The Benefits of Green Tea

We have all heard how green tea is good for us, but what does that mean? How is it good for us and why?

Historically speaking, the Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. There is archaeological evidence that suggests that tea has been consumed for almost 5000 years, with China and India being two of the first countries to cultivate it.

Green tea has been used as traditional medicine in areas such as India, China, Japan and Thailand to help everything from controlling bleeding and helping heal wounds to regulating body temperature, blood sugar and promoting digestion.

The Kissa Yojoki (Book of Tea), written by Zen priest Eisai in 1191, describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, and improving urinary and brain function.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

A German study found that an extract of green tea and hot water (filtered), applied externally to the skin for 10 minutes, three times a day could help people with skin damaged from radiation therapy (after 16-22 days).

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

How much green tea should you drink? The suggested amount is three to four cups a day. If you aren’t up to drinking that much there are green tea patches and supplements. The choice is yours.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Why Should You Detox?

Our environment is full of toxins, that is, substances that are toxic to our body. It has become impossible to go anywhere or do anything without being exposed to toxins these days. Toxins are found in the air, water, food, and pharmaceutical drugs as well as our home and work environments. We can’t even avoid them by eating and drinking organically (although we dramatically reduce our exposure by eating organically and raw).

To get rid of toxins, our bodies are naturally equipped with a wondrous mechanism, our lymph system. The lymph system is designed to filter out toxic substances and excess fluid from tissues, all which is intricately involved in our immune function.

The lymph system is our body’s antibody roadway and it removes cellular waste and undesirable toxins that have found their way into our system. The lymph has been called “the River of Life” and cannot cleanse or purify if it is weak on congested. The lymph system does not have a pumping mechanism except for muscle contraction. Therefore, the need for physical movement, exercise, and periodic detoxification is imperative for a well functioning lymph system.

So what happens when our lymph system becomes overloaded? We experience toxic overload. Virtually any adverse symptom a person may experience can be caused by toxic overload. Toxins work in the body by competing for mineral receptor sites at the enzyme level. The inability of an enzyme to function properly can manifest itself in many different disease states depending upon each individual’s genetic makeup (DNA). Consequently, it is always important to address your own toxic load whenever you have any kind of symptom that does not seem normal. The speed of symptom onset, from acute (fast) to chronic (slow) depends upon the degree of toxic exposure as well as each individual’s genetic make-up.

Today, many of our unexplainable diseases are directly associated with high levels of tissue toxins. Some of them are as follows:

1. Fatigue and chronic fatigue
2. Foggy thinking
3. Memory Loss
4. Chronic Pain
5. Weak immune system
6. Weak thyroid
7. Arthritis
8. Constipation
9. Heart Disease
10. Skin Ailments
11. Depression

So how can we detox? One way is through the feet? Why the feet? It is said that whatever is happening inside the body is identical and similar at the end of the nerves in the hands and feet. The sole of the foot is viewed as an area that reflects the wellness of the body.

The feet are a map of the body; they are divided into zones that correspond to specific body systems. It is possible to target and cleanse ones liver, colon, kidneys, or other body systems by positioning detox foot pads on that target area of the foot.

Japanese researchers have developed a blend of powders with the unique ability to energetically stimulate reflex points and nerve endings on the bottom of the foot, which in turn stimulates the secretion of lymph fluid.

In essence, the secretion of the lymph becomes a fourth vehicle for tissue and organ detoxification assisting the liver, kidneys, and sweat glands. The beauty of the patches is that they work with the body’s most extensive detoxification system. This then takes pressure off the other systems.

So if you think your body has been exposed to too many toxins, the quickest and easiest way to address the issue is by starting with your feet.



R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Why Our Food Lacks Nutrients

There are many reasons why we need vitamins or supplements these days. For one are foods are processed differently than they used to be, that is, as in our ancestor’s time.

How are our foods losing nutrients? For one, our food today is often over processed. Nutrients are lost when foods are over processed through cooking, freezing and canning fresh food. Scientists say the nutritional value decreases dramatically. For example, canned meats and vegetables experience a 50% to 100% loss in vitamin A during sterilization. In one study, after one-and-a-half-years of storage, no trace of vitamin A remained. After three and five years of storage, the vitamin E content was 20 to 60% lower after canning.

