutrients are super-nutrients found in fruits and vegetables that help nourish your body and help you better use the vitamins and minerals that you consume. For this reason, the National Cancer Institute recommends that you eat between 7 ? 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. If you do not eat sufficient quantities of fruit and vegetables, you probably do not get the phytonutrients you need, even if you take traditional vitamin and mineral supplements you take.

To get your daily requirement of phytonutrients, I recommend one of the following supplements from a company called Unicity. Daily Produce 24TM; or Life Health on the GoTMThe difference between the two products is primarily packaging, for your convenience. They contain phytochemicals and phytonutrients from 24 different fruits and vegetables. Since fruits and vegetables of different colors contain different phytonutrients, you are assured of getting a broad spectrum from this supplement. The phytonutrients in these products come from whole fruits and vegetables grown in rich soil and harvested at peak maturation. Recent research indicates that getting antioxidants from whole foods may be more effective than taking isolated vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, fruits and vegetables that are picked early to simplify transportation to your local store, or those that are grown in nutrient-depleted soil contain substantially less phytonutrients. The fruits and vegetables are pulped in a manner that retains all the nutrient sources, and the liquid is gently flash-dried to minimize damage to nutrients. Unnecessary processing, heating, or pasteurization is not used. The resulting high-potency powder is encapsulated without added binders and fillers. Life Health on the Go comes in powdered form, in individual serving packets. Daily Product 24 comes in gelatin-free capsules.

I encourage you to look into it yourselves by getting more product information at Unicity's website. Should you decide to purchase their products, I am told that you may not be able to do so without a "Referring Associate ID number". I suggest that you write down ID# 97383701 (in case you wish to purchase products now or later).

A few readers have told me that Unicity's site is a little confusing. Part of this confusion is that you should not be using the above ID number to log in to the site. You may need it when purchasing product, and only on the check out page asking you for your credit card and shipping information. Just find the product you wish to purchase, select the quantity on the drop-down menu, and hit the button for "Check Out". If you are still having problems, you can call Unicity's toll free order number: 800-864-2489 or you can contact me.

People have asked me why I recommend products from Unicity so frequently. In this case, I think that these products are unique in their nutritional content. However, in general, I continue to recommend Unicity products because of the company's quality standards and the science behind their products. Unicity's manufacturing facilities use the FDA's drug GMP standards and have repeatedly received the highest scores given to nutritional supplement manufacturers by a leading independent quality audit firm, Shuster Laboratories, Inc. Their standards and testing of ingredients and formulations means that their products contain exactly what their labels say they contain, nothing more, nothing less. This is what initially sold me on the company. Unicity has a Medical Advisory Board comprised of practicing healthcare professionals and dieticians. Their Medical Advisory Board allows Unicity to present new science and formulations for review and trialing, to gather medical input and feedback in the research and development of their products. This is what put it over the top ? something that has been needed in alternative healing for some time. Unicity actually backs its products by a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee. I guess they really believe in their products.

You can go to Unicity's website for product information and to purchase their products. Remember, should you decide to purchase their products, I am told that you may not be able to do so without a "Referring Associate ID number". Write down ID# 97383701 (in case you wish to purchase now or later) and go to Unicity's site for more information about their products.

Getting your daily requirement of phytonutrients is The Natural Path to good heart health.

Top of This Page

Return to Phytonutrients

TNP - Cholesterol Medical Studies

Studies supporting the connection between cholesterol levels, oxidation of cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.

Oxidized Phospholipids, Lp(a) Lipoprotein, and Coronary Artery Disease - Concludes that circulating levels of oxidized LDL are strongly associated with coronary artery disease, particularly in patients 60 years of age or younger.

Endothelial Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease - Finds the stress of vascular oxydation contributes to dysfunction in coronary cell walls and predicts the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease.

Molecular link between cholesterol, cytokines and atherosclerosis - Finds that the presence of cholesterol and its oxydated derivative result in accumulation and formation of atherosclerotic plaque.

The effect of cholesterol lowering on carotid and femoral artery wall stiffness and thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia - Finds that one year of cholesterol lowering therapy in familial hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol) decreases the wall stiffness in the common femoral artery and the arterial wall thickness in the common carotid artery.

Purple grape juice improves endothelial function and reduces the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease. - Finds ingestion of purple grape juice reduces LDL susceptibility to oxidation in coronary artery disease patients.

Association of small low-density lipoprotein particles with the incidence of coronary artery disease in men and women - Finds that the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is a strong independent predictor of coronary artery disease. Also supports the role for small, dense LDL particles in the the cause of atherosclerosis.

Increasing HDL cholesterol levels and lowering LDL cholesterol levels is
The Natural Path to good health.

Return to Lowering Cholesterol

TNP - Concerns with Store-Bought Supplements

This page contains information and advice on helping you make your parasite cleansing, colon cleansing and kidney cleansing experience simpler, less expensive and more effective. If you haven't done so already, I suggest you get the background information on parasite cleansing, colon cleansing, or kidney cleansing.

I recall that when I first wanted to cleanse my colon, cleanse my kidneys and rid my body of parasites, I went to local stores looking for the ingredients that I needed. From finding organic, unfiltered apple juice to the variety of herbal and nutritional supplements, I actually had to go to a few stores in my area to find what I needed at reasonable prices. After all was said and done, I actually ended up spending far more money that I thought I would on the various supplements. Counting the value of my time, this was an expensive process. However, since it was to promote my good health, I had no problem justifying it - and the results were well worth it.

I found the most effective use of my time was purchasing the majority of ingredients at a reputable health food store or online. However, you should verify that whatever you are buying is fresh and from reputable suppliers.

Have you ever noticed that hot dogs come 8 to a package and buns come 12 to a package (or is it the other way around ? it has been so long since I have bought hot dogs, I have forgotten). It takes 3 packs of hot dogs and 2 packs of buns to match up the hot dogs to buns. Are you wondering why a site dedicated to natural healing is talking about hot dogs? Well, my point is that no matter what, you end up with extra ingredients you did not actually need or want.

I felt the same way after going through my do-it-yourself cleansing process. After going through all of my cleansing, I found that I had leftovers of each type of supplement ? but not enough to do another cleanse. Therefore, as with hot dogs and buns, I concluded that I had paid for quantities I did not need, although in many cases, I purchased the smallest quantities available.

Unfortunately, the only solution I have come up with for this is to use kit-based cleansing products ? products that package all of the necessary ingredients (preferrably already premixed) into an easy to use kit. Buy one kit and do one cleanse - simple isn't it? You can find these kits at your local health food store or online. Once again, make sure you buy from a reputable supplier and make sure the products are fresh.

The colon cleansing, kidney cleansing, and parasite cleansing methods described on this site are safe and effective, regardless of the health of your colon or kidneys ? if (and this is a big if) the foods and supplements you use for the cleansing are of sufficient quality and do not contain other harmful additives. It is when you cannot guarantee the quality of the supplements that you have to start to question the process.

