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Keep Your Body Young With A Low Calorie Diet

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Scientists studying how aging affects the biological clock’s control of metabolism have discovered that a low-calorie diet helps keep these energy-regulating processes humming and the body younger.

In a study appearing Aug. 10 in the journal Cell, Paolo Sassone-Corsi, director of the Center for Epigenetics & Metabolism at the University of California, Irvine, and colleagues reveal how circadian rhythms – or the body’s – change as a result of physiological aging. The clock-controlled circuit that directly connects to the process of aging is based on efficient metabolism of energy within .

The Sassone-Corsi team tested the same group of mice at 6 months and 18 months, drawing tissue samples from the liver, the organ which operates as the interface between nutrition and energy distribution in the body. Energy is metabolized within cells under precise circadian controls.

The researchers found that the 24-hour cycle in the circadian-controlled metabolic system of older mice remained the same, but there were notable changes in the circadian mechanism that turns genes on and off based upon the cells’ energy usage. Simply put, the older cells processed energy inefficiently.

“This mechanism works great in a young animal, but it basically shuts off in an old mouse,” Sassone-Corsi said.

However, in a second group of aged mice that were fed a diet with 30 percent fewer calories for six months, energy processing within cells was more than unchanged.

“In fact, caloric restriction works by rejuvenating the biological clock in a most powerful way,” Sassone-Corsi said. “In this context, a good clock meant good aging.”

Collaborative confirmation

For a companion study detailed in Cell‘s current issue, a research team from the Barcelona Institute for Research in Biomedicine collaborated with the Sassone-Corsi team to test body clock functioning in stem cells from the skin of young and older mice. They too found that a low-calorie diet conserved most of the rhythmic functions of youth.

“The low-calorie diet greatly contributes to preventing the effects of physiological aging,” said Salvador Aznar Benitah, who co-led the Spanish study. “Keeping the rhythm of stem cells ‘young’ is important because in the end these cells serve to renew and preserve very pronounced day-night cycles in tissue. Eating less appears to prevent tissue aging and, therefore, prevent from reprogramming their circadian activities.”

According to the UCI and Barcelona researchers, these studies can help explain why a calorie-restricted diet slows down aging in mice. The implications for could be far-reaching.

The scientists said that it’s important to further examine why metabolism has such a dominant effect on the stem cell aging process and, once the link that promotes or delays aging has been identified, to develop treatments that can regulate this link.

It’s been shown in previous fruit fly studies that low-calorie diets can extend longevity, but the UCI and Barcelona research is the first to show that calorie restriction influences the body’s ‘ involvement with the aging process in cells.

“These studies also present something like a molecular holy grail, revealing the cellular pathway through which aging is controlled,” Sassone-Corsi said. “The findings provide a clear introduction on how to go about controlling these elements of aging in a pharmacological perspective.”

The circadian connection

Sassone-Corsi and his colleagues first showed the circadian rhythm-metabolism link some 10 years ago, identifying the metabolic pathways through which a circadian enzyme protein called SIRT1 works. SIRT1 senses energy levels in cells; its activity is modulated by how many nutrients a cell is consuming. In addition, it helps cells resist oxidative and radiation-induced stress. SIRT1 has also been tied to the inflammatory response, diabetes and aging.

[Source — Medicalxpress]

Why You Should Run to Stay Young

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Running may reverse aging in certain ways while walking does not, a noteworthy new study of active older people finds. The findings raise interesting questions about whether most of us need to pick up the pace of our workouts in order to gain the greatest benefit.

Walking is excellent exercise. No one disputes that idea. Older people who walk typically have a lower incidence of obesity, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes, and longer lifespans than people who are sedentary. For many years, in fact, physicians and scientists have used how far and fast someone can walk as a marker of health as people age.

But researchers and older people themselves also have noted that walking ability tends to decline with age. Older people whose primary exercise is walking often start walking more slowly and with greater difficulty as the years pass, fatiguing more easily.

Many of us probably would assume that this physical slowing is inevitable. And in past studies of aging walkers, physiologists have found that, almost invariably, their walking economy declines over time. That is, they begin using more energy with each step, which makes moving harder and more tiring.

But researchers at the University of Colorado in Boulder and Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif., began to wonder whether this slow decay of older people’s physical ease really is inexorable or if it might be slowed or reversed by other types of exercise and, in particular, by running.

Happily, Boulder has an unusually large population of highly active older people, so the scientists did not lack for potential research subjects. Putting the word out at gyms and among running and walking groups, they soon recruited 30 men and women in their mid- to late-60s or early 70s.

Fifteen of these volunteers walked at least three times a week for 30 minutes or more. The other 15 ran at least three times a week, again for 30 minutes or more. The runners’ pace varied, but most moved at a gentle jogging speed.

The scientists gathered all of the volunteers at the University of Colorado’s Locomotion Laboratory and had each runner and walker complete three brief sessions of walking at three different, steadily increasing speeds on specially equipped treadmills. The treadmills were designed to measure how the volunteers’ feet hit the ground, in order to assess their biomechanics.

The volunteers also wore masks that measured their oxygen intake, data that the researchers used to determine their basic walking economy.

As it turned out, the runners were better, more efficient walkers than the walkers. They required less energy to move at the same pace as the volunteers who only walked regularly.