Sterilization and storage also caused a 25% drop in thiamin and niacin content and a 50% decline in pantothenic acid. Interestingly, the folic acid content in all the products was 50% higher after sterilization.

Even if folic acid survives the canning process, which includes heatingm will likely destroy it, as subjecting many fresh, frozen and canned foods to high temperatures decreases the level of this important B vitamin.

In a study that included vegetable soup, cauliflower, beefsteak, and fish, none of the dishes retained any folic acid after cooking.

Cooking initiates a destructive process called the Maillard reaction, which alters the chemical profile of a food, especially milk products. At the beginning stages, as milk and milk-based products are heated, levels of the essential amino acid lysine fall dramatically. Later in the Maillard reaction, methionine and tryptophan are reduced along with vitamins B1, B6 and B12 and zinc. Researchers have suggested that consuming products subjected to the Maillard reaction plays an important role in aging.

Another reason food loses nutritional value is due to irradiation.

Food irradiation subjects foods to gamma rays from nuclear materials, electrons from electron guns, and x-rays. By 1988, irradiated foods were already being sold in more than twenty countries. Red meat, chicken, and vegetables have since appeared on the shelves of some U.S. supermarkets.

In theory, food irradiation can preserve foods, kill parasites and bacteria, inhibit sprouting, and delay ripening. There are, however, as many studies indicate, dangers of irradiated food. Irradiation of food decreases the content of antioxidants such as vitamins A, E, C, and K, probably due to the free radicals generated. Individuals who consume raw fruits and vegetables to derive the highest vitamin content possible will essentially be consuming the nutritional equivalent of a blanched or canned vegetable.

The gradually increased availability of irradiated food--much of it poorly labeled or disguised in meals offered in restaurants, airplanes, and schools--suggests that supplements may become even more necessary to replace nutrients depleted in the food supply or to guard against potential health risks.

So should you take vitamins or supplements – if you aren’t eating enough raw vegetables, it is most likely you do.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

The Many Uses of Tea Tree Oil

If you haven’t heard of Tea Tree Oil, you are missing out. It has so many benefits that it is a must have for your home medicine chest.

What is Tea Tree Oil? Basically, it is an oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia.

Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves.

The Tea Tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used Tea Tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. The oils work as an antiseptic and antifungal due to terpenoids found naturally within the oil.


R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.
The first to recognize the unique qualities of the essential oil was a government chemist from Sydney, A. R. Penfold. In 1925 he announced the results of laboratory experiments that showed the oil was twelve times stronger than phenol (carbolic acid) which was then the universal standard for antiseptic substances. This led to further research and to the increasing use of the oil in medicine, dentistry and as a home remedy.

In 1930 a report in the Medical Journal of Australia' commented on its non- toxicity and lack of irritancy. The report noted enthusiastically that tea-tree oil dissolved pus and left the surfaces of infected wounds clean so that its germicidal action became more effective and without any apparent damage to the tissues. ‘Dirty wounds, such as are frequently seen as the result of street accidents, may be washed or syringed out with a 10% watery lotion; the solvent properties will loosen and bring away the dirt which is usually ground in ... healing will readily take place.'

In 1936 the same journal reported a very bad case of diabetic gangrene successfully treated with tea-tree oil. In 1937 it was pointed out that one of the outstanding features of the oil is that the presence of blood, pus or other organic matter actually increases the oil's antiseptic powers by some 10 to 12 per cent.

During the Second World War tea-tree oil was issued in first aid kits to army and navy units in the tropical regions. At one point demand so outstripped supply that synthetic antiseptics had to be substituted. This, coupled with the fervent post-war interest in antibiotic drugs, led to a decline of interest in tea-tree, which persisted right up to the 1970s.

So what are the complete benefits of Tea Tree Oil? Most notoriously, people have used it for the following conditions:

* Acne
* Athlete's foot
* Dandruff
* Vaginitis
* Thrush
* Periodontal disease
* As an antiseptic
* Boils
* Lice
* Eczema
* Psoriasis
* Yeast infection

There is dispute over whether Tea Tree Oil can be taken internally. Most packaging recommends against it, others claim in reasonable amounts it has various benefits. But taking it internally should only be by the advice of a professional.

So now you have heard of Tea Tree Oil. What are you waiting for, find some for your medicine chest.