For example, a friend was recently doing her first parasite cleanse. She was seeing no signs of parasite infection through the process - apparently good news. When she was done with the cleanse, she ended up with too much of one ingredient leftover (see "Hot Dogs and Buns" above). She decided to continue taking that ingredient, but in a higher dosage, to finish it off. After a few doses, she started to see signs of parasites being expelled from her body. We can only conclude that the strength of the ingredient was less than it should have been, either due to poor quality controls or extended shelf time after it was produced. It was only the higher dosage that caused the intended reaction.

After some additional reading and investigation, I was dismayed about the fact that essential aspects related to the cleansing ? namely quality and product purity ? were not adequately addressed.

According to the National Institute of Health?s Office of Dietary Supplements , ??it is difficult to determine the quality of a dietary supplement product from its label. The degree of quality control depends on the manufacturer, the supplier, and others in the production process. FDA is authorized to issue Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations describing conditions under which dietary supplements must be prepared, packed, and stored. FDA published a proposed rule?that is intended to ensure that manufacturing practices will result in an unadulterated dietary supplement and that dietary supplements are accurately labeled. Until this proposed rule is finalized, dietary supplements ? are primarily concerned with safety and sanitation rather than dietary supplement quality. Some manufacturers voluntarily follow drug GMPs, which are more rigorous...? . Not good ? our government is acknowledging that there is a problem with quality of supplements we are consuming.

Paul Zane Pilzer, an advisor to two U.S. presidential administrations and a leading author, claims that "?between one-quarter and one-third of the dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, and herbals) sold in the United States today? do not contain what they say they do on the label ... No wonder about a third of the people who have tried dietary supplements have found them to be ineffective??. Here is another credible source saying that there is a problem with not thoroughly researching the supplements we take.

For example, black walnut hulls that are used in parasite cleansing must actually be harvested green, before they turn black. These green hulls are stripped from the nuts and cleaned. Then they are broken down into smaller parts and soaked in a solution of alcohol and water, which breaks down the hulls and forms a tincture. You can well imagine that if the hulls are harvested too late or if they are broken down in an inappropriate amount of solution, the strength and efficacy of the resulting treatment can change dramatically. Spending money on a product with diminished efficacy and taking the time to use it for parasite cleansing would be a waste of time and money. In general, strict quality controls and standards are required to be able to predict efficacy.

Make sure that whatever product you purchase is fresh (not past its shelf life), and also is from a reputable manufacturer that stands behind their products.

I truly believe in and have used the techniques on this site to promote good health. However, many people consider alternative healing techniques in general, and body cleansing in particular, voodoo science. This is primarily because insufficient money has been spent adequately testing these alternative healing techniques using scientifically conducted trial methodology (e.g. double blind testing with large enough samples). Whatever testing that has been done, has not been publicized widely enough. Many of these techniques are based on trial and error medicine, or rely on ancient traditions. This by no means makes them less effective. In fact, I believe that something that has withstood the test of time draws validity from that test. However, for some, it would be more comforting to know that these techniques were proven through modern scientific principles and methodologies. Wouldn?t everyone want to use simple techniques to achieve good health, if those techniques were proven to work? I will continue to try and find evidence based on scientific methodology, to help you feel better about the alternative healing therapies on this site. Based on my investigations and ?field experience? (having undertaken numerous cleanses and having advised people on cleansing regimes), I have found that doing a parasite cleanse, colon cleanse and kidney cleanse are simpler, easier and more cost effective (especially when you consider the value of time) by purchasing kits, rather than the do-it-yourself method. Considering all of the factors above (especially thos related to efficacy of products), here is my recommendation. Get ready to take The Natural Path to good health.

Top of this page

TNP - Glycemic Index of Popular Foods

The following table provides the glycemic index of popular food.

Low Glycemic Food provides information on why you need this chart and and how to use it to reduce your risk factor for heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. It also provides information on other natural ways to control your blood sugar and balance your insulin levels.

Extrapolated from "The GI Factor: The Glycemic Index Solution", by Dr. Jennie Brand Milles, Kwye Foster-Powell, Dr. Stephen Colagiuri.

TNP - Juicing Recipes

Now that you?ve discovered the numerous health benefits of juicing, it?s time to discuss what to juice.

But first, be sure to join our mailing list by filling out the form to the right to receive nine free juicing recipes AND our free e-book ?5 Must Have Juice Recipes?.

Here?s one delicious juicing recipe to get you started;

Carrot-Jicama-Parsley Juice
This juice is rich in calcium and phosphorus and will soothe upset stomachs and indigestion.
- 5-6 carrots
- 1 (1 inch) slice of Jicama
- Handful of parsley
Slice the jicama into 2-3 strips if you need to, in order to feed into the juicer. Juice the parsley with the jicama and carrots to extract the maximum juice.

What is a good source for more juicing recipes?

For even more juicing recipes we recommend that you purchase the "Juice Suggester" software by David Alan. The Juice Suggester is inexpensive and makes it easy for anyone to enjoy over 100 different healthy, nutrition packed, fruit and vegetable juicing recipes.

"It's like having your own personal nutritionist at your fingertips..."

David Alan created the Juice Suggester to save time and put the fun back into juicing. Imagine being able to open your refrigerator, pick out a few items and in seconds have multiple recipes that you can make. It's the perfect tool to help you stay on your diet and live a healthy lifestyle.

Not only will the Juice Suggester save you tons of time, but you will be able to quickly and easily create over 100 fruit and vegetable recipes using this simple software juicing program.

David's free video shows how easy it is to combine your own healthy juicer recipes.

?The software is easy to use, even for folks who are not really computer savvy. It is great to have instant access to such a collection of new recipes. Of course, the main benefit is that I can punch in what I have in the fridge and get my ready-made recipes at the punch of a button?.

Rika Susan
www.best-juicing.com

Click here to purchase David Alan's "Juice Suggester"

Juicing Guidelines

How to pick and prepare the produce for the juicing recipes:

-Buy organic wherever possible.

-Always wash your produce first, even if it is organic.

-If your produce is not organic, then peel it before juicing.

-You get the best juice from firm, ripe fruits and vegetables. If it is overripe or too soft, you will extract more pulp than juice.

Can I mix fruits and vegetables together?

Do your best to separate vegetable from fruit juices. Your body works differently to absorb nutrients from vegetable versus fruit sources. Carrots and apples are the only items that are interchangeable, and can be mixed with either fruit or vegetable juices. You will notice that many of the recipes provided below start with either carrots or apples.

- Fruits are revitalizers and body cleansers.

- Whole fruits are more easily digested than vegetables and are a good source of fiber.

- If you are monitoring your blood sugar intake, fruit juices do contain a high amount of fructose, so go easy on them.

- Vegetables are harder to digest when eaten whole. They are bulkier and are broken down more slowly by the body than fruit.

- Vegetables are responsible for strong healthy muscles, tissues, glands and organs. In juice form, you can consume nearly 100% of the available nutrients.

Are there other guidelines I should follow?

- Avoid juicing bananas or avocados as they are often too soft and will clog the juicer.