In fact, when the researchers compared their older runners’ walking efficiency to that of young people, which had been measured in earlier experiments at the same lab, they found that 70-year-old runners had about the same walking efficiency as your typical sedentary college student. Old runners, it appeared, could walk with the pep of young people.

Older walkers, on the other hand, had about the same walking economy as people of the same age who were sedentary. In effect, walking did not prevent people from losing their ability to walk with ease.

More surprising to the researchers, the biomechanics of the runners and the walkers during walking were almost identical. Runners did not walk differently than regular walkers, in terms of how many steps they took or the length of their strides or other measures of the mechanics of their walking.

But something was different.

The researchers speculate that this difference resides deep within their volunteers’ muscle cells. Intense or prolonged aerobic exercise, such as running, is known to increase the number of mitochondria within muscle cells, said Justus Ortega, now an associate professor of kinesiology at Humboldt University, who led the study. Mitochondria help to provide energy for these cells. So more mitochondria allow people to move for longer periods of time with less effort, he said.

Runners also may have better coordination between their muscles than walkers do, Dr. Ortega said, meaning that fewer muscles need to contract during movement, resulting in less energy being used.

But whatever the reason, running definitely mitigated the otherwise substantial decline in walking economy that seems to occur with age, he said, a result that has implications beyond the physiology lab. If moving feels easier, he said, people tend to do more of it, improving their health and enhancing their lives in the process.

The good news for people who don’t currently run is that you may be able to start at any age and still benefit, Dr. Ortega said. “Quite a few of our volunteers hadn’t take up running until they were in their 60s,” he said.

And running itself may not even be needed. Any physically taxing activity likely would make you a more efficient physical machine, Dr. Ortega said. So maybe consider speeding up for a minute or so during your next walk, until your heart pounds and you pant a bit; ease off; then again pick up the pace. You will shave time from your walk and potentially decades from your body’s biological age.

Source: well.blogs.nytimes.com

Oregano And Rosemary Can Lower Blood Sugar Plus More Major Benefits!

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Diabetes, which currently affects more than 8 percent of the American population, is increasing at an unprecedented rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the incidence of this disease skyrocketed over the last three decades, rising 176 percent in the years 1980 through 2011.

Now, more than ever, a need for safe and effective treatment exists, and researchers are saying that a pair of fragrant, flavorful Mediterranean herbs may hold the key.

In a study conducted by researchers from the American Chemical Society and published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, rosemary and oregano were found to inhibit an enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, that promotes the secretion of insulin. Protein tyrosine phosphatase – which plays a role in insulin signaling – has led researchers to conclude that the herbs could be useful in preventing and treating diabetes.

Lead author and researcher Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia noted that although some cases of diabetes can be controlled through diet and exercise, many patients lack the discipline to follow a successful regimen. In addition, anti-diabetic drugs can be costly, as well as featuring negative side effects. On the other hand, herbs offer a safe, natural and cost-effective method of lowering blood glucose.

What are the beneficial properties of rosemary and oregano?

If you don’t have access to fresh rosemary and oregano, no worries – although, of course, it is always preferable to use fresh, organic herbs whenever possible, the dried “supermarket” version is just as effective when it comes tolowering blood sugar.

HBP-00348-1

Photo:www.iherb.com

The researchers tested the effects of both greenhouse-grown and commercial dried extracts. Not surprisingly, they found that the greenhouse version of the herbs had higher levels of beneficial polyphenols and flavonoids. However, the commercial dried extracts functioned just as well to lower blood sugar.

Of the different varieties of greenhouse and commercial herbs tested by the researchers, commercial Greek oregano – scientifically known as origanum vulgare – commercial Mexican oregano, or lippia graveolens – and both greenhouse and commercial rosemary – rosmarinic officinalis – performed best.

Polyphenols and flavonoids in rosemary and oregano shown to target inflammation

Courtesy of their high levels of phytochemicals, both rosemary and oregano are potent inflammation fighters. This pair of herbs is particularly rich in gallic acid, with some samples containing as much 430 micrograms per milligram of dried weight. Gallic acid, with confirmed anti-fungal, anti-viral, and chemopreventive properties, is first and foremost a stunningly effective antioxidant.

In a new animal study published in 2014 in International Journal of Inflammation, gallic acid not only had a beneficial effect on mice with laboratory-induced sepsis, it completely reversed lipid peroxidation – the damaging degradation of fats.

In addition, both rosemary and oregano are rich in antioxidant rosmarinic acid, beneficial volatile oils such as cineol, camphene and borneol, and the antioxidant vitamins A and C.

Rosemary can also alleviate age-related cognitive decline

Rosemary’s beneficial effects aren’t limited to inhibiting diabetes and promoting healthy blood sugar levels. By reducing oxidative stress in the part of the brain that controls learning and memory, rosemary may help to alleviate cognitive deficits that accompany aging.

According to recent animal studies conducted at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, several enhanced proprietary rosemary and spearmint extracts improved the cognitive performance of mice with age-related cognitive decline. The research team expressed hope that the herbs could be used to reduce cognitive problems occurring in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Source: healthy-holistic-living.com

What’s the Number 1 Health Condition of Older People?

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That may seem like an odd question, but the answers one gets may help explain some general misinformation.

The number one answer many people give is heart disease. While heart disease is the number 1 cause of deaths for people over the age of 65, it’s not the number 1 health condition that older people endure.

The second answer one general hears is cancer, but again, that would be wrong. It’s not cancer.