Why We Need Supplements

Many of us think that if we eat healthy enough, we will get enough nutrients to protect ourselves from disease. The fact is, eighty percent of American children and adolescents, and 68% of adults, do not eat the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

And what about the remaining 32% of the population, are they really receiving adequate nutrients from diet alone? Research indicates the answer to this question is a resounding no. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, while necessary for good health, may offer a false sense of security. Furthermore, in some cases, the food we consume and the water we drink are more a cause for concern than a source of nutrition, endangering rather than benefiting our health.

These facts suggest we need to look beyond our diet to obtain sufficient supplies of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

So how is it we have to take vitamins when our ancestors lived quite fine without them? The fact is that the soil in which our food is grown isn’t quite the same as it used to be. For instance, selenium, washed out from the upper layers of the soil during the ice ages, is deficient in most soils worldwide. Zinc, too, may be depleted in many soils. Dwarfism in males is frequent around the Mediterranean, where wheat, grown for 4,000 years on the same soil, has exhausted the zinc content.

Many epidemiological studies have focused on the role mineral-deficient soil plays in disease. The incidence of death from ischaemic heart disease and acute cardiac arrhythmias is increased in many regions where magnesium and/or selenium levels are reduced in soil and water. In Serbias Zlatibor district, a region with higher selenium soil content, residents have lower mortality rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases and higher serum selenium and magnesium values compared with other Serbian regions. In Poland, the number of deaths from digestive tract and respiratory system malignancies was nearly threefold higher (27.67%) in one community with low magnesium soil content compared to a community with high magnesium soil content, where only 9.87% of deaths resulted from malignancies.

In the United States, Texas has one of the highest selenium concentrations, Florida one of the lowest. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Connecticut and Maryland also have low selenium soil content, while California is in the mid-range. Levels of selenium in test subjects from 11 states corresponded with levels in the soil.

Researchers have determined that the cancer mortality rate rises in US counties with low levels of forage selenium. The lower the level of selenium in a county, the higher the rates of death from cancers of the lung, rectum, bladder, esophagus, cervix and breast. According to the researchers, this remarkable degree of consistency strengthens the likelihood of a causal relationship between low selenium status and an increased risk of cancer mortality.

Another consideration in deciding whether we are getting enough vitamins and nutrients from our foods is to recognize whether the diet truly provides adequate amounts of each form of a particular vitamin. For instance, all of the different forms of vitamin E (tocopherols, tocotrienols) play important roles in the body, but are not found in every food that contains vitamin E. Depending on variety, the gamma-tocopherol content of pumpkin seeds is about 5-10 times as much as that of alpha-tocopherol.

Often, in order to obtain an effective dose of a certain nutrient, the required quantity is far more than even the healthiest eater probably wants to consume. A good example is indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its metabolite diindolylmethane (DIM). I3C is a phytonutrient derived from cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts). I3C and DIM have been shown to inhibit breast, cervical-vaginal, and skin cancer. In order to eat enough cruciferous vegetables to achieve beneficial effects, a pound or more of cabbage or cauliflower daily would have to be consumed. Furthermore, the concentration of I3C varies greatly depending on the seed strain, climate and soil. Cabbage grown in Israel, for instance, has been found to contain virtually no I3C.

There are other considerations that factor into why we don’t get enough nutrients in our diet such as over cooking foods and irradiation. The fact is, things aren’t the same as when our ancestors farmed the land and our food isn’t as pure. So do eat your brussel sprouts but also remember to take your vitamins.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Vitamin D and Fighting Cancer

We all want to find healthy ways to fight the potential of cancer. But what if one venue of fighting cancer is also potentially a venue that causes cancer? What does this mean? We are talking about Vitamin D.

Studies have shown that the intake of Vitamin D3 controls cellular growth, which helps you absorb calcium from your digestive tract and at the same time, inhibits the growth of cancer cells. In order for Vitamin D to be activated, the body must be exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. With doctors telling us to stay out of the sun or to wear sunscreen due to skin cancer, our bodies are not getting the appropriate amount of sunlight to boost our Vitamin D levels. So what do we do?

According to Dr. Richard Hobday, author of The Healing Sun, he says, “our fear of the sun does more harm than good. Most recommended daily sunscreens block ultraviolet B rays, the same rays that trigger the production of vitamin D. The number of people who die from breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis -- all maladies that sunlight could benefit -- is far greater than the number of deaths from skin cancer.”