- Green vegetable juice ? Limit green juice to 2 oz per glass and fill the rest of the glass with a milder juice, such as carrot or apple. Otherwise you may experience temporary gastric discomfort.

- Beet juice ? Limit to 4 oz per glass and fill the rest with a milder juice, such as carrot or apple.

- Citrus ? with grapefruit, tangerines and oranges, remove and discard all of the rind, but keep as much of the white pith as possible since it is chock full of nutrients. You can juice lemons and limes whole with their rinds.

- Melons - Juice with both the peel and interior white rind, as much of the nutritional value of the melon resides in these sections of the fruit.

When you take your first sip of the freshly made juice, swish it around your mouth until it feels warm and tastes sweet. This activates the digestive enzymes that are naturally present in your saliva.

Top of Juicing Recipes

Return to Juicing

TNP - High fiber food

You have probably already been told to eat high fiber food. However, fiber is one of those nutrients that many of us know is important, but that remains a bit of a mystery.

What is fiber and why is it important?
Basically, fiber refers to carbohydrates that cannot be digested. Therefore, when we consume fiber, our bodies expel the fiber through bowel movements. Since fiber cannot be digested, high fiber food tends to be lower in fat and calories. These kinds of foods can help to stabilize your blood sugar and help defer the onset of diabetes and can help fight obesity.

Fiber can be thought of as nature?s scrub brush ? it cleans out the digestive system. In the process, certain types of fiber bind to fat and toxins, thus helping to cleanse your entire body ? not just your colon. Because of its ability to bind to certain fats, certain types of high fiber food have other beneficial side effects like helping to lower your cholesterol.

Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber
Fiber is present in all plant based food, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. However, not all fiber is the same. Fiber can be divided into two categories according to its physical characteristics and effects on our bodies.
Soluble fiber ? fiber that dissolves in water Insoluble fiber ? fiber that does not dissolve in water.

Each type of fiber functions differently and provides different health benefits. Soluble fiber can be found in oats, oat bran, dried beans and peas, barley, flax seed, fruits such as oranges and apples, vegetables such carrots, and psyllium husk. Soluble fiber binds to fatty acids and prolongs digestion time of stomach contents ? thus helping to regulate blood sugar. Soluble fiber is reported to help reduce overall cholesterol and more importantly, LDL (the so-called bad cholesterol). Learn about a soluble fiber supplement based on guar gum and fruit pectin that is proven to lower cholesterol better than oat fiber.

Insoluble fiber can be found in wheat, wheat bran, corn bran, flax seeds, vegetables such as green beans and cauliflower, and the skins of fruits and root vegetables. Insoluble fiber helps to move waste through the intestines and bowel, remove toxins from your colon and helps to balance the acidity of your intestines.

Fiber Content of Popular High Fiber Foods
The following table provides information on approximately how much soluble fiber and insoluble fiber is contained in popular produce. You should try and consume at least 25 - 30 grams of a blend of soluble fiber and insoluble fiber each day. Eating high fiber foods is the easiest way to get the fiber you need to keep your colon healthy.

CEREAL GRAINS (1/4 cup cooked)Psyllium seeds, ground (1 Tbsp)Citrus Fruit (orange, grapefruit)Lentils (yellow, green, orange)

Eating high fiber food keeps your colon healthy ?
The Natural Path to good health.

Top of High Fiber Food

Return to Colon Cleansing

Return to Toxic Cleansing

TNP - Deep Breathing Exercise

So you must be wondering what is there to learn about deep breathing exercise? Breathing is something that you do without thinking about it and you do it all the time. And yet, most of us do not take a deep enough breath to fully oxygenate the body. Following this deep breathing exercise regularly can help you breathe properly all the time.

Take a quick look at people around you ? when they breathe, they often suck in their gut and their shoulders will lift up towards their ears. This is a classic example of shallow breathing, not deep breathing. Chances are they don?t even realize they are doing it, as they have been breathing this way for years. The majority of people use only one-third of their breathing capacity regularly. Have you hear the old saying - use it or lose it?

Here is a simple deep breathing exercise that you can practice. Once you become proficient in it, you can spend two minutes doing it and literally feel stress and tension melt away from your body. It allows your mind to calm down and leaves you feeling relaxed and centered. It is extremely effective at relieving headaches. Following this deep breathing exercise for even two minutes each day will help your body relearn how to breathe deeply on a regular basis.

Don?t become discouraged by the number of instructions. The efficacy of this deep breathing exercise depends upon proper posture, proper movement of the body in conjunction with the breath and finally, proper sound. I am being as detailed as possible since I can?t see you to determine what point you are starting from. If at all possible, do this deep breathing exercise in front of a mirror or have someone watch you, so you can make sure that you get the full effect of the exercise while you are learning it.

Deep Breathing Exercise Posture:
1. Take a firm pillow or neatly folded blanket and place it on the floor, next to a wall. Sit on the pillow/blanket, so that your back is against the wall. If necessary, press your butt, back and the inside of your shoulder blades against the wall, so that your spine straightens. The small of your back may not touch the wall ? that is okay.
2. Next, you need to position your head correctly. Adjust your head so that your chin is parallel to the floor. Now tip your chin down, about one-half inch. If your back is positioned correctly against the wall, you should now feel your spine lengthen even more.
3. Relax your shoulders.
4. This is the proper posture to begin deep breathing exercises. By straightening your spine, you have now created space internally, so your lungs can fully expand.

Proper Deep Breath In:
5. Now place one hand on your abdomen. With your mouth closed, take a deep breath in, and feel your abdomen expand, then release the breath. Your abdomen should expand a good 4-6 inches if you are taking in a full breath.
6. Now place your other hand on your chest and feel the slight expansion that occurs when you take a breath in. The movement in your chest should occur after your abdomen expands. This movement is what happens when your lungs fill from bottom to top with cleansing breath. Make sure that your shoulders stay relaxed and down, away from your ears. If your shoulders move, this is a sign that you are not breathing deeply.
7. When you first try this, have someone watch you and see if your abdomen truly expands. Also have them keep an eye on your shoulders to make sure that you aren?t moving them up and down in conjunction with your breath. You may want to have them put gentle pressure on your shoulders to make sure they are truly relaxed. The only movement should be in your torso, caused by the expansion of your lungs to their fullest capacity. We are so conditioned to suck in our guts in order to look our best that often this is the hardest part of the exercise. One of the first things I myself do is to loosen my pants so my abdomen can expand!
8. Take a moment to notice that the small of your back presses against the wall with each breath in. Now that truly is deep breathing!

Proper Deep Breath Out ? move to this section only when you are sure you are taking a full breath in:
9. This part is much easier! With your mouth closed, as you exhale, slowly compress your abdomen as if you are trying to internally touch your spine with your belly button. This conscious movement helps your lungs expel all of the air that you have taken in.

Balance Your Deep Breathing Exercise
1. Now try to balance your inhale and your exhale. Think about a ticking clock and time your inhale and exhale ? first take four counts to inhale, pause for one count, and take four counts to exhale.
2.Incorporate this cycle into your deep breathing exercise, increasing up to a maximum six counts in and six counts out.