The number 1 health condition facing older individuals is arthritis. According the Center for Disease Control, 49.7% of adults over the age of 65 will suffer from some form of arthritis, but that does come with a caveat.

Depending upon the source, the term arthritis can refer to between 100 to 200 forms of diseases and conditions that affect joints and the tissues associated with the joints. These are further broken down into 7 main groups:

  • Inflammatory arthritis – Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s healing process. The inflammation tends to occur as a defense against viruses and bacteria or as a response to injuries such as burns. However, with inflammatory arthritis, inflammation occurs in people for no apparent reason. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by damaging inflammation that does not occur as a normal reaction to injury or infection. This type of inflammation is unhelpful and instead causes damage in the affected joints, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling.
  • Degenerative or mechanical arthritis – Degenerative or mechanical arthritis refers to a group of conditions primarily involving damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. The main job of the smooth, slippery cartilage is to help the joints glide and move smoothly. This type of arthritis causes the cartilage to become thinner and rougher. To compensate for the loss of cartilage and changes in joint function, the body begins to remodel the bone in an attempt to restore stability. This can cause undesirable bony growths to develop (osteophytes), or cause the joint to become misshapen. This condition is commonly called osteoarthritis.
  • Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain – Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain is felt in tissues other than the joints and bones. The pain often affects a part of the body following injury or overuse, such as tennis elbow, and originates from the muscles or soft tissues supporting the joints. Sometimes if the pain is more widespread and associated with other symptoms, it could be diagnosed as fibromyalgia.
  • Back pain – Back pain can arise from the muscles, discs, nerves, ligaments, bones or joints. Back pain may even be caused by problems with organs inside the body, and can be a result of referred pain, i.e. a problem elsewhere in the body that causes a sensation of pain in the back. Back pain may have a specific cause, such as osteoarthritis – often called spondylosis when it occurs in the spine – which may be visible on diagnostic imaging or physical examination. A “slipped” disc is another cause of back pain, as is osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). In most cases it is not possible for a doctor to identify the exact cause of back pain – this is often described as “non-specific” pain.
  • Connective tissue disease – Connective tissues are tissues that support, bind together or separate other body tissues and organs. They include tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Joint pain is a symptom of CTD, but the inflammation that characterizes CTD may also occur in other tissues including the skin, muscles, lungs and kidneys. This can result in a diverse range of symptoms besides painful joints and require consultation with a number of different specialists.
  • Infectious arthritis – A bacterium, virus or fungus entering the joint can sometimes cause inflammation. Organisms that can infect joints include:
    • Salmonella and Shigella (food poisoning or contamination)
    • Chlamydia and gonorrhea (sexually transmitted diseases)
    • Hepatitis C (a blood-to-blood infection, often through shared needles or transfusions).

In most of these cases, the joint infection can be cleared with antibiotics or other antimicrobial medication. However, the arthritis can sometimes become chronic, and/or joint damage may be irreversible if the infection has persisted for some time.

  • Metabolic arthritis – Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in human cells and several foods. Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys. From there, it passes out in urine. Some people have elevated levels of uric acid because they either naturally produce more than is needed or their body cannot clear the uric acid quickly enough. Uric acid builds up and accumulates in some people and forms needle-like crystals in the joint, resulting in sudden spikes of extreme joint pain or a gout attack.

Arthritis can affect younger people, but is more common as people age. It affects women and men and can make simple daily tasks difficult and even impossible. Many women like to sew, quilt, darn, knit and other hand-oriented crafts, but these activities can be greatly hindered by many forms of arthritis.

If you experience joint pain anywhere in your body, see a physician. Some forms of arthritis are curable, depending upon the cause and some are better managed with medications and location specific activities. There may be ways to help to make your pain ease off and make your life easier.

How to Prevent Wrinkles. Anti Aging Tips for Young Women

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Technically, as a young 20-something, I’m in the heyday of my youth—i.e. I can still get away with a one-vodka-tonic-too-many/four-hours-of-sleep kind of night without it being written all over my face. But I know the key to preventing wrinkles is all about starting early. So what *exactly* should I be doing? I looked to skin expert and anti-aging sensei Renée Rouleau to break it down.

Skin Care Regimen

Find something formulated for your skin type. Pay attention to what kind of skin you have—is it oily? Dry? Acne-prone? Using products that cater to those issues will keep your skin healthier overall.

Do not break the cardinal rule of skincare. No matter what, you always have to wash off the day’s makeup, oil, and bacteria. Before bed, you must cleanse, exfoliate, tone, and apply a serum with anti-aging properties under your moisturizer.

But you should actually go easy on the anti-aging products. Now more than ever, young women are conscious about taking preventive measures for anti-aging. While that’s a good thing, we can overdo it. “Many anti-aging products have potent active ingredients in them that increase the metabolism of the cells and may be too active for a younger complexion,” explains Rouleau. “Since skin in the 20s is already metabolically active, the stimulation of anti-aging products could possibly increase breakouts.” Instead of slathering on products that are too mature, concentrate on the basics of washing, moisturizing, and protecting skin against the sun.

Get facials. Monthly deep pore cleansing facials are a must, says Rouleau. They’re ideal for women in their 20s as they not only prevent aging, but destroy bacteria to prevent acne blemishes. If you can’t spring for monthly, try going four times a year to sync up with the seasons.