After reviewing 50 years of medical literature on cancer, Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh concluded that the benefits of regular sun exposure outweigh the risks of squamous-basal skin cancer, accelerated ageing and melanoma.

So, if you are going to take the risks of being in the sun more often, you might ask yourself what all of the benefits of Vitamin D are?

When vitamin D is produced in the skin or consumed in food, it requires chemical conversion in the liver and kidney to form dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Active vitamin D functions as a hormone because it sends a message to the intestines to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones to promote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, two forms of skeletal diseases that weaken bones.

Research also suggests that vitamin D may help maintain a healthy immune system and help regulate cell growth and differentiation, the process that determines what a cell is to become.

Knowing how many benefits Vitamin D provides, you might ask yourself, are you getting enough of the Vitamin and are you getting enough sunlight.

According to studies, season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreen affect UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. For example, sunlight exposure from November through February in Boston is insufficient to produce significant vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Complete cloud cover halves the energy of UV rays, and shade reduces it by 60%. Industrial pollution, which increases shade, also decreases sun exposure and may contribute to the development of rickets in individuals with insufficient dietary intake of vitamin D . Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8 or greater will block UV rays that produce vitamin D, but it is still important to routinely use sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer and other negative consequences of excessive sun exposure. An initial exposure to sunlight (10 -15 minutes) allows adequate time for Vitamin D synthesis and should be followed by application of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect the skin. Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. It is very important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet.

Because scientists are realizing the increasing benefits of how vitamin D may affect the risk of multiple sclerosis, asthma and diabetes, they are recommending that up to 4,000 international units per day is not toxic to the body and is suggested. Foods that naturally contain Vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon and milk that has been fortified – just to name a few.

So drink your milk and catch some sun – fighting cancer might be as easy as that.


R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Are you getting enough Vitamin D

With the increasing amount of studies and information on the benefits of Vitamin D, scientists are now suggesting that the daily intake be as high as 4,000 international units per day.

What is Vitamin D and what are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

When vitamin D is produced in the skin or consumed in food, it requires chemical conversion in the liver and kidney to form dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Active vitamin D functions as a hormone because it sends a message to the intestines to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also works in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones to promote bone mineralization. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin and brittle.

When can vitamin D deficiency occur? There are three main reasons one would not be receiving the right amount of Vitamin D in their body: 1) Not enough intake 2) The body cannot adequately absorb the Vitamin from the digestive tract 3) Not enough time is spent in the sun so that the kidneys can convert Vitamin D to its active hormone.

Lack of Vitamin D intake often starts with those who are lactose intolerant or strict vegetarians. Infants fed only breast milk can also receive insufficient amounts of Vitamin D if they are not receiving supplementation.

Older adults are also believed to be at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency too. As people age, skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently and the kidney is less able to convert vitamin D to its active hormone form. It is estimated that as many as 30% to 40% of older adults with hip fractures are vitamin D insufficient.

Because of the amount of sunlight needed, persons with limited sun exposure such as homebound individuals, people living in northern latitudes such as in New England and Alaska, women who wear robes and head coverings for religious reasons, and individuals working in occupations that prevent sun exposure are unlikely to obtain much vitamin D from sunlight. It is important for people with limited sun exposure to consume recommended amounts of vitamin D in their diets or consider vitamin D supplementation.

Biologically, persons with fat malabsorption issues in that they have the reduced ability to absorb dietary fat may require Vitamin D supplements. Symptoms of fat malabsorption include diarrhea and oily stools. Fat malabsorption is associated with a variety of medical conditions.

What are symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? The classic vitamin D deficiency diseases are rickets and osteomalacia. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets. Rickets is a bone disease characterized by a failure to properly mineralize bone tissue. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness may indicate vitamin D deficiency, but symptoms may be subtle and go undetected in the initial stages. A deficiency is accurately diagnosed by measuring the concentration of a specific form of vitamin D in blood.

Because Vitamin D has so many benefits, having a deficiency could lead to many more concerns that those listed above. So, if you aren’t eating enough foods with Vitamin D, not getting enough sunlight or have a medical condition that doesn’t allow your body to absorb calcium, you might want to check out the supplement section nearest you.


R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Take Your Fiber, Prolong Good Health

We hear about having enough fiber in our diet and eating fiber, but what does it mean? What is fiber and why is it important to consume?