Visualize A Cleansing Breath
1. As you inhale, imagine clean pure air moving into your body. This cleansing breath moves all the way to the tip of your toes and as you continue to inhale, it fills you all the way to the top of your head.
2. As you consciously exhale, imagine your lungs collapsing and pulling all of the toxins and stale air out of your entire body.

Create the Sound of Relaxation ? first master the steps above, before tackling this one. It simply helps your body to relax even more. It does not affect the amount of cleansing oxygen that you are already taking in.
1. Take a deep breath in, drop your jaw as you open your mouth and say ?Ahh? as you exhale. You should feel the back of your throat open up as your tongue drops away from the roof of your mouth.
2. Try to maintain your throat and mouth in this same position open position, and take your next breath in through your open mouth. Again, exhale and say ?Ahh?.
3. Practice this cycle a few times. Notice how as you say and hear the ?Ahh? sound, your whole body relaxes. Also notice that the movement of the breath in your throat feels different than when you breathe through your nose.
4. Next, with the same mouth and throat position, stop trying to say ?Ahh? as you exhale. Continue to inhale and exhale through your mouth.
5. Practice this cycle a few times. Notice that on its own, your inhalation and exhalation will now make a noise that sounds like a quiet ?ahh?. This sound is caused by the breath moving over your vocal chords, instead of staying within your windpipe, as it does when you breathe normally.
6. The last step is to slowly close your jaw, while maintaining the open space in your mouth and throat. As you inhale and exhale through your nose, you should still hear the ?ahh? sound from your throat.
7. As you become more proficient in this, you will be able to position your mouth and throat without going through all of the intermediary steps. People around your may notice that the quiet ?ahh? is not so quiet!
8. Moving your breath over your vocal chords in conjunction with the deep abdominal breathing, allows your body to relax in as little as 2-3 minutes.

Deep breathing exercises are
The Natural Path to good health.

Top of Deep Breathing Exercise

Return to Oxygen Therapy

Return to Whole Body Detox

TNP - Parasite Cleanse

A parasite cleanse is required if your body is overburdened with other toxins. For the most part, if your body is healthy, then your immune system can deal with the parasites. If your circulation is poor, or your organs and tissues are oxygen deprived, or your pH is out of balance, tissues begin to deteriorate. This sets up an environment suitable for parasites to invade your body. They will naturally migrate to those areas of the body where your body is not functioning optimally. So they can be present in your blood, your joints, your organs, you name it! While parasites may not necessarily be the cause of a disease, they are extremely opportunistic and can make a disease worse.

There are many reasons to consider a parasite cleanse. It is estimated that parasites infect up to 80% of the world population, and that these infestations are not limited to developing nations with poor sanitation. Common lab tests screen for only forty of the hundreds of parasites that can live within the human body. In addition, most tests are performed on stool samples, but in reality only a few parasites inhabit the intestinal tract. Thus many people can test negative when in fact they do have parasites.

What is a parasite?
A parasite is an organism that derives its food, nutrition and shelter by living in or on another organism.

How would I possibly get bad parasites?
Malaria, giardia, and roundworm can be spread from country to country due to increased immigration and travel. Popularity of raw or undercooked foods, in particular meats and fish, can spread parasites. Until recently, the US government had banned the import of Italian prosciutto because the traditional method used to cure the pork did not involve heat of any kind.

You know how certain beaches are closed to swimmers after heavy rains? This is because the bacterial and parasite levels are extremely high and create the risk of infection. If you live in high smog areas, you will be more susceptible to parasite invasion.

Probably the most common method of transmission is through pets. Even if you wash your hands after petting your dog or cat or handling your scaly or feathered friends, you can still get parasites by picking up their bedding or their food dish or when they come over and lick you. This is the reason why women are advised to stop emptying the cat litter box while they are pregnant.

So what is a toxin-conscious person to do? A routine parasite cleanse!

Possible Signs of Parasitic Infestation
Since parasites will naturally inhabit the weaker areas of your body, symptoms can manifest in many different ways. Stomach pain, indigestion, ulcers, constipation or colitis may indicate parasites in the digestive tract Uncontrollable movements, such as Parkinson?s disease, may indicate parasites in the nervous system Joint or muscle pain, such as arthritis, can be a sign that the presence of a parasite is irritating the joint or tissue and thereby causing inflammation Increased susceptibility to infections in lungs, sinuses, vagina, bladder or any mucous membrane may indicate the presence of a parasite Food and environmental allergies are often linked to parasites because as digested food is released into the intestines, it can seep through perforations caused by the parasites into the lymphatic system Dermatitis, itching, psoriasis, eczema, hives, swelling and rashes can indicate parasites in the skin Anemia, fatigue or drowsiness after meals may indicate that parasites are competing with the body for nutrients
Cleansing Sequence
I have seen conflicting information on when to undertake this cleanse ? in conjunction with the colon cleanse or after the liver cleanse. However, the consensus is that if your body has a low level of toxicity (no chronic symptoms and regular bowel movements), then sequence is less important. If you are experiencing any chronic symptoms or have not been following a natural and organic food diet, then I would recommend that you do the colon cleanse and the parasite cleanse first, followed by the kidney cleanse and then the liver cleanse.

Parasite Cleanse Guide
You may have read about certain foods and herbs that kill certain parasites. Studies have shown that 4 glasses pomegranate juice daily will kill tapeworms. One-quarter cup of finely ground pumpkin seeds can eliminate many other varieties of worms. But, if you suspect that you have a parasite, but cannot rely on the common lab tests to tell you what you have, then what can you do?

As with other types of cleanses, there are two way to arrive at a solution. The do-it-yourself method requires that you find and purchase all of the ingredients and then administer them in the right dosages. This task can be time consuming and not necessarily inexpensive, despite the label "do-it-yourself".

Using the kit method, you can purchase a kit, consisting of a mixture of various anti-parasite supplements and herbal laxatives. While this may seem like it should cost more, take it from someone that has done a lot of cleanses, by the time you purchase all of the ingredients in their minimum quanities, you really do not save that much money using the do-it-yourself method. If you wish to, you can skip ahead to the kit method.

Do-It-Yourself Parasite Cleanse
All sources that I have read agree that the best parasite cleanse consists of a combination of herbs to eliminate adult parasites and their eggs. A common formula uses three particular herbs: black walnut hulls, wormwood and cloves. The walnut hulls and wormwood kill parasites in the adult and developmental stages, while the cloves kill the eggs. Thus by using the three herbs in combination, you kill the parasites at all stages of its life cycle.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Be careful with your source of black walnut hulls. The hulls must be harvested green, before they decay and turn black, in order to retain their medicinal properties. Look for black walnut hulls in a tincture solution in most health food stores.

2. There are a lot of different plants that are commonly called wormwood. The one with the maximum parasite-fighting capability is the one with the scientific name ?Artemesia?. It is extremely bitter and best taken in capsule form.

3. There are no particular precautions with cloves. However, if you are putting them in capsules yourself, freshly grind whole cloves yourself. Ground cloves found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores are often stale, which means they have lost their medicinal value.