Use eye cream. By starting at a young age, you can help prevent the formation of wrinkles in the eye area, which is the first part of the face that shows signs of aging. “If you are in your 20s and are starting to see fine lines appear around the eyes, you should use a well-formulated eye cream to keep the delicate area nourished and protected.”

The Food and Drink Plan

 

 

Eat foods rich in antioxidants. By minimizing cell damage, they fight aging from the inside, out, plus they’re high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and a good source of vitamins. Look to leafy green veggies, fruits, anything with Omega-3 (wild salmon), avocados, nuts/seeds, and berries.

Drink plenty of water. We’ve been trained to believe that eight glasses a day is a one-size-fit-all number for how much water we should be drinking. But in reality, there is no magic number. “Water needs are actually individual and can vary according to your body weight, activity level, health status, and temperature outside,” says Rouleau. One rule of thumb you can follow is 1oz per 30 kcal of calories consumed. If you’re not one for a math equation, download the iDrated phone app, which will determine exactly how much you should be drinking according to your age and weight.

Rouleau’s tips:

  • Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
  • Keep water next to your bed when you go to sleep at night.
  • Keep water at your desk at work.
  • Put a sticky note on your computer to remind you to drink up.
  • Carry a water bottle with you in your bag.
  • Drink before, during, and after exercise. If exercising for longer than 60 minutes, consider a sports drink.

 

 

Sun Protection

Not to sound like a broken record, but sun protection is without question the best way to prevent aging for young skin. You must use sunscreen every single day of the year, not just when it’s sunny. “At the beach, people often focus on the SPF number, but it’s really about applying sunscreen generously and reapplying often (at least every two hours),” says Rouleau. If you have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and require a sunscreen that dries to a matte finish, use a formula with zinc oxide. For normal to dry skin, us a chemical-free, all-mineral formula, she says Rouleau. If you err on the size of lazy, dusting on an SPF-infused mineral powder onto the face is a fast and easy way to instantly protect the skin from the sun

Sleep

“Sleep is the time when your body repairs the damage from the day, and interrupting that process will slow down cell turnover and interfere with proper blood flow to the skin making the complexion sallow,” says Rouleau. Lack of sleep can also aggravate virtually all skin conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Beauty sleep is a real thing, guys.

Source: marieclaire.com

Juice Recipes to Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

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If you are living with arthritis, there is little that you take for granted. Like getting a good night’s sleep or brushing your teeth, buttoning your pants, tying your shoes… holding your loved ones hand. The acute pain brought on by inflammation of the joints, known as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), is debilitating. The effects, if left untreated, can leave you feeling depressed and isolated.

But you are NOT alone!

1.3 million Americans are affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Though it is still unclear as to the actual cause, RA is an autoimmune disease. Your body’s cells mistake your own proteins as  foreign intruders. Immune cells – called lymphocytes – react to this “intruder”, causing the release of cytokines. Cytokines are like chemical messengers that trigger more inflammation and destruction, which affects the synovial capsule and surrounding tissue, causing inflammation. Over time, the chronic inflammation leads to joint damage and deformities, fatigue, loss of appetite and stiffness.

Though there is no cure for RA, there are ways you can make the side-effects less severe. As with most diseases that cause inflammation, a change in diet along with daily exercise is a great start! And adding a juice regimen will help you get back on track to living a normal life.

The following 5 recipes are easy to make with ingredients you can find in your local supermarket. They’re healing and delicious!

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Understand that proper nutrition is vital, even if you are in optimal health. If you are seeking medical attention for your RA symptoms, discuss your plans to include a juicing regimen with your doctor before you begin. 

If you are new to juicing and do not own a juicer, DO NOT be overwhelmed by all of the choices. First, decide if you want a centrifugal (most common, high-speed juicer, creates heat which weakens the quality of the juice, quick cleanup, effectively juices wide range of produce except wheatgrass) or a masticating juicer (slower speed, higher quality juice, juices wheatgrass, quieter motor, additional attachments for smoothies, nut butters).

Once you have your juicer – clear out some space in your fridge for produce. I suggest you make the space by getting rid of foods that are highly processed and high in sugar. You may even want to try an elimination diet.

An Elimination Diet is just like it sounds. You remove certain foods from your diet for 3-4 weeks and then slowly begin to introduce the foods back, one at a time. The ones that aggravate your RA or your gut, you know to avoid. Start removing foods that are known to cause inflammation: dairy, red meat, gluten, soy, corn and nightshade vegetables (tomato, potato, mushrooms, eggplants, peppers).

Toxins in our environment and in our food supply can also increase inflammation and it is best to go organic when available. Refer to the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list to know which conventional foods contain the highest amount of toxins and which are the cleanest choices.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Benefits of juicing can be noticed immediately. More energy, heightened sense of awareness and mental clarity, digestive regularity, just to name a few. Inflammation and relief from pain associated with RA can take upwards of 6 weeks before you begin to feel noticeable differences. Be patient and be consistent!

READY… SET… JUICE!

The following are recipes that are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. They are proven to help your body decrease inflammation and make you feel awesome! An extra bonus – juicing daily helps to rehydrate skin, making you look younger, brighter and more refreshed. If that doesn’t sell you alone, then keep reading!