We can find fiber in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc). Fiber is the part of the plant that our bodies cannot digest. If we can’t digest it, why do we want to eat it?

Fiber normalizes our bowel function and its effect on transit time and nutrient absorption. Without normalized bowel function, we can suffer from constipation, especially as we age. Constipation is said to be the most common chronic digestive disorder in the United States and it affects 4.53 million people a year and costs over $200 million for prescribed cathartics alone each year

Transit time is the time that it takes food to move through the digestive track. It is generally divided into three phases. Gastric phase (emptying of food from the stomach), which usually takes 2 to 5 hours; small intestine phase (time it takes food to travel through the small intestine) 3 to 6 hours; colonic phase is the longest taking any number of hours. It is here that problems of prolonged intestinal transit results in fewer bowel movements, constipation and disease.

Dietary fiber, in general, prolongs transit time at the gastric phase helping the body to feel fuller longer. This is caused by soluble not insoluble fiber.

What is the difference between soluble and insoluble? Soluble fiber is found in fruit, beans, peas and oat bran. It has a gel-like consistency that improves bowel movements by increasing the volume of bulk in the colon. Soluble fiber is the type of fiber that gets very gooey and sticky when it gets wet. It also binds together cholesterol in the small intestines and takes it out of the body. Certain soluble fibers such as pectin (found in apples) slow down the release of the sugars contained in the foods we eat, thus reducing the risk of diabetes.

Insoluble fiber is found primarily in greens, peels, nuts, seeds, beans and skins of grains. Insoluble fiber is the type of fiber that doesn't change at all when it gets wet. Insoluble fiber under a microscope looks like a sponge, and indeed it serves us as a miraculous sponge, because every piece of it can absorb more toxins than its own volume. Sponges are fibrous; they make the job of cleaning easier by absorbing. So does insoluble fiber. It grabs the toxins and takes them out of the body.

Soluble fiber does a lot of good things for our bodies, such as helping to lower cholesterol.

Insoluble fiber also does a lot of good things for our bodies, such as helping eliminate waste more quickly. Insoluble fiber also helps prevent constipation.

Moving toxins and waste through our body and not letting them accumulate helps prevent colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and other diseases. Being constipated is not only uncomfortable; it also isn’t healthy for our bodies.

So make it easy on yourself, eat your fiber and if you find yourself unable to consume enough, try a fiber supplement to help you along the way.

About the Author: R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

We often hear how various foods and even drinks are great antioxidants. But what is an antioxidant and how are they connected with free radicals?

The whole concept started with Dr. Denham Harmon, M.D., Ph.D., who first proposed a theory that aging was due to the indiscriminate chemical re-activity of free radicals possibly leading to random biological damage. Dr. Harmon's theory stated that antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which prevent free radicals from oxidizing (removing electrons from) sensitive biological molecules, will slow the aging process. Dr. Harmon launched his theory by showing, for the first time, that feeding a variety of antioxidants to mammals extended their life spans.
By what mechanisms do free radicals cause damage and disease?

Theories suggest that our body’s free radicals contribute to many different diseases.

So what is a free radical? A free radical is any atom or molecule, which has an "unpaired electron" in the outer ring. An "unpaired electron" will also always mean that there is an odd number since "pairing" of electrons goes by twos.

Protons have a positive electrical charge. Electrons have a negative electrical charge. The electrons move around the central mass made up of protons and neutrons. Neutrons have no electrical charge. The word is related to "neutral."

Being neutral, the molecule seeks to attract an electron or positive charge. Free radicals will seek out electrons from another molecule that is more willing to give one up.

The unsaturated lipid molecules of cell membranes are particularly susceptible to this damaging free radicals process and readily contribute to the uncontrolled chain reaction. Oxidative damage, another name for the chemical reaction that free radicals cause, can lead to a breakdown or even hardening of lipids, which makeup all cell walls. If the cell wall is hardened (lipid peroxidation) then it becomes impossible for the cell to properly get its nutrients, get signals from other cells to perform an action (such as firing of a neuron) and many other cellular activities can be affected. In addition to the cell walls, other biological molecules are also susceptible to damage, including RNA, DNA and protein enzymes.