Typical Side Effects
There are no typical side effects from these herbs at recommended dosages, though you may experience a healing crisis as your body eliminates the parasites and begins to heal itself. Drink plenty of water while on any parasite cleanse. Nevertheless, do not exceed recommended dosages in an effort to speed up the parasite cleanse! Always remember that too much of a good thing isn?t necessarily better for you. Lastly, you do not need to stop other medications or herbal therapies.

Complete Parasite Cleanse
You will need: Organic apple juice Tincture of black walnut hull Bottle of Wormwood capsules (200-300mg each) Bottle of Clove capsules (500 mg each) Bottle of L-ornithine capsules (500 mg each)
Begin the parasite cleanse around the full moon, which is when parasites are most active. Take the herbal combination 30 minutes before meals or on an empty stomach. Plan on taking 1-4 L-ornithine capsules at night if you have trouble sleeping during the cleanse.

Week 1: Add 30 drops of the black walnut hull to one cup of organic apple juice. Drink with one capsule each wormwood and cloves. Take this dose of herbs 3 times per day.

Week 2: Stay at 30 drops of the black walnut hull to one cup of organic apple juice. Increase the wormwood and cloves to 2 capsules each. Take this dose of herbs 3 times per day.

Week 3: Stay at 30 drops of the black walnut hull to one cup of organic apple juice. Increase the wormwood and cloves to 3 capsules each. Take this dose of herbs 3 times per day.

Most parasites will die within a week, but continue for at least three weeks and for up to three months. If you continue longer than three weeks, simply maintain the Week 3 dosage for the remainder of the cleanse.

Concerns About Do-It-Yourself Cleanses
While I wholeheartedly believe in the parasite cleanse described on this page, and I have used it and recommended it with great success, I have growing concerns about the efficacy and variability of do-it-yourself cleanses based on individual ingredients. The efficacy can vary greatly depending on the manufacturers' quality standards, and the age / shelf life of the supplement.

Kit Method of Parasite Cleanse
Instead of assembling all of the ingredients yourself, you may choose from one of numerous supplement-based parasite cleansing kits available at your health food store or online. A complete supplement-based parasite cleansing kit should have some form of herbal laxative and herbs to expel adult parasites and kill the eggs. You should also make sure that the whatever supplement based product you purchase is fresh (not past its shelf life) and comes from a reputable supplier. There are a large number of suppliers of herbal supplements that produce their supplements without the sufficient quality controls and standards to guarantee purity, quality and efficacy.

The easiest kits to use are ones that come with all of the ingredients pre-mixed, to save you the time and hassle of looking up dosages. I have found that while the kit method may appear to be more expensive initially, after using the do-it-yourself method on numerous occassions, it is actually not more expensive to use the kit method.

After having investigated a number of kits available on the market in terms of ingredients, ease of use and supplier credibility and quality, here is my recommendation for a parasite cleanse kit.

Drink Plenty of Water
Remember to drink plenty of water each day to flush the excreted toxins out of your system! Information on the benefit of drinking water will provide you with guidelines on the minimum amount of water you should be drinking. The more water you drink, the more toxins your body will be able to expel as part of this cleanse, and the better you will feel through the cleansing process.

Re-infestation will occur so consider doing the parasite cleanse once or twice a year. Children are especially susceptible to parasites since they are always sticking things in their mouths. While teenagers can take adult dosages, please consult a natural doctor for the proper doses for children.

Cleansing your body of parasites is a fundamental step on
The Natural Path to good health.

Top of Parasite Cleanse

Return to Toxic Cleansing

TNP - Six Steps to Good Health

Good health is much more than merely the absence of disease. People generally do not go from a healthy condition to a sick condition overnight ? although it may seem that way if we focus only on the symptoms of illness. Your body is extremely effective at achieving and maintaining good health, if it is given what it needs.

For some time, I have provided tools and guides to help visitors cleanse their bodies and naturally address specific ailments. However, upon reflection, it hasn?t been clear as to how to navigate through all of the information on this site. Do you do the Toxic Cleansing (cleansing your colon, kidneys, liver) first, or the Whole Body Cleansing? How do Natural Cures and Diet and Nutrition fit in?