HOLY BASIL WATER

Ingredients
  • Basil – 3 sprigs
  • Blueberries – 1.5 cups
  • Lime – ½
  • Cayenne Pepper – 1 dash
  • Watermelon – 5 cups

Instructions

1. Prepare everything.

2. Add every ingredient into the blender.

3. Transfer to a clean, glass container.

4. Drink and enjoy!

Notes
Watermelon is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse because of its high content of beta carotene and vitamin C. Add the antioxidants in the superfood, blueberries and you have a “mocktail” that is sure to get you feeling and looking your best in no time.

TURMERIC SUNRISE

Ingredients
  • Apple – 2
  • Celery – 3 stalks
  • Carrot – 3
  • Lemon – 2 peeled
  • Ginger Root – 1 inch knob, peeled
  • Pear – 2
  • Turmeric Root – 4 inch, fresh root

Instructions

1. Prepare every ingredient.

2. Add everything into the juicer. (Note: Peeling is not needed when using organic produce)

3. Add everything to the juicer, extracting the juices properly.

4. Transfer to a clean, glass container.

5. Drink and enjoy!

Notes
Unlike the tequila sunrise, this is one you can drink and feel good about in the morning! Ginger is a well known anti-inflammatory, as is turmeric. But so is pear. Combine the effects of Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, this concoction will have you running off into the sunset, feeling like a million bucks!

BEGINNER’S GREEN

Ingredients
  • Apples – 3
  • Celery – 4 stalks
  • Ginger – ¼ inch knob, peeled
  • Lemon (with rind)
  • Orange – 1 peeled
  • Spinach – 5 handfuls

Instructions

1. Prepare every ingredient.

2. Add everything into the juicer. (Note: Peeling is not needed when using organic produce)

3. Add everything to the juicer, extracting the juices properly.

4. Transfer to a clean, glass container.

5.Drink and enjoy!

Notes
Delicious blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness in every drop. This drink is perfect for newbies who are looking for baby steps.

MINT APPLEBERRY

Ingredients
  • Blueberries – 1 cup
  • Kiwifruit – 2 cups
  • Peppermint – 30 leaves
  • Strawberry – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Prepare everything.
2. Add every ingredient into the blender.
3. Transfer to a clean, glass container.
4. Drink and enjoy!

Notes
Not only is this drink the perfect thing for an afternoon in the sun, the antioxidant power of blueberries combines with Anthocyanidin, a flavonoid in strawberries, which is a very powerful protector against inflammation.

THE FOG CUTTER
Ingredients
  • Apples – 2
  • Red cabbage – 2 ¼ head
  • Carrots – 4
  • Ginger Root – ½ inch knob, peeled
  • Lemon – 1
  • Spinach – 4 handfuls

Instructions

1. Wash and prep all ingredients; feed into your juicer and enjoy!

Notes
What makes this the perfect juice is the combination of anti-inflammatory power of ginger, the Vitamin C in lemon, Beta Carotene in carrots and the high-alkalinity property of spinach. It also juices to a beautiful hue of magenta.*Adding a high, quality blend of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, such as fish oil, to the above juices will add an extra punch of support against inflammation. Look for high quality blends that contain 3 grams of both DHA and EPA. There are vegan formulas, which are also highly effective if you require a plant-based diet.

Source: fitlife.tv

Relaxing Yoga Poses To Do On The Bed Before Sleeping

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Start tomorrow today

An evening routine is a great way to set yourself up to experience an awesome tomorrow. A relaxing bath, a yummy glass of warm, spiced milk or maybe even some journaling are a few actions that could make the morning great. Another great choice is yoga, right there in your bed.

Asanas to do before going to Sleep:

Here are a few asanas that you can do before going to sleep that may help you rest better.

1. Jathara Parivartanasana

Jathara means stomach; Parivartanasana means turning or rolling about. If you come to my classes, it is no surprise that I love this pose. Of all the poses, I think this pose and its variations are responsible for keeping me flexible. I always practice this pose before going to sleep and have for the past 20 something years. Ease into it if it is your first time exploring this pose.

Steps:
1. Lie on your back with your legs extended.
2. Draw your knees up into your chest one at a time and wrap your arms around your legs, hugging them. Rock side to side to massage the back.
3. Continue holding onto your right knee with both hands and extend your left leg all the way out onto the bed.
4. With your left hand on the right knee, draw the right knee across the left side of the body towards the bed. Keep both shoulders down and extend the left arm straight away from the body.
5. Hold for a few breaths or until the back releases, (or relax and enjoy for a few minutes). Inhale, bring both knees and head back to center, and repeat on the other side.

 

Modifications and Props:
• Use a blanket under the knee if you feel you need some support (so your knee isn’t just hanging there).

Variations:
• Take both knees to the left and hold the right knee down with the left hand. Release your back. Hold for a few breaths and come back to center. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits:
• Stretches the spine and shoulders
• Improves digestion and circulation
• Strengthens the lower back
• Relieves lower backache, neck pain, and sciatica
• Opens the hips and chest

Contraindications: (or reasons not to do this pose)
• High or low blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Menstruation
• High blood pressure

2. Thread the Needle Pose

I have really tight shoulders from biking, especially the rhomboids (muscles between the shoulder blades). This pose helps to stretch them so that prāna can have a head start in healing this tricky part of the back.

Steps:
1. Start in table position.
2. Weave the left arm under the right and place straight away from the body, as you twist through the lumbar and thoracic spine, place the shoulder on the floor.
3. Lift right arm up towards the ceiling and intensify the stretch.
4. Keep the majority of the weight on the shoulder to create the traction for the stretch.
5. Repeat other side.