The primary site of free radical damage is the DNA found in the mitochondria. Mitochondria are small membrane-enclosed regions of a cell, which produce the chemicals a cell uses for energy. Mitochondria are the "energy factory" of the cell. Every cell contains an enormous set of molecules called DNA, which provide chemical instructions for a cell to function. This DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell, which serves as the "command center" of the cell, as well as in the mitochondria. The cell automatically fixes much of the damage done to nuclear DNA. However, the DNA in the mitochondria cannot be readily fixed.

When this happens, extensive DNA damage accumulates over time and shuts down mitochondria, causing the cells to die and the organism to age.

The free radical generation process can disrupt all levels of cell function. This is why free radical damage is thought to be such a basic mechanism of tissue injury. It damages us at the cellular level.
The more toxic metals in your body, the higher the free radical activity.

So, to stop the oxidization process of the free radicals requires the intake of antioxidants. Foods highest in antioxidants include red beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, applies and artichoke hearts. These are just to name a few.

So to sum it all up, if you want to slow the aging process, try eating more berries and beans or take your antioxidant supplements.
About the Author: R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Adrenal Fatigue

Are the following symptoms familiar to you?
• Tendency to gain weight and unable to loose it, especially around the waist.
• High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory diseases
• Tendency to tremble when under pressure.
• Reduced sex drive.
• Lightheaded when rising from a laying down position.
• Unable to remember things.
• Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.
• Often feel tired between 9 - 10 pm, but resist going to bed.
• Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.
• Crave for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.
• Increase symptoms of PMS for women; period are heavy and then stop, or almost stopped on the 4th day, only to start flow again on the 5th or 6th day.
• Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason

If many of these symptoms are familiar to you, you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue has a broad spectrum yet somewhat non-specific set of symptoms, which makes it easy for doctors to miss.

The adrenal glands are two small glands, located at the top of the kidneys. Their main function is to help the body cope with stress and help it survive.

Each adrenal gland has two compartments. The inner or medulla, modulate the sympathetic nervous system through secretion and regulation of two hormones called epinephrine and nor epinephrine that are responsible for the fight or flight response. The outer adrenal cortex comprises 80 percent of the adrenal gland and is responsible for producing over 50 different types of hormones. One of which is called cortisol. When our cortisol is lowered, our body is unable to deal with stress.

When a person experiences chronic stress, the cortisol level may rise to such a high level that its production reduces as the adrenal becomes exhausted. When this happens, DHEA, a hormone normally produced in the adrenal glands, starts to decrease.

Our adrenals after time cannot keep up with the increased demand for cortisol production. In response, cortisol output is therefore reduced.

Eventually our adrenals become totally exhausted.

But don’t despair. The good news is that adrenal fatigue can be reversed. It takes between six months to two years for the recover process to take place. To start, try these steps:

1. Remove life stressors. Look at what is causing stress in your life and find ways to work with them if not remove them.
2. Sleep. Get plenty of sleep. Try going to bed by at least 10 p.m. before the adrenal glands kick in its ‘second wind’ keeping us up between 11 p.m. and 1 p.m. This is also the time our adrenals work the hardest.
3. Avoid caffeine if possible. Try herbal teas or decaf coffee. Caffeine can interrupt your sleep patterns.
4. Exercise. Exercise reduces depression, increases blood flow and normalizes levels of cortisol, insulin, blood glucose, and helps with your thyroid
5. Nutritional Supplements. Supplements such as DHEA at 15 to 30 mg helps. Vitamin C, 500 mg to 3,000 mg; Vitamin B5, 900 to 1,500 mg; Vitamin E, 400 to 800 I.U; Beta-Carotene, 10,000 to 25,000 I.U.
6. Diet. Combine unrefined carbohydrates (whole grains) with protein and oils (nuts and seeds) at most meals—olive, walnut, fiber, flax and high-quality fish oil. Eat regular meals, chew food well, and eat by 10 AM and again for lunch. Avoid any hydrogenated fats, caffeine, chocolate, white carbohydrates, and junk foods. Diets should have a heavy emphasis on vegetables.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Nutritional Supplements for Allergy Relief

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “allergies are the immune system’s incorrect response to a foreign substance. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance, such as pollen, causes the immune system to react as if the substance is harmful. Substances that cause allergies are called allergens. When you come into contact with an allergen, you may experience a number of allergic symptoms including itchy, watery nose and eyes; asthma symptoms such as wheezing and coughing; or hives.”