To help you better use the guides and techniques that I have provided, I have created this simple master guide, which gives six easy steps to good health. The first step on your path to good health is to drink sufficient amounts of water - This sounds like a strange first item to put into a top level guide. Doesn?t everyone drink water? It turns out that most people do not drink enough water. Dehydration is subtle... so subtle that most people are unaware of how much water they need. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Statistically, more than 90% of us are dehydrated; we are not getting the amount of water our bodies need to operate at optimal capacity. Insufficient water consumption (dehydration) can make you feel tired, give you headaches, weaken your immune reactions or manifest itself in other seemingly unrelated symptoms. Water is the most important nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. It plays a critical role in the natural metabolic, digestive, and cellular regeneration processes. When our bodies become dehydrated, our organs suffer, which can result in various types of degenerative diseases. All major systems of the body depend on water. Drinking sufficient amounts of water should help many of your other health-related symptoms and will help to cleanse your body, in and of itself. Your next step towards achieving good health is to exercise regularly - Anyone, even someone not used to a regular exercise program, can instantly benefit from starting basic cardiovascular, aerobic exercise and strength training of one form or another. If you get little exercise, even walking 10 minutes a day can help immensely. In addition to helping to control your blood sugar and helping you lose weight, exercise also has a detoxifying effect on your body. While there are many forms of exercise, walking and trampoline exercise are the most easily accessible and beneficial. Next cleanse your elimination organs and eliminate parasites - The human body has been honed by millions of years of evolution to heal itself and fight disease ? its natural state of being is a condition of good health. However, the environment that our bodies are exposed to has changed dramatically in the last 50 years ? faster than the human body can adapt. Exposure to environmental factors such as processed foods, additives, pollution and toxins have left our bodies less able to cope with diseases. Resetting the body?s natural condition through a thorough body cleanse will help you achieve improved health, naturally. Start with a colon cleanse to cleanse your entire digestive tract. Why start with cleansing the colon to achieve good health? According to the Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain, 90% of all disease and discomfort is directly or indirectly related to an unclean colon. It is no wonder, given that your colon is the primary means for your body to eliminate waste. Additionally, poor digestion is one of the world?s major health problems. Your digestive system is a complex arrangement of organs and intestines, an assortment of acids, bacteria, and enzymes designed to nourish vital organs and body systems. Your food and drink must be broken down into small molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. A clogged or poorly functioning digestive system prevents the absorption of nutrients your body needs, and inhibits the elimination of toxins which are damaging your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and other vital organs. After your colon cleanse, make sure get enough fiber in your diet by eating high fiber food to keep your colon clean. Undertake a parasite cleanse - It is estimated that parasites infect up to 80% of the world population. Amazingly enough, these infestations are not limited to developing nations with poor sanitation. If you think you do not have parasites, you may be wrong. You can have a parasite infestation with few symptoms ? but the overall effect can cause other illnesses to take a bigger toll on your body, due to a weakened immune system. Parasites can rob you of your goal to achieve good health. Undergo a parasite cleanse every 6 months, as it is easy to get re-infected ? especially if you are around pets or other animals. Follow this up with a kidney cleanse ? Your kidneys act as filters that remove toxins and metabolic waste from your blood. Through years of abuse, your kidneys could become less effective, leading to conditions such as gout. Performing a Kidney Cleanse will help to get your kidneys back into shape. After your kidneys are clean, eat an apple a day, to help ensure that your kidneys remain in good condition. Finally, flush your gall bladder and liver with a liver cleanse ? your liver is a complex organ that is responsible for a great many functions. Flushing your liver of built up toxins and fatty deposits can help your liver function more effectively. You can find information on the liver?s many functions and a simple do-it-yourself guide to administering a Liver Cleanse. You may need to repeat your liver cleanse, but never more frequently than every 2 weeks. I rely on my body telling me when I need a liver cleanse. I do this when I see old symptoms, such as allergies re-appearing. The next step to achieving good health is to Properly Nourish Your Body - Unfortunately, today's diets are made up of more fats, more sugars, more carbohydrates and fewer nutritionally rich foods. Moreover, in our busy lives, we tend to eat foods filled with artificial ingredients that have adverse effects on our bodies. One of the most important things you can do to get the nourishment that your body needs is to eat 7 -9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. One simple and effective way to increase your servings of fruit and vegetables is through juicing. If you do not consume this many servings of fruit and vegetables, you are probably not getting the necessary essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and phytochemicals so critical to building and maintaining good health. If you are like me and find it difficult to eat so many servings of fruit and vegetables, you should consider taking mineral and vitamin supplements. A second important thing that you should do is learn to control your blood sugar by eating low glycemic foods. Spikes in your blood sugar causes a syndrome called insulin resistance. This problem can lead to diseases such as Type II Diabetes, heart attacks, high cholesterol, and Alzheimer?s disease. Controlling your blood sugar levels will help you live a healthier life. A third important factor in your diet should be to get sufficient fiber by eating high fiber food. Fiber not only helps to control blood sugar, but also helps to continuously cleanse your body of toxins and fatty deposits that lead to poor health. Finally, eating natural and organic food will help to provide a better environment for your body. This guide provides practical advice such as what additives and sweeteners are the best and worst for you, and which fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide / chemical content and hence should be purchased from organic sources. Whole Body Cleanse ? In step 3 you cleansed your elimination organs and rid your body of parasites. However, toxins can be stored in the form of fat throughout your body. Healing crisis provides a good metaphor of how your body works in this regard. Whole Body Detox provides background information on ways to eliminate these toxins will help you continue your path to good health. Master Cleanse ? depriving your body of food over a short period of a few days allows your body to cleanse itself. Not burdened with the process of digestion, your body can focus on cleansing itself. As fat deposits are broken down, toxins are released and eliminated. This process can be accelerated by consuming either specific juices or fasting solutions that help promote cleansing and healing. Fasting and the Juice Fast provides you with additional background information and details on how to administer a pure fast, a monofoods fast and a juice fast. Undergo a fast at least once per year, to stay on the path to good health. Hyperthermia ? elevating your body temperature helps increase your metabolism and accelerates your body?s natural internal cleansing processes. Hyperthermia gives you guidelines on using heat to help you achieve good health. Use them to administer these techniques as often as you can. Oxygen Therapy ? oxygen is a powerful cleansing process. Learn about using oxygen to help cleanse your body of toxins. Target Your Specific Ailments with Natural Cures - Now that you have gotten your body onto a solid foundation of good health, you should be feeling better. Do you notice that some of the nagging symptoms that you previously had have disappeared? If you still find that you are plagued with specific ailments, you can find natural cures to common ailments. This section will continue to grow over time to cover additional ailments.

For serious conditions, my best advice is to seek appropriate professional medical attention. If you are interested in pursuing only natural cures, I suggest you consult a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). An ND has undergone similar education to an MD, but has focused on natural cures and therapies. You can find practitioners near you at Naturopathic Doctors in the U.S. and Naturopathic Doctors in Canada. If you live elsewhere, check with local licensing boards to find resources that can help you find an ND near you.

Following this six step guide is
The Natural Path to good health.

Top of Six Steps to Good Health

TNP - Six Steps to Good Health

Good health is much more than merely the absence of disease. People generally do not go from a healthy condition to a sick condition overnight ? although it may seem that way if we focus only on the symptoms of illness. Your body is extremely effective at achieving and maintaining good health, if it is given what it needs.

For some time, I have provided tools and guides to help visitors cleanse their bodies and naturally address specific ailments. However, upon reflection, it hasn?t been clear as to how to navigate through all of the information on this site. Do you do the Toxic Cleansing (cleansing your colon, kidneys, liver) first, or the Whole Body Cleansing? How do Natural Cures and Diet and Nutrition fit in?