 

Modifications and props:
• Place a blanket on the bed and place the shoulder on it if padding is needed.
• Can be made into a balance by lifting the leg on the same side as the arm that is lifted.

Benefits:
• Stretches shoulders and posterior rotator cuffs
• Stretches oblique
• Strengthens legs

Contraindications:
• Neck injuries
• Upper back injuries
• Migraines
• Pregnancy

3. Supta Virasana

Supta means lying down, vira means hero. I always say that “no pain, no gain” is such a washed up theory. You shouldn’t have to experience pain in order to manifest what you need. That is silly. This pose, however, shoots holes in my theory if the legs and back are not ready for it. So one of the best places to try it out is on your bed, where the mattress can give space when the muscles and tendons do not. Use blankets and pillows for comfort.

Steps:
1. Start in Virasana (Hero’s pose).
2. Exhale and lean back onto your hands, then your forearms and elbows.
3. Once you are on your elbows, place your hands on the back of the pelvis and release your lower back and upper buttocks by spreading the flesh down toward the tailbone.
4. Then finish reclining, either onto the bed or the support of blankets or bolsters. Take both arms out to the side.
5. Stay in this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Gradually extend your stay to 5 minutes. To come out of the pose, inhale and press your forearms against the bed, exhale and bring your chin towards your chest and come onto your hands back into Virasana. As you come up, lead with your sternum, not your head or chin.

 

Modifications and Propping:
• If you’re not able to recline fully on the bed, set a bolster or one or more folded blankets behind yourself to fully support your spine and head.
• Use as much height as you need to make the position reasonably comfortable.
• To help release the groins, lay some weight across the creases of the top thighs where they join the front pelvis.
• Start with a 10-pound sandbag and gradually over time increase the weight to 30 pounds or so.

Variations:
• Before doing Supta Virasana you can start with its halfway variation, Supta Ardha Virasana (Ardhameans half). To sit in Ardha Virasana, draw just your right leg back into Virasana. You can keep your left knee bent with the foot on the floor, or straighten your left leg by pushing out through the heel. Then recline as described above, either onto a support or the bed. Come out as recommended for Supta Virasana, then repeat with the left leg back.

Benefits:
• Stretches the abdomen, thighs, and deep hip flexors (psoas), knees, and ankles
• Strengthens the arches
• Relieves tired legs
• Improves digestion
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menstrual pain

Contraindications:
• Serious back problems
• Knee issues
• Ankle problems
• Avoid this pose unless you have the assistance of an experienced instructor.

4. Viparita Karani

Viparita means turned around, reversed, inverted; karani means doing, making, action. This is every body’s favorite pose. It is not only good for relaxation, but I could write an entire blog on the benefits this pose has when it comes to your lymphatic (immune) system. Proper propping is a must here. Go for the joy, bliss and just ahhh factor.

Steps:
1. Take two folded blankets placing the raw edges against a wall. Sit with your right side against the wall or headboard and your back against the blankets. Exhale, and with one smooth movement, and swing your legs up onto the wall or headboard as your bottom comes up onto the blankets and your shoulders and head slide down onto the bed.
2. Your sitting bones don’t need to be right against the wall, but they can be “dipping” down into the space between the support and the wall or headboard.
3. Lift and release the base of your skull away from the back of your neck and soften your throat. Open your shoulder blades away from the spine and release your hands and arms out to your sides, palms up.
4. Keep your legs relatively firm, just enough to hold them vertically in place. Release the heads of the thigh bones and the weight of your belly deeply into your torso, toward the back of the pelvis. Soften your eyes and turn them down to look into your heart.
5. Stay in this pose anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. To come out of the pose, slide the legs down the wall (headboard), bend the knees and slowly sit up.

 

Variations:
• If you have enough wall space, you can slide your legs apart into a wide “V” to stretch your inner thighs and groins.
• You also can bend your knees, touch the soles of your feet together, and slide the outer edges of your feet down the wall, bringing your heels toward the pelvis.
• Then you can push your hands against the top inner thighs to stretch the groins.
• Remember, however, never push on your knees to open the groins.

Benefits:
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Digestive problems
• Headache
• High and low blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• Mild depression
• Respiratory ailments
• Urinary disorders
• Varicose veins
• Menstrual cramps (performing pose during menstruation)
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Menopause
• Relieves tired or cramped legs and feet
• Gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck
• Relieves mild backache
• Calms the mind
• Helps drain lymphatic system

Contraindications
• During menstruation
• Serious eye problems
• Glaucoma
• Serious neck problems
• Serious back problems

5. Savasana

Sava means corpse (Corpse Pose). This is a great way to balance your prāna before you move to your favorite sleep position.