On a scientific level, the first time an allergy-prone person is exposed to an allergen, large amounts of the corresponding IgE antibodies are produced. The IgE antibodies cause the mast cells to release inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling of tissues, as well as histamine and several other chemicals that cause itching, engorgement of blood vessels, increased secretions, and bronchospasm (tightening of muscles that surround the airways). Some of these chemicals attract white blood cells known as eosinophils. The eosinophils add more inflammatory chemicals.

There are different types of allergens. If you recognize the symptoms in your eyes, nose and lungs, your reaction is to something airborne. If you have problems with your stomach, mouth or intestines, the allergen had been ingested.

Scientists are discovering that nutritional supplements may be the simplest way to relieve allergy and sensitivity symptoms. Which vitamins are most noted?

• Vitamin C – This vitamin works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to block asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Vitamin C also helps remove environmental toxins from the body and helps with the formation of collagen to rebuild joint tissue damaged by allergy-induced arthritis.
• Vitamin E – Acts as an anti-inflammatory that blocks the activity of an enzyme that provokes inflammation. It helps maintain the elastic quality in cells. Research has shown asthma patients are often low in Vitamin’s C and E.
• Vitamin B5 – Produces adrenal hormones such as cortisol and has an antihistamine effect. This vitamin also reduces stress in the body.
• Magnesium – Serves as an adrenal and immune stimulate that relaxes smooth muscles and serves as a natural bronchodilator and antihistamine.

In addition to vitamins Chinese herbal medicine and botanicals can help you with your allergy relief. Chinese herbal formulas include apricot seed, astragalus, centipede, corydalis, chrysanthemum, ginseng, magnolia, perilla seed, and xanthium. Botanicals include but are not limited to Stinging Nettle, Ephedra, Ginkgo Bilboa, Licorice root, Chinese Skullcap, and Feverfew.

Choosing natural remedies first instead of over-the-counter medications will not only strengthen your body but will provide you with additional benefits. There is also fewer side effects.

So if you are looking to battle those allergies and recurrent reactions, look to nature first.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Allergies, what are they exactly?

When we think of allergies, we imagine somebody sneezing over their cat or watery eyes because of the ragweed. But allergies are even more diverse than that.

The definition of allergy is quite simple; it is when the immune system’s hypersensitivity upon re-exposure to a sensitizing agent causes release of inflammatory chemicals and therefore the development of various symptoms. Our bodies then become intolerant of a particular chemical or process needed to digest a particular food.

The term allergy dates back to 1906 when an Austrian pediatrician named Clemens von Pirquet noted that some people had a different reaction to a substance than other people, which he called ‘altered reactivity’. Today an allergy is described in reference to allergens, or a substance that provokes allergy symptoms. The body judges the substance to be foreign and dangerous and then attacks it. Allergic responses vary and include fatigue, headache, sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy sinuses. Allergic reaction symptoms are even broke down into two categories, immediate and delayed. Food allergies can occur two to 72 hours after eating.

The most common source of environmental allergies are the pollen of plants from trees, weeds, grasses and molds. As for food allergies, common culprits are yeast, wheat, corn, milk, dairy products, eggs, soy, shellfish, peanuts, chocolate and food dyes and additives.

There are many theories as to why some are more sensitive to pollutants and foods than others. Some speculate it is genetic. Others feel it is toxic overload from the pesticides and chemicals in our society or vaccinations we received as children.

So what are some simple steps we can take to build our immunity and defend ourselves from allergens?

1. Drink plenty of water. Water can act as an antioxidant by flushing oxidants and other toxins through the kidneys. Being well hydrated can help with our mucous membranes and sinuses as well. Try drinking water that has been purified through reverse osmosis, activated charcoal, de-ionized, ultraviolet light or distillation.
2. Clean Your House – Wash pillows, blankets or all bedding to remove dust mites. Keep windows closed during allergy season and use air filters and purifiers. If you have a choice, avoid carpet as it collects dust mites and molds.
3. Eat More Healthy – Try eating organic, foods that have not been processed with additives and chemicals. Eat more high-fiber plant foods such as grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Avoid refined sugars, synthetic fats, refined flours and commercial red meat and poultry.
4. Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. Giving your immune system a boost to help fight off bacteria and viruses will give you the strength to digest and ingest what the environment has to offer.

Practice these four things and certainly you will see an improvement. It may not happen overnight, but nothing worthwhile ever does.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of pioneer nutritional formulas. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.