To help you better use the guides and techniques that I have provided, I have created this simple master guide, which gives six easy steps to good health. The first step on your path to good health is to drink sufficient amounts of water - This sounds like a strange first item to put into a top level guide. Doesn?t everyone drink water? It turns out that most people do not drink enough water. Dehydration is subtle... so subtle that most people are unaware of how much water they need. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Statistically, more than 90% of us are dehydrated; we are not getting the amount of water our bodies need to operate at optimal capacity. Insufficient water consumption (dehydration) can make you feel tired, give you headaches, weaken your immune reactions or manifest itself in other seemingly unrelated symptoms. Water is the most important nutrient that our bodies need to function properly. It plays a critical role in the natural metabolic, digestive, and cellular regeneration processes. When our bodies become dehydrated, our organs suffer, which can result in various types of degenerative diseases. All major systems of the body depend on water. Drinking sufficient amounts of water should help many of your other health-related symptoms and will help to cleanse your body, in and of itself. Your next step towards achieving good health is to exercise regularly - Anyone, even someone not used to a regular exercise program, can instantly benefit from starting basic cardiovascular, aerobic exercise and strength training of one form or another. If you get little exercise, even walking 10 minutes a day can help immensely. In addition to helping to control your blood sugar and helping you lose weight, exercise also has a detoxifying effect on your body. While there are many forms of exercise, walking and trampoline exercise are the most easily accessible and beneficial. Next cleanse your elimination organs and eliminate parasites - The human body has been honed by millions of years of evolution to heal itself and fight disease ? its natural state of being is a condition of good health. However, the environment that our bodies are exposed to has changed dramatically in the last 50 years ? faster than the human body can adapt. Exposure to environmental factors such as processed foods, additives, pollution and toxins have left our bodies less able to cope with diseases. Resetting the body?s natural condition through a thorough body cleanse will help you achieve improved health, naturally. Start with a colon cleanse to cleanse your entire digestive tract. Why start with cleansing the colon to achieve good health? According to the Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain, 90% of all disease and discomfort is directly or indirectly related to an unclean colon. It is no wonder, given that your colon is the primary means for your body to eliminate waste. Additionally, poor digestion is one of the world?s major health problems. Your digestive system is a complex arrangement of organs and intestines, an assortment of acids, bacteria, and enzymes designed to nourish vital organs and body systems. Your food and drink must be broken down into small molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. A clogged or poorly functioning digestive system prevents the absorption of nutrients your body needs, and inhibits the elimination of toxins which are damaging your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and other vital organs. After your colon cleanse, make sure get enough fiber in your diet by eating high fiber food to keep your colon clean. Undertake a parasite cleanse - It is estimated that parasites infect up to 80% of the world population. Amazingly enough, these infestations are not limited to developing nations with poor sanitation. If you think you do not have parasites, you may be wrong. You can have a parasite infestation with few symptoms ? but the overall effect can cause other illnesses to take a bigger toll on your body, due to a weakened immune system. Parasites can rob you of your goal to achieve good health. Undergo a parasite cleanse every 6 months, as it is easy to get re-infected ? especially if you are around pets or other animals. Follow this up with a kidney cleanse ? Your kidneys act as filters that remove toxins and metabolic waste from your blood. Through years of abuse, your kidneys could become less effective, leading to conditions such as gout. Performing a Kidney Cleanse will help to get your kidneys back into shape. After your kidneys are clean, eat an apple a day, to help ensure that your kidneys remain in good condition. Finally, flush your gall bladder and liver with a liver cleanse ? your liver is a complex organ that is responsible for a great many functions. Flushing your liver of built up toxins and fatty deposits can help your liver function more effectively. You can find information on the liver?s many functions and a simple do-it-yourself guide to administering a Liver Cleanse. You may need to repeat your liver cleanse, but never more frequently than every 2 weeks. I rely on my body telling me when I need a liver cleanse. I do this when I see old symptoms, such as allergies re-appearing. The next step to achieving good health is to Properly Nourish Your Body - Unfortunately, today's diets are made up of more fats, more sugars, more carbohydrates and fewer nutritionally rich foods. Moreover, in our busy lives, we tend to eat foods filled with artificial ingredients that have adverse effects on our bodies. One of the most important things you can do to get the nourishment that your body needs is to eat 7 -9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. One simple and effective way to increase your servings of fruit and vegetables is through juicing. If you do not consume this many servings of fruit and vegetables, you are probably not getting the necessary essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and phytochemicals so critical to building and maintaining good health. If you are like me and find it difficult to eat so many servings of fruit and vegetables, you should consider taking mineral and vitamin supplements. A second important thing that you should do is learn to control your blood sugar by eating low glycemic foods. Spikes in your blood sugar causes a syndrome called insulin resistance. This problem can lead to diseases such as Type II Diabetes, heart attacks, high cholesterol, and Alzheimer?s disease. Controlling your blood sugar levels will help you live a healthier life. A third important factor in your diet should be to get sufficient fiber by eating high fiber food. Fiber not only helps to control blood sugar, but also helps to continuously cleanse your body of toxins and fatty deposits that lead to poor health. Finally, eating natural and organic food will help to provide a better environment for your body. This guide provides practical advice such as what additives and sweeteners are the best and worst for you, and which fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide / chemical content and hence should be purchased from organic sources. Whole Body Cleanse ? In step 3 you cleansed your elimination organs and rid your body of parasites. However, toxins can be stored in the form of fat throughout your body. Healing crisis provides a good metaphor of how your body works in this regard. Whole Body Detox provides background information on ways to eliminate these toxins will help you continue your path to good health. Master Cleanse ? depriving your body of food over a short period of a few days allows your body to cleanse itself. Not burdened with the process of digestion, your body can focus on cleansing itself. As fat deposits are broken down, toxins are released and eliminated. This process can be accelerated by consuming either specific juices or fasting solutions that help promote cleansing and healing. Fasting and the Juice Fast provides you with additional background information and details on how to administer a pure fast, a monofoods fast and a juice fast. Undergo a fast at least once per year, to stay on the path to good health. Hyperthermia ? elevating your body temperature helps increase your metabolism and accelerates your body?s natural internal cleansing processes. Hyperthermia gives you guidelines on using heat to help you achieve good health. Use them to administer these techniques as often as you can. Oxygen Therapy ? oxygen is a powerful cleansing process. Learn about using oxygen to help cleanse your body of toxins. Target Your Specific Ailments with Natural Cures - Now that you have gotten your body onto a solid foundation of good health, you should be feeling better. Do you notice that some of the nagging symptoms that you previously had have disappeared? If you still find that you are plagued with specific ailments, you can find natural cures to common ailments. This section will continue to grow over time to cover additional ailments.

For serious conditions, my best advice is to seek appropriate professional medical attention. If you are interested in pursuing only natural cures, I suggest you consult a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). An ND has undergone similar education to an MD, but has focused on natural cures and therapies. You can find practitioners near you at Naturopathic Doctors in the U.S. and Naturopathic Doctors in Canada. If you live elsewhere, check with local licensing boards to find resources that can help you find an ND near you.

Following this six step guide is
The Natural Path to good health.

Top of Six Steps to Good Health

TNP - Alpha Lipoic Acid and Other Treatment of Alzheimer's

Recent research studies have shown that certain nutrients and supplements, such as alpha lipoic acid (ALA), can slow down or even reverse Alzheimer's disease. While a cure has yet to be found, the results are extremely encouraging.

New research has identified ALA as a critical nutrient in the treatment of Alzheimer?s disease. For example, one study found that alpha lipoic acid protects against Alzheimer?s by preventing oxidative stress and free radical production. In this study 600 milligrams of alpha lipoic acid was given daily to patients with Alzheimer?s disease for roughly a year, helping to stabilize the condition. Alpha lipoic acid and vitamin E work synergistically to prevent free radical damage to brain cells during strokes according to new research. Therefore, take daily supplements of 300 ? 600 IU of natural vitamin E, in conjunction with alpha lipoic acid. I recommend you consider Natural Vitamin E. Take one capsule per day.

Together alpha lipoic acid and Acetyl L-Carnitine improve performance on memory tasks by lowering oxidative damage in the brain. I recommend you consider this great source for Alpha Lipoic Acid. Take two capsules per day, one in the morning, one in the evening.

Recent studies show that alzheimers patients do not have sufficient amounts of Acetyl L-Carnitine in their bodies. Acetyl L-Carnitine works by preventing buildup of amyloid plaque that damages brain tissues, thought to be a cause of Alzheimer?s. A new study shows that Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps control amyloid plaque by inhibiting free radical action and preserving energy production in the brain. Giving patients Acetyl L-Carnitine supplements was shown to slow down the progress of alzheimers. However, Acetyl L-Carnitine supplements are very expensive.

If your liver is functioning normally, a less expensive and more natural way to increase Acetyl L-Carnitine in your body is by eating lysine-rich foods and taking L-Lysine supplements. Lysine-rich foods include: Cottage cheese Dark meat chicken Fish Peanuts (make sure you are not allergic to peanuts before eating them) Chick peas Soybeans Pumpkin and squash seeds.