Steps:
1. From a seated position, roll down one vertebrae at a time, flex the knees as you roll down. Once your back is on the bed, straighten the legs. Allow the legs to open naturally. Lightly lift your buttocks off the bed by pushing down with your hands and lengthen through the lumbar spine. Lower the buttocks back to the bed.
2. Dorsi flex the right foot and lengthen the leg. Plantar flex the foot and hold for a couple of seconds. Then relax muscles in the leg, the ankle, and toes. Do the same for the left leg. Allow the calf and inner thigh to release. Leg may turn outwards naturally.
3. Lengthen the arms above your head for a long stretch, and then take them towards the ceiling as you open up your back, allowing the shoulder blades to stretch away from the spine. Bring the hands down by your sides with the palms facing the ceiling. Spread the fingers and then relax the shoulders and hands.
4. Bringing the chin to the chest, stretch the neck. Then lay the head back to the bed. Relax the jaw and soften the tongue off the top of the mouth.
5. Taking long deep breaths, allow the body to release any tension that remains in the body.
6. Stay in Savasana for 5-15 minutes. When you are ready to come out of the pose, take a couple of deep breaths, wiggle toes and fingers, and when ready, roll to the right side for a couple of breaths. By pressing the left hand into the bed, slowly push yourself up to seated position.

 

Modifications and propping:
• You can use a folded blanket or towel under the neck for comfort. You can also use an eye cover to help with relaxation.
• If it hurts your lower back to keep legs straight, you can place a folded blanket or bolster under the knees.
• If it hurts legs to allow them to turn outward, you can use a strap around the feet to keep the hips turned forward.

I think you will enjoy your “before you go to bed” poses so much that upon waking, you will want to do a few more asana to transition into the day centered and balanced. Watch for my next article on Yoga Asanas to do in Bed when you Wake up.

Source: curejoy.com

7 Natural Remedies That Help to Remove The Uric Acid That Causes Arthritis

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Sharp uric acid crystals cause pain and inflammation in tissues. Some herbs do miracles when it comes to dissolving and eliminating these crystals.

In this article we suggest that you try these natural products and herbs to eliminate uric acid, a known cause of arthritis.

Apple Cider Vinegar

In alternative medicine, apple cider vinegar is largely used in the treatment of sore joints. Regular application of this treatment results in a remission of pain in the joints within a month.

Soak a bandage or a piece of cloth in some apple cider vinegar and apply the compress on your swollen joints or varicose veins. Wrap well. Repeat the remedy every morning and evening. You can also dissolve 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of lukewarm water and drink the liquid every day.

Burdock Root

This traditional herbal remedy is useful in the treatment of arthritis associated conditions, including acute gout attacks.

According to “The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine” burdock root eliminates the toxins in the bloodstream, reduces inflammation and promotes proper excretion of urine which contains uric acid, and this is why it is commonly recommended as an effective folk remedy for gout.

Health experts recommend combining 20-30 drops of burdock root tincture and 9 oz of water 3-4 times a day, and the treatment should last for a few days.

Pineapple

Pineapple is packed with bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation. Pineapple juice relieves arthritis-related joint pain and strengthens your wrists.

Lemon Juice

Many people believe that lemon juice makes the body more acidic, but believe it or not, it actually creates an alkaline environment and neutralizes uric acid. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is quite important when it comes to decreasing uric acid level.

  • Juice a lemon and add it to a glass of warm water. Drink warm lemon water in the morning before you eat or drink anything. For optimal results, consume this drink for several weeks.
  • Vitamin C supplements also work great. Consult your doctor for the proper dosing.

Calendula

Calendula is excellent when it comes to strengthening joints and preventing disease. It can be used in a tea or as a supplement

Make a nice and warm bath and add some calendula leaves and flowers. Use it as a compress for your joints or make a nice cup of tea using calendula leaves.

Parsley

Due to its antioxidant capacity, people often turn to parsley tea as an herbal solution to many health problems.

Parsley is a great herb to use in a salad, however it also makes a highly beneficial tea as well. Regular consumption of parsley tea stimulates the elimination of uric acid buildups in the joints, especially when combined with mulberry juice.

Drink Plenty of Water

When it comes to drinks, water is the best choice if you want to maintain normal level of uric acid. Water stimulates the kidneys to remove toxic buildups and excess uric acid from the body.

Drink 3 liters of water a day and eat fruits and vegetables with high percentage of water.

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

Rehab For Your Health Habits: Detox Your Life

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Do you hate waking up to the sound of the alarm clock? Is the first thing you do checking your phone, calendar, the list of to-do daily things, and social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram?

You are stuck in this morning routine, and then you wonder why your life is not any better? Why can’t you just wake up like in those movies and do productive things, rather than staring at another Instagram photo?

Let’s check what you should instead do.

Wake up Early!

Your alarm clock may go off at 6:30 on days when you have to go to work, but on weekends you just want to get as much sleep as possible, because you have been working all week and it’s your legitimate right to sleep until lunchtime. Right?

Wrong! You should rise early every single day. It is something successful people do.

You have all the day to complete your tasks, and be productive. If you want to sleep more, you should go earlier to bed, and get the full 8-hour sleep, rather than sleeping late, and waking up late, even with 10 or more hours of sleep. That will only cause more fatigue, and dullness.

And do you know what they say? One key to success is having lunch at that time of the day when other people are having their breakfast.

 

Smile!

I know, everyone says Smile. Smile even when everything goes wrong, and everything seems to fall apart.

And that “everyone” could not be more right. You have to smile, you need to smile, for yourself.

If you frown and get angry at things, and stay sad, you will not improve things, you will not solve any problem. Not that the problem will be magically solved when you are smiling.

But the fact is, you will be more optimistic and you will approach the problem in a better way.

If you are tired, bored, sad, or not feeling at your best, try to curve your lips as if you are smiling. Fake it till you make it, baby! When you fake a smile, in a couple of seconds, it turns into a real smile, and brightens up the day.

Have a cup of coffee!

Coffee is the secret weapon behind creation, imagination, ideas.

Coffee also helps to wake up, and not feel so puffy, as your morning eyes. But, do not drink coffee before bed, as it might leave you sleepless. Consuming coffee makes it less likely for you to get diabetes type 1 and 2, as well as dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. It is an immune system booster, and also helps with muscle pain.

And; If you want to be productive, have a cup of coffee.

Drink water and green tea! A lot!

Water has been called the elixir of life.

When combined with green tea, it is the best choice.

Both of them will keep you hydrated, at your best. Your skin will glow, acne will not be a problem.

They will keep you detoxified and not tired at all. Green tea will also boost your metabolism and help with weight control, and better digestion. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Green tea has antioxidants, it will keep your breath fresh, and help with a healthy skin, healthy hair, and fight some seasonal allergies.

What’s there not to love about that?

Photo: collective-education.com

Photo: collective-education.com

Dry brush your skin!

Find some brushes that will not rip your skin, and find a nice scrub that you are not allergic to.

Use them. Every day if you can.

Dry brushing your skin, removes the dead cells, bringing glow and shine to the skin. It does look younger after the massage, which you will do with small circles. Do not go too hard, you will leave bruises on your skin, and we do not want that.

Dry brushing also helps in blood circulation. And it does help with cellulite, every woman’s nightmare.

Cover up on lotion!

After the dry brushing process, a body lotion is a must. The pores are open, the skin is hot, and it needs lotion to cool down and close the pores. It will also be well absorbed.

Wear lotion all over the body. Do not move your hand too fast on the skin.

Make it at a slow pace, enjoying your skin, your body curves. Enjoy the fact that the lotion spreads so easy, and makes your skin look heavenly soft and shiny and healthy.

The process of covering your body in lotion is also a self-appreciation and self-loving process. You soon will realize you should do it more often, and after a while it will become an everyday routine, one that you will not want to skip.

Have some Chocolate!

Chocolate is the most delicious dessert. Happiness hides in chocolate.

So have one, do not be afraid of weight gain. In fact, recent studies have shown that chocolate helps in digestion, and weight control, especially if it has 70% or more cacao.

But whatever, the same studies have shown other benefits of chocolate like lowering the blood pressure, saving the heart from attacks, etc.

Bringing smiles back to someone’s face is my favorite. Do not skip a day without tasting a bit of chocolate has been my best advice ever.

Source:  engelta.hubpages.com

 

The Healthiest Drink Ever – Relieves Pain & Inflammation, Protects Your Heart & More

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Turmeric is considered the king of spices; in India, people add it to almost every dish that they cook. Turmeric is also an invaluable ingredient in many natural remedies. The spice contains more than 300 antioxidants and is beneficial to consume daily.

This juice recipe is made from turmeric; you can use powdered turmeric or fresh turmeric root. This elixir can be used as an analgesic, thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides a wide range of health benefits.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp powdered turmeric or grated, fresh turmeric
  • ½ tsp grated ginger
  • 5 organic carrots
  • 1 organic orange
  • 2 organic lemons
  • 1 organic cucumber

Instructions:

Peel the citrus fruits. Cut the cucumber and carrots into pieces. Blend everything together in a high speed blender. Serve alone or with ice. For optimal results, drink this juice in the morning half an hour before you eat breakfast.

Benefits:

Helps Arthritis: Turmeric juice relieves inflammation caused by arthritis. When consumed, curcumin (one of the antioxidants found in turmeric) becomes active and relieves stiffness and swollen joints.

Treats Depression and Dementia: American scientists have proven that turmeric reduces the risk of depression and dementia and also relieves the symptoms of these conditions.

Lead researcher Dr. Ajay Goel analyzed the properties of turmeric together with his team.They found that turmeric is only 2-5 % less effective than pharmaceutical antidepressants. Turmeric can treat depression and dementia without causing side-effects.

“Speaking in the aspect of medicine, we have a natural remedy that is just 2% less effective than pharmaceutical drugs, and this 2% mean absolutely nothing,” says Dr. Goel. He adds that “turmeric is safe, even when consumed in large amounts.”

Scientists are still trying to determine how turmeric affects depression. They believe that it blocks the enzymes that increase the risk of depression, and also reduces the level of cytokines in the body; cytokines can affect the body’s response to stress.

Eliminates Toxins: This juice successfully flushes toxins out of the body and also improves the complexion.

Reduces Pain: According to researchers, turmeric is effective in the treatment of pain and inflammation caused by steroid drugs.

Experts at the National Institute of Health believe that turmeric is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because it stops the destruction of joints. Turmeric contains Nf-kB, a protein that activates the defensive mechanisms in the body that help fight pain.

Helps in Cancer Treatment: Antioxidants interfere and regulate the growth of free radicals in the body; free radicals lead to many diseases including cancer. Turmeric juice provides prevention against ovarian, colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

Nourishes Heart and Blood Vessels: Turmeric juice regulates cholesterol and protects heartand blood vessels. Turmeric also helps to prevent potential cardiovascular diseases.

Treats Digestive Problems: This juice reduces bloating, relieves heartburn, and heals gastritis. Add turmeric as a spice to every meal for better digestion, or take a teaspoon of turmeric in water every day.

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

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