In addition, I suggest NSI's L-Lysine supplements as a cost-effective source. Start by taking one capsule per day and over 2 weeks, work up to 4 capsules per day, 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.

Additionally, the following supplements help your body produce lysine:

Rather than taking separate supplements for the various vitamin B's and C, I recommend a B-Complex supplement.

Liver health is essential for your body to properly process lysine rich foods and produce Acetyl-L-Carnitine. A good way to help your liver function properly is to undertake a liver cleanse. Additionally, supplements recommended in the liver cleansing treatment, such as milk thistle can help to support your liver functions. In addition to using antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, improving blood circulation to the brain has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Two supplements that can improve blood circulation in your entire body (and therefore your brain) are Padma (derived from a Tibetan formula called Gabur) and Ginko. Padma is a combination of over 20 herbs, while Ginko is an herb in and of itself. Both these supplements have proven effective in increasing circulation to the brain and in improving memory function.

Researchers at the New York Institute for Medical Research in Tarrytown, New York, conducted a clinical study of ginkgo biloba and dementia in the United States. Their findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (October 22/29, 1997). These scientists examined how taking a daily dose of ginkgo biloba affected the rate of cognitive decline in people with mild to moderately severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. At the end of the study, they reported a treatment difference in people given the ginkgo biloba extract.

Bacopa Monniera has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic herbal tradition of India to enhance clear thinking and support memory function. Studies have shown that Bacopa supports learning and memory and provides antioxidant protection for critical memory centers. Bacopa play a protective role in the synaptic functions of the nerves in the hippocampus, the seat of memory. Nerve impulses are transmitted across the synapses and their degeneration is believed to contribute to impaired memory and cognition.

Researchers at the Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, in Australia, studied the effects of Bacopa on human memory. Seventy-six adults aged between 40 and 65 years took part in a double-blind randomized, placebo control study in which various memory functions were tested and levels of anxiety measured. There were three testing sessions: one prior to the trial, one after three months on the trial, and one six weeks after the completion of the trial. The results showed a significant effect of bacopa monniera on a test for the retention of new information. Follow-up tests showed that the rate of learning was unaffected, suggesting that bacopa decreases the rate of forgetting of newly acquired information as well. Additional testing information can be found in this article on Bacopa Monniera from Alternative Medicine Review.

I have found a supplier that provides a high quality blend of bacopa monniera and ginko biloba, to promote healthy brain function, and a reasonable price. Here is my recommendation.

Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a phospholipid that is vital to brain cell structure and function. These phospholipids are responsible for taking in nutrients, removing waste, and enabling brain cells to coordinate with the rest of the body. PS plays an important role in our brain's neurotransmitter production and release, the brain's synapses (nerve connections), and various higher mental activities. Phosphatidyl serine levels in our body's decline with aging. Supplementing with PS provides nutritional support for memory, learning, and emotional well-being. Unlike the relationship between alpha lipoic acid and prevention / delay of Alzheimer's, the evidence that lecithin helps deter Alzheimer?s disease is loose. However, in studies, regular doses of lecithin, a natural supply of choline, have been shown to improve short-term memory and reduce memory lapses. So consuming sufficient quantities of lecithin or choline can help promote brain health and reduce memory lapses. If you wish to take lecithin supplements, I recommend lecithin granules. Take one tablespoon in the morning and one in the evening. You can sprinkle it on your cereal to add a nutty flavor.

I have found a supplier that has formulated a high quality blend of choline, phosphatidyl serine, L-Glutamine (an amino acid that helps reduce glycation), and L-Tyrosine (a precursor to certain healthy neurotransmitters). Here is my recommendation for this product.

As we eat fewer natural and organic fruits and vegetables, and eat more processed foods, we will have to rely on natural nutritional supplements to address the ills of our society. One such supplement is curcumin, a component that makes up the majority of the spice turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. Not so surprisingly, India has one of the lowest rates of Alzheimers disease in the world.

For some time, experts have agreed that anti-inflammatory drugs that are not based on steroids help decrease the risk of Alzheimer?s. This is why doctors have been prescribing aspirin for such problems. However, most anti-inflammatory drugs ? especially aspirin ? can cause bleeding in your stomach and intestines, and can damage your liver and kidneys with long-term use. A recent study showed that amyloid plaques (the leading theory on the cause of Alzheimer's disease ) were reduced in animals that were fed curcumin.

Environmental exposure to aluminum has been linked with Alzheimer?s disease. Therefore, it stands to reason that we should avoid aluminum contact with our food and products we use on our bodies, as much as possible. Avoid antacids that contain aluminum. Acceptable alternatives are antacids which contain calcium. Avoid antiperspirants containing aluminum. Nearly all antiperspirants have aluminum salts that are absorbed into your body. An effective alternative is to use a natural deodorant that contains clay or tea tree oil. Natural deodorants generally do not contain aluminum salts, but can still help some with perspiration problems. Additionally, chlorophyll consumed either in the diet, or through supplements, can help reduce body odor and can help eliminate the need for deodorants. Avoid cooking in aluminum cookware and any cookware that is coated with a non-stick finish that is cracked. Stainless steel, ceramic or porcelain cookware are better choices. Avoid using food packaged in aluminum. Aluminum cans generally have a protective food liner, but this liner can deteriorate over time and allow aluminum to leach into the food. Any acidic products, such as food that contains tomato, is especially vulnerable.Researchers have found that adding silicon to aluminum-laced water supplies prevented the aluminum from being absorbed into tissues. Silicon is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, but few foods contain the amounts that your body needs to protect it from aluminum. Dietary sources of silicon include: Ground cornmeal Oats Multivitamins that contain 25 mg of silicon Silicea (homeopathic cell salt : dosage 6 tablets, three times per day) The most obvious step in minimizing glycation (and thus the production of AGEs), is to minimize your intake of refined sugar. In addition to watching consumption of white sugar granules, the majority of processed foods now contain sugar. Unfortunately, corn syrup, the number one sweetener additive, is been found to be one of the most active in triggering glycation. Use unrefined sweeteners, where necessary ? especially herbal sweeteners such as stevia. More information can be found in natural and artificial sweeteners.

The benefit of exercise for preventing Alzheimer's is two fold. Not only does exercise reduce the amount of blood sugar, but it also increases blood circulation to all parts of the body, including the brain. This increased circulation helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer?s.

Controlling your blood sugar and minimizing excess glucose in the blood reduces glycation and the production of AGEs. Foods such as simple sugars that rapidly raise your blood sugar are said to have a high glycemic index. Foods such as complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest, and thus do not as quickly affect your blood sugar level, are said to have a low glycemic index. Therefore, eating low glycemic food helps to minimize glycation.

The formation of AGEs is accelerated when your kidneys are weakened or not functioning properly. An herbal kidney cleanse can help dissolve kidney stones and help support your kidney functions.

Preventing Alzheimer's disease, using Alpha Lipoic Acid
and other treatments, is The Natural Path to good health.

Top of Alzheimer?s Disease Prevention Using Alpha Lipoic Acid and Other Treatments

Return to Alzheimer's Disease

Return to Natural Cures